bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Adaptive capacity and regional water governance in north-western Germany
Authors: Grecksch Kevin
Published: September 2013

Successful adaptation to climate change requires flexible adaptation strategies which consider regional ecological, economic and social circumstances. Coastal zones are considered to be significantly vulnerable to climate change impacts. The projected impacts of climate change in the metropolitan region of Bremen–Oldenburg, Germany (a coastal area), are, for example, rising sea level, salt water intrusion, temporary groundwater scarcity in the summer and increased (heavy) rainfalls. This paper uses an existing framework, the Adaptive Capacity Wheel (ACW), complemented by two additional dimensions: adaptation motivation and adaptation belief. The objectives were first, to assess the adaptive capacity of water governance in the study region, and second, to show how the ACW can be used as an approach and a communication tool with stakeholders to identify strengths and weaknesses. Based on this, a further objective was to discover what lessons and recommendations can be drawn that could help water experts and stakeholders in the future. The results show a high adaptive capacity and that the addition of the psychological dimensions was valuable. However, it is important to look closely at each dimension assessed by the ACW. The key recommendations are: to improve public participation; to ensure better coordination; to raise awareness; and to reduce the lack of political will to overcome adaptation barriers.
Description of matrix converter in frequency domain
Authors: Borkowski Dariusz , Sobczyk Tadeusz J.
Published: September 2013

The paper presents abilities and advantages following from the use of the harmonic balance method for analysis of steady state of a multiphase system with switching devices on example of a matrix converter. Switching elements are modelled as resistances with step-wise variable parameters, what allows to describe the converter by a linear infinite set of equations. The analysis in frequency domain is presented on example of the one-periodic control strategy. External systems were also added using the Thevenin method approach. The numerical calculation results of a linear equations set were verified by the variable structure method in a time domain and the numerical convergence was confirmed. Furthermore, the exemplary complex system was analysed using the cascade method and current waveforms were obtained.
The wave transformer – analysis and application of time digital filters and the integral-derivative operators of ½ order
Authors: Siwczyński Maciej , Drwal Andrzej , Żaba Sławomir
Published: September 2013

In this paper the way of modeling phenomena occurring during the voltage and current waves passing through a point connection of two lines, with different wave impedance operators, is presented. This connection point is called „the wave transformer”. The analyzes and the resulting formulas concern not the frequency domain, but the time domain. The appropriate transition matrices of waves through the wave transformer are defined. This matrices are the convolution integral-derivative operators of fractional order (the digital filters). For a lossless line the wave transition matrices through the wave transformer become number type instead of operator type. All matrix multiplications occurring in the formulas should be understood in convolution way.
Clinical Significance of Autoantibodies to Parietal Cells in Patients with Autoimmune Thyroid Diseases
Authors: Gerenova Julieta B. , Manolova Irena M. , Tzoneva Vania I.
Published: September 2013

Clinical significance of autoantibodies to parietal cells (PCA) in patients with autoimmune thyroid diseases (ATD) remains contradictory. AIM: To characterize the frequency of PCA in patients with ATD; to clarify the role of gender and age in PCA positivity; to analyze the association of PCA with gastric or haematologic symptoms and with the levothyroxine dose required to achieve a serum TSH level within the normal range in treated Hashimoto’s thyroiditis (HT) patients.

PATIENTS AND METHODS: PCA were measured using ELISA in 137 HT patients, divided into tree subgroups according to the thyroid function: group I included subjects with normal thyroid function; group II included patients with hypothyroidism, in group III were enrolled subjects treated with levothyroxine (LT4). We also studied the PCA positivity in 14 patients with active Graves’ disease and in 23 healthy controls. RESULTS: PCA positivity was found in 51 patients with autoimmune thyroid diseases, with an overall prevalence of 33.8%. No significant differences in PCA were observed between the groups of HT patients. The frequency of PCA in both genders was similar and there were no difference depending on age. In 7.3% of HT patients in different stages of disease we found clinically relevant gastric and/or haematologic symptoms; in 70% of them PCA were positive (OR = 5.5; 95% CI: 1.2 - 28.4; p = 0.009). PCA positive hypothyroid HT patients required higher LT4 doses than PCA negative (1.46 μg/kg vs 1.24 μg/kg, p = 0.04).

CONCLUSIONS: PCA may be present in different stages in HT patients; this does not depend on the severity of disease. PCA concentrations may predict symptoms of atrophic gastritis in patients with Hashimoto’s thyroiditis. PCA positive HT patients require higher replacement doses of LT4. Presence of anemia, particularly microcytic anemia, was suggestive of undiagnosed atrophic gastritis.
Effect of Atorvastatin and Rosuvastatin on Learning and Memory in Rats with Diazepam-Induced Amnesia
Authors: Georgieva-Kotetarova Maria T. , Kostadinova Ivanka I.
Published: September 2013

During the past decade, evidence has emerged that statins have neuroprotective effects.

AIM: The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of atorvastatin and rosuvastatin on learning and memory in rats with diazepam-induced amnesia.

MATERIAL AND METHODS: Experiments were carried out on 48 white male Wistar rats, divided into 6 groups, each of 8 rats. The experimental animals were treated per os for 14 days with atorvastatin and rosuvastatin in doses of 10 mg/kg and 20 mg/kg body weight, respectively. To induce amnesia diazepam was administered intraperitoneally in a dose of 2.5 mg/kg bw. Cognitive skills of the animals were examined after the induction of amnesia with active avoidance test using autonomic reflex conditioner (shuttle box) and passive avoidance tests (step-through and step down) (Ugo Basile, Italy). The following parameters were assessed: number of conditioned responses (avoidances), number of unconditioned responses (escapes) and number of intertrial crossings in the active avoidance test; latency of reactions was measured in the passive avoidance tests.

RESULTS: We found a significant increase of conditioned responses in atorvastatin treated animals (in a dose of 10 mg/kg bw) in active avoidance training. In the animals treated with rosuvastatin in both doses there was a statistically significant increase of unconditioned responses. In the step-through passive avoidance test there was significant improvement of short-term and long-term memory following administration of atorvastatin (10 mg/kg bw). Rosuvastatin (10 mg/kg bw) preserves long-term memory. In the step-down passive avoidance test, atorvastatin (10 mg/kg bw) and rosuvastatin (10 mg/kg bw and 20 mg/kg bw) preserve long-term memory.

CONCLUSIONS: Atorvastatin (10 mg/kg bw) and rosuvastatin (10 mg/kg and 20 mg/kg bw) improve cognitive functions in rats with diazepam-induced amnesia and preserve longterm memory.
GPS monitoring of bedrock stability at Olkiluoto nuclear waste disposal site in Finland from 1996 to 2012
Authors: Nyberg S. , Kallio U. , Koivula H.
Published: September 2013

The Finnish Geodetic Institute has studied crustal deformations at Olkiluoto nuclear waste disposal site since mid-90’s. Biannual GPS measurement has been carried out in two local GPS networks. This paper analyses the GPS data processing effects on the coordinate solutions and presents the results of GPS monitoring from 1996 to 2012. The GPS data was processed using Bernese GPS Software 5.0. The GPS data processing and baseline analysis showed a 1.0 mm (max RMS) level agreement of observation and high bedrock stability in the area. Most of the horizontal trends were smaller than 0.1 mm/a. The troposphere estimation strategy had a clear effect on the horizontal trends at some sites. The strain rates were all very small, but we could detect motions near the Olkiluoto permanent station.
Makefiles for Moses
Authors: Germann Ulrich
Published: September 2013

Building MT systems with the Moses toolkit is a task so complex that it is rarely done manually. Over the years, several frameworks for building, running, and evaluating Moses systems have been developed, most notably the Experiment Management System (EMS). While EMS works well for standard experimental set-ups and offers good web integration, designing new experimental set-ups within EMS is not trivial, especially when the new processing pipeline differs considerably from the kind EMS is intended for. In this paper, I present M4M (Makefiles for Moses), a framework for building and evaluating Moses MT systems with the GNU Make utility. I illustrate the capabilities by a simple set-up that builds and compares two different systems with common resources. This set-up requires little more than putting training, tuning and evaluation data into the right directories and running Make.1 The purpose of this paper is twofold: to guide first-time users of Moses through the process of building baseline MT systems, and to discuss some lesser-known features of the Make utility that enable the MT practitioner to set up complex experimental scenarios efficiently. M4M is part of the Moses distribution.
Open Machine Translation Core: An Open API for Machine Translation Systems
Authors: Johnson Ian
Published: September 2013

Open Machine Translation Core (OMTC) is a proposed open API that defines an application programming interface (API) for machine translation (MT) systems. The API defined is a service interface which can be used to underpin any type of MT application. It consists of components which allow programmers, with little effort, to integrate different MT back-ends into their applications since an OMTC compliant MT system presents a consistent interface. OMTC attempts to standardise the following aspects of an MT system: resources - the abstract representation of assets used e.g. documents and translation memories, sessions - a period of time in which a user interacts with the system, session negotiation - agreement on which services are to be provided, authorisation - integration with third party authorisation systems to prevent users performing unauthorised actions, scheduling - the management of long running MT tasks, machine translation engines - a representation of an entity capable of providing only MT, and translators - a conglomeration of, at least one of the following, an MT engine, a collection of translation memories, and a collection of glossaries.
Sequence Segmentation by Enumeration: An Exploration
Authors: Eger Steffen
Published: September 2013

We investigate exhaustive enumeration and subsequent language model evaluation (E&E approach) as an alternative to solving the sequence segmentation problem. We show that, under certain conditions (on string lengths and regarding a possibility to accurately estimate the number of segments), which are satisfied for important NLP applications, such as phonological segmentation, syllabification, and morphological segmentation, the E&E approach is feasible and promises superior results than the standard sequence labeling approach to sequence segmentation.
Necrophagous Entomofauna (Diptera, Coleoptera) on Meles Meles (L.) (Mammalia: Mustelidae) Carcasses within Different Conditions of Exposure in Bucharest (Romania)
Authors: Iancu (Paul) Lavinia , Pârvu Corneliu
Published: September 2013

The study of necrophagous insect fauna brings information by providing numerous data, revealed after experimental studies for the benefit of knowledge development of necrophagous insect associations (biology, ecology, ethology), as well as their use in the forensic field. In this respect, the article presents an experiment in which specimens of Meles meles (L.) were used along a period of 8 months (March - October 2011). Three exposure methods were used: in open air, covered by plastic and buried in the ground. The objective was to record the presence time of the necrophagous insect wave, according to the factors which influenced the local entomological fauna along the experiment, as well as the altering process of the carcasses. Dipteran species belonging to the families Calliphoridae and Muscidae were identified subsequently, as well as numerous coleopteran species. Most of the observed and caught specimens belong to the order Diptera, which reached a number of 271 specimens representing adults, immature stages. As regards order Coleoptera, only 53 specimens were captured. It was observed that Calliphora vicina Robineau-Desvoidy, 1830 (Calliphoridae) species was present along the entire experiment, representing one of the prevalent insects of the colonizing necrophagous insect wave.
Research concerning fabrication of fibrous osteoconductive plga/hap nanocomposite material using the method of electrospinning from polymer solution
Authors: Krucińska Izabella , Boguń Maciej , Chrzanowska Olga , Chrzanowski Michał , Król Paulina
Published: September 2013

The aim of the work was to obtain nano fibrous structures from biodegradable polymer with the addition of
hydroxyapatite using electrospinning technique. Research was conducted with two types of solvent: dichloromethane
and 50:50 mixture of dimethyl sulfoxide and dichloromethane. As a polymer a copolymer of L-lactide and glycolide
(PLGA), commercial product with trade name Resomer®LG 824, was used. The preliminary electrospinning
tests enabled to match optimal polymer solution concentration of tested samples. Rheological properties of all
tested polymer solutions has been determined. Influence of electrospinning conditions and the type of solvent on
macroscopic structure has been investigated.
Spherical refractive correction with an electro-optical liquid lens in a double-pass system
Authors: Sanàbria F. , Díaz-Doutón F. , Aldaba M. , Pujol J.
Published: September 2013

In this study we show a novel double-pass configuration to correct the spherical refractive error by means of an electro-optical liquid lens. The proposed method enables spherical correction in the −12 D to +7 D range without movable parts using an electro-optical liquid lens. We have measured the optical performance of the spherical corrector in terms of power, pupil size and optical quality verifying that it fits the requirements to be applied to a double-pass system. We have also evaluated the performance of the proposed method in patients by comparison with a conventional double-pass system using a Badal optometer.
Educational Accommodations for Students With Behavioral Challenges
Authors: Harrison Judith R. , Bunford Nora , Evans Steven W. , Owens Julie Sarno
Published: September 2013

Educational policies mandate the consideration of accommodations so that students with disabilities become proficient in the objectives outlined by state academic content standards and demonstrate proficiency on high-stakes assessments. However, neither policies nor empirical research provide sufficient guidance for educators to effectively select and implement accommodations. This study reviews the effectiveness of accommodations for students in the special education eligibility category of emotional disturbance and those with diagnoses of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). First, we propose definitions that delineate accommodations from modifications and interventions. Next, we identify strategies that could serve as potential accommodations for this population. Next, we conduct a systematic literature review and calculate effect sizes to evaluate the effectiveness of the included strategies. Finally, we review the evidence to determine whether each included strategy meets the proposed definition of an accommodation. Although several potential strategies are beneficial to youth with ADHD and/or emotional and behavioral disorders, this review indicates that very few purported accommodations actually meet all the criteria in the definition of accommodations, and there is very little evidence supporting the effectiveness of commonly recommended accommodations for youth with behavioral challenges. Our critique of the state of the science on accommodations highlights several important issues that can be used to inform current research and practice in schools.
The Impact of Indiana’s System of Interim Assessments on Mathematics and Reading Achievement
Authors: Konstantopoulos Spyros , Miller Shazia Rafiullah , van der Ploeg Arie
Published: September 2013

Interim assessments are increasingly common in U.S. schools. We use high-quality data from a large-scale school-level cluster randomized experiment to examine the impact of two well-known commercial interim assessment programs on mathematics and reading achievement in Indiana. Results indicate that the treatment effects are positive but not consistently significant. The treatment effects are smaller in lower grades (i.e., kindergarten to second grade) and larger in upper grades (i.e., third to eighth grade). Significant treatment effects are detected in Grades 3 to 8, especially in third- and fourth-grade reading and in fifth- and sixth-grade mathematics.
Photocatalytic and self-cleaning properties of SiO2/TiO2/SiO2 nanostructured thin film
Authors: Eshaghi Akbar , Aghaei Abbas Ail , Eshaghi Ameneh
Published: September 2013

In this research, SiO2/TiO2/SiO2 nanostructured thin films were deposited on glass substrates using an electron beam physical vapor deposition technique. The structure, morphology, surface composition, hydrophilic and photocatalytic properties of the thin film were investigated by means of X-ray diffraction, field emission scanning electron microscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, water contact angle measurements and methylene blue degradation. The results indicated that SiO2/TiO2/SiO2 nanostructured thin film shows superhydrophilic and photocatalytic properties which greatly encourage the self-cleaning function of the film.
Optimization of process parameters in explosive cladding of titanium/stainless steel 304L plates
Authors: Tamilchelvan Padmanaban , Raghukandan Krishnamurthy , Saravanan Somasundaram
Published: September 2013

Explosive cladding is a solid state welding process best suited for joining incompatible metals. The selection of process parameters viz., explosive mass ratio, stand off distance and initial angle of inclination dictate the nature of the cladding. Optimization of process parameters in explosive cladding of titanium–stainless steel 304L plates, based on two level three factorial design, is attempted to establish the influencing parameters. Analysis of variance was employed to find the linear, regression and interaction values. Mathematical models to estimate the responses-amplitude and wavelength were developed. The microstructure of the Ti–SS304L explosive clad interface reveals characteristic undulations concurrent with design expectations.
Critical sizes for coherent to semicoherent transition in precipitates
Authors: Kumar Arun , Kaur Gaganpreet , Subramaniam Anandh
Published: September 2013

A coherent precipitate, on growth beyond a critical size, can become semicoherent through the formation of interfacial misfit dislocations. This investigation pertains to the finite element simulation of the state of stress of a coherent precipitate, its growth and the change in state of stress on the formation of an interfacial misfit dislocation loop. Critical radii are determined from the simulations based on: (i) global energy minimum (r*) and (ii) local force balance along the radial direction (r
c). The concept of local force balance as existing in literature is extended to the circumferential direction, to calculate a new critical size (r
t). Local force balance gives radii at which the interface is the stable position for the dislocation loop. Off-interface stability of the dislocation loops is also investigated. The Cu–γFe system is used as an example to illustrate the new methodology developed and validate the results of the simulation. The power of the methodology is shown by considering a configuration (precipitation in a thin disc), where standard theoretical formulations are inadequate.
Effect of Mn doping on the microstructure and dielectric properties of BaHf0.1Ti0.9O3 ceramics
Authors: Fu Chunlin , Liang Jingnan , Cai Wei , Chen Gang , Deng Xiaoling
Published: September 2013

Pure and Mn-doped barium hafnate titanate ceramics (BaHf0.1Mn
x
Ti0.9
–

x
O3, where x = 0, 0.02, 0.05, 0.08, and 0.1) are prepared by means of a sol–gel method. The microstructures, dielectric properties and ferroelectric properties of the ceramics are investigated. X-ray diffraction patterns indicate that Mn4
+ ions enter the unit cell to maintain the perovskite structure of solid solution. Consequently, the tetragonality gradually decreases with increased Mn content. The grains of Mn-doped BaHf0.1Ti0.9O3 ceramics become uniform and almost spherical. The diffuseness constant decreases from 1.89 to 1.48 with increased Mn content from 0 at.% to 5 at.%. Hysteresis loops can be observed in all samples from 30 °C to 90 °C, which may be due to the relaxor ferroelectric property of these ceramics.
Synthesis and characterization of nanocristalline Fe-40 at.% Si alloy prepared by high energy ball milling
Authors: Faghi Lotfi , Triaa Salim , Siahmed Fatiha , Azzaz Mohamed
Published: September 2013

Fe60Si40(at.%) alloys were synthesised using a planetary ball mill. X-ray diffraction was used to identify and characterise various phases formed during the milling process. Mössbauer and electromagnetic methods were used to characterise the variations in structure and their influence on the local change of magnetic properties. The shape of hyperfine field distributions used to describe the Mössbauer spectra is discussed. It was found that after 4 h of milling, α-FeSi and Fe3Si starts to form. The coexistence of the α-FeSi phase and Fe3Si was found between 8 and 16 h. After 32 h of milling, the powder was completely transformed into the alloy phase (Fe3Si). The value of the mean particle size of our samples decreases with increasing milling time. It reaches the value of 0.42 μm after 56 h of milling. The crystallite size was reduced to 13 nm after milling. The coercitive fieldHCdecreases with increased milling time.
The effect of magnetron-deposited Al2O3 coating on the corrosion resistance of Ti–Al alloys in a 9 %O2 + 0.2 %HCl + 0.08 %SO2 + N2 atmosphere
Authors: Małecka Joanna
Published: September 2013

The effect of Al2O3 coating on oxidation and hot corrosion was investigated at 700 °C in an atmosphere of 9 %O2 + 0.2 %HCl + 0.08 %SO2 + N2. Isothermal oxidation testing indicated that the coating was very effective in reducing the oxidation rate of γ-TiAl. The technology of magnetron sputtering used in this study allowed the deposition of a coating that ensured the improvement of high temperature oxidation resistance without interference in mechanical properties of the alloy.
Characterization of Catch-Up Behavior: Accession of Lecture Capture Videos Following Student Absenteeism
Authors: Brady Magen , Wong Rachel , Newton Genevieve
Published: September 2013

The use of lecture capture in higher education is becoming increasingly widespread, with many instructors now providing digital videos of lecture content that can be used by students as learning resources in a variety of ways, including to catch up on material after a class absence. Despite accumulating research regarding the relationship between lecture capture and attendance, the nature of catch-up behavior following an absence has not been well characterized. This study measured attendance in relation to lecture video accesses to determine whether students catch up after missing a class, and if so, within what timeframe. Overall, it was found that 48% of absences were not associated with a corresponding lecture video access, and that when absences were caught up, the length of time taken to access the video was highly variable, with the time to the next exam being the likely determinant of when the video was viewed. Time taken to access a video was directly associated with deep learning approach score (as measured by the R-SPQ-2F). Males took significantly longer to view a corresponding lecture video after an absence than females, and missed significantly more classes than females. This study confirms that students use lecture capture variably, and that characteristics such as gender and learning approach influence lecture capture behavior including catch-up following an absence, a finding that is not unexpected given the diversity of students in higher education.
Current-Perpendicular-to-Plane Magnetoresistance in Chemical Vapor Deposition-Grown Multilayer Graphene
Authors: Bodepudi Srikrishna , Singh Abhay , Pramanik Sandipan
Published: September 2013

Current-perpendicular-to-plane (CPP) magnetoresistance (MR) effects are often exploited in various state-of-the-art magnetic field sensing and data storage technologies. Most of the CPP-MR devices are artificial layered structures of ferromagnets and non-magnets, and in these devices, MR manifests, due to spin-dependent carrier transmission through the constituent layers. In this work, we explore another class of artificial layered structure in which multilayer graphene (MLG) is grown on a metallic substrate by chemical vapor deposition (CVD). We show that depending on the nature of the graphene-metal interaction, these devices can also exhibit large CPP-MR. Magnetoresistance ratios (>100%) are at least two orders of magnitude higher than “transferred” graphene and graphitic samples reported in the literature, for a comparable temperature and magnetic field range. This effect is unrelated to spin injection and transport and is not adequately described by any of the MR mechanisms known to date. The simple fabrication process, large magnitude of the MR and its persistence at room temperature make this system an attractive candidate for magnetic field sensing and data storage applications and, also, underscore the need for further fundamental investigations on graphene-metal interactions.
Antisense Gene Silencing: Therapy for Neurodegenerative Disorders?
Authors: Nielsen Troels , Nielsen Jørgen
Published: September 2013

Since the first reports that double-stranded RNAs can efficiently silence gene expression in C. elegans, the technology of RNA interference (RNAi) has been intensively exploited as an experimental tool to study gene function. With the subsequent discovery that RNAi could also be applied to mammalian cells, the technology of RNAi expanded from being a valuable experimental tool to being an applicable method for gene-specific therapeutic regulation, and much effort has been put into further refinement of the technique. This review will focus on how RNAi has developed over the years and how the technique is exploited in a pre-clinical and clinical perspective in relation to neurodegenerative disorders.
Interference in Pheromone-Responsive Conjugation of a High-Level Bacitracin Resistant Enterococcus faecalis Plasmid of Poultry Origin
Authors: Tremblay Cindy-Love , Archambault Marie
Published: September 2013

The current study reports on contact interference of a high-level bacitracin- resistant pheromone-responsive plasmid of Enterococcus faecalis strain 543 of poultry origin during conjugative transfer of bcr antimicrobial resistance genes using a polyclonal antiserum aggregation substance44–560 (AS). After induction with pheromones produced by the recipient strain E. faecalis JH2-2, clumping of the donor E. faecalis strain 543 was observed as well as high transfer frequencies of bcr in short time broth mating. Filter mating assays from donor strain E. faecalis 543 to the recipient strain E. faecalis JH2-2 revealed conjugative transfer of asa1 (AS), bcrRAB and traB (negative regulator pheromone response) genes. The presence of these genes in transconjugants was confirmed by antimicrobial susceptibility testing, PCR, Southern hybridization and sequencing. A significant reduction in formation of aggregates was observed when the polyclonal anti-AS44–560 was added in the pheromone-responsive conjugation experiments as compared to the induced state. Moreover, interference of anti-AS44–560 antibodies in pheromone-responsive conjugation was demonstrated by a reduction in horizontal transfer of asa1 and bcr genes between E. faecalis strain 543 and E. faecalis JH2-2. Reducing the pheromone-responsive conjugation of E. faecalis is of interest because of its clinical importance in the horizontal transfer of antimicrobial resistance.
Molecular Cloning and Functional Analysis of the Duck TLR4 Gene
Authors: Zhao Wenming , Huang Zhengyang , Chen Yang , Zhang Yang , Rong Guanghui , Mu Chunyu , Xu Qi , Chen Guohong
Published: September 2013

Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) recognizes pathogen-associated molecular patterns in some animals and has been shown to be closely associated with several diseases such as tumors, atherosclerosis, and asthma. However, its function in ducks is not clear. Alternative splicing of the TLR4 gene has been identified in pigs, sheep, mice, and other species, but has not yet been reported in the duck. In this study, alternative splicing of the duck TLR4 gene was investigated using reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Duck TLR4 gene (duTLR4, accession number: KF278109) was found to consist of 3367 nucleotides of coding sequence. An alternative splice form, TLR4-b, was identified and shown by alignment to retain the intron between exons 1 and 2. Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) analyses suggested that duTLR4-a (wild-type) mRNA is widely expressed in various healthy tissues, whereas TLR4-b is expressed at only low levels. Following stimulation of normal duck embryo fibroblasts with lipopolysaccharide, the expression of both isoforms initially increased and then decreased. Expression of the wild-type isoform subsequently increased again, while that of the variant remained low. The expression levels of wild-type TLR4 were further analyzed by transient transfection of a pcDNA3.1(+)-TLR4-a overexpression vector into duck embryo fibroblasts. qRT-PCR analyses showed that after stimulation with LPS and poly(I:C) the expression levels of IL-1β, IL6, and MHC II increased with a response-efficacy relationship. Our experimental results indicate that TLR4 plays an important role in resistance to both bacterial and viral infections in the duck.
Constitutive Behavior and Finite Element Analysis of FRP Composite and Concrete Members
Authors: Ann Ki , Cho Chang-Geun
Published: September 2013

The present study concerns compressive and flexural constitutive models incorporated into an isoparametric beam finite element scheme for fiber reinforced polymer (FRP) and concrete composites, using their multi-axial constitutive behavior. The constitutive behavior of concrete was treated in triaxial stress states as an orthotropic hypoelasticity-based formulation to determine the confinement effect of concrete from a three-dimensional failure surface in triaxial stress states. The constitutive behavior of the FRP composite was formulated from the two-dimensional classical lamination theory. To predict the flexural behavior of circular cross-section with FRP sheet and concrete composite, a layered discretization of cross-sections was incorporated into nonlinear isoparametric beam finite elements. The predicted constitutive behavior was validated by a comparison to available experimental results in the compressive and flexural beam loading test.
A Comprehensive Workflow of Mass Spectrometry-Based Untargeted Metabolomics in Cancer Metabolic Biomarker Discovery Using Human Plasma and Urine
Authors: Zou Wei , She Jianwen , Tolstikov Vladimir
Published: September 2013

Current available biomarkers lack sensitivity and/or specificity for early detection of cancer. To address this challenge, a robust and complete workflow for metabolic profiling and data mining is described in details. Three independent and complementary analytical techniques for metabolic profiling are applied: hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatography (HILIC–LC), reversed-phase liquid chromatography (RP–LC), and gas chromatography (GC). All three techniques are coupled to a mass spectrometer (MS) in the full scan acquisition mode, and both unsupervised and supervised methods are used for data mining. The univariate and multivariate feature selection are used to determine subsets of potentially discriminative predictors. These predictors are further identified by obtaining accurate masses and isotopic ratios using selected ion monitoring (SIM) and data-dependent MS/MS and/or accurate mass MSn ion tree scans utilizing high resolution MS. A list combining all of the identified potential biomarkers generated from different platforms and algorithms is used for pathway analysis. Such a workflow combining comprehensive metabolic profiling and advanced data mining techniques may provide a powerful approach for metabolic pathway analysis and biomarker discovery in cancer research. Two case studies with previous published data are adapted and included in the context to elucidate the application of the workflow.
First Chemical Constituents from Cordia exaltata Lam and Antimicrobial Activity of Two Neolignans
Authors: Bezerra de Sá de Sousa Nogueira Tiago , Bezerra de Sá de Sousa Nogueira Raquel , Antas e Silva Davi , Tavares Josean , De Oliveira Lima Edeltrudes , De Oliveira Pereira Fillipe , De Souza Fernandes Milen , De Medeiros Fernando , Do Socorro Ferreira Rodrigues Sarquis Rosangela , Filho Raimundo , Da Silva Maciel Jéssica , De Fátima Vanderlei de Souza Maria
Published: September 2013

The phytochemical study of Cordia exaltata Lam. (Boraginaceae) led to the isolation, through chromatographic techniques, of nineteen secondary metabolites: 8,8'dimethyl-3,4,3',4'-dimethylenedioxy-7-oxo-2,7'cyclolignan (1), 8,8'-dimethyl-4,5-dimethoxy-3',4'-methylenodioxy-7-oxo-2,7'cyclolignan (2), sitosterol (3a), stigmasterol (3b), sitosterol-3-O-β-d-glucopyranoside (4a), stigmasterol-3-O-β-d-glucopyranoside (4b), phaeophytin A (5), 132-hydroxyphaeophytin A (6), 173-ethoxypheophorbide A (7), 132-hydroxy-173-ethoxypheophorbide A (8), m-methoxy-p-hydroxybenzaldehyde (9), (E)-7-(3,4-dihydroxyphenyl)-7-propenoic acid (10), 1-benzopyran-2-one (11), 7-hydroxy-1-benzopyran-2-one (12), 2,5-bis-(3',4'-methylenedioxiphenyl)-3,4-dimethyltetrahydrofuran (13), 3,4,5,3',5'-pentamethoxy-1'-allyl-8.O.4'-neolignan (14), 3,5,7,3',4'-pentahydroxyflavonol (15), 5,7-dihydroxy-4'-methoxyflavone (16), 5,8-dihydroxy-7,4’-dimethoxyflavone (17), kaempherol 3-O-β-d-glucosyl-6''-α-L-ramnopyranoside (18) and kaempherol 3,7-di-O-α-l-ramnopyranoside (19). Their structures were identified by 1H and 13C-NMR using one and two-dimensional techniques. In addition, the antimicrobial activity of compounds 1, 2, 13 and 14 against bacteria and fungi are reported here for the first time.
Finger Vein Recognition Based on Personalized Weight Maps
Authors: Yang Gongping , Xiao Rongyang , Yin Yilong , Yang Lu
Published: September 2013

Finger vein recognition is a promising biometric recognition technology, which verifies identities via the vein patterns in the fingers. Binary pattern based methods were thoroughly studied in order to cope with the difficulties of extracting the blood vessel network. However, current binary pattern based finger vein matching methods treat every bit of feature codes derived from different image of various individuals as equally important and assign the same weight value to them. In this paper, we propose a finger vein recognition method based on personalized weight maps (PWMs). The different bits have different weight values according to their stabilities in a certain number of training samples from an individual. Firstly we present the concept of PWM, and then propose the finger vein recognition framework, which mainly consists of preprocessing, feature extraction, and matching. Finally, we design extensive experiments to evaluate the effectiveness of our proposal. Experimental results show that PWM achieves not only better performance, but also high robustness and reliability. In addition, PWM can be used as a general framework for binary pattern based recognition.
Modeling a Sustainable Salt Tolerant Grass-Livestock Production System under Saline Conditions in the Western San Joaquin Valley of California
Authors: Alonso Máximo , Corwin Dennis , Oster James , Maas John , Kaffka Stephen
Published: September 2013

Salinity and trace mineral accumulation threaten the sustainability of crop production in many semi-arid parts of the world, including California’s western San Joaquin Valley (WSJV). We used data from a multi-year field-scale trial in Kings County and related container trials to simulate a forage-grazing system under saline conditions. The model uses rainfall and irrigation water amounts, irrigation water quality, soil, plant, and atmospheric variables to predict Bermuda grass (Cynodon dactylon (L.) Pers.) growth, quality, and use by cattle. Simulations based on field measurements and a related container study indicate that although soil chemical composition is affected by irrigation water quality, irrigation timing and frequency can be used to mitigate salt and trace mineral accumulation. Bermuda grass yields of up to 12 Mg dry matter (DM)·ha−1 were observed at the field site and predicted by the model. Forage yield and quality supports un-supplemented cattle stocking rates of 1.0 to 1.2 animal units (AU)·ha−1. However, a balance must be achieved between stocking rate, desired average daily gain, accumulation of salts in the soil profile, and potential pollution of ground water from drainage and leaching. Using available weather data, crop-specific parameter values and field scale measurements of soil salinity and nitrogen levels, the model can be used by farmers growing forages on saline soils elsewhere, to sustain forage and livestock production under similarly marginal conditions.
Triggering of Suicidal Erythrocyte Death by Celecoxib
Authors: Lupescu Adrian , Bissinger Rosi , Jilani Kashif , Lang Florian
Published: September 2013

The selective cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) inhibitor celecoxib triggers apoptosis of tumor cells and is thus effective against malignancy. The substance is at least partially effective through mitochondrial depolarization. Even though lacking mitochondria, erythrocytes may enter apoptosis-like suicidal death or eryptosis, which is characterized by cell shrinkage and by phosphatidylserine translocation to the erythrocyte surface. Eryptosis may be triggered by increase of cytosolic Ca2+-activity ([Ca2+]i). The present study explored whether celecoxib stimulates eryptosis. Forward scatter was determined to estimate cell volume, annexin V binding to identify phosphatidylserine-exposing erythrocytes, hemoglobin release to depict hemolysis, and Fluo3-fluorescence to quantify [Ca2+]i. A 48 h exposure of human erythrocytes to celecoxib was followed by significant increase of [Ca2+]i (15 µM), significant decrease of forward scatter (15 µM) and significant increase of annexin-V-binding (10 µM). Celecoxib (15 µM) induced annexin-V-binding was blunted but not abrogated by removal of extracellular Ca2+. In conclusion, celecoxib stimulates suicidal erythrocyte death or eryptosis, an effect partially due to stimulation of Ca2+ entry.
Les céramiques tardo-républicaines et augustéennes de Saint-Just-en-Chaussée (Oise). Nouvelles données pour la définition des horizons précoces du Nord de la Gaule
Authors: Chaidron Cyrille
Published: September 2013

Le mobilier présenté ici provient de trois opérations archéologiques sur la commune de Saint-Just-en-Chaussée, dans l’antique cité des Bellovaques. Ces explorations laissent apparaître une importante occupation, de nature non définie précisément mais de statut privilégiée, au moins à partir de l’horizon 60-40/ 30 avant J.-C. (fossé 1 du site de la " Rue Just Haüy"). Cette occupation privilégiée se poursuit à la période augustéenne (fouilles de la " Rue de Montdidier, Banc Saint-Pierre"). Les céramiques provenant du fossé 1 de la Rue Just Haüy s’inscrivent dans un faciès qui, progressivement, commence à se dessiner pour le nord de la Gaule. Les nombreuses importations, qui en sont une des caractéristiques, permettent de déterminer un horizon chronologique correspondant à la conquête romaine et au second triumvirat, à savoir entre les années 60 et 30 avant J.-C. Quelques trop rares sites s’inscrivent dans cet horizon pour lesquels il est malheureusement bien délicat de préciser le statut militaire ou civil, sur la foi du seul mobilier céramique, à quelques exceptions près.
Occupations routières et agglomérations secondaires en Bretagne romaine
Authors: Willis Steven
Published: September 2013

Die «Straßensiedlungen» sind eine bedeutende Gruppe unter den Fundstätten des römischen Großbritannien. Ihre Aufgaben in der Hierarchie der Siedlungsformen sind vielseitig. Sie sind kennzeichnend für die Lowlands, weitab von den Gebieten mit militärischer Präsenz, die sich an den Grenzen Britanniens erstreckten. Es ist möglich zwischen «Straßensiedlungen» und «Ortschaften» zu unterscheiden, nichtsdestoweniger hatten diese Stätten mehrere Eigenschaften und Funktionen gemein. Künftig müssen die Studien der «smaller centers» die Topographie, die Beziehung zur Hydrographie, die kulturelle Identität und die Herkunft der Bevölkerungsgruppen berücksichtigen, die vielleicht aus dem Hinterland hierher kamen. Aus diesem Grund und um die ländlichen Konsumgewohnheiten zu bestimmen, haben sich die Studien ebenfalls auf die Analyse der Fundvergesellschaftung zu stützen. Diese Hinweise auf die Konsumtendenzen zeigen die Notwendigkeit vergleichende Studien systematischer durchzuführen. Diese Studien können sich glücklicherweise auf die Ausgrabungen ergänzende Prospektionsprogramme stützen, es ist zu erwarten, dass sie Analysen und Publikationen begünstigen. Die politische und wirtschaftliche Integration dieser Stätten in ein strukturiertes Siedlungsnetz ist ebenfalls zu berücksichtigen, was ihrer Untersuchung erhebliche Bedeutung verleiht, wenn wir die Gesellschaft dieser

Zeit verstehen wollen.
Une fouille préventive à Quend "Le Muret" (Somme) : questions sur l’organisation et le rôle d’un site côtier au Bas-Empire
Authors: Rougier Richard , Hosdez Christophe , Chaidron Cyrille , Ben Redjeb Tahar , Thuet Annick
Published: September 2013

Auf dem seit dem 19. Jh. bekannten Fundplatz «Le Muret» in Quend (Departement Somme) wurde 1999 auf einer Fläche von 1 ha eine Notgrabung vorgenommen. Bei dieser Grabung wurden 3 oder 4 große Gebäude erkannt, in deren unmittelbarer Umgebung sich über mehrere hundert Meter verteilt kleinere Gebäude befinden. Die Ausrichtung der Hauptbauten am Kieselstrandwall scheint auf ein Organisationsschema hinzuweisen, das möglicherweise einem Weg folgte. Alle diese Gebäude gehörten zu einer Siedlung, deren Fläche wahrscheinlich wesentlich grösser war und in die Jahre von 320-330 bis 380-390 n. Chr. datiert wird. Diese Periode scheint einer erneuten Siedlungsphase zu entsprechen, die nach einer Unterbrechung auf eine erste Siedlungsphase folgt, deren terminus zwischen 275 und 280 liegen könnte. Die Hauptfragen betreffen die Organisation und den Stellenwert dieses Fundplatzes in der Verteidigung der Küste während der Spätantike ; seine Lage an einer Flussmündung prädestiniert ihn als möglichen Zugang zum Landesinneren. Die Erforschung dieses Fundplatzes ermöglicht eine bessere Einschätzung nicht nur des Wesens dieser Plätze des litus saxonicum, sondern sie erlaubt auch deren Beschaffenheit und Standorte genauer zu bestimmen.
Note sur la découverte de dérivées de sigillées paléochrétiennes dans le Nord de la France
Authors: Chaidron Cyrille
Published: September 2013

Among the late Roman fine-ware imports into Northern Gaul, the omnipresent terra sigillata from Argonne constitutes the dominant group. For a long time, more «exotic» imports seldom went beyond the Seine valley. Exceptionally, some original elements are beginning to appear in the mass of data from current excavations. The discovery of «Dérivées de Sigillées Paléochrétiennes» («by-products of early Christian sigillata») thus comes to break a certain monotony and attests particularly complex long range exchanges, less fixed than might be suggested by the domination of sigillata from Argonne. Unfortunately, the rarity of the «DSP» means that for the moment they cannot be used as reliable chronological indicators.
Una lectura funcional de Diario de un poeta reciencasado
Authors: Rienda José , Núñez Delgado M.ª Pilar
Published: September 2013

El Diario de un poeta reciencasado o Diario de poeta y mar puede entenderse como expresión simbólica de la temática del mar desde una vertiente esencialista. En este trabajo se muestra cómo en nuestro objeto de estudio se asienta definitivamente esa abstracción o interiorización simbólica de carácter esencialista en detrimento de la correspondencia social-axiológica de raíz indudablemente romántica.
SMS Based Monitoring System of TV Transmitting Station
Authors: Bai Xiao Jun , He Lei
Published: September 2013

According to the requirements of remote monitoring for TV transmitting station, present a SMS based centralized monitoring solution. In this solution, the GSM network and Ethernet was combined together, and remote monitoring was achieved through GSM short message service. Introduced the total structure of the system, described the software designs of the device agent and the message server, as well as the communication protocols between each components.
Analysis and Optimization of a Linear Synchronous Motor with Novel Halbach Magnet Array
Authors: Kou Bao Quan , Zhang Lu , Zhao Bin Chao , Zhang Chao Ning
Published: September 2013

This paper concerns the analysis and optimization of a permanent magnet linear synchronous motor. The motor consists of moving ironless coils and a stator with novel double-side Halbach array. Some characteristics of the linear motor were investigated. The dimensions of the novel Halbach magnet array were optimized. The optimization was verified by finite element method.
Pool Boiling Heat Transfer Characteristics on Twisted Tube Bundles in a Flooded Evaporator
Authors: Zhou Ji Cheng , Zhu Dong Sheng , Huo Zheng Qi , Li Jun , Li Yan
Published: September 2013

The objectives of this paper are to study the pool boiling heat transfer characteristics of twisted tubes in the flooded evaporator. The twisted tubes are processed from common circular evaporating tubes with an outer diameter of 15.88mm. The outer major axis diameter, minor axis diameter, wall thickness and length of the twisted tube are 19.50mm, 11.28mm, 1.09mm, and 3310mm, respectively. The outside tube pool boiling heat transfer coefficients, tube side Reynolds numbers, the wall superheat, the saturation temperature of refrigerant and the heat flux are considered as the key parameters. The results show that pool boiling heat transfer coefficient data increase with , and , respectively, and decrease as the wall superheat increases. It can be found in the case study that the overall heat transfer coefficient of twisted tube flooded evaporator (TFE) is about 1.15 times as high as the one of common flooded evaporator (FE) with a same heat capacity. It is proved that an application of the TFE in the water-cooled screw chiller can be feasible.