bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of Stand Origin and Near-Natural Restoration on the Stock and Structural Composition of Fallen Trees in Mid-Subtropical Forests
Authors: Wu Chunsheng , Wei Xiaohua , Mo Qifeng , Li Qinglin , Li Xiaodong , Shu Chunjie , Liu Liangying , Liu Yuanqiu
Published: December 2015

Fallen trees comprise an important part of forest ecosystems and serve a central role in maintaining the biodiversity and tree regeneration of forests. However, the effects of stand origin and near-natural restoration on the biomass and carbon stock of fallen trees remain unclear. Based on 60 sampling plots of field surveys of mid-subtropical forests in Jiangxi Province, we investigated the stock and structural composition of fallen trees in artificial coniferous forests (Acf), natural coniferous forests (Ncf) (e.g., different stand origins) and natural evergreen broadleaf forests (Nebf) (e.g., near-natural restoration). The following results were obtained: (1) the largest biomass and carbon stocks of fallen trees among three forest types (Nebf, Ncf and Acf) were measured for Nebf; (2) the fallen tree biomass and carbon stock in natural Cunninghamia lanceolata forest (Nclf) were significantly larger than that in artificial Cunninghamia lanceolata forest (Aclf), and the fallen tree biomass and carbon stock in natural Pinus massoniana forest (Npf) were also significantly larger than those in artificial Pinus massoniana forest (Apf); (3) the diameter class allocation in natural forests was more uniform than that in artificial forests; (4) the biomass of fallen trees with mild decay was not significantly different among forest types within stand origin or among the stand origin within forest types; however, the biomass of fallen trees with moderate and heavy decay significantly differed among stand origin (Aclf vs. Nclf, Apf vs. Npf), but was not significant among the forest types (Aclf vs. Apf, Nclf vs. Apf) within a stand origin. Our results suggested that the large biomass and carbon stock of fallen trees in Nebf may serve a significant role in mitigating global warming and carbon cycles in mid-subtropical forests. Therefore, stand origin and near-natural restoration exert significant effects on the carbon stock and structural composition of fallen trees in mid-subtropical forests.
Creating S0s with Major Mergers: A 3D View
Authors: Querejeta Miguel , Eliche-Moral M. , Tapia Trinidad , Borlaff Alejandro , Van de Ven Glenn , Lyubenova Mariya , Martig Marie , Falcón-Barroso Jesús , Méndez-Abreu Jairo , Zamorano Jaime , Gallego Jesús
Published: December 2015

A number of simulators have argued that major mergers can sometimes preserve discs, but the possibility that they could explain the emergence of lenticular galaxies (S0s) has been generally neglected. In fact, observations of S0s reveal a strong structural coupling between their bulges and discs, which seems difficult to reconcile with the idea that they come from major mergers. However, in our recent papers we have used N-body simulations of binary mergers to show that, under favourable conditions, discs are first destroyed but soon regrow out of the leftover debris, matching observational photometric scaling relations. Additionally, we have shown how the merger scenario agrees with the recent discovery that S0s and most spirals are not compatible in an angular momentum–concentration plane. This important result from CALIFA constitutes a serious objection to the idea that spirals transform into S0s mainly by fading (e.g., via ram-pressure stripping, as that would not explain the observed simultaneous change in λ Re and concentration), but our simulations of major mergers do explain that mismatch. From such a 3D comparison we conclude that mergers must be a relevant process in the build-up of the current population of S0s.
Fractal Characteristics of Soil Retention Curve and Particle Size Distribution with Different Vegetation Types in Mountain Areas of Northern China
Authors: Niu Xiang , Gao Peng , Wang Bing , Liu Yu
Published: December 2015

Based on fractal theory, the fractal characteristics of soil particle size distribution (PSD) and soil water retention curve (WRC) under the five vegetation types were studied in the mountainous land of Northern China. Results showed that: (1) the fractal parameters of soil PSD and soil WRC varied greatly under each different vegetation type, with Quercus acutissima Carr. and Robina pseudoacacia Linn. mixed plantation (QRM) > Pinus thunbergii Parl. and Pistacia chinensis Bunge mixed plantation (PPM) > Pinus thunbergii Parl. (PTP) > Juglans rigia Linn. (JRL) > abandoned grassland (ABG); (2) the soil fractal dimensions of woodlands (QRM, PPM, PTP and JRL) were significantly higher than that in ABG, and mixed forests (QRM and PPM) were higher than that in pure forests (PTP and JRL); (3) the fractal dimension of soil was positively correlated with the silt and clay content but negatively correlated with the sand content; and (4) the fractal dimension of soil PSD was positively correlated with the soil WRC. These indicated that the fractal parameters of soil PSD and soil WRC could act as quantitative indices to reflect the physical properties of the soil, and could be used to describe the influences of the Return Farmland to Forests Projects on soil structure.
Origins and Early Evolution of the tRNA Molecule
Authors: Tamura Koji
Published: December 2015

Modern transfer RNAs (tRNAs) are composed of ~76 nucleotides and play an important role as “adaptor” molecules that mediate the translation of information from messenger RNAs (mRNAs). Many studies suggest that the contemporary full-length tRNA was formed by the ligation of half-sized hairpin-like RNAs. A minihelix (a coaxial stack of the acceptor stem on the T-stem of tRNA) can function both in aminoacylation by aminoacyl tRNA synthetases and in peptide bond formation on the ribosome, indicating that it may be a vestige of the ancestral tRNA. The universal CCA-3′ terminus of tRNA is also a typical characteristic of the molecule. “Why CCA?” is the fundamental unanswered question, but several findings give a comprehensive picture of its origin. Here, the origins and early evolution of tRNA are discussed in terms of various perspectives, including nucleotide ligation, chiral selectivity of amino acids, genetic code evolution, and the organization of the ribosomal peptidyl transferase center (PTC). The proto-tRNA molecules may have evolved not only as adaptors but also as contributors to the composition of the ribosome.
Ultrasound Elasticity Imaging System with Chirp-Coded Excitation for Assessing Biomechanical Properties of Elasticity Phantom
Authors: Chun Guan-Chun , Chiang Hsing-Jung , Lin Kuan-Hung , Li Chien-Ming , Chen Pei-Jarn , Chen Tainsong
Published: December 2015

The biomechanical properties of soft tissues vary with pathological phenomenon. Ultrasound elasticity imaging is a noninvasive method used to analyze the local biomechanical properties of soft tissues in clinical diagnosis. However, the echo signal-to-noise ratio (eSNR) is diminished because of the attenuation of ultrasonic energy by soft tissues. Therefore, to improve the quality of elastography, the eSNR and depth of ultrasound penetration must be increased using chirp-coded excitation. Moreover, the low axial resolution of ultrasound images generated by a chirp-coded pulse must be increased using an appropriate compression filter. The main aim of this study is to develop an ultrasound elasticity imaging system with chirp-coded excitation using a Tukey window for assessing the biomechanical properties of soft tissues. In this study, we propose an ultrasound elasticity imaging system equipped with a 7.5-MHz single-element transducer and polymethylpentene compression plate to measure strains in soft tissues. Soft tissue strains were analyzed using cross correlation (CC) and absolution difference (AD) algorithms. The optimal parameters of CC and AD algorithms used for the ultrasound elasticity imaging system with chirp-coded excitation were determined by measuring the elastographic signal-to-noise ratio (SNRe) of a homogeneous phantom. Moreover, chirp-coded excitation and short pulse excitation were used to measure the elasticity properties of the phantom. The elastographic qualities of the tissue-mimicking phantom were assessed in terms of Young’s modulus and elastographic contrast-to-noise ratio (CNRe). The results show that the developed ultrasound elasticity imaging system with chirp-coded excitation modulated by a Tukey window can acquire accurate, high-quality elastography images.
HIV vs. the Immune System: A Differential Game
Authors: Buratto Alessandra , Cesaretto Rudy , Zamarchi Rita
Published: December 2015

A differential game is formulated in order to model the interaction between the immune system and the HIV virus. One player is represented by the immune system of a patient subject to a therapeutic treatment and the other player is the HIV virus. The aim of our study is to determine the optimal therapy that allows to prevent viral replication inside the body, so as to reduce the damage caused to the immune system, and allow greater survival and quality of life. We propose a model that considers all the most common classes of antiretroviral drugs taking into account different immune cells dynamics. We validate the model with numerical simulations, and determine optimal structured treatment interruption (STI) schedules for medications.
Construction of Periodic Wavelet Frames Generated by the Walsh Polynomials
Authors: Goyal Sunita , Shah Firdous
Published: December 2015

An explicit method for the construction of a tight wavelet frame generated by the Walsh polynomials with the help of extension principles was presented by Shah (Shah, 2013). In this article, we extend the notion of wavelet frames to periodic wavelet frames generated by the Walsh polynomials on R+ by using extension principles. We first show that under some mild conditions, the periodization of any wavelet frame constructed by the unitary extension principle is still a periodic wavelet frame on R + . Then, we construct a pair of dual periodic wavelet frames generated by the Walsh polynomials on R + using the machinery of the mixed extension principle and Walsh–Fourier transforms.
Corrosion Behavior in 3.5% NaCl Solutions of γ-TiAl Processed by Electron Beam Melting Process
Authors: Seikh Asiful , Mohammad Ashfaq , Sherif El-Sayed , Al-Ahmari Abdulrahaman
Published: December 2015

In this work, the corrosion behavior of γ-TiAl alloy produced by electron beam melting (EBM) process in 3.5% NaCl solution was reported. The study has been performed using potentiodynamic polarization resistance and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy techniques and complemented by scanning electron microscopy investigations. All measurements were carried out after different periods of alloy exposure in the chloride solutions and at different temperatures. The results showed that the EBM produced γ-TiAl alloy has excellent corrosion resistance confirmed by the high values of polarization resistance and the low values of corrosion current and corrosion rate. With increase in immersion time, the corrosion potential moved to a higher positive value with a decrease in corrosion current and corrosion rate, which suggests an improvement in corrosion resistance. On the other hand, the increase of temperature was found to significantly increase the corrosion of the processed γ-TiAl alloy.
Symmetry Breaking of B2N(−, 0, +): An Aspect of the Electric Potential and Atomic Charges
Authors: Monajjemi Majid , Bagheri Samira , Moosavi Matin , Moradiyeh Nahid , Zakeri Mina , Attarikhasraghi Naime , Saghayimarouf Nastaran , Niyatzadeh Ghorban , Shekarkhand Marzie , Khalilimofrad Mohammad , Ahmadin Hashem , Ahadi Maryam
Published: December 2015

In this study, the three forms of B2N(−, 0, +)—radical, anion and cation—have been compared in terms of electric potential and atomic charges, ESP, rather than the well-known cut of the potential energy surface (PES). We have realized that the double minimum of the BNB radical is related to the lack of the correct permutational symmetry of the wave function and charge distribution. The symmetry breaking (SB) for B2N(0, +) exhibits energy barrier in the region of (5–150) cm−1. The SB barrier goes through a dynamic change with no centrosymmetric form which depends on the wave function or charge distribution. In spite of A ˜ 2 Σ g + exited state, the B ˜ 2 ∏ g excited configuration contributes to the ground state ( B ˜ 2 ∏ g − X ˜ 2 Σ u + ) for forming radicals. The SB did not occur for the anion form (B2N(−)) in any electrostatic potential and charges distribution. Finally, we have modified the Columbic term of the Schrödinger equation to define the parameters “αα' and ββ'” in order to investigate the SBs subject.
Characterization of Amorphous and Co-Amorphous Simvastatin Formulations Prepared by Spray Drying
Authors: Craye Goedele , Löbmann Korbinian , Grohganz Holger , Rades Thomas , Laitinen Riikka
Published: December 2015

In this study, spray drying from aqueous solutions, using the surface-active agent sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) as a solubilizer, was explored as a production method for co-amorphous simvastatin–lysine (SVS-LYS) at 1:1 molar mixtures, which previously have been observed to form a co-amorphous mixture upon ball milling. In addition, a spray-dried formulation of SVS without LYS was prepared. Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) revealed that SLS coated the SVS and SVS-LYS particles upon spray drying. X-ray powder diffraction (XRPD) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) showed that in the spray-dried formulations the remaining crystallinity originated from SLS only. The best dissolution properties and a “spring and parachute” effect were found for SVS spray-dried from a 5% SLS solution without LYS. Despite the presence of at least partially crystalline SLS in the mixtures, all the studied formulations were able to significantly extend the stability of amorphous SVS compared to previous co-amorphous formulations of SVS. The best stability (at least 12 months in dry conditions) was observed when SLS was spray-dried with SVS (and LYS). In conclusion, spray drying of SVS and LYS from aqueous surfactant solutions was able to produce formulations with improved physical stability for amorphous SVS.
The Novel Multiple Inner Primers-Loop-Mediated Isothermal Amplification (MIP-LAMP) for Rapid Detection and Differentiation of Listeria monocytogenes
Authors: Wang Yi , Wang Yan , Ma Aijing , Li Dongxun , Luo Lijuan , Liu Dongxin , Hu Shoukui , Jin Dong , Liu Kai , Ye Changyun
Published: December 2015

Here, a novel model of loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP), termed multiple inner primers-LAMP (MIP-LAMP), was devised and successfully applied to detect Listeria monocytogenes. A set of 10 specific MIP-LAMP primers, which recognized 14 different regions of target gene, was designed to target a sequence in the hlyA gene. The MIP-LAMP assay efficiently amplified the target element within 35 min at 63 °C and was evaluated for sensitivity and specificity. The templates were specially amplified in the presence of the genomic DNA from L. monocytogenes. The limit of detection (LoD) of MIP-LAMP assay was 62.5 fg/reaction using purified L. monocytogenes DNA. The LoD for DNA isolated from serial dilutions of L. monocytogenes cells in buffer and in milk corresponded to 2.4 CFU and 24 CFU, respectively. The amplified products were analyzed by real-time monitoring of changes in turbidity, and visualized by adding Loop Fluorescent Detection Reagent (FD), or as a ladder-like banding pattern on gel electrophoresis. A total of 48 pork samples were investigated for L. monocytogenes by the novel MIP-LAMP method, and the diagnostic accuracy was shown to be 100% when compared to the culture-biotechnical method. In conclusion, the MIP-LAMP methodology was demonstrated to be a reliable, sensitive and specific tool for rapid detection of L. monocytogenes strains.
Oral Administration of Achyranthis radix Extract Prevents TMA-induced Allergic Contact Dermatitis by Regulating Th2 Cytokine and Chemokine Production in Vivo
Authors: Jung Sung , Choi Dae , Kwon Da-Ae , Kim Min , Seong Ki , Shon Dong-Hwa
Published: December 2015

Allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) remains a major skin disease in many countries, necessitating the discovery of novel and effective anti-ACD agents. In this study, we investigated the preventive effects of Achyranthis radix extract (AcRE) on trimellitic anhydride (TMA)-induced dermatitis and the potential mechanism of action involved. Oral administration of AcRE and prednisolone (PS) significantly suppressed TMA-induced increases in ear and epidermal thickness, and IgE expression. In addition, abnormal expression of IL-1β and TNF-α protein and mRNA was also significantly attenuated by oral administration of AcRE. Treatment with AcRE also significantly suppressed TMA-induced IL-4 and IL-13 cytokines and mRNA expression in vivo. Moreover, AcRE strongly suppressed TMA-induced IL-4 and IL-5 production in draining lymph nodes, as well as OVA-induced IL-4 and IL-5 expression in primary cultured splenocytes. Interestingly, AcRE suppressed IL-4-induced STAT6 phosphorylation in both primary cultured splenocytes and HaCaT cells, and TMA-induced GATA3 mRNA expression ex vivo. AcRE also suppressed TMA-mediated CCL11 and IL-4-induced CCL26 mRNA expression and infiltration of CCR3 positive cells. The major compounds from AcRE were identified as gentisic acid (0.64 ± 0.2 μg/g dry weight of AcRE), protocatechuic acid (2.69 ± 0.1 μg/g dry weight of AcRE), 4-hydroxybenzoic acid (5.59 ± 0.3 μg/g dry weight of AcRE), caffeic acid (4.21 ± 0.1 μg/g dry weight of AcRE), and ferulic acid (14.78 ± 0.4 ± 0.3 μg/g dry weight of AcRE). Taken together, these results suggest that AcRE has potential for development as an agent to prevent and treat allergic contact dermatitis.
Influence of Pre-Fermentation Treatments on Wine Volatile and Sensory Profile of the New Disease Tolerant Cultivar Solaris
Authors: Zhang Shujuan , Petersen Mikael , Liu Jing , Toldam-Andersen Torben
Published: December 2015

Solaris is a new disease tolerant cultivar increasingly cultivated in cool climate regions. In order to explore the winemaking processes’ potential to make different styles of Solaris wines, the effects of different pre-fermentation treatments (direct press after crushing, whole cluster press, cold maceration, and skin fermentation) on the volatile profile, chemical, and sensory properties of Solaris wines were investigated. Cold maceration treatment for 24 h and fermentation on skin led to wines with lower acidity and higher glycerol and total polyphenol indexes. Sensory analysis showed that cold maceration enhanced “apricot” and “apple” flavor while skin fermentation gave rise to increased “rose” and “elderflower” flavor. The PLS regression model revealed that fruity flavor of cold macerated wines was related to a combination of esters while β-damascenone and linalool were correlated to the “rose” and “elderflower” flavor. This study provides information about pre-fermentation techniques that allowed the possibility of obtaining wines with different styles.
Influence of Excipients and Spray Drying on the Physical and Chemical Properties of Nutraceutical Capsules Containing Phytochemicals from Black Bean Extract
Authors: Guajardo-Flores Daniel , Rempel Curtis , Gutiérrez-Uribe Janet , Serna-Saldívar Sergio
Published: December 2015

Black beans (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) are a rich source of flavonoids and saponins with proven health benefits. Spray dried black bean extract powders were used in different formulations for the production of nutraceutical capsules with reduced batch-to-batch weight variability. Factorial designs were used to find an adequate maltodextrin-extract ratio for the spray-drying process to produce black bean extract powders. Several flowability properties were used to determine composite flow index of produced powders. Powder containing 6% maltodextrin had the highest yield (78.6%) and the best recovery of flavonoids and saponins (>56% and >73%, respectively). The new complexes formed by the interaction of black bean powder with maltodextrin, microcrystalline cellulose 50 and starch exhibited not only bigger particles, but also a rougher structure than using only maltodextrin and starch as excipients. A drying process prior to capsule production improved powder flowability, increasing capsule weight and reducing variability. The formulation containing 25.0% of maltodextrin, 24.1% of microcrystalline cellulose 50, 50% of starch and 0.9% of magnesium stearate produced capsules with less than 2.5% weight variability. The spray drying technique is a feasible technique to produce good flow extract powders containing valuable phytochemicals and low cost excipients to reduce the end-product variability.
Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms in the FADS Gene Cluster but not the ELOVL2 Gene are Associated with Serum Polyunsaturated Fatty Acid Composition and Development of Allergy (in a Swedish Birth Cohort)
Authors: Barman Malin , Nilsson Staffan , Torinsson Naluai Åsa , Sandin Anna , Wold Agnes , Sandberg Ann-Sofie
Published: December 2015

Exposure to polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) influences immune function and may affect the risk of allergy development. Long chain PUFAs are produced from dietary precursors catalyzed by desaturases and elongases encoded by FADS and ELOVL genes. In 211 subjects, we investigated whether polymorphisms in the FADS gene cluster and the ELOVL2 gene were associated with allergy or PUFA composition in serum phospholipids in a Swedish birth-cohort sampled at birth and at 13 years of age; allergy was diagnosed at 13 years of age. Minor allele carriers of rs102275 and rs174448 (FADS gene cluster) had decreased proportions of 20:4 n-6 in cord and adolescent serum and increased proportions of 20:3 n-6 in cord serum as well as a nominally reduced risk of developing atopic eczema, but not respiratory allergy, at 13 years of age. Minor allele carriers of rs17606561 in the ELOVL2 gene had nominally decreased proportions of 20:4 n-6 in cord serum but ELOVL polymorphisms (rs2236212 and rs17606561) were not associated with allergy development. Thus, reduced capacity to desaturase n-6 PUFAs due to FADS polymorphisms was nominally associated with reduced risk for eczema development, which could indicate a pathogenic role for long-chain PUFAs in allergy development.
Proteomics Is Analytical Chemistry: Fitness-for-Purpose in the Application of Top-Down and Bottom-Up Analyses
Authors: Coorssen Jens , Yergey Alfred
Published: December 2015

Molecular mechanisms underlying health and disease function at least in part based on the flexibility and fine-tuning afforded by protein isoforms and post-translational modifications. The ability to effectively and consistently resolve these protein species or proteoforms, as well as assess quantitative changes is therefore central to proteomic analyses. Here we discuss the pros and cons of currently available and developing analytical techniques from the perspective of the full spectrum of available tools and their current applications, emphasizing the concept of fitness-for-purpose in experimental design based on consideration of sample size and complexity; this necessarily also addresses analytical reproducibility and its variance. Data quality is considered the primary criterion, and we thus emphasize that the standards of Analytical Chemistry must apply throughout any proteomic analysis.
Application-Ready Expedited MODIS Data for Operational Land Surface Monitoring of Vegetation Condition
Authors: Brown Jesslyn , Howard Daniel , Wylie Bruce , Frieze Aaron , Ji Lei , Gacke Carolyn
Published: December 2015

Monitoring systems benefit from high temporal frequency image data collected from the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) system. Because of near-daily global coverage, MODIS data are beneficial to applications that require timely information about vegetation condition related to drought, flooding, or fire danger. Rapid satellite data streams in operational applications have clear benefits for monitoring vegetation, especially when information can be delivered as fast as changing surface conditions. An “expedited” processing system called “eMODIS” operated by the U.S. Geological Survey provides rapid MODIS surface reflectance data to operational applications in less than 24 h offering tailored, consistently-processed information products that complement standard MODIS products. We assessed eMODIS quality and consistency by comparing to standard MODIS data. Only land data with known high quality were analyzed in a central U.S. study area. When compared to standard MODIS (MOD/MYD09Q1), the eMODIS Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) maintained a strong, significant relationship to standard MODIS NDVI, whether from morning (Terra) or afternoon (Aqua) orbits. The Aqua eMODIS data were more prone to noise than the Terra data, likely due to differences in the internal cloud mask used in MOD/MYD09Q1 or compositing rules. Post-processing temporal smoothing decreased noise in eMODIS data.
Reconstruction of Daily 30 m Data from HJ CCD, GF-1 WFV, Landsat, and MODIS Data for Crop Monitoring
Authors: Wu Mingquan , Zhang Xiaoyang , Huang Wenjiang , Niu Zheng , Wang Changyao , Li Wang , Hao Pengyu
Published: December 2015

With the recent launch of new satellites and the developments of spatiotemporal data fusion methods, we are entering an era of high spatiotemporal resolution remote-sensing analysis. This study proposed a method to reconstruct daily 30 m remote-sensing data for monitoring crop types and phenology in two study areas located in Xinjiang Province, China. First, the Spatial and Temporal Data Fusion Approach (STDFA) was used to reconstruct the time series high spatiotemporal resolution data from the Huanjing satellite charge coupled device (HJ CCD), Gaofen satellite no. 1 wide field-of-view camera (GF-1 WFV), Landsat, and Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) data. Then, the reconstructed time series were applied to extract crop phenology using a Hybrid Piecewise Logistic Model (HPLM). In addition, the onset date of greenness increase (OGI) and greenness decrease (OGD) were also calculated using the simulated phenology. Finally, crop types were mapped using the phenology information. The results show that the reconstructed high spatiotemporal data had a high quality with a proportion of good observations (PGQ) higher than 0.95 and the HPLM approach can simulate time series Normalized Different Vegetation Index (NDVI) very well with R2 ranging from 0.635 to 0.952 in Luntai and 0.719 to 0.991 in Bole, respectively. The reconstructed high spatiotemporal data were able to extract crop phenology in single crop fields, which provided a very detailed pattern relative to that from time series MODIS data. Moreover, the crop types can be classified using the reconstructed time series high spatiotemporal data with overall accuracy equal to 0.91 in Luntai and 0.95 in Bole, which is 0.028 and 0.046 higher than those obtained by using multi-temporal Landsat NDVI data.
Remotely Sensed Trajectory Analysis of Channel Migration in Lower Jingjiang Reach during the Period of 1983–2013
Authors: Yang Chao , Cai Xiaobin , Wang Xuelei , Yan Ranran , Zhang Ting , Zhang Qing , Lu Xiaorong
Published: December 2015

In China, the Lower Jingjiang Reach (LJR) of the Yangtze River could be one of the most complicated areas in terms of channel migration. The river had undergone many channel changes in the reach since the 18th century. Intensive human activities in recent decades, such as the construction of upstream dams and revetments, had directly affected the channel migration characteristics. The revetment would significantly diminish migration, whereas the reduced sediment caused by dams would increase bank erosion and bank failure risks. Satellite imageries of Landsat Multi Spectral Scanner (MSS), Thematic Mapper (TM), Enhanced Thematic Mapper Plus (ETM+) and Operational Land Imager (OLI) were employed to quantify the planform migration of the reach from 1983 to 2013 and to investigate the possible effect of human activities on the LJR channel evolution. Apart from the commonly used planform morphometric parameters, the migration direction was introduced to predict the future migration trends. Results showed that the LJR was gradually changing to a straighter channel, with sinuosity reducing from 2.09 to 1.9 and river length decreasing from 125.32 km to 113.31 km in the past 30 years. Planform morphometric parameters, such as migration rate of the channel centerline and erosion and deposition areas and rates, also decreased drastically in the past 30 years. The migration rate of the channel centerline decreased from 31.05 m·year−1 in 1983–1988 to 11.62 m·year−1 in 2009–2013. The lateral erosion and deposition areas decreased from 21.32 and 25.73 km2 in 1983–1988 to 4.83 and 5.83 km2 in 2009–2013. All of these findings indicate that the LJR tended to be in a steady state from 1983 to 2013 and was totally controlled by the bank revetments. However, the undercutting was strengthened because of the restrictive effect of revetments on lateral migration in the LJR. Moreover, the channel migrated to the left bank with a visible tendency as the total migration area to the left bank was approximately two times that of the right bank during the period. Consequently, the left bank of the LJR should be the focus of more attention in future migrations, and bank revetments of the left bank should be kept reinforced and adjusted with the change of water and sediment conditions.
Abnormal Condition Monitoring of Workpieces Based on RFID for Wisdom Manufacturing Workshops
Authors: Zhang Cunji , Yao Xifan , Zhang Jianming
Published: December 2015

Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology has been widely used in many fields. However, previous studies have mainly focused on product life cycle tracking, and there are few studies on real-time status monitoring of workpieces in manufacturing workshops. In this paper, a wisdom manufacturing model is introduced, a sensing-aware environment for a wisdom manufacturing workshop is constructed, and RFID event models are defined. A synthetic data cleaning method is applied to clean the raw RFID data. The Complex Event Processing (CEP) technology is adopted to monitor abnormal conditions of workpieces in real time. The RFID data cleaning method and data mining technology are examined by simulation and physical experiments. The results show that the synthetic data cleaning method preprocesses data well. The CEP based on the Rifidi® Edge Server technology completed abnormal condition monitoring of workpieces in real time. This paper reveals the importance of RFID spatial and temporal data analysis in real-time status monitoring of workpieces in wisdom manufacturing workshops.
Development of a Wireless and Passive SAW-Based Chemical Sensor for Organophosphorous Compound Detection
Authors: Xu Fang-Qian , Wang Wen , Xue Xu-Feng , Hu Hao-Liang , Liu Xin-Lu , Pan Yong
Published: December 2015

A new wireless and passive surface acoustic wave (SAW)-based chemical sensor for organophosphorous compound (OC) detection is presented. A 434 MHz reflective delay line configuration composed by single phase unidirectional transducers (SPUDTs) and three shorted reflectors was fabricated on YZ LiNbO3 piezoelectric substrate as the sensor element. A thin fluoroalcoholpolysiloxane (SXFA) film acted as the sensitive interface deposited onto the SAW propagation path between the second and last reflectors of the SAW device. The first reflector was used for the temperature compensation utilizing the difference method. The adsorption between the SXFA and OC molecules modulates the SAW propagation, especially for the time delay of the SAW, hence, the phase shifts of the reflection peaks from the corresponding reflectors can be used to characterize the target OC. Prior to the sensor fabrication, the coupling of modes (COM) and perturbation theory were utilized to predict the SAW device performance and the gas adsorption. Referring to a frequency-modulated continuous wave (FMCW)-based reader unit, the developed SAW chemical sensor was wirelessly characterized in gas exposure experiments for dimethylmethylphosphonate (DMMP) detection. Sensor performance parameters such as phase sensitivity, repeatability, linearity, and temperature compensation were evaluated experimentally.
Sensing Home: A Cost-Effective Design for Smart Home via Heterogeneous Wireless Networks
Authors: Fan Xiaohu , Huang Hao , Qi Shipeng , Luo Xincheng , Zeng Jing , Xie Qubo , Xie Changsheng
Published: December 2015

The aging population has inspired the marketing of advanced real time devices for home health care, more and more wearable devices and mobile applications, which have emerged in this field. However, to properly collect behavior information, accurately recognize human activities, and deploy the whole system in a real living environment is a challenging task. In this paper, we propose a feasible wireless-based solution to deploy a data collection scheme, activity recognition model, feedback control and mobile integration via heterogeneous networks. We compared and found a suitable algorithm that can be run on cost-efficient embedded devices. Specifically, we use the Super Set Transformation method to map the raw data into a sparse binary matrix. Furthermore, designed front-end devices of low power consumption gather the living data of the habitant via ZigBee to reduce the burden of wiring work. Finally, we evaluated our approach and show it can achieve a theoretical time-slice accuracy of 98%. The mapping solution we propose is compatible with more wearable devices and mobile apps.
Analysis of a Building Energy Efficiency Certification System in Korea
Authors: Park Duk , Yu Ki , Yoon Yong , Kim Kee , Kim Sun
Published: December 2015

The Korean government has established a national plan for the promotion of zero energy buildings to respond to climate change and energy crises. To achieve this plan, several energy efficiency policies for new and existing buildings have been developed. The Building Energy Efficiency Certification System (BEECS) aims to promote the spread of high energy-efficient buildings by evaluating and certifying building energy performance. This study discussed Korean building energy efficiency policies and analyzed especially the influence of the BEECS on the actual energy consumption of a residential building and calculated energy performance of non-residential buildings. The BEECS was evaluated to have influence on gas and district heating consumption in residential buildings. For non-residential buildings, a decreasing trend was shown in calculated primary energy consumption in the years since the BEECS has been enacted. Appropriate improvements of the certification system were also discussed by analyzing relationship between building characteristics and their energy consumptions.
Correction: Graillot, B.; et al. Progressive Adaptation of a CpGV Isolate to Codling Moth Populations Resistant to CpGV-M. Viruses 2014, 6, 5135–5144
Authors: Graillot Benoît , Berling Marie , Blachere-López Christine , Siegwart Myriam , Besse Samantha , López-Ferber Miguel
Published: December 2015

In our article “Progressive Adaptation of a CpGV Isolate to Codling Moth Populations Resistant to CpGV-M.” (Viruses 2014, 6, 5135–5144; doi:10.3390/v6125135) [1] we obtained resistance values of the codling moth, Cydia pomonella, RGV laboratory colony [2], when challenged with Cydia pomonella Granulovirus, Mexican Isolate (CpGV-M), that were lower than those previously published [2]. Careful analysis of both the RGV colony and the CpGV-M virus stock used led to the realization that a low level contamination of this virus stock with CpGV-R5 occurred. We have made new tests with a verified stock, and the results are now in agreement with those previously published.
Viral Infection at High Magnification: 3D Electron Microscopy Methods to Analyze the Architecture of Infected Cells
Authors: Romero-Brey Inés , Bartenschlager Ralf
Published: December 2015

As obligate intracellular parasites, viruses need to hijack their cellular hosts and reprogram their machineries in order to replicate their genomes and produce new virions. For the direct visualization of the different steps of a viral life cycle (attachment, entry, replication, assembly and egress) electron microscopy (EM) methods are extremely helpful. While conventional EM has given important information about virus-host cell interactions, the development of three-dimensional EM (3D-EM) approaches provides unprecedented insights into how viruses remodel the intracellular architecture of the host cell. During the last years several 3D-EM methods have been developed. Here we will provide a description of the main approaches and examples of innovative applications.
Green synthesis, characterization and catalytic activity of natural bentonite-supported copper nanoparticles for the solvent-free synthesis of 1-substituted 1H-1,2,3,4-tetrazoles and reduction of 4-nitrophenol
Authors: Rostami-Vartooni Akbar , Alizadeh Mohammad , Bagherzadeh Mojtaba
Published: December 2015

In this study, Cu nanoparticles were immobilized on the surface of natural bentonite using Thymus vulgaris extract as a reducing and stabilizing agent. The natural bentonite-supported copper nanoparticles (Cu NPs/bentonite) were characterized by FTIR spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray fluorescence (XRF), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), selected area electron diffraction (SAED) and Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) analysis. Afterward, the catalytic performance of the prepared catalyst was investigated for the solvent-free synthesis of 1-substituted 1H-1,2,3,4-tetrazoles and reduction of 4-nitrophenol (4-NP) in water. It was found that the Cu NPs/bentonite is a highly active and recyclable catalyst for related reactions.
Copper-catalyzed asymmetric conjugate addition of organometallic reagents to extended Michael acceptors
Authors: Schmid Thibault E , Drissi-Amraoui Sammy , Crévisy Christophe , Baslé Olivier , Mauduit Marc
Published: December 2015

The copper-catalyzed asymmetric conjugate addition (ACA) of nucleophiles onto polyenic Michael acceptors represents an attractive and powerful methodology for the synthesis of relevant chiral molecules, as it enables in a straightforward manner the sequential generation of two or more stereogenic centers. In the last decade, various chiral copper-based catalysts were evaluated in combination with different nucleophiles and Michael acceptors, and have unambiguously demonstrated their usefulness in the control of the regio- and enantioselectivity of the addition. The aim of this review is to report recent breakthroughs achieved in this challenging field.
Reverse Logistics
Authors: Gencer Yasin Galip , Akkucuk Ulas
Published: December 2015

Reverse Logistics has become an important concept in today's supply chain operations. Besides being an old concept, it was hard to find in literature a precise differentiation from some recycling terminology. This chapter starts with a detailed explanation of Logistics and Reverse Logistics concepts, and then continues with the processes carried out in reverse logistics systems, and also the effects on marketing of the products that are subject to the reverse logistics. With all that, the case of automobile recalls will be included in the research scope of this chapter as an exploratory example. Precisely, the literature shows valid examples of direct relationship between recall of automobiles and their demand. In light of the literature, and real-world examples automobile recalls are examined to better explain the concept of reverse logistics.
Mystery of Recycling
Authors: Gencer Yasin Galip
Published: December 2015

Recycling is a key component of modern waste reduction and is the third component of the “Reduce, Reuse and Recycle” waste hierarchy. Recycling and/or waste minimization is a prerequisite for sustainable value and green environment. Recyclable materials include many kinds of glass, paper, metal, plastic, textiles, and electronics. The composting or other reuse of food is also considered recycling. This chapter starts with an expanded definition of recycling; afterwards, the recycling processes of glass and aluminum are examined in detail. Besides recycling, for a green environment the necessity for reducing and reusing of waste is also considered. Another topic will be the myths of recycling-unknown realities about recycling process. Furthermore, types of recycling and cost-benefit analysis will be explained. Ultimately, the chapter will be concluded by criticisms about recycling, and potential areas for further discussion.
Economic Instruments for Sustainable Environmental Management
Authors: Kocasoy Günay
Published: December 2015

Environmental pollution has been continuously threatening the world. In the combat with environmental pollution problems, waste management authorities, in compliance with the “User Pays Principle-USP”, apply the “Polluter Pays Principle-3Ps” to the waste generators. Thus the resource users and the waste generators will be paying a fee for the resources and services they are using. They can be summarized as water fee, wastewater discharge fee, effluent permit fee, air emission fees, solid waste disposal fee, landfill tax, and hazardous waste tax and product charge, Advance Disposal Fee (ADF), Ozone-Depleting Chemicals (ODC), government product charge and road user fees. The main purpose of charging a fee is to encourage the users and the polluters to reduce the amount of pollutants they are generating and disposing into the environment. These fees can also be named as “a pollution charge fee”, “user charge fee” or “product charge fee”. This chapter outlines the many existing waste fee models.
Green Information Systems for Sustainability
Authors: Raisinghani Mahesh S. , Idemudia Efosa Carroll
Published: December 2015

Green Information Systems (IS) refers to the use of IS to achieve environmental objectives, whereas green Information Technology (IT) refers to the practice and study of using IT and computer resources in a more environmentally responsible and effective manner (Dedrick, 2010). Information Systems, computers and computing in general consume an immense amount of natural resources, the energy used to power them, and the problems that arise in the disposing of obsolete hardware. Mark O'Neill, the author of Green IT for Sustainable Business Practice defines green IT as, “a collection of strategic and tactical initiatives that directly reduces the carbon footprint of an organization's computing operation” (O'Neill, 2010). Issues of sustainability have started to become a significant topic of discussion in the information systems community. IT practitioners are focused more now than ever on reducing the direct impact that IT use has on the environment (Dedrick, 2010).
The Effect of Working Capital Management on Firm's Profitability
Authors: Erdogan Seda
Published: December 2015

Working capital management is an extremely essential issue for the healthy conduct of the sustainability of a business. The active and day-to-day nature of the short term business emporium, the ongoing necessity to substitute current assets and in the meantime to liquidate current liabilities clearly demonstrates the significance of working capital management and therefore the essential duty the financial executives carry. While an optimal strategy of working capital management is expected to positively contribute not only to the profitability of a firm but also its value; there is a trade-off between the liquidity level the firm is carrying and its profitability. The direct effect of working capital management on profitability and liquidity of firms clearly demonstrates the significance working capital management has in a firm and consequently the objective of this chapter is to find whether or not working capital management, i.e. cash conversion cycle has an effect on profitability for the publicly listed companies in Turkey using panel regression analysis.
Groups with volunteers cardiac surgery patients: experience in a cardiovascular rehabilitation department
Authors: Basagni Benedetta , Pancani Luana , Brambilla Valerio , Coruzzi Paolo
Published: December 2015

Objectives: This article aimed to describe a new experience activated inside of a more general psychological approach for patients who underwent cardiac surgery intervention. Material and Methods: The first 100 patients taking part to the groups were subjected to a questionnaire in order to evaluate the satisfaction degree of the meeting. Results: The questionnaire results, showed on the whole a good rating of the meeting. In addition to quantitative results, we express and discuss in this paper some considerations concerning the obtained results. Conclusions: Preliminary data analysis show that volunteers previously submitted to cardiac surgery seem to offer an important contribution to the psychological support of patients recently undergone cardiac surgery.
Psychological profiles derived by cluster analysis of Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory and long term clinical outcome after coronary artery by pass grafting
Authors: Modica Maddalena , Carabalona Roberta , Spezzaferri Rosa , Tavanelli Monica , Torri A. , Ripamonti Vittorino , Castiglioni Paolo , De Maria Renata , Ferratini Maurizio
Published: December 2015

Background: To evaluate the psychological characteristics of coronary heart disease (CHD) patients after coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) by cluster analysis of Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI-2) questionnaires and to assess the impact of the profiles obtained on long-term outcome. Methods: 229 CHD patients admitted to cardiac rehabilitation filled in self-administered MMPI-2 questionnaires early after CABG. We assessed the relation between MMPI- 2 profiles derived by cluster analysis, clinical characteristics and outcome at 3-year follow-up. Results: Among the 215 patients (76% men, median age 66 years) with valid criteria in control scales, we identified 3 clusters (G) with homogenous psychological characteristics: G1 patients (N=75) presented somatoform complaints but overall minimal psychological distress. G2 patients (N=72) presented type D personality traits. G3 subjects (N=68) showed a trend to cynicism, mild increases in anger, social introversion and hostility. Clusters overlapped for clinical characteristics such as smoking (G1 21%, G2 24%, G3 24%, p ns), previous myocardial infarction (G1 43%, G2 47%, G3 49% p ns), LV ejection fraction (G1 60 [51 – 60]; G2 58 [49- 60]; G3 60 [55-60], p ns), 3-vessel-disease prevalence (G1 69%, G2 65%, G3 71%, p ns). Three-year event rates were comparable (G1 15%; G2 18%; G3 15%) and Kaplan- Meier curves overlapped among clusters (p ns). Conclusions: After CABG, the interpretation of MMPI- 2 by cluster analysis is useful for the psychological and personological diagnosis to direct psychological assistance. Conversely, results from cluster analysis of MMPI-2 do not seem helpful to the clinician to predict long term outcome.