bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Policies and Procedures for Successful Implementation of Alternative Technical Concepts
Authors: Gad Ghada M. , Gransberg Douglas D. , Loulakis Michael
Published: November 2015

Transportation agencies increasingly allow design–build teams and construction contractors to incorporate alternative technical concepts (ATCs) into proposals for highway projects. The ATC approach allows proposers to suggest modifications to a contract requirement that would result in the project being equal to or better than the design in the solicitation. This paper investigates current procurement policies and pre-submittal procedures followed by state transportation agencies in the implementation of ATCs in transportation projects. The paper reports survey results of state departments of transportation (DOTs) that generated responses from 42 state DOTs. These results were compared with a content analysis of solicitation documents of 65 ATC projects from 24 DOTs. The results showed that although ATC usage was most common in design–build projects, ATCs have been successfully implemented in nearly all project delivery methods. The study showed that incorporation of ATCs into the procurement process allowed for clarification of solicitation documents in a confidential manner. The most important factors for the success of the ATC procurement process are the ability to safeguard ATCs that contain proprietary content and the guarantee of ATC confidentiality. During proposal presubmittal, the agency will need to determine procedural issues involved in confidential meetings and the confidentiality of preproposal communications.
Relationship between Surface Profile Characteristics and the Need for Localized Roughness Correction
Authors: Fernando Emmanuel G. , Walker Roger S. , Mikhail Magdy
Published: November 2015

The Texas Department of Transportation is implementing a smoothness specification based on inertial profile measurements. This specification includes a localized roughness provision to locate defects on the final surface based on measured surface profiles. To identify defects, the existing method checks deviations between the average profile and its 25-ft moving average against the specified threshold of 150 mils. Stations at which deviations exceed 150 mils in magnitude are considered defect locations. Although this method provides an objective approach to identification of defects on the basis of profile data, some districts have taken the additional step of using a bump rating panel to select bumps and dips to be corrected based on the panel's opinion of the defects' severity from the point of view of ride quality. Clearly, a standard method needs to be developed to maintain consistency in ride quality assurance testing. This paper presents results of a study in which bump rating panel data were used to investigate the need to correct defects identified from surface profile measurements.
Laboratory Evaluation and Field Construction of Roller-Compacted Concrete for Testing under Accelerated Loading
Authors: Rupnow Tyson D. , Icenogle Patrick J. , Wu Zhong
Published: November 2015

The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development has seen a rapid decline of low-volume roadway serviceability in recent years as a result of oil and gas exploration within the Fayetteville Shale Play near Shreveport, Louisiana. Similar results are expected on the low-volume roadway network within the Tuscaloosa Shale Play, north of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, as exploration expands. The objectives of this research were to determine appropriate proportions of roller-compacted concrete mixture for the construction of accelerated loading test lanes and to document field construction activities. Concrete samples were produced with four cement contents to determine the effect of moisture and density; the samples were tested for compressive strength at 7 and 28 days of age. The field testing included nuclear density testing, thickness measurements, and field-prepared compressive strength specimens. A walking profiler was used to determine the international roughness index (IRI). All laboratory-produced mixtures exceeded a compressive strength of 4,000 pounds per square inch (psi). When the desired surface characteristics and density were considered, 450 lb/yd3 was chosen as the minimum cementitious content for the construction of the test lanes. The field construction results showed that the speed of construction affected the density, the IRI, and the surface characteristics. An increased speed of construction yielded a rougher surface texture (an increased IRI between 360 and 620 in./mi) and slightly lower densities. The compressive strengths were still adequate and exceeded 4,500 psi at 28 days old. On the basis of the field results, IRI values in the 100- to 130-in./mi range and compressive strengths exceeding 5,000 psi may be expected in a full-scale roadway construction effort.
Concepts to Enhance Specification and Inspection of Curing Effectiveness in Concrete Pavement Design and Construction
Authors: Sun Peizhi , Zollinger Dan G.
Published: November 2015

This paper presents an approach that can be used to consider the effect of the quality of curing and the time of placement (collectively referred to as “curing effectiveness”) on the development of the set gradient and its importance to long-term performance of jointed concrete pavement structures. The approach involves the definition of a curing quality index, referred to as the “effectiveness index,” that is reconfigured to function as a boundary interface to account for the effect of ambient conditions and represent the method of curing on potential moisture evaporation during hardening shortly after construction. Moisture and temperature boundary conditions are incorporated into a simple spreadsheet tool to evaluate heat and moisture transfer mechanisms at the cured surface of a concrete pavement during placement operations. Key parameters for development of set gradients in a concrete slab are identified, and a discussion is presented about how these parameters can be included in construction specifications and monitored as part of routine inspections. This paper also explains a laboratory and field protocol to monitor curing quality and facilitate an inspection program for concrete pavement construction and satisfy specification requirements to meet an expected design life.
Models of Asphalt Concrete Field Compactibility with Focus on Lift Thickness
Authors: Williams Kevin L. , Cox Ben C. , Howard Isaac L. , Cooley L. Allen
Published: November 2015

Compaction of asphalt concrete, quantified by air voids, is a significant performance factor. Although compactibility is affected by numerous factors (e.g., mix temperature), this paper focuses on lift thickness. The pavement industry throughout the years has observed a general trend toward thicker lifts that generally maintain temperature longer and provide more room for aggregate particle orientation during compaction. The current ratios of lift thickness (t) to nominal maximum aggregate size (NMAS) typically range from three to five. The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of lift thickness on the compactibility of 22 field paving projects (72 test locations) through the use of multiple regression analysis. Two regression models were developed to this end. The findings supported general, but not well-documented, perceptions that a t/NMAS ratio that was too high could adversely affect air void levels. Furthermore, optimal t/NMAS range with respect to air voids may be higher (i.e., four to six times higher) than the three to five times higher range allowed by many state departments of transportation. Consideration should be given to further exploration of greater t/NMAS ratios.
Comparison of Density Tests for Thin Hot-Mix Asphalt Overlays
Authors: Wilson Bryan T. , Sebesta Stephen
Published: November 2015

The thin overlay mix (TOM) and ultrathin overlay mix (UTOM) specifications in Texas test falling head water flow as a surrogate measure of density. Current flow time criterion has never been correlated to density; furthermore, there is no maximum flow time to prevent overcompaction. A rolling density meter (radar) and a circular track meter may also be used to measure thin lift density. These tests and traditional core testing were used on three projects, and the correlations between tests were analyzed. Correlations were strong on a project-by-project basis but generally poor when data sets were combined. Flow time and mean profile depth, flow time and core voids, and surface dielectric and core voids were the strongest correlations overall; measured voids were unusually high. The reliability of taking core measurements on such thin samples is questionable and may be overly influenced by the surface texture. The flow test should continue to be used as a surrogate measure of density. No minimum flow time was recommended because of unusually high void measurements. To avoid overcompaction in TOMs, flow time should be less than 6 min on higher-speed or critical sections and less than 10 min on lower-speed, noncritical sections. From the standpoint of macrotexture in the UTOM, no upper limit is recommended for flow time. The rolling density meter should be employed on project-specific issues when full-coverage density measurements are desired. Further testing should be conducted on the reliability of measuring voids on very thin cores.
Structural Health Monitoring System for Ironton-Russell Bridge, Ohio and Kentucky
Authors: Zhang Fan , Norouzi Mehdi , Hunt Victor J. , Helmicki Arthur
Published: November 2015

The monitoring of bridge structures during construction has received significant attention in recent years as accelerated construction techniques are being used more frequently. Continuous monitoring systems can verify that quality and safety are maintained during construction by minimizing construction uncertainties and aiding designers to compare the actual behavior of a structure with the design models. Additionally, the behavior of structures in different stages of construction may be important in the definition of abnormal responses (e.g., the loss or reverse of a previously measured dead load) during the life span of a bridge. This paper gives an overview of the monitoring system for substructure construction that was considered for the Ironton–Russell Bridge between Ironton, Ohio, and Russell, Kentucky, during its design and service stages. First, the sensory network of the bridge will be detailed. Second, data processing (which involves two anomaly detection algorithms) and other components of the monitoring system will be presented. Finally, some of the data collected by the monitoring system during construction will be analyzed, and a comparison between the theoretical and actual response to a major vertical posttensioning event will be made. The result showed that the actual response matched the expected response and that the newly developed algorithm has a promising potential for tracking daily thermal responses.
Highly Regioselective and Stereoselective Hydrostannylation of (Z)-2-Ethoxycarbonyl-1,3-Enynes Leading to (1E,3E)-2-Ethoxycarbonyl-3-Stannyl-1,3-Dienes
Authors: Wang Pingping , Huang Bin , Xie Shiyun , Tuo Yuxin , Cai Mingzhong
Published: November 2015

The Stille coupling of (E)-α-stannyl-α,β-unsaturated esters with alkynyl bromides in DMF in the presence of Pd(PPh3)4 and CuI gave (Z)-2-ethoxycarbonyl-1,3-enynes in good yields. The latter underwent the palladium-catalysed hydrostannylation with tributyltin hydride in THF at room temperature to afford (1E,3E)-2-ethoxycarbonyl-3- stannyl-1,3-dienes in good yields with high regio- and stereoselectivities.
Stereoelectronic Effects: A Powerful Concept in Explaining Kinetic and Thermodynamic Aspects of Retro Cheletropic Reactions
Authors: Sabet-Sarvestani Hossein , Eshghi Hossein , Izadyar Mohammad , Bakavoli Mehdi , Noroozi-Shad Nazanin , Ziaee Fariborz
Published: November 2015

Kinetic and thermodynamic aspects of the retro cheletropic reaction of sulfur dioxide extrusion have been investigated. The interaction of the X–S bond (X=NH, S, O and CH2) and oxygen lone pairs of SO2 showed remarkable stereoelectronic effects and its correlation with the difference between computed and empirical bond length (Δl) have been analysed. The facility of the reaction in the case of four derivatives (X=NH, S, O and CH2) has been investigated from the viewpoint of product delocalisation energy. In addition, substitution effects have been studied on the relative Gibbs free energy of reaction for the oxygen derivative (X=O). Moreover, a correlation has been found between the Gibbs free energy of reaction in the presence of the substituent and Δl as a criterion for the value of the interaction between the X–S bond and oxygen lone pairs of the SO2 group. Finally, a new method based on electron density has been used for evaluation of the synchronicity values of the reaction. According to the corresponding diagrams, the calculated synchronicity values of the Wiberg bond indices and electron density are in good agreement.
Synthesis of New Coumarin Containing Benzimidazole Derivatives
Authors: Menteşe Emre , Yılmaz Fatih , Mutlu Fatih , Kahveci Bahittin
Published: November 2015

This study describes the synthesis of a new series of benzimidazoles that contain a coumarin moiety. The high yielding synthetic reaction was between hydrazide derivatives of benzimidazoles and 3-(1H-benzotriazol-1-ylcarbonyl)-2H-chromen-2-one. The reaction was performed using a very small amount of the organic solvent and without the use of a catalyst.
Uricosuric activity of Tinospora cordifolia
Authors: Shah Palak A. , Shah Gaurang B.
Published: November 2015

Uricosuric activity of different extracts of Tinospora cordifolia was studied in hyperuricemia induced in albino Wistar rat using potassium oxonate. The uric acid level in serum and urine were measured.  Uricosuric activity was also evaluated using phenol red dye excretion model.  Phenol red levels were measured in blood. In potassium oxonate induced hyperuricemia, probenecid, aqueous, hydro-alcoholic, dichloromethane extract and galo satwa (starch of T. cordifolia) significantly lowered the serum uric acid levels. All the extracts increased uric acid excretion and decreased the elevated serum uric acid levels induced due to potassium oxonate. Probenecid, aqueous extract and galo satwa significantly increased fractional excretion of uric acid and phenol red levels in blood indicating uricosuria. Polysaccharides in aqueous extract and galo satwa may be responsible for uricosuric action.

 

Video Clips

Preparation of extracts                             4 min 22 sec

Prepared extracts                                            26 sec      

Potassium oxonate induced hyperurecimia   1 min 46 sec

Injection of red phenol into tail vein                    52 sec

Collection of blood                                           16 sec

Estimation of uric acid                             1 min 44 sec

 
The Promise: Islamic Micro-Finance and the Synthesis of Time
Authors: Retsikas Konstantinos
Published: November 2015

The article explores a particular mode of time synthesis as carried out in the field of Islamic micro-finance in Indonesia. It approaches this financial experiment through Deleuze's tripartite division of time and the concept of promise advanced here. I argue that the analytical promise the concept of promise holds is partly related to its ability to circumscribe a field of practice that is at once theological and economic and partly to its privileging of the time of the future. What the study of Islamic micro-finance offers to studies of Deleuze is a timely reminder that this explicit privileging is not adequate in and of itself for ‘relativising’ the effects of habit and memory on time, thought and politics. This is primarily because promising has a dual, ‘schizoid’ and distressed constitution: it is motivated as much by the affirmative ‘will to power’ as by the negative ‘will to improve’.
Induction of Antimicrobial Resistance in Escherichia coli and Non-Typhoidal Salmonella Strains after Adaptation to Disinfectant Commonly Used on Farms in Vietnam
Authors: Nhung Nguyen , Thuy Cao , Trung Nguyen , Campbell James , Baker Stephen , Thwaites Guy , Hoa Ngo , Carrique-Mas Juan
Published: November 2015

In Vietnam, commercial disinfectants containing quaternary ammonium compounds (QACs) are commonly used in pig and poultry farms to maintain hygiene during production. We hypothesized that sustained exposure to sub-bactericidal concentrations of QAC-based disinfectants may result in increased levels of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) among Enterobacteriacea due to the increase of efflux pump expression. To test this hypothesis we exposed six antimicrobial-susceptible Escherichia coli (E. coli) and six antimicrobial-susceptible non-typhoidal Salmonella (NTS) isolates to increasing concentrations of a commonly used commercial disinfectant containing a mix of benzalkonium chloride and glutaraldehyde. Over the 12-day experiment, strains exhibited a significant change in their minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of the disinfectant product (mean increase of 31% (SD ± 40)) (p = 0.02, paired Wilcoxon test). Increases in MIC for the disinfectant product were strongly correlated with increases in MIC (or decreases in inhibition zone) for all antimicrobials (Pearson’s correlation coefficient 0.71–0.83, all p < 0.01). The greatest increases in MIC (or decreases in inhibition zone) were observed for ampicillin, tetracycline, ciprofloxacin, and chloramphenicol, and the smallest for gentamicin, trimethoprim/sulphamethoxazole. The treatment of 155 representative E. coli isolates from farmed and wild animals in the Mekong Delta (Vietnam) with phenyl-arginine beta-naphthylamide (PAβN), a generic efflux pump inhibitor, resulted in reductions in the prevalence of AMR ranging from 0.7% to 3.3% in these organisms, indicating a small contribution of efflux pumps on the observed prevalence of AMR on farms. These results suggest that the mass usage of commercial disinfectants, many of which contain QACs, is potentially a contributing factor on the generation and maintenance of AMR in animal production in Vietnam.
Using a Random Secret Pre-Distribution Scheme to Implement Message Authentication in VANETs
Authors: Yein Alan , Huang Yu-Hsiu , Lin Chih-Hsueh , Hsieh Wen-Shyong , Lee Chung-Nan , Luo Zhong-Ting
Published: November 2015

In recent years, the development of the Intelligent Transportation System (ITS) has increased the popularity of vehicular ad hoc networks (VANET). A VANET is designed to enable vehicles to exchange information about traffic or vehicle conditions to help other vehicles avoid traffic accidents or traffic jams. To resist malicious attacks, all vehicles must be anonymous and their routings must be untraceable, but still verifiable. The vehicles must trust each other and communicate confidentially. In a VANET, Road Side Units (RSU) are installed on traffic signs or streetlights to help vehicles maintain anonymity, to authenticate messages, or to support confidentiality. However, the coverage of an RSU is limited and the cost of widespread installation is high. RSU installations are incremental, so messages must be authenticated using dense RSUs or sparse RSUs. In this paper, the concept of random key pre-distribution that is used in Wireless Sensor Networks (WSN) is modified to random secret pre-distribution (RSP), which integrates identity-based cryptography (IBC) to produce a message authentication scheme for VANETs in a sparse RSU environment. In the proposed scheme, vehicles follow a process to determine a common secret, allowing them to authenticate each other and obtain the pairing value as a key for use in message authentication and private communication. Evaluation results show that the proposed scheme outperforms related schemes.
From Sugar of Grape to Alcohol of Wine: Sensorial Impact of Alcohol in Wine
Authors: Jordão António , Vilela Alice , Cosme Fernanda
Published: November 2015

The quality of grapes, as well as wine quality, flavor, stability, and sensorial characteristics depends on the content and composition of several different groups of compounds from grapes. One of these groups of compounds are sugars and consequently the alcohol content quantified in wines after alcoholic fermentation. During grape berry ripening, sucrose transported from the leaves is accumulated in the berry vacuoles as glucose and fructose. The wine alcohol content continues to be a challenge in oenology, as it is also the study of the role of chemosensory factors in alcohol intake and consumer preferences. Several technical and scientific advances have occurred in recent years, such as identification of receptors and other important molecules involved in the transduction mechanisms of flavor. In addition, consumers know that wines with high alcohol content can causes a gustatory disequilibrium affecting wine sensory perceptions leading to unbalanced wines. Hence, the object of this review is to enhance the knowledge on wine grape sugar composition, the alcohol perception on a sensorial level, as well as several technological practices that can be applied to reduce the wine alcohol content.
Bees as Biosensors: Chemosensory Ability, Honey Bee Monitoring Systems, and Emergent Sensor Technologies Derived from the Pollinator Syndrome
Authors: Bromenshenk Jerry , Henderson Colin , Seccomb Robert , Welch Phillip , Debnam Scott , Firth David
Published: November 2015

This review focuses on critical milestones in the development path for the use of bees, mainly honey bees and bumble bees, as sentinels and biosensors. These keystone species comprise the most abundant pollinators of agro-ecosystems. Pollinating 70%–80% of flowering terrestrial plants, bees and other insects propel the reproduction and survival of plants and themselves, as well as improve the quantity and quality of seeds, nuts, and fruits that feed birds, wildlife, and us. Flowers provide insects with energy, nutrients, and shelter, while pollinators are essential to global ecosystem productivity and stability. A rich and diverse milieu of chemical signals establishes and maintains this intimate partnership. Observations of bee odor search behavior extend back to Aristotle. In the past two decades great strides have been made in methods and instrumentation for the study and exploitation of bee search behavior and for examining intra-organismal chemical communication signals. In particular, bees can be trained to search for and localize sources for a variety of chemicals, which when coupled with emerging tracking and mapping technologies create novel potential for research, as well as bee and crop management.
Novel Development of Biocompatible Coatings for Bone Implants
Authors: Hou Nicholas , Perinpanayagam Hiran , Mozumder Mohammad , Zhu Jesse
Published: November 2015

Prolonged life expectancy also results in an increased need for high-performance orthopedic implants. It has been shown that a compromised tissue-implant interface could lead to adverse immune-responses and even the dislodging of the implant. To overcome these obstacles, our research team has been seeking ways to decrease the risk of faulty tissue-implant interfaces by improving the biocompatibility and the osteo-inductivity of conventional orthopedic implants using ultrafine particle coatings. These particles were enriched with various bioactive additives prior to coating, and the coated biomaterial surfaces exhibited significantly increased biocompatibility and osteoinductivity. Physical assessments firstly confirmed the proper incorporation of the bioactive additives after examining their surface chemical composition. Then, in vitro assays demonstrated the biocompatibility and osteo-inductivity of the coated surfaces by studying the morphology of attached cells and their mineralization abilities. In addition, by quantifying the responses, activities and gene expressions, cellular evaluations confirmed the positive effects of these polymer based bioactive coatings. Consequently, the bioactive ultrafine polymer particles demonstrated their ability in improving the biocompatibility and osteo-inductivity of conventional orthopedic implants. As a result, our research team hope to apply this technology to the field of orthopedic implants by making them more effective medical devices through decreasing the risk of implant-induced immune responses and the loosening of the implant.
Synthesis of a pH- and Thermo- Responsive Binary Copolymer Poly(N-vinylimidazole-co-N-vinylcaprolactam) Grafted onto Silicone Films
Authors: Obando-Mora Ángela , Acevedo-Gutiérrez Claudia , Pérez-Cinencio Jesica , Sánchez-Garzón Francis , Bucio Emilio
Published: November 2015

This work focuses on the effects of gamma-ray irradiation conditions on the stimuli-responsiveness of silicone rubber (SR) substrates grafted with N-vinylcaprolactam (NVCL) and N-vinylimidazole (NVIM), modified by the simultaneously polymerization and grafting method, which is expected to result in valuable new applications in the near future. The modification of silicone rubber was carried out via γ-ray radiation in order to graft a binary copolymer, poly(N-vinylimidazole-co-N-vinylcaprolactam), by the pre-irradiation method, to obtain pH- and thermo-responsive materials. The grafting yield was found to be directly proportional to the dose and monomers concentration. The biomaterials were characterized by using Fourier-transform infrared attenuated total reflection (FTIR-ATR), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and swelling; and their stimuli behavior was evaluated by lower critical solution temperature (LCST) and pH critical studies.
Nano-Objects and Ions in Liquid Crystals: Ion Trapping Effect and Related Phenomena
Authors: Garbovskiy Yuriy , Glushchenko Iryna
Published: November 2015

The presence of ions in liquid crystals is one of the grand challenges that hinder the application of liquid crystals in various devices, which include advanced 3-D and flexible displays, tunable lenses, etc. Not only do they compromise the overall performance of liquid crystal devices, ions are also responsible for slow response, image sticking, and image flickering, as well as many other negative effects. Even highly purified liquid crystal materials can get contaminated during the manufacturing process. Moreover, liquid crystals can degrade over time and generate ions. All of these factors raise the bar for their quality control, and increase the manufacturing cost of liquid crystal products. A decade of dedicated research has paved the way to the solution of the issues mentioned above through merging liquid crystals and nanotechnology. Nano-objects (guests) that are embedded in the liquid crystals (hosts) can trap ions, which decreases the ion concentration and electrical conductivity, and improves the electro-optical response of the host. In this paper, we (i) review recently published works reporting the effects of nanoscale dopants on the electrical properties of liquid crystals; and (ii) identify the most promising inorganic and organic nanomaterials suitable to capture ions in liquid crystals.
Convergent Double Auction Mechanism for a Prosumers’ Decentralized Smart Grid
Authors: Taniguchi Tadahiro , Takata Tomohiro , Fukui Yoshiro , Kawasaki Koki
Published: November 2015

In this paper, we propose a novel automated double auction mechanism called convergent linear function submission-based double-auction (CLFS-DA) for a prosumers’ decentralized smart grid. The target decentralized smart grid is a regional electricity network that consists of many prosumers that have a battery and a renewable energy-based generator, such as photovoltaic cells. In the proposed double-auction mechanism, each intelligent software agent representing each prosumer submits linear demand and supply functions to an automated regional electricity market where they are registered. It is proven that the CLFS-DA mechanism is guaranteed to obtain one of the global optimal price profiles in addition to it achieving an exact balance between demand and supply, even through the learning period. The proof of convergence is provided on the basis of the theory of LFS-DA, which gives a clear bridge between a function submission-based double auction and a dual decomposition (DD)-based real-time pricing procedure. The performance of the proposed mechanism is demonstrated numerically through a simulation experiment.
Does Tree Architectural Complexity Influence the Accuracy of Wood Volume Estimates of Single Young Trees by Terrestrial Laser Scanning?
Authors: Hess Carsten , Bienert Anne , Härdtle Werner , Von Oheimb Goddert
Published: November 2015

Accurate estimates of the wood volume or biomass of individual trees have gained considerable importance in recent years. The accuracy of wood volume estimation by terrestrial laser scanning (TLS) point cloud data may differ between individual trees due to species-specific differences in tree architecture. We selected three common and ecologically important central European deciduous tree species, which differ considerably in tree architectural complexity in early ontogenetic stages: Acer pseudoplatanus (simple), Sorbus aucuparia (intermediate) and Betula pendula (complex). We scanned six single young trees for each species (18 trees in total) under optimal scan conditions (single tree stand, leafless state, four scanning positions, high resolution). TLS-based volume estimates were derived for the total tree as well as for the two compartments; trunk and branches, using a voxel-based bounding box method. These estimates were compared with highly accurate xyolmetric (water displacement) volume measurements. Coefficients of determination between xylometric measurements and bounding box estimates were very high for total trees (R2adj = 0.99), trunks (R2adj = 0.99), and high for branches (R2adj = 0.78). The accuracy of estimations for total tree and trunk volume was highly similar among the three tree species. In contrast, significant differences were found for branch volume estimates: the accuracy was very high for Sorbus aucuparia, intermediate for Betula pendula, and low for Acer pseudoplatanus. A stepwise multiple regression showed that the accuracy of branch volume estimates was negatively related to the number of the first-order branches within diameter sizes of D ≤ 5 mm and crown surface area (R2adj = 0.61). We conclude that the accuracy in total tree and trunk volume estimates was not affected by the studied types of tree architectural complexity. The impact of the structural variability of branches and occlusion by branches was, thus, not as high as expected. In contrast, the accuracy of branch volume estimates was strongly influenced by tree architectural complexity, though not in a simple way. Because underestimations originated from different sources, the accuracy of branch volume estimates cannot be directly derived from the degree of architectural complexity. These results imply that the voxel-based bounding box method provides highly accurate total tree and trunk volume estimates, whereas further research is needed to improve branch volume estimation for young trees of different architectural types.
Isolated Galaxies versus Interacting Pairs with MaNGA
Authors: Fernández María , Yuan Fangting , Shen Shiyin , Yin Jun , Chang Ruixiang , Feng Shuai
Published: November 2015

We present preliminary results of the spectral analysis on the radial distributions of the star formation history in both a galaxy merger and a spiral isolated galaxy observed with MaNGA. We find that the central part of the isolated galaxy is composed by older stellar population (~2 Gyr) than in the outskirts (~7 Gyr). Also, the time-scale is gradually larger from 1 Gyr in the inner part to 3 Gyr in the outer regions of the galaxy. In the case of the merger, the stellar population in the central region is older than in the tails, presenting a longer time-scale in comparison to central part in the isolated galaxy. Our results are in agreement with a scenario where spiral galaxies are built from inside-out. In the case of the merger, we find evidence that interactions enhance star formation in the central part of the galaxy.
Non-Stationary Flood Frequency Analysis in the Ouémé River Basin, Benin Republic
Authors: Hounkpè Jean , Diekkrüger Bernd , Badou Djigbo , Afouda Abel
Published: November 2015

A statistical model to predict the probability and magnitude of floods in non-stationary conditions is presented. The model uses a time-dependent and/or covariate-dependent generalized extreme value (GEV) distribution to fit the annual maximal (AM) discharge, and it is applied to five gauging stations in the Ouémé River Basin in Benin Republic, West Africa. Different combinations of the model parameters, which vary with respect to time and/or climate covariates, were explored with the stationary model based on three criteria of goodness of fit. The non-stationary model more adequately explains a substantial amount of variation in the data. The GEV-1 model, which incorporates a linear trend in its location parameter, surpasses the other models. Non-stationary return levels for different return periods have been proposed for the study area. This case study tested the hypothesis of stationarity in estimating flood events in the basin and it demonstrated the strong need to account for changes over time when performing flood frequency analyses.
Human Health and Ecological Risk Assessment of 16 Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons in Drinking Source Water from a Large Mixed-Use Reservoir
Authors: Sun Caiyun , Zhang Jiquan , Ma Qiyun , Chen Yanan
Published: November 2015

Reservoirs play an important role in living water supply and irrigation of farmlands, thus the water quality is closely related to public health. However, studies regarding human health and ecological risk assessment of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in the waters of reservoirs are very few. In this study, Shitou Koumen Reservoir which supplies drinking water to 8 million people was investigated. Sixteen priority PAHs were analyzed in a total of 12 water samples. In terms of the individual PAHs, the average concentration of Fla, which was 5.66 × 10−1 μg/L, was the highest, while dibenz(a,h)anthracene which was undetected in any of the water samples was the lowest. Among three PAH compositional patterns, the concentration of low-molecular-weight and 4-ring PAHs was dominant, accounting for 94%, and the concentration of the total of 16 PAHs was elevated in constructed-wetland and fish-farming areas. According to the calculated risk quotients, little or no adverse effects were posed by individual and complex PAHs in the water on the aquatic ecosystem. In addition, the results of hazard quotients for non-carcinogenic risk also showed little or no negative impacts on the health of local residents. However, it could be concluded from the carcinogenic risk results that chrysene and complex PAHs in water might pose a potential carcinogenic risk to local residents. Moreover, the possible sources of PAHs were identified as oil spills and vehicular emissions, as well as the burning of biomass and coal.
Operational Monitoring of the Desert Locust Habitat with Earth Observation: An Assessment
Authors: Waldner François , Ebbe Mohamed , Cressman Keith , Defourny Pierre
Published: November 2015

Desert locust swarms intermittently damage crops and pastures in sixty countries from Africa to western Asia, threatening the food security of 10% of the world’s population. During the 20th century, desert locust control operations began organizing, and nowadays, they are coordinated by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), which promotes a preventative strategy based on early warning and rapid response. This strategy implies a constant monitoring of the populations and of the ecological conditions favorable to their development. Satellite remote sensing can provide a near real-time monitoring of these conditions at the continental scale. Thus, the desert locust control community needs a reliable detection of green vegetation in arid and semi-arid areas as an indicator of potential desert locust habitat. To meet this need, a colorimetric transformation has been developed on both SPOT-VEGETATION and MODIS data to produce dynamic greenness maps. After their integration in the daily locust control activities, this research aimed at assessing those dynamic greenness maps from the producers’ and the users’ points of view. Eight confusion matrices and Pareto boundaries were derived from high resolution reference maps representative of the temporal and spatial diversity of Mauritanian habitats. The dynamic greenness maps were found to be accurate in summer breeding areas (F-score = 0.64–0.87), but accuracy dropped in winter breeding areas (F-score = 0.28–0.40). Accuracy is related to landscape fragmentation (R2 = 0.9): the current spatial resolution remains too coarse to resolve complex fragmented patterns and accounts for a substantial (60%) part of the error. The exploitation of PROBA-V 100-m images at the finest resolution (100-m) would enhance by 20% the vegetation detection in fragmented habitat. A survey revealed that end-users are satisfied with the product and find it fit for monitoring, thanks to an intuitive interpretation, leading to more efficiency.
Protective Effects of Alisma orientale Extract against Hepatic Steatosis via Inhibition of Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress
Authors: Jang Min-Kyung , Han Yu-Ran , Nam Jeong , Han Chang , Kim Byung , Jeong Han-Sol , Ha Ki-Tae , Jung Myeong
Published: November 2015

Endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress is associated with the pathogenesis of hepatic steatosis. Alisma orientale Juzepzuk is a traditional medicinal herb for diuretics, diabetes, hepatitis, and inflammation. In this study, we investigated the protective effects of methanol extract of the tuber of Alisma orientale (MEAO) against ER stress-induced hepatic steatosis in vitro and in vivo. MEAO inhibited the tunicamycin-induced increase in luciferase activity of ER stress-reporter constructs containing ER stress response element and ATF6 response element. MEAO significantly inhibited tunicamycin-induced ER stress marker expression including GRP78, CHOP, and XBP-1 in tunicamycin-treated Human hepatocellular carcinoma (HepG2) cells and the livers of tunicamycin-injected mice. It also inhibited tunicamycin-induced accumulation of cellular triglyceride. Similar observations were made under physiological ER stress conditions such as in palmitate (PA)-treated HepG2 cells and the livers of high-fat diet (HFD)-induced obese mice. MEAO repressed hepatic lipogenic gene expression in PA-treated HepG2 cells and the livers of HFD obese mice. Furthermore, MEAO repressed very low-density lipoprotein receptor (VLDLR) expression and improved ApoB secretion in the livers of tunicamycin-injected mice or HFD obese mice as well as in tunicamycin or PA-treated HepG2 cells. Alismol, a guaiane-type sesquiterpenes in Alisma orientale, inhibited GRP78 expression in tunicamycin-treated HepG2 cells. In conclusion, MEAO attenuates ER stress and prevents hepatic steatosis pathogenesis via inhibition of expression of the hepatic lipogenic genes and VLDLR, and enhancement of ApoB secretion.
Myomaker, Regulated by MYOD, MYOG and miR-140-3p, Promotes Chicken Myoblast Fusion
Authors: Luo Wen , Li Erxin , Nie Qinghua , Zhang Xiquan
Published: November 2015

The fusion of myoblasts is an important step during skeletal muscle differentiation. A recent study in mice found that a transmembrane protein called Myomaker, which is specifically expressed in muscle, is critical for myoblast fusion. However, the cellular mechanism of its roles and the regulatory mechanism of its expression remain unclear. Chicken not only plays an important role in meat production but is also an ideal model organism for muscle development research. Here, we report that Myomaker is also essential for chicken myoblast fusion. Forced expression of Myomaker in chicken primary myoblasts promotes myoblast fusion, whereas knockdown of Myomaker by siRNA inhibits myoblast fusion. MYOD and MYOG, which belong to the family of myogenic regulatory factors, can bind to a conserved E-box located proximal to the Myomaker transcription start site and induce Myomaker transcription. Additionally, miR-140-3p can inhibit Myomaker expression and myoblast fusion, at least in part, by binding to the 3ʹ UTR of Myomaker in vitro. These findings confirm the essential roles of Myomaker in avian myoblast fusion and show that MYOD, MYOG and miR-140-3p can regulate Myomaker expression.
Mechanical Properties and Eco-Efficiency of Steel Fiber Reinforced Alkali-Activated Slag Concrete
Authors: Kim Sun-Woo , Jang Seok-Joon , Kang Dae-Hyun , Ahn Kyung-Lim , Yun Hyun-Do
Published: November 2015

Conventional concrete production that uses ordinary Portland cement (OPC) as a binder seems unsustainable due to its high energy consumption, natural resource exhaustion and huge carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions. To transform the conventional process of concrete production to a more sustainable process, the replacement of high energy-consumptive PC with new binders such as fly ash and alkali-activated slag (AAS) from available industrial by-products has been recognized as an alternative. This paper investigates the effect of curing conditions and steel fiber inclusion on the compressive and flexural performance of AAS concrete with a specified compressive strength of 40 MPa to evaluate the feasibility of AAS concrete as an alternative to normal concrete for CO2 emission reduction in the concrete industry. Their performances are compared with reference concrete produced using OPC. The eco-efficiency of AAS use for concrete production was also evaluated by binder intensity and CO2 intensity based on the test results and literature data. Test results show that it is possible to produce AAS concrete with compressive and flexural performances comparable to conventional concrete. Wet-curing and steel fiber inclusion improve the mechanical performance of AAS concrete. Also, the utilization of AAS as a sustainable binder can lead to significant CO2 emissions reduction and resources and energy conservation in the concrete industry.
Fish Synucleins: An Update
Authors: Toni Mattia , Cioni Carla
Published: November 2015

Synucleins (syns) are a family of proteins involved in several human neurodegenerative diseases and tumors. Since the first syn discovery in the brain of the electric ray Torpedo californica, members of the same family have been identified in all vertebrates and comparative studies have indicated that syn proteins are evolutionary conserved. No counterparts of syns were found in invertebrates suggesting that they are vertebrate-specific proteins. Molecular studies showed that the number of syn members varies among vertebrates. Three genes encode for α-, β- and γ-syn in mammals and birds. However, a variable number of syn genes and encoded proteins is expressed or predicted in fish depending on the species. Among biologically verified sequences, four syn genes were identified in fugu, encoding for α, β and two γ (γ1 and γ2) isoforms, whereas only three genes are expressed in zebrafish, which lacks α-syn gene. The list of “non verified” sequences is much longer and is often found in sequence databases. In this review we provide an overview of published papers and known syn sequences in agnathans and fish that are likely to impact future studies in this field. Indeed, fish models may play a key role in elucidating some of the molecular mechanisms involved in physiological and pathological functions of syn proteins.
Exosomes: Potential in Cancer Diagnosis and Therapy
Authors: Munson Phillip , Shukla Arti
Published: November 2015

Exosomes are membrane-bound, intercellular communication shuttles that are defined by their endocytic origin and size range of 30–140 nm. Secreted by nearly all mammalian cell types and present in myriad bodily fluids, exosomes confer messages between cells, proximal and distal, by transporting biofunctional cargo in the form of proteins, nucleic acids, and lipids. They play a vital role in cellular signaling in both normal physiology and disease states, particularly cancer. Exosomes are powerful progenitors in altering target cell phenotypes, particularly in tumorigenesis and cancer progression, with the ability to alter tumor microenvironments and to assist in establishing the pre-metastatic niche. Many aspects of exosomes present them as novel means to identify cancer biomarkers for early detection and therapeutic targets, and using intrinsic and engineered characteristics of exosomes as therapeutic devices to ameliorate the progression of the disease. This review outlines some of the recent and major findings with regard to exosomes in cancer, and their utilization as therapeutic tools.
A Review of the Uses and Medicinal Properties of Dennettia tripetala (Pepperfruit)
Authors: Iseghohi Sylvia
Published: November 2015

Dennettia tripetala (commonly known as Pepperfruit) is widely consumed by the inhabitants of West Africa due to its distinctive spicy taste. It is also used traditionally as a remedy for cough, fever, toothache, diabetes, and nausea. The highly nutritious fruit is rich in protein, carbohydrates, as well as the antioxidant vitamins A, C, and E. The plant possesses phytochemicals that have been shown to elicit antimicrobial, insecticidal, analgesic, and anti-inflammatory properties. The plant has also been shown to possess chemotherapeutic, antihyperglycemic, and antioxidant properties. In addition, D. tripetala finds application in food preservation and seasoning. This review is the first attempt to pool together scientific evidence for the ethnomedicinal uses of D. tripetala. A critique of the literature is provided, as well as suggestions for future studies that can pave the way for further discoveries on the medicinal effects of D. tripetala.
Tetracycline-Containing MCM-41 Mesoporous Silica Nanoparticles for the Treatment of Escherichia coli
Authors: Koneru Bhuvaneswari , Shi Yi , Wang Yu-Chieh , Chavala Sai , Miller Michael , Holbert Brittany , Conson Maricar , Ni Aiguo , Di Pasqua Anthony
Published: November 2015

Tetracycline (TC) is a well-known broad spectrum antibiotic, which is effective against many Gram positive and Gram negative bacteria. Controlled release nanoparticle formulations of TC have been reported, and could be beneficial for application in the treatment of periodontitis and dental bone infections. Furthermore, TC-controlled transcriptional regulation systems (Tet-on and Tet-off) are useful for controlling transgene expression in vitro and in vivo for biomedical research purposes; controlled TC release systems could be useful here, as well. Mesoporous silica nanomaterials (MSNs) are widely studied for drug delivery applications; Mobile crystalline material 41 (MCM-41), a type of MSN, has a mesoporous structure with pores forming channels in a hexagonal fashion. We prepared 41 ± 4 and 406 ± 55 nm MCM-41 mesoporous silica nanoparticles and loaded TC for controlled dug release; TC content in the TC-MCM-41 nanoparticles was 18.7% and 17.7% w/w, respectively. Release of TC from TC-MCM-41 nanoparticles was then measured in phosphate-buffered saline (PBS), pH 7.2, at 37 °C over a period of 5 h. Most antibiotic was released from both over this observation period; however, the majority of TC was released over the first hour. Efficacy of the TC-MCM-41 nanoparticles was then shown to be superior to free TC against Escherichia coli (E. coli) in culture over a 24 h period, while blank nanoparticles had no effect.