bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Novel inhibitor of brain indoleamine 2,3 dioxygenase, docking and experimental studies
Authors: Dawood Shazia , Bano Samina
Published: October 2017

Indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO) is a haem-containing monomeric enzyme that catalyze the conversion of tryptophan (L-TRP) to N-formyl kynurenine. IDO activity is regulated by cytokines. Pro inflammatory cytokines are potent inducers of IDO, whereas anti-inflammatory cytokines are IDO inhibitors. Prostaglandin E2 induces IDO activity. In inflammation the relationship between immune system and the kynurenine pathway play an important role. IDO is an important therapeutic target for the treatment of inflammation. Present study evaluates the binding of Hypericum perforatum (HP) against IDO enzyme using MVD software acute and chronic effects of HP on IDO enzyme activity. Docking results show that HP fit well in the allosteric site of IDO. Energy scores for HP -158.687 Kcal/mol. Administration of HP (500mg/kg/3ml) shows that serum IDO activity was significantly increased (171%, P<0.01) and (114%, P<0.01) respectively after acute and chronic treatment. Brain IDO activity was decreased by 42%, (P<0.01) after acute and 43% (P<0.01) chronic treatment. It is concluded from the present study that HP is noncompetitive inhibitor of IDO as proofs by docking further its inhibitory effects on brain IDO reveals its anti-inflammatory effect.Dawood and Bano, International Current Pharmaceutical Journal, May 2017, 6(6): 34-39http://www.icpjonline.com/documents/Vol6Issue6/01.pdf
Multilayer CVD Diamond Coatings in the Machining of an Al6061-15 Vol % Al2O3 Composite
Authors: Shabani Mohammadmehdi , Sacramento Joaquim , Oliveira Filipe , Silva Rui
Published: October 2017

Ceramic cutting inserts coated with ten-fold alternating micro- and nanocrystalline diamond (MCD/NCD) layers grown by hot filament chemical vapor deposition (CVD) were tested in the machining of an Al based metallic matrix composite (MMC) containing 15 vol % Al2O3 particles. Inserts with total coating thicknesses of approximately 12 µm and 24 µm were produced and used in turning: cutting speed (v) of 250 to 1000 m·min−1; depth of cut (DOC) from 0.5 to 3 mm and feed (f) between 0.1 and 0.4 mm·rev−1. The main cutting force increases linearly with DOC (ca. 294 N per mm) and with feed (ca. 640 N per mm·rev−1). The thicker coatings work within the following limits: DOC up to 1.5 mm and maximum speeds of 750 m·min−1 for feeds up to 0.4 mm·rev−1. Flank wear is predominant but crater wear is also observed due to the negative tool normal rake. Layer-by-layer wear of the tool rake, and not total delamination from the substrate, evidenced one of the advantages of using a multilayer design. The MCD/NCD multilayer diamond coated indexable inserts have longer tool life than most CVD diamond systems and behave as well as most polycrystalline diamond (PCD) tools.
Quiet Zone Enhancement for a Target Location Using an Improved Virtual Sensing Algorithm
Authors: Mu Xiangbin , Rheem JaeYeol
Published: October 2017

Generating a quiet zone at a target location is the ultimate goal of active noise control (ANC). Generally, the best noise cancellation is achieved at the locations of error sensors. However, the distribution of physical error sensors at a given location is not always convenient or feasible. To overcome this challenge, a number of virtual sensing algorithms for ANC have been researched. Using the physical error signals and knowledge of the system, the adaptive least mean square (LMS) virtual sensing algorithm estimates the error signal at a location that is remote from the physical error sensor, referred to as the virtual location. It achieves excellent performance under the assumption that the unknown primary path is fixed, but its performance decreases significantly if the path is constantly changing. This paper presents a real-time ANC system with an improved virtual sensing algorithm to solve this problem. The proposed system was tested to enhance the quiet zone in a constantly changing environment; an enhanced quiet zone was created, and the noise cancellation, especially at the target location, obviously improved.
A Nonlinear Drift Memristor Model with a Modified Biolek Window Function and Activation Threshold
Authors: Mladenov Valeri , Kirilov Stoyan
Published: October 2017

The main idea of the present research is to propose a new memristor model with a highly nonlinear ionic drift suitable for computer simulations of titanium dioxide memristors for a large region of memristor voltages. For this purpose, a combination of the original Biolek window function and a weighted sinusoidal window function is applied. The new memristor model is based both on the Generalized Boundary Condition Memristor (GBCM) Model and on the Biolek model, but it has an improved property—an increased extent of nonlinearity of the ionic drift due to the additional weighted sinusoidal window function. The modified memristor model proposed here is compared with the Pickett memristor model, which is used here as a reference model. After that, the modified Biolek model is adjusted so that its basic relationships are made almost identical with these of the Pickett model. After several simulations of our new model, it is established that its behavior is similar to the realistic Pickett model but it operates without convergence problems and due to this, it is also appropriate for computer simulations. The modified memristor model proposed here is also compared with the Joglekar memristor model and several advantages of the new model are established.
An Electric Power Consumption Analysis System for the Installation of Electric Vehicle Charging Stations
Authors: Cheon Seongpil , Kang Suk-Ju
Published: October 2017

With the rising demand for electric vehicles, the number of electric vehicle charging stations is increasing. Therefore, real-time monitoring of how the power consumption by charging stations affects the load on the peripheral power grid is important. However, related organizations generally do not provide actual power consumption data in real time, and only limited information, such as the charging time, is provided. Therefore, it is difficult to calculate and predict the power load in real time. In this paper, we propose a new model for estimating the electric power consumption from the supplied information, i.e., the charging time and the number of charging involved. The experimental results show that by displaying this information on a map, it is possible to visually monitor the electric power consumption of the charging stations with an accuracy rate of about 86%. Finally, the proposed system can be used to relocate and select the location of vehicle charging stations.
Detailed Modelling of the Deep Decarbonisation Scenarios with Demand Response Technologies in the Heating and Cooling Sector: A Case Study for Italy
Authors: Calise Francesco , D’Accadia Massimo , Barletta Carlo , Battaglia Vittoria , Pfeifer Antun , Duic Neven
Published: October 2017

Energy policies accompanying the transition towards a sustainable development process must be supported by technical analyses in which future energy scenarios are modeled and evaluated. This paper analyzes possible decarbonization scenarios in Italy for the year 2050. They envisage high electrification of transports and residential buildings, high use of renewable energies, and a modal shift towards public transport. The energy scenarios are evaluated using a software program, EnergyPLAN, starting from a reference model developed for the year 2014. Special attention has been given to the modeling of data that are unavailable in the literature, such as the time profile of heating and cooling demands, obtained with the degree-days method and validated by elaborating the results of the modeling of the residential building stock, this latter was dynamically simulated in TRNSYS. The results show that to obtain a significant decrease of greenhouse gas emissions and fossil fuel consumption, it is necessary not only to promote a deeper penetration of renewable sources, but also their integration with other technologies (cogeneration, trigeneration, power-to-heat systems, thermal storage, vehicle-to-grid operations). In fact, renewables technologies alone can raise some critical issues, such as excess and/or shortage of electricity production and non-sustainable exploitation of biomass.
Potential Impact of the REDD+ Program on Poverty Reduction in Nghe An Province, Vietnam
Authors: Dinh Tien Nguyen , Rañola Roberto , Thu Thuy Pham
Published: October 2017

The REDD+ program provides a mechanism for providing financial rewards to forest owners and users who contribute to the reduction of carbon emissions from deforestation and forest degradation. This paper determines the potential impact of the REDD+ program on poverty reduction by comparing income and poverty rate between two household groups that were willing to participate in this study, but that will not participate in the REDD+. The results showed that carbon payment from forests is a significant contributor to the increase in household income of poor people. The average income of households participating in the program is VND 20.68 million in contrast to those not participating whose average income is VND 14.72 million. Results showed that the REDD+ program intervention helped reduce the poverty rate in the two communes by 6.40% (from 39.4% to 33%). The paper recommends that the REDD+ program should facilitate the distribution of land titles to provide security of tenure for individual households that are participating in the program. While the program can contribute to poverty reduction, the program payments can increase income inequality and conflicts between those involved and those not involved in the program and legal ownership of the lands. In addition, a comprehensive research study on the impact of the program on forest conservation and poverty reduction is necessary. Stakeholders of the program should recognize and acknowledge the trade-offs between conservation and economic development or poverty reduction. A comprehensive trade-off analysis of program implementation and a business-as-usual option of commodity production is needed, which could reveal the indirect economic, political, and social costs and benefits of the program.
CFD Analyses and Experiments in a PAT Modeling: Pressure Variation and System Efficiency
Authors: Pérez-Sánchez Modesto , Simão Mariana , López-Jiménez P. , Ramos Helena
Published: October 2017

Analysis of a PAT modeling is presented for application in water pipe systems as an interesting and promising energy converter to improve the system energy efficiency. The study is focused on the use of a Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) model in conjunction with laboratory data for representing PAT performance. The first stage of the procedure concerns a systematic analysis of the role played by the characteristic PAT parameters in the computational mesh definitions of the CFD model, with the aim of defining the most efficient set of capturing the main features of the PAT behaviour under different operating conditions. In the second stage, comparisons of CFD results and experiments were carried out to examine some system components for better understanding the PAT response. Specifically, the behavior of the pressure distribution along the PAT installation when implemented in a water pipe system are analyzed, and the links between pressure variation and the head drop in different system components responsible for the head losses and net head definition are also examined.
Tigecycline Resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae Isolated from Austrian River Water
Authors: Hladicz Alexander , Kittinger Clemens , Zarfel Gernot
Published: October 2017

Abstract: Antibiotic-resistant bacteria are spreading worldwide in medical settings but also in the environment. These resistant bacteria illustrate a major health problem in our times, and last-line antibiotics such as tigecycline represent an ultimate therapy option. Reports on tigecycline non-susceptible Enterobacteriaceae are presented with regard to medical settings but are rare with that for the environment. The aim of this study was to characterize two tigecycline non-susceptible Klebsiella pneumoniae isolates from the river Mur, and to question the resistance mechanism. The screening for chromosomal mutations revealed a deletion and a silent point mutation in one isolate and a point mutation in the other isolate all within the ramR allele. RamR acts as repressor and prevents overexpression of ramA. These mutations are likely to cause a resistant phenotype due to the overexpression of AcrAB-TolC. MLST revealed that the isolates belonged to two unrelated MLST types (ST2392 and ST2394). Both isolates only revealed resistance to tigecycline and tetracycline. This is one of the rare reports of tigecycline-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae from surface water. The presence of two genetically different isolates suggests that the river water may bear substances that favor mutations that can lead to this efflux pump-driven resistance.
The Drosophila TRPA1 Channel and Neuronal Circuits Controlling Rhythmic Behaviours and Sleep in Response to Environmental Temperature
Authors: Roessingh Sanne , Stanewsky Ralf
Published: October 2017

trpA1 encodes a thermosensitive transient receptor potential channel (TRP channel) that functions in selection of preferred temperatures and noxious heat avoidance. In this review, we discuss the evidence for a role of TRPA1 in the control of rhythmic behaviours in Drosophila melanogaster. Activity levels during the afternoon and rhythmic temperature preference are both regulated by TRPA1. In contrast, TRPA1 is dispensable for temperature synchronisation of circadian clocks. We discuss the neuronal basis of TRPA1-mediated temperature effects on rhythmic behaviours, and conclude that they are mediated by partly overlapping but distinct neuronal circuits. We have previously shown that TRPA1 is required to maintain siesta sleep under warm temperature cycles. Here, we present new data investigating the neuronal circuit responsible for this regulation. First, we discuss the difficulties that remain in identifying the responsible neurons. Second, we discuss the role of clock neurons (s-LNv/DN1 network) in temperature-driven regulation of siesta sleep, and highlight the role of TRPA1 therein. Finally, we discuss the sexual dimorphic nature of siesta sleep and propose that the s-LNv/DN1 clock network could play a role in the integration of environmental information, mating status and other internal drives, to appropriately drive adaptive sleep/wake behaviour.
Efficient Data Collection by Mobile Sink to Detect Phenomena in Internet of Things
Authors: Safia Amany , Aghbari Zaher , Kamel Ibrahim
Published: October 2017

With the rapid development of Internet of Things (IoT), more and more static and mobile sensors are being deployed for sensing and tracking environmental phenomena, such as fire, oil spills and air pollution. As these sensors are usually battery-powered, energy-efficient algorithms are required to extend the sensors’ lifetime. Moreover, forwarding sensed data towards a static sink causes quick battery depletion of the sinks’ nearby sensors. Therefore, in this paper, we propose a distributed energy-efficient algorithm, called the Hilbert-order Collection Strategy (HCS), which uses a mobile sink (e.g., drone) to collect data from a mobile wireless sensor network (mWSN) and detect environmental phenomena. The mWSN consists of mobile sensors that sense environmental data. These mobile sensors self-organize themselves into groups. The sensors of each group elect a group head (GH), which collects data from the mobile sensors in its group. Periodically, a mobile sink passes by the locations of the GHs (data collection path) to collect their data. The collected data are aggregated to discover a global phenomenon. To shorten the data collection path, which results in reducing the energy cost, the mobile sink establishes the path based on the order of Hilbert values of the GHs’ locations. Furthermore, the paper proposes two optimization techniques for data collection to further reduce the energy cost of mWSN and reduce the data loss.
Evaluating the Impact of Max Transition Constraint Variations on Power Reduction Capabilities in Cell-Based Designs
Authors: Chentouf Mohamed , Zine El Abidine Alaoui
Published: October 2017

Power optimization is a very important and challenging step in the physical design flow, and it is a critical success factor of an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) chip. Many techniques are used by the place and route (P&R) electronic design automation (EDA) tools to meet the power requirement. In this paper, we will evaluate, independently from the library file, the impact of redefining the max transition constraint (MTC) before the power optimization phase, and we will study the impact of over-constraining or under-constraining a design on power in order to find the best trade-off between design constraining and power optimization. Experimental results showed that power optimization depends on the applied MTC and that the MTC value corresponding to the best power reduction results is different from the default MTC. By using a new MTC definition method on several designs, we found that the power gain between the default methodology and the new one reaches 2.34%.
Full-Scale Fatigue Testing of a Wind Turbine Blade in Flapwise Direction and Examining the Effect of Crack Propagation on the Blade Performance
Authors: Al-Khudairi Othman , Hadavinia Homayoun , Little Christian , Gillmore Gavin , Greaves Peter , Dyer Kirsten
Published: October 2017

In this paper, the sensitivity of the structural integrity of wind turbine blades to debonding of the shear web from the spar cap was investigated. In this regard, modal analysis, static and fatigue testing were performed on a 45.7 m blade for three states of the blade: (i) as received blade (ii) when a crack of 200 mm was introduced between the web and the spar cap and (iii) when the crack was extended to 1000 mm. Calibration pull-tests for all three states of the blade were performed to obtain the strain-bending moment relationship of the blade according to the estimated target bending moment (BM) which the blade is expected to experience in its service life. The resultant data was used to apply appropriate load in the fatigue tests. The blade natural frequencies in flapwise and edgewise directions over a range of frequency domain were found by modal testing for all three states of the blade. The blade first natural frequency for each state was used for the flapwise fatigue tests. These were performed in accordance with technical specification IEC TS 61400-23. The fatigue results showed that, for a 200 mm crack between the web and spar cap at 9 m from the blade root, the crack did not propagate at 50% of the target BM up to 62,110 cycles. However, when the load was increased to 70% of target BM, some damages were detected on the pressure side of the blade. When the 200 mm crack was extended to 1000 mm, the crack began to propagate when the applied load exceeded 100% of target BM and the blade experienced delaminations, adhesive joint failure, compression failure and sandwich core failure.
Comparison of the Effectiveness of Water-Based Extraction of Substances from Dry Tea Leaves with the Use of Magnetic Field Assisted Extraction Techniques
Authors: Zaguła Grzegorz , Bajcar Marcin , Saletnik Bogdan , Czernicka Maria , Puchalski Czesław , Kapusta Ireneusz , Oszmiański Jan
Published: October 2017

This article presents the findings of a study investigating the feasibility of using a magnetic field assisted technique for the water-based extraction of mineral components, polyphenols, and caffeine from dry black and green tea leaves. The authors present a concept of applying constant and variable magnetic fields in the process of producing water-based infusions from selected types of tea. Analyses investigating the effectiveness of the proposed technique in comparison with conventional infusion methods assessed the contents of selected mineral components—i.e., Al, Ca, Cu, K, Mg, P, S, and Zn—which were examined with the use of ICP-OES. The contents of caffeine and polyphenolic compounds were assessed using the HPLC. A changing magnetic field permitted an increased effectiveness of extraction of the mineral components, caffeine, and polyphenols. The findings support the conclusion that a changing magnetic field assisted extraction method is useful for obtaining biologically valuable components from tea infusions.
Inositol Hexaphosphate Inhibits Proliferation and Induces Apoptosis of Colon Cancer Cells by Suppressing the AKT/mTOR Signaling Pathway
Authors: Kapral Małgorzata , Wawszczyk Joanna , Jesse Katarzyna , Paul-Samojedny Monika , Kuśmierz Dariusz , Węglarz Ludmiła
Published: October 2017

Abstract: AKT, a serine/threonine protein kinase and mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) plays a critical role in the proliferation and resistance to apoptosis that are essential to the development and progression of colon cancer. Therefore, AKT/mTOR signaling pathway has been recognized as an attractive target for anticancer therapy. Inositol hexaphosphate (InsP6), a natural occurring phytochemical, has been shown to have both preventive and therapeutic effects against various cancers, however, its exact molecular mechanisms of action are not fully understood. The aim of the in vitro study was to investigate the anticancer activity of InsP6 on colon cancer with the focus on inhibiting the AKT1 kinase and p70S6K1 as mTOR effector, in relation to proliferation and apoptosis of cells. The colon cancer Caco-2 cells were cultured using standard techniques and exposed to InsP6 at different concentrations (1 mM, 2.5 mM and 5 mM). Cellular proliferative activity was monitored by 5-bromo-2′-deoxyuridine (BrdU) incorporation into cellular DNA. Flow cytometric analysis was performed for cell cycle progression and apoptosis studies. Real-time RT-qPCR was used to validate mRNA levels of CDNK1A, CDNK1B, CASP3, CASP9, AKT1 and S6K1 genes. The concentration of p21 protein as well as the activities of caspase 3, AKT1 and p70S6K1 were determined by the ELISA method. The results revealed that IP6 inhibited proliferation and stimulated apoptosis of colon cancer cells. This effect was mediated by an increase in the expression of genes encoding p21, p27, caspase 3, caspase 9 as well a decrease in transcription of AKT1 and S6K1. InsP6 suppressed phosphorylation of AKT1 and p70S6K1, downstream effector of mTOR. Based on these studies it may be concluded that InsP6 can reduce proliferation and induce apoptosis through inhibition of the AKT/mTOR pathway and mTOR effector followed by modulation of the expression and activity of several key components of these pathways in colon cancer cells.
Synthesis and Characterization of Organosoluble, Thermal Stable and Hydrophobic Polyimides Derived from 4-(4-(1-pyrrolidinyl)phenyl)-2,6-bis(4-(4-aminophenoxy)phenyl)pyridine
Authors: Huang Xiaohua , Chen Beicai , Mei Mei , Li Hua , Liu Chanjuan , Wei Chun
Published: October 2017

A novel aromatic diamine monomer, 4-(4-(1-pyrrolidinyl)phenyl)-2,6-bis(4-(4-aminophenoxy)phenyl)pyridine (PPAPP) containing pyridine rings, pyrrolidine groups, and ether linkages, was successfully synthesized using 4-hydroxyacetophenone and 1-chloro-4-nitrobenzene as starting materials by three-step reactions, and then used to synthesize a series of polyimides by polycondensation with various aromatic dianhydrides via a two-step method. The structure of PPAPP was characterized by NMR, FT-IR, and mass spectrometry analysis methods. These polymers showed good solubility in common organic solvents (e.g., NMP, DMF, DMSO, and DMAc) at room temperature or on heating. Moreover, they presented a high thermal stability with the glass transition temperature (Tgs) exceeding 316 °C, as well as the temperature of 10% weight loss ranged from 552–580 °C with more than 67% residue at 800 °C under nitrogen. Furthermore, they also exhibited excellent hydrophobicity with a contact angle in the range of 85.6°–97.7°, and the results of Wide-Angle X-ray Diffraction (WAXD) indicated that all of the polymers revealed an amorphous structure.
Performance of a Multiplex Serological Helicobacter pylori Assay on a Novel Microfluidic Assay Platform
Authors: Filomena Angela , Guenther Anna , Planatscher Hannes , Topin Francois , She Joseph , Formichella Luca , Terradot Laurent , Gerhard Markus , Joos Thomas , Meyer Hannelore , Schneiderhan-Marra Nicole
Published: October 2017

Infection with Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) occurs in 50% of the world population, and is associated with the development of ulcer and gastric cancer. Serological diagnostic tests indicate an H. pylori infection by detecting antibodies directed against H. pylori proteins. In addition to line blots, multiplex assay platforms provide smart solutions for the simultaneous analysis of antibody responses towards several H. pylori proteins. We used seven H. pylori proteins (FliD, gGT, GroEL, HpaA, CagA, VacA, and HP0231) and an H. pylori lysate for the development of a multiplex serological assay on a novel microfluidic platform. The reaction limited binding regime in the microfluidic channels allows for a short incubation time of 35 min. The developed assay showed very high sensitivity (99%) and specificity (100%). Besides sensitivity and specificity, the technical validation (intra-assay CV = 3.7 ± 1.2% and inter-assay CV = 5.5 ± 1.2%) demonstrates that our assay is also a robust tool for the analysis of the H. pylori-specific antibody response. The integration of the virulence factors CagA and VacA allow for the assessment of the risk for gastric cancer development. The short assay time and the performance of the platform shows the potential for implementation of such assays in a clinical setting.
Carbon Black-Modified Electrodes Screen-Printed onto Paper Towel, Waxed Paper and Parafilm M®
Authors: Cinti Stefano , Mazzaracchio Vincenzo , Cacciotti Ilaria , Moscone Danila , Arduini Fabiana
Published: October 2017

Herein, we evaluated the use of paper towel, waxed paper, and Parafilm M® (Heathrow Scientific, Vernon Hills, IL, USA) as alternative substrates for screen-printed sensor manufacturing. Morphological study was performed to evaluate the adhesion of the ink on these uncommon substrates, as well as the morphology of the working electrode. The electrochemical characterization was carried out using ferricyanide/ferrocyanide as redox couple. To enhance the electrochemical properties of the developed sensors, the nanomaterial carbon black was used as nanomodifier. The modification by drop casting of the working electrode surface, using a stable dispersion of carbon black, allows to obtain a sensor with improved electrochemical behavior in terms of peak-to-peak separation, current intensity, and the resistance of charge transfer. The results achieved confirm the possibility of printing the electrode on several cost-effective paper-based materials and the improvement of the electrochemical behavior by using carbon black as sustainable nanomaterial.
Exploring Landscape Engagement through a Participatory Touch Table Approach
Authors: Conniff Anna , Colley Kathryn , Irvine Katherine
Published: October 2017

Governments and national bodies are increasingly concerned with promoting outdoor activity as a means to benefit general health and wellbeing. Techniques to encourage and popularize engagement with the outdoor environment should therefore be welcome. This paper explores the use of a touch table as a method to facilitate discussions about people’s engagement with rural and urban landscapes through recreational walking. We describe a study in north-east Scotland involving 22 participants who undertook walks of their choice using GPS smartphone applications to track their routes. Tracked routes were uploaded to a touch table and small group sessions explored spatial behavior in, and perceptions and knowledge of, local landscapes. Individual interviews 4–6 weeks later elicited reflections on the touch table session and personal engagement with the landscape. Two types of findings are reported: (i) observations and recommendations relating to the use of a touch table in combination with GPS applications; and (ii) knowledge exchange and insights afforded by group discussion and individual reflection. We conclude that our approach is a promising participatory method through which to investigate spatial behavior and promote recreational opportunities in the landscape.
Computer-Aided Panoramic Images Enriched by Shadow Construction on a Prism and Pyramid Polyhedral Surface
Authors: Dzwierzynska Jolanta
Published: October 2017

The aim of this study is to develop an efficient and practical method of a direct mapping of a panoramic projection on an unfolded prism and pyramid polyhedral projection surface with the aid of a computer. Due to the fact that straight lines very often appear in any architectural form we formulate algorithms which utilize data about lines and draw panoramas as plots of functions in Mathcad software. The ability to draw panoramic images of lines enables drawing a wireframe image of an architectural object. The application of the multicenter projection, as well as the idea of shadow construction in the panoramic representation, aims at achieving a panoramic image close to human perception. The algorithms are universal as the application of changeable base elements of panoramic projection—horizon height, station point location, number of polyhedral walls—enables drawing panoramic images from various viewing positions. However, for more efficient and easier drawing, the algorithms should be implemented in some graphical package. The representation presented in the paper and the method of its direct mapping on a flat unfolded projection surface can find application in the presentation of architectural spaces in advertising and art when drawings are displayed on polyhedral surfaces and can be observed from multiple viewing positions.
The fossil flip‐leaves (Retrophyllum, Podocarpaceae) of southern South America
Authors: Wilf Peter , Donovan Michael P. , Cúneo N. Rubén , Gandolfo María A.
Published: October 2017

PREMISE OF THE STUDY:

The flip‐leaved podocarp Retrophyllum has a disjunct extant distribution in South American and Australasian tropical rainforests and a Gondwanic fossil record since the Eocene. Evolutionary, biogeographic, and paleoecological insights from previously described fossils are limited because they preserve little foliar variation and no reproductive structures.

METHODS:

We investigated new Retrophyllum material from the terminal Cretaceous Lefipán, the early Eocene Laguna del Hunco, and the early/middle Eocene Río Pichileufú floras of Patagonian Argentina. We also reviewed type material of historical Eocene fossils from southern Chile.

KEY RESULTS:

Cretaceous Retrophyllum superstes sp. nov. is described from a leafy twig, while Eocene R. spiralifolium sp. nov. includes several foliage forms and a peduncle with 13 pollen cones. Both species preserve extensive damage from sap‐feeding insects associated with foliar transfusion tissue. The Eocene species exhibits a suite of characters linking it to both Neotropical and West Pacific Retrophyllum, along with several novel features. Retrophyllum araucoensis (Berry) comb. nov. stabilizes the nomenclature for the Chilean fossils.

CONCLUSIONS:

Retrophyllum is considerably older than previously thought and is a survivor of the end‐Cretaceous extinction. Much of the characteristic foliar variation and pollen‐cone morphology of the genus evolved by the early Eocene. The mixed biogeographic signal of R. spiralifolium supports vicariance and represents a rare Neotropical connection for terminal‐Gondwanan Patagonia, which is predominantly linked to extant Australasian floras due to South American extinctions. The leaf morphology of the fossils suggests significant drought vulnerability as in living Retrophyllum, indicating humid paleoenvironments.
Elevated CO2 boosts reproduction and alters selection in northern but not southern ecotypes of allergenic ragweed
Authors: Stinson Kristina A. , Albertine Jennifer M. , Seidler Tristram G. , Rogers Christine A.
Published: October 2017

PREMISE OF THE STUDY:

Many plants increase reproduction in response to rising levels of atmospheric CO2. However, environmental and genetic variation across heterogeneous landscapes can lead to intraspecific differences in the partitioning of CO2‐induced carbon gains to reproductive tissue relative to growth.

METHODS:

We measured the effects of rising atmospheric CO2 on biomass allocation in the allergenic plant Ambrosia artemisiifolia (common ragweed) across a geographic climate gradient. We grew plants from three latitudes at 400, 600, and 800 µL·L−1 CO2 and analyzed biomass allocation and natural selection on flowering phenology and growth.

KEY RESULTS:

Both the latitude of origin and CO2 treatment had significant effects on allocation and on estimates of selection. Northern plants were under stronger selection than southern plants to flower quickly, and they produced larger seeds and more reproductive mass per unit of growth. Northern plants were under stronger selection than southern plants to flower quickly, and they produced larger seeds and more reproductive mass per unit of growth. While all plants grew larger and produced heavier seeds at higher CO2, only northern plants increased male flower production. Both size and time to flowering were under selection, with a relaxation of the size–fitness function in northern ecotypes at high CO2.

CONCLUSIONS:

Northern ecotypes allocate more CO2‐induced carbon gains to reproduction than do southern plants, pointing to a geographic gradient in future pollen and seed production by this species arising from local adaptation. Relaxed selection on size at elevated CO2 could amplify reproductive enhancements to northern ecotypes, although more growth and seed provisioning can be expected overall. Our results demonstrate potential for ecotypic divergence in ragweed responses to climate change.
The hydraulic architecture of Ginkgo leaves
Authors: Carvalho Mónica R. , Turgeon Robert , Owens Thomas , Niklas Karl J.
Published: October 2017

PREMISE OF THE STUDY:

The hydraulics of xylem has been widely studied in numerous species and organ types. However, comparatively little is known about how phloem and xylem are hydraulically coupled or about many of the basic structural properties of phloem (such as conducting cell numbers and conductive areas), which nevertheless have direct bearing on understanding phloem loading and unloading.

METHODS:

Using a combination of light, epifluorescence, confocal, and transmission electron microscopy, we quantified the hydraulic architecture of Ginkgo biloba leaf laminae and examined the scaling relationships between phloem and xylem in five fully mature leaves.

KEY RESULTS:

The conductive areas and lengths of sieve cells and tracheids increase basipetally toward the petiole in a manner that is consistent with Münch's pressure flow hypothesis for phloem transport. This trend holds true for individual veins, the sum of conductive areas across all veins at any distance from the petiole, and for individual sieve cells and tracheids. Further, the conductive areas of phloem and xylem are isometrically correlated across the entire vasculature of the leaf lamina. The data for conducting cell areas do not conform with the predictions of the hydraulic models of da Vinci and Murray.

CONCLUSIONS:

The scaling of Ginkgo lamina hydraulics complies with that observed in leaves of other gymnosperms and most angiosperms and is inconsistent with theoretical models that assume that the volume of transported incompressible fluids is conserved.
Physical Function and Physical Activity in Peritoneal Dialysis Patients
Authors: Painter Patricia L. , Agarwal Adhish , Drummond Micah
Published: October 2017

Background

Physical functioning (PF) and physical activity (PA) are low in patients treated with maintenance hemodialysis (MHD). Little information exists on this topic in patients treated with peritoneal dialysis (PD). The objective of this study was to compare PF and PA in patients with Stage-5 chronic kidney disease (CKD) treated with PD and in-center MHD.

Methods

Physical functioning was measured in 45 prevalent PD patients using standard physical performance measures that include gait speed, chair stand, standing balance, 6-minute-walk, incremental shuttle walk and self-reported PF using the short form (SF)-36 questionnaire. Physical activity was determined from self-report and using the Community Healthy Activities Model Program for Seniors (CHAMPS) questionnaire. Scores for the short physical performance battery (SPPB) were calculated. In-center MHD patients were matched by age, gender, and diabetes status to the PD patients.

Results

Unadjusted comparisons showed significantly higher 6-minute-walk distance, shuttle-walk distance and hand-grip in the PD patients. Adjustment in multiple regression analysis resulted in only gait speed being significantly different between the groups. All test results in both groups were lower than reference values for age and gender in the general population, and were at the levels indicating impairment. Physical activity was not different between the 2 groups (average age 49 yrs), and both groups had weekly caloric expenditure from all exercise and from moderate-intensity exercise that was similar to older (> 70 yrs) community-dwelling adults. Adjusted association indicated that PA was significantly associated with shuttle-walk distance.

Conclusions

Physical functioning and PA measures were low in both PD and MHD groups. Interventions to improve PA and PF should be strongly considered for both PD and MHD patients.
SUSTAINABILITY AND RESILIENCE IN THE REHABILITATION
OF ROAD INFRASTRUCTURES AFTER AN EXTREME EVENT:
AN INTEGRATED APPROACH
Authors: Giunta Marinella
Published: October 2017

For road infrastructures, the concepts of sustainability and resilience are becoming more and more relevant.
The sustainability is closely linked with the concept of development that meets the needs of the present without compromising
the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. The resilience is usually connected with the occurrence
of extreme events or unusual disturbances (earthquake, landslide, floods) during the life cycle of infrastructures
and refers to their ability of recover the previous functionality. Usually, the two concepts that account for two desired
qualities of the infrastructures are applied following separate approaches. Better choices in road design, maintenance
and rehabilitation should lead to an improvement of both qualities. On the other hand, an in deep analysis of the sustainability
and resilience demonstrates a significant number of similar characteristics. In the light of the above premises,
in the present paper, the suitability of an integrated approach in the choice of the rehabilitation alternatives after an extreme
event is evaluated. A method to assess the sustainability, based on life cycle costs, and to estimate the resilience is
setup. It resulted that an integrated perspective can be pursued and both resilience and sustainability allow addressing
an appropriate amount of technical, economic and environmental/social issues and can lead to identifying the most efficient
solution of rehabilitation.
PERSPECTIVES FOR SURROGATE SAFETY STUDIES IN EAST-EUROPEAN
COUNTRIES
Authors: Ušpalytė-Vitkūnienė Rasa , Laureshyn Aliaksei
Published: October 2017

The road safety development in East-European countries follows in general the trends of the western countries,
even though there is a time lag. The fatality numbers are decreasing, though the improvements for the vulnerable
road users are less impressive compared to other road user categories. The traditional road safety analysis based on accident
history has many limitations related to accident under-reporting, low and random accident counts at individual
sites and lack of details in the police or hospital reports. The surrogate safety methods are based on observation of other-
than-accident occurrences that still have a strong relation to safety in traffic. Such methods are often more efficient
(and pro-active) for safety assessments. The paper reviews the current status of the surrogate safety analysis methods,
the challenges, and opportunities related to modern urban traffic conditions and the emerging technologies for more
efficient data collection. The method is put in the context of the East-European countries to see how it contribute to the
on-going road safety work and a better understanding of accidents risk factors necessary for producing effective safety
counter-measures.
Towards the Development of Sustainable Hydro Energy in Lithuania
Authors: Jatautas Jaunius , Mierauskas Pranas
Published: October 2017

Development of renewable energy sources together with sustainable development covers a complicated range of issues which require complex assessment in the context of Lithuania’s energy independence. Hydropower is an integral part of renewable energy resources and affects both the natural environment and human society. Although negative impact of hydropower on the environment is acknowledged, advances in modern technology can reduce the potential damage, especially when developing a network of small hydropower plants in Lithuania. Moreover, implementation and continuity of this kind of projects enables to improve the economic and social situation, e.g. by creating new jobs. Construction of small hydropower plants in combination with a sustainable development strategy would help to avoid the possible damage to the natural environment and would contribute to improvement of the country’s economic and social landscape. Limitation of the negative impact on the environment is primarily based on technological solutions – the appropriate construction of fish ladders or other passes at dams enables fish migration. Meanwhile, contribution to improvement of the economic and social situation in the case of small hydropower plants depends on political decisions and activity of lobby groups.
Field-parallel Acceleration: Comment on the Paper “Electric Currents on the Flare Ribbons: Observations and Standard Model” by Janvier et al. (2014, ApJ, 788, 60)
Authors: Haerendel G.
Published: October 2017

It is proposed that the coincidence of higher brightness and upward electric current observed by Janvier et al. during a flare indicates electron acceleration by field-parallel potential drops sustained by extremely strong field-aligned currents of order 104 A m−2. A few consequences are discussed here.
Comparison of Solar Fine Structure Observed Simultaneously in Lyα and Mg ii h
Authors: Schmit D. , Sukhorukov A. V. , De Pontieu B. , Leenaarts J. , Bethge C. , Winebarger A. , Auchère F. , Bando T. , Ishikawa R. , Kano R. , Kobayashi K. , Narukage N. , Bueno J. Trujillo
Published: October 2017

The Chromospheric Lyman Alpha Spectropolarimeter (CLASP) observed the Sun in H i Lyα during a suborbital rocket flight on 2015 September 3. The Interface Region Imaging Telescope (IRIS) coordinated with the CLASP observations and recorded nearly simultaneous and co-spatial observations in the Mg ii h and k lines. The Mg ii h and Lyα lines are important transitions, energetically and diagnostically, in the chromosphere. The canonical solar atmosphere model predicts that these lines form in close proximity to each other and so we expect that the line profiles will exhibit similar variability. In this analysis, we present these coordinated observations and discuss how the two profiles compare over a region of quiet Sun at viewing angles that approach the limb. In addition to the observations, we synthesize both line profiles using a 3D radiation-MHD simulation. In the observations, we find that the peak width and the peak intensities are well correlated between the lines. For the simulation, we do not find the same relationship. We have attempted to mitigate the instrumental differences between IRIS and CLASP and to reproduce the instrumental factors in the synthetic profiles. The model indicates that formation heights of the lines differ in a somewhat regular fashion related to magnetic geometry. This variation explains to some degree the lack of correlation, observed and synthesized, between Mg ii and Lyα. Our analysis will aid in the definition of future observatories that aim to link dynamics in the chromosphere and transition region.
Calibration of Ultraviolet, Mid-infrared, and Radio Star Formation Rate Indicators
Authors: Brown Michael J. I. , Moustakas John , Kennicutt Robert C. , Bonne Nicolas J. , Intema Huib T. , de Gasperin Francesco , Boquien Mederic , Jarrett T. H. , Cluver Michelle E. , Smith J.-D. T. , da Cunha Elisabete , Imanishi Masatoshi , Armus Lee , Brandl Bernhard R. , Peek J. E. G.
Published: October 2017

We present calibrations for star formation rate (SFR) indicators in the ultraviolet, mid-infrared, and radio-continuum bands, including one of the first direct calibrations of 150 MHz as an SFR indicator. Our calibrations utilize 66 nearby star-forming galaxies with Balmer-decrement-corrected

luminosities, which span five orders of magnitude in SFR and have absolute magnitudes of

. Most of our photometry and spectrophotometry are measured from the same region of each galaxy, and our spectrophotometry has been validated with SDSS photometry, so our random and systematic errors are small relative to the intrinsic scatter seen in SFR indicator calibrations. We find that the Wide-field Infrared Space Explorer W4 (22.8 μm), Spitzer 24 μm, and 1.4 GHz bands have tight correlations with the Balmer-decrement-corrected Hα luminosity, with a scatter of only 0.2 dex. Our calibrations are comparable to those from the prior literature for L
∗ galaxies, but for dwarf galaxies, our calibrations can give SFRs that are far greater than those derived from most previous literature.
Clustering of Local Group Distances: Publication Bias or Correlated
Measurements? V. Galactic Rotation Constants
Authors: de Grijs Richard , Bono Giuseppe
Published: October 2017

As part of an extensive data mining effort, we have compiled a database of 162
Galactic rotation speed measurements at R
0 (the
solar Galactocentric distance),

. Published between 1927 and 2017 June, this represents the
most comprehensive set of

values since the 1985 meta-analysis that led to the last
revision of the International Astronomical Union’s recommended Galactic
rotation constants. Although we do not find any compelling evidence for the
presence of “publication bias” in recent decades, we find clear
differences among the

values and the

ratios resulting from the use of different tracer populations.
Specifically, young tracers (including OB and supergiant stars, masers, Cepheid
variables, H ii regions, and young open clusters), as well as kinematic
measurements of Sgr A* near the Galactic Center, imply a significantly
larger Galactic rotation speed at the solar circle and a higher

ratio (i.e.,

km s−1 and

km s−1 kpc−1; statistical
uncertainties only) than any of the tracers dominating the Galaxy’s mass
budget (i.e., field stars and the H i/CO distributions). Using the
latter to be most representative of the bulk of the Galaxy’s matter
distribution, we arrive at an updated set of Galactic rotation
constants,