bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Flapless Alveolar Ridge Preservation Utilizing the “Socket-Plug” Technique: Clinical Technique and Review of the Literature
Authors: Kotsakis Georgios , Chrepa Vanessa , Marcou Nicolas , Prasad Hari , Hinrichs James
Published: December 2014

It has been documented that after every extraction of one or more teeth, the alveolar bone of the respective region undergoes resorption and atrophy. Therefore, ridge preservation techniques are often employed after tooth extraction to limit this phenomenon. The benefits of a flapless procedure include maintenance of the buccal keratinized gingiva, prevention of alterations to the gingival contours, and migration of the mucogingival junction that are often experienced after raising a flap. The purpose of this article is to review the literature concerning flapless ridge preservation techniques with the aid of collagen plugs for occlusion of the socket. The term “socket-plug” technique is introduced to describe these techniques. The basic steps of the “socket-plug” technique consist of atraumatic tooth extraction, placement of the appropriate biomaterials in the extraction site, preservation of soft tissue architecture employing a flapless technique, and placement and stabilization of the collagen plug. A case example is presented that illustrates the steps used in this technique.
A Survey of Self-Management and Intrusiveness of Illness in Native Americans With Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Chou Ann F. , Page Evaren E. , Norris Ann I. , Kim Sue E. , Thompson David M. , Roswell Robert H.
Published: December 2014

Diabetes mellitus (DM) has emerged as an important focus of national public health efforts because of the rapid increase in the burden of this disease. In particular, DM disproportionately affects Native Americans. Adequate management of DM requires that patients participate as active partners in their own care and much of patient activation and empowerment can be attributed to their experience with DM and self-care. That is, the degree to which the patient feels the disease intrudes on his or her daily life would impact the motivation for self-care. We conducted a study in collaboration with 2 tribal nations in Oklahoma, collecting data on survey questions regarding intrusiveness of illness and self-management behaviors from a sample of 159 members of the Chickasaw and Choctaw Nations. Previously validated variables measuring intrusiveness of illness and self-care were included in the survey. Descriptive statistics and bivariate analyses illustrated the distribution of these variables and identified possible tribal and gender differences. Our findings showed that our sample adjusted well to DM and in general exhibited high compliance to self-care. However, our findings also revealed striking gender differences where female respondents were better adjusted to their disease, whereas male respondents reported higher adherence to self-management. Findings from our study, particularly those that describe tribal differences and gender disparities, can inform strategies for case management and patient interactions with providers and the health care system.
Seeing the Whole Person: Feasibility of Using the Omaha System to Describe Strengths of Older Adults With Chronic Illness
Authors: Monsen Karen A. , Holland Diane E. , Fung-Houger Ping W. , Vanderboom Catherine E.
Published: December 2014

A promising strategy for enhancing care and self-management of chronic illness is an integrative, whole-person approach that recognizes and values well-being. Assessment tools are needed that will enable health care professionals to perceive patients as whole persons, with strengths as well as problems. The purpose of this study was to examine the feasibility of using a standardized terminology (theOmaha System) to describe strengths of older adults with chronic illness. The Omaha System assessment currently consists of identifying signs/symptoms for 42 health concepts. Researchers mapped self-reported strengths phrases to Omaha System concepts using existing narratives of 32 older adults with 12–15 comorbid conditions. Results demonstrated the feasibility of describing strengths of patients with chronic illness. Exploratory analysis showed that there were 0–9 strengths per patient, with unique strengths profiles for 30 of 32 patients. Given that older adults with multiple chronic illnesses also have strengths that can be classified and quantified using the Omaha System, there is potential to use the Omaha System as a whole-person assessment tool that enables perception of both problems and strengths. Further research is needed to enhance the Omaha System to formally represent strengths-based as well as a problem-focused perspectives.
Finding Myself: A Theory on the Maturation of Spirituality and Its Influence on Behavior During Late Adolescence
Authors: Mason Deanna M.
Published: December 2014

This study employed a grounded theory research design to develop a theoretical model focused on the maturation of spirituality and its influence on behavior during late adolescence. Quantitative research studies have linked spirituality with decreased health-risk behaviors and increased health-promotion behaviors during late adolescence. Qualitative, theoretical data is proposed to discover the underlying reasons this relationship exists and increase the ability to apply this knowledge to practice. Twenty-one adolescents, age 16–21 years, were e-mail interviewed and transcripts analyzed using a conceptual lens of Blumer’s symbolic interactionism. From this analysis, a theoretical model emerged with the core concept, finding myself, that represents 5 core process concepts. Implications of this study illustrate that late adolescents are aware of their personal spiritual maturation as well as its influence on behavior. In addition, a distinction between the generic concept of spirituality, personal spirituality, and religion emerged.
Urban water reform in Australia: lessons from 2003–2013
Authors: Smith P. , Maheshwari B. , Simmons B.
Published: December 2014

Extreme rainfall variability, record droughts, floods and high temperatures have had a major impact on social wellbeing, economic productivity and environmental functionality of urban settings in Australia. Compounded by urban growth and ageing water and wastewater infrastructure, Australia's urban water arrangements have undergone major reforms to effectively manage the challenges of recent years. This paper is a synthesis of urban water reform in Australia during a decade of unforeseen natural extremes. It summarises the evolution of urban water policy, outcomes from recent government reforms and investment, and presents future challenges facing the sector. As governments at state and federal levels in Australia have moved to diversify supply options away from the traditional reliance on rainfall-dependent catchment storages, they have been confronted by issues relating to climate uncertainty, planning, regulation, pricing, institutional reforms, and community demands for sustainable supply solutions. Increases in water prices to pay for new water infrastructure are illustrative of further reform pressures in the urban water sector. In the past 10 years the Australian urban water sector has weathered new extremes in drought and flood and emerged far different to its predecessor. The provision of safe, secure, efficient and sustainable water and wastewater services remains the primary driver for urban water reform. However the challenges and opportunities to improve nationally significant social, economic and environmental outcomes from urban water have evolved considerably. The focus now is on creating the institutional, regulatory and market conditions favourable for the integration of urban water services with the objectives for productive and liveable cities.
A comparison between different techniques for water network sectorization
Authors: Di Nardo Armando , Di Natale Michele , Santonastaso Giovanni Francesco
Published: December 2014

Water network partitioning represents one of the best methodologies for improving water balance and pressure control of a water distribution system in order to reduce water leakage. These techniques can be applied with greater effectiveness defining a smaller permanent network district, called a District Meter Area (DMA), achieved by the insertion of gate valves and flow meters. If the DMAs are isolated subsystems (sectors), such that each zone is fed by its water source (or water sources) by closing gate valves in the network pipes that link the DMAs, the process can be called water network sectorization (defining an isolated DMA (i-DMA)). The traditional criteria for the design of network DMAs and i-DMAs are based on empirical suggestions (number of properties, length of pipes, etc.) and on approaches such as ‘trial and error’, even if used together with hydraulic simulation software. Nevertheless these indications and procedures are very difficult to apply to large water supply systems because the insertion of gate valves modifies the original network layout and may worsen, also considerably, the hydraulic performance of the water network. Recently some techniques, based on graph theory principles that allow simplification of the network partitioning and sectorization, and to find optimal solutions heuristically, have been proposed in the literature. In this paper the sectorization problem has been examined comparing different techniques, proposed by the authors, using the same water networks and performance indices and testing different possible i-DMA layouts.
Pseudomonas aeruginosa in bottled drinking water in Sri Lanka: a potential health hazard
Authors: Herath A. T. , Abayasekara C. L. , Chandrajith Rohana , Adikaram N. K. B.
Published: December 2014

Pseudomonas aeruginosa, a food- and water-borne opportunistic pathogen, constitutes a health risk mostly to immunocompromised patients, and also affects the taste, odour and turbidity of potable water. In order to detect P. aeruginosa in bottled water in Sri Lanka, 36 bottled water brands were collected randomly from retail and supermarkets island wide. P. aeruginosa was detected by the membrane filtration technique, using cetrimide agar supplemented with nalidixic acid. The isolates were subjected to confirmatory tests, viz: ISO 16266:2006 methods and growth at 4 and 42°C, and API 20NE followed by DNA sequencing. Presumptive isolates of P. aeruginosa were observed on cetrimide agar in 50% of brands. Among these isolates, ISO procedures confirmed 58% as P. aeruginosa. Thirty-nine randomly selected isolates were identified as P. aeruginosa by the API 20NE, three of which were further confirmed by DNA sequencing. The presence of P. aeruginosa in bottled water raises health concerns since P. aeruginosa is an indicator of inferior water quality. Therefore, strict regulations and regular monitoring of bottling plants are recommended in order to supply safe and acceptable bottled drinking water to the Sri Lankan market.
The future of urban water management in South Africa: achieving water sensitivity
Authors: Fisher-Jeffes L. N. , Carden K. , Armitage N. P.
Published: December 2014

South Africa (RSA) is a water scarce country challenged with transforming its unsustainably resource-intensive economy whilst also addressing the legacy of Apartheid. The adequate provision of water to RSA's citizens is one of the most significant challenges facing the country – and if a water crisis is to be averted, existing systems will need to be managed effectively. This will include ensuring that the plans and strategies within each sector related to water management – e.g. the National Development Plan (NDP) and the National Water Resource Strategy 2 (NWRS-2) – are aimed towards a common goal. This paper introduces a framework for achieving water sensitive settlements in RSA; defines what ‘water sensitivity’ means within the SA context; and discusses the relevance of this framework in relation to the NWRS-2 and the NDP, both of which could be seen as providing a complementary vision for the management of specific aspects of water resources management in RSA. The paper concludes by motivating for the adoption of the framework as a means of meeting the challenges facing the urban water management sector in SA and the goals embedded in the NDP and NWRS-2.
Fluorescent-conjugated MS2 as surrogates for viruses during drinking water treatment
Authors: Guo H. , Hu J. Y.
Published: December 2014

Microfiltration/ultrafiltration (MF/UF) membranes and ultraviolet (UV) light disinfection serve as attractive alternative technologies to aid utilities in complying with both the LT2ESWTR and Stage 2 D/DBP. However, both technologies are limited in their ability to remove viruses and at the same time there is a lack of methods to accurately demonstrate virus removal in full-scale settings. In evaluating the efficacy of MF/UF membranes and UV disinfection systems for virus removal, appropriate surrogates are therefore required. In most cases, various surrogates are used to evaluate the removal performances of individual treatment technologies. This henceforth limits its application when multiple treatment systems are evaluated in series. In view of this, fluorescent-conjugated MS2 and F8781 microspheres were evaluated as possible surrogates for virus removal by integrated coagulation-MF/UF filtration-UV disinfection. At 5 mg Al3+/L, the highest removal of MS2-Sypro was observed, followed by MS2-AMCA, and F8781 during the coagulation-flocculation stage. During MF and UF filtration, dye surrogates provided an underestimate of virus removal except for F8781, which had a considerably smaller particle size than other surrogates. Nevertheless, MS2-SR could accurately represent AD5 during low pressure (LP) UV irradiation but MS2-AMCA existed as a more accurate representation of AD5 as compared to F8781 microspheres during medium pressure (MP) UV irradiation. MS2-SR and MS2-AMCA are therefore preferred surrogates for an integrated filtration-UV disinfection system for LP and MP UV, respectively.
Modeling the household water consumption and solid waste generation in urban areas of developing countries by means of socioeconomic variables
Authors: Dias David , Martinez Carlos , Barros Raphael , Libânio Marcelo
Published: December 2014

The paper proposes two predictive models for water consumption and solid waste generation based on socioeconomic variables. These models were developed based on socioeconomic, water consumption and solid waste generation data from Belo Horizonte and validated for the city of Porto Alegre, confirming the intrinsic correlation between per capita income and the above mentioned features. The low equivalent errors between the predicted and real values, for both cities, suggest the use of these models for other Brazilian urban regions and maybe for other cities in developing countries.
In-situ comparison of phosphorus losses between organic and inorganic fertilizers
Authors: Xia Hongxia , Yang Zhimin , Chen Yucheng
Published: December 2014

Phosphorus (P) is one of the limiting factors of eutrophication. P added to soil from fertilizer application could pose a threat to water quality. According to agricultural habits, swine manure (SM), oil cake (OC), biogas slurry (BS), commercial organic fertilizer (OF) and compound fertilizer (CF) were selected to compare their P losses on a slope-land under natural rainfall. The results showed that P losses of above fertilizers had significant differences (P < 0.05) compared with control. P losses order arranged by Duncan test showed as total P (TP): SM > OF > OC > CF > BS > CK, total dissolved P (TDP): SM > OF > BS > CF > OC > CK, and particulate P (PP): OC > SM > OF > CF > BS > CK. Concentrations of all the phosphorus forms increased with the increased rainfall. The ratio of TDP to TP gradually decreased after fertilizer application, and PP gradually increased. PP was the dominant form in surface runoff. Organic fertilizers had more P losses than inorganic fertilizers, even though both of them had obvious P losses.
Fluoride removal by a hybrid fluoride-selective adsorbent
Authors: Tomar Geetanjali , Thareja Arushi , Sarkar Sudipta
Published: December 2014

High concentrations of fluoride in groundwater have become a global environmental challenge. Out of the various methods developed for effective removal of fluoride adsorption using activated alumina (AA) is popular as it has a low initial cost. AA offers excellent chemical and mechanical stability, selectivity for fluoride, favorable hydraulic properties, regenerability but offers lower adsorption capacity as there is reduction in material and capacity with an increased presence of aluminum. Hydroxyapatite nanoparticles have been found to possess high adsorption capacity for fluoride but they lack mechanical stability and favorable hydraulic properties. In this study, we synthesized a hybrid adsorbent, modified activated alumina, prepared by dispersing nanoparticles of hydroxyapatite inside AA granules. The hybrid adsorbent possesses a maximum adsorption capacity of 14.4 mg F/g which is at least five times higher than that of the virgin AA which has been used extensively for fluoride removal. A column run carried out on the hybrid adsorbent with a synthetic solution containing 3 mg/L fluoride lasted for 450 bed volumes before a breakthrough of 1.5 mg/L was observed. The exhausted adsorbent could be fully regenerated in a column within six bed volumes using commonly available innocuous chemicals. The study will contribute to the field of effective removal of fluoride from contaminated drinking water.
Traditional qanat related jurisprudence in Algeria
Authors: Aroua Nadjat
Published: December 2014

The purpose of this paper is to present an investigation on the relevance of the historical water legislation which would adapt to the modern sustainable water management. It is mainly based on the book by Ernest Feline related to the qanat system in the arid M'Zab valley in southern Algeria. It also refers to some related lectures on the traditional water legislation in the Sahara region and more generally on the Islamic water jurisprudence which does reveal a specific culture perpetuated through a relevant adaptation of al-hisba principles. Subsequently the present paper argues that if updated and adapted, the traditional knowledge can serve current water management issues within the framework of the water sensitive urbanism associated with the integrated water resource management. With this respect the spatial concept called ‘harim al-ma’ and the traditional community actions towards the qanat system can contribute to protecting water quality and improving public health.
Hydrological and environmental assessment of urban growth in a sub-tropical town in India
Authors: Joshi Himanshu , Al Obaidy Abdul Hameed M. Jawad
Published: December 2014

Roorkee, a sub-tropical urban town in India, has shown a rapid unplanned growth in the past. This paper presents the findings of a study of characteristics of urban soil, rainwater, and runoff emanating from different sources areas and the stormwater flows in the drains. Urban soil showed significant increase in the concentration of all constituents in comparison to the nearby rural soil. Soil metal pollution index suggested multi-element contamination. The traffic and transportation system emerged as the major source of metals and organics. Concentration of rainwater ions was observed to follow the pattern Ca2+ > HCO3− > Cl− > NO3− > Na+ > Mg2+ > SO42− > K+. Runoff results indicated a significant enhancement in the concentration of most measured constituents over their rainfall levels. The values of runoff coefficient varied between 0.05 and 0.58, with the high values displayed by the paved areas. Multiple regression equations were developed relating event mean concentration to various storm characteristics. The total load of all measured constituents was observed to vary considerably among the study sites, the direct runoff loads being much higher than the dry weather loads.
Modeling the hydrologic and economic efficacy of stormwater utility credit programs for US single family residences
Authors: Kertesz Ruben , Green Olivia Odom , Shuster William D.
Published: December 2014

As regulatory pressure to reduce the environmental impact of urban stormwater intensifies, US municipalities increasingly seek a dedicated source of funding for stormwater programs, such as a stormwater utility. In rare instances, single family residences are eligible for utility discounts for installing green infrastructure. This study examined the hydrologic and economic efficacy of four such programs at the parcel scale: Cleveland (OH), Portland (OR), Fort Myers (FL), and Lynchburg (VA). Simulations were performed to model the reduction in stormwater runoff by implementing bioretention on a typical residential property according to extant administrative rules. The EPA National Stormwater Calculator was used to perform pre- vs post-retrofit comparisons and to demonstrate its ease of use for possible use by other cities in utility planning. Although surface slope, soil type and infiltration rate, impervious area, and bioretention parameters were different across cities, our results suggest that modeled runoff volume was most sensitive to percent of total impervious area that drained to the bioretention cell, with soil type the next most important factor. Findings also indicate a persistent gap between the percentage of annual runoff reduced and the percentage of fee reduced.
How much drinking water can be saved by using rainwater harvesting on a large urban area? Application to Paris agglomeration
Authors: Belmeziti Ali , Coutard Olivier , de Gouvello Bernard
Published: December 2014

This paper is based on a prospective scenario of development of rainwater harvesting (RWH) on a given large urban area (such as metropolitan area or region). In such a perspective, a new method is proposed to quantify the related potential of potable water savings (PPWS) indicator on this type of area by adapting the reference model usually used on the building level. The method is based on four setting-up principles: gathering (definition of buildings-types and municipalities-types), progressing (use of an intermediate level), increasing (choice of an upper estimation) and prioritizing (ranking the stakes of RWH). Its application to the Paris agglomeration shows that is possible to save up to 11% of the total current potable water through the use of RWH. It also shows that the residential sector offers the most important part because it holds two-thirds of the agglomeration PPWS.
Integrated hydraulic modelling of water supply and urban drainage networks for assessment of decentralized options
Authors: Sitzenfrei R. , Rauch W.
Published: December 2014

The impact of climate change, water scarcity, land use change, population growth and also population shrinking can only be predicted with uncertainties. Especially for assets with a long planning horizon this is a critical part for planning and design. One solution is to make centralized organized water infrastructure with a long-planning horizon resilient and adaptive. For existing centralized infrastructure such a transition would be to increasingly implement decentralized measures. But such a transition can cause severe impacts on existing centralized infrastructure. Low flow conditions in urban drainage systems can cause sediment deposition, and for water supply systems water age problems may occur. This work focuses on city-scale analysis for assessing the impact of such measures. For that a coupled model for integrated city-scale analysis is applied and further developed. In addition, a geographic information system (GIS)-based approach for sensitivity analysis is enhanced and also implemented in that model. The developed approach is applied to assess the water infrastructure of an alpine case study. With the obtained results it is demonstrated how the planning process is enhanced by indicating where and where not to implement decentralized measures in an existing water infrastructure.
Sampling, testing and modeling particle size distribution in urban catch basins
Authors: Garofalo G. , Carbone M. , Piro P.
Published: December 2014

The study analyzed the particle size distribution of particulate matter (PM) retained in two catch basins located, respectively, near a parking lot and a traffic intersection with common high levels of traffic activity. Also, the treatment performance of a filter medium was evaluated by laboratory testing. The experimental treatment results and the field data were then used as inputs to a numerical model which described on a qualitative basis the hydrological response of the two catchments draining into each catch basin, respectively, and the quality of treatment provided by the filter during the measured rainfall. The results show that PM concentrations were on average around 300 mg/L (parking lot site) and 400 mg/L (road site) for the 10 rainfall-runoff events observed. PM with a particle diameter of <45 μm represented 40–50% of the total PM mass. The numerical model showed that a catch basin with a filter unit can remove 30 to 40% of the PM load depending on the storm characteristics.
Uncertainty and urban water recharge for managing groundwater availability using decision support
Authors: Passarello M. C. , Pierce S. A. , Sharp J. M.
Published: December 2014

Quantifying groundwater availability depends upon sound methods and the use of integrated models. To determine availability or sustainable yield, the influence of scientific uncertainty from key sources, such as anthropogenic recharge, must be considered. This study evaluates uncertainty in recharge interpretations on the modeled available water balance for an urban case in Texas, USA. Analyses are completed using the Groundwater Decision Support System, which is a research code-base for an integrated modeling. The case study develops spatially and temporally resolved recharge interpretations based on NEXRAD precipitation and detailed land use data. Results demonstrate the implications of scientific uncertainty as it influences recommendations for policy and urban water management decisions that are based on modeled outputs. Geospatial methods account for spatial and temporal components and can be replicated for other systems. These methods are also useful for resolving uncertainty in relation to the influence of urbanization on recharge through land use change.
How Generalizable Is Your Experiment? An Index for Comparing Experimental Samples and Populations
Authors: Tipton Elizabeth
Published: December 2014

Although a large-scale experiment can provide an estimate of the average causal impact for a program, the sample of sites included in the experiment is often not drawn randomly from the inference population of interest. In this article, we provide a generalizability index that can be used to assess the degree of similarity between the sample of units in an experiment and one or more inference populations on a set of selected covariates. The index takes values between 0 and 1 and indicates both when a sample is like a miniature of the population and how well reweighting methods may perform when differences exist. Results of simulation studies are provided that develop rules of thumb for interpretation as well as an example.
Testing for Aberrant Behavior in Response Time Modeling
Authors: Marianti Sukaesi , Fox Jean-Paul , Avetisyan Marianna , Veldkamp Bernard P. , Tijmstra Jesper
Published: December 2014

Many standardized tests are now administered via computer rather than paper-and-pencil format. In a computer-based testing environment, it is possible to record not only the test taker’s response to each question (item) but also the amount of time spent by the test taker in considering and answering each item. Response times (RTs) provide information not only about the test taker’s ability and response behavior but also about item and test characteristics. This study focuses on the use of RTs to detect aberrant test-taker responses. An example of such aberrance is a correct answer with a short RT on a difficult question. Such aberrance may be displayed when a test taker or test takers have preknowledge of the items. Another example is rapid guessing, wherein the test taker displays unusually short RTs for a series of items. When rapid guessing occurs at the end of a timed test, it often indicates that the test taker has run out of time before completing the test. In this study, Bayesian tests of significance for detecting various types of aberrant RT patterns are proposed and evaluated. In a simulation study, the tests were successful in identifying aberrant response patterns. A real data example is given to illustrate the use of the proposed person-fit tests for RTs.
A Two-Stage Propensity Score Matching Strategy for Treatment Effect Estimation in a Multisite Observational Study
Authors: Rickles Jordan H. , Seltzer Michael
Published: December 2014

When nonrandom treatments occur across sites, within-site matching (WM) is often desirable. This approach, however, can significantly reduce treatment group sample size and exclude substantively important subgroups. To limit these drawbacks, we extend a matching approach developed by Stuart and Rubin to a multisite study. We demonstrate the proposed method through a multisite analysis of algebra enrollment effects in 50 middle schools, where within each school students are assigned to algebra or pre-algebra and test the utility of the proposed method with a simulation study. The results document the method’s conceptual appeal and indicate that two-stage matching is a viable alternative to strict WM or matching that ignores the nested data structure (pooled matching).
Contributions to the Underlying Bivariate Normal Method for Factor Analyzing Ordinal Data
Authors: Xi Nuo , Browne Michael W.
Published: December 2014

A promising “underlying bivariate normal” approach was proposed by Jöreskog and Moustaki for use in the factor analysis of ordinal data. This was a limited information approach that involved the maximization of a composite likelihood function. Its advantage over full-information maximum likelihood was that very much less computation was involved. Little statistical and computational information was provided for its application in practice. The aim of this article is to provide statistical and computational methodology to enable the Jöreskog and Moustaki’s approach to be routinely applied in the factor analysis of ordinal data. A constrained pseudo Fisher-scoring algorithm for parameter estimation is developed and is implemented in a computer program written in FORTRAN 95. This algorithm imposes inequality constraints to ensure that all estimates are admissible. Statistical properties of the approach are considered and illustrated by means of simulation studies and real data examples.
Estimation of Contextual Effects Through Nonlinear Multilevel Latent Variable Modeling With a Metropolis–Hastings Robbins–Monro Algorithm
Authors: Yang Ji Seung , Cai Li
Published: December 2014

The main purpose of this study is to improve estimation efficiency in obtaining maximum marginal likelihood estimates of contextual effects in the framework of nonlinear multilevel latent variable model by adopting the Metropolis–Hastings Robbins–Monro algorithm (MH-RM). Results indicate that the MH-RM algorithm can produce estimates and standard errors efficiently. Simulations, with various sampling and measurement structure conditions, were conducted to obtain information about the performance of nonlinear multilevel latent variable modeling compared to traditional hierarchical linear modeling. Results suggest that nonlinear multilevel latent variable modeling can more properly estimate and detect contextual effects than the traditional approach. As an empirical illustration, data from the Programme for International Student Assessment were analyzed.
Replicate ice-coring system architecture: electrical, electronic and software design
Authors: Mortensen Nicolai B. , Goetz Joshua J. , Gibson Chris J. , Johnson Jay A. , Shturmakov Alexander J.
Published: December 2014

The drilling of a deep borehole in ice is an undertaking that spans several seasons. Over recent decades such drilling has become widespread in both polar regions. Owing to the remoteness of the drill sites, considerable cost is associated with the drilling of a deep borehole of several thousand meters. The replicate coring system allows re-drilling of ice core at select depths within an existing parent borehole. This effectively increases the yield of the existing borehole and permits re-sampling of ice in areas of high scientific value. The replicate coring system achieves this through the combination of actuators, motors, sensors and a computerized control system. The replicate coring drill is a further development of the deep ice-sheet coring (DISC) drill, extending the capabilities of the DISC drill to include replicate coring.
Production drilling at WAIS Divide
Authors: Slawny Kristina R. , Johnson Jay A. , Mortensen Nicolai B. , Gibson Christopher J. , Goetz Joshua J. , Shturmakov Alexander J. , Lebar Donald A. , Wendricks Anthony W.
Published: December 2014

The deep ice-sheet coring (DISC) drill was used for production ice-core drilling at WAIS Divide in Antarctica for six field seasons between 2007 and 2013. Continuous ice-core samples were obtained between the snow surface and 3405 m depth. During the 2012/13 austral summer, the DISC drill’s newly designed replicate ice-coring system was utilized to collect nearly 285m of additional high-quality core samples at depths of high scientific interest. Annual progress graphs are described, as well as milestones achieved over the course of the project. Drilling operations, challenges encountered, drill fluid usage, drilling results, and the drill crew’s experiences with the DISC drill and replicate coring system during production drilling are described and discussed in detail. Core-processing operations are described briefly, as well as the logistical undertaking of the DISC drill’s deployment to Antarctica.
Replicate ice-coring system architecture: mechanical design
Authors: Gibson Christopher J. , Johnson Jay A. , Shturmakov Alexander J. , Mortensen Nicolai B. , Goetz Joshua J.
Published: December 2014

The replicate ice-coring system was developed by Ice Drilling Design and Operations (IDDO) for the US National Science Foundation. The design of the system leverages the existing infrastructure of the deep ice-sheet coring (DISC) drill to create a steerable drill capable of recovering replicate core at any targeted depth in an existing borehole. Critical requirements of the system include: collecting up to 400 m of core from the high side of an open hole; maintaining access to the entire borehole for logging tools; collecting up to four cores at a single depth; and operating to a depth of 4000m at −55°C and 34 MPa. The system was developed and tested from 2010 through 2012 and integrates several new mechanical subsystems, including two electromechanical actuators capable of pushing the sonde to any targeted azimuth, new reduced diameter core and screen barrels made from off-the-shelf casing tube, and new cutter heads optimized for the multiple stages of the replicate coring procedure. The system was successfully deployed at West Antarctic Ice Sheet (WAIS) Divide in the 2012/13 field season, recovering 285 m of core from five intentional deviations at four target depths.
Can Agrometeorological Indices of Adverse Weather Conditions Help to Improve Yield Prediction by Crop Models?
Authors: Lalić Branislava , Eitzinger Josef , Thaler Sabina , Vučetić Višnjica , Nejedlik Pavol , Eckersten Henrik , Jaćimović Goran , Nikolić-Djorić Emilija
Published: December 2014

The impact of adverse weather conditions (AWCs) on crop production is random in both time and space and depends on factors such as severity, previous agrometeorological conditions, and plant vulnerability at a specific crop development stage. Any exclusion or improper treatment of any of these factors can cause crop models to produce significant under- or overestimates of yield. The analysis presented in this paper focuses on a range of agrometeorological indices (AMI) related to AWCs that might affect real yield as well as simulated yield. For this purpose, the analysis addressed four indicators of extreme temperatures and three indicators of dry conditions during the growth period of maize and winter wheat in Austria, Croatia, Serbia, Slovakia, and Sweden. It is shown that increases in the number and intensity of AWCs cannot be unambiguously associated with increased deviations in simulated yields. The identified correlations indicate an increase in modeling uncertainty. This finding represents important information for the crop modeling community. Additionally, it opens a window of opportunity for a statistical (“event scenario”) approach based on correlations between agrometeorological indices of AWCs and crop yield data series. This approach can provide scenarios for certain locations, crop types, and AWC patterns and, therefore, improve yield forecasting in the presence of AWCs.
Hepatitis C Virus Life Cycle and Lipid Metabolism
Authors: Popescu Costin-Ioan , Riva Laura , Vlaicu Ovidiu , Farhat Rayan , Rouillé Yves , Dubuisson Jean
Published: December 2014

Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) infects over 150 million people worldwide. In most cases HCV infection becomes chronic, causing liver disease ranging from fibrosis to cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. HCV affects the cholesterol homeostasis and at the molecular level, every step of the virus life cycle is intimately connected to lipid metabolism. In this review, we present an update on the lipids and apolipoproteins that are involved in the HCV infectious cycle steps: entry, replication and assembly. Moreover, the result of the assembly process is a lipoviroparticle, which represents a peculiarity of hepatitis C virion. This review illustrates an example of an intricate virus-host interaction governed by lipid metabolism.
Valorisation of Vietnamese Rice Straw Waste: Catalytic Aqueous Phase Reforming of Hydrolysate from Steam Explosion to Platform Chemicals
Authors: Giang Cao , Osatiashtiani Amin , Dos Santos Vannia , Lee Adam , Wilson David , Waldron Keith , Wilson Karen
Published: December 2014

A family of tungstated zirconia solid acid catalysts were synthesised via wet impregnation and subsequent thermochemical processing for the transformation of glucose to 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF). Acid strength increased with tungsten loading and calcination temperature, associated with stabilisation of tetragonal zirconia. High tungsten dispersions of between 2 and 7 W atoms·nm−2 were obtained in all cases, equating to sub-monolayer coverages. Glucose isomerisation and subsequent dehydration via fructose to HMF increased with W loading and calcination temperature up to 600 °C, indicating that glucose conversion to fructose was favoured over weak Lewis acid and/or base sites associated with the zirconia support, while fructose dehydration and HMF formation was favoured over Brönsted acidic WOx clusters. Aqueous phase reforming of steam exploded rice straw hydrolysate and condensate was explored heterogeneously for the first time over a 10 wt% WZ catalyst, resulting in excellent HMF yields as high as 15% under mild reaction conditions.
Simulation of Quaking Aspen Potential Fire Behavior in Northern Utah, USA
Authors: DeRose R. , Leffler A.
Published: December 2014

Current understanding of aspen fire ecology in western North America includes the paradoxical characterization that aspen-dominated stands, although often regenerated following fire, are “fire-proof”. We tested this idea by predicting potential fire behavior across a gradient of aspen dominance in northern Utah using the Forest Vegetation Simulator and the Fire and Fuels Extension. The wind speeds necessary for crowning (crown-to-crown fire spread) and torching (surface to crown fire spread) were evaluated to test the hypothesis that predicted fire behavior is influenced by the proportion of aspen in the stand. Results showed a strong effect of species composition on crowning, but only under moderate fire weather, where aspen-dominated stands were unlikely to crown or torch. Although rarely observed in actual fires, conifer-dominated stands were likely to crown but not to torch, an example of “hysteresis” in crown fire behavior. Results support the hypothesis that potential crown fire behavior varies across a gradient of aspen dominance and fire weather, where it was likely under extreme and severe fire weather, and unlikely under moderate and high fire weather. Furthermore, the “fire-proof” nature of aspen stands broke down across the gradient of aspen dominance and fire weather.
Associations between Variants in IL-33/ST2 Signaling Pathway Genes and Coronary Heart Disease Risk
Authors: Wu Fangqin , He Mei'an , Wen Qiang , Zhang Wencai , Yang Jinhua , Zhang Xiaomin , Wu Tangchun , Cheng Longxian
Published: December 2014

The IL-33/ST2 signaling pathway plays an important role in coronary artery disease (CHD); however, few studies have explored how variants in IL-33/ST2 genes influence CHD risk. Here, we examined the association between genetic variants in IL-33, ST2, and IL-1RAcP of the IL-33/ST2 axis and the risk of CHD. We conducted a case-controlled study with 1146 CHD cases and 1146 age- and sex-frequency-matched controls. Twenty-eight single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in IL-33, ST2, and IL-1RAcP were genotyped by Sequenom MassArray and TaqMan assay. Logistic regression was used to analyze these associations. The SNP rs4624606 in IL-1RAcP was nominally associated with CHD risk. The AA genotype was associated with a 1.85-fold increased risk of CHD (95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.01–3.36; p = 0.045) compared to the TT genotype. Further analysis showed that AA carriers also had a higher risk of CHD than TT + TA carriers (odds ratio (OR) = 1.85; 95% CI = 1.85–3.35; p = 0.043). However, no significant association was observed between variants in IL-33/ST2 genes and CHD risk. Further studies are needed to replicate our results in other ethnic groups with larger sample size.
Identification of Biomarkers in Cerebrospinal Fluid and Serum of Multiple Sclerosis Patients by Immunoproteomics Approach
Authors: Colomba Paolo , Fontana Simona , Salemi Giuseppe , Barranca Marilisa , Lo Sicco Claudia , Mazzola Maria , Ragonese Paolo , Savettieri Giovanni , De Leo Giacomo , Alessandro Riccardo , Duro Giovanni
Published: December 2014

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune inflammatory demyelinating disease of the central nervous system. At present, the molecular mechanisms causing the initiation, development and progression of MS are poorly understood, and no reliable proteinaceous disease markers are available. In this study, we used an immunoproteomics approach to identify autoreactive antibodies in the cerebrospinal fluid of MS patients to use as candidate markers with potential diagnostic value. We identified an autoreactive anti-transferrin antibody that may have a potential link with the development and progression of MS. We found this antibody at high levels also in the serum of MS patients and created an immunoenzymatic assay to detect it. Because of the complexity and heterogeneity of multiple sclerosis, it is difficult to find a single marker for all of the processes involved in the origin and progression of the disease, so the development of a panel of biomarkers is desirable, and anti-transferrin antibody could be one of these.
Targeted Therapy of FLT3 in Treatment of AML—Current Status and Future Directions
Authors: Engen Caroline , Wergeland Line , Skavland Jørn , Gjertsen Bjørn
Published: December 2014

Internal tandem duplications (ITDs) of the gene encoding the Fms-Like Tyrosine kinase-3 (FLT3) receptor are present in approximately 25% of patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML). The mutation is associated with poor prognosis, and the aberrant protein product has been hypothesized as an attractive therapeutic target. Various tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) have been developed targeting FLT3, but in spite of initial optimism the first generation TKIs tested in clinical studies generally induce only partial and transient hematological responses. The limited treatment efficacy generally observed may be explained by numerous factors; extensively pretreated and high risk cohorts, suboptimal pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic properties of the compounds, acquired TKI resistance, or the possible fact that inhibition of mutated FLT3 alone is not sufficient to avoid disease progression. The second-generation agent quizartinb is showing promising outcomes and seems better tolerated and with less toxic effects than traditional chemotherapeutic agents. Therefore, new generations of TKIs might be feasible for use in combination therapy or in a salvage setting in selected patients. Here, we sum up experiences so far, and we discuss the future outlook of targeting dysregulated FLT3 signaling in the treatment of AML.
Annealing Effects in Twin-Roll Cast AA8006 Aluminium Sheets Processed by Accumulative Roll-Bonding
Authors: Cieslar Miroslav , Poková Michaela
Published: December 2014

Ultrafine grained sheets were prepared from a twin-roll cast AA8006 aluminium alloy using accumulative roll-bonding process at room temperature. The evolution of microstructure of sheets after three accumulative roll-bonding passes during isochronal annealing with a constant step of 20 °C/20 min was studied by light and electron microscopy. The influence of the resulting microstructure on mechanical properties was monitored by microhardness measurements. The microhardness increases when the material is annealed up to 160 °C. Above this temperature a fast drop of microhardness occurs followed by a negligible variation at annealing temperatures exceeding 300 °C. In order to map continuously the microstructure changes during annealing, the in situ TEM experiments in the heating stage were performed as a supplement to post-mortem TEM observations.
Customizing Properties of β-Chitin in Squid Pen (Gladius) by Chemical Treatments
Authors: Ianiro Alessandro , Giosia Matteo , Fermani Simona , Samorì Chiara , Barbalinardo Marianna , Valle Francesco , Pellegrini Graziella , Biscarini Fabio , Zerbetto Francesco , Calvaresi Matteo , Falini Giuseppe
Published: December 2014

The squid pen (gladius) from the Loligo vulgaris was used for preparation of β-chitin materials characterized by different chemical, micro- and nano-structural properties that preserved, almost completely the macrostructural and the mechanical ones. The β-chitin materials obtained by alkaline treatment showed porosity, wettability and swelling that are a function of the duration of the treatment. Microscopic, spectroscopic and synchrotron X-ray diffraction techniques showed that the chemical environment of the N-acetyl groups of the β-chitin chains changes after the thermal alkaline treatment. As a consequence, the crystalline packing of the β-chitin is modified, due to the intercalation of water molecules between β-chitin sheets. Potential applications of these β-chitin materials range from the nanotechnology to the regenerative medicine. The use of gladii, which are waste products of the fishing industry, has also important environmental implications.
Three New Asperentin Derivatives from the Algicolous Fungus Aspergillus sp. F00785
Authors: Tang Qian , Guo Kai , Li Xiao-Yang , Zheng Xiu-Ying , Kong Xiang-Jian , Zheng Zhong-Hui , Xu Qing-Yan , Deng Xianming
Published: December 2014

Three new asperentin-type compounds, 6-O-α-d-ribosylasperentin (1) and 6-O-α-d-ribosyl-8-O-methylasperentin (2) and 5-hydroxyl-6-O-methylasperentin (3), along with asperentin (4) and its known analogues (5–9), were isolated from a halotolerant Aspergillus sp. strain F00785, an endotrophic fungus from marine alga. Their structures were determined using extensive NMR and HRESIMS spectroscopic analysis, including the X-ray crystallographic data for the assignment of the absolute configurations of compound 9. Compound 4 exhibited highly potent inhibitory activity against crop pathogens, Colletotrichum gleosporioides Penz. and Colletotrichum gleosporioides (Penz.) Sacc.