bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pilot project in Mściwojów, as an example of activities aimed at the protection and shaping of a landscape based on 3D visualisation
Authors: Litwin Urszula , Pijanowski Jacek M.
Published: April 2015

The article summarizes the pilot research project and implementation works performed by the
University of Agriculture in Krakow. This was as part of the project “Valorisation and sustainable development of cultural landscapes using innovative participation and visualization techniques – VITAL LANDSCAPES”, implemented as a part of the CENTRAL EUROPE project.
The work was conducted in Mściwojów, Lower Silesia, with a particular focus on the von Nostitz
family property. The work covered creating a 3D visualization of the revitalization concept
for the property, while adhering to the rule of developing local community participation and
decision-makers participation. The developed concept was also subjected to an advanced evaluation of the effects of its implementation, which covered the area of the property with its new
functions. It also covered the water reservoir and the agricultural lands of the village.
Analysis of the sewage system expandability in Mściwojów commune
Authors: Bergel Tomasz , Bugajski Piotr , Pawełek Jan
Published: April 2015

The aim of the study is to analyze the hydraulic conditions of the existing sewage system
and the sewage treatment plant in the commune of Mściwojów. This is in relation to the
aspect of connecting new buildings, as a part of the investments in the pilot project VITAL
LANDSCAPES no. 2CE164P3. The analysis led to the conclusion that an increased wastewater
inflow from the new buildings is manageable. The current capacity of the sewage treatment
plant will be increased by 3 to 5%, which will not affect the stability of the existing treatment
process. The hydraulic analysis of the sewer network proved that the existing sewer collectors
can handle the increased flow.
Fibre-reinforced sand: interaction at the fibre and grain scale
Authors: DIAMBRA A. , IBRAIM E.
Published: April 2015

For fibre-reinforced granular soils, the efficiency of the fibres is governed by the local fibre–grain interaction mechanism. This local interaction mechanism is evaluated, in this paper, by using a modified version of the shear-lag stress theory. While this theory provides a description of the stress-transfer mechanism at fibre–matrix interface level, it also generates the stress distribution along the fibre. The proposed model explicitly accounts for the effects of the geometrical fibre and granular size characteristics, fibre stiffness, global stress level, soil density and the non-linearity of soil behaviour. An analytical expression for the ratio of strains in the fibre and in the composite, which is fundamental for any prediction of fibre contribution, is further derived. A discussion on the effects of the controlling parameters is presented, while the scale-up of the problem at the composite level is then conducted by using a continuum constitutive model appropriately modified to account for the strain ratio between the fibre and the composite. The model is validated against a series of triaxial compression tests on two different sands mixed with polypropylene fibres of different aspect ratios.
THE RETROSPECTIVE ANALYSES OF SOCIAL AFFORDABLE HOUSING DEVELOPMENT
Authors: VAVILONSKAYa T. V , MUShKAT K. N
Published: April 2015

The problems of social aﬀordable housing development in Russia and abroad are considered in this article.
THE ANALYSIS OF FUNCTIONAL ZONING OF COASTAL ZONES OF BIG CITIES OF THE VOLGA REGION
Authors: LITVINOV D. V
Published: April 2015

In article the analysis of functional zoning of coastal territories of big cities of the Volga region which shows is carried out that at various planning schemes of cities key positions in a lay-out of coastal zones occupy demanded functions (inhabited, recreational, public, industrial), and also ways of their further development are outlined.
COLORISTIC DESIGN OF URBAN SPACE IN DIFFERENT HISTORIC PERIODS
Authors: STREBKOVA K. A
Published: April 2015

The article covers various coloristic approaches. It shows changes in color design of urban spaces during different historic periods. It reveals special character of color architectural environment of such historic periods as the Ancient World, the Middle Ages, Renaissance, Baroque, Classicism.
THE ROLE OF THE HISTORIC CENTRE IN THE ROST WAR URBAN DEVELOPMENT (EUROPEAN CITY)
Authors: KOSYKh K. E
Published: April 2015

The article deals with the history of international charters and other documents written to give an international framework for the preservation and restoration of the cultural and architectural heritage. The main tendencies of urban development are described in the article, only those that influenced the policies of historic city core preservation.
NEW CONSTRUCTION IN CONDITIONS OF HISTORICALLY DEVELOPED BUILDING OF SAMARA IN VIEW OF BORDERS OF DOMESTIC SPACES
Authors: SAMOGOROV V. A , RYBAChEVA O. S
Published: April 2015

In article the specific character of new construction in conditions of historically developed environment of Samara which basis is the account of the borders which have developed during long-term town-planning evolution domestic spaces is viewed. On this basis strategy of reconstructive intervention in a city fabric of a historical part of Samara is defined.
HISTORICAL STAGES OF DEVELOPMENT OF INDUSTRIAL DWELLING IN RUSSIA
Authors: KARAKOVA T. V , RYZhIKOVA E. V
Published: April 2015

Modern building has ceased to surprise us for a long time already with beauty and originality of ideas of masters of design and architecture, constantly being improved and surpassing the most courageous expectations. But only twenty five years ago the construction of three- and five-floor houses which in the people named five-storey apartment blocks, enough the simple and simple mass constructions, served cozy houses for thousand people has been stopped. For today the compositespatial environment of residential areas is presented in the form of homogeneous space, the ordinary environment, gray weight. We analyze historical stages of development of industrial habitation in Russia.
BINARY OPPOSITION OF THE PROFESSIONAL ARCHITECTURAL METOD: COMPOSITION AND CONTEXT
Authors: MALAKhOV S. A
Published: April 2015

The article dwells on the concept of binary model of professional method of architect to the level of confrontation of the two approaches. The separation method allows the opposition to rewire a holistic model of the method, based on the interest of the golden mean and the beauty ofnatural forms.
EXPERIENCE OF FORECASTING OF FASHIONABLE TENDENCIES
Authors: VALIULINA S. V
Published: April 2015

Analytical gathering of various techniques in the field of forecasting of clothes, fashion is presented. Methods are based on cyclic law and represent value for economy in the field of clothes manufacture.
STRUCTURE OF THE APPROACHES TO THE ARCHITECTURAL AND LANDSCAPE REVITALIZATION OF CITY’S HISTORIC CENTRE
Authors: STEPANOVA M. A
Published: April 2015

In the article the notion of city architectural and landscape revitalization is defined. Method, principles and tools of architectural and landscape revitalization are given in the case of citys historical centre.
HYDRO RESOURCES ARE OUR MAIN WEALTH
Authors: VOLKOVA E. A
Published: April 2015

On the example of copper-ore enterprises in the Urals we show the level of their impact on the environment and local population. It is determined that the discharges of untreated mine and under dump waters promote high pollution level of heavy metal ions and sulphatescopper is from 190 to 1140 MAC, zinc is from 132 to 3500 MAC, manganese is from 110 to 738 MAC, nickel is from 10 to 12 MAC, cadmium is from 10 to 24 MAC.It is recommended to use electro dialysis method for treating dilute waste water generated in mining industry while developing poor chalcopyrite fields in order to create low-waste resource-saving productions aimed at systematic use of mined ore and recycling of valuable components preventing their loss with liquid and solid production wastes.
METHODOLOGY OF CHOOSING THE TECHNOLOGY FOR THE TREATMENT OF PERIODIC SEWAGE WATER DISCHAGES
Authors: SIZOV A. A , SERPOKRYLOV N. S , KAMENEV Ya. Yu
Published: April 2015

It is offered to choose the technology for the treatment of periodic sewage water discharges by the modified availability factor Кmg taking into account possible technical, ecological and economic factors. The value Kmg = 0.93 shows the advantages of physicchemical technology for treating periodic sewage water discharges.
SEISMIC STABILITY OF THE BASIS GROUNDS AND CONSTRUCTIONS OF BASIC STRUCURESOF THE ZHIGULEVSKAYA HYDROELECTRIC POWER STATION
Authors: ROMANOV A. A , LEONOV O. V , EVDOKIMOV S. V
Published: April 2015

Here is estimated the dilution danger of a sandy ground in the basis of a dam of the Zhigulevskaya Hydroelectric Power Station and the seismic stability of basic constructions of the Zhigulevskaya Hydroelectric Power Station is analysed. The calculated seismic influence for checking the seismic stability of basic structures of the Zhigulevskaya Hydroelectric Power Station is defined and set.
PROVIDING OPERATIONAL SAFETY OF THE BUILDING FUND AT PETROCHEMICAL ENTERPRISES
Authors: YaKOVLEVA M. V , FROLOV E. A , FROLOV A. E
Published: April 2015

There has been considered the operation question of service divisions and technical supervision for construction projects on the petrochemical enterprises. The responsibility for these services has been increased at dangerous industrial projects as failures of building constructions can cause greater ecological problems. It requires from heads of the enterprises to pay more attention to maintenance and repair services.
PRINCIPLES OF FUNCTIONAL ORGANIZATION OF THE COASTAL TERRITORY OF VOLGA REGION CITIES
Authors: LITVINOV D. V
Published: April 2015

This article discusses techniques for functional organization of the coastal areas of large cities of the Volga region, in view of their location in the structure of the city based on the proposed model and provided that priority recreational functions based on load and values of the coastal landscape.
PROJECT-DESIGN METHODS IN THE SYSTEM OF DESIGN EDUCATION AT EURASIAN NATIONAL UNIVERSITY NAMED AFTER L. GUMILYOV
Authors: UTEShEVA G. T
Published: April 2015

Designers creative imagination is considered as constructive purposeful process aimed at creating new mental objects. Creative imagination allows to make the recombination of already known principle concepts, combine new knowledge and to master methods of creative design activity.
Green Manure and Forage Potential of Lablab in the U.S. Southern Plains
Authors: Northup Brian K. , Rao Srinivas C.
Published: April 2015

Forages currently available to support yearling stocker cattle in the U.S. southern Great Plains (SGP) frequently have low quality during mid‐July through September. This study tested the tropical/subtropical legume lablab [Lablab purpureus (L.) Sweet] as both green manure and forage in central Oklahoma. We compared biomass production and nutritive value of lablab (cultivar Rio Verde) to soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] grown during fallow periods of conventional and no‐till wheat (Triticum aestivum L. em. Thell) in 2008 to 2011. Biomass was collected at different growth stages during growing seasons and assayed for yield, N accumulation (kg N ha−1), crude protein (CP), and in vitro digestible dry matter (IVDDM) concentration. Lablab produced more biomass than soybean (1415 vs. 1170 kg ha−1 yr−1, P = 0.02) across tillage systems; production declined over years (P < 0.01). Legume × year interaction (P ≤ 0.03) was noted in CP and IVDDM. Lablab averaged (±1 SD) more accumulated N than soybean [55(± 25) vs. 40(± 24) kg N ha−1 yr−1] and had greater CP (P < 0.01) in all years; amounts in both species declined with length of study. Digestibility of lablab exceeded soybean (P < 0.01) throughout the study. We concluded that lablab contributed more biomass and N than soybean as green manure or forage within continuous systems of wheat production. Function of both legumes was limited by low precipitation and continuous double‐cropping within wheat systems. Despite low production, lablab could be high quality forage for stocker cattle during late summer.
Corn Yield Response to Phosphorus Fertilization in Northeastern China
Authors: Zhang Yubin , Peng Mengsu , Wang Jianfeng , Gao Qiang , Cao Ning , Yang Zhenming
Published: April 2015

Limited information on the relationship between corn (Zea mays L.) yield and P fertilization rate has hampered rational P‐management strategies, which are necessary to help agronomists match P inputs with crop requirements. This study has evaluated corn yield response to P fertilization rates via 419 on‐farm experiments in northeastern China. The increased yield due to phosphorus fertilization (IYp, the highest yield among all P fertilization treatments minus the yield of the zero phosphorus control [P0] treatment) averaged 1.3 Mg ha−1 and varied from –1.38 to 4.98 Mg ha−1. This variation can be explained by variable farming practices, hybrid corn varieties, and environmental factors (e.g., water availability). Under the current P‐management system, the maximum corn yield increased and IYp decreased with increasing P0 yield, suggesting that further increasing the IYp of the P0 treatment via the strategic management of hybrids, soil, and P input is essential for achieving high yields and high phosphorus‐use efficiency (PUE).
Characterization of Soil Surface Roughness Effects on Runoff and Soil Erosion Rates under Simulated Rainfall
Authors: Vermang J. , Norton L.D. , Huang C. , Cornelis W.M. , da Silva A.M. , Gabriels D.
Published: April 2015

This study aims at identifying the influence of soil surface roughness from small to large aggregates (random roughness) on runoff and soil loss and to investigate the interaction with soil surface seal formation. Bulk samples of a silty clay loam soil were sieved to four aggregate‐size classes of 3 to 12, 12 to 20, 20 to 45, 45 to 100 mm, and packed in soil trays set at a 5% slope. Rainfall simulations using an oscillating nozzle simulator were conducted for 90 min at an average rainfall intensity of 50.2 mm h−1. Soil surface roughness was measured using an instantaneous profile laser scanner and surface sealing was studied by macroscopic analysis of epoxy impregnated soil samples. The rainfall simulations revealed longer times to initiate runoff with increasing soil surface roughness. For random roughness levels up to 6 mm, a decrease in final runoff rate with increasing roughness was observed. This can be attributed to a decreased breakdown of the larger roughness elements on rougher surfaces, thus keeping infiltration rate high. For a random roughness larger than 6 mm, a greater final runoff rate was observed. This was caused by the creation of a thick depositional seal in the concentrated flow areas, thus lowering the infiltration rates. Analysis of impregnated soil sample blocks confirmed the formation of a structural surface seal on smooth surfaces, whereas thick depositional seals were visible in the depressional areas of rougher surfaces. Therefore, from our observations it can be learned that soil surface roughness as formed by the presence of different aggregate sizes reduces runoff but that its effect diminishes due to aggregate breakdown and the formation of thick depositional seals in the case of rough soil surfaces. Sediment concentration increased with increasing soil surface roughness, due to runoff concentration in flow paths. Nevertheless, final soil loss rates were comparable for all soil roughness categories, indicating that random roughness is only important in influencing runoff rates and the time to initiate runoff, but not in influencing sediment export through soil loss rates.
Soil Physicochemical Properties after 10 Years of Animal Waste Application
Authors: Schlegel Alan J. , Assefa Yared , Bond H. Dewayne , Wetter Scott M. , Stone Loyd R.
Published: April 2015

Application of animal waste to cropland provides a method of waste disposal and benefits both soil and crops. The objective of this study was to evaluate the long‐term effects of land application of animal waste and inorganic fertilizer on selected soil chemical and physical properties. The animal waste applications were conducted from 1999 through 2008 near Tribune, KS, with 10 treatments (three levels each of cattle manure and swine effluent [P, N, and 2N], three levels of N fertilizer, and a control). Soil chemical and physical properties were measured to evaluate the effect of 10 yr of application of these treatments. Cattle manure application at the 2N level increased Mehlich‐3 P, total N, total C, and organic matter (OM) concentrations to about 19, 2.8, 2.5, and 2.5 times, respectively, compared with those of the untreated check. Physical properties of the soil such as water content at −1.5 MPa, modulus of rupture, Proctor maximum bulk density, and optimum water content for compaction improved with the application of cattle manure. Highly significant relationships (P < 0.001) were observed between soil OM and soil water content at −1.5 MPa, both Proctor maximum and field bulk densities, optimum water content for compaction, and steady‐state infiltration rate. Cattle manure treatments improved soil resistance to compaction, largely due to the additional OM that builds in soil with the application of cattle manure.
Random Small Sample Prediction Model on Displacement of Extensive Deep Soil Excavation
Authors: Shengquan Zhou , Xiaolong Zhao , Zhaoming Yao
Published: April 2015

In order to forecast the displacement of deep foundation pit support, this document proposes a new method which
combines the cross validation method and supports vector machine (SVM) based on random small samples.Because the
random small monitoring data are difficult to fit and forecast, the cross validation method and different kernel function of
support vector machine algorithm arerepeatedly used to establish and optimize the displacement prediction model of
underground continuous wall, and then uses validation samples to test the accuracy of the models. The results show that this
method can meet the requirements of precision relatively well, and Cauchy kernel function is better than the other. In the
aspect of accuracy of model fitting and prediction, this method has great advantages, which can be applied to practical
engineering.
Fault Diagnosis of Wind Turbine Based on ELMD and FCM
Authors: Luo Xianjin , Huang Xiumei
Published: April 2015

In view of failure characteristics of wind turbine gear box, this paper put forward a method for fault diagnosis
based on the ensemble local means decomposition (ELMD) and fuzzy C-means clustering (FCM) method. By resolving
the vibration signal of different fault state of high speed gear box by ELMD, the PF component was obtained with its
singular value, which was composed of known sample followed by a test sample as the feature vector. The known
sample was clustered by using the FCM clustering, and the test sample was recognized and classified . The experimental
results show that the method for fault diagnosis based on ELMD and FCM clustering has good diagnosis results.
Composite Advanced Detection for Coal Seam Thickness in Coal Roadway
Authors: Bo Wang , Xiayang Zhang , Shengdong Liu , Tuo Lu , Mulan Chen
Published: April 2015

The thickness change of coal seam can be resulted from several reasons, like primary sedimentary environment
and later tectonic deformation. The thickness change ahead of driving face may have an impact on the efficiency and
safety of the mining progress, thus the advanced prediction of seam thickness is important. However, it is hard to predict
the seam thickness with a single advanced detection method. This paper combines three methods, e.g., MSP, MRP, and
MTEM to perform a joint detection, and makes data fusion through wavelet analysis, which makes use of the elastic wave
field and geo-electrical field characteristics. A field test indicates that the prediction of seam thickness by means of integrated
advanced detection is approximately accurate with an error less than 5%.
Efficacy of a Novel Method for Inspiratory Muscle Training in People With Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
Authors: Langer Daniel , Charususin Noppawan , Jácome Cristina , Hoffman Mariana , McConnell Alison , Decramer Marc , Gosselink Rik
Published: April 2015

Background

Most inspiratory muscle training (IMT) interventions in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) have been implemented as fully supervised daily training for 30 minutes with controlled training loads using mechanical threshold loading (MTL) devices. Recently, an electronic tapered flow resistive loading (TFRL) device was introduced that has a different loading profile and stores training data during IMT sessions.

Objective

The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy of a brief, largely unsupervised IMT protocol conducted using either traditional MTL or TFRL on inspiratory muscle function in patients with COPD.

Design

Twenty patients with inspiratory muscle weakness who were clinically stable and participating in a pulmonary rehabilitation program were randomly allocated to perform 8 weeks of either MTL IMT or TFRL IMT.

Methods

Participants performed 2 daily home-based IMT sessions of 30 breaths (3–5 minutes per session) at the highest tolerable intensity, supported by twice-weekly supervised sessions. Adherence, progression of training intensity, increases in maximal inspiratory mouth pressure (Pimax), and endurance capacity of inspiratory muscles (Tlim) were evaluated.

Results

More than 90% of IMT sessions were completed in both groups. The TFRL group tolerated higher loads during the final 3 weeks of the IMT program, with similar effort scores on the 10-Item Borg Category Ratio (CR-10) Scale, and achieved larger improvements in Pimax and Tlim than the MTL group.

Limitations

A limitation of the study was the absence of a study arm involving a sham IMT intervention.

Conclusions

The short and largely home-based IMT protocol significantly improved inspiratory muscle function in both groups and is an alternative to traditional IMT protocols in this population. Participants in the TFRL group tolerated higher training loads and achieved larger improvements in inspiratory muscle function than those in the MTL group.
The Obligation to Support the Widow: Settlement, the New Poor Law and the Scottish Local State
Authors: Gordon Wendy M.
Published: April 2015

Although the New Poor Law was passed by the Westminster Parliament, it was implemented at the most local level through newly established parochial boards. By tracing the case of a Paisley widow in need of poor relief through the changing landscape of the Scottish Poor Law in the 1850s, this article analyses the changing interpretation of the law regarding widows’ settlements and highlights the interplay between local bodies and higher courts in interpreting the law. Individual experience and practice in localities worked together to create a national system that reflected Scottish understandings of gender, marriage, and independence.
The Scottish Cyclist and the New Woman: Representations of Female Cyclists in Scotland, 1890–1914
Authors: Macrae Eilidh
Published: April 2015

In the 1890s British women witnessed a ‘cycling craze’ that had the potential to enhance the health and physical freedom of many women. This article examines the cycling craze from a Scottish perspective by investigating representations of Scottish female cyclists in a weekly magazine first printed in Glasgow in 1888 entitled The Scottish Cyclist. Despite suggestions that the popularity of cycling faltered after the initial ‘cycling-craze’ of the mid-1890s, perusal of The Scottish Cyclist suggests that a number of Scottish women continued to cycle beyond the years of this initial craze, thus eventually helping to make the cycling woman a familiar sight in Scottish society. This article argues that whilst by 1914 the cycling woman clad in ‘rational dress’ was no longer a key symbol of emancipation, still the determination of female cyclists in Scotland had contributed to the physical emancipation of women, giving them access to greater independence, mobility, and physical freedom.
‘Fae nae hair te grey hair they answered the call’: International Brigade Volunteers from the West Central Belt of Scotland in the Spanish Civil War, 1936–9
Authors: Raeburn Fraser
Published: April 2015

Despite making up over ten per cent of the British volunteers in the International Brigades during the Spanish Civil War (1936-9), Scots from Glasgow and the surrounding districts have been overlooked in many accounts of the British involvement in the conflict. In seeking to explain the disproportionate numbers of volunteers from this region, the influence of factors such as economic conditions, political structures and institutions, ideology and community are examined with reference to individuals’ decisions to volunteer in Spain. It is argued that as well as the more severe impact of the inter-war slump in the region, it was Glasgow's distinctive working-class cultures, which placed great importance on grassroots political communities, with an emphasis on social as well as political connections, that led to Communist Party recruitment efforts being especially successful.
Diffeomorphism Spline
Authors: Zeng Wei , Razib Muhammad , Shahid Abdur
Published: April 2015

Conventional splines offer powerful means for modeling surfaces and volumes in three-dimensional Euclidean space. A one-dimensional quaternion spline has been applied for animation purpose, where the splines are defined to model a one-dimensional submanifold in the three-dimensional Lie group. Given two surfaces, all of the diffeomorphisms between them form an infinite dimensional manifold, the so-called diffeomorphism space. In this work, we propose a novel scheme to model finite dimensional submanifolds in the diffeomorphism space by generalizing conventional splines. According to quasiconformal geometry theorem, each diffeomorphism determines a Beltrami differential on the source surface. Inversely, the diffeomorphism is determined by its Beltrami differential with normalization conditions. Therefore, the diffeomorphism space has one-to-one correspondence to the space of a special differential form. The convex combination of Beltrami differentials is still a Beltrami differential. Therefore, the conventional spline scheme can be generalized to the Beltrami differential space and, consequently, to the diffeomorphism space. Our experiments demonstrate the efficiency and efficacy of diffeomorphism splines. The diffeomorphism spline has many potential applications, such as surface registration, tracking and animation.
Function and Pathological Implications of Exon Junction Complex Factor Y14
Authors: Chuang Tzu-Wei , Lee Kou-Ming , Tarn Woan-Yuh
Published: April 2015

Eukaryotic mRNA biogenesis involves a series of interconnected steps, including nuclear pre-mRNA processing, mRNA export, and surveillance. The exon-junction complex (EJC) is deposited on newly spliced mRNAs and coordinates several downstream steps of mRNA biogenesis. The EJC core protein, Y14, functions with its partners in nonsense-mediated mRNA decay and translational enhancement. Y14 plays additional roles in mRNA metabolism, some of which are independent of the EJC, and it is also involved in other cellular processes. Genetic mutations or aberrant expression of Y14 results in physiological abnormality and may cause disease. Therefore, it is important to understand the various functions of Y14 and its physiological and pathological roles.
Impact of Oxidative Stress on Exercising Skeletal Muscle
Authors: Steinbacher Peter , Eckl Peter
Published: April 2015

It is well established that muscle contractions during exercise lead to elevated levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in skeletal muscle. These highly reactive molecules have many deleterious effects, such as a reduction of force generation and increased muscle atrophy. Since the discovery of exercise-induced oxidative stress several decades ago, evidence has accumulated that ROS produced during exercise also have positive effects by influencing cellular processes that lead to increased expression of antioxidants. These molecules are particularly elevated in regularly exercising muscle to prevent the negative effects of ROS by neutralizing the free radicals. In addition, ROS also seem to be involved in the exercise-induced adaptation of the muscle phenotype. This review provides an overview of the evidences to date on the effects of ROS in exercising muscle. These aspects include the sources of ROS, their positive and negative cellular effects, the role of antioxidants, and the present evidence on ROS-dependent adaptations of muscle cells in response to physical exercise.
Predictive Risk of Radiation Induced Cerebral Necrosis in Pediatric Brain Cancer Patients after VMAT Versus Proton Therapy
Authors: Freund Derek , Zhang Rui , Sanders Mary , Newhauser Wayne
Published: April 2015

Cancer of the brain and central nervous system (CNS) is the second most common of all pediatric cancers. Treatment of many of these cancers includes radiation therapy of which radiation induced cerebral necrosis (RICN) can be a severe and potentially devastating side effect. Risk factors for RICN include brain volume irradiated, the dose given per fraction and total dose. Thirteen pediatric patients were selected for this study to determine the difference in predicted risk of RICN when treating with volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT) compared to passively scattered proton therapy (PSPT) and intensity modulated proton therapy (IMPT). Plans were compared on the basis of dosimetric endpoints in the planned treatment volume (PTV) and brain and a radiobiological endpoint of RICN calculated using the Lyman-Kutcher-Burman probit model. Uncertainty tests were performed to determine if the predicted risk of necrosis was sensitive to positional errors, proton range errors and selection of risk models. Both PSPT and IMPT plans resulted in a significant increase in the maximum dose to the brain, a significant reduction in the total brain volume irradiated to low doses, and a significant lower predicted risk of necrosis compared with the VMAT plans. The findings of this study were upheld by the uncertainty analysis.
Deep Belief Network-Based Approaches for Link Prediction in Signed Social Networks
Authors: Liu Feng , Liu Bingquan , Sun Chengjie , Liu Ming , Wang Xiaolong
Published: April 2015

In some online social network services (SNSs), the members are allowed to label their relationships with others, and such relationships can be represented as the links with signed values (positive or negative). The networks containing such relations are named signed social networks (SSNs), and some real-world complex systems can be also modeled with SSNs. Given the information of the observed structure of an SSN, the link prediction aims to estimate the values of the unobserved links. Noticing that most of the previous approaches for link prediction are based on the members’ similarity and the supervised learning method, however, research work on the investigation of the hidden principles that drive the behaviors of social members are rarely conducted. In this paper, the deep belief network (DBN)-based approaches for link prediction are proposed. Including an unsupervised link prediction model, a feature representation method and a DBN-based link prediction method are introduced. The experiments are done on the datasets from three SNSs (social networking services) in different domains, and the results show that our methods can predict the values of the links with high performance and have a good generalization ability across these datasets.
Reflections on the Use of Iterative, Agile and Collaborative Approaches for Blended Flipped Learning Development
Authors: Owen Hazel , Dunham Nicola
Published: April 2015

E-learning experiences are widely becoming common practice in many schools, tertiary institutions and other organisations. However despite this increased use of technology to enhance learning and the associated investment involved the result does not always equate to more engaged, knowledgeable and skilled learners. We have observed two key prevalences. The first is an ingrained, and often unquestioned, set of beliefs and expectations held by the majority of people who have experienced formal education, and who are involved in the development of eLearning and blended learning experiences. These beliefs tend to impact the overall design of what a blended type of learning experience might consist of. The second prevalence is for educational institutions to embark on large-scale eLearning developments, which by their scale can prove problematic. In part because it is a long time before the school or organisation sees any benefit and there is an up-front cost before any learning value is realised. In this paper we will be discussing our experiences of the implementation of a large-scale blended-learning project at Unitec, a tertiary institution in Aotearoa, New Zealand. Approaches taken to implement the development were iterative and based on a phased rollout, with each subsequent stage being informed by the ones before it. Our discussion draws on personal reflections associated with three different perspectives and a variety of roles during the three initial phases of the change making process. Our overall aim is to share our contextualised experiences, to add to the knowledge base on blended learning, and to provide some general, practical recommendations.
Relationship between the Concentrations of Heavy Metals and Bioelements in Aging Men with Metabolic Syndrome
Authors: Rotter Iwona , Kosik-Bogacka Danuta , Dołęgowska Barbara , Safranow Krzysztof , Lubkowska Anna , Laszczyńska Maria
Published: April 2015

Heavy metals may exacerbate metabolic syndrome (MS) but abnormal serum concentrations of bioelements may also co-exist with MS. The primary aim of the study was to assess the relationship of blood heavy metal and bioelement concentrations and MS, in men aged 50–75 years. Heavy metals—lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), mercury (Hg), arsenic (As), tungsten (W), Macroelements—magnesium (Mg) and calcium (Ca), and microelements—iron (Fe), zinc (Zn) copper (Cu), chromium (Cr), molybdenum (Mo), selenium (Se) and manganese (Mn), body mass index (BMI), waist to hip ratio (WHR), abdominal circumference (AC) and blood pressure (BP), total cholesterol (TCh), high-density lipoprotein (HDL), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), triglyceride (TG), fasting plasma glucose (FPG), insulin, and Homeostasis Model Assessment—Insulin resistance (HOMA-IR). The men with MS showed statistically significant higher Zn and lower Mg concentrations. Those with diabetes had higher Ca concentration and lower Mg concentration. Cr and Mn concentrations were significantly higher in obese men. The participants with hypertension had lower Mg concentration. We found statistically significant positive correlations (W-TCh, W-LDL, Mg-TCh, Mg-LDL, Ca-TCh, Ca-LDL, Ca-insulin, Ca-HOMAR-IR, Zn-TG, Zn-insulin, Zn-HOMA-IR, Cu-BP systolic, Mn-BMI, Mn-AC, Mn-WHR, Mn-insulin, Mn-HOMA-IR, Se-TCh, Se-LDL, Se-TG, Se-insulin, Se-HOMA-IR, Cr-TCh, Cr-HDL, Cr-LDL, Cr-TG) and negative correlations (Cd-insulin, Hg-WHR, W-insulin, W-HOMA-IR, Mg-BMI, Mg-AC, Mg-WHR, Mg-BP systolic, Mo-insulin, Mn-HDL). Tungsten may contribute to lipid disorders. Magnesium appears to play the protective role in the occurrence of metabolic disorders. Microelements Mn, Cr and Se may intensify MS.
Expression of the Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor in Growth Plate Cartilage and the Impact of Its Local Modulation on Longitudinal Bone Growth
Authors: Cedervall Therése , Lind Pia , Sävendahl Lars
Published: April 2015

Although dioxin has been reported to impair bone growth in both humans and animals, the underlying mechanisms have not been clarified. We conducted this study to rule out if dioxin may directly target the growth plate, via local modulation of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR). Initial studies in rare tissue samples of the human growth plate confirmed that the AhR protein is widely expressed in growth plate cartilage. To explore the local role of the AhR, mechanistic studies were performed in a well-established model of cultured fetal rat metatarsal bones. The longitudinal growth of these bones was monitored while being exposed to AhR modulators. The AhR agonist, 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin, did not affect bone growth at any concentrations tested (1 pM–10 nM). In contrast, the AhR antagonist, alpha-naphthoflavone, suppressed bone growth and increased chondrocyte apoptosis, although only at a high, potentially cytotoxic concentration (50 µM). We conclude that although the AhR is widely expressed in the growth plate, bone growth is not modulated when locally activated, and therefore, dioxin-induced growth failure is likely mediated through systemic rather than local actions.
Anti-Inflammatory Effect of Emodin via Attenuation of NLRP3 Inflammasome Activation
Authors: Han Ji-Won , Shim Do-Wan , Shin Woo-Young , Heo Kang-Hyuk , Kwak Su-Bin , Sim Eun-Jeong , Jeong Jae-Hyun , Kang Tae-Bong , Lee Kwang-Ho
Published: April 2015

Emodin, an active constituent of oriental herbs, is widely used to treat allergy, inflammation, and other symptoms. This study provides the scientific basis for the anti-inflammasome effects of emodin on both in vitro and in vivo experimental models. Bone marrow-derived macrophages were used to study the effects of emodin on inflammasome activation by using inflammasome inducers such as ATP, nigericin, and silica crystals. The lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced endotoxin shock model was employed to study the effect of emodin on in vivo efficacy. Emodin treatment attenuated interleukin (IL)-1β secretion via the inhibition of NOD-like receptor family, pyrin domain containing 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome activation induced by ATP, nigericin, and silica crystals. Further, emodin ameliorated the severity of NLRP3 inflammasome-mediated symptoms in LPS-induced endotoxin mouse models. This study is the first to reveal mechanism-based evidence, especially with respect to regulation of inflammasome activation, substantiating traditional claims of emodin in the treatment of inflammation-related disorders.
Chemical Conversion Pathways and Kinetic Modeling for the OH-Initiated Reaction of Triclosan in Gas-Phase
Authors: Zhang Xue , Zhang Chenxi , Sun Xiaomin , Kang Lingyan , Zhao Yan
Published: April 2015

As a widely used antimicrobial additive in daily consumption, attention has been paid to the degradation and conversion of triclosan for a long time. The quantum chemistry calculation and the canonical variational transition state theory are employed to investigate the mechanism and kinetic property. Besides addition and abstraction, oxidation pathways and further conversion pathways are also considered. The OH radicals could degrade triclosan to phenols, aldehydes, and other easily degradable substances. The conversion mechanisms of triclosan to the polychlorinated dibenzopdioxin and furan (PCDD/Fs) and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) are clearly illustrated and the toxicity would be strengthened in such pathways. Single radical and diradical pathways are compared to study the conversion mechanism of dichlorodibenzo dioxin (DCDD). Furthermore, thermochemistry is discussed in detail. Kinetic property is calculated and the consequent ratio of kadd/ktotal and kabs/ktotal at 298.15 K are 0.955 and 0.045, respectively. Thus, the OH radical addition reactions are predominant, the substitute position of OH radical on triclosan is very important to generate PCDD and furan, and biradical is also a vital intermediate to produce dioxin.
Multi Parameter Flow Meter for On-Line Measurement of Gas Mixture Composition
Authors: Van der Wouden Egbert , Groenesteijn Jarno , Wiegerink Remco , Lötters Joost
Published: April 2015

In this paper we describe the development of a system and model to analyze the composition of gas mixtures up to four components. The system consists of a Coriolis mass flow sensor, density, pressure and thermal flow sensor. With this system it is possible to measure the viscosity, density, heat capacity and flow rate of the medium. In a next step the composition can be analyzed if the constituents of the mixture are known. This makes the approach universally applicable to all gasses as long as the number of components does not exceed the number of measured properties and as long as the properties are measured with a sufficient accuracy. We present measurements with binary and ternary gas mixtures, on compositions that range over an order of magnitude in value for the physical properties. Two platforms for analyses are presented. The first platform consists of sensors realized with MEMS fabrication technology. This approach allows for a system with a high level of integration. With this system we demonstrate a proof of principle for the analyses of binary mixtures with an accuracy of 10%. In the second platform we utilize more mature steel sensor technology to demonstrate the potential of this approach. We show that with this technique, binary mixtures can be measured within 1% and ternary gas mixtures within 3%.
Heparin/Heparan Sulfate Proteoglycans Glycomic Interactome in Angiogenesis: Biological Implications and Therapeutical Use
Authors: Chiodelli Paola , Bugatti Antonella , Urbinati Chiara , Rusnati Marco
Published: April 2015

Angiogenesis, the process of formation of new blood vessel from pre-existing ones, is involved in various intertwined pathological processes including virus infection, inflammation and oncogenesis, making it a promising target for the development of novel strategies for various interventions. To induce angiogenesis, angiogenic growth factors (AGFs) must interact with pro-angiogenic receptors to induce proliferation, protease production and migration of endothelial cells (ECs). The action of AGFs is counteracted by antiangiogenic modulators whose main mechanism of action is to bind (thus sequestering or masking) AGFs or their receptors. Many sugars, either free or associated to proteins, are involved in these interactions, thus exerting a tight regulation of the neovascularization process. Heparin and heparan sulfate proteoglycans undoubtedly play a pivotal role in this context since they bind to almost all the known AGFs, to several pro-angiogenic receptors and even to angiogenic inhibitors, originating an intricate network of interaction, the so called “angiogenesis glycomic interactome”. The decoding of the angiogenesis glycomic interactome, achievable by a systematic study of the interactions occurring among angiogenic modulators and sugars, may help to design novel antiangiogenic therapies with implications in the cure of angiogenesis-dependent diseases.
Copolymers of Vinyl-Containing Benzoxazine with Vinyl Monomers as Precursors for High Performance Thermosets
Authors: Takeichi Tsutomu , Thongpradith Soulideth , Kawauchi Takehiro
Published: April 2015

A benzoxazine containing a vinyl group (P-4va) was prepared by the reaction of phenol, 4-vinylaniline, and paraformaldehyde. A differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) study revealed that ring-opening polymerization of the benzoxazine and chain polymerization of the vinyl group occurred in the same temperature range. When 2,2'-azobisisobutyronitrile was added as a radical initiator to P-4va, however, only the vinyl groups were polymerized at lower temperature, giving oligo(P-4va) that contains pendent benzoxazine units. Radical copolymerization of P-4va with various vinyl monomers such as styrene, methyl methacrylate (MMA), and n-butyl acrylate (BuA) was examined. The chemical structure of the copolymers was confirmed by FT-IR and 1H-NMR to be one of polyolefins bearing benzoxazine units as the pendant groups. The weight-average molecular weights of the copolymers determined by size exclusion chromatography were to be in the range of 1900–51,500 depending on the comonomers. DSC of the copolymers showed that the maxima of the exothermic peaks corresponding to the ring-opening polymerization of the pendent benzoxazine units were observed in the temperature range of 229–250 °C. Thermal cure up to 240 °C of the copolymer films afforded homogenous transparent films with improved thermal properties. Tough cured film was obtained by the copolymerization with MMA, while a tough and flexible film was obtained by the copolymerization with BuA.
Tailoring Confinement: Nano-Carrier Synthesis via Z-RAFT Star Polymerization
Authors: Förster Nadja , Schmidt Sonja , Vana Philipp
Published: April 2015

A new pathway to nano-sized hollow-sphere particles from six-arm star polymers with an amphiphilic core-corona structure, synthesized in a four-step-procedure by means of reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerization is presented, in order to achieve more stable and versatile nano-container systems, which could be applied in the fields of drug delivery or catalyst storage. Star-shaped amphiphilic, diblock copolymers serve as globular platforms for synthesizing uniform hollow structures. By the introduction of monomer units carrying UV-cross-linkable dimethyl maleimido functionalities into the outer sphere of these star polymers, the carrier’s shell could be stabilized under UV-irradiation. After removal of the RAFT-core—constituting the central hub of the star polymer—by aminolysis, the carrier is ready for loading.
A Novel Method for Constructing a WIFI Positioning System with Efficient Manpower
Authors: Du Yuanfeng , Yang Dongkai , Xiu Chundi
Published: April 2015

With the rapid development of WIFI technology, WIFI-based indoor positioning technology has been widely studied for location-based services. To solve the problems related to the signal strength database adopted in the widely used fingerprint positioning technology, we first introduce a new system framework in this paper, which includes a modified AP firmware and some cheap self-made WIFI sensor anchors. The periodically scanned reports regarding the neighboring APs and sensor anchors are sent to the positioning server and serve as the calibration points. Besides the calculation of correlations between the target points and the neighboring calibration points, we take full advantage of the important but easily overlooked feature that the signal attenuation model varies in different regions in the regression algorithm to get more accurate results. Thus, a novel method called RSSI Geography Weighted Regression (RGWR) is proposed to solve the fingerprint database construction problem. The average error of all the calibration points’ self-localization results will help to make the final decision of whether the database is the latest or has to be updated automatically. The effects of anchors on system performance are further researched to conclude that the anchors should be deployed at the locations that stand for the features of RSSI distributions. The proposed system is convenient for the establishment of practical positioning system and extensive experiments have been performed to validate that the proposed method is robust and manpower efficient.
Leadership in Romanian Small to Medium Enterprises
Authors: Crăciun Liliana , Năstase Marian , Stamule Tănase , Vizitiu Cristian
Published: April 2015

We have conducted a broad statistical research on Romanian small to medium enterprises (SMEs), with the goal of better understanding: (1) the incipient organizational culture of a recently-opened East European market; and (2) the role of leadership in increasing the competitiveness of SMEs. The paper studies the perceived characteristics of a leader and their influence on the organization’s results (as seen by employees), and it tries to reveal the subliminal inter-correlations among these characteristics. The method is factor analysis (implemented in SPSS), for a questionnaire with 23 items, answered by 930 subjects on a five-point Likert scale. The six factors identified by our analysis were: adaptability; cooperation; authority; charisma; confidence; motivation. By highlighting these basic components, our study aims both at increasing competitiveness in Romanian enterprises and at designing better training programs for managers and entrepreneurs acting on East European markets, adapted to the real characteristics of these young economic environments.