bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Observed Buildup and Collapse of Warm Pool in the Eastern Arabian Sea and Bay of Bengal from Moored Buoy SST Records during 1998–2008
Authors: Vimala J , Venkatesan R , Latha G , Rao R R
Published: April 2014

The observed nature of buildup and collapse of warm pool in the eastern Arabian Sea and the Bay of Bengal is examined with help of sea surface temperature (SST) data collected by NIOT buoy network during the period 1998–2008. During the buildup phase, the SSTs showed a progressive increase in both the eastern Arabian Sea and the Bay of Bengal. During this phase, the amplitudes of the diurnal oscillations of SST are relatively larger in the Bay of Bengal compared to those in the Arabian Sea. During the collapse phase, the SST cooling was dramatic in the eastern Arabian Sean caused by the monsoon onset vortex. Relatively larger amplitude intraseasonal oscillations are seen only in the Bay of Bengal and off the southwest coast of India during the collapse phase.
Altered functional connectivity in posttraumatic stress disorder with versus without comorbid major depressive disorder: a resting state fMRI study
Authors: Kennis Mitzy , Rademaker Arthur R. , van Rooij Sanne J.H. , Kahn René S. , Geuze Elbert
Published: April 2014

Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is an anxiety disorder that is often diagnosed with comorbid depressive disorder. Therefore, neuroimaging studies investigating PTSD typically include both patients with and without comorbid depression. Differences in activity of the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) and insula have been shown to differentiate PTSD patients with and without major depressive disorder (MDD). Whether or not comorbid MDD affects resting state functional connectivity of PTSD patients has not been investigated to our knowledge. Here, resting state functional connectivity of PTSD patients with (PTSD+MDD; n=27) and without (PTSD-MDD; n=23) comorbid MDD was investigated. The subgenual ACC and insula were investigated as seed regions. Connectivity between the subgenual ACC and perigenual parts of the ACC was increased in PTSD+MDD versus PTSD-MDD, which may reflect the presence of depressive specific symptoms such as rumination. Functional connectivity of the subgenual ACC with the thalamus was reduced, potentially related to more severe deficits in executive functioning in the PTSD+MDD group versus the PTSD-MDD group. In addition, the PTSD+MDD group showed reduced functional connectivity of the insula with the hippocampus compared to the PTSD-MDD group. However, this cluster was no longer significantly different when PTSD patients that were using medication were excluded from analyses. Thus, resting state functional connectivity of the subgenual ACC can distinguish PTSD+MDD from PTSD-MDD, and this may therefore be used as a neurobiological marker for comorbid MDD in the presence of PTSD. As PTSD+MDD are more treatment resistant, these findings can also guide treatment development, for example by targeting the subgenual ACC network with treatment.
Interaction of Egocentric and World-Centered Reference Frames in the Rat Posterior Parietal Cortex
Authors: Wilber Aaron A. , Clark Benjamin J. , Forster Tyler C. , Tatsuno Masami , McNaughton Bruce L.
Published: April 2014

Navigation requires coordination of egocentric and allocentric spatial reference frames and may involve vectorial computations relative to landmarks. Creation of a representation of target heading relative to landmarks could be accomplished from neurons that encode the conjunction of egocentric landmark bearings with allocentric head direction. Landmark vector representations could then be created by combining these cells with distance encoding cells. Landmark vector cells have been identified in rodent hippocampus. Given remembered vectors at goal locations, it would be possible to use such cells to compute trajectories to hidden goals. To look for the first stage in this process, we assessed parietal cortical neural activity as a function of egocentric cue light location and allocentric head direction in rats running a random sequence to light locations around a circular platform. We identified cells that exhibit the predicted egocentric-by-allocentric conjunctive characteristics and anticipate orienting toward the goal.
The Impact of Cortical Deafferentation on the Neocortical Slow Oscillation
Authors: Lemieux Maxime , Chen Jen-Yung , Lonjers Peter , Bazhenov Maxim , Timofeev Igor
Published: April 2014

Slow oscillation is the main brain rhythm observed during deep sleep in mammals. Although several studies have demonstrated its neocortical origin, the extent of the thalamic contribution is still a matter of discussion. Using electrophysiological recordingsin vivoon cats and computational modeling, we found that the local thalamic inactivation or the complete isolation of the neocortical slabs maintained within the brain dramatically reduced the expression of slow and fast oscillations in affected cortical areas. The slow oscillation began to recover 12 h after thalamic inactivation. The slow oscillation, but not faster activities, nearly recovered after 30 h and persisted for weeks in the isolated slabs. We also observed an increase of the membrane potential fluctuations recordedin vivoseveral hours after thalamic inactivation. Mimicking this enhancement in a network computational model with an increased postsynaptic activity of long-range intracortical afferents or scaling K+leak current, but not several other Na+and K+intrinsic currents was sufficient for recovering the slow oscillation. We conclude that, in the intact brain, the thalamus contributes to the generation of cortical active states of the slow oscillation and mediates its large-scale synchronization. Our study also suggests that the deafferentation-induced alterations of the sleep slow oscillation can be counteracted by compensatory intracortical mechanisms and that the sleep slow oscillation is a fundamental and intrinsic state of the neocortex.
Mechanisms of Coordination in Distributed Neural Circuits: Encoding Coordinating Information
Authors: Smarandache-Wellmann Carmen , Grätsch Swantje
Published: April 2014

We describe synaptic connections through which information essential for encoding efference copies reaches two coordinating neurons in each of the microcircuits that controls limbs on abdominal segments of the crayfish,Pacifastacus leniusculus.In each microcircuit, these coordinating neurons fire bursts of spikes simultaneously with motor neurons. These bursts encode timing, duration, and strength of each motor burst. Using paired microelectrode recordings, we demonstrate that one class of nonspiking neurons in each microcircuit's pattern-generating kernel—IPS—directly inhibits the ASCEcoordinating neuron that copies each burst in power-stroke (PS) motor neurons. This inhibitory synapse parallels IPS's inhibition of the same PS motor neurons. Using a disynaptic pathway to control its membrane potential, we demonstrate that a second type of nonspiking interneuron in the pattern-generating kernel—IRSh—inhibits the DSC coordinating neuron that copies each burst in return-stroke (RS) motor neurons. This inhibitory synapse parallels IRS's inhibition of the microcircuit's RS motor neurons. Experimental changes in the membrane potential of one IPS or one IRSh neuron simultaneously changed the strengths of motor bursts, durations, numbers of spikes, and spike frequency in the simultaneous ASCEand DSC bursts.

ASCEand DSC coordinating neurons link the segmentally distributed microcircuits into a coordinated system that oscillates with the same period and with stable phase differences. The inhibitory synapses from different pattern-generating neurons that parallel their inhibition of different sets of motor neurons enable ASCEand DSC to encode details of each oscillation that are necessary for stable, adaptive synchronization of the system.
Rapid Developmental Emergence of Stable Depolarization during Wakefulness by Inhibitory Balancing of Cortical Network Excitability
Authors: Colonnese Matthew T.
Published: April 2014

The ability to generate behaviorally appropriate cortical network states is central to sensory perception and plasticity, but little is known about the timing and mechanisms of their development. I paired intracellular and extracellular recordings in the visual cortex of awake infant rats to determine the synaptic and circuit mechanisms regulating the development of a key network state, the persistent and stable subthreshold membrane potential (Vm) depolarization associated with wakefulness/alertness in cortical networks, called the “desynchronized” or “activated” state. Current-clamp recordings reveal that the desynchronized state is absent during the first 2 postnatal weeks, despite behavioral wakefulness. During this period,Vmremains at the resting membrane potential >80% of the time, regardless of behavioral state.Vmdynamics during spontaneous or light-evoked activity were highly variable, contained long-duration supratheshold plateau potentials, and high spike probability, suggesting an unstable and hyperexcitable early cortical network. Voltage-clamp recordings reveal that effective feedforward inhibition is absent at these early ages despite the presence of feedback inhibition. Stable membrane depolarization during wakefulness finally emerges 1–2 d before eye opening and is statistically indistinguishable from that in adults within days. Reduced cortical excitability, fast feedforward inhibition, and the slow cortical oscillation appear simultaneously with stable depolarization, suggesting that an absence of inhibitory balance during early development prevents the expression of the active state and hence a normal wakeful state in early cortex. These observations identify feedforward inhibition as a potential key regulator of cortical network activity development.
Robo1 Modulates Proliferation and Neurogenesis in the Developing Neocortex
Authors: Yeh Mason L. , Gonda Yuko , Mommersteeg Mathilda T. M. , Barber Melissa , Ypsilanti Athena R. , Hanashima Carina , Parnavelas John G. , Andrews William D.
Published: April 2014

The elaborate cytoarchitecture of the mammalian neocortex requires the timely production of its constituent pyramidal neurons and interneurons and their disposition in appropriate layers. Numerous chemotropic factors present in the forebrain throughout cortical development play important roles in the orchestration of these events. The Roundabout (Robo) family of receptors and their ligands, the Slit proteins, are expressed in the developing forebrain, and are known to play important roles in the generation and migration of cortical interneurons. However, few studies have investigated their function(s) in the development of pyramidal cells. Here, we observed expression ofRobo1andSlitgenes (Slit1,Slit2) in cells lining the telencephalic ventricles, and found significant increases in progenitor cells (basal and apical) at embryonic day (E)12.5 and E14.5 in the developing cortex ofRobo1−/−,Slit1−/−, andSlit1−/−/Slit2−/−, but not in mice lacking the other Robo or Slit genes. Using layer-specific markers, we found that both early- and late-born pyramidal neuron populations were significantly increased in the cortices ofRobo1−/−mice at the end of corticogenesis (E18.5). The excess number of cortical pyramidal neurons generated prenatally appears to die in early postnatal life. The observed increase in pyramidal neurons was due to prolonged proliferative activity of their progenitors and not due to changes in cell cycle events. This finding, confirmed byin uteroelectroporation withRobo1short hairpin RNA (shRNA) or control constructs into progenitors along the ventricular zone as well as in dissociated cortical cell cultures, points to a novel role for Robo1 in regulating the proliferation and generation of pyramidal neurons.
No Perisaccadic Mislocalization with Abruptly Cancelled Saccades
Authors: Atsma Jeroen , Maij Femke , Corneil Brian D. , Medendorp W. Pieter
Published: April 2014

Every saccadic eye movement that we make changes the image of the world on our retina. Yet, despite these retinal shifts, we still perceive our visual world to be stable. Efference copy from the oculomotor system to the visual system has been suggested to contribute to this stable percept, enabling the brain to anticipate the retinal image shifts by remapping the neural image. A psychophysical phenomenon that has been linked to this predictive remapping is the mislocalization of a stimulus flashed around the time of a saccade. If this mislocalization is initiated by saccade preparation, one should also observe localization errors when a saccade is planned, but abruptly aborted just before its execution. We tested this hypothesis in human subjects using a novel paradigm that combines a flash localization task with a countermanding component that occasionally requires saccade cancellation. Surprisingly, we found no trace of mislocalization, even for saccades cancelled close to the point of no return. This strongly suggests that the actual execution of the saccade is a prerequisite for the typical localization errors, which rejects various models and constrains neural substrates. We conclude that perisaccadic mislocalization is not a direct consequence of saccade preparation, but arises after saccade execution when the flash location is constructed from memory.
Mapping the Perceptual Grain of the Human Retina
Authors: Harmening Wolf M. , Tuten William S. , Roorda Austin , Sincich Lawrence C.
Published: April 2014

In humans, experimental access to single sensory receptors is difficult to achieve, yet it is crucial for learning how the signals arising from each receptor are transformed into perception. By combining adaptive optics microstimulation with high-speed eye tracking, we show that retinal function can be probed at the level of the individual cone photoreceptor in living eyes. Classical psychometric functions were obtained from cone-sized microstimuli targeted to single photoreceptors. Revealed psychophysically, the cone mosaic also manifests a variable sensitivity to light across its surface that accords with a simple model of cone light capture. Because this microscopic grain of vision could be detected on the perceptual level, it suggests that photoreceptors can act individually to shape perception, if the normally suboptimal relay of light by the eye's optics is corrected. Thus the precise arrangement of cones and the exact placement of stimuli onto those cones create the initial retinal limits on signals mediating spatial vision.
Seeing Scenes: Topographic Visual Hallucinations Evoked by Direct Electrical Stimulation of the Parahippocampal Place Area
Authors: Mégevand Pierre , Groppe David M. , Goldfinger Matthew S. , Hwang Sean T. , Kingsley Peter B. , Davidesco Ido , Mehta Ashesh D.
Published: April 2014

In recent years, functional neuroimaging has disclosed a network of cortical areas in the basal temporal lobe that selectively respond to visual scenes, including the parahippocampal place area (PPA). Beyond the observation that lesions involving the PPA cause topographic disorientation, there is little causal evidence linking neural activity in that area to the perception of places. Here, we combined functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) and intracranial EEG (iEEG) recordings to delineate place-selective cortex in a patient implanted with stereo-EEG electrodes for presurgical evaluation of drug-resistant epilepsy. Bipolar direct electrical stimulation of a cortical area in the collateral sulcus and medial fusiform gyrus, which was place-selective according to both fMRI and iEEG, induced a topographic visual hallucination: the patient described seeing indoor and outdoor scenes that included views of the neighborhood he lives in. By contrast, stimulating the more lateral aspect of the basal temporal lobe caused distortion of the patient's perception of faces, as recently reported (Parvizi et al., 2012). Our results support the causal role of the PPA in the perception of visual scenes, demonstrate that electrical stimulation of higher order visual areas can induce complex hallucinations, and also reaffirm direct electrical brain stimulation as a tool to assess the function of the human cerebral cortex.
Effort‐reward Imbalance and Low Back Pain among Eldercare Workers in Nursing Homes: A Cross‐sectional Study in Kagawa Prefecture, Japan
Authors: Yokoyama Katsunori , Hirao Tomohiro , Yoda Takeshi , Yoshioka Akira , Shirakami Gotaro
Published: April 2014

Effort‐reward Imbalance and Low Back Pain among Eldercare Workers in Nursing Homes: A Cross‐sectional Study in Kagawa Prefecture, Japan; Katsunori YOKOYAMA, et al. Department of Anesthesiology, Graduate School of Medicine, Kagawa University—

Objectives

To clarify effort‐reward imbalance among eldercare workers in nursing homes and to examine the association between the effort‐reward imbalance (ERI) and low back pain (LBP) among them.

Methods

A total of 549 questionnaires were distributed to a random sample comprising 23% of the 79 special elderly nursing homes in Kagawa in 2013. A total of 467 eldercare workers (response rate 85%) participated in this study. Of the 467 eligible respondents, 372 (80%) completed all items of the ERI questionnaire. Complete data were available for 342 (73%) eldercare workers.

Results

Of the 342 respondents, 215 (63%) had LBP at the time of the study, and 291 (85%) showed a critical “high cost/low gain” condition as determined by an effort‐reward ratio >1. Multiple logistic regression analyses adjusted for age, gender, previous LBP experience, high‐risk work and K6 score showed that eldercare workers with a high ERI had a higher risk for LBP than workers with a low ERI (OR, 1.96; 95% CI, 1.02−3.77).

Conclusions

Most eldercare workers have a high ERI, and their LBP is associated with their ERI. Balancing effort and reward may be an important factor for improving LBP among eldercare workers in nursing homes.
Shear-Thinning and Rapid-Recovery Peptide Hydrogel for Biomedical Applications
Authors: Huang Hongzhou John , Sun Xiuzhi Susan
Published: April 2014

Peptides have become attractive molecules for fabricating biomaterials. Studies of peptide structure, assembly properties, and dynamic behavior in response to external parameters have led to rational novel design of peptide biomaterials. One model sequence selected was a β-spiral motif of spider flagelliform silk protein, [GPGGX]n (X = any amino acid). Modifying the X residue can change the quantity of secondary structure and the stability of this spider silk motif. Glycine provides flexible properties, and proline influences the secondary structure and mechanical properties. Another model sequence was GXGXDXUX (U = hydrophobic residue), a Ca2+ binding domain of lipase Lip A from Serratia marcescens, in which aspartate residue is required for ion binding. Combining with [GPGGX]n, we rationally designed peptide as GPGGDGPGGD (eD2). The Ca2+ binding sequence was hidden in the first eight residues of eD2. As expected, this peptide can assemble into nanofibrils triggered by Ca2+ ions. Using the segment FLIVIGSII (h9) from the third trans-membrane segment of subunit IV in the dihydropyridine sensitive human muscle L-type calcium channel as the hydrophobic motif, we obtained FLIVIGSIIGPGGDGPGGD (h9e) peptide. The h9e self-assembled into nanofibrils and further formed shear-thinning and rapid recovery hydrogel in neutral pH range from 6.0 to 8.0 with a large working range of temperature. NMR study showed that amphiphilic structure of h9e peptide tended to adopt a more helical structure during hydrogel formation. The h9e peptide has great potential for biomedical applications. MCF-7 cells were successfully grown as colony-like clusters (reminiscent of real tumors) in h9e hydrogel system. The drug response test of cisplatin further demonstrated the capability of h9e system for drug screen. Moreover, h9e hydrogel showed a promising adjuvanticity by enhancing the vaccine efficacy for killed H1N1 swine influenza virus and PRRS modified live virus.
Development of a Novel Zinc Oxide/Polyvinyl Chloride Nanocomposite Material for Medical Implant Applications
Authors: Geilich Benjamin M. , Webster Thomas J.
Published: April 2014

In hospitals and clinics worldwide, medical device surfaces have become a rapidly growing source of nosocomial infections. Almost immediately after adhering to a device surface, bacteria can begin to form a biofilm, which makes the infection especially difficult to treat and often necessitates device removal. Adding to the severity of this problem is the spread of bacterial genetic tolerance to antibiotics, in part demonstrated by the recent and significant increase in the prevalence of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA).

Nanomaterials are beginning to be used for a wide variety of biomedical applications due to their unique surface properties which have the ability to control initial protein adsorption and subsequent cell behavior. This “nanoroughness” gives nanomaterials a greater functional surface area than conventional materials, which do not have significant features on the nanoscale. In addition, it is theorized that nanoparticles may also have general mechanisms of toxicity towards bacteria that do not cause problems for mammalian cells.

The objective of the present in vitro study was to develop a nanocomposite material by embedding conventional polyvinyl chloride (PVC) with zinc oxide nanoparticles through a simple and inexpensive procedure. The effect of different nanoparticle sizes and %wts were investigated. Results demonstrated that this technique significantly decreased S. aureus density and biofilm formation without the incorporation of antibiotics or other pharmaceuticals, as well as increased the adhesion of human fibroblast cells. Thus, this material could have much promise for use in the manufacture of common implanted medical devices.
Poliuretanos como materiais de revestimento de superfície
Authors: Coutinho Fernanda M.B. , Delpech Marcia C.
Published: April 2014

Os poliuretanos são polímeros extremamente versáteis. São aplicados numa ampla gama de materiais com propriedades diversas. Esses polímeros podem ser encontrados sob a forma de elastômeros, fibras e espumas, podendo ainda apresentar biocompatibilidade. Na indústria de revestimentos, incluindo os adesivos, os poliuretanos têm sido utilizados e têm apresentado excelente desempenho na proteção de uma grande variedade de substratos como aço, concreto, plásticos, metais, papel, couro e madeira. Devido ao movimento mundial de restrição ao uso de substâncias orgânicas voláteis tóxicas (VOC), vêm sendo de fundamental importância a pesquisa e desenvolvimento de sistemas aquosos. Entre esses destacam-se os poliuretanos dispersos em água, que estão em amplo crescimento na indústria de revestimentos, como mostra esta revisão.
Utilização de ligninas em resinas fenólicas: 1. Preparação de novolacas a partir de lignossulfonatos
Authors: Santos Fernando dos , Curvelo Antônio Aprígio S.
Published: April 2014

Este trabalho descreve uma utilização mais nobre para a lignina obtida de processos industriais de polpação. Foram preparadas resinas fenólicas tipo novolaca, utilizando-se lignossulfonato de amônio e lignossulfonato de sódio (com diferentes teores de açúcares residuais) como correagentes, em substituição parcial ao fenol. As resinas foram preparadas mantendo-se o processo utilizado industrialmente. As resinas foram caracterizadas por análises químicas, quanto à distribuição de massa molar e análises térmicas. As resinas preparadas com lignossulfonatos apresentaram maior reatividade com hexametilenotetramina (agente de reticulação). Isto é uma vantagem, pois pode-se ter ciclos de moldagem de peças mais curtos, o que economicamente é favorável.
Keep it simple: user-focused flood risk visualisation
Authors: Clarke Joseph , Wicks Jon , Lovell Luke , Han Dawei , Davis John
Published: April 2014

From complex server-dependent geographic information systems to simple sheets of paper, there is a myriad of flood risk visualisation approaches available, each with specific strengths and weaknesses. This paper discusses existing methods and tools to identify both common and novel features, and investigates how these traits affect their suitability for satisfying the requirements of different users and their technical requirements. The paper introduces a flexible web-browser-based tool focusing on delivering flood extents and key additional information (including critical infrastructure) in a user-friendly and resilient manner, without the need for network access or the installation of specialist software. Its development and implementation in the Midlands region of the UK's Environment Agency is discussed and its impact in use on flood incident management is investigated with the aid of user feedback.
Aging of low-pressure amalgam lamps and UV dose delivery
Authors: Schmalwieser Alois W. , Wright Harold , Cabaj Alexander , Heath Mark , Mackay Erin , Schauberger Günther
Published: April 2014

The emittance of new and aged amalgam low-pressure lamps used by a drinking water ultraviolet (UV) disinfection reactor was measured along the length and about the circumference. The new lamp had a non-uniform emittance along the length of the lamp with local maxima between the electrodes and the amalgam deposits. The aged lamps showed a reduction in emittance and a non-uniform output both along the length and about the circumference. The reduction and non-uniformity increased with lamp age and were most notable at the lamp ends, and the position of the maximum emittance moves to the lamp centre. Computer simulations of the UV reactor show that the position of the UV sensor that indicates UV dose delivery is crucial. The UV dose will be overpredicted if the UV sensor views a location that ages the least but underpredicted if the UV sensor views a location that ages the most.
Review of the Soft First Story Irregularity Condition of Buildings for Seismic Design
Authors: Tena-Colunga Arturo
Published: April 2014

The present study evaluates how the soft first story irregularity condition should be defined: (a) as a significant reduction of the lateral shear stiffness of all resisting frames within a given story, as established in the seismic provisions of Mexican building codes or, (b) as a substantial reduction of the lateral shear stiffness of one or more resisting frames within a given story, as proposed by the author. Both definitions are evaluated through nonlinear dynamic analyses of buildings systems with a suspected soft first story condition in order to discern which option is closer to define the soft fist story condition.
Comparison of Wastewater Treatment Technologies in the ED-WAVE Tool to Technologies of Similar Cases in Malawi: Case of Blantyre and Soche WWTW
Authors: Chipofya Victor , Kraslawski Andrzej , Avramenko Yury
Published: April 2014

This paper compares the wastewater treatment technologies at Blantyre and Soche wastewater treatment works (WWTW) in Malawi with technologies of a similar case according to the ED-WAVE tool to determine if existing cases in the tool can be invoked and appropriately modified to arrive at a particular design alternative. The ED-WAVE tool is a shareware PC based package for imparting training on wastewater treatment technologies. The system consists of four modules viz. Reference Library, Process Builder, Case Study Manager, and Treatment Adviser. The paper also compares the reduction in the levels of BOD5, COD, and TSS at the three respective treatment works. The study established that there is a similarity in the sequencing of treatment units of Municipal Case 6 in the ED-WAVE tool and the sequencing of treatment units at Blantyre and Soche WWTW, respectively. All the three plants incorporate screening, grit removal, aerobic biological treatment, and sedimentation. Soche and Blantyre WWTW use hand-raked inclined bar screens and constant velocity grit channels, where longitudinal flow velocity is hydraulically controlled. Rotary mechanically-raked bar screens and mechanically stirred grit chambers are used in the ED-WAVE tool. In addition, Municipal Case 6 uses oxidation ditches for aerobic biological treatment while Blantyre and Soche WWTW use trickling filters. BOD5 removal efficiency at Soche WWTW at 95% and 96% for dry season and wet season, respectively, is comparable to the removal efficiency at Municipal Case 6 (95%). The dry season BOD5 removal efficiency at Blantyre WWTW at 87% is slightly lower than the removal efficiency at Municipal Case 6. TSS removal efficiency at Soche WWTW is at 80% in the wet season and 35% in the dry season. TSS removal efficiency at Blantyre WWTW is only 3% in the wet season, while there is an increase of 11% in the wet season. TSS removal efficiency at Municipal Case 6 is 96%. Inspite of the difference in the BOD5 and TSS removal efficiencies at Municipal Case 6 as compared to Blantyre and Soche WWTW, there is a close match in technologies at Blantyre and Soche WWTW, and Municipal Case 6 in Greece as invoked by the Case Study Manager in the ED- WAVE tool. What is evident from this study is the need to appropriately modify the case arrived at through the Case Study Manager in order to come up with a design appropriate to the local situation in terms of operation and maintenance.
The Use of Sheet Glass Powder as Fine Aggregate Replacement in Concrete
Authors: Mageswari M. , Vidivelli Dr. B.
Published: April 2014

Sheet glass powder (SGP) used in concrete making leads to greener environment. In shops, near by Chidambaram many sheet glass cuttings go to waste, which are not recycled at present and usually delivered to landfills for disposal. Using SGP in concrete is an interesting possibility for economy on waste disposal sites and conservation of natural resources. This paper examines the possibility of using SGP as a replacement in fine aggregate for a new concrete. Natural sand was partially replaced (10%, 20%, 30%, 40% and 50%) with SGP. Compressive strength, Tensile strength (cubes and cylinders) and Flexural strength up to 180 days of age were compared with those of concrete made with natural fine aggregates. Fineness modulus, specific gravity, moisture content, water absorption, bulk density, %voids, % porosity (loose and compact) state for sand (S) and SDA were also studied. The test results indicate that it is possible to manufacture concrete containing Sheet glass powder (SGP) with characteristics similar to those of natural sand aggregate concrete provided that the percentage of SGP as fine aggregate is limited to 10-20%, respectively.
Seismic Evaluation of an Elevated Highway Bridge in a Low Seismic Region – a Case Study
Authors: Memari Ali M. , Harris Harry G. , Hamid Ahmad A. , Scanlon Andrew
Published: April 2014

This paper presents the results of the seismic evaluation of an elevated seven-span bridge with tall piers in
western Pennsylvania. The bridge was modeled using the SEISAB software, and the analysis used modal superposition
method. Various modeling strategies related to piers, abutments, expansion joints, fixed joints, rocker bearings, and
hanger supports were studied. Several modeling options were made to capture different behavior responses under seismic
loading conditions. The force and displacement demands are compared, and an assessment is made with respect to the
potential for damage based on the analysis results. The result of the study shows that for the level of earthquakes expected
in the region, columns will not be overstressed. Furthermore, the analysis results show that displacements of the
superstructure should not be of concern in light of the fact that there is sufficient bearing seat width and that concrete
pedestals have been added in front of the bearing supports to presumably prevent the walking off of the bearing from
the support. The study concludes that considering the low level of earthquakes expected in PA, the potential for collapse
of the superstructure due to bearing support failure is negligible. The paper contributes to better understanding of the
behavior of tall and elevated highway bridges in low seismic regions. The results of the study reinforce the view that
decisions on seismic retrofit of such bridges in low seismic regions should not be based on column tie spacing.
Numerical Investigation of Influential Parameters Concerning the Experimental Testing of RC Frames Under Cyclic Loading
Authors: Kirtas E. , Kakaletsis D.J.
Published: April 2014

Numerical simulations have been widely used to study the inelastic response of reinforced concrete structures
under earthquake loading. Yet, due to the complex nature of structural inelastic behavior, experimental results are often
required to verify the efficiency of applied numerical schemes. In this paper, experimental results of bare reinforced concrete
frame models are employed to validate numerical calculations using the code Seismostruct. Moreover, numerical
simulations investigate the influential parameters related to the physical experiment configuration and numerical analysis
options and determine their effect on the obtained structural response. The experimental setup concerns a well-defined
case study of a reinforced concrete frame under cyclic horizontal loading. The fixed base frame is subjected to increasing
horizontal forces, leading to the development of plastic hinges at the structural elements. The adopted numerical approach
describes successfully the inelastic behavior of the frame, as indicated by the obtained results of the overall structural response
as well as the plastic hinge formation at cross section level. Comparison of the plastic hinge formation mechanism
in particular, raises interesting remarks on the conditions and constraints of the physical experiments and highlights the
valuable contribution of numerical simulations in their design.
Reasons for Living: A Brief Report
Authors: Sheikh Anees A.
Published: April 2014

Participants in death imagery workshops and in the psychology of death and dying classes were instructed to imagine that the Supreme Being confronts them with the ultimatum: Give me three good reasons why I should allow you to continue living, otherwise your life will end now. An overwhelming majority of the reasons offered by the participants fell into three categories: Love and positive interpersonal relationships, realizing one's potentials, and appreciation of beauty.
The Influence of Social Cues on Framing Effect
Authors: Huangfu Gang
Published: April 2014

I conducted 2 framing effect experiments under different social cue contexts, to investigate how individuals make different decisions according to the relationship between lives at risk and themselves. Participants in the first study were 204 Chinese undergraduates allocated to either
positive (lives saved) or negative (lives not saved) conditions, and in the second experiment a different sample of 208 Chinese undergraduates allocated to either positive or negative conditions. The results showed that when lives at risk were interpreted as relatives or friends of the decision
makers, the effect of framing on an individual's risk preference was weakened and no framing effect occurred. In contrast, when the individuals whose lives were at risk were interpreted to be unrelated to the decision makers, framing played an obvious role and a framing effect occurred. Social
cues were found to influence the occurrence of framing effect.
Ethical Leadership and Organizational Citizenship Behavior: The Mediating Roles of Cognitive and Affective Trust
Authors: Lu Xiaojun
Published: April 2014

I proposed that trust mediates the relationship between ethical leadership and organizational citizenship behavior, which is classified into 2 types: organizationally directed (OCBO) and individually directed (OCBI). Participants comprised 104 supervisor-subordinate dyads employed in
public-sector organizations in a city in eastern China. The results showed that ethical leadership had a significant main effect on both OCBO and OCBI. In addition, cognitive trust had no significant mediating effect on the relationships between ethical leadership and OCBO and ethical leadership
and OCBI, but affective trust fully mediated these relationships. The contribution of the results, limitations in the study, and future directions for research are also discussed.
Fear of Rejection or Concern for Fairness: The Proposer's Offering Behavior in the Ultimatum Game
Authors: Yi Ding , Ji Ting-Ting , Xu Chen , Hitchman Glenn
Published: April 2014

In previous studies of the Ultimatum Game (UG), it has been found that proposers do not maximize self-interest by making extremely unfair offers, but instead make relatively fair offers. The main issue is whether or not the proposer's fair behavior is motivated by fear of rejection
or by a concern for fairness. We, therefore, conducted this study to examine the impact on the proposer's decision in the UG when information was obtained about the responder's minimum acceptable offer (MAO). The results show that a high percentage of the proposer's offers were close to the
MAO, indicating that fear of rejection, rather than concern for fairness, accounted for the proposer's positive offer. We also found that Machiavellian personality traits played an important role in the proposer's offering behavior. This indicated that fear of rejection may be more prominently
displayed by people scoring highly in Machiavellianism.
The Role of Photographs in Online Peer-to-Peer Lending Behavior
Authors: Yang Xiaolan
Published: April 2014

My purpose in this study was to evaluate the role of photographs in online peer-to-peer lending behavior. I recruited 92 college students to rate trustworthiness or emotion by viewing the photographs of borrowers on a peer-to-peer lending platform. Following this, I showed 209 college
students an advertisement with a photograph and asked how much money they would be willing to lend the person in the photograph. The lending amount was higher for advertisements with a photograph rated trustworthy than for a photograph rated untrustworthy, and higher for advertisements with
a photograph rated happy than for a photograph rated sad. These results indicate that judgments of both trustworthiness and happiness as perceived in photographs play an important role in lending behaviors.
Effects of Gender Role and Family Support on Work Adjustment Among Male Flight Attendants in Taiwan
Authors: Chen Yen-Cheng , Lee Ching-Sung , Yu Tung-Han , Shen Jia-Yuan
Published: April 2014

The occupation of flight attendant traditionally carries strong gender connotations and expectations. Based on the gender schema theory, in this study we investigated the relationships among work adjustment, family support, and gender role of male flight attendants, and how to improve
the work adjustment of the men working in these circumstances. We conducted a survey with 221 male flight attendants employed by the leading airline in Taiwan and found that both gender role and family support had a significant effect on work adjustment. In particular, male flight attendants
who had feminine or androgynous gender roles had lower levels of work adjustment and required more family support, whereas flight attendants who had masculine gender roles had higher levels of work adjustment and tended to seek less support from their family. Our findings suggest that both
type of gender role and family background influence men's adjustment to working in a female-dominated work environment.
The algebra of mode homomorphisms
Authors: Adaricheva Kira , Romanowska Anna , Smith Jonathan
Published: April 2014

Modes are idempotent and entropic algebras. While the mode structure of sets of submodes has received considerable attention in the past, this paper is devoted to the study of mode structure on sets of mode homomorphisms. Connections between the two constructions are established. A detailed analysis is given for the algebra of homomorphisms from submodes of one mode to submodes of another. In particular, it is shown that such algebras can be decomposed as Płonka sums of more elementary homomorphism algebras. Some critical examples are examined.
Analysis of electromigration phenomenon in thick-film and LTCC structures at elevated temperature
Authors: Nowak Damian , Stafiniak Andrzej , Dziedzic Andrzej
Published: April 2014

Studies on electromigration phenomenon in thick-film structures on alumina and LTCC substrates are presented in this paper. The effects of storage of Au and Ag electrode patterns in temperature range up to 300 °C under voltage bias were examined. The leakage characteristics of electrodes with 100 μm spacing at 50 V dc bias as a function of time and temperature are presented and analyzed. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) equipped with the energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) detector was applied for determination of metal ions transport. Test structures with Au-based conductive material are much more resistant to electromigration than Ag-based layers.
Auditory processing in children with unilateral hearing loss
Authors: Adly Gabr Takwa
Published: April 2014

Objective:

We wished to investigate central auditory processing in unilateral hearing loss (UHL), as little is discussed regarding its impact on auditory processing.

Study design:

Central auditory processing was evaluated in children with UHL using the P300 component of event related potentials. Speech and tone stimuli were used for eliciting P300 in three groups of children: group A (bilateral normal hearing children); group B (children with right UHL); and group C (children with left UHL).

Results:

In children with a right UHL, P300 amplitudes were significantly reduced in response to speech when compared to a tone stimulus. Comparing the speech-evoked P300 response revealed a significantly delayed latency in children with UHL compared to controls.

Conclusion:

Children with UHL showed central auditory processing defects that are more pronounced in children with right UHL. Speech processing is more vulnerable to the effect of UHL than simple stimuli.
A model-based approach to operational event groups ranking
Authors: Šimić Z. , Maqua M. , Wattrelos D.
Published: April 2014

The operational experience (OE) feedback provides improvements in all industrial activities. Identification of the most important and valuable groups of events within accumulated experience is important in order to focus on a detailed investigation of events. The paper describes the new ranking method and compares it with three others. Methods have been described and applied to OE events utilised by nuclear power plants in France and Germany for twenty years. The results show that different ranking methods only roughly agree on which of the event groups are the most important ones. In the new ranking method the analytical hierarchy process is applied in order to assure consistent and comprehensive weighting determination for ranking indexes. The proposed method allows a transparent and flexible event groups ranking and identification of the most important OE for further more detailed investigation in order to complete the feedback.
Analysis of the source term formation in a severe accident initiated by end fitting failure in CANDU type reactors
Authors: Constantin M. , Constantin A. , Apostol M.
Published: April 2014

CANDU type reactors have some peculiarities in initiation and progression of severe accidents. In the present paper one of the specificities – the End Fitting Failure accident – is analysed from the point of view of source term formation. The accident is initiated by a failure of the re-fueling machine. Fuel bundles are ejected in the re-fuelling machine room and fuel elements suffer a significant fragmentation by mechanical impact and by the rapid increase of the temperature. A direct transfer of the fission products occurs directly to the containment. The source term in the containment and also the source term to the environment is calculated supposing an open venting communication to the external atmosphere. The simulation is performed by using the ASTEC code in coupled calculation CPA-IODE-ISODOPE-DOSE option. The evolution of the distributions for the most important released fission products is presented for different regions and for different hosts. The most important factors of influence on the source term formation are identified and discussed.
Power loss in dipping internal reflectors, imaged using ice-penetrating radar
Authors: Holschuh Nicholas , Christianson Knut , Anandakrishnan Sridhar
Published: April 2014

The geometry of ice-sheet internal layers is frequently interpreted as an indicator of present and past ice-sheet flow dynamics. One of the primary goals of radio-echo sounding is to accurately reproduce that layer geometry. Internal layers show a loss in reflection amplitude as a function of increasing dip angle. We posit that this energy loss occurs via several mechanisms: destructive interference in trace stacking, energy dispersion through synthetic aperture radar (SAR) processing and off-nadir ray path losses. Adjacent traces collected over a dipping horizon contain reflection arrivals which are not in phase. Stacking these traces results in destructive interference. When the phase shift between adjacent traces exceeds one-half wavelength, SAR processing, which otherwise coherently combines data from dipping reflectors, disperses the energy, reducing image quality further. Along with amplitude loss from destructive stacking and SAR dispersion, imaging reflectors from off-nadir angles results in additional travel time and thus additional englacial attenuation relative to horizontal reflectors at similar depths. When selecting radar frequency, spatial sample rate and stacking interval for a given survey, the geometry of the imaging target must be considered. Based on our analysis, we make survey design recommendations for these parameters.
The relationship between sticky spots and radar reflectivity beneath an active West Antarctic ice stream
Authors: Ashmore David W. , Bingham Robert G. , Hindmarsh Richard C.A. , Corr Hugh F.J. , Joughin Ian R.
Published: April 2014

Isolated areas of high basal drag, or ‘sticky spots’, are important and poorly understood features in the force balance and dynamics of West Antarctic ice streams. Characterizing sticky spots formed by thin or drying subglacial till using ice-penetrating radar is theoretically possible, as high radar bed-returned power (BRP) is commonly related to an abundance of free water at the ice/bed interface, provided losses from englacial attenuation can be estimated. In this study we use airborne radar data collected over Evans Ice Stream to extract BRP profiles and test the sensitivity of BRP to the adopted englacial attenuation correction. We analyse 11 ~ 2 0 km profiles in four fast-flow areas where sticky spots have been inferred to exist on the basis of model and surface data inversions. In the majority of profiles we note that the increase in basal drag is accompanied by a decrease in BRP and suggest that this is evidence both for the presence of a sticky spot in those locations and that local variations in subglacial hydrology are responsible for their existence. A comparison is made between empirical and numerical modelling approaches for deriving englacial attenuation, and our findings generally support previous studies that advocate a modelling approach.