bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Accounting for spatial variation in vegetation properties improves simulations of Amazon forest biomass and productivity in a global vegetation model
Authors: de Almeida Castanho A. D. , Coe M. T. , Heil Costa M. , Malhi Y. , Galbraith D. , Quesada C. A.
Published: August 2012

Abstract. Dynamic vegetation models forced with spatially homogeneous biophysical parameters are capable of producing average productivity and biomass values for the Amazon basin forest biome that are close to the observed estimates, but are unable to reproduce the observed spatial variability. Recent observational studies have shown substantial regional spatial variability of above-ground productivity and biomass across the Amazon basin, which is believed to be primarily driven by soil physical and chemical properties. In this study, spatial heterogeneity of vegetation properties is added to the IBIS land surface model, and the simulated productivity and biomass of the Amazon basin are compared to observations from undisturbed forest. The maximum Rubisco carboxylation capacity (Vcmax) and the woody biomass residence time (τw) were found to be the most important properties determining the modeled spatial variation of above-ground woody net primary productivity and biomass, respectively. Spatial heterogeneity of these properties may lead to a spatial variability of 1.8 times in the simulated woody net primary productivity and 2.8 times in the woody above-ground biomass. The coefficient of correlation between the modeled and observed woody productivity improved from 0.10 with homogeneous parameters to 0.73 with spatially heterogeneous parameters, while the coefficient of correlation between the simulated and observed woody above-ground biomass improved from 0.33 to 0.88. The results from our analyses with the IBIS dynamic vegetation model demonstrate that using single values for key ecological parameters in the tropical forest biome severely limits simulation accuracy. We emphasize that our approach must be viewed as an important first step and that a clearer understanding of the biophysical mechanisms that drive the spatial variability of carbon allocation, τw and Vcmax are necessary.
Detection of large above ground biomass variability in lowland forest ecosystems by airborne LiDAR
Authors: Jubanski J. , Ballhorn U. , Kronseder K. , Franke J. , Siegert F.
Published: August 2012

Abstract. Quantification of tropical forest Above Ground Biomass (AGB) over large areas as input for Reduced Emissions from Deforestation and forest Degradation (REDD+) projects and climate change models is challenging. This is the first study which attempts to estimate AGB and its variability across large areas of tropical lowland forests in Central Kalimantan (Indonesia) through correlating airborne Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) to forest inventory data. Two LiDAR height metrics were analysed and regression models could be improved through the use of LiDAR point densities as input (R2 = 0.88; n = 52). Surveying with a LiDAR point density per square meter of 2–4 resulted in the best cost-benefit ratio. We estimated AGB for 600 km of LiDAR tracks and showed that there exists a considerable variability of up to 140% within the same forest type due to varying environmental conditions. Impact from logging operations and the associated AGB losses dating back more than 10 yr could be assessed by LiDAR but not by multispectral satellite imagery. Comparison with a Landsat classification for a 1 million ha study area where AGB values were based on site specific field inventory data, regional literature estimates, and default values by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) showed an overestimation of 46%, 102%, and 137%, respectively. The results show that AGB overestimation may lead to wrong GHG emission estimates due to deforestation in climate models. For REDD+ projects this leads to inaccurate carbon stock estimates and consequently to significantly wrong REDD+ based compensation payments.
Element budgets in an Arctic mesocosm CO2 perturbation study
Authors: Czerny J. , Schulz K. G. , Boxhammer T. , Bellerby R. G. J. , Büdenbender J. , Engel A. , Krug S. A. , Ludwig A. , Nachtigall K. , Nondal G. , Niehoff B. , Siljakova A. , Riebesell U.
Published: August 2012

Abstract. Recent studies on the impacts of ocean acidification on pelagic communities have identified changes in carbon to nutrient dynamics with related shifts in elemental stoichiometry. In principle, mesocosm experiments provide the opportunity of determining the temporal dynamics of all relevant carbon and nutrient pools and, thus, calculating elemental budgets. In practice, attempts to budget mesocosm enclosures are often hampered by uncertainties in some of the measured pools and fluxes, in particular due to uncertainties in constraining air/sea gas exchange, particle sinking, and wall growth. In an Arctic mesocosm study on ocean acidification using KOSMOS (Kiel Off-Shore Mesocosms for future Ocean Simulation) all relevant element pools and fluxes of carbon, nitrogen and phosphorus were measured, using an improved experimental design intended to narrow down some of the mentioned uncertainties. Water column concentrations of particulate and dissolved organic and inorganic constituents were determined daily. New approaches for quantitative estimates of material sinking to the bottom of the mesocosms and gas exchange in 48 h temporal resolution, as well as estimates of wall growth were developed to close the gaps in element budgets. Future elevated pCO2 was found to enhance net autotrophic community carbon uptake in 2 of the 3 experimental phases but did not significantly affect particle elemental composition. Enhanced carbon consumption appears to result in accumulation of dissolved organic compounds under nutrient recycling summer conditions. This carbon over-consumption effect becomes evident from budget calculations, but was too small to be resolved by direct measurements of dissolved organics. The out-competing of large diatoms by comparatively small algae in nutrient uptake caused reduced production rates under future ocean CO2 conditions in the end of the experiment. This CO2 induced shift away from diatoms towards smaller phytoplankton and enhanced cycling of dissolved organics was pushing the system towards a retention type food chain with overall negative effects on export potential.
Concentrations and fluxes of dissolved organic carbon in runoff from a forested catchment: insights from high frequency measurements
Authors: Strohmeier S. , Knorr K.-H. , Reichert M. , Frei S. , Fleckenstein J. H. , Peiffer S. , Matzner E.
Published: August 2012

Abstract. Concentrations of dissolved organic carbon (DOC) in runoff from catchments are often subject to substantial short term variations. The aim of this study was to identify the spatial sources of DOC and the causes for short term variations in runoff from a forested catchment. Furthermore, we investigated the implication of short term variations for the calculation of annual runoff fluxes. High frequency measurements (30 min intervals) of DOC in runoff, of discharge and groundwater table were conducted for one year in the 4.2 km2 forested Lehstenbach catchment, Germany. Riparian wetland soils represent about 30% of the catchment area. The quality of DOC was investigated by three dimensional fluorescence excitation-emission matrices in samples taken from runoff, deep groundwater and shallow groundwater from the riparian wetland soils. The concentrations of DOC in runoff were highly variable at an hourly to daily time scale, ranging from 2.6 mg l−1 to 34 mg l−1 with an annual average of 9.2 mg l−1. The concentrations were positively related to discharge, with a pronounced, counter clockwise hysteresis. Relations of DOC to discharge were steeper in the summer/fall than in the winter/spring season. Dynamics of groundwater table, discharge, DOC concentrations and DOC quality parameters indicated that DOC in runoff originated mainly from the riparian wetland soils, both under low and high flow conditions. The annual export of DOC from the catchment was 84 kg C ha−1 yr−1 when calculated from the high frequency measurements. If the annual export was calculated by simulated random fortnightly samplings, the range was 47 to 124 kg C ha−1 yr−1. Calculations of DOC export fluxes might result in significant errors when based on infrequent (e.g. fortnightly) sampling intervals. Future changes in the precipitation and discharge patterns will influence the DOC dynamics in this catchment, with largest effects in the summer season.
Resistive plate chambers for tomography and radiography
Authors: Thomay C. , Baesso P. , Cussans D. , Davies J. , Glaysher P. , Quillin S. , Robertson S. , Steer C. , Vassallo C. , Velthuis J.
Published: August 2012

Abstract. Resistive Plate Chambers (RPCs) are widely used in high energy physics for both tracking and triggering purposes, due to their excellent time resolution, rate capability, and good spatial resolution. RPCs can be produced cost-effectively on large scales, are of rugged build, and have excellent detection efficiency for charged particles. Our group has successfully built a Muon Scattering Tomography (MST) prototype, using 12 RPCs to obtain tracking information of muons going through a target volume of ~ 50 cm × 50 cm × 70 cm, reconstructing both the incoming and outgoing muon tracks. The required spatial granularity is achieved by using 330 readout strips per RPC with 1.5 mm pitch. The RPCs have shown an efficiency above 99% and an estimated intrinsic resolution below 1.1 mm. Due to these qualities, RPCs provide excellent candidates for usage in volcano radiography.
A web-based software tool to estimate unregulated daily streamflow at ungauged rivers
Authors: Archfield S. A. , Steeves P. A. , Guthrie J. D. , Ries III K. G.
Published: August 2012

Abstract. Streamflow information is critical for solving any number of hydrologic problems. Often times, streamflow information is needed at locations which are ungauged and, therefore, have no observations on which to base water management decisions. Furthermore, there has been increasing need for daily streamflow time series to manage rivers for both human and ecological functions. To facilitate negotiation between human and ecological demands for water, this paper presents the first publically-available, map-based, regional software tool to interactively estimate daily streamflow time series at any user-selected ungauged river location. The map interface allows users to locate and click on a river location, which then returns estimates of daily streamflow for the location selected. For the demonstration region in the northeast United States, daily streamflow was shown to be reliably estimated by the software tool, with efficiency values computed from observed and estimated streamflows ranging from 0.69 to 0.92. The software tool provides a general framework that can be applied to other regions for which daily streamflow estimates are needed.
Rainfall and earthquake-induced landslide susceptibility assessment using GIS and Artificial Neural Network
Authors: Li Y. , Chen G. , Tang C. , Zhou G. , Zheng L.
Published: August 2012

Abstract. A GIS-based method for the assessment of landslide susceptibility in a selected area of Qingchuan County in China is proposed by using the back-propagation Artificial Neural Network model (ANN). Landslide inventory was derived from field investigation and aerial photo interpretation. 473 landslides occurred before the Wenchuan earthquake (which were thought as rainfall-induced landslides (RIL) in this study), and 885 earthquake-induced landslides (EIL) were recorded into the landslide inventory map. To understand the different impacts of rainfall and earthquake on landslide occurrence, we first compared the variations between landslide spatial distribution and conditioning factors. Then, we compared the weight variation of each conditioning factor derived by adjusting ANN structure and factors combination respectively. Last, the weight of each factor derived from the best prediction model was applied to the entire study area to produce landslide susceptibility maps. Results show that slope gradient has the highest weight for landslide susceptibility mapping for both RIL and EIL. The RIL model built with four different factors (slope gradient, elevation, slope height and distance to the stream) shows the best success rate of 93%; the EIL model built with five different factors (slope gradient, elevation, slope height, distance to the stream and distance to the fault) has the best success rate of 98%. Furthermore, the EIL data was used to verify the RIL model and the success rate is 92%; the RIL data was used to verify the EIL model and the success rate is 53%.
An operational model for the West Iberian coast: products and services
Authors: Mateus M. , Riflet G. , Chambel P. , Fernandes L. , Fernandes R. , Juliano M. , Campuzano F. , de Pablo H. , Neves R.
Published: August 2012

Abstract. This paper presents the structure and application of a regional scale operational modelling tool for the West Iberian coast, and discusses its potential for products and services for both scientific and coastal management activities. The forecasting suite includes nested hydrodynamic models forced with up-to-date meteorological forecast data and large-scale model results. The present status of the system and its recent upgrades are reviewed, offering a general description of the main components of the system: the forcing data, the circulation model, the model outputs and the validation methodology of model results. Seasonal differences in temperature, salinity and current velocity fields are illustrated and show satisfactory reproduction of the top and deep layer thermodynamics. The system provides boundary forcing for a number of local-scale model applications via downscaling of the solution and enables potential products and services from which civil society will benefit.
Variability in the air–sea interaction patterns and time-scales within the Southeastern Bay of Biscay, as observed by HF radar data
Authors: Fontán A. , Esnaola G. , Sáenz J. , González M.
Published: August 2012

Abstract. Two high frequency (HF) radar stations were installed on the Southeastern Bay of Biscay in 2009, providing high spatial and temporal resolution and large spatial coverage currents for the first time in the area. This has enabled to determine quantitatively the air–sea interaction patterns and time-scales for the period 2009–2010. The analysis was conducted by using the Barnett-Preisendorfer approach to canonical correlation analysis (CCA) of reanalysis surface winds and HF radar-derived currents. The results reveal that the CCA yields two canonical patterns. The first wind-current interaction pattern corresponds to the classical Ekman drift at sea surface, whilst the second describes an anticyclonic/cyclonic surface circulation. The results obtained demonstrate that the local winds play an important role in driving the upper water circulation. The wind-current interaction time-scales are mainly related to diurnal breezes and synoptic variability. In particular, the breezes force diurnal currents in the continental shelf and slope of the Southeastern Bay. It is concluded that the breezes may force diurnal currents over considerably wider areas than that covered by the HF radar, considering that the northern and southern continental shelves of the Bay exhibit stronger diurnal than annual wind amplitudes.
MERIS-based ocean colour classification with the discrete Forel–Ule scale
Authors: Wernand M. R. , Hommersom A. , van der Woerd H. J.
Published: August 2012

Abstract. Multispectral information from satellite borne ocean colour sensors is at present used to characterize natural waters via the retrieval of concentration of the three dominant optical constituents; pigments of phytoplankton, non-algal particles and coloured dissolved organic matter. A limitation of this approach is that accurate retrieval of these constituents requires detailed local knowledge of the specific absorption and scattering properties. In addition, the retrieval algorithms generally use only a limited part of the collected spectral information. In this paper we present an additional new algorithm that has the merit to use the full spectral information in the visible domain to characterize natural waters in a simple and globally valid way. This Forel–Ule MERIS (FUME) algorithm converts the normalized multi-band reflectance information into a discrete set of numbers using uniform colourimetric functions. The Forel–Ule scale is a sea colour comparator scale that has been developed to cover all possible natural sea colours, ranging from indigo blue (the open ocean) to brownish-green (coastal water) and even brown (humic-acid dominated) waters. Data using this scale have been collected since the late nineteenth century, and therefore, this algorithm creates the possibility to compare historic ocean colour data with present-day satellite ocean colour observations. The FUME algorithm was tested by transforming a number of MERIS satellite images into Forel–Ule colour index images and comparing in situ observed FU numbers with FU numbers modelled from in situ radiometer measurements.
Brief communication: Historical glacier length changes in West Greenland
Authors: Leclercq P. W. , Weidick A. , Paul F. , Bolch T. , Citterio M. , Oerlemans J.
Published: August 2012

Abstract. Past glacier fluctuations provide insight into glacier dynamics, climate change, and the contribution of glaciers to sea-level rise. Here, the length fluctuations since the 19th century of 18 local glaciers in West and South Greenland are presented, extending and updating the study by Weidick (1968). The studied glaciers all show an overall retreat with an average of 1.2 ± 0.2 km over the 20th century, indicating a general rise of the equilibrium line along the west coast of Greenland during the last century. The rate of retreat was largest in the first half of the 20th century.
Yields and Quality of Italian Ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum) and Common Vetch (Vicia sativa) Grown in Monocultures and Mixed Cultures under Irrigated Conditions in the Highlands of Madagascar
Authors: B. Rahetlah Volatsara , M. Randrianaivoarivony Jean , Andrianarisoa Blandine , H. Razafimpamoa Lucile , L. Ramalanjaona Vololoniaina
Published: August 2012

A field experiment was conducted under irrigated conditions in the highlands of Madagascar to assess the potential of intercropping Italian ryegrass with common vetch for improving yield and quality of forage. Seed proportions studied were ryegrass-vetch 100:0; 0:100; 50:33; 50:50; 50:66; 75:33 and 75:66. Mixtures were sown in alternate rows and the sowing rates of pure stands of ryegrass and vetch were 20 and 60 kg per hectare, respectively. The results showed that all mixtures achieved yield advantage over pure stands with the highest land equivalent ratio value for dry matter yield obtained from the mixture of 75:66 (1.47) followed by 50:50 (1.35). Slight increase of crude protein content and protein digested in the small intestine when rumen-fermentable nitrogen is limiting (PDIN) content were obtained from mixtures compared with pure stand of ryegrass. Vetch rate in dry matter yield of mixtures increased with the increase of vetch seed proportion and ranged from 31 to 44%. Agressivity and competitive ratio indices showed that ryegrass was slightly competitive than vetch. Intercropping Italian ryegrass with common vetch at the seed proportions of 75:66 or 50:50 could be a more sustainable alternative cropping to alleviate dry season feed shortages of dairy livestock in the highlands of Madagascar.
Description of corrections on electrode polarization impedance using isopotential interface factor
Authors: A. Gómez-Sánchez J. , J. Felice C.
Published: August 2012

In this paper, we propose an equation and define the Isopotential Interface Factor (IIF) to quantify the contribution of electrode polarization impedance in two tetrapolar electrode shapes. The first tetrapolar electrode geometry shape was adjacent and the second axial concentric, both probes were made of stainless steel (AISI 304). The experiments were carried out with an impedance analyzer (Solartron 1260) using a frequency range between 0.1 Hz and 8 MHz. Based on a theoretical simplification, the experimental results show a lower value of the IIF in the axial concentric tetrapolar electrode system which caused a lower correction of interface value. The higher value of the IIF in the adjacent electrode system was KEEI (1Hz, 0.28 mS/cm) = 1.41 and decreased when the frequency and conductance were increased, whereas in the axial concentric electrode system was KEEI (1Hz, 0.28 mS/cm) = 0.08. The average isopotential interface factor throughout the whole range of conductivities and frequencies was 0.23 in the adjacent electrode system and 0.02 in the axial concentric electrode system. The index of inherent electrical anisotropy (IEA) was used to present an analysis of electrical anisotropy of biceps brachii muscle in vitro using the corrections of both tetrapolar electrode systems. A higher IEA was present in lower frequency where the variation below 1 kHz was 15 % in adjacent electrode configuration and 26 % in the axial concentric probe with respect to full range. The IIF is then shown that it can be used to describe the quality of an electrode system.
Biological Efficacy of a Dendritic Cell-Based Vaccine in a Patient with Metastatic Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Mario M. Soldevilla  , Susana Inogés  , Ascensión López-Díaz de Cerio  , Fernando Pastor  , Helena Villanueva  , Maurizio Bendandi
Published: August 2012

Colorectal cancer is a serious health problem affecting de novo more than one million people every year in the developed world. Despite recent advances in the development of novel therapeutic agents, metastatic colorectal cancer remains mostly incurable and its survival rates ominous even when patients respond to the most advanced treatments. Here, we describe a case in which a patient with metastatic colorectal cancer and high risk of relapse remains disease-free while being treated solely with twelve doses of autologous dendritic cells vaccines pulsed with autologous tumor lysate. A sustained, specific immune response elicited by vaccination has also been documented. Prior to receiving this experimental treatment, the patient had undergone both tumor resections and chemotherapy treatments six times, invariably relapsing/progressing within a year from each resection. We believe that the use of autologous vaccines consisting in dendritic cells pulsed with tumor lysate should be further investigate in human clinical trials, particularly in patients with minimal tumor burden and high risk of relapse. We also believe that this type of immunotherapy is more likely to be successful when used as an early rather than merely compassionate treatment option, given the fact that the more toxicity the immune system has received from previous approaches, the less it will be able to respond to tumor vaccination.
Strategies of Targeting Tumors and Cancers
Authors: Rajesh K. Sain  , Raje Chouhan  , Laxmi P. Bagri  , A.K. Bajpa
Published: August 2012

Targeted cancer therapies use drugs that specially reach at the affected site block the growth and spread of cancer. They interfere with specific molecules involved in carcinogenesis (the process by which normal cells become cancer cells) and tumor growth. By focusing on molecular and cellular changes that are specific to cancer, targeted cancer therapies may be more effective than current treatments and less harmful to normal cells. Targeted cancer therapies interfere with cancer cell growth and division in different ways and at various points during the development, growth, and spread of cancer. The present article provides an overview of various aspects of cancers and tumors that include causes of the diseases and their underlying biology, existing methods of treatment, major strategies of cancer and tumor targeting and mechanisms of their mode of actions. The review article also presents a current state-of -the art of the cancer targeting approaches and discusses various types of advanced targeting techniques like pH, temperature and magnetic targeting. A brief account of recent literature pertaining to cancer targeting is also discussed.
Aluminium Foams in the Design of Transport Means
Authors: Grilec Krešimir , Marić Gojko , Miloš Katica
Published: August 2012

The requirements for weight reduction and improvement of performances in the design of transport means are often in contradiction to the requirements for increased safety. One of the possible ways of meeting these requirements is the application of metal foams. Thanks to cellular structure of aluminium foam along with low weight, the capability of noise and vibration damping, they feature also excellent capabilities of absorbing impact energy. Their application in the production of impact-sensitive elements of mobile or stationary transport means has significantly contributed to the reduction of the impact or collision consequences.The focus of this paper is on improving the energy absorption characteristics of aluminium foams considering the significance of their application for the technology of traffic and transport.The paper analyzes the influence of the chemical composition and density on the compression behaviour of aluminium foam. The aluminium foam samples were produced from Alulight precursor. The capability of samples to absorb mechanical energy has been estimated according to the results of compression tests. The tests were performed on a universal test machine. The test results showed that aluminium foams feature good energy absorption and the absorption capability decreases with the foam density. The Alulight AlMgSi 0.6 TiH2 - 0.4 foam can absorb more energy than Alulight AlSi 10 TiH2 – 0.8 foam.
Estimating Some Social and Environmental Effects from Rail/Road Substitution in the Trans-European Transport Corridors
Authors: Janic Milan , Jovanović Tomislav
Published: August 2012

This paper deals with estimating possible effects in terms of mitigating the social and environmental impacts which could be achieved by operating the rail freight train instead of the road truck services in the given Trans-European transport corridor during the specified period of time. In general, these impacts embrace noise, congestion, traffic incidents/accidents (Safety), and energy consumption and related GHG emissions (Greenhouse Gases). Each type of impact, specific to particular mode, is analyzed and modeled, thus enabling its quantitative estimation and intermodal comparison under the given circumstances. In particular, energy consumption and related GHG emissions and their costs have been under focus. The total costs of the above-mentioned impacts in the given case have also been estimated. Thus, they both represent a solid base for the assessment of the social-environmental feasibility of the future similar cases.
Rationalization of Public Road Passenger Transport by Merging Bus Lines on the Example of Zadar County
Authors: Kos Goran , Brlek Predrag , Franolić Igor
Published: August 2012

This study consists of the analysis of public passenger transport in Zadar County, that is, transport on the County and school lines and suggestions of transport rationalization. The rationalization comprises the application of the County and school lines integration, as well as suggestions of other measures which aim to reduce transport costs financed by Zadar County. The objectives to rationalize public passenger transport have been defined, all County transport lines of schoolchildren and other passengers have been analysed as well as actual deficiencies in the city, County and school transport needs. Road transport infrastructure, carriers and transportation vehicles have been analysed. The future transport demand has been reviewed and the prediction of passengers on lines has been provided. Within the next five to ten years no relevant changes will take place, meaning that the balance in transport supply and demand will not be disrupted significantly. This study presents the measures for transport cost reduction and increase in the safety level in the performance of public transport.
Broadband Traffic Forecasting in the Transport Network
Authors: Radojičić Valentina , Marković Goran , Janković Milan , Drašković Borko
Published: August 2012

This paper proposes a modification of traffic forecast model generated by residential and small business (SOHO, Small Office Home Office) users. The model includes forecasted values of different relevant factors and competition on broadband market. It allows forecasting the number of users for various broadband technologies and interaction impact of long-standing technologies as well as the impact of the new technology entrant on the market. All the necessary parameters are evaluated for the Serbian broadband market. The long-term forecasted results of broadband traffic are given. The analyses and evaluations performed are important inputs for the transport network resources planning.
Officers’ Subjective Near Miss Notion in Situations of Collision Avoidance at Sea
Authors: Rudan Igor , Komadina Pavao , Ivče Renato
Published: August 2012

International studies have determined a strong connection between maritime casualties and human error. Most of the studied effects of human factor on casualties in maritime transport are connected to individual ship crew member’s subjective approach to solving the problem. Therefore, the aim of this research was to determine the relationship between different subjective definitions of a near miss in situations of immediate danger of collision for different categories of examinees. The categories of officers and masters with regard to years of service, type of ship they are on board, ship’s size, etc., were considered. Over a period of four years the research was performed on officers and masters (N=234) that attended specialized courses (3 to 6 attendants) on navigation simulators of the Faculty of Maritime Studies in Rijeka. Based on the results obtained by nonparametric tests for small independent samples, certain significant differences with respect to differently defined divisions of the examinees were identified.
Impact of Fuel Type on the Internal Combustion Engine Condition
Authors: Schauperl Zdravko , Nikšić Mladen , Kolednjak Davor
Published: August 2012

The paper studies the influence of liquefied petroleum gas as alternative fuel on the condition of the internal combustion engine. The traffic, energy, economic and ecological influence as well as the types of fuel are studied and analyzed in an unbiased manner, objectively, and in detail, and the obtained results are compared with the condition of the engine of a vehicle powered by the stipulated fuel, petrol Eurosuper 95. The study was carried out on two identical passenger cars with one being fitted with gas installation. The obtained results show that properly installed gas installations in vehicles and the usage of LPG have no significant influence on the driving performances, but they affect significantly the ecological and economic parameters of using passenger cars.
Solving Practical Vehicle Routing Problem with Time Windows Using Metaheuristic Algorithms
Authors: Taner Filip , Galić Ante , Carić Tonči
Published: August 2012

This paper addresses the Vehicle Routing Problem with Time Windows (VRPTW) and shows that implementing algorithms for solving various instances of VRPs can significantly reduce transportation costs that occur during the delivery process. Two metaheuristic algorithms were developed for solving VRPTW: Simulated Annealing and Iterated Local Search. Both algorithms generate initial feasible solution using constructive heuristics and use operators and various strategies for an iterative improvement. The algorithms were tested on Solomon’s benchmark problems and real world vehicle routing problems with time windows. In total, 44 real world problems were optimized in the case study using described algorithms. Obtained results showed that the same distribution task can be accomplished with savings up to 40% in the total travelled distance and that manually constructed routes are very ineffective.
The Necessity of Port Community System Implementation in the Croatian Seaports
Authors: Tijan Edvard , Agatić Adrijana , Hlača Bojan
Published: August 2012

The paper researches the necessity and requirements for Port Community System (PCS) implementation in Croatian seaport clusters. The authors define the Port Community and analyze the basic features of seaport clusters and Port Community Members (PCM). The most important documents in seaport operations are identified and analyzed. The role of Port Authority as the most important factor of PCS implementation in the Croatian seaports is defined. The Seaport Information and Communication Technology (ICT) systems are defined and analyzed, and phases of ICT integration in Port Community are determined, along with the current status of the Croatian seaports regarding ICT integration. The potential benefits of PCS implementation in the Croatian seaports are stressed. Finally, a definite need for PCS implementation is determined, in order to achieve and maintain the Croatian seaport competitiveness in global maritime transport industry.
Tie‐simplex based compositional space parameterization: Continuity and generalization to multiphase systems
Authors: Iranshahr Alireza , Voskov Denis V. , Tchelepi Hamdi A.
Published: September 2012

A theoretical analysis is provided of the continuity of multiphase compositional space parameterization for thermal‐compositional reservoir simulation. It is shown that the tie‐simplex space changes continuously as a function of composition, pressure, and temperature, and this justifies the Compositional Space Adaptive Tabulation (CSAT) framework, in which a discrete number of tie‐simplexes are constructed, tabulated, and reused in the course of a simulation. The CSAT is extended for thermal‐compositional displacements for mixtures that can form an arbitrary number of phases. In particular, the construction is described of three‐phase tie‐simplex tables, and it is shown how the degeneration of multiphase regions can be accurately captured over wide ranges of temperature and pressure. Several challenging multiphase examples are used to demonstrate the accuracy and effectiveness of phase‐state identification using tabulated tie‐simplexes. © 2012 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 59: 1684–1701, 2013
Amyloid‐beta oligomerization in Alzheimer dementia versus high‐pathology controls
Authors: Esparza Thomas J. , Zhao Hanzhi , Cirrito John R. , Cairns Nigel J. , Bateman Randall J. , Holtzman David M. , Brody David L.
Published: September 2012

Objective:

Although amyloid‐beta (Aβ) peptide deposition into insoluble plaques is a pathological hallmark of Alzheimer disease; soluble oligomeric Aβ has been hypothesized to more directly underlie impaired learning and memory in dementia of the Alzheimer type. However, the lack of a sensitive, specific, and quantitative assay for Aβ oligomers has hampered rigorous tests of this hypothesis.

Methods:

We developed a plate‐based single molecule counting fluorescence immunoassay for oligomeric Aβ sensitive to low pg/ml concentrations of synthetic Aβ dimers using the same Aβ‐specific monoclonal antibody to both capture and detect Aβ. The Aβ oligomer assay does not recognize monomeric Aβ, amyloid precursor protein, or other non‐Aβ peptide oligomers.

Results:

Aβ oligomers were detected in aqueous cortical lysates from patients with dementia of the Alzheimer type and nondemented patients with Aβ plaque pathology. However, Aβ oligomer concentrations in demented patients' lysates were tightly correlated with Aβ plaque coverage (r = 0.88), but this relationship was weaker in those from nondemented patients (r = 0.30) despite equivalent Aβ plaque pathology. The ratio of Aβ oligomer levels to plaque density fully distinguished demented from nondemented patients, with no overlap between groups in this derived variable. Other Aβ and plaque measures did not distinguish demented from nondemented patients. Aβ oligomers were not detected in cerebrospinal fluid with this assay.

Interpretation:

The results raise the intriguing hypothesis that the linkage between plaques and oligomers may be a key pathophysiological event underlying dementia of the Alzheimer type. This Aβ oligomer assay may be useful for many tests of the oligomer hypothesis. ANN NEUROL 2013
Provision of an explanation for the inefficacy of immunotherapy in sporadic inclusion body myositis: Quantitative assessment of inflammation and β‐amyloid in the muscle
Authors: Zschüntzsch Jana , Voss Joachim , Creus Kim , Sehmisch Stephan , Raju Raghavan , Dalakas Marinos C. , Schmidt Jens
Published: September 2012

Objective

In sporadic inclusion body myositis (IBM), inflammation and accumulation of β‐amyloid–associated molecules cause muscle fiber damage. We undertook this study to determine why intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) and prednisone are not effective in sporadic IBM despite their effectiveness in other inflammatory myopathies.

Methods

Relevant inflammatory and degeneration‐ associated markers were assessed by quantitative polymerase chain reaction and immunohistochemistry in repeated muscle biopsy specimens from patients with sporadic IBM treated in a controlled study with IVIG and prednisone (n = 5) or with prednisone alone (n = 5). Functional effects were assessed in a muscle cell culture model.

Results

In muscle biopsy specimens, messenger RNA (mRNA) expression of the proinflammatory chemokines CXCL9, CCL3, and CCL4 and of the cytokines interferon‐γ (IFNγ), transforming growth factor β, interleukin‐10 (IL‐10), and IL‐1β was significantly reduced after treatment in both groups. No consistent changes were observed for tumor necrosis factor α, IL‐6, inducible costimulator (ICOS), its ligand ICOSL, and perforin. Messenger RNA expression of the degeneration‐associated molecule ubiquitin and the heat‐shock protein αB‐crystallin was also reduced, but no changes were noted for amyloid precursor protein (APP) or desmin. By immunohistochemistry, a significant down‐modulation of chemokines was observed, but not of inducible nitric oxide (NO) synthase, nitrotyrosine, IL‐1β, APP, and ubiquitin; β‐amyloid was reduced in 6 of 10 patients. Pronounced staining of IgG was observed in the muscle after treatment with IVIG, indicating penetration of infused IgG into the muscle and a possible local effect. In muscle cells exposed to IFNγ plus IL‐1β, IgG and/or prednisone down‐regulated mRNA expression of IL‐1β 2.5‐fold. Accumulation of β‐amyloid, overexpression of αB‐crystallin, and cell death were prevented. In contrast, NO‐associated cell stress remained unchanged.

Conclusion

IVIG and prednisone reduce some inflammatory and degenerative molecules in muscle of patients with sporadic IBM and in vitro, but do not sufficiently suppress myotoxic and cell stress mediators such as NO. The data provide an explanation for the resistance of sporadic IBM to immunotherapy and identify markers that may help to design novel treatment strategies.
History and Philosophy of Science. Zwischen Deskription und Konstruktion
Authors: Stadler Friedrich
Published: August 2012

History and Philosophy of Science. Between Description and Construction. Taking into consideration the huge amount of programs and departments in ‘History and Philosophy of Science’ (HPS), partly including also technology and sociology of science, the rather weak theoretical conceptualization of this field seems surprising. HPS is conceived of neither as a mere addition of history of science and philosophy of science, nor as a good will parallel action. Therefore, the question arises about the genuine subject and method of this trans‐ and interdisciplinary field of research and teaching. The recent postulate of an “integrated HPS” indicates the need of a closer and more intrinsic cooperation and interaction between history of science and philosophy of science (covering also the social and cultural sciences) from a theoretical and practical point of view. In addition, there should be no more privileging of any part in this joint scholarly enterprise by overcoming the context of discovery and the context of justification. Some best practices and desiderata are mentioned together with the forgotten history of the philosophy of science itself. Based on the description of the scholarly field an ideal‐typical model of HPS is offered.
Advances in Quantitative FRET‐Based Methods for Studying Nucleic Acids
Authors: Preus Søren , Wilhelmsson L. Marcus
Published: August 2012

Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET) is a powerful tool for monitoring molecular distances and interactions at the nanoscale level. The strong dependence of transfer efficiency on probe separation makes FRET perfectly suited for “on/off” experiments. To use FRET to obtain quantitative distances and three‐dimensional structures, however, is more challenging. This review summarises recent studies and technological advances that have improved FRET as a quantitative molecular ruler in nucleic acid systems, both at the ensemble and at the single‐molecule levels.
Objectifying the impact of incomplete revascularization by repeat angiographic risk assessment with the residual SYNTAX score after left main coronary artery percutaneous coronary intervention
Authors: Capodanno Davide , Chisari Alberto , Giacoppo Daniele , Bonura Salvatore , Lavanco Vincenzo , Capranzano Piera , Caggegi Anna , Ministeri Margherita , Tamburino Corrado
Published: August 2012

Objectives

We investigated the prognostic accuracy of a standardized quantification of incomplete revascularization after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) of the unprotected left main coronary artery (ULMCA) named residual SYNTAX score (rSS).

Background

Prognostic implications of coronary lesions left untreated after ULMCA PCI are confounded by the lack of a uniform definition of incomplete revascularization.

Methods

Baseline SYNTAX score (bSS), rSS, and the difference between bSS and rSS (ΔSS) were assessed in predicting the risk of 2‐year cardiac mortality of 400 patients undergoing ULMCA PCI.

Results

The rSS and bSS showed comparable discrimination (rSS area under the curve [AUC] 0.72, 95% confidence interval [95% CI] 0.61–0.83; bSS AUC 0.73, 95% CI 0.62–0.84). Hosmer–Lemeshow statistics were 0.60 for rSS (P = 0.44) and 2.45 (P = 0.12) for bSS, reflecting better calibration ability of the rSS. The ΔSS provided the worst discrimination and calibration characteristics (AUC 0.55; 95% CI 0.44–0.66; Hosmer–Lemeshow statistic 3.13, P = 0.08). The rSS was independently associated with the 2‐year adjusted‐risk of cardiac mortality (hazard ratio 1.07, 95% CI 1.03–1.12, P = 0.001). The risk information from both the rSS and bSS slightly improved the discrimination ability compared with risk information from each single risk assessment (AUC 0.74, 95% CI 0.62–0.86) with a net reclassification improvement of +14.2% and +13.6% over rSS and bSS alone, respectively.

Conclusions

The rSS carries a prognostic value as independent predictor of 2‐year cardiac mortality. Compared with a single assessment of the SYNTAX score, information coming from repeat assessment of the angiographic risk may improve the ability to discriminate and reclassify patients undergoing ULMCA PCI. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Anion‐Responsive Diguanidinium‐Based Chiral Organogelators
Authors: Valero Julián , Escuder Beatriu , Miravet Juan F. , de Mendoza Javier
Published: August 2012

The chiral bicyclic diguanidinium chloride 1 forms gels in aromatic apolar solvents. The gels were characterized at different levels of organization, from the macroscopic to the molecular level by using microscopy, spectroscopy, and powder X‐ray diffraction. The dependency on chirality has been highlighted by circular dichroism and electron microscopy. Furthermore, the gel has been shown to be effectively responsive to anionic stimuli, thus allowing the reversible control of the organic‐phase gelation in contact with different salted aqueous solutions.
Diazoalkane Reduction for the Synthesis of Uranium Hydrazonido Complexes
Authors: Matson Ellen M. , Fanwick Phillip E. , Bart Suzanne C.
Published: August 2012

The reactivity of the uranium(III) alkyl Tp*2UCH2Ph (1) toward diazoalkanes is reported. Addition of 1 equiv. N2CPh2 produces 0.5 equiv. bibenzyl, along with Tp*2U(N2CPh2) (2). This species is dynamic in solution at room temperature and rapidly interconverts between the η1‐ and η2 isomers as determined by variable‐temperature 1H NMR spectroscopy. X‐ray crystallographic analysis at low temperature shows exclusively the η2 isomer, which features a short U–N multiple bond analogous to an imido species. The η1 isomer reacts quantitatively with aldehydes and ketones through multiple bond metathesis to produce Tp*2U(O) and the corresponding ketazine. Treatment of 1 with N2CHSiMe3 generates 0.5 equiv. bibenzyl and the η1 isomer Tp*2U(N2CHSiMe3) (3). This species is unstable over the course of hours, and there is no spectroscopic evidence for the η2 isomer. Tp*2U(η1‐N2CHSiMe3) can be trapped by addition of phenylacetylene by a [2+2] cycloaddition to afford the uranium(IV) metallacycle Tp*2U[(N‐N = CHSiMe3)CHCPh] (4). Crystallographic data for 4 are presented.
Spectroscopic and Structural Characterization of Noninnocent Mixed‐Ligand Oxidovanadium(V) Complexes
Authors: Maurya Mannar R. , Bisht Manisha , Chaudhary Nikita , Kumar Amit , Avecilla Fernando , Costa Pessoa João
Published: August 2012

The reaction between [VIVO(acac)(L)] and the potentially noninnocent ligands catechol (H2cat/cat2–) and benzohydroxamic acid (H2bha/bha2–), where HL = Hpydx‐aebmz, Hpydx‐dmen, Hpydx‐aepy [ONN donor Schiff bases obtained by condensation of pyridoxal and 2‐(2‐aminoethyl)benzimidazole (Hpydx‐aebmz), 2‐(2‐aminoethyl)pyridine (Hpydx‐aepy), or N,N‐dimethylethylenediamine (Hpydx‐dmen)], or HL = Hpan [1‐(2‐pyridylazo)‐2‐naphthol], in equimolar amounts results in the formation of the distorted octahedral complexes [VVO(cat)(L)] and [VVO(bha)(L)]. The molecular structure of [VO(bha)(pydx‐dmen)] is determined by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction and confirms the distorted octahedral geometry as well as the ONN and OO binding modes of pydx‐dmen– and bha2–, respectively, in their binding to the VVO centre. The noninnocent catechol2– and bha2– ligands play significant roles in the electronic properties of the metal complexes investigated by UV/Vis, IR, and 51V NMR spectroscopy. Evidence for the noninnocent behavior of catechol2– and bha2– ligands was obtained; the [VVO(cat)(L)] and [VVO(bha)(L)] complexes exhibit 51V NMR resonances (δV) in the range +535 to –10 ppm and intense ligand‐to‐metal charge‐transfer bands in the visible and near infrared range. The observed δV chemical shifts linearly correlate with the inverse of the energies of the LMCT transitions.