bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Newborn Screening for Lysosomal Storage Diseases
Authors: Gelb Michael H , Scott C Ronald , Turecek Frantisek
Published: December 2014

BACKGROUND

There is worldwide interest in newborn screening for lysosomal storage diseases because of the development of treatment options that give better results when carried out early in life. Screens with high differentiation between affected and nonaffected individuals are critical because of the large number of potential false positives.

CONTENT

This review summarizes 3 screening methods: (a) direct assay of enzymatic activities using tandem mass spectrometry or fluorometry, (b) immunocapture-based measurement of lysosomal enzyme abundance, and (c) measurement of biomarkers. Assay performance is compared on the basis of small-scale studies as well as on large-scale pilot studies of mass spectrometric and fluorometric screens.

Tandem mass spectrometry and fluorometry techniques for direct assay of lysosomal enzymatic activity in dried blood spots have emerged as the most studied approaches. Comparative mass spectrometry vs fluorometry studies show that the former better differentiates between nonaffected vs affected individuals. This in turn leads to a manageable number of screen positives that can be further evaluated with second-tier methods.
Idiopathic edema: state of the art
Authors: Pigarova E A , Dzeranova L K
Published: December 2014

In this article we will try to highlight recent advances in the study of this mysterious problem as idiopathic edema (IE), exposing the most common myths of the disease. Idiopathic edema - a syndrome that is excess weight gain, which has no known cause. Other terms to describe this state is: "cyclic and periodic swelling," "syndrome fluid retention" and "orthostatic edema."
A survey on SDN, the future of networking
Authors: Rowshanrad Shiva , Namvarasl Sahar , Abdi Vajihe , Hajizadeh Maryam , Keshtgary Manijeh
Published: November 2014

Software Defined Networking (SDN) is an emerging architecture which decouples networks control plane and data plane physically. It makes control plane programmable trough a centralized controller, and builds intelligent and flexible networks. The OpenFlow is one of the most famous SDN protocols, which acts as a southbound interface between control plane and data plane. In this survey, SDN implementation approaches and different southbound interfaces, beside different version of OpenFlow, are introduced. In addition to general architecture of SDN, different wireless architectures are discussed. Here, also potential SDNâ€™s applications and research areas including hot topics such as Information Centric Networks, Cloud and datacenters, multimedia, wireless and mobile networks over SDN are reviewed.
Apt to change: The problematic of language awareness and language aptitude in age-related research
Authors: Singleton David
Published: November 2014

Language awareness and language aptitude often crop up in discussion of various second language acquisition phenomena, including age-related phenomena. There is a troublesome and ongoing definitional and theoretical problem in this connection: Different researchers have different perspectives on what is to be included in the respective notions; on how do to measure language awareness, on the one hand, and language aptitude, on the other; and on how or whether to differentiate the two constructs in terms of innateness versus experience. This article begins by addressing the entire problematic of the conceptualization of language awareness and language aptitude. The language awareness/aptitude issue features in the maturational debate in connection with two claims. First, it is discussed in relation to the view that second-language (L2) learning of older individuals is explicit (whereas that of younger individuals is implicit). Second, it is referred to in regard to the notion that there are older L2 learners who appear to be able to “beat” the critical period thanks to high levels of language aptitude. The article critically explores both these propositions and concludes that neither is particularly safe, especially given the uncertain state of the relevant research context.
Flexibility Policies and Re-employment Probabilities in Italy
Authors: Mussida Chiara , Sciulli Dario
Published: December 2014

We analyze the effects of Italian labor market reforms “at the margin” on the probability of exiting from non-employment and entering permanent and temporary contracts, using WHIP data for the period 1985–2004. We find that the reforms have strengthened the duration dependence parameter, meaning a stronger labor market gap in employment opportunities between the short- and long-term non-employed. We suggest that in a flexible labor market, long-term unemployment is used by firms as a screening device to detect less productive workers. We also find evidence of greater differences in employment opportunities according to gender, and of reduced differences between regional labor markets.
Comparison of approaches and measurement of continuing professional development for specialists in laboratory medicine within four European countries
Authors: Martin Jan , Gasljevic Visnja , Šálek Tomáš , Horvath Attila , Borg Charles , Flegar-Meštrić Zlata , Jakovcic Mladen , Silhavik Josef , Adonics Adrienn , Szlamka Zsófia , Brincat Ian , Buttigieg Dorianne , Ciantar Noel , Sciortino Anna Lisa , Mifsud Antoinette , Adkins Alison , Bennett Tracey , Rice Kirstie , Taylor Yvette
Published: December 2014

This study investigated approaches to continuing professional development (CPD) for specialists in laboratory medicine within four European countries: Croatia, the Czech Republic, Malta and the UK.

The research questions focussed on ascertaining if continued registration/licence was linked to CPD and if so, were there requirements for certain amounts and types of CPD and for CPD activities to meet specified accreditation criteria. The Professional Associations Research Network (PARN) model of CPD measurement was applied to each country’s registration/licencing body’s CPD requirements.

Our results indicate a spectrum of approaches to CPD within participating countries.

It will be necessary for European employers to be familiar with these differences and to take them into account for this increasingly mobile European workforce.
Interrelatedness between C-reactive protein and oxidized low-density lipoprotein
Authors: Obradovic Milan M. , Trpkovic Andreja , Bajic Vladan , Soskic Sanja , Jovanovic Aleksandra , Stanimirovic Julijana , Panic Milos , Isenovic Esma R.
Published: December 2014

C-reactive protein (CRP) is a marker of inflammation. Atherosclerosis is now recognized as inflammatory disease, and it seems that CRP directly contributes to atherogenesis. Oxidation of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) molecule increases the uptake of lipid products by macrophages leading to cholesterol accumulation and subsequent foam cell formation. The elevated levels of high sensitivity CRP (hsCRP) and oxidized LDL (OxLDL) in the blood were found to be associated with cardiovascular diseases (CVD). In this review, we highlighted the evidence that CRP and OxLDL are involved in interrelated (patho) physiological pathways. The findings on association between hsCRP and OxLDL in the clinical setting will be also summarized.
Crystal structures of KM(AsF6)3 (M2+ = Mg, Co, Mn, Zn), KCu(SbF6)3 and [Co(HF)2]Sr[Sr(HF)]2[Sr(HF)2]2[AsF6]12
Authors: Mazej Zoran , Goreshnik Evgeny
Published: December 2014

The KM(AsF6)3 (M2+ = Mg, Co, Mn, Zn) and KCu(SbF6)3 compounds crystallize isotypically to previously known KNi(AsF6)3. The main features of the structure of these compounds are rings of MF6 octahedra sharing apexes with AsF6 octahedra connected into infinite tri-dimensional frameworks. In this arrangement cavities are formed where K+ cations are placed. Single crystals of CoSr5(AsF6)12·8HF were obtained as one of the products after the crystallization of 3KF/CoF2/SrF2 mixture in the presence of AsF5 in anhydrous HF. The CoSr5(AsF6)12·8HF is monoclinic, C/2c (No.15), with a = 26.773(5) Å, b = 10.087(2) Å, c = 21.141(5) Å, β = 93.296(13) °, V = 5699.9(19) Å3 at 200 K, and Z = 4. There are three crystallographically non-equivalent Sr2+ cations in the crystal structure of CoSr5(AsF6)12·8HF. The Sr1 is coordinated by ten fluorine atoms from eight different [AsF6]- anions, meanwhile Sr2 and Sr3 are bound to nine fluorine atoms provided by one HF and eight AsF6 units or by two HF and six AsF6 units, respectively. The Co2+ is coordinated distorted-octahedrally by six fluorine atoms from two HF molecules and four different AsF6 units. All those moieties in the crystal strucutre of [Co(HF)2]Sr[Sr(HF)]2[Sr(HF)2]2[AsF6]12 are connected into tridimensional framework. The CoSr5(AsF6)12·8HF is a unique example of compound where HF molecules are directly bound via fluorine atoms to two different metal centres.
High-pressure behavior of synthetic mordenite-Na: an in situ single-crystal synchrotron X-ray diffraction study
Authors: Lotti Paolo , Gatta G. Diego , Merlini Marco , Liermann Hanns-Peter
Published: December 2014

The high-pressure behavior of a synthetic mordenite-Na (space group: Cmcm or Cmc21) was studied by in situ single-crystal synchrotron X-ray diffraction with a diamond anvil cell up to 9.22(7) GPa. A phase transition, likely displacive in character, occurred between 1.68(7) and 2.70(8) GPa, from a C-centered to a primitive space group: possibly Pbnm, Pbnn or Pbn21. Fitting of the experimental data with III-BM equations of state allowed to describe the elastic behavior of the high-pressure polymorph with a primitive lattice. A very high volume compressibility [K

V0 = 25(2) GPa, β
V0 = 1/K

V0 = 0.040(3) GPa–1; K

V

′ = (?K

V
/?P)
T
= 2.0(3)], coupled with a remarkable elastic anisotropy (β
b
>>β
c
>β
a
), was found. Interestingly, the low-P and high-P polymorphs show the same anisotropic compressional scheme. A structure collapse was not observed up to 9.22(7) GPa, even though a strong decrease of the number of observed reflections at the highest pressures suggests an impending amorphization. The structure refinements performed at room-P, 0.98(2) and 1.68(7) GPa allowed to describe, at a first approximation, the mechanisms that govern the framework deformation in the low-P regime: the bulk compression is strongly accommodated by the increase of the ellipticity of the large 12-membered ring channels running along [001].
Progesterone-induced activation of membrane-bound progesterone receptors in murine macrophage cells
Authors: Lu Jing , Reese Joshua , Zhou Ying , Hirsch Emmet
Published: December 2014

Parturition is an inflammatory process mediated to a significant extent by macrophages. Progesterone (P4) maintains uterine quiescence in pregnancy, and a proposed functional withdrawal of P4classically regulated by nuclear progesterone receptors (nPRs) leads to labor. P4can affect the functions of macrophages despite the reported lack of expression of nPRs in these immune cells. Therefore, in this study we investigated the effects of the activation of the putative membrane-associated PR on the function of macrophages (a key cell for parturition) and discuss the implications of these findings for pregnancy and parturition. In murine macrophage cells (RAW 264.7), activation of mPRs by P4modified to be active only extracellularly by conjugation to BSA (P4BSA, 1.0×10−7 mol/l) caused a pro-inflammatory shift in the mRNA expression profile, with significant upregulation of the expression of cyclooxygenase 2 (COX2 (Ptgs2)),Il1B, andTnfand downregulation of membrane progesterone receptor alpha (Paqr7) and oxytocin receptor (Oxtr). Pretreatment with PD98059, a MEK1/2 inhibitor, significantly reduced P4BSA-induced expression of mRNA ofIl1B,Tnf, andPtgs2. Inhibition of protein kinase A (PKA) by H89 blocked P4BSA-induced expression ofIl1BandTnfmRNA. P4BSA induced rapid phosphorylation of MEK1/2 and CREB (a downstream target of PKA). This phosphorylation was inhibited by pretreatment with PD98059 and H89, respectively, revealing that MEK1/2 and PKA are two of the components involved in mPR signaling. Taken together, these results indicate that changes in membrane progesterone receptor alpha expression and signaling in macrophages are associated with the inflammatory responses; and that these changes might contribute to the functional withdrawal of P4related to labor.
A escola (rural) como pasado e futuro
Authors: Caride Gómez José Antonio
Published: December 2014

A escola sempre é escola. Unha obviedade que non precisa matices cando a imaxinamos formando parte da armazón urbana. Non sucede o mesmo cando nos situamos no mundo rural. Aquí, identificar, explicar, interpretar... as súas circunstancias só é posible cando aludimos ás realidades que a contornan, no variado xogo de palabras que nomea a ruralidade. A escola que quixo, podía e debería ser: un recurso, equipamento, institución, centro educativo..., ao servizo da comunidade e das persoas ás que se vincula territorial, pedagóxica e socialmente. Sen dúbida, unha oportunidade para educar sendo congruentes cos contextos nos que insire as súas prácticas; tamén para poñer en valor as identidades e diversidades do rural e as súas opcións para un desenvolvemento máis sostible e integral. Unha escola que, sendo grande ou pequena, agrupada ou unitaria, vella ou nova... non se contradiga a si mesma. No artigo argumentamos sobre os significados inherentes ás súas posibilidades e limitacións, en clave de pasado e futuro.http://dx.doi.org/10.15304/ie.24.2145
Europäische Fusionskontrolle bei konglomeraten Fusionen nach Intel/McAfee und Cisco/Kommission
Authors: Bardong Andreas
Published: December 2014

Die neueren Fusionskontrollentscheidungen Intel/McAfee (2011) und Microsoft/Skype (2011) sowie die zu letztgenanntem Fall ergangene Gerichtsentscheidung des EuG Cisco/Kommission (2013) geben Anlass, auf die praktische Relevanz konglomerater Schadenstheorien wieder neu hinzuweisen. Die verschiedenen Fallgruppen und Prüfungspunkte werden in dem Beitrag rekapituliert und die genannten Entscheidungen entsprechend eingeordnet. Darüber hinaus werden drei Themenkomplexe vertieft: Abschreckungswirkung kartellrechtlicher Verbote im Kontext der Anreizbetrachtung, Beweisanforderungen, sowie Verhaltenszusagen und Interoperabilität.
Zugangserfordernis zu Forschungsergebnissen nach der VO Nr. 1217/2010 – besteht die Gruppenfreistellung für Forschungs- und Entwicklungsvereinbarungen im Praxistest?
Authors: Pautke Stephanie , Schultze Jörg-Martin
Published: December 2014

Der Beitrag befasst sich mit der Gruppenfreistellungsverordnung für Forschungs- und Entwicklungsverträge. Die Autoren gehen der Frage nach, ob es nach der Reform dieser Verordnung noch Forschungs- und Entwicklungsvereinbarungen sowie Auftragsforschungsverträge gibt, in denen die Zugangsrechte zu den Ergebnissen der F&E bzw. Auftragsforschung abweichend von den Freistellungsvoraussetzungen der Verordnung geregelt werden können, ohne dass diese Klauseln einem erheblichen Nichtigkeitsrisiko unterliegen.
Violence, Virtue and Spiritual Liberation
Authors: Wu Juan
Published: November 2014

The Magadhan king Srenika Bimbisara and his son Kunika Ajatasatru are widely featured in both Buddhist and Jaina literature. Previous studies have generally focused on the parallels between Buddhist and Jaina depictions of these two figures. Rather less attention has been devoted to exploring how or why the Buddhist and Jaina stories about them differ. This article contrasts the Buddhist and Jaina accounts of their future rebirths. Whereas the Jainas spoke much of Srenika's eventual jinahood and kept silent on Kunika's future destiny, the Buddhists said little about Bimbisara's future destiny, while giving several prophecies of Ajatasatru's eventual awakening. Based on a comparative survey of the Buddhist and Jaina accounts, the article argues that the Buddhist and Jaina authors held significantly different understandings of how key religious factors such as karma, the Dharma, the power of the Buddha or Mahavira, and an individual's inherent spiritual potential play out in soteriological discourse. It also argues that the Buddhist prophecies of Ajatasatru and the Jaina prophecies of Srenika share a common idea that moral culpability has no permanent karmic effects, thus constituting no real obstacle to spiritual growth in the long run.
Pancanrtyasabhas
Authors: Rajarajan R.K.K. Kesava
Published: November 2014

The convention among art historians is to begin Nataraja studies with Citamparam. Historically and mythologically, this is a misconception. The earliest mention of Kuttan/Nataraja appears in a fifth- or sixth-century ce literary work, the Alankattumuttatiruppatikam of [Karaikkal]-Ammaiyar, and the theme continued to persist through the ages, being particularly exalted in the hymns of the Tevaram, the first seven compilations of the Saiva canon. The Cidambaramahatmya is a work of the fourteenth century ce or later. Scholarly research has depended more on Sanskritic sources (e.g. Sivaramamurti 1974; Smith 1998) than on the earlier Tamil material. This article says why studies pertaining to Nataraja should begin with Alankatu, the earliest sthala extolled in the Tamil hymns, considered the original base of the Nataraja tradition. It cursorily reflects on the available epigraphical sources. The other dancing venues of the Lord, Tillai/Citamparam, Alavay/Maturai, Nelveli and Kurralam, were added in due course, making with Alankattu a list of five dancing halls (pancanrtyasabha). The article examines a group of five stucco images that appear in the frontal projection of the mandapa to the Alankatu temple.
Peter Skilling, Jason A. Carbine, Claudio Cicuzza and Santi Pakdeekham (eds.), How Theravada is Theravada? Exploring Buddhist Identities
Authors: Gornall Alastair
Published: November 2014

Peter Skilling, Jason A. Carbine, Claudio Cicuzza and Santi Pakdeekham (eds.), How Theravada is Theravada? Exploring Buddhist Identities. Chiang Mai, Thailand: Silkworm Books, 2012. xxxvi + 620 pp. £40.00/$60.00. ISBN 978-6-16215-044-9 (paperback).
Ludo Rocher, Studies in Hindu Law and Dharmasastra. Edited by Donald R. Davis, Jr
Authors: Lubin Timothy
Published: November 2014

Ludo Rocher, Studies in Hindu Law and Dharmasastra. Edited by Donald R. Davis, Jr. London/New York, and Delhi: Anthem Press, 2012. 760 pp. £80. ISBN 978-0-85728-550-8 (hardback).
Naomi Appleton, Sarah Shaw and Toshiya Unebe, Illuminating the Life of the Buddha: An Illustrated Chanting Book from Eighteenth-Century Siam
Authors: Chiu Angela S
Published: November 2014

Naomi Appleton, Sarah Shaw and Toshiya Unebe, Illuminating the Life of the Buddha: An Illustrated Chanting Book from Eighteenth-Century Siam. Oxford: Bodleian Library, 2013. xviii + 142 pp. £35. ISBN 978-1-85124-283-2 (hardback).
Georgios T. Halkias, Luminous Bliss: A Religious History of Pure Land Literature in Tibet
Authors: Zrenner Michael M B
Published: November 2014

Georgios T. Halkias, Luminous Bliss: A Religious History of Pure Land Literature in Tibet. Pure Land Buddhist Studies Series; Honolulu: University of Hawai’i Press, 2013. xxx + 335 pp. $49.00. ISBN 978-0-82483-590-3 (hardback).
Zastosowanie pomiarów dwuwidmowych barwy w towaroznawstwie
Authors: Szopa Przemysław , Czerniak Jacek , Gacek Anna
Published: December 2014

Since fluorescence was discovered it has been more commonly used than other forms of marking, especially as production prices of such products have fallen. Fluorescence plaques are used in areas of upmost importance for public safety. These are most often road signs, car and evacuation route markers. The quality of such signs is crucial, since they are used in life-threatening situations. Reliably testing the quality of such products requires the use of bispectral measurements. Direct measurement of phosphorescing samples is burdened with errors resulting from the emission of light rays scattered by the sample. This article presents examples of quality tests for evacuation sign fluorescence, using bispectral measurements in 0-45° geometry. These measurements significantly reduce errors in comparison to classic methods for measuring colour.
Iron‐mediated stabilization of soil carbon amplifies the benefits of ecological restoration in degraded lands
Authors: Silva Lucas C. R. , Doane Timothy A. , Corrêa Rodrigo S. , Valverde Vinicius , Pereira Engil I. P. , Horwath William R.
Published: December 2014

Recent observations across a 14‐year restoration chronosequence have shown an unexpected accumulation of soil organic carbon in strip‐mined areas of central Brazil. This was attributed to the rapid plant colonization that followed the incorporation of biosolids into exposed regoliths, but the specific mechanisms involved in the stabilization of carbon inputs from the vegetation remained unclear. Using isotopic and elemental analyses, we tested the hypothesis that plant‐derived carbon accumulation was triggered by the formation of iron‐coordinated complexes, stabilized into physically protected (occluded) soil fractions. Confirming this hypothesis, we identified a fast formation of microaggregates shortly after the application of iron‐rich biosolids, which was characterized by a strong association between pyrophosphate‐extractable iron and plant‐derived organic matter. The formation of microaggregates preceded the development of macroaggregates, which drastically increased soil carbon content (~140 Mg C/ha) a few years after restoration. Consistent with previous theoretical work, iron‐coordinated organic complexes served as nuclei for aggregate formation, reflecting the synergistic effect of biological, chemical, and physical mechanisms of carbon stabilization in developing soils. Nevertheless, iron was not the only factor affecting soil carbon content. The highest carbon accumulation was observed during the period of highest plant diversity (>30 species; years 3–6), declining significantly with the exclusion of native species by invasive grasses (years 9–14). Furthermore, the increasing dominance of invasive grasses was associated with a steady decline in the concentration of soil nitrogen and phosphorus per unit of accumulated carbon. These results demonstrate the importance of interdependent ecological and biogeochemical processes, and the role of soil–plant interactions in determining the success of restoration efforts. In contrast with previous but unsuccessful attempts to restore mined areas through nutrient application alone, iron‐mediated stabilization of vegetation inputs favored the regeneration of a barren stable state that had persisted for over five decades since disturbance. The effectiveness of coupled organic matter and iron “fertilization,” combined with management of invasive species, has the possibility to enhance terrestrial carbon sequestration and accelerate the restoration of degraded lands, while addressing important challenges associated with urban waste disposal.
Chemical pollution assessment and prioritisation model for the Upper and Middle Vaal water management areas of South Africa
Authors: Dzwairo B. , Otieno F. A. O.
Published: December 2014

A chemical pollution assessment and prioritisation model was developed for the Upper and Middle Vaal water management areas of South Africa in order to provide a simple and practical Pollution Index to assist with mitigation and rehabilitation activities. Historical data for 2003 to 2008 from 21 river sites were cubic-interpolated to daily values. Nine parameters were considered for this purpose, that is, ammonium, chloride, electrical conductivity, dissolved oxygen, pH, fluoride, nitrate, phosphate and sulphate. Parameter selection was based on sub-catchment pollution characteristics and availability of a consistent data range, against a harmonised guideline which provided five classes. Classes 1, 2, 3 and 4 used ideal catchment background values for Vaal Dam, Vaal Barrage, Blesbokspruit/Suikerbosrant and Klip Rivers, respectively. Class 5 represented values which fell above those for Klip River. The Pollution Index, as provided by the model, identified pollution prioritisation monitoring points on Rietspruit-W:K2, Natalspruit:K12, Blesbokspruit:B1, Rietspruit-L:R1/R2, Taaibosspruit:T1 and Leeuspruit:L1. Pre-classification indicated that pollution sources were domestic, industrial and mine effluent. It was concluded that rehabilitation and mitigation measures should prioritise points with high classes. Ability of the model to perform simple scenario building and analysis was considered to be an effective tool for acid mine drainage pollution assessment.
Application of the Fenton process in the elimination of helminth eggs
Authors: Escobar-Megchún Sandra Isabel , Nájera-Aguilar Hugo Alejandro , González-Hilerio Magaly , Gutiérrez-Jiménez Javier , Gutiérrez-Hernández Rubén Fernando , Rojas-Valencia María Neftalí
Published: December 2014

This study relates to a method for evaluating the degradation efficiency of Ascaris lumbricoides eggs through a Fenton reaction, using hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) at 100, 250, and 500 mg/L, ferrous sulfate (FeSO4) at 458 mg/L Fe2+ and pH values of 3, 4.5, and 6. The experiments were conducted according to a 32 experimental design, with 1:1, 3:1, and 5:1 (H2O2/Fe2+) molar ratios. The oxidation and flocculation stages were performed at 130 rpm during 2 hours and at 25–30 rpm during 20 min, respectively. As a result of the Fenton reaction, an average of 91.2% Ascaris lumbricoides egg degradation was achieved at pH 6 using a 500 mg/L dose of H2O2 and a 3:1 (H2O2/Fe2+) molar ratio. Thus, this process is an alternative for eliminating parasites that are resistant to conventional disinfection processes and significantly reduces the human health hazard they represent.
Transport effects on hydraulic loading rate and microbial removal performance in biosand filters
Authors: Napotnik Julie , Jellison Kristen
Published: December 2014

Biosand filters (BSFs) are increasingly designed using smaller and/or lighter casing material in an effort to reduce logistical requirements and implementation costs. The increased portability of a smaller, lighter design presents a potential negative consequence: the ability to move the installed/operational filter by the homeowner and potentially disturb the system. This study investigated the effects of moving and agitation on filter performance, using mature BSFs which had been in use for over nine months prior to the move. Data were analyzed for four replicate filters of three different filter types: the traditional concrete BSF and two plastic bucket (5-gal and 2-gal, respectively; 5-gal bucket = 18.9-L bucket, 2-gal bucket = 7.6-L bucket) BSFs. Filters were moved approximately 1 km and monitored for hydraulic loading rates (HLRs) and Escherichia coli removal for 8 weeks following the move. Moving the filters resulted in reduced HLRs, likely due to sand compaction, but E. coli removal remained high (log10 removal ≥2.8 for all sizes) and increased significantly as compared to data collected prior to the move. The resulting operational implications of moving BSFs are discussed.
Experiences on the implementation of a pilot grey water treatment and reuse based system at a household in the slum of Kyebando-Kisalosalo, Kampala
Authors: Niwagaba Charles B. , Dinno Patrick , Wamala Isaac , Dalahmeh S. Sahar , Lalander Cecilia , Jönsson Håkan
Published: December 2014

Grey water constitutes the largest fraction of domestic wastewater. It causes environmental sanitation and pollution problems if it is not managed well. If treated, grey water can be a resource for a variety of uses. A pilot system was constructed in February 2013 to treat grey water from a four-member household for sub-surface irrigation of local vegetables. A hydraulic loading rate (HLR) of 60 L m−2d−1 and an organic loading rate (OLR) of 519–1,580 g BOD5m−2d−1 were implemented on a multi-media filter of gravel, charcoal, geotextile and mulch (charcoal being the predominant layer) operated as a batched type-system, with a 36-hour retention time. The system was operated for 3 months, during which it showed remarkable removal efficiencies of 90.8 ± 5.4 and 96.1 ± 3.0% after 36 hours for chemical oxygen demand (COD) and biochemical oxygen demand (BOD), respectively, and 95 ± 3.1% for faecal coliforms (FC). The removal efficiencies at 36 hours, of total nitrogen (TN), total phosphorus (Tot-P), total suspended solids (TSS) and total dissolved solids (TDS) were 39.0, 30.1, 85.2 and 78.6%, respectively. Plant response to sub-surface irrigation with treated grey water was largely masked by rainy season and the effluent had a limited effect on the soil.
Carbon footprint of water reuse and desalination: a review of greenhouse gas emissions and estimation tools
Authors: Cornejo Pablo K. , Santana Mark V. E. , Hokanson David R. , Mihelcic James R. , Zhang Qiong
Published: December 2014

As population and water demand increase, there is a growing need for alternative water supplies from water reuse and desalination systems. These systems are beneficial to water augmentation; however, there are concerns related to their carbon footprint. This study compiles the reported carbon footprint of these systems from existing literature, recognizes general trends of carbon footprint of water reuse and desalination, and identifies challenges associated with comparing the carbon footprint. Furthermore, limitations, challenges, knowledge gaps, and recommendations associated with carbon footprint estimation tools are presented. Reverse osmosis (RO) technologies were found to have lower CO2 emissions than thermal desalination technologies and the estimated carbon footprint of seawater RO desalination (0.4–6.7 kg CO2eq/m3) is generally larger than brackish water RO desalination (0.4–2.5 kg CO2eq/m3) and water reuse systems (0.1–2.4 kg CO2eq/m3). The large range of reported values is due to variability in location, technologies, life cycle stages, parameters considered, and estimation tools, which were identified as major challenges to making accurate comparisons. Carbon footprint estimation tools could be improved by separating emissions by unit process, direct and indirect emissions, and considering the offset potential of various resource recovery strategies.
Delivering Architectural Quality in Design-Build and PPP Projects
Authors: Carter Matt
Published: December 2014

Major bridge structures have a significant visual impact. Such prominent components of our built environment should be designed to be visually pleasing and there is increasing public attention on the aesthetics of bridge structures. At the same time, the current trend in procurement is for many, if not the majority, of such projects to be built through some form of design-build or public private partnership (PPP) process whereby the final design of the project is carried out by a private entity responsible for paying for the cost of construction. This kind of procurement process does not naturally lend itself to delivering a finished product of high aesthetic quality. This paper describes why this is the case and then demonstrates how the procurement process can be refined to bring the quality of the aesthetics under the control of the owner.
Inspection, Monitoring, and Maintenance of Infrastructure Systems in a Life-cycle Context: Emphasis on Bridges
Authors: Frangopol Dan M. , Soliman Mohamed
Published: December 2014

This paper provides a brief overview of the inspection, monitoring, and maintenance scheduling for civil infrastructure systems within the context of life-cycle management under uncertainty. Various methods for determining the optimum life-cycle inspection, monitoring and repair times and types, as well as the impact of such activities on the total life-cycle cost, are discussed in detail. Sources of uncertainty and the objectives of the life-cycle assessment and management are also presented.

Additionally, the integration of these activities with other modules of the general life-cycle management framework responsible for the performance prediction and updating is also discussed. The presented approaches are capable of handling, individually or simultaneously, various deterioration mechanisms such as earthquake effects, fatigue, and corrosion. The role of probabilistic performance indicators including reliability and redundancy is also highlighted. The key achievements in developing the optimization schemes specifically formulated for bridges are discussed.
Predicting the Shear Capacity of Reinforced Concrete Slabs subjected to Concentrated Loads close to Supports with the Modified Bond Model
Authors: Lantsoght Eva O. L. , van der Veen Cor , de Boer Ane
Published: December 2014

The shear problem is typically studied by testing small, heavily reinforced, slender beams subjected to concentrated loads, resulting in a beam shear failure, or by testing slab-column connections, resulting in a punching shear failure. Slabs subjected to concentrated loads close to supports, as occurring when truck loads are placed on slab bridges, are much less studied. For this purpose, the Bond Model for concentric punching shear was studied at first. Then, modifications were made, resulting in the Modified Bond Model. The Modified Bond Model takes into account the enhanced capacity resulting from the direct strut that forms between the load and the support. Moreover, the Modified Bond Model is able to deal with moment changes between the support and the span, as occurs near continuous supports, and can take into account the reduction in capacity when the load is placed near to the edge. The resulting Modified Bond Model is compared to the results of experiments that were carried out at the Stevin laboratory. As compared to the Eurocodes (NEN-EN 1992-1-1:2005) and the ACI code (ACI 318-11), the Modified Bond Model leads to a better prediction.
Stress Measurement and FEM Simulation of a Steel Girder Viaduct
Authors: Nagayama Tomonori , Su Di , Shimada Yuuki , Miwa Akihiko , Fujino Yozo
Published: December 2014

Urban highway networks typically rely on a large number of aged viaducts needing an efficient and effective maintenance. Though their numerical models exist, the level of accuracy has not been clear in terms of secondary member stress induced by traffic loading. In this paper, dynamic stress responses of a steel girder viaduct subjected to truck loading is investigated through field tests and numerical simulations. The strain responses are recorded when a truck with known weight passes the bridge. The validity of the measurements is first confirmed. Then a bridge-vehicle interaction numerical analysis is performed. The secondary member stress analysis shows that the stresses are sensitive to parameters such as the drive path and mesh size. The calibrated model reproduces the measurement with the accuracy of about 20 % and indicates that the pavement condition indeed affects the dynamic stress levels.
Linear programming as a tool to study the stability of masonry arch bridges
Authors: Magdalena Fernando , Aznar Antonio , Hernando José Ignacio , García Julián
Published: December 2014

By Linear Programming it is possible to get the actual collapse load factor of the Limit Analysis, and also enables the optimization of other functions to study the behaviour of masonry structures. In this article two examples of application of the effect of the backfill weight on masonry arches are shown.
Stochastic Analysis of an Exotic Deployable Space Truss System
Authors: Friedman Noemi , Ibrahimbegovic Adnan , Matthies Hermann
Published: December 2014

In this article a novel exotic, cylindrical, deployable truss system is presented, whose deployment pattern is uncertain because of the different bifurcation paths of its force-displacement diagram. However, the nonlinear analysis of the structure has revealed that this pattern is chaotic though, but not completely stochastic. In fact, the possible deployment patterns ─ corresponding to the different parametric/geometric settings ─ are governed by difficultly determinable rules, resulting in regularities of the patterns resembling the fractal shapes derived from the Mandelbrot set.

Besides its fascinating structural behaviour, and the numerical challenge of its simulation due to its highly nonlinear behaviour, the antiprismatic cylindrical structure may be attractive for artists, architects and structural/mechanical engineers working in the field of flexible systems.
Rethinking Structural Engineering Workflows Structural Design of a 340m Tower
Authors: Chok Kermin
Published: December 2014

The paper overviews the various custom workflows and technologies deployed in the design of a 340m tower located in downtown Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. The technologies used range from custom CAD to analysis package linkages, stiffness optimization scripts, database workflows for efficient post processing and web based data visualizations. These custom workflows rethink and interrogate the standard process of structural design as required by “point and click” methods of structural software usage. Implications for leaner design teams and more thorough structural design are also explored.
Sensitivity Analysis of Outrigger Systems for Super Tall Building Structures under Natural Vibration Period Constraints
Authors: Zhao Xin , Jiang Xiang
Published: December 2014

With the increase of height and flexibility of modern super tall buildings, the structural natural vibration period become longer and longer. The long period components become the dominant factor in the structural design of super tall buildings. Due to lack of sufficient ground motion records with rich long period components, current researches on long period components were not fully conducted. To avoid serious structural damages caused by excessive long period responses, the natural vibration period of super tall buildings is commonly requested to be below certain limit in Asian super tall building development practices. The key factors which may cause significant differences on the natural vibration period could be easily found. A super tall building which is above 500 meters was taken as an example to show the sensitivity analysis results of outrigger trusses under natural vibration period constraints. The impacts of the parameters of both diagonal and chord members of the outrigger systems on the natural vibration period were thoroughly investigated. Using the weight of structural members as optimization objective, a period sensitivity index was defined. Through the sensitivity analysis, one may obtain the period sensitivity indices and the optimal outrigger scheme can then be derived for the super tall building structures.
Effects of Increasing Truck Weight Limits on Highway Bridges in Thailand
Authors: Suparp Suniti , Joyklad Panuwat
Published: December 2014

Any increasing of truck weight limits would affect an existing bridge safety. Besides, the increasing weight would shorten the time of repair and replacement of many bridges. Thai truck weights specified by Department of Highways were raised according to several government gazettes. This paper aimed to study the safety factors of the bridges due to the increasing of Thai truck weights compared with those from the design live loads of selected bridges. As indicated in the bridge standard drawings from Department of Highways, the reinforced concrete bridges with the span length ranging from 5 to 30 meters were studied. It was found that the average of maximum bridge responses from Thai truck weights were approximately 25% to 18% greater than those from the design live loads for moment and shear, respectively. Without bridge strengthening, the safety factors of the bridges were reduced due to the increase in truck weights especially for 5 to 8 meters span lengths. The results of this study would be used as a reference data for bridge strengthening in Thailand in order to maintain the bridge safety level consistent with the standard specifications.
Blast Load Effects On the Pier of High-speed Railway Bridge
Authors: Liu Zhe , Fu Helin , Li Liang , Liu Yangshao
Published: December 2014

Large volume of high-speed railway infrastructure have been constructed in China, which are very important to the economic development of China. However, whether these structures can stand for dynamic loading such as blast load, wind load, moving load and seismic load is very crucial to the safe operation of them. The effects on the bridges from above dynamic loads such as wind load, moving load and seismic load have been investigated, but the blast load effects have been studied very little, especially to the high-speed railway infrastructure.

Since blast load is a kind of short duration dynamic loading influencing structural response significantly, which often exhibits strong spatial and time variations, resulting in sharp stress gradients in the structures. Consequently, the analysis of bridge structures subjected to blast loading becomes a very complex issue and it is hard to analyze accurately deformation or crack conditions of bridges subjected to blast wave using equations. On the other hand, experiments on real bridge are so exhibitive that it is hardly carried out. So in recently years numerical simulation technique become very important tool to investigate such issues.

In this paper, the prestressed pier of high-speed railway bridge is selected as the research target, 3D numerical simulation models are used to analyze the dynamic response and damage mechanism of it subjected to blast loading. The numerical simulation method such as algorithm, constitutive model, failure model and contact algorithm are also discussed in the following contents.
How important is supplementary feed in the winter diet of red deer? a test in Hungary
Authors: Katona Krisztián , Gál‐Bélteki Anikó , Terhes Attila , Bartucz Kálmán , Szemethy László
Published: December 2014

Winter supplementary feeding is widespread in large game management. As it is very expensive, it is important to know how essential this feeding may be for populations of game like red deer Cervus elaphus. Game managers typically observe only the disappearance of feed, but do not measure the consumption from the perspective of the animal, so the importance of feeding programs is often uncertain. During the winter of 2007–2008 we determined the consumption by red deer of two feed types (maize silage and apple pomace which is the residue from pressing apples) commonly offered at feeding plots in Hungary in two study areas. We simultaneously utilised two complementary methods: microhistological analysis of faeces and rumen content, and macroscopic observation of natural and artificially mixed food markers. Based on our analyses, 20 to 90% of the red deer (among different dates and measures) had eaten the supplementary food. However, the proportion of supplementary food in the red deer droppings collected in the immediate surroundings of the feeding plots was always very low (< 10%). This indicates that not every individual of the red deer population visits the feeders, or if does, eats a rather small amount of the provided food. Our data strongly suggests that supplementary food did not play a large role in the diet of the red deer individuals regularly visiting these sites. We emphasise that the mere observation that supplementary food regularly vanishes from the feeder does not necessarily mean that even one individual red deer has gained a significant biological advantage which would result in additional financial profit for the game manager later. Managers considering supplementary feeding should evaluate the quality of the forest area because the natural food supply can greatly influence the use of the feeding plots.
A comparison of the diet and fine‐scale distribution of sympatric Tibetan and red foxes in Qinghai, PR China
Authors: Tsukada Hideharu , Li Wei , Duo Hong , Guo Zhihong , Fu Yong , Peng Mao , Shen Xiuying , Jing Jianwu , Yuan Aishan , Ni Ma , He Shengde , Huang Fuqiang , Feng Kai , Ishikawa Keisuke , Kobayashi Ikuo , Shinohara Akio , Nonaka Nariaki
Published: December 2014

We compared the diet and the spatial distribution of the Tibetan fox Vulpes ferrilata and the red fox Vulpes vulpes in the Tibetan plateau, to elucidate mechanisms of coexistence for these two sympatric canids and to clarify their roles as definitive hosts for zoonotic Echinococcus parasites. Diet and fine‐scale distribution patterns were assessed by fecal DNA analysis. A total of 45 fecal samples (15 belonging to Tibetan fox, 30 belonging to red fox were collected from 15 sites into three of which contained only Tibetan fox feces, six only red fox feces, and six contained feces of both species. The abundance of pika burrows, a key prey item for both species, did not differ among the sites. Food composition analysis, estimated using a point‐frame method, revealed slight but insignificant differences between the two species. Tibetan foxes consumed primarily mammals, whereas red foxes consumed primarily insects. The dietary range of the Tibetan fox was narrower than that of the red fox but there was little dietary overlap between the two species. These findings suggest that the weak partitioning of food resources between Tibetan and red foxes can facilitate their coexistence even within the same habitat where they share the same key prey items, i.e. small mammals such as pikas. These dietary differences between the two fox species also suggest that the Tibetan fox is a more important definitive host for Echinococcus on the Tibetan plateau than is the red fox.
Towards Understanding the Role of Lewis Acid on the Regioselectivity and Mechanism for the Acetylation Reaction of 2-benzoxazolinone with Acetyl Chloride: A DFT Study
Authors: Yahia Wassila , Nacereddine Abdelmalek Khorief , Liacha Messaoud
Published: December 2014

A theoretical study of the role of the Lewis acid on the regioselectivity in the acylation reaction of 2-benzoxazolinone with acetyl chloride has been carried out through DFT calculations at the B3LYP/6-31G** level of theory. FMO analysis and DFT-based reactivity indices predicted favourable of the 6-regioisomer product. Analysis of the potential energy surfaces indicates that this acylation reaction proceeds with high 6-regioselectivity due to the favourable interactions in this pathway. The results obtained corroborate very well with the experimental data.
Privatwaldeigentümer mit und ohne landwirtschaftlichen Hintergrund im Kanton Bern
Authors: Zabel Astrid , Dittgen Alexandra
Published: December 2014

Private forest owners with and without agricultural background in the canton of Bern

In Switzerland, private forest ownership was traditionally closely tied to agricultural farms. With the ongoing structural change in the agricultural sector, there is a growing number of private forest owners who do not have an agricultural background. In order to design policy measures, e.g. to increase wood harvest in private forests, it is necessary to understand the aims and motivations of these owners. This paper investigates to what extent private forest owners without an agricultural background differ from those with such a background. The analysis builds on empirical data collected in a representative, mail survey among private forest owners in the canton of Bern. Contrary to a wide-spread assertion that forest owners without an agricultural background have little forest-specific knowledge and lack interest in their forests, this study finds that they are often interested and estimate to have a high degree of knowledge. In accordance with studies conducted in Austria and Germany the results show that to forest owners without an agricultural background generating income from their forests is often a secondary goal. Leisure and recreation are often given higher priority.