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Strombidinopsis species were collected from theGulf of Alaska, Gulf of Mexico, Caribbean Sea, Gulf of Maine, and Barents Sea. Six strains were conservatively placed in six species: Strombidinopsis chilorhax sp. nov.; Strombidinopsis batos sp. nov.; Strombidinopsis sphaira sp. nov.;Strombidinopsis cercionis sp. nov.;Strombidinopsis acuminatum Fauré-Fremiet, 1924; and Strombidinopsis spiniferum (Leegaard, 1915) comb. nov. Based on the characters of these species, the diagnosis of the genus Strombidinopsis was revised.

Frequency scanning is a unique feature of periodic leaky-wave antennas (P-LWAs), according to which the main beam scans space upon frequency control. However, one-dimensional (1D) and two-dimensional P-LWAs are capable of scanning space only in a single plane, with a fan beam and a pencil beam, respectively. Here, we explore the possibility of achieving full-space frequency-scanning coverage with 2D P-LWA leveraging multiple space harmonics. Furthermore, we propose a design of 2D P-LWAs with series feeding network, which has 4 ports and capable of covering the full-space. Finally, the results are discussed and plotted based on analytical dispersion diagrams and array factor theory.

Abstract Freeze-thaw cycles are a major cause for destabilizing pavements in cold regions. Among countermeasures for freeze-thaw damages, use of geocells to reinforce pavement bases is an effective solution in practice. However, as opposed to widespread applications, research concerning freeze-thaw behavior of geocell-reinforced bases is limited, probably due to a lack of proper devices for conducting experimental tests. This paper presents a new model-test device capable of performing both freeze-thaw tests and plate loading tests on geocell-reinforced soils. A thermodynamic numerical model was developed to assist with the design of freeze-thaw component of the device, while the design of plate loading component was developed by referring to features of existing devices. Eleven tests were run on geocell-reinforced and unreinforced sands to confirm the effectiveness of the proposed device. The test results showed the device successfully provided vertical heat transfer in sands during freeze and thaw. After five freeze-thaw cycles, geocells reduced peak frost heave and thaw settlement of sands by 18% and 34%, respectively, and increased the stiffness and bearing capacity by 40% and 253%, respectively. It was found a temperature drop occurred at the interface between cooling plate and sands, which was due to the existence of thermal contact resistance.

Abstract A simple geometry is used to compare several of the available Monte Carlo software codes for radiation transport. EGSnrc, Geant4 and MCNP5 are all used to calculate the photon fluence produced from electrons incident on a copper target. Four energies for the isotropic point source are chosen to simulate the average and maximum emission energies of 32 P and 90 Y: (0.7, 1.71) MeV and (0.93, 2.28) MeV, respectively. The energy deposition in the copper target, the electron current at the target and the computational efficiency are also calculated. EGSnrc is found to be the only self-consistent code when comparing results calculated using the default transport parameters of the condensed history mode with those calculated in the single scattering mode.

This article examines aspects related to the dystopic consumption and production of the musical and performance art form known as black metal. Steeped in anti-Christian motifs, surrounded by a history of violence and brutal imagery, black metal is an extreme metal art form that has been growing steadily in popularity throughout Europe, South America, and the United States. We first examine black metal culture through the eyes of both artists and consumers, using mixed qualitative methodologies. Thereafter, we derive specific theoretical interpretations from the black metal subculture that are predicated on the emerging themes of signification, identity transformation, xenophobia, and a reconstructed mythology that all point to what we present as a dystopian consumption model. The model demonstrates how dystopia, in context, is at the heart of the symbiotic relationship between consumers and producers and is encapsulated by a specific set of processes and overarching conditions. Implications and relationships to utopian models are discussed.

Abstract Marine gastrotrichs of the Pacific Ocean are poorly known. Here, we report on the finding of a marine chaetonotid gastrotrich of the genus Diuronotus from an intertidal beach within the Sea of Japan in Hokkaido (Japan). The Japanese individual shows a very close resemblance to Diuronotus aspetos. This new record is a consequential extension of its biogeographic range; previous records for representatives of this genus are confined to West Greenland, the North Sea and the east coast of North America. This rarely encountered, but seemingly widespread genus of marine gastrotrichs exemplifies our limited understanding of meiofaunal diversity and distribution patterns caused by sampling bias and insufficient knowledge on nominal species complexes.

Aerosolised drugs are prescribed for use in a range of inhaler devices and systems. Delivering drugs by inhalation requires a formulation that can be successfully aerosolised and a delivery system that produces a useful aerosol of the drug; the particles or droplets need to be of sufficient size and mass to be carried to the distal lung or deposited on proximal airways to give rise to a therapeutic effect. Patients and caregivers must use and maintain these aerosol drug delivery devices correctly. In recent years, several technical innovations have led to aerosol drug delivery devices with efficient drug delivery and with novel features that take into account factors such as dose tracking, portability, materials of manufacture, breath actuation, the interface with the patient, combination therapies, and systemic delivery. These changes have improved performance in all four categories of devices: metered dose inhalers, spacers and holding chambers, dry powder inhalers, and nebulisers. Additionally, several therapies usually given by injection are now prescribed as aerosols for use in a range of drug delivery devices. In this Review, we discuss recent developments in the design and clinical use of aerosol devices over the past 10-15 years with an emphasis on the treatment of respiratory disorders.

Methylmercury (MeHg), an environmental contaminant primarily found in fish and seafood, may pose long-term health risks to pregnant women and their developing children. The objective of this study was to determine whether co-consumption of nutritional supplements would alter the effects of MeHg on reproductive and developmental toxicity using a rodent model. Adult female rats were fed a diet containing additional selenium (1 ppm), additional vitamin E (225 IU/kg) or a combination of the two for 4 weeks before oral dosing of MeHg (1.25 mg/kg/day). Treatment with MeHg and dietary supplementation continued throughout pregnancy after which the dams were allowed to deliver their offspring. In addition to routine evaluations including periodic body weight measurements and daily clinical signs observations, dams and pups were evaluated for auditory startle habituation and pups were evaluated for developmental landmarks and reflexology. The dams and offspring were euthanized approximately 4 weeks after birth of the offspring. Results indicated that treatment with MeHg caused adverse effects on both reproduction of the dams and decreased progeny survival. However, the dams showed significant improvement in body weight gain during lactation and average auditory startle response time when the diet was enriched with both selenium and vitamin E. The combination of both vitamin E and Se also resulted in a significant increase in post-natal survival when compared to MeHg-treated group. There was no nutrient effect on the MeHg toxicity shown in offspring physical landmarks, performance in reflex tests and assessment of simple auricular startle response. Also, accelerated development as indicated by earlier opening in the pups of the supplemental diet groups was observed. These results suggest that antioxidant nutrients in the diet may alter MeHg reproductive and developmental toxicity. The underlying and human health implications warrant further investigations.

Abstract Lipid transfer between human plasma low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and an LDL-size microemulsion of triolein and phosphatidylcholine stabilized with human apolipoprotein A-I was catalyzed by the lipid transfer particle from hemolymph of the tobacco hornworm (Manduca sexta). Net transfer of phospholipid and triacylglycerol from the emulsion to LDL was observed and the apparent initial rates of transfer were dependent on the amount of catalyst. Net transfer of phospholipid mass was twice as much as that of triacylglycerol with respect to both the initial rate and the final equilibrium state. The final amount of net transfer of both lipids was dependent upon the initial ratio of LDL : microemulsion present in the incubation mixture up to 1:1 on the basis of phospholipid. The microemulsion lipid composition was maximally altered from an initial weight ratio of 1.09 ± 0.08 (phospholipid/triolein) to 0.90 ± 0.03 by this reaction. Further increase of LDL in the incubation caused neither further net transfer nor further change in the lipid composition of the microemulsion. The catalyst neither affected spontaneous transfer of free cholesterol between the emulsion and LDL nor enhanced cholesteryl ester transfer in this reaction system. As a result of the facilitated reaction, LDL gained a significant amount of phospholipid and triacylglycerol causing up to an 8% increase in core lipids and 14% in phospholipid. Some free cholesterol is recovered in the emulsions via spontaneous exchange. Transfer or exchange of apolipoproteins during the course of facilitated lipid transfer did not occur.

Empathy is a psychological construct that allows individuals to understand and share the emotions of others. The ability to share emotional states relies on basic social mechanisms, such as mimicry and emotional contagion, which are considered building blocks for empathy. Mimicking another's emotional or physical state is essential for successful social interactions and is found in a number of animal species. For the current review we focus on emotional state sharing in rodents, a core feature of empathy that is often measured using pain and fear as proxies; we also discuss prosociality in rodents. The evidence for empathy in rodents shows that rats and mice consistently imitate arousal states and behaviors of conspecifics and will even sacrifice personal gain to relieve the distress of a conspecific. These behaviors support basic processes that are crucial for the survival of individual animals and give us insight into the neural mechanisms that govern empathy-related behaviors.