bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Maximizing Intersection Capacity through Unconventional Geometric Design of Two-Phase Intersections
Authors: Coates Angela , Yi Ping , Koganti Sai Geetha , Du Yunke
Published: January 2013

Typical four-phase, four-legged intersections often operate inefficiently and severely restrict vehicle throughput, and thereby cause large delays. These configurations are limited by traditional geometric design. Altering the geometry of the entire intersection can significantly increase the capacity. Two-phase intersections employ an unconventional lane arrangement to maximize vehicular throughput. This arrangement involves displacing left-turn lanes across opposing through traffic before the main intersection is reached. Such an alteration allows left and through vehicles to proceed simultaneously; consequently, the intersection capacity is improved and delays decrease. Numerous studies have validated the operational improvements associated with such a geometric design, but in-depth analysis of this unconventional system can provide a maximized effect. This paper proposes an improvement to the geometric design and develops an optimization model of a two-phase intersection to increase intersection capacity. After main objective functions and a list of constraints were defined, preliminary tests were performed to show the effectiveness of the method in adapting to changes in traffic demand. The results from the optimization were used to run simulation tests that compared the capacity and delay at a two-phase intersection with those of a conventional four-legged geometric design. The results of several trials strongly showed the optimum performance of the proposed unconventional geometric arrangement.
Development of Universal Breakaway Steel Post for Bullnose Median Barrier
Authors: Bielenberg Robert W. , Lechtenberg Karla A. , Sicking Dean L. , Arens Steve , Faller Ronald K. , Reid John D.
Published: January 2013

A new fracturing-bolt universal breakaway steel post (UBSP) was developed and evaluated for use as a replacement for the controlled-release terminal (CRT) wood post currently used in the Thrie beam bullnose system. After numerous steel post concepts were investigated, a fracturing-bolt steel post was selected as the most promising design. The fracturing-bolt steel post successfully matched the strength and dynamic behavior of the CRT wood post in three impact orientations. The UBSP was incorporated into the Thrie beam bullnose barrier system and subjected to three full-scale vehicle crash tests according to the Test Level 3 guidelines provided in NCHRP Report 350. Test Designations 3–30, 3–31, and 3–38 were chosen to evaluate the performance of the Thrie beam bullnose system with UBSPs. All three full-scale crash tests demonstrated that the UBSP performed in a satisfactory manner in the bullnose system, as the vehicle was captured and safely brought to a controlled stop. On the basis of the successful completion of the three full-scale crash tests, it is recommended that the UBSP be considered a safe alternative to CRT posts in the original Thrie beam bullnose median barrier system. It is also noted that the performance of the UBSP suggests that it may have additional applications, including in long-span guardrail, end terminals, and guardrail in mow strips or encased in pavement.
Real-World Performance of Longitudinal Barriers Struck by Large Trucks
Authors: Gabauer Douglas J.
Published: January 2013

Very little is known about the real-world performance of traffic barriers when subjected to impacts by large trucks. This study investigated real-world impacts of large trucks into traffic barriers to determine barrier crash involvement rates, the impact performance of barriers not specifically designed to redirect large trucks, and the real-world performance of barriers specifically designed for large trucks. Data sources included the Fatality Analysis Reporting System (2000 to 2009), the General Estimates System (2000 to 2009), and the Large Truck Crash Causation Study (155 in-depth crashes of large trucks into barriers). Impacts of large trucks into longitudinal barriers constituted 3% of all police-reported impacts into longitudinal barriers and roughly the same proportion of barrier fatalities. A logistic regression model predicting barrier penetration showed that the risk of a large truck penetrating a barrier increased by a factor of 6 for impacts with barriers designed primarily for passenger vehicles. Although barriers specifically designed for impacts by large trucks performed better than barriers not specifically designed for impacts by heavy vehicles, the penetration rate of the former was 17%. This penetration rate is of concern, because barriers used for higher test levels are designed to protect other road users, not the occupants of large trucks. Barriers not specifically designed for impacts by large trucks prevented penetration by a large truck approximately half the time. This finding suggests that adding costlier barriers that meet higher test levels may not always be warranted, especially on roadways with lower truck volumes.
New Approach to Defining Continuous Speed Profile Models for Two-Lane Rural Roads
Authors: Cafiso Salvatore , Cerni Gianluca
Published: January 2013

Despite a large body of research on operating speeds, there is still much to learn about the factors that affect free-flow speeds, especially with regard to the development of a continuous speed profile for two-lane rural highways. This paper presents a new approach to modeling driver speed profile along two-lane rural roads. Speed data regarding individual drivers traveling on selected two-lane rural roads were sampled during a naturalistic experiment that used an onboard Global Positioning System (GPS). GPS devices facilitate the collecting and processing of continuous speed data. Unlike spot speed measurements, which have typically been collected in similar studies, continuous speed data are useful for studying the actual speed profile with regard to acceleration–deceleration behavior and maximum speed on tangents and curves. New variables are used in the regression equation. These variables refer to the horizontal curvature and the vertical grade as weighted values of the geometric features of the alignment preceding and following the vehicle position. To predict the operating speed, the model takes into account the geometric alignment of the road preceding and following the vehicle, as this information is used by drivers to establish the driving task, which is based on memory expectation, vehicle dynamics, and visual perception. The final result is an algorithm for modeling a continuous speed profile without previous assumption of acceleration–deceleration rate and constant speed on tangents and curves.
Characterization of Stormwater Runoff from North Carolina Bridges and Determination of Effects on Selected Receiving Waters
Authors: Wagner Chad , Fitzgerald Sharon , Lauffer Matthew
Published: January 2013

The North Carolina Department of Transportation and the U.S. Geological Survey collaborated on a study to better understand the effects of stormwater runoff from bridges on receiving waters. The following tasks were performed: (a) characterizing the quality and quantity of stormwater runoff from a representative selection of bridges in North Carolina, (b) measuring the quality of stream water upstream of selected bridges to compare constituent concentrations and loads in bridge deck stormwater with those in the stream, (c) determining whether the chemistry of bed sediment upstream and downstream of selected bridges differed substantially according to the presence or absence of a best management practice for bridge runoff, and (d) estimating the rate at which bridge deck runoff mixed with the receiving stream. The investigation measured bridge deck runoff from 15 bridges for 12 to 15 storms, the quality of stream water for base flow and storm conditions at four of the bridge deck sites, and the chemistry of stream bed sediment upstream and downstream of 30 bridges across North Carolina. Runoff and stream samples were analyzed for a wide range of constituents, including dissolved and total recoverable metals and nutrients, major ions, total suspended solids, suspended sediment, oil and grease, petroleum hydrocarbons, and semi-volatile organic compounds. For 64% of comparisons, concentrations in bridge deck runoff were no different or were less than those measured in receiving waters, and the maximum concentrations of constituents in the bridge deck runoff were rapidly reduced to the ambient stream concentrations, generally within 50 ft downstream of the bridge.
Hydrocephalus in mucopolysaccharidosis Type VI successfully treated with endoscopic third ventriculostomy
Authors: Neto Ângelo Raimundo da Silva , Holanda Gervina Brady Moreira , Farias Maria Cláudia Saldanha , Costa Gladstone Santos da , Pereira Hougelle Simplício Gomes
Published: January 2013

Mucopolysaccharidosis (MPS) Type VI, or Maroteaux-Lamy syndrome, is characterized by a deficiency of the enzyme arylsulfatase B (ASB). In patients with this disorder, craniocervical compression, carpal tunnel syndrome, and communicating hydrocephalus are common. Traditionally, hydrocephalus occurring in patients with MPS VI has been treated with shunt placements. Considering obstruction of the outlets from the fourth ventricle at the craniocervical transition, the authors decided to treat a female patient with MPS VI via endoscopic third ventriculostomy. She was 12 years old and had refractory headaches. This seems to be the first reported instance of the neuroendoscopic treatment of hydrocephalus in a patient with MPS VI. The pathophysiology is briefly discussed.
The role of Harvey Cushing and Walter Dandy in the evolution of modern neurosurgery in the Netherlands, illustrated by their correspondence
Authors: Groen Rob J. M. , Koehler Peter J. , Kloet Alfred
Published: January 2013

The development of modern neurosurgery in the Netherlands, which took place in the 1920s, was highly influenced by the personal involvement of both Harvey Cushing and Walter Dandy, each in his own way. For the present article, the authors consulted the correspondence (kept at the Cushing/Whitney Medical Library in New Haven and the Alan Mason Chesney Medical Archives in Baltimore) of Cushing and Dandy with their Dutch disciples. The correspondence provides a unique inside view into the minds of both neurosurgical giants. After the neurologist Bernard Brouwer had paved the way for sending the Dutch surgeon Ignaz Oljenick overseas, Cushing personally took the responsibility to train him (1927–1929). On his return to Amsterdam, Oljenick and Brouwer established the first neurosurgical department in the country. Encouraged by Oljenick's favorable results, a number of Dutch general surgeons started asking Cushing for support. Cushing strategically managed and deflected these requests, probably aiming to increase the advantage of Oljenick and Brouwer. However, the University Hospital in Groningen persisted in the plans to establish its own neurosurgical unit and sent Ferdinand Verbeek to the US in 1932. Although staying at Cushing's department initially, Verbeek ultimately applied to Walter Dandy for a position of visiting voluntary assistant, staying until the end of 1934. Verbeek and Dandy became lifelong friends. On his return to Groningen, Verbeek started practicing neurosurgery, isolated in the northern part of the country. He relied on the support of Dandy, with whom he kept up a regular correspondence, discussing cases and seeking advice. Dandy, on his part, used Verbeek as the ambassador in Europe for his operative innovations. At the beginning of World War II, Oljenick had to flee the country, which concluded the direct line with the Cushing school in the Netherlands. After Dandy's death (1946), Verbeek continued practicing neurosurgery following his style and philosophy. By the time Verbeek died in 1958, the strong American influence on everyday practice of Dutch neurosurgeons had been established.
Biodiversität im Wald: Konzept und Methode der Erfolgskontrolle im Kanton Thurgau
Authors: Schmider Peter , Bernowitz Karin
Published: January 2013

Forest biodiversity: concept and methods of succes monitoring in the canton Thurgau

In the canton of Thurgau about 1,700 ha of forest reserves have been established. Of these, about 250 ha are unmanaged forests. In the 1,450 ha of special forest reserves, the Forestry Department of the canton Thurgau undertakes specific measures to promote forest biodiversity, which will be intensifed in the coming years. The effects will be observed by means of success monitoring. In the article, we present the concept “biodiversity: success monitoring in forest”, which was developed in 2009 and which implements a standardized method for the success monitoring. It is based on forest target types which are defined by ecological objectives. To assess the bio-ecological conditions of a research area or to verify the achievement of objectives, characteristic and rare plants and animal species as well as habitat structures were defined as indicators in each forest target type. The success monitoring is carried out on ten sites of 1 ha each per forest type. Within these areas there are permanent plots with defined sizes. The indicators are monitored either on the 1 ha site or the smaller permanent plots. Since the beginning of 2010, success monitoring is conducted according to this concept. During the first phase, monitoring is concentrated on the relevant forest target types in the canton of Thurgau: “open forest”, “oak-dominated forest with old oaks”, “alluvial forest” and “forest margins”. Success monitoring will continue until 2020. Results and key findings of the monitoring are annually documented in a report.
Flächenhafte Modellierung von Waldboden-eigenschaften in der Nordwestschweiz
Authors: Mosimann Thomas , Herbst Philipp
Published: January 2013

Spatial modeling of forest soil properties in Northwestern Switzerland

Forest soils are an important natural resource. However, up to now almost no area-wide forest soil information was available for Switzerland. Since 2006, model-based, high-resolution maps of forest soil properties in the cantons Basel-Landschaft and Basel-Stadt were generated, depicting soil depth, stone content, soil wetness, acidity and water storage capacity. These maps are based on all available point information on soils, and on 95 recently analyzed pedological forest soil profiles. Two different methods were applied in parallel: 1) the development of decision trees based on frequency statistics combined with expertise and 2) the semi-automated Random Forest modeling approach. Highly branched hierarchical decision trees were used to derive soil properties from 24 predictors (relief forms, parent material, vegetation, forest type, location, climate, etc.). This article describes the approaches and portrays the mapped results of soil depth, top soil acidity and water storage capacity. Our project shows that it is basically feasible to predict soil properties with a high spatial resolution, classifying them into 4–5 categories. However, depending on soil type, for 10–30% of the area no predictions are possible, especially because of high soil heterogeneity, inadequate morphographic slope differentiation in the terrain models and the implausibility of predictor information. Soil property maps provide basic information for set up forestry maps for forest development, forest management and risk assessment.
Biofuels and Land Use Change: Applying Recent Evidence to Model Estimates
Authors: Taheripour Farzad , Tyner Wallace
Published: January 2013

Biofuels impact on global land use has been a controversial yet important topic. Up until recently, there has not been enough biofuels to have caused major land use change, so the evidence from actual global land use data has been scant. However, in the past decade, there have been 72 million hectares added to global crop cover. In this research we take advantage of this new data to calibrate the Global Trade Analysis Project (GTAP) model and parameters. We make two major changes. First, we calibrate the land transformation parameters (called constant elasticity of transformation, CET) to global regions so that the parameters better reflect the actual land cover change that has occurred. Second, we alter the land cover nesting structure. In the old GTAP model, cropland, pasture, and forest were all in the same nest suggesting, everything else being equal, that pasture or forest convert to cropland with equal ease and cost. However, we now take advantage of the fact that pasture converts to cropland at lower cost than forest. The paper provides the theoretical and empirical justification for these two model improvements. Then it re-evaluates the global land use impacts due to the USA ethanol program using the improved model tuned with actual observations. Finally, it shows that compared to the old model, the new model projects: (1) less expansion in global cropland due to ethanol expansion; (2) lower U.S. share in global cropland expansion; (3) and lower forest share in global cropland expansion.
Long Term Performance Study of a Direct Methanol Fuel Cell Fed with Alcohol Blends
Authors: Leo Teresa , Raso Miguel , Navarro Emilio , Mora Eleuterio
Published: January 2013

The use of alcohol blends in direct alcohol fuel cells may be a more environmentally friendly and less toxic alternative to the use of methanol alone in direct methanol fuel cells. This paper assesses the behaviour of a direct methanol fuel cell fed with aqueous methanol, aqueous ethanol and aqueous methanol/ethanol blends in a long term experimental study followed by modelling of polarization curves. Fuel cell performance is seen to decrease as the ethanol content rises, and subsequent operation with aqueous methanol only partly reverts this loss of performance. It seems that the difference in the oxidation rate of these alcohols may not be the only factor affecting fuel cell performance.
Anticancer Effects of Bufalin on Human Hepatocellular Carcinoma HepG2 Cells: Roles of Apoptosis and Autophagy
Authors: Miao Qing , Bi Lin-Lin , Li Xin , Miao Shan , Zhang Jin , Zhang Song , Yang Qian , Xie Yan-Hua , Zhang Jian , Wang Si-Wang
Published: January 2013

The traditional Chinese medicine bufalin, extracted from toad’s skin, has been demonstrated to exert anticancer activities in various kinds of human cancers. The mechanisms of action lie in its capacity to induce apoptosis, or termed type I programmed cell death (PCD). However, type II PCD, or autophagy, participates in cancer proliferation, progression, and relapse, as well. Recent studies on autophagy seem to be controversial because of the dual roles of autophagy in cancer survival and death. In good agreement with previous studies, we found that 100 nM bufalin induced extensive HepG2 cell apoptosis. However, we also noticed bufalin triggered autophagy and enhanced Beclin-1 expression, LC3-I to LC3-II conversion, as well as decreased p62 expression and mTOR signaling activation in HepG2 cells. Blockage of autophagy by selective inhibitor 3-MA decreased apoptotic ratio in bufalin-treated HepG2 cells, suggesting a proapoptotic role of bufalin-induced autophagy. Furthermore, we investigated the underlying mechanisms of bufalin-induced autophagy. Bufalin treatment dose-dependently promoted AMPK phosphorylation while AMPK inhibition by compound C significantly attenuated bufalin-induced autophagy. Taken together, we report for the first time that bufalin induces HepG2 cells PCD, especially for autophagy, and the mechanism of action is, at least in part, AMPK-mTOR dependent.
Role of the Blood-Brain Barrier in the Formation of Brain Metastases
Authors: Wilhelm Imola , Molnár Judit , Fazakas Csilla , Haskó János , Krizbai István
Published: January 2013

The majority of brain metastases originate from lung cancer, breast cancer and malignant melanoma. In order to reach the brain, parenchyma metastatic cells have to transmigrate through the endothelial cell layer of brain capillaries, which forms the morphological basis of the blood-brain barrier (BBB). The BBB has a dual role in brain metastasis formation: it forms a tight barrier protecting the central nervous system from entering cancer cells, but it is also actively involved in protecting metastatic cells during extravasation and proliferation in the brain. The mechanisms of interaction of cancer cells and cerebral endothelial cells are largely uncharacterized. Here, we provide a comprehensive review on our current knowledge about the role of junctional and adhesion molecules, soluble factors, proteolytic enzymes and signaling pathways mediating the attachment of tumor cells to brain endothelial cells and the transendothelial migration of metastatic cells. Since brain metastases represent a great therapeutic challenge, it is indispensable to understand the mechanisms of the interaction of tumor cells with the BBB in order to find targets of prevention of brain metastasis formation.
Buckwheat (Fagopyrum esculentum M.) Sprout Treated with Methyl Jasmonate (MeJA) Improved Anti-Adipogenic Activity Associated with the Oxidative Stress System in 3T3-L1 Adipocytes
Authors: Lee Young-Jun , Kim Kui-Jin , Park Kee-Jai , Yoon Bo-Ra , Lim Jeong-Ho , Lee Ok-Hwan
Published: January 2013

Buckwheat sprouts contain various bioactive compounds including rutin which have a number of biological activities. We have previously shown that buckwheat sprouts (TBWE) treated with methyl jasmonate (MeJA) significantly increased the amount of phenolics and the antioxidant activity. The aim of this study was to demonstrate the effect of TBWE on anti-adipogenesis and pro-oxidant enzyme in 3T3-L1 adipocytes. We also evaluated the anti-oxidative activity of TBWE in adipocytes by using the nitroblue tetrazolium assay. Our data showed that TBWE markedly inhibited adipocyte differentiation and ROS production in 3T3-L1 cells compared with control groups. Moreover, TBWE has strongly shown the inhibition of adipogenic transcription factor as well as pro-oxidant enzymes. Together, we demonstrate that the MeJA treatment significantly increased the amount of phenolic compound, resulting in the suppression of adipogenesis and ROS production in the 3T3-L1 cells. These findings indicate that TBWE has the potential for anti-adipogenesis activity with anti-oxidative properties.
Semantic Information and the Trivialization of Logic: Floridi on the Scandal of Deduction
Authors: D'Agostino Marcello
Published: January 2013

In this paper we discuss Floridi’s views concerning semantic information in the light of a recent contribution (in collaboration with the present author) [1] that defies the traditional view of deductive reasoning as “analytic” or “tautological” and construes it as an informative, albeit non-empirical, activity. We argue that this conception paves the way for a more realistic notion of semantic information where the “ideal agents” that are assumed by the standard view can be indefinitely approximated by real ones equipped with growing computational resources.
Steroidal Carboxylic Acids from Soft Coral Paraminabea acronocephala
Authors: Chao Chih-Hua , Wu Yang-Chang , Wen Zhi-Hong , Sheu Jyh-Horng
Published: January 2013

Three new steroidal carboxylic acids, paraminabic acids A–C (1–3) were isolated from a Formosan soft coral Paraminabea acronocephala. The structures of these compounds were established by extensive spectroscopic analysis and chemical methods. Application of the PGME method allowed the establishment of the absolute configurations at C-25 and C-24 for 1 and 2, respectively. Compound 3 showed potent cytotoxicity toward Hep3B, MDA-MB-231, MCF-7, and A-549 cancer cell lines, with IC50 values ranging from 2.05 to 2.83 μg/mL. Compounds 2 and 3 were found to inhibit the accumulation of the pro-inflammatory iNOS protein.
Synthesis, Crystal Structure, Vibration Spectral, and DFT Studies of 4-Aminoantipyrine and Its Derivatives
Authors: Li Yi , Liu Yuanyuan , Wang Haowei , Xiong Xiaohui , Wei Ping , Li Fangshi
Published: January 2013

Three compounds derived from 4-aminoantipyrine (AA) were synthesized and their structures confirmed by melting point, elemental analysis, FT-IR, and 1H-NMR. The molecular structures of the four compounds were characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction and calculated by using the density functional theory (DFT) method with 6-31G (d) basis set. The calculated molecular geometries and the vibration frequencies of the AA derivatives in the ground state have been compared with the experimental data. The results show that the optimized geometries can reproduce well the crystal structural parameters, and the theoretical vibration frequencies show good agreement with the experimental data, although the experimental data are different from the theoretical ones due to the intermolecular forces. Besides, the molecular electrostatic potential (MEP) and the frontier molecular orbital (FMO) analysis of the compounds were investigated by theoretical calculations.
Dibenzo[1,2,5]thiadiazepines Are Non-Competitive GABAA Receptor Antagonists
Authors: Ramírez-Martínez Juan , González-Chávez Rodolfo , Guerrero-Alba Raquel , Reyes-Gutiérrez Paul , Martínez Roberto , Miranda-Morales Marcela , Espinosa-Luna Rosa , González-Chávez Marco , Barajas-López Carlos
Published: January 2013

A new process for obtaining dibenzo[c,f][1,2,5]thiadiazepines (DBTDs) and their effects on GABAA receptors of guinea pig myenteric neurons are described. Synthesis of DBTD derivatives began with two commercial aromatic compounds. An azide group was obtained after two sequential reactions, and the central ring was closed via a nitrene to obtain the tricyclic sulfonamides (DBTDs). Whole-cell recordings showed that DBTDs application did not affect the holding current but inhibited the currents induced by GABA (IGABA), which are mediated by GABAA receptors. These DBTDs effects reached their maximum 3 min after application and were: (i) reversible, (ii) concentration-dependent (with a rank order of potency of 2c = 2d > 2b), (iii) mediated by a non-competitive antagonism, and (iv) only observed when applied extracellularly. Picrotoxin (which binds in the channel mouth) and DBTDs effects were not modified when both substances were simultaneous applied. Our results indicate that DBTD acted on the extracellular domain of GABAA channels but independent of the picrotoxin, benzodiazepine, and GABA binding sites. DBTDs used here could be the initial model for synthesizing new GABAA receptor inhibitors with a potential to be used as antidotes for positive modulators of these receptors or to induce experimental epilepsy.
Human Bocavirus: Lessons Learned to Date
Authors: Schildgen Oliver
Published: January 2013

Human bocavirus (HBoV) was identified as the second human parvovirus with pathogenic potential in 2005 in respiratory samples from children suffering from viral respiratory infections of unknown etiology. Since its first description, a large number of clinical studies have been performed that address the clinical significance of HBoV detection and the molecular biology of the virus. This review summarizes the most important steps taken in HBoV research to date and addresses open questions that need to be answered in the future to provide a better understanding of the role of a virus that is difficult to grow in cell culture and is suspected to be a pathogen, although it has not yet fulfilled Koch’s postulates.
Hybrid Radar Emitter Recognition Based on Rough k-Means Classifier and Relevance Vector Machine
Authors: Yang Zhutian , Wu Zhilu , Yin Zhendong , Quan Taifan , Sun Hongjian
Published: January 2013

Due to the increasing complexity of electromagnetic signals, there exists a significant challenge for recognizing radar emitter signals. In this paper, a hybrid recognition approach is presented that classifies radar emitter signals by exploiting the different separability of samples. The proposed approach comprises two steps, namely the primary signal recognition and the advanced signal recognition. In the former step, a novel rough k-means classifier, which comprises three regions, i.e., certain area, rough area and uncertain area, is proposed to cluster the samples of radar emitter signals. In the latter step, the samples within the rough boundary are used to train the relevance vector machine (RVM). Then RVM is used to recognize the samples in the uncertain area; therefore, the classification accuracy is improved. Simulation results show that, for recognizing radar emitter signals, the proposed hybrid recognition approach is more accurate, and presents lower computational complexity than traditional approaches.
Sensing Performance of Precisely Ordered TiO2 Nanowire Gas Sensors Fabricated by Electron-Beam Lithography
Authors: Tian Wei-Cheng , Ho Yu-Hsuan , Chen Chao-Hao , Kuo Chun-Yen
Published: January 2013

In this study, electron beam lithography, rather than the most popular method, chemical synthesis, is used to construct periodical TiO2 nanowires for a gas sensor with both robust and rapid performance. The effects of temperature on the sensing response and reaction time are analyzed at various operation temperatures ranging from 200 to 350 °C. At the optimized temperature of 300 °C, the proposed sensor repeatedly obtained a rise/recovery time (ΔR: 0.9 R0 to 0.1 R0) of 3.2/17.5 s and a corresponding sensor response (ΔR/R0) of 21.7% at an ethanol injection mass quantity of 0.2 μg.
Lysogenic Conversion and Phage Resistance Development in Phage Exposed Escherichia coli Biofilms
Authors: Moons Pieter , Faster David , Aertsen Abram
Published: January 2013

In this study, three-day old mature biofilms of Escherichia coli were exposed once to either a temperate Shiga-toxin encoding phage (H-19B) or an obligatory lytic phage (T7), after which further dynamics in the biofilm were monitored. As such, it was found that a single dose of H-19B could rapidly lead to a near complete lysogenization of the biofilm, with a subsequent continuous release of infectious H-19B particles. On the other hand, a single dose of T7 rapidly led to resistance development in the biofilm population. Together, our data indicates a profound impact of phages on the dynamics within structured bacterial populations.
A chemist and biologist talk to each other about caged neurotransmitters
Authors: Ellis-Davies Graham CR
Published: January 2013

Caged compounds are small organic molecules that can be photoactivated with brief pulses of light. They are widely used to study a great variety of biological processes by physiologists, cell biologists and neuroscientists. Initially made and invented by biologists in the late 1970s, they are now made mostly by chemists, often without any dialogue with the end users, the biologists. The idea for this review is to stimulate interaction between the two communities to further the creative development and application of these powerful optical probes.
Identités et dilemmes de l'enseignant-chercheur en sciences comptables
Authors: Dupuy Yves , Lacroix Monique , Naro Gérald
Published: January 2013

Cet article porte sur les questionnements identitaires de l’enseignant-chercheur en sciences comptables. Enseignant et chercheur à la fois, ce dernier en quête d’identité est confronté à plusieurs dilemmes de nature épistémologique et didactique, le conduisant à un « va et vient » entre recherche et pédagogie. Envisagé comme un relais des pratiques comptables, l’enseignant-chercheur en comptabilité, contrôle, audit, peut s’identifier comme un traducteur mimétique et un agent légitimateur de ces pratiques. En même temps, il apparaît également comme un constructeur de théories comptables. En quête de lectures théoriques, c’est dans les fondamentaux économiques et organisationnels, que le chercheur peut construire les bases de son enseignement.
La construction d'une façade légaliste en contexte répressif
Authors: Codaccioni Vanessa
Published: January 2013

Cet article analyse la manière dont une partie du groupe dirigeant communiste construit progressivement, pendant la guerre d’Algérie, une façade légaliste destinée à éviter la répression, à intégrer le champ politique et à préserver un électorat favorable à l’Algérie française. Il s’agit dès lors d’insister sur le caractère processuel de la mise en forme du PCF entre 1954 et 1956, de restituer ses conditions sociales de possibilité mais aussi d’analyser son imposition aux membres du PCF, et en particulier à ceux qui veulent engager une contestation plus radicale contre le conflit algérien.
Comparison of Postoperative Vault Height Predictability Using White-to-White or Sulcus Diameter–based Sizing for the Visian Implantable Collamer Lens
Authors: Reinstein Dan Z. , Lovisolo Carlo F. , Archer Timothy J. , Gobbe Marine
Published: January 2013

PURPOSE:

To compare vault height predictability of Implantable Collamer Lens (ICL; Staar Surgical) sizing using a sulcus diameter–based formula or the manufacturer-recommended white-to-white–based method.

METHODS:

In 50 myopic eyes, ICL size was calculated using both a formula including sulcus diameter and the traditional formula based on white-to-white diameter. Sulcus diameter was measured using Artemis 2 very high-frequency (VHF) digital ultrasound (ArcScan Inc). Implantation was based on the sulcus diameter derived size. Actual postoperative vault height achieved was measured by VHF digital ultrasound scanning. Circle segment trigonometry was used to calculate the vault height that would have resulted had lens sizing been based on the white-to-white formula.

RESULTS:

The same lens size would have been used in 60% of eyes, a smaller lens would have been used in 34% of eyes and a larger lens in 6% of eyes had lens sizing been based on the white-to-white formula. Mean vault for eyes with lenses sized using the sulcus diameter formula was 0.37±0.16 mm (range: 0.08 to 0.92 mm), with 2% <0.09 mm, the recognized low-vault height for risk of cataract. Circle segment trigonometry predicted that the vault height would have been 0.24±0.28 mm (range: −0.31 to 0.92 mm), with 26% <0.09 mm had lens sizing been based on the white-to-white formula.

CONCLUSIONS:

Significantly better predictability of postoperative vault height was achieved by including sulcus diameter into the ICL sizing formula compared with using the traditional white-to-white–based formula.
Effect of Experimentally Induced Astigmatism on Functional, Conventional, and Low-Contrast Visual Acuity
Authors: Watanabe Kazuhiro , Negishi Kazuno , Kawai Miho , Torii Hidemasa , Kaido Minako , Tsubota Kazuo
Published: January 2013

PURPOSE:

To report the changes in functional visual acuity (FVA) in eyes with experimentally induced astigmatism.

METHODS:

This study included 26 right eyes from 26 healthy participants (mean age: 27.0±4.4 years). After confirming best correction under cycloplegia, the cylinder power ×90° and ×180° (against-the-rule [ATR] and with-the-rule [WTR] astigmatism, respectively) were added with 0.50-diopter (D) steps, from 0.50 to 2.50 D. Conventional visual acuity (VA), FVA as measured by the FVA Measurement System (NIDEK Co Ltd), and 10% low-contrast visual acuity (LCVA) were measured with 3-mm artificial pupil under each condition.

RESULTS:

The mean corrected logMAR VA, FVA, LCVA were −0.18±0.00 (20/13), −0.10±0.08 (20/16), and 0.06±0.06 (20/23), respectively. The VA, FVA, and LCVA had a significant linear negative correlation with the addition of cylinder irrespective of the axes. A significant decrease in FVA was noted on addition of ⩾0.50 D WTR astigmatism and ⩾1.00 D ATR astigmatism. With the addition of 1.00 D of cylindrical lens, 96% of eyes with WTR and ATR astigmatism could maintain 20/20 in VA testing, whereas only 50% and 62% of eyes with WTR and ATR astigmatism, respectively, could maintain 20/20 in FVA testing.

CONCLUSIONS:

Astigmatism may be associated with deterioration of visual function even when conventional VA of 20/20 is attained. Functional VA testing seems to be useful in evaluating the masked astigmatic visual impairment that cannot be detected by conventional VA testing.
Creativity Development in Informatics Teaching Using the Project Focus
Authors: González Hernández Walfredo
Published: January 2013

The development of creativity is necessary for all professionals and universities can not be exempted from it. According to studies (Acentura, 2007) is one of creativity does not develop skills in universities. This urgency becomes even more pressing when it comes to career information in the present conditions of production and consumption of information. This paper presents a practical implementation of the project approach in two countries to develop creativity in students of public universities.
Integrative Educational Approach Oriented Towards Software and System Development
Authors: Stoica Anca Juliana , Islam Shareeful
Published: January 2013

The paper is based on our academic teaching and research work in software and system engineering to effectively develop modern, complex real-life Web application systems. It bridges the gap between academic education and industry needs and illustrates how such collaboration can be successfully developed in the IT area where technology development is rapid. Its scope covers the processes, models, technologies, people, and knowledge that have the capability to contribute to developing such systems. The paper also relates to contributions of some of Harlan D. Mills award recipients for software engineering achievement, to address the needs to: i) improve the engineering education in an academic setting, and ii) develop real-life software and system projects. Hybrid educational methods are applied for student learning that combine class room approach of teaching fundamental theoretical concepts and practice via real world complex projects embedding intelligence in software and systems products. System thinking demanded by modern design philosophies is applied to interlink prod-ucts, software, and people. Student groups are developing their projects in an interactive and collaborative manner.
Postglacial rebound and total water storage variations in the Nelson River drainage basin: a gravity-GPS study
Authors: Lambert A , Henton J , Mazzotti S , Huang J , James T S , Courtier N , van der Kamp G
Published: January 2013

GPS, absolute gravity and GRACE satellite data have been combined to map postglacial rebound (glacial isostatic adjustment) and to identify large spatial-scale water storage variations in the Nelson River drainage basin. GPS data from 27 continuous sites over the
period 1996-2010 with an average time-series length of 10.6 years were combined with data from over 50 regularlysurveyed monuments over the period 1995-2011 to produce an updated vertical velocity map for the basin. Annual absolute gravity measurements at eight sites (six co-located with continuous
GPS receivers) with an average time-series length of 15.6 years over the period 1987-2011 were used to quantify the linear relationship between vertical velocity and the rate of change of gravity characteristic of postglacial rebound. The relationship yielded two important results: 1) confirmation
that the ITRF2005/2008 is wellaligned to the Earth center of mass, and 2) computation of a 'virtual' gravity rate map of postglacial rebound based on the superior spatial coverage provided by GPS. Monthly GRACE data for the period 2002-2011 complete to spherical harmonic degree and order 60 were
used to produce a gravity rate map of the study area. The availability of an independent, 'virtual' gravity rate map provided a means of removing the postglacial rebound signal from the GRACE map to reveal the annual rate of change in water storage over a 90-month period (2002-2009). A major,
long-term, water storage rate anomaly stretching from Lake Winnipeg to Saskatoon was identified and confirmed by absolute gravity and geological weighing lysimeter measurements. Short-term inter-annual variations (2 - 4 yrs.) detected by GRACE and observed at individual absolute gravity sites are
generally well correlated suggesting that the source of the variations is spatially coherent over a wide area. Surface and satellite gravity data from particular sites in the Winnipeg River and Saskatchewan River subbasins correlate well with river flow rate and deep well lysimeter) observations
in the two basins, respectively, demonstrating the water-storage origin of the gravity variations. Constraints on the
spatial scale of these variations (600 -1000 km) are provided by 1) theoretical calculations, 2) an observed gravity displacement ratio for the Winnipeg River sub-basin, and 3) differences in water-mass sub-basin averages from GRACE. Two practical applications of this study are: 1) an updated
estimate of the rate of reduction in hydraulic head at the Jenpeg generating station of 0.21 m/century as a result of postglacial rebound and lake level regulations, 2) development of a method of tracking long-term changes in water storage for use in flood prediction.
Baseline geochemistry and controls on mine drainage composition in the Bridge River Mining District, British Columbia
Authors: Parsons M B , Little M E , Desbarats A J , Percival J B , LeBlanc K W
G , Vaive J E , Pelchat P
Published: January 2013

Without appropriate environmental management controls and regulatory oversight, the mining and milling of gold (Au) can result in significant risks to the environment and human health. Orogenic lode Au deposits, hosted mainly by quartz-carbonate veins, occur in
deformed greenstone and metasedimentary terranes around the world. These deposits are the main source of Au in Canada, and are presently a key focus for exploration and development. This Open File Report summarizes results from a three-year environmental geochemistry and mineralogy study of
past-producing Au deposits in the Bridge River Mining District in British Columbia. From 2006 to 2008, samples of stream water, sediment, waste rock, tailings, and mine drainage were collected from the Bridge River District, including the Bralorne, King, and Pioneer Au mines near Bralorne, BC.
Together, these three mines represent the largest historical Au producer in the Canadian Cordillera (> 4.15 M oz. between 1932 and 1971). Samples were also collected from several nearby antimony (Sb) and mercury (Hg) deposits, which may represent the epizonal portions of the
Bralorne-Pioneer hydrothermal system. Baseline concentrations of As, Sb, and Hg in stream sediments from the Bridge River District range from 0.6-168 mg/kg, 0.1-8.3 mg/kg, and 9-1010 µg/kg, respectively. The distribution of these elements is strongly controlled by the original pattern of
hydrothermal mineralization within the district. Historical tailings and sediments from underground mine workings have much higher concentrations of As (7.4-137,000 mg/kg; median, 3300 mg/kg), Sb (0.3-707 mg/kg; median, 12.6 mg/kg), and Hg (49->100,000 µg/kg; median, 1200
µg/kg). The highest Hg concentrations occur in tailings at former mill sites where Hg was used for Au amalgamation, and in stream sediments at an abandoned Hg mine. Baseline concentrations of As, Sb, and Hg in filtered stream waters throughout the district ranged from 0.1-4.5 µg/L,
0.03-0.43 µg/L, and 0.6-4.1 ng/L, respectively. Dissolved concentrations of As and Sb were typically much higher in waters draining from mine workings, whereas Hg concentrations were relatively low (<12 ng/L) in all waters sampled. Drainage from the main portal of the Bralorne Mine
contains high concentrations of As (2250-2560 µg/L) derived from the flooded mine workings, and this study provides new information on the key processes controlling the composition of this mine effluent. The results of this research can be used to better understand the environmental
characteristics of orogenic lode Au deposits, and help to minimize the environmental impacts associated with Au extraction.
The forked flap repair for hypospadias
Authors: Chadha Anil , Singh Amitabh
Published: January 2013

Context: Despite the abundance of techniques for the repair of Hypospadias, its problems still persist and a satisfactory design to correct the penile curvature with the formation of neourethra from the native urethral tissue or genital or extragenital tissues, with minimal postoperative complications has yet to evolve. Aim: Persisting with such an endeavor, a new technique for the repair of distal and midpenile hypospadias is described. Materials and Methods: The study has been done in 70 cases over the past 11 years. The "Forked-Flap" repair is a single stage method for the repair of such Hypospadias with chordee. It takes advantage of the rich vascular communication at the corona and capitalizes on the established reliability of the meatal based flip-flap. The repair achieves straightening of the curvature of the penis by complete excision of chordee tissue from the ventral surface of the penis beneath the urethral plate. The urethra is reconstructed using the native plate with forked flap extensions and genital tissue relying on the concept of meatal based flaps. Water proofing by dartos tissue and reinforcement by Nesbit′s prepucial tissue transfer completes the one stage procedure. Statistical Analysis: An analysis of 70 cases of this single stage technique of repair of penile hypospadias with chordee, operated at 3 to 5 years of age over the past 11 years is presented. Results and Conclusion: The Forked Flap gives comparable and replicable results; except for a urethrocutaneous fistula rate of 4% no other complications were observed.
Plastic surgical trauma: A single-centre experience
Authors: Khan Mansoor , Aziz Asif , Naz Shazia , Khan Imran M. , Ullah Atif , Ullah Hidayat , Ullah Tahmeed , Tahir Muhammad
Published: January 2013

Objectives: To analyse the demographics, mechanism, nature, anatomical distribution, management and complications in trauma patients presenting to the plastic surgery unit. Study Design: Descriptive cross-sectional study. Setting: This study was conducted in the Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Unit, Hayatabad Medical Complex, Peshawar, from 1 st January 2009 to 30 th April 2012. Materials and Methods: All trauma patients referred from emergency department and other departments irrespective of age and gender were enrolled in the study, excluding acute burns and trauma sequelae patients. The details were obtained from the data sheets of the patients. All the data were analysed and projected in the form of tables and figures. Results: A total of 1034 patients including 855 (82.7%) males and 179 (17.3%) females presented with plastic surgical trauma, with age ranging from 1 to 86 years, with a mean age of 20.84 ± 15.469 SD. The upper limb was affected in 492 (47.6%) patients, followed by head and neck in 273 (26.4%) cases. Road traffic accidents (RTAs) were the main cause of trauma, affecting 340 (32.9%) patients. Wound excision and closure was performed in 473 (45.7%) patients, followed by skin grafting and flap coverage in 232 (22.4%) and 132 (13.2%) patients, respectively. Postoperative complications were observed in 45 (4.35%) patients. Conclusion: Males in their young age mainly presented with plastic surgical trauma with RTA as the main mechanism and laceration as the most common type of these injuries. The upper limb was the most commonly affected region. The frequency of different types of surgical procedures and postoperative complications observed are comparable with international literature except for the microvascular surgery which is not performed in our centre. Regular audit of the plastic surgical trauma should be conducted in all plastic surgical units to both improve trauma care and reaffirm the role of Plastic Surgery in the new age trauma.