bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
On a p-adic invariant cycles theorem
Authors: Chiarellotto Bruno , Coleman Robert , Di Proietto Valentina , Iovita Adrian
Published: January 2014

For a proper semistable curve X over a DVR of mixed characteristics
and perfect residue field we prove
the “invariant cycles theorem” with trivial coefficients, i.e.
that the group of elements of the first de Rham cohomology group of the generic
fiber of
X annihilated by the monodromy operator coincides with the
first rigid cohomology group of its special fiber.
This is done
using an explicit description of the monodromy operator on the de Rham cohomology of the generic fiber of X
with coefficients a convergent F-isocrystal (see [Représentations p-adiques de groupes p-adiques III: Méthodes globales et géométriques,
Astérisque 331, 179–254]) and the proof exhibits an interesting interplay between this cohomology group and the combinatorics of the graph of the reduction of X.
The result was proved in a different way in the case the DVR has finite residue field in [Duke Math. J. 97 (1999), no. 1, 155–169].
We also study the case where the coefficients are unipotent convergent F-isocrystals on the special fiber of X (without
log-structure): we show that the invariant cycles theorem does not hold in general in this setting and
give a sufficient condition for non-exactness.
Farrell–Jones spheres and
inertia groups of complex projective spaces
Authors: Ramesh Kasilingam
Published: January 2014

We introduce and study a new class of homotopy spheres called Farrell–Jones spheres. Using Farrell–Jones sphere we construct examples of closed negatively curved manifolds

M

2
n

${M^{2n}}$

, where n = 7 or 8, which are homeomorphic but not diffeomorphic to complex hyperbolic manifolds, thereby giving a partial answer to a question raised by C. S. Aravinda and F. T. Farrell. We show that every exotic sphere not bounding a spin manifold (Hitchin sphere) is a Farrell–Jones sphere. We also discuss the relationship between inertia groups of

ℂ

ℙ
n

${\mathbb {C}\mathbb {P}^n}$

and Farrell–Jones spheres.
Small covers, infra-solvmanifolds and curvature
Authors: Kuroki Shintarô , Masuda Mikiya , Yu Li
Published: January 2014

It is shown that a small cover (resp. real moment-angle manifold) over a simple polytope
is an infra-solvmanifold if and only if it is diffeomorphic to a real Bott manifold (resp. flat torus).
Moreover, we obtain several equivalent conditions for a small cover to be homeomorphic to
a real Bott manifold. In addition,
we study Riemannian metrics on small
covers and real moment-angle manifolds with certain conditions on the Ricci or sectional curvature.
We will see that these curvature conditions put very strong
restrictions on the topology of the corresponding small covers
and real moment-angle manifolds and the combinatorial structures of
the underlying simple polytopes.
Adipocytokines in obesity and metabolic disease
Authors: Cao Haiming
Published: January 2014

The current global obesity pandemic is the leading cause for the soaring rates of metabolic diseases, especially diabetes, cardiovascular disease, hypertension, and non-alcoholic hepatosteatosis. Efforts devoted to find cures for obesity and associated disorders in the past two decades have prompted intensive interest in adipocyte biology, and have led to major advances in the mechanistic understanding of adipose tissue as an essential endocrine organ. Adipose tissue secretes an array of hormones (adipokines) that signal key organs to maintain metabolic homeostasis, and their dysfunction has been causally linked to a wide range of metabolic diseases. In addition, obesity induces production of inflammatory cytokines (often referred to together with adipokines as adipocytokines) and infiltration of immune cells into adipose tissue, which creates a state of chronic low-grade inflammation. Metabolic inflammation has been increasingly recognized as a unifying mechanism linking obesity to a broad spectrum of pathological conditions. This review focuses on classic examples of adipocytokines that have helped to form the basis of the endocrine and inflammatory roles of adipose tissue, and it also details a few newly characterized adipocytokines that provide fresh insights into adipose biology. Studies of adipocytokines in clinical settings and their therapeutic potential are also discussed.
Thixotropism of micron-sized saltwater clay flocs
Authors: Zhang G. , Yin H. , Degroot D. J.
Published: January 2014

Results from microcompression testing of micron-sized saltwater individual kaolinite flocs with different ageing times of up to 152 days show that the rearrangement of flaws or weak links towards a more uniform distribution contributes to the thixotropic increase in floc mechanical properties. Evidence of this newly identified thixotropism of clay flocs is provided by the Weibull moduli of floc stiffness and yield shear strength, which are well fitted using the stretched exponential thixotropy model. The Weibull modulus is a good quantitative descriptor of the thixotropic evolution of clay floc microstructure.
Contrasting evolutionary demography induced by fishing: the role of adaptive phenotypic plasticity
Authors: Hidalgo Manuel , Olsen Esben M. , Ohlberger Jan , Saborido-Rey Fran , Murua Hilario , Piñeiro Carmen , Stenseth Nils C.
Published: January 2014

Mounting evidence now shows that fishing activity modifies both heritable life‐history traits and ecological processes in harvested populations. However, ecological and evolutionary changes are intimately linked and can occur on the same time scale, and few studies have investigated their combined effect on fish population dynamics. Here, we contrast two population subunits of a harvested fish species in the Northeast Atlantic, the European hake (Merluccius merluccius), in the light of the emerging field of evolutionary demography, which considers the interacting processes between ecology and evolution. The two subunits experienced similar age/size truncation due to size‐selective fishing, but displayed differences in key ecological processes (recruitment success) and phenotypic characteristics (maturation schedule). We investigate how temporal variation in maturation and recruitment success interactively shape the population dynamics of the two subunits.

We document that the two subunits of European hake displayed different responses to fishing in maturation schedules, possibly because of the different level of adaptive phenotypic plasticity. Our results also suggest that high phenotypic plasticity can dampen the effects of fisheries‐induced demographic truncation on population dynamics, whereas a population subunit characterized by low phenotypic plasticity may suffer from additive effects of ecological and life‐history responses. Similar fishing pressure may thus trigger contrasting interactions between life history variation and ecological processes within the same population. The presented findings improve our understanding of how fishing impacts eco‐evolutionary dynamics, which is a keystone for a more comprehensive management of harvested species.
Training for an Effective Health and Safety Committee in a Small Business Setting
Authors: Crollard Allison , Neitzel Richard L. , Dominguez Carlos F. , Seixas Noah S.
Published: January 2014

Health and safety committees are often heralded as a key element of successful health and safety programs, and are thought to represent a means of engaging workers in health and safety efforts. While the understanding of the factors that make these committees effective is growing, there are few resources for how to assist committees in developing these characteristics. This paper describes one approach to creating and implementing a training intervention aimed at improving health and safety committee function at one multilingual worksite. Short-term impacts were evaluated via questionnaire and qualitative observations of committee function. Results indicated high satisfaction with the training as well as modest increases in participation, cooperation, role clarity, and comfort with health and safety skills among committee members. The committee also made considerable achievements in establishing new processes for effective function. Similar interventions may be useful in other workplaces to increase health and safety committee success.
ENZYMATIC HYDROLYSIS KINETIC ANALYSIS OF THE VARIOUS SOURCE PROTEINS
Authors: Vinnov Aleksey , Prasol Dmitro
Published: January 2014

The chemical composition marble goby and sunflower meal is presented. The experimental results of enzymatic hydrolysis velocity in dependence of the protein concentration in substrate systems are set. Michaelis constants values for industrial proteolytic enzymes Corolase ® L10 and Corolase ® L7089 are calculated. The application experimental - theoretical kinetic analysis for protease / proteins congeniality determine in complex dispersion substrate systems expediency was confirmed. It is determined that microbial enzyme drag Corolase ® L7089 has a higher congeniality to proteins of all the tested substrates than plant enzyme drag Corolase ® L10
COMPLIANCE WITH LABELING LEGISLATION OF THE REPUBLIC OF MOLDOVA IN THE FIELD OF CONFECTIONERY PRODUCTS
Authors: Popovici Cristina , Mija Nina , Birca Adriana , Iatco Iulia
Published: January 2014

this article presents the basic principles of food labeling, especially of confectionery products, such as the consumers’ right to non misleading information and informed choice, and the harmonisation of national laws. The control on respecting the compliance of information written on product label is made by competent authorities for execution of official control of foodstuffs in the Republic of Moldova. The relevant national regulations are given, and references and websites given for access to full texts. The results of critical surveys on the present implementation of confectionery products labeling are summarised, together with the corresponding recommendations for improvement.
UTILIZATION POSSIBILITIES OF PREBIOTICS AND PROBIOTICS IN PREVENTION AND HEALTH CARE OF CALVES
Authors: Zábranský Luboš , Šoch Miloslav , Novák Pavel , Brouček Jan , Šimková Anna , Švejdová Kateřina , Čermák Bohuslav , Jirotková Dana , Pálka Václav
Published: January 2014

the aim of our study was to evaluate influence of probiotic agents (Lactovita) and seaweed extracts (Biopolym) with antidiarrheal effects on the prevention of diarrhoea in calves. In the experiment 22 experimental and 22 control calves were observed. The results of the observed incidence of diarrhoea in the control and experimental groups showed a positive effect of probiotic Lactovita and seaweed extracts Biopolymer. 32% of calves in the experimental group and 45% of calves in the control group became sick. Unfortunately, we could not demonstrate the statistical significance of these differences. The weight gains found in the 4th week after birth were by 37.6% higher in the group with Lactovita and Biopolym than in the control group.
A Case Study of Question Answering in Automatic Tourism Service Packaging
Authors: Wang Liu , Liao Lejian , Yang Kai , Tan Hai
Published: January 2014

While Web Question Answering System (WQAS) has made great progress in Internet currently, a major limitation of the information sources that current WQASs are using is limited to static page texts. Content information that many users-are interested in, is provided dynamically to Web through programs. Web services are becoming the dominant forms of such sorts of programs. In this paper, a novel model is proposed to address the problem of natural language answering based Web services. The expansions of OWL-S are used to describe the services, and predicate tuples retrieved from questions are matched to the services by PROLOG reasoning. To plan the services, SHOP2 planner is introduced in our architecture, which adopts a semantic Web for content modeling, logic grammar for question parsing, and Hierarchical Task Network (HTN) for user query problem solving. A case study in e-Tourism domain is investigated, which implements dynamic packaging for tourism products.
An Enterprise IT Service Quality Model (EISQM) Based on Service Interaction and Its Empirical Research
Authors: Zhiliang Liu , Jinlong Zhang
Published: January 2014

The respondents’ perspective on service interaction is an important design consideration in service quality evaluations. In Information Technology (IT) field, the enterprise IT service, unlike the traditional service, entails more service interaction, evolving the interactions between the service users and IT department, the interactions between the service users and IT system. The importance of evaluating the enterprise IT service quality has been discussed for several decades. However, there is no universal agreement on the enterprise IT service quality model. This research, taking a cognitive approach, seeks to construct an enterprise IT service quality model based on the service interaction theory. Based on relative literature, we propose a two-dimensional model: human delivered service and system delivered service quality. Following a psychometric procedure, we have collected data and analyzed the construction of the model. The result shows that the enterprise IT service quality measurement instrument has been developed and validated. This model has provided theoretical support for IT service providers to measure users’ satisfaction and improve the service quality.
Differentiation in Normed Spaces
Authors: Endou Noboru , Shidama Yasunari
Published: January 2014

In this article we formalized the Fréchet differentiation. It is defined as a generalization of the differentiation of a real-valued function of a single real variable to more general functions whose domain and range are subsets of normed spaces [14].
Short- and long-term effects of neonicotinoid application in rice fields, on the mortality and colony collapse of honeybees (Apis mellifera)
Authors: Matsumoto Takashi
Published: January 2014

Declines in honeybee (Apis mellifera ) colonies have elicited great concern worldwide. Recently, many Japanese beekeepers have implied that midsummer use of a new insecticide, neonicotinoid, in rice fields, is causing widespread mortality of neighboring honeybees and frequently resulting in colony collapse. Since few field experiments have directly tested the effects of neonicotinoids, I addressed four research questions in the field. The questions are: 1) Does clothianidin application in rice fields cause the collapse of neighboring honeybee colonies? 2) Is colony collapse related to hive distance from the rice field? 3) Is the number of dead honeybee workers after spraying, related to hive distance from the field? 4) What are the long-term effects of neonicotinoid use on honeybee colony growth, especially brood production? In the late summer of 2010, honeybee hives were placed adjacent to two separate rice fields for 1 week. The hives were placed at the distance of 0, 30, 60, and 90 m. After spraying clothianidin, a daily count of dead worker honeybees was done for a week. Hives were weighed, and capped-brood areas were estimated weekly, for 2 months following insecticide application. Although the average number of dead workers ranged from 40 to over 100 within 24 hours after spraying, only a few dead workers were observed in the subsequent days. Distance from the rice field had no significant effect on the number of dead workers. There were no collapsed colonies during the 2-month, post-spray observation period. Hive weight and capped-brood area did not significantly differ among those hives placed at varying distances from the rice field. These results indicated that clothianidin spraying of the rice field increased the mortality of the honeybees, but did not always cause colony collapse.
FIELD EVALUATION OF IMIDACLOPRID AND THIAMETHOXAM AGAINST SUCKING INSECTS AND THEIR SIDE EFFECTS ON SOIL FAUNA
Authors: El-Naggar Jehan B. , Zidan Nour El-Hoda A.
Published: January 2014

This work was carried out at Sakha Agriculture Research Station, Kafr El-Sheikh, Egypt during the 2010 and 2011 cotton growing seasons to evaluate the effectiveness of imidacloprid and thiamethoxam, used separately as seed treatments and foliar applications at the recommended rate against the sucking insects: thrips, thrips tabaci (lind), jassid, Empoasca spp., whitefly, Bemicia tabaci, and cotton aphid, Aphis gossypii (Glover.). The side effects of both insecticides on soil fauna was investigated as well. The experimental results showed the following trends: Seed treatment with imidacloprid and thiamethoxam protected cotton seedlings from thrips for at least 6 weeks from the onset of seed planting. Also, both insecticides induced a fast initial effect (after one week of treatment) on whitefly (immature stages). This fast initial effect then gradually decreased to reach a moderate effect according to the general mean of percent reduction. The two tested insecticides exhibited a moderate initial reduction in the population of whitefly (mature stages) and jassids during the two seasons and then this gradually decreased. Imidacloprid had a better efficiency against this sap sucking pest than thiamethoxam. Treatments with imidacloprid and thiamethoxam as foliar applications were highly effective against aphids, up to 14 days in the case of jassids, while the effect was moderate on the whitefly population (mature and immature stages). Imidacloprid had more initial and residual effect than thiamethoxam against jassids. For all soil arthropod groups implicated in this investigation, the used pesticide and depth, significantly affected their mean numbers. The least number of soil arthropods was sampled from the 10-20 cm layer treated with pesticides compared with the 0-10 cm layer. The control plot at both depths recorded the highest number of soil arthropods sampled. Collembola was most abundant while Psocoptera, Oribatida, Actinedida, and Gamasida were least abundant. Pesticide application increased the overall Collembola density compared to the control plots, while it decreased overall Psocoptera, Oribatida, Actinedida, and Gamasida density compared to the control plots. In case of the foliar treatment, there was a reduction in the mean number of examined micro-arthropods either under plants or between plants, in both depths. The reduction in the number of soil arthropods was significantly more in the 0-10 layer. The reduction was more significant between plants than under plants. The most influenced micro-arthropod was Oribatida. The results also revealed that imidacloprid had more adverse effects on soil fauna than thiamethoxam.
PLANT-PARASITIC NEMATODES ASSOCIATED WITH WALNUT IN THE SANANDEJ REGION OF WEST IRAN
Authors: Bahmani Jebraeil , Khozeini Farhad , Barooti Shapour , Rezaee Saeed , Ghaderi Reza
Published: January 2014

A survey of plant-parasitic nematodes associated with walnut was carried out in the Sanandej region, of the province of Kurdistan, in western Iran, during the 2011-2012 time period. After taking samples from fifty-four localities and then doing the routine laboratory work for processing, fixing, and mounting of the nematodes, twenty-one species of plant-parasitic nematodes were finally identified. Among the identified species: Cacopaurus pestis, Mesocriconema xenoplax, Pratylenchus vulnus and Meloidogyne incognita are likely to cause damage. Spiral (Helicotylenchus crassatus, H. digonicus, H. pseudorobustus and H. vulgaris), ring (Mesocriconema antipolitanum and M. xenoplax) and root-lesion nematodes (Pratylenchus neglectus, P. thornei, P. vulnus and P. delattrei) were the most predominant nematodes in the sampled area (frequencies in soil were 87.0, 77.8, and 72.2% and 46.3, 20.4 and 14.8% in root samples, respectively). In the present study, Pratylenchus delattrei, Trophurus lomus, Paratylenchus similis, Geocenamus stegus, Helicotylenchus crassatus, Scutellonema brachyurus and Meloidogyne incognita were reported as new species associated with walnut in Iran.
A proposal for a new pial arteriovenous fistulas grading scale for neuroendovascular procedures and literature review
Authors: Moscote-Salazar Luis Rafael , Alvis-Miranda Hernando Raphael
Published: January 2014

Pial arteriovenous fistulas are an unusual type of cerebrovascular lesion. The vascular supply of this type of injury comes from cortical and pial vessels which are not located in the dura leaflets. With the aim to make a grading scale for this type of injury, we conducted a literature search using the keywords "pial arteriovenous fistulas", "embolization" associated with "outcome". Angiographic and imagenological characteristics typically found in pial arteriovenous fistulas were taken and was developed a preliminary classification system that must be validated in future studies. Pial arteriovenous fistulas are associated with a poor natural history and the establishment of an individualized therapeutic strategy can provide a good prognosis. The endovascular management of these lesions is safe and effective.
Bench-scale biosynthesis of isonicotinic acid from 4-cyanopyridine by Pseudomonas putida
Authors: Zhu Xiao-Yan , Gong Jin-Song , Li Heng , Lu Zhen-Ming , Shi Jin-Song , Xu Zheng-Hong
Published: January 2014

Pseudomonas putida CGMCC3830 harboring nitrilase was used in isonicotinic acid production from 4-cyanopyridine. This nitrilase showed optimum activities towards 4-cyanopyridine at pH 7.5 and 45°C. The half-life of P. putida nitrilase was 93.3 h, 33.9 h, and 9.5 h at 30°C, 38°C, and 45°C, respectively. 4-Cyanopyridine (100 mM) was fully converted into isonicotinic acid within 20 min. The bench-scale production of isonicotinic acid was carried out using 3 mg of resting cells per mL in a 1 L system at 30°C and finally, 123 g L−1 of isonicotinic acid were obtained within 200 min without any by-products. The conversion reaction suffered from the product inhibition effect after the tenth feeding. The volumetric productivity was 36.9 g L−1 h−1. P. putida shows significant potential in nitrile hydrolysis for isonicotinic acid production. This paper is the first report on isonicotinic acid biosynthesis using Pseudomonas putida and it represents the highest isonicotinic acid production reported so far.
Development of inflatable seals for the rotatable plugs of sodium cooled fast breeder reactors: a review – Part II: R&D necessities and development across the world
Authors: Sinha N. K. , Raj B.
Published: January 2014

Identification of development areas and their implementation for rotatable plug (RP) inflatable seals of Na cooled, 500 Mw (e) Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor (PFBR) and 40 MW (t) Fast Breeder Test Reactor (FBTR) are described, largely based on a late 1990s survey of cover gas seal development (1950s–early 1990s) which defined a set of shortlisted design options and developmental strategy to minimize effort, cost and time. Comparative study of top shield sealing and evolving FBR designs suggest suitability of inflatable seal as primary barrier in RPs. International experience identified choice and qualification of seal elastomer under synergistic degrading environment of reactor as the prime element of development. The low pressure, non-reinforced, unbeaded, PFBR inflatable seal (made of 50/50 blend of Viton® GBL 200S/600S) developed for 10 y life provides a unification scheme for nuclear elastomeric sealing based on 5 peroxide cured fluoroelastomer blend formulations, 1 finite element analysis approach, 1 Teflon-like plasma coating technique and 2 manufacturing processes promising significant gains in standardization, economy and safety. Uniqueness was ab initio development in the absence of established industry or readymade supply. R&D necessities for inflatable seals and their development across the world are given closer look in Part II of the review in continuation of Part I.
Book review: The Confessing Society–Foucault, confession and practices of lifelong learning
Authors: Aarsand Liselott
Published: January 2014

By Andreas Fejes and Magnus Dahlstedt (London and New York, Routledge Taylor & Francis Group, 2013) 122 pp., ISBN 978-0-415-58166-0
Enrichment and Purification of Casein Glycomacropeptide from Whey Protein Isolate Using Supercritical Carbon Dioxide Processing and Membrane Ultrafiltration
Authors: Bonnaillie Laetitia , Qi Phoebe , Wickham Edward , Tomasula Peggy
Published: January 2014

Whey protein concentrates (WPC) and isolates (WPI), comprised mainly of β-lactoglobulin (β-LG), α-lactalbumin (α-LA) and casein glycomacropeptide (GMP), are added to foods to boost nutritional and functional properties. Supercritical carbon dioxide (SCO2) has been shown to effectively fractionate WPC and WPI to obtain enriched fractions of α-LA and β-LG, thus creating new whey ingredients that exploit the properties of the individual component proteins. In this study, we used SCO2 to further fractionate WPI via acid precipitation of α-LA, β-LG and the minor whey proteins to obtain GMP-enriched solutions. The process was optimized and α-LA precipitation maximized at low pH and a temperature (T) ≥65 °C, where β-LG with 84% purity and GMP with 58% purity were obtained, after ultrafiltration and diafiltration to separate β-LG from the GMP solution. At 70 °C, β-LG also precipitated with α-LA, leaving a GMP-rich solution with up to 94% purity after ultrafiltration. The different protein fractions produced with the SCO2 process will permit the design of new foods and beverages to target specific nutritional needs.
Increased Preventive Effect on Colon Carcinogenesis by Use of Resistant Starch (RS3) as the Carrier for Polysaccharide of Larimichthys Crocea Swimming Bladder
Authors: Chen Lian-Hong , Song Jia-Le , Qian Yu , Zhao Xin , Suo Hua-Yi , Li Jian
Published: January 2014

The preventive effect of polysaccharide of Larimichthys crocea swimming bladder (PLCSB) and the increase of this effect by use of resistant starch (RS3) as the carrier for PLCSB on azoxymethane (AOM) and dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-inducing colon carcinogenesis in C57BL/6 mice has been studied. RS3 microspheres carrying PLCSB (RS3 + PLCSB) were produced and evaluated as a potentially improved colon carcinogenesis therapy for this study. The body weight, colon length, and colon weight of mice were determined, and colonic tissues were histologically observed. The serum levels of proinflammatory cytokines and the inflammation and apoptosis-related genes in colonic tissue were also tested. The PLCSB or RS3 + PLCSB significantly suppressed AOM and DSS-induced body weight loss, colon length shortening and decreased the colon weight to length ratio. PLCSB or RS3 + PLCSB reduced the levels of the serum pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-6, IL-12, TNF-α, and IFN-γ to a greater extent compared with the control mice, and the levels of RS3 + PLCSB were more close to the normal mice than PLCSB treated mice. Histopathological examination of sections of colon tissues showed that the RS3 + PLCSB group recovered well from colon carcinogenesis; however, the tissue sections of the stachyose + starch could reduce the necrosis degree. PLCSB significantly induced apoptosis in tissues of mice (p < 0.05) by up-regulating Bax, caspase-3, and caspase-9, and down-regulating Bcl-2. The expression of genes associated with inflammation-related NF-κB, iNOS, and COX-2 genes, was significantly down-regulated, and IκB-α was up-regulated (p < 0.05). These results suggest that PLCSB is a potent preventive against in vivo colon carcinogenesis and that PLCSB with an RS3 carrier could increase the preventative effect in mice.
Changing Microspatial Patterns of Sulfate-Reducing Microorganisms (SRM) during Cycling of Marine Stromatolite Mats
Authors: Petrisor Alexandru , Szyjka Sandra , Kawaguchi Tomohiro , Visscher Pieter , Norman Robert , Decho Alan
Published: January 2014

Microspatial arrangements of sulfate-reducing microorganisms (SRM) in surface microbial mats (~1.5 mm) forming open marine stromatolites were investigated. Previous research revealed three different mat types associated with these stromatolites, each with a unique petrographic signature. Here we focused on comparing “non-lithifying” (Type-1) and “lithifying” (Type-2) mats. Our results revealed three major trends: (1) Molecular typing using the dsrA probe revealed a shift in the SRM community composition between Type-1 and Type-2 mats. Fluorescence in-situ hybridization (FISH) coupled to confocal scanning-laser microscopy (CSLM)-based image analyses, and 35SO42−-silver foil patterns showed that SRM were present in surfaces of both mat types, but in significantly (p < 0.05) higher abundances in Type-2 mats. Over 85% of SRM cells in the top 0.5 mm of Type-2 mats were contained in a dense 130 µm thick horizontal layer comprised of clusters of varying sizes; (2) Microspatial mapping revealed that locations of SRM and CaCO3 precipitation were significantly correlated (p < 0.05); (3) Extracts from Type-2 mats contained acylhomoserine-lactones (C4- ,C6- ,oxo-C6,C7- ,C8- ,C10- ,C12- , C14-AHLs) involved in cell-cell communication. Similar AHLs were produced by SRM mat-isolates. These trends suggest that development of a microspatially-organized SRM community is closely-associated with the hallmark transition of stromatolite surface mats from a non-lithifying to a lithifying state.
Luteolin Reduces Alzheimer’s Disease Pathologies Induced by Traumatic Brain Injury
Authors: Sawmiller Darrell , Li Song , Shahaduzzaman Md , Smith Adam , Obregon Demian , Giunta Brian , Borlongan Cesar , Sanberg Paul , Tan Jun
Published: January 2014

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) occurs in response to an acute insult to the head and is recognized as a major risk factor for Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Indeed, recent studies have suggested a pathological overlap between TBI and AD, with both conditions exhibiting amyloid-beta (Aβ) deposits, tauopathy, and neuroinflammation. Additional studies involving animal models of AD indicate that some AD-related genotypic determinants may be critical factors enhancing temporal and phenotypic symptoms of TBI. Thus in the present study, we examined sub-acute effects of moderate TBI delivered by a gas-driven shock tube device in Aβ depositing Tg2576 mice. Three days later, significant increases in b-amyloid deposition, glycogen synthase-3 (GSK-3) activation, phospho-tau, and pro-inflammatory cytokines were observed. Importantly, peripheral treatment with the naturally occurring flavonoid, luteolin, significantly abolished these accelerated pathologies. This study lays the groundwork for a safe and natural compound that could prevent or treat TBI with minimal or no deleterious side effects in combat personnel and others at risk or who have experienced TBI.
Holothurian Fucosylated Chondroitin Sulfate
Authors: Pomin Vitor
Published: January 2014

Fucosylated chondroitin sulfate (FucCS) is a structurally distinct glycosaminoglycan found in sea cucumber species. It has the same backbone composition of alternating 4-linked glucuronic acid and 3-linked N-acetyl galactosamine residues within disaccharide repeating units as regularly found in mammalian chondroitin sulfates. However, FucCS has also sulfated fucosyl branching units 3-O-linked to the acid residues. The sulfation patterns of these branches vary accordingly with holothurian species and account for different biological actions and responses. FucCSs may exhibit anticoagulant, antithrombotic, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, antiviral, and pro-angiogenic activities, besides its beneficial effects in hemodialysis, cellular growth modulation, fibrosis and hyperglycemia. Through an historical overview, this document covers most of the science regarding the holothurian FucCS. Both structural and medical properties of this unique GAG, investigated during the last 25 years, are systematically discussed herein.
Emergence of Algal Blooms: The Effects of Short-Term Variability in Water Quality on Phytoplankton Abundance, Diversity, and Community Composition in a Tidal Estuary
Authors: Egerton Todd , Morse Ryan , Marshall Harold , Mulholland Margaret
Published: January 2014

Algal blooms are dynamic phenomena, often attributed to environmental parameters that vary on short timescales (e.g., hours to days). Phytoplankton monitoring programs are largely designed to examine long-term trends and interannual variability. In order to better understand and evaluate the relationships between water quality variables and the genesis of algal blooms, daily samples were collected over a 34 day period in the eutrophic Lafayette River, a tidal tributary within Chesapeake Bay’s estuarine complex, during spring 2006. During this period two distinct algal blooms occurred; the first was a cryptomonad bloom and this was followed by a bloom of the mixotrophic dinoflagellate, Gymnodinium instriatum. Chlorophyll a, nutrient concentrations, and physical and chemical parameters were measured daily along with phytoplankton abundance and community composition. While 65 phytoplankton species from eight major taxonomic groups were identified in samples and total micro- and nano-phytoplankton cell densities ranged from 5.8 × 106 to 7.8 × 107 cells L−1, during blooms, cryptomonads and G. instriatum were 91.6% and 99.0%, respectively, of the total phytoplankton biomass during blooms. The cryptomonad bloom developed following a period of rainfall and concomitant increases in inorganic nitrogen concentrations. Nitrate, nitrite and ammonium concentrations 0 to 5 days prior were positively lag-correlated with cryptomonad abundance. In contrast, the G. insriatum bloom developed during periods of low dissolved nitrogen concentrations and their abundance was negatively correlated with inorganic nitrogen concentrations.
Preventive Effects of Citrus unshiu Peel Extracts on Bone and Lipid Metabolism in OVX Rats
Authors: Lim Dong , Lee Youngseok , Kim Yun
Published: January 2014

Dried Citrus unshiu peel has been widely used for various medicinal purposes in Oriental Medicine. This study evaluated the metabolic effects of dried C. unshiu peel in ovariectomized (OVX) rats. The OVX rats were divided into five groups treated with distilled water, 17β-estradiol (E2 10 μg/kg, once daily, i.p.) and dried C. unshiu peel extracts (DCPE 30, 100 and 300 mg/kg, once daily, p.o.) for eight weeks. The treatments with high-dose DCPE significantly decreased the bone mineral density (BMD) loss in the femur, which was reflected by the decrease in alkaline phosphatase (ALP), telopeptides of collagen type I (CTx) and osteocalcin (OC) serum levels. It also inhibited the increase in lipoprotein levels compared to the OVX-control group without elevating the serum levels of estradiol, aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine transaminase (ALT). Furthermore, DCPE exhibits a hepatoprotective effect in OVX-induced hepatic steatosis, indicated by reduced hepatic lipid contents. Taken together, our findings suggest that DCPE has the potential to improve both lipid and bone metabolism without influencing hormones such as estrogen in OVX rats.
Ritonavir-Mediated Induction of Apoptosis in Pancreatic Cancer Occurs via the RB/E2F-1 and AKT Pathways
Authors: Batchu Ramesh , Gruzdyn Oksana , Bryant Christopher , Qazi Aamer , Kumar Sanjeev , Chamala Sreedhar , Kung Shu , Sanka Ramana , Puttagunta Udaya , Weaver Donald , Gruber Scott
Published: January 2014

Recent observations suggest a lower incidence of malignancies in patients infected with HIV during treatment with Highly Active Anti-Retroviral Therapy (HAART) utilizing protease inhibitors. We investigated the effects of ritonavir, a FDA approved HIV protease inhibitor, on proliferation of pancreatic ductal adeno-carcinoma (PDAC) cell lines. Human PDAC cell lines BxPC-3, MIA PaCa-2, and PANC-1 were propagated under standard conditions and treated with serial dilutions of ritonavir. Ritonavir inhibited cell growth in a dose-dependent manner as well as activated the intrinsic apoptotic pathway in human pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) cell lines. We observed down-modulation of cell-cycle promoting and up-regulation of cell-cycle inhibitory genes; enhanced interaction of retinoblastoma protein (RB) with E2F-1 transcription factor; inhibition of phosphorylation of RB, resulting in sequestration of E2F-1 and subsequent down-regulation of S phase genes; decreased interaction of E2F-1 with its consensus binding sites; inhibition of cell motility and invasiveness; and inhibition of the AKT pathway. Our results demonstrate a potential use of ritonavir as part of combination chemotherapy for PDAC. Since ritonavir is FDA approved for HIV, drug repositioning for PDAC would limit the costs and reduce risks.
Airborne Dual-Wavelength LiDAR Data for Classifying Land Cover
Authors: Wang Cheng-Kai , Tseng Yi-Hsing , Chu Hone-Jay
Published: January 2014

This study demonstrated the potential of using dual-wavelength airborne light detection and ranging (LiDAR) data to classify land cover. Dual-wavelength LiDAR data were acquired from two airborne LiDAR systems that emitted pulses of light in near-infrared (NIR) and middle-infrared (MIR) lasers. The major features of the LiDAR data, such as surface height, echo width, and dual-wavelength amplitude, were used to represent the characteristics of land cover. Based on the major features of land cover, a support vector machine was used to classify six types of suburban land cover: road and gravel, bare soil, low vegetation, high vegetation, roofs, and water bodies. Results show that using dual-wavelength LiDAR-derived information (e.g., amplitudes at NIR and MIR wavelengths) could compensate for the limitations of using single-wavelength LiDAR information (i.e., poor discrimination of low vegetation) when classifying land cover.
Radar-to-Radar Interference Suppression for Distributed Radar Sensor Networks
Authors: Wang Wen-Qin , Shao Huaizong
Published: January 2014

Radar sensor networks, including bi- and multi-static radars, provide several operational advantages, like reduced vulnerability, good system flexibility and an increased radar cross-section. However, radar-to-radar interference suppression is a major problem in distributed radar sensor networks. In this paper, we present a cross-matched filtering-based radar-to-radar interference suppression algorithm. This algorithm first uses an iterative filtering algorithm to suppress the radar-to-radar interferences and, then, separately matched filtering for each radar. Besides the detailed algorithm derivation, extensive numerical simulation examples are performed with the down-chirp and up-chirp waveforms, partially overlapped or inverse chirp rate linearly frequency modulation (LFM) waveforms and orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (ODFM) chirp diverse waveforms. The effectiveness of the algorithm is verified by the simulation results.
Precise Point Positioning with the BeiDou Navigation Satellite System
Authors: Li Min , Qu Lizhong , Zhao Qile , Guo Jing , Su Xing , Li Xiaotao
Published: January 2014

By the end of 2012, China had launched 16 BeiDou-2 navigation satellites that include six GEOs, five IGSOs and five MEOs. This has provided initial navigation and precise pointing services ability in the Asia-Pacific regions. In order to assess the navigation and positioning performance of the BeiDou-2 system, Wuhan University has built up a network of BeiDou Experimental Tracking Stations (BETS) around the World. The Position and Navigation Data Analyst (PANDA) software was modified to determine the orbits of BeiDou satellites and provide precise orbit and satellite clock bias products from the BeiDou satellite system for user applications. This article uses the BeiDou/GPS observations of the BeiDou Experimental Tracking Stations to realize the BeiDou and BeiDou/GPS static and kinematic precise point positioning (PPP). The result indicates that the precision of BeiDou static and kinematic PPP reaches centimeter level. The precision of BeiDou/GPS kinematic PPP solutions is improved significantly compared to that of BeiDou-only or GPS-only kinematic PPP solutions. The PPP convergence time also decreases with the use of combined BeiDou/GPS systems.
Managing the Number of Tag Bits Transmitted in a Bit-Tracking RFID Collision Resolution Protocol
Authors: Landaluce Hugo , Perallos Asier , Angulo Ignacio
Published: January 2014

Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology faces the problem of message collisions. The coexistence of tags sharing the communication channel degrades bandwidth, and increases the number of bits transmitted. The window methodology, which controls the number of bits transmitted by the tags, is applied to the collision tree (CT) protocol to solve the tag collision problem. The combination of this methodology with the bit-tracking technology, used in CT, improves the performance of the window and produces a new protocol which decreases the number of bits transmitted. The aim of this paper is to show how the CT bit-tracking protocol is influenced by the proposed window, and how the performance of the novel protocol improves under different conditions of the scenario. Therefore, we have performed a fair comparison of the CT protocol, which uses bit-tracking to identify the first collided bit, and the new proposed protocol with the window methodology. Simulations results show that the proposed window positively decreases the total number of bits that are transmitted by the tags, and outperforms the CT protocol latency in slow tag data rate scenarios.
A Wireless Flexible Sensorized Insole for Gait Analysis
Authors: Crea Simona , Donati Marco , De Rossi Stefano , Oddo Calogero , Vitiello Nicola
Published: January 2014

This paper introduces the design and development of a novel pressure-sensitive foot insole for real-time monitoring of plantar pressure distribution during walking. The device consists of a flexible insole with 64 pressure-sensitive elements and an integrated electronic board for high-frequency data acquisition, pre-filtering, and wireless transmission to a remote data computing/storing unit. The pressure-sensitive technology is based on an optoelectronic technology developed at Scuola Superiore Sant’Anna. The insole is a low-cost and low-power battery-powered device. The design and development of the device is presented along with its experimental characterization and validation with healthy subjects performing a task of walking at different speeds, and benchmarked against an instrumented force platform.
A COMPREHENSIVE FRAMEWORK FOR EVALUATING KEY PROJECT REQUIREMENTS
Authors: Yang Li-Ren , Chen Jieh-Haur , Huang Chung-Fah
Published: January 2014

Requirements definition affects work performed in subsequent phases of a project. Thus, the compliance with requirements is crucial to the success of a project. The primary objective of this research was to develop a comprehensive framework for evaluating key building project requirements. The second objective was to identify and prioritize important project requirement using the analytical network process (ANP). The third objective was to examine the impact of requirement completeness on project success using structural equation model (SEM) analysis. A four-phase approach was employed to achieve the goals. The results suggest that building programming and site information have a higher priority in requirement definition than project control, project strategy, and project design parameter. The findings also indicate that requirement completeness may contribute significantly to building project success in terms of schedule success, cost success, quality performance, and overall benefit.
STATISTICAL EVALUATION OF PRE-SELECTION CRITERIA FOR INDUSTRIALIZED BUILDING SYSTEM (IBS)
Authors: Azman Mohamed Nor Azhari , Ahamad Mohd Sanusi S. , Majid Taksiah A. , Yahaya Ahmad Shukri , Hanafi Mohd Hanizun
Published: January 2014

The Malaysian government has endorsed the use of an industrialized building system (IBS) in domestic projects. These have shifted the focus of the nation's construction industry towards mass production and modular products. A proper study on site selection criteria for new IBS precast manufacturing sites has now become essential. The preliminary study in this research determines the IBS precast manufacturing site selection criteria from literature reviews. Questionnaires pertaining to IBS acceptance and preference criteria were send to manufacturers, policymakers, academicians and contractors. The outcome analyses the respondents’ view towards 15 site selection criteria. The result from the ANOVA statistical test indicates that most respondents agreed with the selected criteria except political and regulation criteria, urban requirement criteria, and personal criteria. However, there is a significant difference within the opinions of the contractors and manufacturers sector. Likewise, the mean ranking analysis of criteria shows significant difference in their preferences. The ideal rank of criteria preferred by the correspondents are costs, transportation and optimum distance, land sites, resources and utilization, infrastructures, economy markets, labour, inter-industry linkage, environmental risk, competition, personal, population, capacity, political and regulatory, and urban criteria.
Investigation of Ergonomics Risk Factors for Musculoskeletal Disorders among Oil Palm Workers Using Quick Exposure Check (QEC)
Authors: Sukadarin Ezrin Hani , Md Deros Baba , Ghani Jaharah Abd , Ismail Ahmad Rasdan , Mokhtar Maznon M. , Mohamad Darliana
Published: January 2014

Oil palm workers perform daily activities that exposed themselves to various ergonomics risk factors. To harvest oil palm fruits from tall trees, specific technique is required. To quantify the ergonomics risks factors, postural analysis was conducted using Quick Exposure Check (QEC) system. It was found oil palm workers were exposed to many postural problems while performing harvesting and collecting fresh fruit bunch (FFB) activities. However, to quantify the actual load, many limitations of the QEC have been revealed such the missing of legs assessment, the crude analysis for arm and shoulder, no pushing and pulling assessment and the biased may be existed due to the workers perception on the ergonomics factors. Thus, it can be concluded that QEC system was not suitable for conducting postural analysis during harvesting in oil palm plantation especially in tall trees due to the above limitations.
Design and Evaluation New Rice Planter Tool without Mechanical Engine for Improving Conventional Farmer's Posture as Revival of Agriculture's Indonesia
Authors: Dila Sari Amarria , Pusfitasari Nurmala , Rahma Riza
Published: January 2014

Indonesia is an agricultural country and most of the population work in that sector. Indonesia focusses its development on the agricultural sector which emphasize on rice plantation. One of the obstacle on the agricultural sector in Indonesia is the conventional work method that is manually planting the rice in the rice field. However, this kind of method can affect the musculoskeletal system. Musculoskeletal discomfort complained because of excessive muscle contraction as an effect of heavy workload in a long duration. The objectives of this research was designing rice planter tool using participatory ergonomic approachment. This design could reduce the injury risks and musculoskeletal complaints and increase the productivity.There was a comparison between the proposed rice planter tool design with the conventional method of rice planting based on the musculoskeletal complaints, time efficiency and expended cost. TheREBA scoring result indicates that new-concept of rice planter tool improves subjective comfort level and reduces injury risks in the trunk, waist, right and left shoulders. By using the rice planter tool, the injury risk can be reduced until 66.67%. On the other side, suppose the same worker which usually plants one rice sprout with conventional method spends time about x seconds. Compared by using the proposed rice planter tool, the worker only spends 0,5x seconds from conventional method rice planting. Therefore, the time for rice planting will be more efficient by using this tool.