bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
How does selfing affect the dynamics of selfish transposable elements?
Authors: Boutin Thibaud S , Le Rouzic Arnaud , Capy Pierre
Published: March 2012

Background

Many theoretical models predicting the dynamics of transposable elements (TEs) in genomes, populations, and species have already been proposed. However, most of them only focus on populations of sexual diploid individuals, and TE dynamics in populations partly composed by autogamous individuals remains poorly investigated. To estimate the impact of selfing on TE dynamics, the short- and long-term evolution of TEs was simulated in outcrossing populations with various proportions of selfing individuals.

Results

Selfing has a deep impact on TE dynamics: the higher the selfing rate, the lower the probability of invasion. Already known non-equilibrium dynamics (complete loss, domestication, cyclical invasion of TEs) can all be described whatever the mating system. However, their pattern and their respective frequencies greatly depend on the selfing rate. For instance, in cyclical dynamics resulting from interactions between autonomous and non-autonomous copies, cycles are faster when the selfing rate increases. Interestingly, an abrupt change in the mating system from sexuality to complete asexuality leads to the loss of all the elements over a few hundred generations. In general, for intermediate selfing rates, the transposition activity remains maintained.

Conclusions

Our theoretical results evidence that a clear and systematic contrast in TE content according to the mating system is expected, with a smooth transition for intermediate selfing rates. Several parameters impact the TE copy number, and all dynamics described in allogamous populations can be also observed in partly autogamous species. This study thus provides new insights to understand the complex signal from empirical comparison of closely related species with different mating systems.
Toward understanding transcriptional regulatory networks in abiotic stress responses and tolerance in rice
Authors: Todaka Daisuke , Nakashima Kazuo , Shinozaki Kazuo , Yamaguchi-Shinozaki Kazuko
Published: March 2012

Abiotic stress causes loss of crop production. Under abiotic stress conditions, expression of many genes is induced, and their products have important roles in stress responses and tolerance. Progress has been made in understanding the biological roles of regulons in abiotic stress responses in rice. A number of transcription factors (TFs) regulate stress-responsive gene expression. OsDREB1s and OsDREB2s were identified as abiotic-stress responsive TFs that belong to the AP2/ERF family. Similar to Arabidopsis, these DREB regulons were most likely not involved in the abscisic acid (ABA) pathway. OsAREBs such as OsAREB1 were identified as key components in ABA-dependent transcriptional networks in rice. OsNAC/SNACs including OsNAC6 were characterized as factors that regulate expression of genes important for abiotic stress responses in rice. Here, we review on the rice abiotic-stress responses mediated by transcriptional networks, with the main focus on TFs that function in abiotic stress responses and confer stress tolerance in rice.
Emission factors and chemical characterisation of fine particulate emissions from modern and old residential biomass heating systems determined for typical load cycles
Authors: Kelz Joachim , Brunner Thomas , Obernberger Ingwald
Published: March 2012

It is already well known that there are significant differences regarding the emissions, especially particulate matter (PM) emissions, of old and modern as well as automatically and not automatically controlled biomass based residential heating systems. This concerns their magnitude as well as their chemical composition. In order to investigate emission factors for particulate emissions and the chemical compositions of the PM emissions over typical whole day operation cycles, a project on the determination and characterisation of PM emissions from the most relevant small-scale biomass combustion systems was performed at the BIOENERGY 2020+ GmbH, Graz, Austria, in cooperation with the Institute for Process and Particle Engineering, Graz University of Technology. The project was based on test stand measurements, during which relevant operation parameters (gaseous emissions, boiler load, flue gas temperature, combustion chamber temperature etc.) as well as PM emissions have been measured and PM samples have been taken and forwarded to chemical analyses. Firstly, typical whole day operation cycles for residential biomass combustion systems were specified for the test runs. Thereby automatically fed and automatically controlled boilers, manually fed and automatically controlled boilers as well as manually fed stoves were distinguished. The results show a clear correlation between the gaseous emissions (CO and OGC) and the PM1 emissions. It is indicated that modern biomass combustion systems emit significantly less gaseous and PM emissions than older technologies (up to a factor of 100). Moreover, automatically fed systems emit much less gaseous and PM emissions than manually fed batch-combustion systems. PM emissions from modern and automatically controlled systems mainly consist of alkaline metal salts, while organic aerosols and soot dominate the composition of aerosols from old and not automatically controlled systems. As an important result comprehensive data concerning gaseous and PM emissions of different old and modern biomass combustion systems over whole day operation cycles are now available. Derived from these data, correlations between burnout quality, particulate emissions as well as particle composition of the PM emissions can be deduced.
SEAM Phase II—Land Seismic Challenges
Authors: Oristaglio Michael
Published: March 2012

Most of the world's conventional petroleum reserves are onshore. When unconventional resources—such as shale gas, tar sands, and shale oil—are included in the tally of remaining hydrocarbons, the fraction on land becomes overwhelming. Land seismic activity is on the increase around the world; modeling it in a realistic way has a unique set of challenges, from dealing with near-surface heterogeneity at scales from meters to kilometers, to incorporating a full range of elastic propagation physics, from surface-wave scattering to shear-wave attenuation to the general anisotropy of finely layered and fractured reservoirs.
The evolution of minerals exploration over 60 years and the imperative to explore undercover
Authors: Witherly Ken
Published: March 2012

The primary mission of the minerals industry is to profitably identify and develop a steady supply of minerals at reasonable cost to support the economies of the world. All projections on consumption show across-the-board increases, driven largely by the huge demand for metals to feed the growing Chinese economy. For copper alone, forecasts are that more of this metal will have to be produced in the next 25 years than has been used since industrialization began roughly 200 years ago.
Robust mining geophysics exploration in Mongolia
Authors: Gotovsuren Uguumur , Sodnomdorj Amartuvshin , Batdorj Khuukhnee , Nergui Dashnvam , Gochioco Lawrence M.
Published: March 2012

For decades, Mongolia remained underexplored because it was a landlocked country sandwiched between Russia and China. Interest in its mineral deposits was minimal. However, as the center of global economic growth shifted to Asia in the last decade, foreign investors flocked to Mongolia because of its resource potential, and an isolated nomadic nation has become the focus of a modern day gold rush. Its strategic location next to China has given Mongolia a unique advantage over other mineral-rich exporting countries as transportation costs to that expanding market are likely to be minimal. Two world-class deposits were recently announced, Oyu Tolgoi (copper and gold) and Tavan Tolgoi (coal).
Coal geophysics expands with growing global demands for mine safety and productivity
Authors: Gochioco Lawrence M. , Gochioco Justin R. , Ruev Fred
Published: March 2012

Coal geophysics in the United States was once the exclusive domain and best-kept secret of one major coal company. The company was able to develop a full spectrum of remote-sensing technologies to address its complex upstream and downstream challenges. The program started in the 1970s, and greatly expanded a decade later with more robust and diverse applications. Innovative geophysical surveys were routinely conducted to enhance the company's coal exploration, engineering, and environmental programs.
Early Parenteral Nutrition Evokes a Phenotype of Autophagy Deficiency in Liver and Skeletal Muscle of Critically Ill Rabbits
Authors: Derde Sarah , Vanhorebeek Ilse , Güiza Fabian , Derese Inge , Gunst Jan , Fahrenkrog Birthe , Martinet Wim , Vervenne Hilke , Ververs Eric-Jan , Larsson Lars , Van den Berghe Greet
Published: March 2012

Muscular and hepatic abnormalities observed in artificially fed critically ill patients strikingly resemble the phenotype of autophagy-deficient mice. Autophagy is the only pathway to clear damaged organelles and large ubiquitinated proteins and aggregates. Fasting is its strongest physiological trigger. Severity of autophagy deficiency in critically ill patients correlated with the amount of infused amino acids. We hypothesized that impaired autophagy in critically ill patients could partly be evoked by early provision of parenteral nutrition enriched with amino acids in clinically used amounts. In a randomized laboratory investigation, we compared the effect of isocaloric moderate-dose iv feeding with fasting during illness on the previously studied markers of autophagy deficiency in skeletal muscle and liver. Critically ill rabbits were allocated to fasting or to iv nutrition (220 kcal/d, 921 kJ/d) supplemented with 50 kcal/d (209 kJ/d) of either glucose, amino acids, or lipids, while maintaining normoglycemia, and were compared with healthy controls. Fasted critically ill rabbits revealed weight loss and activation of autophagy. Feeding abolished these responses, with most impact of amino acid-enriched nutrition. Accumulation of p62 and ubiquitinated proteins in muscle and liver, indicative of insufficient autophagy, occurred with parenteral feeding enriched with amino acids and lipids. In liver, this was accompanied by fewer autophagosomes, fewer intact mitochondria, suppressed respiratory chain activity, and an increase in markers of liver damage. In muscle, early parenteral nutrition enriched with amino acids or lipids aggravated vacuolization of myofibers. In conclusion, early parenteral nutrition during critical illness evoked a phenotype of autophagy deficiency in liver and skeletal muscle.
Rational Processes Related to Communicating Markov Processes
Authors: Buchholz Peter , Telek Miklós
Published: March 2012

We define a class of stochastic processes, denoted as marked rational arrival processes (MRAPs), which is an extension of matrix exponential distributions and rational arrival processes. Continuous-time Markov processes with labeled transitions are a subclass of this more general model class. New equivalence relations between processes are defined, and it is shown that these equivalence relations are natural extensions of strong and weak lumpability and the corresponding bisimulation relations that have been defined for Markov processes. If a general rational process is equivalent to a Markov process, it can be used in numerical analysis techniques instead of the Markov process. This observation allows one to apply MRAPs like Markov processes and since the new equivalence relations are more general than lumpability and bisimulation, it is sometimes possible to find smaller representations of given processes. Finally, we show that the equivalence is preserved by the composition of MRAPs and can therefore be exploited in compositional modeling.
The Smooth-Fit Property in an Exponential Lévy Model
Authors: Lamberton Damien , Mikou Mohammed
Published: March 2012

We study the smooth-fit property of the American put price with finite maturity in an exponential Lévy model when the underlying stock pays dividends at a continuous rate. As in the perpetual case, a regularity property is sufficient for smooth fit to occur. We also derive conditions on the Lévy measure under which smooth fit fails.
Card Counting in Continuous Time
Authors: Andersson Patrik
Published: March 2012

We consider the problem of finding an optimal betting strategy for a house-banked casino card game that is played for several coups before reshuffling. The sampling without replacement makes it possible to take advantage of the changes in the expected value as the deck is depleted, making large bets when the game is advantageous. Using such a strategy, which is easy to implement, is known as card counting. We consider the case of a large number of decks, making an approximation to continuous time possible. A limit law of the return process is found and the optimal card counting strategy is derived. This continuous-time strategy is shown to be a natural analog of the discrete-time strategy where the so-called effects of removal are replaced by the infinitesimal generator of the card process.
Persistence and Equilibria of Branching Populations with Exponential Intensity
Authors: Kabluchko Zakhar
Published: March 2012

We consider a system of independent branching random walks onRwhich start from a Poisson point process with intensity of the formeλ(du) = e-λudu, where λ ∈Ris chosen in such a way that the overall intensity of particles is preserved. Denote by χ the cluster distribution, and let φ be the log-Laplace transform of the intensity of χ. If λφ'(λ) > 0, we show that the system is persistent, meaning that the point process formed by the particles in thenth generation converges asn→ ∞ to a non-trivial point process Πeλχwith intensityeλ. If λφ'(λ) < 0 then the branching population suffers local extinction, meaning that the limiting point process is empty. We characterize point processes onRwhich are cluster invariant with respect to the cluster distribution χ as mixtures of the point processes Πceλχoverc> 0 and λ ∈Kst, whereKst= {λ ∈R: φ(λ) = 0, λφ'(λ) > 0}.
Moderate Deviations for Stable Random Walks in Random Scenery
Authors: Li Yuqiang
Published: March 2012

In this paper, a moderate deviation theorem for one-dimensional stable random walks in random scenery is proved. The proof relies on the analysis of maximum local times of stable random walks, and the comparison of moments between random walks in random scenery and self-intersection local times of the underlying random walks.
Syntenin, a syndecan adaptor and an Arf6 phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate effector, is essential for epiboly and gastrulation cell movements in zebrafish
Authors: Lambaerts Kathleen , Van Dyck Stijn , Mortier Eva , Ivarsson Ylva , Degeest Gisèle , Luyten Annouck , Vermeiren Elke , Peers Bernard , David Guido , Zimmermann Pascale
Published: March 2012

Epiboly, the spreading and the thinning of the blastoderm to cover the yolk cell and close the blastopore in fish embryos, is central to the process of gastrulation. Despite its fundamental importance, little is known about the molecular mechanisms that control this coordinated cell movement. By a combination of knockdown studies and rescue experiments in zebrafish (Danio rerio), we show that epiboly relies on the molecular networking of syntenin with syndecan heparan sulphate proteoglycans, which act as co-receptors for adhesion molecules and growth factors. Furthermore, we show that the interaction of syntenin with phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate (PIP2) and with the small GTPase ADP-ribosylation factor 6 (Arf6), which regulate the endocytic recycling of syndecan, is necessary for epiboly progression. Analysis of the earliest cellular defects suggests a role for syntenin in the autonomous vegetal expansion of the yolk syncytial layer and the rearrangement of the actin cytoskeleton in extra-embryonic tissues, but not in embryonic cell fate determination. This study identifies the importance of the syntenin–syndecan–PIP2–Arf6 complex for the progression of fish epiboly and establishes its key role in directional cell movements during early development.
Plk2 regulates centriole duplication through phosphorylation-mediated degradation of Fbxw7 (human Cdc4)
Authors: Cizmecioglu Onur , Krause Annekatrin , Bahtz Ramona , Ehret Lena , Malek Nisar , Hoffmann Ingrid
Published: March 2012

Polo-like kinases (Plks) perform crucial functions during mitosis, cytokinesis and centriole duplication. Plk2 is activated in early G1 phase and is involved in the reproduction of centrosomes. However, the mechanisms underlying Plk2-induced centriole duplication are incompletely understood. Here, we show that Plk2 directly targets the F-box protein F-box/WD repeat-containing protein 7 (Fbxw7), which is a regulator of the ubiquitin-mediated degradation of cyclin E. Plk2 phosphorylates Fbxw7 on serine 176 and the two proteins form a complex in vitro and in vivo. Phosphorylation of Fbxw7 by Plk2 induces destabilization of the F-box protein resulting in accumulation of cyclin E and increased potential for centriole reproduction. In addition, loss of Fbxw7 in human cells leads to uncontrolled centriole duplication, highlighting the importance of Fbxw7 regulation by Plk2. These findings define a previously unknown Plk2-dependent pathway involved at the onset of S phase and in centrosome duplication.
Silk secretion from tarantula feet revisited: alleged spigots are probably chemoreceptors
Authors: Foelix Rainer F. , Rast Bastian , Peattie Anne M.
Published: March 2012

Controversial views have been expressed about whether tarantula feet can secrete fine silk threads that could prevent them from falling off smooth vertical surfaces. Two studies have claimed that ‘ribbed hairs’ on the tarsi of tarantulas produce silk. We examined these ribbed hairs in several tarantula species using light and scanning electron microscopy, and compared them with the silk-producing spigots on the abdominal spinnerets. We found that, morphologically, these ribbed hairs correspond very closely to known chemosensitive hairs in spiders; they have a distinct socket, a bent hair shaft with fine cuticular ridges, an eccentric double lumen within the hair shaft, and a blunt tip with a subterminal pore. Spigots on the spinnerets have a large bulbous base instead of a socket, a long shaft with a scaly surface and a central terminal pore. We never observed any silk threads coming out of these ribbed hairs under the electron microscope. By contrast, silk threads exiting the spigots on the spinnerets were common. Interestingly, ribbed hairs also occur on the spinnerets, often side by side with the silk-producing spigots. Our conclusion is that the ribbed hairs are chemoreceptors, not spigots. Observations of live tarantulas clinging inverted to glass coverslips confirmed that some substance is produced by the ribbed hairs, but it remains unclear whether this secretion is actually silk. In any case, the thousands of adhesive setae on the tarsi of legs and pedipalps almost certainly far outweigh any potential contribution from the sparsely distributed trails secreted by the ribbed hairs.
Recent Advances in Contrast-Enhanced near Infrared Diffuse Optical Imaging of Diseases Using Indocyanine Green
Authors: Grosenick Dirk , Wabnitz Heidrun , Ebert Bernd
Published: March 2012

Due to its spectral and binding properties, the well-tolerated near-infrared absorbing and fluorescent dye indocyanine green (ICG) has found various applications in diffuse optical imaging of diseases in humans. Here, we review applications of this dye for the detection of breast cancer, for perfusion monitoring of the brain in ischaemic stroke and during cardiac surgery, and for the detection of rheumatoid arthritis in finger joints. We give a short overview of the properties of ICG which are relevant for diffuse optical imaging and summarise clinical applications of the dye. Then we describe the experimental methods used for contrast-enhanced imaging of breast cancer with ICG, and we discuss the results of studies on patients with breast lesions. Generally, after intravenous application an increased concentration of ICG in breast carcinomas was observed. In part, differences in ICG pharmacokinetics between malignant lesions, benign lesions and healthy tissue were reported. In a recent study, fluorescence measurements revealed significant differences in extra-vasation of ICG between malignant and benign breast lesions. In brain imaging, ICG has been used as a tracer to assess perfusion of the cortex. Measurements on stroke patients have been performed by comparing the arrival times of a bolus in the affected and in the healthy hemisphere of the brain. Furthermore, ICG boluses have been applied to monitor cerebral blood flow during cardiac surgery. We review the results of the available studies based on either continuous wave light sources, frequency domain techniques, or time domain techniques, and we discuss the depth selectivity of these methods. In one of the studies, fluorescence detection of ICG was investigated and compared to absorption detection used so far. When employed for the detection of rheumatoid arthritis in finger joints, the time course of the ICG distribution in the tissue after intravenous bolus injection was recorded by measuring ICG fluorescence in reflection geometry. We describe the features of the experimental technique and discuss the results of clinical studies performed so far. Finally, we summarise the properties of ICG exploited as contrast mechanisms in diffuse optical imaging.
Investigating the Need for Modelling Temporal Dependencies in a Brain-Computer Interface with Real-Time Feedback Based on near Infrared Spectra
Authors: Chan Justin , Power Sarah , Chau Tom
Published: March 2012

Near infrared (NIR) spectroscopy is an emerging non-invasive brain-computer interface (BCI) modality that measures changes in haemoglobin concentrations in neurocortical tissue. Previous NIR spectroscopy studies have not employed real-time feedback with online classification, a combination which would allow users to alter their mental strategy on the fly. In particular, it is unclear whether or not the temporal dependencies of haemodynamic changes ought to be considered in online classification. To answer this quest ion, this study contrasted online classification of prefrontal haemodynamics using NIR spectra processed using two approaches: an artificial neural network (ANN) that considered instantaneous samples of oxy- and deoxy-haemoglobin concentrations (i.e. ignored temporal dependencies) and a hidden Markov model-based (HMM) classifier which modelled a temporal sequence of concentrations (i.e. embodied temporal dependencies). Both classifiers were implemented for online operation with immediate visual feedback via a monitor showing a vertical bar the height of which was contingent on the classifier's output. Ten subjects participated in two study sessions each, one with each type of classifier. Participants were cued to raise and lower the bar in alternating 20s intervals using mental fast singing and focused breathing, respectively. Only the ANN classifier facilitated online classification rates greater than chance ( P = 0.0289). The influence of physiological noise on online classification of prefrontal haemodynamics was deemed to be minimal via offline analysis of concurrently measured respiration and blood pulse. Nine of the ten participants reported using the feedback to alter their activation strategy. Mental fatigue, task repetitiveness and the lack of ambient lighting were identified as factors compromising performance in half the participants. The inferior performance of the HMM classifiers suggests that modelling of the temporal dynamics of haemoglobin concentration changes may not be necessary in an online NIR-BCI. Further study of online NIR-BCIs with instantaneous feedback is warranted.
Brain and Muscle near Infrared Spectroscopy/Imaging Techniques
Authors: Contini Davide , Zucchelli Lucia , Spinelli Lorenzo , Caffini Matteo , Re Rebecca , Pifferi Antonio , Cubeddu Rinaldo , Torricelli Alessandro
Published: March 2012

This review is an introduction to functional near infrared spectroscopy techniques and instrumentation which are commonly used for the estimation of haemoglobin concentration in muscle and brain cortex. Three approaches are considered: continuous wave, frequency domain and time domain near infrared spectroscopy. The different techniques are briefly analysed from a theoretical point of view in order to understand their capabilities and drawbacks. Some of the instrumentation commonly used is considered, presenting the main characteristics of the different techniques, their similarities and principal differences.
Medical Utility of near Infrared Spectroscopy in Low Back Musculoskeletal Health and Disorders
Authors: Maikala Rammohan V.
Published: March 2012

The potential application of near infrared (NIR) spectroscopy has opened doors for many research investigations related to occupational health, specifically in low back muscle research. This review addressed haemodynamic measurements of paraspinal muscles within the context of low back musculoskeletal health and disorders. Systematic online English language searches were conducted using MEDLINE, EMBASE, Science Direct and Scopus. A study was included if it was focused on NIR spectroscopy application to the back region and was also published in the English language. A study was excluded if the main focus was either on upper/lower extremity specific investigations, or the experimental protocol was ambiguous, or the measures utilised were other than spectroscopy-derived haemodynamics. In total, 37 low back studies were included in the review. Studies were mainly classified into five categories: (i) postural variation, (ii) occupational exposure, (iii) aetiology of low back disorders, (iv) analysis of adipose tissue thickness on spectroscopy-derived measurements and (v) reliability of optical spectroscopy measurements. Seventeen studies were focused on the basic (patho) physiology of the low back musculature during a variety of postural variations. Thirteen studies were specific to occupational activities, whereas 10 investigations were related to low back musculoskeletal disorders. Nine studies examined the influence of adipose tissue thickness measured at the erector spinae region on haemodynamic responses. Reliability of spectroscopy-derived responses was reported in 10 studies. This systematic review supports the need for more spectroscopy-related investigations relevant to work-related activities and specific to low back musculoskeletal disorders. Rigorous statistical analysis is needed in examining the influence of adipose tissue thickness on haemodynamic responses. Although high reliability of spectroscopy-derived responses was found in the majority of studies, to date there are no investigations that have established their reliability in the low back pain patient population. More importantly, a proper calibration technique to identify the physiological minimum in the paraspinal muscle region is still elusive. Overall, understanding injury mechanisms for low back pain and other associated musculoskeletal disorders with NIR oximeters is still in its infancy. However, with the advent of advanced optical spectroscopy systems in the last decade, the potential for innovative use of NIR oximeters in low back musculoskeletal health-related research is promising.
Influence of tail versus cardiac sampling on blood glucose and lipid profiles in mice
Authors: Chan Yih Kai , Davis Paul F , Poppitt Sally D , Sun Xueying , Greenhill Nicholas S , Krishnamurthi Rita , Przepiorski Aneta , McGill Anne-Thea , Krissansen Geoffrey W
Published: March 2012

Blood is collected during animal experimentation to measure haematological and metabolic parameters. It cannot be assumed that circulating blood has the same composition irrespective of its location, and indeed, differences in the composition of blood sampled from the arterial and venous compartments have been reported. Here we investigated whether blood collected by cardiac puncture (CP) versus that collected following removal of the distal 1 mm of the tail tip (TT) differs with respect to glucose and lipid profiles in male C57BL/6J mice at 4, 7, 20 and 28 weeks of age. Blood was first collected from the TT of unanaesthetized mice, which were then immediately anaesthetized using ketamine/xylazine, and a second blood sample was collected by CP. The CP glucose concentration was significantly higher than TT glucose by a positive bias averaging +80% ( P < 0.01), irrespective of the age of the mice. Conversely, the concentrations of the CP lipids, including total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol and triglyceride were lower than TT lipids by a negative bias averaging −25% ( P < 0.05). These observations highlight the difficulty in measuring and comparing metabolic parameters such as glucose and lipid between one blood compartment and another. They illustrate the need to standardize sampling sites, especially when repeated blood sampling is required.
The Long-term Outcome for Emotional and Behavioural Problems
Authors: Zeitlin Harry
Published: March 2012

Long-term outcome of psychological problems in childhood is important in a variety of ways including understanding disease entities, managing treatment and implementing research. It is of particular importance to courts in cases involving children. Judges have the unenviable task of determining best action for the future of children. Research is now available showing linkages between childhood and adult disorder but also revealing increasing complexity of factors determining outcome. A model of child to adult continuity can be constructed showing linkages between genetic influence, intrauterine environment, perinatal risks, early upbringing and lifetime risk and resilience influences. Known continuities of behaviours are traced from child to adult life. The presentation is intended to give a glimpse of some of the data available to assist in decision-making. Childhood determination of disorders such as schizophrenia may enable treatment to prevent further damage. Exciting developments particularly in genetics and functional imaging, will radically improve data over the next few years, possibly challenging currently held beliefs. At present expert witness contribution is under challenge but knowledge of the continuities can save court time, help prevent future heartache for vulnerable children, and later cost to the taxpayer.
Assessment of Noise Induced Hearing Loss of the Mine Workers of a Chromite Mines at Sukinda, Orissa, India
Authors: Kerketta S. , Gartia R. , Bagh S.
Published: March 2012

In this paper an attempt has been made to evaluate the hearing loss of workmen (subjects) in an open cast Chromite mines with respect to age, working experience and work stations. The age group 50–60 years is found to be the biggest age group suffering significant hearing loss on both the ears. Also, the Work Zone area is found to be most significant area affecting hearing loss on both the ears. However, the subjects having experience of 30–35 and 25–30 years have the most significant hearing loss on the left and right ears, respectively. Also, there is no significant difference of hearing loss exhibited by the subjects on both ears at the age group of 50–60 years and to the subjects working in the work zone area.
On the Need for Energy Labeling for Villa Air Conditioners in Saudi Arabia and its Economic and Environmental Impact
Authors: Mokheimer Esmail M. A.
Published: March 2012

The present article discusses the need for energy labeling for villa air conditioners in Saudi Arabia. The article aims at raising the public awareness about energy savings and its economical and environmental impact in Saudi Arabia as one of the largest producers and exporters of the oil in the world. In light of comprehensive literature, market and consumer's surveys, a plan for implementing and enforcing Minimum Energy Performance Standards (MEPS) with gradually increasing MEPS over a period of 15 years, in addition to a one transition year, has been proposed. The economical and environmental impact of the proposed plan on the national economy and environment has been analyzed and presented. The analysis revealed that improving the villa AC units' energy efficiency ratio (EER) according to the proposed plan can save up to $ 59.12 billion (based on the average oil prices of 2010) and can reduce the Carbon Dioxide emission by 177.21 million tons over the first 16 years of implementing the plan. The legislative and financial support required to make the implementation and enforcement of the proposed plan possible has been outlined and discussed.
Short Term Global Dt Prediction Using (60–70)-Years Periodicity
Authors: Lyubushin Alexey A. , Klyashtorin Leonid B.
Published: March 2012

The variations of climate with periods within the narrow-banded range from 60 up to 70 years are considered. The existence of climate variations with these periods is proved by time-frequency spectral analysis of scalar time series and by joint multiple spectral analysis of 3 well-known synchronous climatic time series covering the time interval 553–1973. Prediction of global temperature anomaly dT based on applying cyclic trend with period 66 years was made for the future time interval of the length 20 years. The main peculiarity of this prediction is the decreasing of global dT (i.e. global cooling instead of global warming) which started at 2008 and will be continuing during 2011–2030. Estimates of cyclic trends for temperature anomalies of North and South hemispheres separately give periods 69 and 63 years correspondently. These results are based on using of dT data for time interval 1850–2010. They confirm the earlier results of authors which was published at 2003 about starting the global cooling process at 2008. If the global cooling cyclic trend for nearest 20 years will be approved this will have a serious consequences in changing of global energetic politics. For example, extensive plans about using Arctic resources in the near future, as is now frequently announced by governments in connection with the melting ice cover of the Arctic Ocean, are out of question.
Seismic Isolation of Bridges with Double Variable Frequency Pendulum Isolator
Authors: Soni D.P. , Mistry B.B. , Panchal V.R.
Published: March 2012

The paper describes behaviour of multi-span continuous deck bridge isolated by the double variable frequency pendulum isolator (DVFPI). The governing equations of motion of the bridge-isolation system subjected to bilateral ground excitation are derived and solved in the incremental form. In order to investigate the behaviour of the DVFPI, the response is obtained under different parametric variations for a set of nine far-fault earthquake ground motions with low, medium and high intensities. Four different combinations of the DVFPI design cases having different isolator geometry and coefficient friction at top and bottom sliding surfaces are studied and the criterion to optimize its performance is proposed based on minimum responses and energy quantities. It is found that the performance of the DVFPI can be optimized by designing the top sliding surface with high initial stiffness relative to the bottom one and the coefficient of friction of both sliding surfaces to be equal.
Vibration Analysis of a Coupled Beam System Carrying Any Number of Sprung Masses
Authors: Zhang Wei , Zhang Liang-Liang , Li Qi , Lu Zhong-Rong
Published: March 2012

There are a large number of papers in the literature dealing with the free vibration analysis of single/multi-span uniform beam with multiple spring-mass systems, but that of coupled multi-span beams with any number of spring-mass systems is rare. In this paper, an approach based on finite element analysis is presented to analyze the free vibration of coupled beams with spring-mass attachments. Firstly, the equation of motion of the beam system with attachments is established by conventional finite element method. Secondly, the natural frequencies and the associated mode shapes are obtained from the generalized eigenvalue problem. It is found that the results from the proposed method agree well with those from analytical methods in the literature. Finally, the mode localization and frequency loci veering phenomena of a weakly coupled beam system with multiple spring-mass systems are investigated. Studies show that for weakly coupled beam system with attachments, the mode localization and loci veering will occur once there is a disorder in the system.
Introducing a New Spectral Intensity Measure Parameter to Estimate the Seismic Demand of Steel Moment-Resisting Frames Using Bayesian Statistics
Authors: Adeli M. Mahdavi , Banazadeh M. , Deylami A. , Alinia M.M.
Published: March 2012

In this article, it is intended to find a proper spectral Intensity Measure parameter (IM), using Bayesian statistics, to estimate the seismic demand of steel moment-resisting frames in such a way that applying this IM to both parts of seismic demand estimation, i.e. the probabilistic seismic demand model and collapse fragility curve, leads to a precise estimation for all frames with different heights. After results show that finding such IM parameter is impossible among spectral accelerations individually, due to effects of different modes and nonlinear behavior of structures, the area under the spectral acceleration is introduced as a new IM. Considering the results of incremental dynamic analysis of frames subjected to 80 selected ground motion records, on the condition of selecting a suitable interval of periods, this new IM can reduce the dispersion of results. This interval can be defined as [αTm-βT1], in which T1 and Tm are the first period and the period with 95% mass participation and α and β are two modification coefficients.
New Combined High and Low-Cycle Fatigue Model to Estimate Life of Steel Bridges considering Interaction of High and Low Amplitudes Loadings
Authors: Karunananda Kamal , Ohga Mitao , Dissanayake Ranjith , Siriwardane Sudath , Chun Pang-Jo
Published: March 2012

A new model is proposed in this paper for the estimation of the life of bridges subject to damage caused by high cycle fatigue combined with low cycle fatigue taking account of the interaction of high and low amplitude loadings. High cycle fatigue is caused by normal routine traffic (low amplitude) loading while low cycle fatigue is caused by extreme (high amplitude) loading situations produced by such as earthquakes. The model mainly consists of a new damage indicator and a new strain-life fatigue curve. Total strain is treated as the damage variable. The proposed model predictions were verified by comparing with fatigue test results for four materials reported in the literature. The proposed model was then applied to estimate the fatigue life of a bridge member subject to combined high and low-cycle fatigue damage caused by normal traffic and by earthquake loadings. The results of the case study, confirm the importance and applicability of the proposed model.
Experimental Evaluation of Flush End—Plate Connection with Built-up Hybrid Beam Section
Authors: Shek P.N. , Tahir M.M. , Sulaiman A. , Tan C.S.
Published: March 2012

Flush end-plate connections in steel construction have received much attention recently from researchers and structural engineers due to their simplicity in fabrication and high connection ductility. Typical flush end-plate connection with reduced beam-to-end plate welding integrated with built-up hybrid beam section is tested in this study with the aims to reduce the cost of fabrication and materials. Four tests were conducted to investigate the behaviour of the proposed flush end-plate connections subjected to moment. Four full-scale beam-to-column joints were tested with the objective to evaluate failure modes, moment resistance, initial rotational stiffness and rotational capacity of the connections. The experimental results are compared with the existing theoretical model with several modifications. The proposed theoretical model had well predicted the connections' moment resistance with reasonable rotation capacity. All tested connections were classified as partial strength in accordance to EC 3: Part 1.8 and well validated with the experimental results.
Comparison of Seismic Performance of RC Frames Strengthened with Four Different Techniques
Authors: Altın Sinan , Anıl Özgür , Kara M. Emin , Kopraman Yağmur
Published: March 2012

The purpose of this experimental study is to compare the strengthening techniques that are applied to non ductile low rise RC frames under seismic loads. In this study, 1/3 scale, one-bay, one-storey, nonductile RC frames with masonry infill walls were strengthened using four different techniques and are tested experimentally under reversed cyclic lateral loading. The four frames were constructed with masonry infill walls and three were strengthened with a mesh reinforced mortar layer, CFRP and steel strips wrapping, respectively. The remaining one without any extra strengthening was tested as a reference. A final specimen of the experimental program was strengthened with RC infill instead of masonry infill. Strength, stiffness, storey drift, ductility and failure modes of the specimens were evaluated and compared experimentally. Each strengthening technique proved to have different types of effectiveness on the lateral strength and stiffness of non ductile RC frames. Different strengthening techniques changed the ultimate lateral strengths and stiffnesses within the ranges of 53% to 381% and 82% to 601%, respectively.
Evolutionary Topology Optimization of Structures with Multiple Displacement and Frequency Constraints
Authors: Zuo Zhi Hao , Xie Yi Min , Huang Xiaodong
Published: March 2012

Topological design with multiple constraints is of great importance in practical engineering design problems. The present work extends the bi-directional evolutionary structural optimization (BESO) method to multiple constraints of displacement and frequency in addition to the amount of material usage. Besides the binary design variables, the Lagrange multipliers for constraints are considered as additional continuous variables and determined by a search scheme. The enhanced approach can include a number of constraints besides the simple volume constraint. To demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed BESO approach, several examples are presented for the maximization of structural overall stiffness subject to the material volume, displacement and frequency constraints.
The Soaring Potential of a Micro Air Vehicle in an Urban Environment
Authors: White Caleb , Watkins Simon , Lim Ee Wei , Massey Kevin
Published: March 2012

Achieving useful endurance with Micro Air Vehicles (MAVs) using on-board electric powerplants remains challenging. This paper experimentally examined the feasibility of using orographic ‘slope’ lift in an urban built environment to increase the endurance of MAV platforms. The glide polar of a soaring MAV was measured in a wind-tunnel and validated through flight-testing, then compared with the velocity field immediately upwind of a representative urban building. The velocity field was mapped using a 1:100 scale model of the building in a wind-tunnel with a scaled atmospheric boundary layer. The vertical velocity component was found to be in the order of 15% to 50% of the mean wind velocity at building height. These results were compared with data measured on the full-size building and found to agree well. As the sink rate of the MAV was less than the available vertical velocity component for a wide flight speed range, it was concluded that it is possible to ‘soar’ immediately upwind of urban buildings to increase endurance. However, considerable control challenges are thought to exist since the full-scale data demonstrated that the flow exhibited high turbulence intensities.
Prophylaxis and Treatment of Respiratory Syncytial Virus in Adult Immunocompromised Patients
Authors: Hynicka Lauren M , Ensor Christopher R
Published: March 2012

Objective:

To review the literature regarding current strategies and strategies under active development for the prevention and treatment of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infections in immunocompromised adults.

Data Sources:

The MEDLINE/PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane databases were queried from January 1980 to December 2011 for articles in English using these associated search terms: respiratory syncytial virus, ribavirin, intravenous immunoglobulin, IVIG, palivizumab, motavizumab, lung, pneumonia, transplantation, bone marrow, cancer, malignancy, and vaccine.

Study Selection and Data Extraction:

All relevant original studies, metaanalyses, systematic reviews, and review articles were assessed for inclusion. References from pertinent articles were examined for additional content not found during the initial search.

Data Synthesis:

RSV in the immunocompromised adult can lead to significant morbidity and mortality. Treatment of RSV-infected adults is limited to antiviral therapy with ribavirin (aerosolized, oral, intravenous) and immunomodulation with intravenous immunoglobulins, corticosteroids, and palivizumab. Existing literature is predominantly case reports, small trials, and retrospective reviews of patients infected with RSV who have undergone lung or hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). Palivizumab may be a viable option for prophylaxis against RSV in high-risk adults. Ribavirin is the most studied treatment option and should remain the backbone of multidrug regimens. Of the routes of administration, aerosolized ribavirin carries the preponderance of evidence and, though challenging, is preferred to limit systemic toxicities in the infected patient. Addition of an immunomodulator to ribavirin may provide a survival benefit over ribavirin alone; however, this has only been studied in a subset of HSCT patients with lower respiratory tract RSV infection.

Conclusions:

Research most strongly supports the use of aerosolized ribavirin as the treatment strategy for immunocompromised adults with RSV. Addition of an immunomodulator may provide a survival benefit over ribavirin alone. Strategies and supportive data for the prevention of RSV infection in the high-risk adult are critically needed.
Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress Is Important for the Manifestations of α-SynucleinopathyIn Vivo
Authors: Colla Emanuela , Coune Philippe , Liu Ying , Pletnikova Olga , Troncoso Juan C , Iwatsubo Takeshi , Schneider Bernard L. , Lee Michael K.
Published: March 2012

Accumulation of misfolded α-synuclein (αS) is mechanistically linked to neurodegeneration in Parkinson's disease (PD) and other α-synucleinopathies. However, how αS causes neurodegeneration is unresolved. Because cellular accumulation of misfolded proteins can lead to endoplasmic reticulum stress/unfolded protein response (ERS/UPR), chronic ERS could contribute to neurodegeneration in α-synucleinopathy. Using the A53T mutant human αS transgenic (A53TαSTg) mouse model of α-synucleinopathy, we show that disease onset in the αS Tg model is coincident with induction of ER chaperones in neurons exhibiting αS pathology. However, the neuronal ER chaperone induction was not accompanied by the activation of phospho-eIF2α, indicating that α-synucleinopathy is associated with abnormal UPR that could promote cell death. Induction of ERS/UPR was associated with increased levels of ER/microsomal (ER/M) associated αS monomers and aggregates. Significantly, human PD cases also exhibit higher relative levels of ER/M αS than the control cases. Moreover, αS interacts with ER chaperones and overexpression of αS sensitizes neuronal cells to ERS-induced toxicity, suggesting that αS may have direct impact on ER function. This view is supported by the presence of ERS-activated caspase-12 and the accumulation of ER-associated polyubiquitin. More important, treatment with Salubrinal, an anti-ERS compound, significantly attenuates disease manifestations in both theA53TαSTg mouse model and the adeno-associated virus-transduced rat model ofA53TαS-dependent dopaminergic neurodegeneration. Our data indicate that the accumulation αS within ER leads to chronic ER stress conditions that contribute to neurodegeneration in α-synucleinopathies. Attenuating chronic ERS could be an effective therapy for PD and other α-synucleinopathies.