bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Beyond bivariate correlations: three‐block partial least squares illustrated with vegetation, soil, and topography
Authors: Kim Daehyun , DeWitt Thomas J. , Costa César S. B. , Kupfer John A. , McEwan Ryan W. , Stallins J. Anthony
Published: August 2015

Ecologists, particularly those engaged in biogeomorphic studies, often seek to connect data from three or more domains. Using three‐block partial least squares regression, we present a procedure to quantify and define bi‐variance and tri‐variance of data blocks related to plant communities, their soil parameters, and topography. Bi‐variance indicates the total amount of covariation between these three domains taken in pairs, whereas tri‐variance refers to the common variance shared by all domains. We characterized relationships among three domains (plant communities, soil properties, topography) for a salt marsh, four coastal dunes, and two temperate forests spanning several regions in the world. We defined the specific bi‐ and tri‐variances for the ecological systems we included in this study and addressed larger questions about how these variances scale with each other looking at generalities across systems. We show that a system tends to exhibit high bi‐variance and tri‐variance (tight coupling among domains) when subjected to the effects of frequent and widespread (i.e., broadly acting) hydrogeomorphic disturbance. When major disturbance events are uncommon, bi‐variance and tri‐variance decrease, because the formation of vegetation, soil, and topographic patterns is primarily localized, and the couplings of these properties diverge over space, contingent upon site‐specific disturbance history and/or fine‐grained environmental heterogeneity. We also demonstrate that the bi‐variance and tri‐variance of a whole system are not consistently either greater or smaller than those of the associated sub‐zones. This point implies that the overall correlation structure among vegetation, soil, and topography is conserved across spatial scales. This paper addresses a critical aspect of ecology: the conceptual and analytical integration of data across multiple domains. By example, we show that bi‐variances and tri‐variances provide useful insight into how the strength of couplings among vegetation, soil, and topography data blocks varies across scales and disturbance regimes. Though we describe the simplest case of multi‐variance beyond the usual two‐block linear statistical model, this approach can be extended to any number of data domains, making integration tractable and more supportive of holistic inferences.
A New Acetophenone Trimer From Roots of Euphorbia ebracteolata
Authors: Geng Di , Ma Xuan , Weng Lianjin , Yi Litao , Han Yuanyuan , Yang Xin
Published: August 2015

A new acetophenone trimer, named ebracteolatain C, along with two known diterpenoids was isolated from
Euphorbia ebtacteolata. The structure of the compound 1 was elucidated as 1-[3, 5-bis-(3-acetyl-2, 6-dihydroxy-4-
methoxy-benzyl)-4, 6-dihydroxy-2-methoxy-phenyl]-ethanone on basis of spectroscopic methods.
Vessel Route Choice Theory and Modeling
Authors: Shu Yaqing , Daamen Winnie , Ligteringen Han , Hoogendoorn Serge
Published: August 2015

A new maritime traffic model describes vessel traffic in ports and inland waterways better. In this research, vessel behavior is categorized into a tactical level (route choice) and an operational level (dynamics of vessel behavior). This new maritime traffic model comprises two parts. The route choice model resulting in the vessel's preferred route and the operational model describing the maneuvering behavior, including interactions between vessels. This paper presents the vessel route choice model, which is based on disutility or cost minimization. The cost is determined by characteristics of the infrastructure, such as expected sailing time and distance to the bank. It is assumed that the bridge team will try to follow a preferred route that minimizes the cost to the destination. To calculate this preferred route, the so-called “value function” is defined as the minimum disutility function in continuous time and space. Subsequently, the value function is solved with dynamic programming and a numerical solution approach. Data of unhindered vessel behavior in the Port of Rotterdam, Netherlands, collected with an automatic identification system, are used to calibrate the vessel route choice model. The calibrated results of the route choice model show plausible preferred routes in the research area, which aid understanding of the desired vessel behavior (route). These results could be used to improve vessel traffic management and provide a basis for predicting vessel behavior at the operational level.
Engaging State Departments of Transportation in Funding Improvements on Inland Waterways
Authors: Kruse C. James , Protopapas Annie , Ellis David R. , Norboge Nicolas D. , Glover Brianne A.
Published: August 2015

This paper summarizes the findings of research conducted for the Texas Department of Transportation (DOT) that produced a master plan for the Gulf Intracoastal Waterway in Texas (GIWW-T). The project (a) established a baseline for the condition and utilization of the GIWW-T; (b) examined the major operational concerns, mostly related to dredging and navigational safety; (c) investigated the impacts of operational obstacles; (d) determined what is needed to restore the GIWW-T to and sustain its optimum level; (e) investigated potential economic and legislative limitations; and (f) recommended potential courses of action that might enable the Texas DOT to play an active role in achieving a highly efficient and safe GIWW-T. A working group of GIWW-T stakeholders informed the research. Participants included the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the U.S. Coast Guard, port authorities, the Texas DOT, and barge industry representatives.
Measuring Port Effectiveness
Authors: Brooks Mary R. , Schellinck Tony
Published: August 2015

Port managers need to be able to identify and prioritize port investments to take advantage of opportunities for growth. Those who serve the needs of beneficial cargo owners and shipping lines must know how to evaluate their customer service delivery efforts. Although this area has received research attention, this paper adds to the understanding by focusing on performance evaluations of ports by supply chain partners, key actors in the effectiveness of a port's service delivery. The current literature relevant to the assessment of port performance and the perspectives of this user group is reviewed. The range of port-related roles performed by supply chain partners is then examined to create context for the results. Four measures that provide general (as opposed to port-specific) indications of the relative need for attention to each criterion are identified and discussed. Finally, the statements are used to create a formative supply chain partner port assessment construct used to measure relevant criteria. Port managers can use these criteria when formulating high-quality service to their supply chain partners, which in turn will support port efforts to improve performance for cargo owners and shipping lines.
Real-Time Disruption Recovery for Integrated Berth Allocation and Crane Assignment in Container Terminals
Authors: Li Meng Ze , Jin Jian Gang , Lu Chun Xia
Published: August 2015

This paper studies disruption recovery optimization for the integrated berth allocation and quay crane assignment problem in container terminals. The proposed reactive recovery strategy adjusts the initial plan to handle realistic disruptions. In the proposed recovery strategy, new berthing positions for vessels are restricted within a certain space. Quay cranes are allowed to move to other vessels before finishing current assigned vessels. Vessels requiring early dispatch are particularly considered in recovery planning. A proposed nonlinear programming model maximizes the service quality and minimizes the recovery cost at the same time. A heuristic approach based on squeaky wheel optimization is developed to solve the model. Computational experiments are conducted to show the performance and effectiveness of the proposed model and solution method.
Morbidity after intracranial tumor surgery: sensitivity and specificity of retrospective review of medical records compared with patient-reported outcomes at 30 days
Authors: Drewes Christina , Sagberg Lisa Millgård , Jakola Asgeir Store , Gulati Sasha , Solheim Ole
Published: August 2015

OBJECT

Published outcome reports in neurosurgical literature frequently rely on data from retrospective review of hospital records at discharge, but the sensitivity and specificity of retrospective assessments of surgical morbidity is not known. The aim of this study was to elucidate the sensitivity and specificity of retrospective assessment of morbidity after intracranial tumor surgery by comparing it to patient-reported outcomes at 30 days.

METHODS

In 191 patients who underwent surgery for the treatment of intracranial tumors, we evaluated newly acquired neurological deficits within the motor, language, and cognitive domains. Traditional retrospective discharge data were collected by review of hospital records. Patient-reported data were obtained by structured phone interviews at 30 days after surgery. Data on perioperative medical and surgical complications were obtained from both hospital records and patient interviews conducted 30 days postoperatively.

RESULTS

Sensitivity values for retrospective review of hospital records as compared with patient-reported outcomes were 0.52 for motor deficits, 0.4 for language deficits, and 0.07 for cognitive deficits. According to medical records, 158 patients were discharged with no new or worsened deficits, but only 117 (74%) of these patients confirmed this at 30 days after surgery. Specificity values were high (0.97–0.99), indicating that new deficits were unlikely to be found by retrospective review of hospital records at discharge when the patients did not report any at 30 days. Major perioperative complications were all identified through retrospective review of hospital records.

CONCLUSIONS

Retrospective assessment of medical records at discharge from hospital may greatly underestimate the incidence of new neurological deficits after brain tumor surgery when compared with patient-reported outcomes after 30 days.
Inception of a national multidisciplinary registry for stereotactic radiosurgery
Authors: Sheehan Jason P. , Kavanagh Brian D. , Asher Anthony , Harbaugh Robert E.
Published: August 2015

Stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) represents a multidisciplinary approach to the delivery of ionizing high-dose radiation to treat a wide variety of disorders. Much of the radiosurgical literature is based upon retrospective single-center studies along with a few randomized controlled clinical trials. More timely and effective evidence is needed to enhance the consistency and quality of and clinical outcomes achieved with SRS. The authors summarize the creation and implementation of a national SRS registry.

The American Association of Neurological Surgeons (AANS) through NeuroPoint Alliance, Inc., started a successful registry effort with its lumbar spine initiative. Following a similar approach, the AANS and NeuroPoint Alliance collaborated with corporate partners and the American Society for Radiation Oncology to devise a data dictionary for an SRS registry. Through administrative and financial support from professional societies and corporate partners, a framework for implementation of the registry was created. Initial plans were devised for a 3-year effort encompassing 30 high-volume SRS centers across the country. Device-specific web-based data-extraction platforms were built by the corporate partners. Data uploaders were then used to port the data to a common repository managed by Quintiles, a national and international health care trials company.

Audits of the data for completeness and veracity will be undertaken by Quintiles to ensure data fidelity. Data governance and analysis are overseen by an SRS board comprising equal numbers of representatives from the AANS and NeuroPoint Alliance. Over time, quality outcome assessments and post hoc research can be performed to advance the field of SRS.

Stereotactic radiosurgery offers a high-technology approach to treating complex intracranial disorders. Improvements in the consistency and quality of care delivered to patients who undergo SRS should be afforded by the national registry effort that is underway.
Endoscopic endonasal translacerum approach to the inferior petrous apex
Authors: Taniguchi Masaaki , Akutsu Nobuyuki , Mizukawa Katsu , Kohta Masaaki , Kimura Hidehito , Kohmura Eiji
Published: August 2015

OBJECT

The surgical approach to lesions involving the inferior petrous apex (IPA) is still challenging. The purpose of this study is to demonstrate the anatomical features of the IPA and to assess the applicability of an endoscopic endonasal approach through the foramen lacerum (translacerum approach) to the IPA.

METHODS

The surgical simulation of the endoscopic endonasal translacerum approach was conducted in 3 cadaver heads. The same technique was applied in 4 patients harboring tumors involving the IPA (3 chordomas and 1 chondro-sarcoma).

RESULTS

By removing the fibrocartilaginous component of the foramen lacerum, a triangular space was created between the anterior genu of the petrous portion of the carotid artery and the eustachian tube, through which the IPA could be approached. The range of the surgical maneuver reached laterally up to the internal auditory canal, jugular foramen, and posterior vertical segment of the petrous portion of the carotid artery. In clinical application, the translacerum approach provided sufficient space to handle tumors at the IPA. Gross-total and partial removal was achieved in 3 and 1 cases, respectively, without permanent surgery-related morbidity and mortality.

CONCLUSIONS

The endoscopic endonasal translacerum approach provides reliable access to the IPA. It is indicated alone for lesions confined to the IPA and in combination with other approaches for more extensive lesions.
Dorsal anterior cingulotomy and anterior capsulotomy for severe, refractory obsessive-compulsive disorder: a systematic review of observational studies
Authors: Brown Lauren T. , Mikell Charles B. , Youngerman Brett E. , Zhang Yuan , McKhann Guy M. , Sheth Sameer A.
Published: August 2015

OBJECT

The object of this study was to perform a systematic review, according to Preferred Reporting Items of Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) and Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) guidelines, of the clinical efficacy and adverse effect profile of dorsal anterior cingulotomy compared with anterior capsulotomy for the treatment of severe, refractory obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).

METHODS

The authors included studies comparing objective clinical measures before and after cingulotomy or capsulotomy (surgical and radiosurgical) in patients with OCD. Only papers reporting the most current follow-up data for each group of investigators were included. Studies reporting results on patients undergoing one or more procedures other than cingulotomy or capsulotomy were excluded. Case reports and studies with a mean follow-up shorter than 12 months were excluded. Clinical response was defined in terms of a change in the Yale-Brown Obsessive Compulsive Scale (Y-BOCS) score. The authors searched MEDLINE, PubMed, PsycINFO, Scopus, and Web of Knowledge through October 2013. English and non-English articles and abstracts were reviewed.

RESULTS

Ten studies involving 193 participants evaluated the length of follow-up, change in the Y-BOCS score, and postoperative adverse events (AEs) after cingulotomy (n = 2 studies, n = 81 participants) or capsulotomy (n = 8 studies, n = 112 participants). The average time to the last follow-up was 47 months for cingulotomy and 60 months for capsulotomy. The mean reduction in the Y-BOCS score at 12 months’ follow-up was 37% for cingulotomy and 55% for capsulotomy. At the last follow-up, the mean reduction in Y-BOCS score was 37% for cingulotomy and 57% for capsulotomy. The average full response rate to cingulotomy at the last follow-up was 41% (range 38%–47%, n = 2 studies, n = 51 participants), and to capsulotomy was 54% (range 37%–80%, n = 5 studies, n = 50 participants). The rate of transient AEs was 14.3% across cingulotomy studies (n = 116 procedures) and 56.2% across capsulotomy studies (n = 112 procedures). The rate of serious or permanent AEs was 5.2% across cingulotomy studies and 21.4% across capsulotomy studies.

CONCLUSIONS

This systematic review of the literature supports the efficacy of both dorsal anterior cingulotomy and anterior capsulotomy in this highly treatment-refractory population. The observational nature of available data limits the ability to directly compare these procedures. Controlled or head-to-head studies are necessary to identify differences in efficacy or AEs and may lead to the individualization of treatment recommendations.
Preoperative epidural spinal injections increase the risk of surgical wound complications but do not affect overall complication risk or patient-perceived outcomes
Authors: Zusman Natalie , Munch Jacqueline L. , Ching Alexander , Hart Robert , Yoo Jung
Published: August 2015

OBJECT

A lack of information exists on the relationship between preoperative epidural spinal injections and outcomes after spine surgery. There is concern that injections might cause local changes, increasing the infection risk and surgical difficulty. Therefore, the authors explored the relationship between preoperative spinal injections and postoperative outcome.

METHODS

The cohort was comprised of patients who underwent thoracic and/or lumbar arthrodesis during the years 2007–2010 and had complete (preoperatively and 3 months postoperatively) outcome scores. Patients’ clinical courses were reviewed to determine the occurrence of major complications within a 30-day postoperative period. Patient-perceived outcomes were evaluated using the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) and the SF-12 (12-Item Short Form Health Survey): mental component summary (MCS) and physical component summary (PCS) scores. Analyses were based on exposure to injections and were performed using chi-square exact tests and paired and unpaired t-tests.

RESULTS

Two hundred eighty patients met the inclusion criteria: 117 patients (41.8%) received and 163 patients (58.2%) did not receive preoperative epidural spinal injections. Overall, the likelihood of complication did not differ with respect to exposure (13.7% injection vs 11.7% noninjection); however, injected patients observed a 7.4-fold risk of developing surgical wound complications over noninjected patients (5.1% vs 0.6%, p = 0.02).

Patient-perceived outcomes measures demonstrated no differences between groups. Three months postoperatively, the MCS and ODI scores were similar (MCS: 49.6 ± 11.6 injection vs 47.4 ± 12.8 noninjection; ODI: 35.8 ± 18.0 vs 34.4 ± 19.1). MCS or ODI score improvement (preoperatively compared with 3 months postoperatively) did not vary between groups. Injected patients maintained a 2-point lower PCS score at entry and 3 months postoperatively as compared with noninjected peers (entry: 27.6 ± 8.2 injection vs 29.5 ± 9.3 noninjection, p = 0.09; 3 months: 33.3 ± 8.6 vs 35.7 ± 9.0, p = 0.03); the PCS score improvements between injected and noninjected groups were similar (5.7 ± 9.9 vs 6.2 ± 9.7).

CONCLUSIONS

Patients exposed to preoperative epidural injections had similar complication rates to those who never received a spinal injection. However, they had a greater risk of developing wound complications. These complications had no effect on short-term improvements in outcome measures.
Embryonal tumor with multilayered rosettes of the fourth ventricle: case report
Authors: Edmonson Catherine A. , Weaver Kristin J. , Kresak Jesse , Pincus David W.
Published: August 2015

Embryonal tumor with multilayered rosettes (ETMR) is a recently described pathological entity. These primitive central nervous system tumors harbor amplification of the 19q13.42 locus and resultant overexpression of the LIN28A protein. Although the WHO currently recognizes 3 distinct histopathological entities—embryonal tumor with abundant neuropil and true rosettes (ETANTR), ependymoblastoma, and medulloepithelioma—recent studies indicate that these tumors have a common molecular profile and clinical course and that they are now classified as a single entity. Here the authors present a case of ETMR located in the fourth ventricle in a 12-month-old boy. The histopathology featured areas of neuropil-like stroma and highly cellular foci with characteristic multilayered rosettes. The authors discuss the clinical, radiological, and histopathological findings in this case and compare them with data in previously published cases in the literature. A review of studies assessing the molecular mechanisms underlying these tumors is also presented.
Measuring Claw Conformation in Cattle: Assessing the Agreement between Manual and Digital Measurement
Authors: Laven Linda , Wang Libin , Regnerus Corey , Laven Richard
Published: August 2015

Five measurements of claw conformation (toe angle, claw height, claw width, toe length and abaxial groove length) taken directly from the hoof were compared with the measurements taken from digital images of the same claws. Concordance correlation coefficients and limits-of-agreement analysis showed that, for four of the five measures (claw height, claw width, toe length and abaxial groove length), agreement was too poor for digital and manual measures to be used interchangeably. For all four of these measures, Liao’s modified concordance correlation coefficient (mCCC) was ≤0.4, indicating poor concordance despite Pearson’s correlation being >0.6 in all cases. The worst concordance was seen for toe length (mCCC = 0.13). Limits-of-agreement analysis showed that, for all four measures, there was a large variation in the difference between the manual and digital methods, even when the effect of mean on difference was accounted for, with the 95% limits-of-agreement for the four measures being further away from the mean difference than 10% of the mean in all four cases. The only one of the five measures with an acceptable concordance between digital and manual measurement was toe angle (mCCC = 0.81). Nevertheless, the limits-of-agreement analysis showed that there was a systematic bias with, on average, the manual measure of toe angle, being 2.1° smaller than the digital. The 95% limits-of-agreement for toe angle were ±3.4°, probably at the upper limit of what is acceptable. However, the lack of data on the variability of individual measurements of claw conformation means that it is unclear how this variability compares to measurement of toe angle in the same animal using the same or a different manual technique.
Research on the Fault Coefficient in Complex Electrical Engineering
Authors: Sun Yi , Zhang Yagang , Wang Yinding
Published: August 2015

Fault detection and isolation in a complex system are research hotspots and frontier problems in the reliability engineering field. Fault identification can be regarded as a procedure of excavating key characteristics from massive failure data, then classifying and identifying fault samples. In this paper, based on the fundamental of feature extraction about the fault coefficient, we will discuss the fault coefficient feature in complex electrical engineering in detail. For general fault types in a complex power system, even if there is a strong white Gaussian stochastic interference, the fault coefficient feature is still accurate and reliable. The results about comparative analysis of noise influence will also demonstrate the strong anti-interference ability and great redundancy of the fault coefficient feature in complex electrical engineering.
A Case Study of Chemical Characteristics of Daytime and Nighttime Ambient Particles in Shanghai, China
Authors: Zhu Chongshu , Cao Junji , Zhou Jiamao , Liu Suixin , Dai Wenting , Zhang Ting , Zhao Zhuzi , Shen Zhenxing , Li Hua , Wang Ping
Published: August 2015

Ambient daytime and nighttime PM2.5 (particulate matter with aerodynamic diameter less than 2.5 μm) and TSP (the total suspended particulates) samples were collected at two sites (named Pudong and Jinshan) in Shanghai. The concentrations of PM2.5 and TSP were lower at Pudong than at Jinshan. Higher PM2.5 and TSP concentrations were observed during daytime than nighttime for both sites. Carbonaceous aerosol and secondary sulfate were the most abundant components. Larger enrichment factor (EFs) of Zn, Pb, Cl, and S for Jinshan nighttime were observed than for other sampling periods. PM2.5 showed higher relative spatial uniformity (the coefficients of divergence, COD = 0.18) than TSP (COD = 0.23) during the sampling period. The variations of chemical components and the species ratios showed that the contributions of primary particulate emissions in Jinshan (industrial zone) were more significant than in Pudong (residential zone).
Extractability of Rutin in Herbal Tea Preparations of Moringa stenopetala Leaves
Authors: Habtemariam Solomon , Varghese George
Published: August 2015

The study examined the comparative rutin contents and antioxidant potentials of the two closely related Moringa species: the Ethiopian (Moringa stenopetala) and Indian Moringa (M. oleifera). It is demonstrated that M. stenopetala leaves extract was a far superior (more than five-fold better) antioxidant than M. oleifera. Rutin was the principal constituent of M. stenopetala leaves while the compound was not detected in the leaves of M. oleifera. Quantitative HPLC-based analysis of M. stenopetala leaves revealed the rutin level at a respectable 2.34% ± 0.02% (on dry weight basis), which is equivalent to many commercial natural sources of this highly sought-after bioactive compound. Comparative analysis of rutin in some common herbal tea preparations of M. stenopetala leaves revealed that it is readily extractible with the highest amount obtained (98.8% ± 2.4%) when the leaves (1 g) were boiled in water (200 mL). For a large-scale exploitation of rutin, a fast and economically-viable isolation approach using solid phase extraction followed by crystallization or flash chromatography is outlined. Overall, the Ethiopian Moringa is distinctively different from the Indian Moringa and could be exploited as an industrial source of rutin for nutritional and/or medical uses.
Confocal Microscopy for Process Monitoring and Wide-Area Height Determination of Vertically-Aligned Carbon Nanotube Forests
Authors: Piwko Markus , Althues Holger , Schumm Benjamin , Kaskel Stefan
Published: August 2015

Confocal microscopy is introduced as a new and generally applicable method for the characterization of the vertically-aligned carbon nanotubes (VACNT) forest height. With this technique process control is significantly intensified. The topography of the substrate and VACNT can be mapped with a height resolution down to 15 nm. The advantages of confocal microscopy, compared to scanning electron microscopy (SEM), are demonstrated by investigating the growth kinetics of VACNT using Al2O3 buffer layers with varying thicknesses. A process optimization using confocal microscopy for fast VACNT forest height evaluation is presented.
Failure Mode Identification and End of Life Scenarios of Offshore Wind Turbines: A Review
Authors: Luengo Maria , Kolios Athanasios
Published: August 2015

In 2007, the EU established challenging goals for all Member States with the aim of obtaining 20% of their energy consumption from renewables, and offshore wind is expected to be among the renewable energy sources contributing highly towards achieving this target. Currently wind turbines are designed for a 25-year service life with the possibility of operational extension. Extending their efficient operation and increasing the overall electricity production will significantly increase the return on investment (ROI) and decrease the levelized cost of electricity (LCOE), considering that Capital Expenditure (CAPEX) will be distributed over a larger production output. The aim of this paper is to perform a detailed failure mode identification throughout the service life of offshore wind turbines and review the three most relevant end of life (EOL) scenarios: life extension, repowering and decommissioning. Life extension is considered the most desirable EOL scenario due to its profitability. It is believed that combining good inspection, operations and maintenance (O&M) strategies with the most up to date structural health monitoring and condition monitoring systems for detecting previously identified failure modes, will make life extension feasible. Nevertheless, for the cases where it is not feasible, other options such as repowering or decommissioning must be explored.
Benthic Collector and Grazer Communities Are Threatened by Hemlock Woolly Adelgid-Induced Eastern Hemlock Loss
Authors: Adkins Joshua , Rieske Lynne
Published: August 2015

Eastern hemlock (Tsuga canadensis (L.) is a foundation species in eastern North America where it is under threat from the highly invasive, exotic hemlock woolly adelgid (Adelges tsugae). Eastern hemlock is especially important in riparian areas of Central and Southern Appalachia, so we compared the spatial and temporal composition of benthic collector-gatherers, collector-filterers, and grazers in headwater streams with hemlock-dominated riparian vegetation to those with deciduous tree-dominated riparian vegetation to evaluate the extent to which adelgid-induced hemlock loss could influence composition and abundance of these two functional feeding groups. We found differences in benthic invertebrate abundance and family-level diversity based on riparian vegetation and sampling approach, and, often, riparian vegetation significantly interacted with location or season. Collector-gatherers and grazers were more abundant in eastern hemlock streams in the summer, when hemlock litter is readily available and deciduous litter is relatively sparse. Riparian eastern hemlock appears to exert considerable influence on benthic invertebrate functional feeding group composition in headwater stream communities, as expected with a foundation species. With the loss of eastern hemlock due to adelgid-induced mortality, we should expect to see alterations in spatial and temporal patterns of benthic invertebrate abundance and diversity, with potential consequences to both benthic and terrestrial ecosystem function.
Activity of Lactobacillus brevis Alcohol Dehydrogenase on Primary and Secondary Alcohol Biofuel Precursors
Authors: Halloum Ibrahim , Thompson Brian , Pugh Shawn , Nielsen David
Published: August 2015

The R-specific alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH) from Lactobacillus brevis LB19 (LbADH) was studied with respect to its ability to reduce a series of 3- through 5-carbon 2-alkanones and aldehydes of relevance as biofuel precursors. Although active on all substrates tested, LbADH displays a marked preference for longer chain substrates. Interestingly, however, 2-alkanones were found to impose substrate inhibition towards LbADH, whereas aldehyde substrates rendered no such effect. Inhibition caused by 2-alkanones was furthermore found to intensify with increasing chain length. Despite demonstrating both primary and secondary ADH activities, a preliminary sequence analysis suggests that LbADH remains distinct from other, previously characterized primary-secondary ADHs. In addition to further characterizing the substrate range of this industrially important enzyme, this study suggests that LbADH has the potential to serve as a useful enzyme for the engineering of various novel alcohol biofuel pathways.
Correction: Dermal Exposure Assessment to Pesticides in Farming Systems in Developing Countries: Comparison of Models. Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2015, 12, 4670–4696
Authors: Lesmes-Fabian Camilo
Published: August 2015

We wish to make the following changes to the published article [1], agreed upon by all authors. Claudia R. Binder has withdrawn her co-authorship. The corrected author list should therefore read: Camilo Lesmes-Fabian.[...]
Wrist Hypothermia Related to Continuous Work with a Computer Mouse: A Digital Infrared Imaging Pilot Study
Authors: Reste Jelena , Zvagule Tija , Kurjane Natalja , Martinsone Zanna , Martinsone Inese , Seile Anita , Vanadzins Ivars
Published: August 2015

Computer work is characterized by sedentary static workload with low-intensity energy metabolism. The aim of our study was to evaluate the dynamics of skin surface temperature in the hand during prolonged computer mouse work under different ergonomic setups. Digital infrared imaging of the right forearm and wrist was performed during three hours of continuous computer work (measured at the start and every 15 minutes thereafter) in a laboratory with controlled ambient conditions. Four people participated in the study. Three different ergonomic computer mouse setups were tested on three different days (horizontal computer mouse without mouse pad; horizontal computer mouse with mouse pad and padded wrist support; vertical computer mouse without mouse pad). The study revealed a significantly strong negative correlation between the temperature of the dorsal surface of the wrist and time spent working with a computer mouse. Hand skin temperature decreased markedly after one hour of continuous computer mouse work. Vertical computer mouse work preserved more stable and higher temperatures of the wrist (>30 °C), while continuous use of a horizontal mouse for more than two hours caused an extremely low temperature (<28 °C) in distal parts of the hand. The preliminary observational findings indicate the significant effect of the duration and ergonomics of computer mouse work on the development of hand hypothermia.
Variations in Microbial Community Structure through the Stratified Water Column in the Tyrrhenian Sea (Central Mediterranean)
Authors: Smedile Francesco , Scarfi Simona , De Domenico Emilio , Garel Marc , Glanville Helen , Gentile Gabriella , Cono Violetta , Tamburini Cristian , Giuliano Laura , Yakimov Michail
Published: August 2015

The central Mediterranean Sea is among the most oligotrophic habitats in the marine environment. In this study, we investigated the abundance, diversity and activity of prokaryoplankton in the water column (25–3000-m depth) at Station Vector (Tyrrhenian Sea, 39°32.050′ N; 13°22.280′ E). This specific water column consists of three different water masses (Modified Atlantic Water (MAW), Levantine Intermediate Water (LIW) and Tyrrhenian Deep Water (TDW), possessing a typical stratification of the Central Mediterranean basin. CARD-FISH showed that the metabolically-active fraction of bacterial populations exceeded the archaeal fraction along the whole water column, except at the deepest water masses. 16S rDNA and 16S rRNA clone libraries obtained from each type of water mass were used to analyse the prokaryoplankton community structure and to distinguish between active and “less active” microbial fractions. Our results showed that the rRNA-derived bacterial libraries seemed to be more depth specific compared to 16S rDNA-derived counterparts. Major differences were detected between the active fractions of bacterioplankton thriving in photic (25 m, MAW) and aphotic layers (500–3000 m, LIW and TDW respectively), whereas no statistically-significant differences were detected within the deep, aphotic layers (500–3000 m, LIW and TDW). Archaeal communities possessed more depth-specific distribution patterns with both total and active fractions showing depth stratification. Cyanobacteria and Marine Group II MAGII of Euryarchaea dominated the MAW prokaryoplankton. A notable fraction of Geitlerinema-related cyanobacteria was detected among the metabolically-active bacterial population recovered from the mesopelagic (500 m, LIW) aphotic layer, which is indicative of their mixotrophic behaviour. Heterotrophic Gammaproteobacteria and members of Marine Group 1.1a and the PSL12-related ALOHA group of Thaumarchaeota were both abundant in the aphotic layers (both LIW and TDW). Discrepancies observed between 16S rDNA- and 16S rRNA-based libraries are most likely linked to different physiological states of the prokaryoplankton community members recovered from different layers. Taking into account the relative homogeneity of the main physicochemical parameters throughout the whole water column, light and energy source are likely the most relevant environmental variables shaping microbial biodiversity through the Station Vector water column.
The Human Right to Water in Law and Implementation
Authors: Brunner Norbert , Mishra Vijay , Sakthivel Ponnusamy , Starkl Markus , Tschohl Christof
Published: August 2015

Recent concerns about alleged insufficient water provision to the poor in Detroit, USA, has put the Human Right to Water (HRW) into the international discussion. The paper asks: “To what extent did international human rights treaties make HRW judiciable?” and “How did government policies implement it?” In a cross-country comparison of performance indicators, merely accepting HRW has not been helpful in promoting affordable access to potable water or sanitation facilities close to the home, amongst the reasons being deficiencies in water-governance. Case-law confirmed that with respect to affordable access HRW obliges governments to a “progressive realization” only, also in countries accepting HRW (India, South Africa). The paper focuses on the resulting positive state obligation to establish funding programs for better water and sanitation services and analyzes funding policies by a mathematical model of policy goals. It identifies two viable goals namely the successful support for the poor, as in developing countries, and the most economic use of public funds, as in industrialized countries. Other goals conceivable for the model have been tried in the past and failed.
Renewables, Preferential Trade Agreements and EU Energy Security
Authors: Leal-Arcas Rafael , Caruso Valentina , Leupuscek Raphaela
Published: August 2015

A major aim of the international community is to decarbonize the economy. With renewables, international trade in energy is likely to increase. In turn, the international trading system can be a major vehicle towards moving away from fossil fuels to renewable energy. To this end, it can provide fair competition, economies of scale and knowledge transfer. This article analyzes the impact of European Union (EU) preferential trade agreements (PTAs) in addressing climate change mitigation and energy security by promoting renewables. Currently, there is a proliferation of PTAs; this trend seems irreversible and is likely to persist, given the current crisis in the multilateral trading system. We argue that the EU can, through its network of PTAs, move towards greater energy independence as renewable energy becomes increasingly economically viable. This article provides a thorough review of the renewable energy-related provisions in the EU’s current PTAs and recommends three tangible ways through which the EU could capitalize its vast network of PTAs to boost the renewable energy market.
The Role of Computer Simulation in Nanoporous Metals—A Review
Authors: Xia Re , Wu Run , Liu Yi , Sun Xiao
Published: August 2015

Nanoporous metals (NPMs) have proven to be all-round candidates in versatile and diverse applications. In this decade, interest has grown in the fabrication, characterization and applications of these intriguing materials. Most existing reviews focus on the experimental and theoretical works rather than the numerical simulation. Actually, with numerous experiments and theory analysis, studies based on computer simulation, which may model complex microstructure in more realistic ways, play a key role in understanding and predicting the behaviors of NPMs. In this review, we present a comprehensive overview of the computer simulations of NPMs, which are prepared through chemical dealloying. Firstly, we summarize the various simulation approaches to preparation, processing, and the basic physical and chemical properties of NPMs. In this part, the emphasis is attached to works involving dealloying, coarsening and mechanical properties. Then, we conclude with the latest progress as well as the future challenges in simulation studies. We believe that highlighting the importance of simulations will help to better understand the properties of novel materials and help with new scientific research on these materials.
Evaluation of Interpolants in Their Ability to Fit Seismometric Time Series
Authors: Basu Kanadpriya , Mariani Maria , Serpa Laura , Sinha Ritwik
Published: August 2015

This article is devoted to the study of the ASARCO demolition seismic data. Two different classes of modeling techniques are explored: First, mathematical interpolation methods and second statistical smoothing approaches for curve fitting. We estimate the characteristic parameters of the propagation medium for seismic waves with multiple mathematical and statistical techniques, and provide the relative advantages of each approach to address fitting of such data. We conclude that mathematical interpolation techniques and statistical curve fitting techniques complement each other and can add value to the study of one dimensional time series seismographic data: they can be use to add more data to the system in case the data set is not large enough to perform standard statistical tests.
Metabolomic Analysis of Blood Plasma after Oral Administration of N-acetyl-d-Glucosamine in Dogs
Authors: Osaki Tomohiro , Kurozumi Seiji , Sato Kimihiko , Terashi Taro , Azuma Kazuo , Murahata Yusuke , Tsuka Takeshi , Ito Norihiko , Imagawa Tomohiro , Minami Saburo , Okamoto Yoshiharu
Published: August 2015

N-acetyl-d-glucosamine (GlcNAc) is a monosaccharide that polymerizes linearly through (1,4)-β-linkages. GlcNAc is the monomeric unit of the polymer chitin. GlcNAc is a basic component of hyaluronic acid and keratin sulfate found on the cell surface. The aim of this study was to examine amino acid metabolism after oral GlcNAc administration in dogs. Results showed that plasma levels of ectoine were significantly higher after oral administration of GlcNAc than prior to administration (p < 0.001). To our knowledge, there have been no reports of increased ectoine concentrations in the plasma. The mechanism by which GlcNAc administration leads to increased ectoine plasma concentration remains unclear; future studies are required to clarify this mechanism.
Mimosine Dipeptide Enantiomsers: Improved Inhibitors against Melanogenesis and Cyclooxygenase
Authors: Nguyen Binh , Tawata Shinkichi
Published: August 2015

Melanogenesis plays an important role in the protection of skin against UV through production of melanin pigments, but abnormal accumulation of this pigment causes unaesthetic hyperpigmentation. Much effort is being made to develop effective depigmenting agents. Here, we show for the first time that a small library of mimosine dipeptide enantiomers (Mi-L/D-amino acid) inhibit the melanogenesis in B16F10 melanoma cells by down-regulating the cellular tyrosinase with little effect on their growth or viability. Two of them, Mi-D-Trp and Mi-D-Val, turned out to be the most potent inhibitors on melanin content and cellular tyrosinase in B16F10 melanoma cells. In addition, most of the mimosine dipeptides were more potent than mimosine for inhibiting cyclooxygenase 1 (COX-1) with IC50 of 18–26 μM. Among them, Mi-L-Val and Mi-L-Trp inhibited cyclooxygenase 2 (COX-2) more potently than indomethacin, with IC50 values of 22 and 19 μM, respectively. Taken together, our results suggest the possibility that mimosine dipeptides could be better candidates (than mimosine) for anti-melanogenic (skin hyperpigmentation treatment) and cyclooxygenase (COX) inhibition.
Molecular Structures of the Products of a Diphosphonate Ester Building Block with Lewis Bases
Authors: Li Yufeng , Jian Fangfang
Published: August 2015

By treating a suitable Wittig reagent under acid conditions, the phosphonate ester 1,4-bimethylenebenzene phosphonate ethyl ester (H2[BBPE], 1) was obtained. As a building block, compound 1 has been reacted with the Lewis-base N,N-dimethylpiperazine, ammonia and NaOH yielded compounds 2–4. The crystal structures show that a 1D chain forming a tubular channel is constructed through hydrogen bonds in 1; hydrogen bonds form two 1D chains with left-hand and right-hand helixes and form 3D networks in compound 2; 1D hydrogen-bond chains are further connected together to afford a 3D network architecture in compound 3; the phosphonate is coordinated by two Na atoms which present different coordination environments in compound 4. Additionally, the relationships between the structure and fluorescence of the four compounds in the solid state and in different solvents have also been studied at room temperature.
Conjugation of Polymer-Coated Gold Nanoparticles with Antibodies—Synthesis and Characterization
Authors: Tan Gamze , Kantner Karsten , Zhang Qian , Soliman Mahmoud , Del Pino Pablo , Parak Wolfgang , Onur Mehmet , Valdeperez Daniel , Rejman Joanna , Pelaz Beatriz
Published: August 2015

The synthesis of polymer-coated gold nanoparticles with high colloidal stability is described, together with appropriate characterization techniques concerning the colloidal properties of the nanoparticles. Antibodies against vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) are conjugated to the surface of the nanoparticles. Antibody attachment is probed by different techniques, giving a guideline about the characterization of such conjugates. The effect of the nanoparticles on human adenocarcinoma alveolar basal epithelial cells (A549) and human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) is probed in terms of internalization and viability assays.
Abscisic Acid: Hidden Architect of Root System Structure
Authors: Harris Jeanne
Published: August 2015

Plants modulate root growth in response to changes in the local environment, guided by intrinsic developmental genetic programs. The hormone Abscisic Acid (ABA) mediates responses to different environmental factors, such as the presence of nitrate in the soil, water stress and salt, shaping the structure of the root system by regulating the production of lateral roots as well as controlling root elongation by modulating cell division and elongation. Curiously, ABA controls different aspects of root architecture in different plant species, perhaps providing some insight into the great diversity of root architecture in different plants, both from different taxa and from different environments. ABA is an ancient signaling pathway, acquired well before the diversification of land plants. Nonetheless, how this ancient signaling module is implemented or interacts within a larger signaling network appears to vary in different species. This review will examine the role of ABA in the control of root architecture, focusing on the regulation of lateral root formation in three plant species, Arabidopsis thaliana, Medicago truncatula and Oryza sativa. We will consider how the implementation of the ABA signaling module might be a target of natural selection, to help contribute to the diversity of root architecture in nature.