bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Optimal energy dissipation in growing microorganisms and rectification columns
Authors: von Stockar Urs
Published: February 2014

This paper proposes a new point of view in analyzing the optimal Gibbs
energy dissipation in growing microorganisms. Small Gibbs energy dissipation
in growth would be of biological advantage because less resource is consumed
and the biomass yield on these resources could be maximized. It is however
not so clear why microorganisms still dissipate considerable amounts of
Gibbs energy while growing. Distillation columns are used as a simple
qualitative model system in order to gain a qualitative understanding of the
question. In both growing microorganisms and continuously operated
distillation columns, small energy dissipation values result in small
process driving forces and therefore in tentatively slow operation. In
microorganisms this entails relatively higher maintenance energy
requirements, increasing thereby the resource cost for growth and decreasing
the biomass yield. In distillation columns, it results in higher capital and
maintenance cost, thereby increasing overall process costs.
A simple model is proposed to calculate the biomass yield as a function of
Gibbs energy dissipation. It shows that this function goes through a maximum
because of maintenance requirements at small dissipations. Experimental data
confirm that growing microorganisms dissipate an amount of Gibbs energy that
is associated with this maximum.
MOLECULAR EVOLUTION OF GPCRS: Kisspeptin/kisspeptin receptors
Authors: Pasquier Jérémy , Kamech Nédia , Lafont Anne-Gaëlle , Vaudry Hubert , Rousseau Karine , Dufour Sylvie
Published: February 2014

Following the discovery of kisspeptin (Kiss) and its receptor (GPR54 or KissR) in mammals, phylogenetic studies revealed up to three Kiss and four KissR paralogous genes in other vertebrates. The multiplicity of Kiss and KissR types in vertebrates probably originated from the two rounds of whole-genome duplication (1R and 2R) that occurred in early vertebrates. This review examines compelling recent advances on molecular diversity and phylogenetic evolution of vertebrate Kiss and KissR. It also addresses, from an evolutionary point of view, the issues of the structure–activity relationships and interaction of Kiss with KissR and of their signaling pathways. Independent gene losses, during vertebrate evolution, have shaped the repertoire ofKissandKissRin the extant vertebrate species. In particular, there is no conserved combination of a givenKisstype with aKissRtype, across vertebrate evolution. The striking conservation of the biologically active ten-amino-acid C-terminal sequence of all vertebrate kisspeptins, probably allowed this evolutionary flexibility of Kiss/KissR pairs. KissR mutations, responsible for hypogonadotropic hypogonadism in humans, mostly occurred at highly conserved amino acid positions among vertebrate KissR. This further highlights the key role of these amino acids in KissR function. In contrast, less conserved KissR regions, notably in the intracellular C-terminal domain, may account for differential intracellular signaling pathways between vertebrate KissR. Cross talk between evolutionary and biomedical studies should contribute to further understanding of the Kiss/KissR structure–activity relationships and biological functions.
Relaxin-3 stimulates the neuro-endocrine stress axis via corticotrophin-releasing hormone
Authors: McGowan B M , Minnion J S , Murphy K G , Roy D , Stanley S A , Dhillo W S , Gardiner J V , Ghatei M A , Bloom S R
Published: February 2014

Relaxin-3 is a member of the insulin superfamily. It is expressed in the nucleus incertus of the brainstem, which has projections to the hypothalamus. Relaxin-3 binds with high affinity to RXFP1 and RXFP3. RXFP3 is expressed within the hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus (PVN), an area central to the stress response. The physiological function of relaxin-3 is unknown but previous work suggests a role in appetite control, stimulation of the hypothalamic–pituitary–gonadal axis and stress. Central administration of relaxin-3 induces c-fos expression in the PVN and increases plasma ACTH levels in rats. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of central administration of human relaxin-3 (H3) on the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis in male rodentsin vivoandin vitro. Intracerebroventricular (i.c.v) administration of H3 (5 nmol) significantly increased plasma corticosterone at 30 min following injection compared with vehicle. Intra-PVN administration of H3 (1.8–1620 pmol) significantly increased plasma ACTH at 1620 pmol H3 and corticosterone at 180–1620 pmol H3 at 30 min following injection compared with vehicle. The stress hormone prolactin was also significantly raised at 15 min post-injection compared with vehicle. Treatment of hypothalamic explants with H3 (10–1000 nM) stimulated the release of corticotrophin-releasing hormone (CRH) and arginine vasopressin (AVP), but H3 had no effect on the release of ACTH fromin vitropituitary fragments. These results suggest that relaxin-3 may regulate the HPA axis, via hypothalamic CRH and AVP neurons. Relaxin-3 may act as a central signal linking nutritional status, reproductive function and stress.
Maintenance of Heterochromatin Boundary and Nucleosome Composition at Promoters by the Asf1 Histone Chaperone and SWR1-C Chromatin Remodeler in Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Authors: Lu Phoebe Y T , Kobor Michael S
Published: February 2014

Chromatin remodeling complexes cooperate to regulate gene promoters and to define chromatin neighborhoods. Here, we identified genetic and functional connections between two silencing-related chromatin factors in the maintenance of native heterochromatic structures and nucleosome composition at promoters. Building on a previously reported link between the histone chaperone Asf1 and the Yaf9 subunit of the SWR1-C chromatin remodeler, we found that ASF1 broadly interacted with genes encoding for SWR1-C subunits. Asf1 and Yaf9 were required for maintaining expression of heterochromatin-proximal genes and they worked cooperatively to prevent repression of telomere-proximal genes by limiting the spread of SIR complexes into nearby regions. Genome-wide Sir2 profiling, however, revealed that the cooperative heterochromatin regulation of Asf1 and SWR1-C occurred only on a subset of yeast telomeres. Extensive analyses demonstrated that formation of aberrant heterochromatin structures in the absence of ASF1 and YAF9 was not causal for the pronounced growth and transcriptional defects in cells lacking both these factors. Instead, genetic and molecular analysis revealed that H3K56 acetylation was required for efficient deposition of H2A.Z at subtelomeric and euchromatic gene promoters, pointing to a role for Asf1-dependent H3K56 acetylation in SWR1-C biology.
Diabetic Pregnancy and Fetal Consequences
Authors: Teramo Kari
Published: February 2014

Perinatal morbidity and mortality, congenital malformations, abnormal fetal growth, both spontaneous and iatrogenic preterm birth, hypoxic complications, and trauma during delivery are increased in diabetic pregnancies. Perinatal mortality in diabetic pregnancies is still three to five times higher than the perinatal mortality in the general population. Stillbirths during the last weeks of pregnancy are often considered unexplained, although recent studies indicate that most of these stillbirths are caused by fetal chronic hypoxia. Importantly, perinatal mortality has not changed during the past 3 decades in diabetic pregnancies, which emphasizes the need to find new methods and strategies to improve perinatal outcome. Congenital malformations have decreased in pregestational diabetic pregnancies because of general improvement of glycemic control among diabetic women. However, the rate of fetal malformations is still two to four times higher in type 1 and type 2 diabetic pregnancies than in the general population. Prepregnancy counseling decreases the risk of fetal malformations. Efforts should be made to improve the attendance of diabetic women in prepregnancy clinics. Fetal overgrowth during the last trimester of pregnancy is the most common fetal complication in diabetic pregnancies. Accurate estimation of fetal weight by ultrasound is especially difficult in macrosomic fetuses. Magnetic resonance imaging can be used to assess fetal total volume, shoulder width, and fat amount in addition to obtaining accurate pelvic measurements. More studies on the clinical use of magnetic resonance imaging in obstetrics are urgently needed. Increased fetal erythropoietin (EPO) level is an indicator of fetal chronic hypoxia, which can be detected antenatally by measuring amniotic fluid EPO concentration. Sufficiently large controlled studies are needed before amniotic fluid EPO measurement can be recommended for clinical use.
Neonatal Hypoglycemia: Are Evidence-based Clinical Guidelines Achievable?
Authors: Hawdon Jane M.
Published: February 2014

Differing risk factors, biological variability, and lack of high-quality research studies lead to the impossibility of “genuine evidence-based clinical guidelines” for neonatal hypoglycemia. However, texts to date have described a pragmatic approach that, in the absence of high-quality evidence, should be adopted. Understanding of normal physiology should also inform practice. Blood glucose levels fall in the hours after birth in all infants. For most, the normal process of neonatal metabolic adaptation initiates glucose release and production, as well as the mobilization of alternative fuels (eg, ketone bodies) from stores so that the physiologic fall in blood glucose is tolerated. However, some infants are at risk of impaired neonatal metabolic adaptation in that blood glucose levels may not rise and the protective metabolic responses do not occur. For these infants, it is important to prevent hypoglycemia, to recognize clinically significant hypoglycemia, and to manage this situation without causing unnecessary separation of mother and infant or disruption of breastfeeding. Investigations for the underlying cause of hypoglycemia should be performed if hypoglycemia is persistent, resistant, or unexpected.
A Scanning-Probe Technique for Mapping the Hardness of Lead-Free Solders
Authors: Hay Jennifer L. , Morillo Carlos , Silk Julie
Published: February 2014

A rapid nano-indentation measurement technique is employed to produce surface maps of hardness. Each indentation cycle requires less than three seconds, including surface approach, contact detection, force application, withdrawal, and movement to the next indentation site. Traditional nano-indentation analyses are applied to the force-displacement measurements from each indentation, but information storage and presentation owe much to scanning-probe technology. Consequently, this nano-indentation technique produces three-dimensional images of mechanical properties which are stored and manipulated just like scanned images.

In the present work, we use this technique to map the hardness of a SAC 305 solder joint with gold plating. After extended isothermal aging, the solder joint comprises three constituents: a tin-rich matrix, a bulk intermetallic AuSn4, and an interfacial intermetallic (Cu, Ni, Au)6Sn5. The softest material is the tin-rich matrix, which has a hardness of 0.51±0.07 GPa. The hardness of the bulk intermetallic is 2.12±0.18 GPa. The interfacial intermetallic has extraordinary hardness— greater than 8 GPa. Under uniform plastic strain, the mismatch in hardness between the interfacial intermetallic and surrounding material may increase the local stress intensity factor which drives interfacial fracture.
Topology Optimization for Cellular Material Design
Authors: Lotfi Reza , Ha Seunghyun , Carstensen Josephine V. , Guest James K.
Published: February 2014

Topology optimization is a systematic, computational approach to the design of structure, defined as the layout of materials (and pores) across a domain. Typically employed at the component-level scale, topology optimization is increasingly being used to design the architecture of high performance materials. The resulting design problem is posed as an optimization problem with governing unit cell and upscaling mechanics embedded in the formulation, and solved with formal mathematical programming. This paper will describe recent advances in topology optimization, including incorporation of manufacturing processes and objectives governed by nonlinear mechanics and multiple physics, and demonstrate their application to the design of cellular materials. Optimized material architectures are shown to (computationally) approach theoretical bounds when available, and can be used to generate estimations of bounds when such bounds are unknown.
Conducting polymer thin films as substrates for cell cultures
Authors: Marzocchi Marco , Scavetta Erika , Zironi Isabella , Castellani Gastone , Bonfiglio Annalisa , Malliaras George G. , Owens Roisin M. , Fraboni Beatrice
Published: February 2014

In biological applications, conjugated polymers offer many advantages compared to inorganic semiconductors, due to their favorable electrical properties and their biocompatibility. Many different parameters affect the cell-substrate interaction and in this work we focus our attention on the role played by the oxidation state and surface morphology of conducting polymer substrates. We realized cell culture substrates using a thin film of a biocompatible conducting polymer widely employed in organic electronics, poly(3,4-ethylene dioxythiophene) doped with poly(styrenesulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS). The oxidation state of the samples was electrochemically modified through the application of a fixed potential, and they were subsequently characterized by atomic force microscopy and optical spectroscopy. Using these techniques we have been able to measure the oxidation state of the polymer films, and to asses that its surface roughness does not depend on its oxidation state. Furthermore, human dermal fibroblast (hDF) were grown on PEDOT:PSS films with different oxidation state, in order to test their efficacy as cell culture substrates and their biocompatibility.
Photographic image tissue characterization of the ulcerated diabetic foot during treatment: technical note
Authors: Pereira Vitor Hugo Honorato , Costa Filho Edelson Moreira da , Santos Fernanda Thaysa Avelino dos , Santos Thays Fernanda Avelino dos , Cunha Sergio Xavier Salles , Brandino Kaique Alves de Melo , Barbosa Rafaella Alves da Silva , Caiafa Jackson Silveira
Published: February 2014

Treatment of an ulcerated diabetic foot was documented photographically. We adapted the ultrasonographic tissue characterization (USTC or CATUS) technique to develop a photographic image tissue characterization (p-IMTC or CATIM) method. Five photographs, taken during medical treatment of an ulcerated diabetic foot following digital amputation, were quantified using imaging software designed to determine brightness intensity in grey scale images. The grey scale median (GSM) changed from 127 to 98; 86; 76; and 83 (out of 255) during follow-up. The area of lesion was estimated by number of pixels and reduced from 17.85 cm² to 12.44; 3.68; 2.11; and 0.15 cm². The percentage of total number of pixels showing granulation tissue increased from 11% to 34%; 56%; 62%; and 75%. p-IMTC quantified treatment progress. GSM quantified generalized changes in tissues, while the area of lesion and granulation tissue were documented quantitatively. Lesions, ulcers, wounds or other tissues can be analyzed using p-IMTC, allowing quantification, characterization and control of the progression of a condition or treatment.
Retrograde venous bullet embolism after thoracic gunshot
Authors: Cavalcante Leonardo Pessoa , Bernardes Marcos Velludo , Rocha Ricardo Dias da , Parisati Marcos Henrique , Souza Jose Emerson dos Santos , Araujo Antonio Oliveira de , Lacerda Patricia de Souza , Pereira Raquel Magalhaes
Published: February 2014

Bullet embolism is a rare complication of penetrating gunshots. We present a case of a 24-year-old man with a gunshot wound in the left scapular area, with no exit wound. Abdominal X-rays and a computed tomography (CT) scan suggested that the bullet was located within the intra-abdominal topography (intrahepatic), but laparotomy revealed no intra-abdominal injuries. After surgery, a sequential CT scan showed that the bullet had migrated to the right internal iliac vein (IIV). Venography confirmed the diagnosis of right IIV embolism and the decision was taken to attempt snare retrieval of the bullet, which was unsuccessful. It was therefore decided to leave the missile impacted inside the right IIV and the patient was put on oral anticoagulation. The patient recovered and was event free at 6 months' follow up.
Do Statin Medications Improve Periodontal Health and/or Outcomes? A Systematic Review
Authors: Jordan Eboné , Hsu Yung‐Ting , Bashutski Jill
Published: February 2014

Focused Clinical Question:

For adult patients (aged ≥30 years) with chronic periodontitis, does the use of 3‐hydroxy‐3‐methyl‐glutaryl coenzyme A reductase inhibitors (statins) improve periodontal health?

Clinical Scenario:

A 59‐year‐old female with a history of hyperlipidemia presents for periodontal maintenance care. She has been taking a statin medication for 4 years, during which time she received comprehensive periodontal therapy, including regenerative surgery in two quadrants. Post‐surgical evaluation revealed substantial gains in clinical attachment and probing depth reduction. Radiographically, significant fill of the intrabony defect was observed. Before treatment, she was very anxious about losing more teeth and is now curious about the stability of her periodontal treatment. For clinical and radiographic presentation of the patient, see Figures 1 and 2.
Characterization of Highly Osteoblast/Cementoblast Cell Clones From a CD105‐Enriched Periodontal Ligament Progenitor Cell Population
Authors: Saito Miki T. , Salmon Cristiane R. , Amorim Bruna R. , Ambrosano Gláucia M.B. , Casati Márcio Z. , Sallum Enilson A. , Nociti Francisco H. , Silvério Karina G.
Published: February 2014

Background: It is known that periodontal ligament (PDL) harbors a heterogeneous progenitor cell population at different stages of lineage commitment. However, characterization of PDL stem cells committed to osteoblast/cementoblast (O/C) differentiation remains to be elucidated. The present study is carried out to isolate single cell–derived, cluster of differentiation (CD)105–positive PDL clones and to characterize the clones that present high potential to differentiate toward O/C phenotype in vitro.

Methods: Isolation of single cell–derived colonies (clones) from a CD105‐enriched PDL progenitor cell population was performed by the ring‐cloning technique. Cell clones were evaluated for their O/C differentiation potential, metabolic activity, and expression of STRO‐1 protein. Additionally, the clones that showed potential to O/C differentiation were characterized by quantitative reverse‐transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT‐PCR) for expression of runt‐related transcriptor factor 2 (RUNX2), alkaline phosphatase, CD105, and CD166 during osteogenic induction.

Results: Six PDL‐CD105+ clones were obtained, three being highly O/C clones (C‐O) and three others that did not have the ability to produce mineralized matrix in vitro (C‐F). The C‐O group showed lower metabolic activity compared with the C‐F group, and both cell groups were positively immunostained for STRO‐1. qRT‐PCR analysis demonstrated an increased expression of transcripts for RUNX2 and CD166 during the maturation of C‐O cells toward O/C phenotype.

Conclusions: These results provide evidence that PDL‐CD105+ purified progenitor cells comprise a heterogeneous cell population that presents a cell subset with high O/C potential and, further, that surface antigen CD166 is modulated during the O/C maturation of this cell subset.
Making Sense of the Educational Present: Problematising the ‘merit Turn’ in the Italian Eduscape
Authors: Grimaldi Emiliano , Barzanò Giovanna
Published: February 2014

This article problematises the recent ‘merit turn’ in the Italian education system. It addresses the analysis of how the global idea of ‘merit as lever for modernisation’ and its related technologies have flowed into a regional education space through a set of four policy trajectories. It explores how these have partially reframed the topology of the education space and its subjectivities, producing frictions, struggles and resistances. The article proposes a composite approach to education policy analysis that combines the interpretative lenses of Foucauldian ‘governmentality’ with the analytical tools offered by Callon's sociology of translation. The analysis shows the intertwining of paradoxical developments. On the one hand it presents how merit is acting as a lever for the establishment of a neoliberal governmentality, where competition, market and commodification regulate educational practice and the formation of its subjectivities. On the other hand, the exploration of the complexities of policy dynamics demonstrates how multiple foci and effective forms of resistance emerge against such an intentional but non-subjective project of ‘modernising Italian education’. Thus, this analysis represents an attempt to propose a ‘public story-telling’, which sheds light on: (a) the messy and unpredictable dynamics of policy enactment, its devices and displacements; and (b) merit policies in the field of education as ‘laboratory sites' for the understanding of how the neoliberal governmentality takes shape throughout the development of the action. In this respect, this work is critical in so far as the methodological disposition towards problematisation could be considered as a reflexive practice enhancing the awareness of researchers, professionals, policy makers and other subjects/agents of education about what is happening around them and how they cope with it.
Bilateral Transfer for Learning to Control Timing but Not for Learning to Control Fine Force
Authors: Yao Wan X. , Cordova Alberto , Huang Yufei , Wang Yan , Lu Xing
Published: February 2014

This study examined the characteristics of bilateral transfer of learning to control timing and fine force from a dominant limb to a nondominant limb. 20 right-handed college students (12 women, 8 men; M age = 21.5 yr., SD = 2.3) learned a sequential task consisting of timing and force control. Each participant completed a pre-test of the task with both hands and then performed 100 practice trials with the dominant hand. A post-test was conducted 1 hr. later. The results showed that after training, participants learned to control the timing and force. Nevertheless, only the time-control learning was transferred to the untrained hand, whereas the force-control learning did not transfer to the untrained hand.
The genesis, methodical foundations, and problems in the realisation of the Atlas de la Nouvelle-Calédonie
Authors: Gay Jean-Christophe
Published: February 2014

The article presents the main organisational, epistemological, and methodical principles assumed by one of the two scientific editors of the Atlas de la Nouvelle-Calédonie, and the problems they faced. The presented solutions may be useful to the authors of similar projects in the future.
Artificialization and Islandness on the Spanish Tourist Coast
Authors: Pons Antoni , Rullan Onofre
Published: February 2014

This article analyses recent trends in coastal urban growth, mainly prompted by tourism in its various forms, experienced along the Spanish Mediterranean coasts and the Canary Islands, with a special focus on the Balearic Islands. The article seeks to measure and compare the differential rates of urban growth between island and continental coasts during the period 1990-2006, coinciding with the latest major economic growth cycle in Southwestern Europe, and where real estate and tourism activities have played a central role. The results suggest that the degree of urbanization in island coastal regions analysed is lower than that of mainland coastal regions.
White and Saturated Blue Phosphorescent OLED based on the Non-Emissive Homoleptic Complex Ir(ppz)3 as single active material
Authors: Lepeltier Marc , Dumur Frédéric , Wantz Guillaume , Bertin Denis , Gigmes Didier , Mayer Cédric R.
Published: February 2014

The well-known homoleptic iridium (III) complex Ir(ppz)
Morel-Lavallée Lesion of the Lumbar Region
Authors: Garrison Michael , Westrick Richard B. , Johnson Michael R.
Published: February 2014

The patient was a 21-year-old male cadet at a military academy who was evaluated by a physical therapist in a direct-access capacity for a chief complaint of low back pain that began the previous day after falling directly onto his back while snowboarding. Given the patient's history of trauma, worsening low back pain, and enlarged soft tissue mass in the lumbar region, the physical therapist ordered magnetic resonance imaging. The findings were consistent with a Morel-Lavallée lesion of the lumbar region. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 2014;44(3):223. doi:10.2519/jospt.2014.0404
Muscle Atrophy, Voluntary Activation Disturbances, and Low Serum Concentrations of IGF-1 and IGFBP-3 Are Associated With Weakness in People With Chronic Stroke
Authors: Silva-Couto Marcela de Abreu , Prado-Medeiros Christiane Lanatovitz , Oliveira Ana Beatriz , Alcântara Carolina Carmona , Guimarães Araci Teixeira , Salvini Tania de Fatima , Mattioli Rosana , Russo Thiago Luiz de
Published: February 2014

Background

The muscle weakness that is exhibited poststroke is due to a multifactorial etiology involving the central nervous system and skeletal muscle changes. Insulinlike growth factor 1 (IGF-1) and IGF binding protein 3 (IGFBP-3) have been described as biomarkers of neuromuscular performance in many conditions. However, no information about these biomarkers is available for people with chronic hemiparesis.

Objective

The purpose of this study was to investigate possible factors involved in muscle weakness, such as IGF-1 and IGFBP-3 serum concentrations, muscle volume, and neuromuscular performance of the knee flexors and extensors, in people with chronic hemiparesis poststroke.

Design

This was a cross-sectional study.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was performed on 14 individuals poststroke who were paired with healthy controls. Mobility, function, balance, and quality of life were recorded as outcome measures. Knee flexor and extensor muscle volumes and neuromuscular performance were measured using nuclear magnetic resonance imaging, dynamometry, and electromyography. The serum concentrations of IGF-1 and IGFBP-3 were quantified by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).

Results

The hemiparetic group had low serum concentrations of IGF-1 (25%) and IGFBP-3 (40%); reduced muscle volume in the vastus medialis (32%), vastus intermedius (29%), biceps femoris (16%), and semitendinosus and semimembranosus (12%) muscles; reduced peak torque, power, and work of the knee flexors and extensors; and altered agonist and antagonist muscle activation compared with controls.

Conclusions

Low serum concentrations of IGF-1 and IGFBP-3, deficits in neuromuscular performance, selective muscle atrophy, and decreased agonist muscle activation were found in the group with chronic hemiparesis poststroke. Both hemorrhagic and ischemic stroke were considered, and the data reflect a chronic poststroke population with good function.
Most but not all laboratories can detect the recently emerged Neisseria gonorrhoeae porA mutants – results from the QCMD 2013 N. gonorrhoeae external quality assessment programme
Authors: Luijt D , Di Lorenzo C , van Loon A M , Unemo M
Published: February 2014

We describe the results of the Quality Control for Molecular Diagnostics 2013 Neisseria gonorrhoeae external quality assessment programme that included an N. gonorrhoeae strain harbouring an N. meningitidis porA gene which causes false-negative results in molecular diagnostic assays targeting the gonococcal porA pseudogene. Enhanced awareness of the international transmission of such gonococcal strains is needed to avoid false-negative results in both in-house and commercial molecular diagnostic assays used in laboratories worldwide, but particularly in Europe.
Identification of potential wetlands in Tiruchirappalli District, Tamil Nadu, India
Authors: Durai A Job Martin , Kalavathy S , Gokula V , Muthukrishnan A
Published: February 2014

Wetland maps are prerequisites for wetland inventory, development, planning, management, protection, and restoration, for conservation of wetland-dependent flora, fauna and humans. It is estimated that 15.26 million hectares exists as wetlands in India according to Space Application Centre (SAC), pertaining to wetlands having more than 56 hectares area. Past research on wetland conservation in the country has shown that micro-wetlands (satellite wetlands) around a bigger wetland act as constellation of habitat mosaic for resident and migratory waterfowls. Often, the size of these micro-wetlands is much smaller than 50 hectares. Therefore, there is a great need to map such wetlands (smaller than 50 hectares). The Tiruchirappalli district, situated in the state of Tamil Nadu, India, is selected for the present investigation to identify the potential wetlands through geo-spatial technology (GIS & RS). All the wetlands within the Tiruchirappalli district have been demarcated from 1973 applying temporal remote sensing data. A total of 2399 wetlands of various size categories have been identified in the Tiruchirappalli District, Tamil Nadu, India. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ije.v3i1.9944 International Journal of Environment Vol.3(1) 2014: 78-84
Assessment of surface water quality in relation to water quality index of tropical lentic environment, Central Gujarat, India
Authors: Soni Hiren B , Thomas Sheju
Published: February 2014

The present study involved the determination of surface water quality index of tropical sacred wetland viz. Dakor Pilgrimage Wetland (DPW), Central Gujarat, India. The main aim of the study was to evaluate various water quality parameters to draw-out the water quality index for an assessment of a tropical aquatic body. The monthly values of pH, Dissolved Oxygen (DO), Total Suspended Solids (TSS), Total Dissolved Solids (TDS), Total alkalinity (TA), Total Hardness (TH), Calcium Hardness (Ca), Magnesium Hardness (Mg), Chloride, Sulphate, Phosphate, Sodium, and Potassium, were analyzed to compute water quality index (WQI). The results manifest that WQI at site 1 (D1) was maximum (161.74), followed by D2 (159.96), and minimum at site 3 (D3) (157.19). The values clearly depicts that quality of water is completely unfit for human consumption unless and until strict and mandatory steps are taken to rejuvenate it. The suggestive measures to improve the overall health of an aquatic body is also discussed herewith alongwith conservation measures and management strategies. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ije.v3i1.9952 International Journal of Environment Vol.3(1) 2014: 168-176
Floristic richness in catchment areas of Papagini River – a tributary of River Pennar, Andhra Pradesh, India
Authors: Kumar Rajendra
Published: February 2014

A floristic inventory study was carried out in Papagini river basin of Andhra Pradesh during January - December, 2008. Species richness showed 545 species. The family, genera and lifeform dominance were determined by dry climatic conditions of this region, thus makes the dominance of Poaceae, Fabaceae, Euphorbiaceae, Acanthaceae and Asteraceae as family level and Acacia, Euphorbia, Cassia, Commelina and Ficus as genera level. The order of lifeforms dominance was herbs, shrubs, trees, grasses and climbers. Further, the ecosystem functions were inspected and predictions were made on future existence of river ecosystems based on present human interventions. There were possibilities of loss of native vegetation, which impede the river functions and destabilization of ecosystem. Hence, to restore/preserve river basin, the Natural Resources Conservation methods were recommended. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ije.v3i1.9953 International Journal of Environment Vol.3(1) 2014: 177-204
Effect of rainfall on the yield of major cereals in Darchula District of Nepal
Authors: Bhandari Govinda
Published: February 2014

Rainfall is one of the most important factors for the growth of cereals. Inadequate water results poor growth and reduced yield. This study is aimed to explore the relationship between rainfall and yield of major cereals in Darchula district of Nepal. The yield of individual cereals is correlated with the seasonal rainfall data using MS Excel to identify the effect of rainfall on yield of cereals. The amount of rainfall in the years 1974, 1977, 1980, 1985, 1986, 1987, 1991, 1992, 1994, 1996, 1997, 1999 and 2000 was reduced which has greatly affected the yield of rice, wheat and maize in 1986 and 1987. In the years 1976, 1977, 1999 and 2000, the decrease in the amount of rainfall has reduced the yield of all major cereals in Darchula district of Nepal. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ije.v3i1.9954 International Journal of Environment Vol.3(1) 2014: 205-213
Effect of intermediate frequency electromagnetic field on the solidification structure and mechanical properties of direct chill cast Al-8 wt.%Si alloy
Authors: Zhang Yubo , Jie Jinchuan , Chen Hang , Wu Li , Fu Ying , Li Tingju
Published: February 2014

Direct chill (DC) casting is currently the most common casting practice employed in industry for Al alloys. In this study, an intermediate frequency electromagnetic (IFEM) field was applied during DC casting of Al-8 wt.%Si alloy. The results show that compared to conventional casting, the alloys processed under IFEM field exhibit superior refinement in the microstructure as well as enhancement of the mechanical properties. In addition, these improvements become more pronounced when the current is increased. The role of IFEM field in inducing forced convection, and the subsequent phenomena, such as achievement of a uniform temperature field, fragmentation of the developed dendrites and the promotion of their equiaxed growth during solidification, could be confirmed by experimental observations.
Breakdown Maturity Phenomenon at Wisconsin Freeway Bottlenecks
Authors: Dehman Amjad
Published: February 2014

This study aimed to evaluate the freeway breakdown mechanism and capacity inventory at four bottlenecks on the Milwaukee County, Wisconsin, freeway system. Bottleneck flow was considered for two capacity regimes: a free-flow capacity regime, defined by the pre-breakdown flow (PBDF), and a congested-flow capacity regime, defined by the queue discharge flow (QDF). More than 1,070 breakdowns were used in the analysis. The study focused on the change in the traffic flow after a breakdown, not only across different sites but from one breakdown to another at the same site. The breakdown behavior of individual lanes was also considered. Furthermore, the correlation between the QDF and the PBDF was also investigated. Some breakdowns resulted in a bottleneck flow increase for the entire section, rather than a flow drop. Therefore, breakdowns were categorized into two types: mature breakdowns and immature breakdowns. The concepts of the flow increase phenomenon, breakdown maturity, and capacity inventory were introduced and discussed.
Assessment of Design Hours for Freeways
Authors: Geistefeldt Justin , Hohmann Sandra
Published: February 2014

Conventional methods for the assessment of the level of service on freeways are based on the analysis of one specific peak hour. In Germany, as in many other countries, the 30th hour is defined as the design hour; in other words, the 30th highest hourly traffic demand that arises in 1 year is used as the input value for freeway design. This paper analyzes the impact of different design hours on the level-of-service assessment of basic freeway segments. On the basis of traffic data from 50 freeway sections in Germany, the extent of congestion over a whole year is estimated through the application of a macroscopic simulation model. With the model, all travel time losses attributable to congestion can be related to the hours in which the congestion was caused. It is found that on freeways with mainly recreational traffic, most time losses are caused within the first 30 h; in comparison, on freeways with mainly commuter traffic, considerable time losses occur even beyond the 100th hour. Therefore, the choice of a specific design hour between the 30th and the 100th hours does not significantly affect the assessment results.
Rethinking the Driver Population Factor
Authors: Seeherman Joshua , Skabardonis Alexander
Published: February 2014

Freeway analysis procedures in the widely used Highway Capacity Manual (HCM) include the input of a driver population factor (Fp), which allows the analyst to adjust the demand depending on the familiarity of drivers with the roadway. This adjustment is based on the assumption that unfamiliar drivers will drive at slower speeds with longer headways and that higher capacity would therefore be required. However, little research supports the use of the Fp, and the HCM cautions against the use of Fp unless the analyst is fairly certain the traffic stream is actually unfamiliar with the roadway. As an experiment, three bottlenecks in California were selected and analyzed during the weekday peaks and weekend afternoons in periods during which the traffic stream was likely to be nonlocal. The results showed that the changes in flow were minor at all three locations. Further research with additional sites and an increased awareness of the definition of familiarity will be required to confirm the results from this research.
Transporting Viewers Beyond the “Hoe and the Machete” The Rhetoric of Mobility in Cuban Mobile Cinema
Authors: Balaisis Nicholas
Published: February 2014

This article examines the Cuban mobile cinema campaign in the 1960s as a case study for thinking about the relationship between cinema and mobility. I examine the rhetoric around mobile cinema in Cuban journals such as Cine Cubano, and in the documentary film Por primera vez (For the first time, 1967). I argue that cinema is linked with mobility in two primary ways: as a virtual mobility stimulated by onscreen images, and as a more literal mobility expressed by the transportation of film into remote rural sites of exhibition. These two kinds of mobility reflect the hopes and ambitions of filmmakers and critics energized by the resurgent nationalism of the Cuban revolution, and the excitement of cinema as a “new” technology in rural Cuba.
History and Transport Policy
Authors: Haefeli Ueli , Kobi Fritz , Seewer Ulrich
Published: February 2014

Based on analysis of two case studies in the Canton of Bern, this article examines the question of knowledge transfer from history to transport policy and planning in the recent past in Switzerland. It shows that for several reasons, direct knowledge transfer did not occur. In particular, historians have seldom become actively involved in transport planning and policy discourses, probably partly because the academic system offers no incentive to do so. However, historical knowledge has certainly influenced decision-making processes indirectly, via personal reflection of the actors in the world of practice or through Switzerland's strongly developed modes of political participation. Because the potential for knowledge transfer to contribute to better policy solutions has not been fully utilized, we recommend strengthening the role of existing interfaces between science and policy.
Houston (Un)limited
Authors: Shelton Kyle
Published: February 2014

How do cities grow? And how do decisions made about mobility and territory impact and structure that growth? Focusing on Houston, Texas after the Second World War, this article looks at how decisions made by city officials helped cement the dual processes of annexation and highway building into the city's growth structure. These strategies, while helping to explain how Houston become a leading metropolitan center during the second half of the twentieth century, also turned into path dependencies that limited Houston's mobility choices and stretched the city's ability to provide services to its citizens. The implementation of these two growth mechanisms shaped the unique development of the city and structured its relationships to the communities around it.
Notions of Mobility in Argentina
Authors: Singh Dhan Zunino , Velázquez Maximiliano
Published: February 2014

The following critical review of notions of mobility in Argentina is motivated by the rapid spread of this globalized term and how it is being appropriated by transport scholars, policymakers, and technicians. Our concern as sociologists – now involved in cultural history and urban planning – and as members of the Argentinean University Transport Network, is the lack of a profound discussion that allows us to talk about a mobility turn.

We argue that the movement from transport to mobility tends to be a semantic change mostly because social sciences and humanities do not lead it, as experienced in other countries. Moreover, we believe that the particular way in which the notions of mobility spread in Argentina must be understood in the context of circulation and reception of ideas, experts, capital and goods, and re-visiting center–periphery debates.
Megafone.net
Authors: Abad Antoni
Published: February 2014

Megafone.net is a mobile web-based collective platform for group coordination
and communication regarding issues of mobility in urban spaces. Among
its features is geo-localization, which allows the carrying out of digital public
cartography projects. Directed by Antoni Abad and programmed by Matteo
Sisti Sette, since 2004 Megafone.net has been inviting groups of people
marginalized within society to express their experiences and opinions. Using
mobile phones to create audio recordings, videos, and images that are immediately
published on the Web, participants transform these devices into
digital megaphones, amplifying the voices of individuals and groups who are
often overlooked or misrepresented in the mainstream media.
Spontaneous healing and complete disappearance of a ruptured posterior inferior cerebellar artery dissecting aneurysm
Authors: Su Tsung-Ming , Cheng Ching-Hsiao , Chen Wu-Fu , Hsu Shih-Wei
Published: February 2014

A 7-month-old baby presented with a 4-day history of drowsiness and vomiting after a falling accident. Magnetic resonance imaging demonstrated diffuse subarachnoid hemorrhage, intraventricular hemorrhage, and variable stages of subdural hematoma in bilateral occipital and left temporal subdural spaces. A partially thrombosed aneurysm was noted in the right craniocervical junction. Ophthalmological examination revealed bilateral retinal petechial hemorrhages. Conventional cerebral angiography revealed a dissecting aneurysm in the right posterior inferior cerebellar artery (PICA). Endovascular embolization was suggested, but the family refused. After conservative treatment, follow-up MRI revealed that the PICA aneurysm had remodeled and ultimately disappeared completely at the 10th month. This case illustrates the relatively plastic nature of intracranial aneurysms in pediatric patients. More studies are necessary to clarify the natural history of spontaneously thrombosed aneurysms to assist in their overall management.
Load sharing in lumbar spinal segment as a function of location of center of rotation
Authors: Alapan Yunus , Sezer Semih , Demir Cihan , Kaner Tuncay , İnceoğlu Serkan
Published: February 2014

Object

The center (axis) of rotation (COR) in the lumbar spine has been studied well. However, there is limited information on the kinetic and kinematic consequences of imposed shift in the location of the COR, although this type of shift can be seen after surgeries using motion preservation or dynamic stabilization devices. The objective of this study was to assess the kinetic and kinematic changes in the lumbar spinal segment due to various imposed CORs.

Methods

A 3D finite element model of the L4–5 segment was constructed and validated. The segment was loaded under a 7.5-Nm bending moment while constrained to rotate about various imposed CORs in the sagittal and axial motion planes. Range of motion, ligament forces, facet loads, and disc stresses were measured.

Results

The present model showed an agreement with previous in vitro and finite element studies under the same load and boundary conditions. Range of motion, facet forces, disc stresses, and ligament loads showed a strong association with the location of the COR.

Conclusions

Acute alterations in the location of the COR can significantly change the load sharing characteristics within the spine segment. The normal location of the COR is a result of the tendency of the vertebra to move in the path of least cumulative resistance.
Nutrimetabonomics: Nutritional Applications of Metabolic Profiling
Authors: Swann Jonathan R. , Claus Sandrine P.
Published: February 2014

An individual's metabolic phenotype, and ultimately health, is significantly influenced by complex interactions between their genes and the diet. Studying these associations and their downstream biochemical consequences has proven extremely challenging using traditional hypothesis-led strategies. Metabonomics, a systems biology approach, allows the global metabolic response of biological systems to stimuli to be characterised. Through the application of this approach to nutritional-based research, nutrimetabonomics, the biochemical response to dietary inputs is being investigated at greater levels of resolution. This has allowed novel insights to be gained regarding intricate diet-gene interactions and their consequences for health and disease. In this review, we present some of the latest research exploring how nutrimetabonomics can assist in the elucidation of novel biomarkers of dietary behaviour and provide new perspectives on diet-health relationships. The use of this approach to study the metabolic interplay between the gut microbiota and the host is also explored.
Platinum Anticancer Drugs and Photochemotherapeutic Agents: Recent Advances and Future Developments
Authors: Shaili Evyenia
Published: February 2014

Platinum-based chemotherapeutic drugs such as cisplatin, carboplatin and oxaliplatin are widely applied for the treatment of various types of tumours. Over the last few decades, a large variety of Pt(II) and Pt(IV) complexes have been developed to improve the applicability in a wider spectrum of cancers, increase their therapeutic window and reduce the dose-limiting side effects. Photodynamic therapy (PDT), which is the administration of a photosensitiser followed by visible light activation, is a promising route to avoid damage to healthy cells and the surrounding tissue. Transition metal complexes as photochemotherapeutic agents are an attractive option for further development in the field of photoactivated chemotherapy (PACT). These complexes exhibit different numbers and types of excited states which are easily accessible upon light irradiation, subsequently giving rise to the formation of various photoproducts that can enable a distinct mode of action. Platinum – diazido complexes are promising candidates for PACT due to the low cytotoxicity when irradiated with visible light. This review summarises the mode of action of current platinum anticancer drugs with cisplatin as a lead example and the development of non-conventional Pt(II) complexes. Background information regarding PDT, the photophysical and photochemical properties of metal complexes is provided, as well as notable examples of photoactivated metal complexes with biological activity. Particular emphasis is placed on recent developments on platinum photoactivated drugs.
Acknowledgement to Reviewers of Agronomy in 2013
Authors: Agronomy Editorial Office
Published: February 2014

The editors of Agronomy would like to express their sincere gratitude to the following reviewers for assessing manuscripts in 2013. [...]
Acknowledgement to Reviewers of Animals in 2013
Authors: Animals Editorial Office
Published: February 2014

The editors of Animals would like to express their sincere gratitude to the following reviewers for assessing manuscripts in 2013. [...]