bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Performance of Field Installations of Next-Generation Concrete Surface
Authors: Scofield Larry
Published: February 2013

The next-generation concrete surface (NGCS) is the first concrete texture to be introduced in the past 20 to 30 years. NGCS was conceived as a manufactured texture whose properties were more consistent and predictable and is the quietest nonporous concrete texture developed to date. At the time of construction, the NGCS typically had a noise level of 99 dBA and has had a range of up to 101 dBA over time. Although the NGCS has been in service only 3 years, it is under evaluation at 14 locations in nine states. Data for both noise and friction suggest that the NGCS is performing as intended. The large land surface and the grooves appear to provide the advantage of accident reduction in wet weather. NGCS construction properties provide the platform for a renewable surface called the NGCS LITE.
Exploring Link Covering and Node Covering Formulations of Detection Layout Problem
Authors: Barceló J. , Gilliéron F. , Linares M. P. , Serch O. , Montero L.
Published: February 2013

The primary data input used in principal traffic models comes from origin–destination (O-D) trip matrices, which describe patterns of traffic behavior across a network. O-D matrices are a critical requirement in advanced traffic management or information systems that are supported by dynamic traffic assignment models. However, because O-D matrices are not directly observable, current practice adjusts an initial seed matrix from link flow counts that are provided by an existing layout of traffic-counting stations. The adequacy of the detection layout is critical to determining the quality of the adjusted O-D matrix. The usual approaches to the detection layout problem assume that detectors are located at network links. This paper proposes a modified set that formulates the link detection layout problem with side constraints and presents a new metaheuristic tabu search algorithm with high computational efficiency. Emerging information and communication technologies (ICT), especially those based on the detection of the electronic signature of onboard devices (such as Bluetooth devices), allow the location of sensors at intersections. To take into account explicitly how these ICT sensors operate, this paper proposes a new formulation of a node-covering problem with side constraints, which for practical purposes can be efficiently solved with standard professional solvers such as CPLEX.
Development of Hypothesis Test for Travel Time Data Quality
Authors: Richardson James K. , Smith Brian L.
Published: February 2013

The accuracy of travel time data generated by traveler information systems is a topic of interest for transportation engineers. Several evaluations of data quality have been conducted in recent years to measure the accuracy of these systems. In general, the approach has been to quantify errors from the system by measuring the distance between an estimate and a benchmark or ground truth value. A number of distance-based metrics including average error bias, absolute average error, and root mean squared error, have been used. However, because the benchmark values are random values, the errors are also random and are subject to some uncertainty. This paper proposes a novel approach to measuring errors so that the distribution of the errors can be quantified and a statistical hypothesis test can be constructed. The hypothesis test can be used to decide whether the system is operating at the desired level of accuracy.
Effect of Bearing Pad Arrangement on Capacity of Slab Panel Bridge Members
Authors: Ross Brandon E. , Hamilton H. R. , Potter William
Published: February 2013

Slab panel bridges (elsewhere referred to as flat-slab bridges) are constructed with multiple precast pretensioned slab panels that are placed side by side and act compositely with a cast-in-place concrete topping. Design standards from the Florida Department of Transportation specify that individual slab panels be supported by a tripod system of bearing pads. A single bearing pad is placed at one end, and two bearing pads at the opposite end. This paper presents experimental research on the effect that this bearing pad arrangement has on the behavior and capacity of slab panel members. Four full-scale tests on slab panels were conducted, with variables that included the bearing pad arrangement (single or double bearing), and the position of the load point [shear span-to-depth (a/d) ratio of 2.0 and 3.3]. For slab panels loaded at a/d of 3.3, test results indicated that the behavior and capacity were independent of the bearing pad arrangement. For the panel loaded at a/d of 2.0 with a single bearing pad, the failure mode was bond shear. The panel loaded at a/d of 2.0 with two bearing pads failed in flexure. Experimental results were compared with theoretical capacities calculated with American Concrete Institute and AASHTO codes. Design recommendations were made on the basis of the experimental results and on the comparison with theoretical capacities.
Understanding and Detecting Bridge Deck Deterioration with Ground-Penetrating Radar
Authors: Maser Kenneth , Martino Nicole , Doughty Jeff , Birken Ralf
Published: February 2013

Properly timed preventive maintenance and rehabilitation can extend the life of a bridge deck and reduce life-cycle costs. To implement such an effort, owners need to decide which decks are in good condition, which need work (and what type of work), and which are not economical to repair and need to be replaced. These decisions require accurate assessment of the subsurface deck condition. Traditional methods to evaluate deck condition are not economically feasible to implement on a large number of structures. Recently, ground-penetrating radar (GPR) has been implemented to scan bridge decks rapidly and to provide the necessary information. However, the relationship between GPR measurements and the state of deck deterioration is not well understood, and thus the full acceptance and adaptation of GPR has been limited. The goal of the work reported in this paper was to establish a clearer connection between the data produced by GPR equipment and the elements and stages of the deterioration process. This goal was advanced by an evaluation of bridge deck slabs, saw-cut out of a heavily deteriorated deck during demolition, and brought into the lab for evaluation. The slabs were subjected to hammer sounding, ultrasonic impact–echo, half-cell potential for corrosion, and multiple ground- and air-coupled GPR systems, which ranged from 1.0 to 2.6 GHz. The paper describes the results of experimental testing and the correlations between the deterioration process, identified through traditional testing and the measured and processed GPR signal responses.
Use of Synthetic, Fiber-Reinforced, Initial Shotcrete Lining at Devil's Slide Tunnel Project in California
Authors: Decker Jeramy , Madsen Paul , Gall Vojtech , O'Brien Timothy
Published: February 2013

Fiber-reinforced shotcrete is widely used as a temporary excavation support in the construction of transportation tunnels and in other civil applications that are performed with the Sequential Excavation Method. Traditionally, steel fibers have been used in tunnel construction; however, the use of synthetic fibers is becoming more common. At the Devil's Slide Tunnel Project, on Highway CA-1 in Pacifica, California, a synthetic fiber mix was used to achieve the contract initial lining performance. The synthetic (polypropylene) fiber was used throughout the excavation phase of the twin highway tunnels and was tested with the round determinate panel test (ASTM C1550) for its capability to absorb energy after shotcrete section failure (flexural strength). The contract required the ASTM C1550 test to produce at least 320 J at 40 mm of deflection after 7 days. This paper discusses the testing program and summarizes its results. The overall performance of the fiber-reinforced shotcrete liner is discussed and evaluated on the basis of its reaction to deformation and its use in the tunnel.
Behavior and Performance of Fiber-Reinforced Polymer-to-Steel Bond
Authors: Harries Kent A. , Dawood Mina
Published: February 2013

This paper presents a detailed discussion of bond behavior and fatigue, which have a major, often overlooked, impact on the long-term performance of steel bridges strengthened with fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) materials. The paper discusses the primary factors that affect the bonding behavior between steel and FRP materials. The mechanisms of bonding are highlighted, and the main factors that contribute to the environmental degradation of bonds are outlined. Techniques to produce high-quality, durable, and reliable bonds are presented; these techniques include surface preparation techniques, use of primers, and use of various plate end details to reduce bond stress concentrations and mitigate debonding. Various factors that affect the fatigue performance of FRP materials and structural adhesives are enumerated, and the behavior of FRP patches used to repair cracked steel members is described. This paper highlights some complexities and nuances associated with the design and installation of an FRP-based retrofit system for steel bridges and structures and some key practices that should be adopted to ensure the effective and reliable performance of the retrofit.
Evaluation of Effectiveness of the Federal Highway Safety Improvement Program
Authors: Wu Kun-Feng , Himes Scott C. , Pietrucha Martin T.
Published: February 2013

The Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users established the Highway Safety Improvement Program (HSIP), which authorized about $1.3 billion/year from 2006 to 2009 for highway safety projects. The HSIP aims “to achieve a significant reduction in fatalities and serious injuries on all public roads,” and the number of national traffic fatalities seems to have decreased at about the same time. This study sought to evaluate the effectiveness of the HSIP in reducing fatal crashes in the United States. The study adopted fixed-effect panel models and multilevel mixed-effect models to deal with random fluctuations both before and after introduction of the HSIP and state-specific effects. The results show a drop of about 7.5% in national traffic fatalities since introduction of the HSIP compared with the average for 2001 to 2005, but the magnitude of reduction varied by state. States’ safety-related spending did not increase after introduction of the HSIP. Increased federal safety funding was offset by reduced state funding (crowd-out effect). The magnitude of states’ fatal-crash reduction was highly associated with years of available crash data, prioritizing method, and use of roadway inventory data. Moreover, states that prioritized hazardous sites by using more detailed roadway inventory data and the empirical Bayes method had the greatest reductions; all of those states relied heavily on the quality of their crash data systems. This study found that effectiveness of the HSIP in reducing national fatal crashes is very likely attributable to mandated reporting requirements, which helped states allocate safety spending more effectively and efficiently. It also suggests that more consistent and reliable crash data will allow states to employ more sophisticated prioritization methods and make better highway safety investment decisions.
Use of (+)-manool in the Synthesis of Natural Products. Part I. Sesquiterpenes
Authors: Salazar Franklin J. , Villamizar José E.
Published: February 2013

The use of the bicyclic diterpene (+)-manool 1 in the synthesis of drimane, hydroquinone and quinone sesquiterpenes is described.
BF3.SiO2 Nanoparticles: A Solid Phase Acidic Catalyst for Efficient One-pot Hantzsch Synthesis of 1,4-dihydropyridines
Authors: Sadeghi Bahareh , Namakkoubi Ashraf , Hassanabadi Alireza
Published: February 2013

The solvent-free Hantzsch reaction between ethyl acetoacetate or 1,3-indandione, an aromatic aldehyde and ammonium acetate catalysed by BF3.SiO2 nanoparticles provided an efficient one-step synthesis of 1,4-dihydropyridines in excellent yields.
Three Novel Friedelane Triterpenes with Antimicrobial Activity from the Stems of Celastrus Monospermus
Authors: Xie Haiping , Chen Mingxiang , Wang Dingyong , Xu Runlin
Published: February 2013

Three novel friedelane triterpenes, monospermonal, monospermonol and monospermondiol, along with six known friedelanes, 3-oxofriedelane, 3-oxofriedelan-28-al, 3,12-dioxofriedelane, 3-oxo-28-hydroxyfriedelane, 3-oxo-11 β-hydroxyfriedelane, 3-oxo-12 α-hydroxyfriedelane and an oleanane triterpenoid, 3 β-hydroxyolean-12-ene, were isolated from the stems of Celastrus monospermus Roxb. The structures of novel compounds, monospermonal, monospermonol and monospermondiol, were identified as 3,12-dioxofriedelan-28-al, 3,12-dioxo-28-hydroxyfriedelane and 3-oxo-12 α,28-dihydroxyfriedelane, respectively by spectroscopies including 2D NMR methods. These nine friedelane-type triterpenes were tested for antimicrobial activity against luminescent bacterium Photobacterium leiognathi N1 that had been isolated from “glowing” fish meat. Monospermonal and monospermonol showed moderate activity.
Synthesis of 4-hydrazinopyrazolo[3,4-d]pyrimidines and their Reactions with Carbonyl Compounds
Authors: Edrees Mastoura M.
Published: February 2013

Synthesis of a new 4-hydrazinopyrazolo[3,4- d]pyrimidine was achieved via heating (4,6-dithioxo-1 H-pyrazolo[3,4- d] pyrimidin-3-yl)acetonitrile with hydrazine hydrate. Reactions of the latter product with thiophene-2-carbaldehyde and ethyl hydrazonoacetoacetate analogues afforded the corresponding hydrazone and pyrazole derivatives, respectively. Similarly, condensation of 2-[6-(benzylsulfanyl)-4-hydrazino-1 H-pyrazolo[3,4- d]pyrimidin-3-yl]acetonitrile with thiophene-2-carbaldehyde and ethyl hydrazonoacetoacetate analogues gave the respective hydrazone and pyrazolone derivatives. Alkylation reactions of 2-[4,6-bis(benzylsulfanyl)-1 H-pyrazolo[3,4- d]pyrimidin-3-yl]acetonitrile with arylamines gave the respective 4-( N-arylamino)-6-benzylsulfanylpyrazolo[3,4- d]pyrimidine derivatives.
One-step Synthesis of β-lactams Using Cyanuric Fluoride
Authors: Zarei Maaroof
Published: February 2013

Cyanuric fluoride works as an efficient acid activator reagent for the direct [2+2] ketene–imine cycloaddition of substituted acetic acids and imines in a one-pot synthesis under mild conditions. The yields are good to excellent and the reaction conditions are mild, simple and efficient.
Efficient Synthesis of Diaryl Sulfides by Copper-catalysed Coupling of Aryl Halides and Thioacetate in Water
Authors: Zhang Yimin , Iiu  , Chen Junmin
Published: February 2013

A simple economical, and highly efficient catalytic system for the synthesis of diaryl sulfides by a copper-catalysed coupling of aryl halides and thioacetate in water has been developed. A variety of aryl halides reacted with thioacetate to give the desired products in high yields up to 95%. The present catalysis protocol tolerated a wide range of functional groups, including amino, fluoro, and carboxyl moieties.
Oxidation of Benzyl Halides and Related Compounds to Carbonyl Compounds Using Hydrogen Peroxide Catalysed by Tempo in Water
Authors: He Ying , Liu Qifa , Ma Xiaoyun , Lu Ming
Published: February 2013

A green and straightforward method for the oxidation of benzyl halides and some related compounds to the corresponding carbonyl compounds is reported using hydrogen peroxide catalysed by 2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-1-piperidinyloxy (TEMPO) in water. The corresponding carbonyl compounds were obtained with excellent yields in a short time.
A New Diterpenoide from Isodon lophanthoides var. Gerardianus
Authors: Yang Libin , Liu Shaojing , Wang Honglun , Suo Yourui
Published: February 2013

A new diterpenoid, 11,12-dihydroxyabieta-7-oxo-8,11,13-trien-15-ol, along with two known diterpenoids were isolated from the roots of Isodon lophanthoides var. gerardianus. The structures of the three compounds were elucidated by spectroscopic methods and literatures.
Efficient Synthesis of Arylaldehyde Oxime Ethers Functionalised with 3,4-dihydropyrimidinones and 2,5-quinazolinediones via a One-pot Two-step Method
Authors: Quan Zheng-Jun , Tang Xue-Hong , Da Yu-Xia , Zhang Zhang , Wang Xi-Cun
Published: February 2013

New arylahdehyde oxime ethers functionalised with N3-3,4-dihydropyrimidinone and 2,5-quinazolinedione groups were synthesised in moderate to good yields by the reaction of the corresponding 3,4-dihydropyrimidinones and quinazolinediones with paraformaldehyde and arylaldehyde oximes via a one-pot two-step strategy in the presence of chlorotrimethylsilane. The advantages of this method are the simple procedure, the high regioselectivity of the products and the mild reaction conditions.
A Facile Synthesis of Norathyriol
Authors: Qin Qi-xue , Yang Jian , Yang Bo , Liu Man , Xiao Dan , Yang Xuemin
Published: February 2013

In this paper, norathyriol has been synthesised from 2-bromo-4,5-dimethoxybenzoic acid and 1,3,5-trimethoxybenzene by a three-step sequence of transformations involving a Friedel–Crafts acylation with cyclisation and demethylation. The procedure was facile and should be easily scaled-up. The overall yields reached approximately 70%.
Bifunctionalisation of 1,4-naphthoquinone by the Oxidative Addition of an Alkylamine and Iodine
Authors: Huang Huan-Ming , Li Yu-Jin , Dai Yin-Ping , Yu Wu-Bin , Ye Qin , Gao Jian-Rong
Published: February 2013

Novel 2-iodo-3-(alkylamino) naphthalene-1,4-diones are formed in 33–70% yield by the reaction of alkylamine and 1, 4-naphthoquinone in the presence of iodine.
A One-pot Multi-component Synthesis of N-aryl-3-aminodihydropyrrol-2-one-4-carboxylates Catalysed by Oxalic Acid Dihydrate
Authors: Sajadikhah Seyed Sajad , Hazeri Nourallah , Maghsoodlou Malek Taher , Habibi-Khorassani Mostafa Sayyed , Khandan-Barani Khatereh
Published: February 2013

A simple synthesis of N-aryl-3-aminodihydropyrrol-2-one-4-carboxylates via one-pot multi-component reaction of amines, dialkyl acetylenedicarboxylates and formaldehyde in the presence of oxalic acid dihydrate (20 mol%) as catalyst in methanol is described. This homogeneous catalytic procedure offers advantages including mild reaction conditions, good to high yields, short reaction time, simple and readily available starting materials, easy work-up and there is no need for column chromatography.
Rapid Detection of Free Radicals Using Spin Trapping and Maldi-tof Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Podmore Ian , Cunliffe Laurie , Heshmati Mayha
Published: February 2013

In this study we demonstrate that matrix-assisted laser desorption ionisation–time-of-flight mass spectrometry may be used as a simple and fast alternative to current methods for detecting spin-trapped free radicals.
3,3′-Azothiophene
Authors: Glover Martin , Huddleston Patrick R. , Wood Michael L.
Published: February 2013

Methyl 3-nitrothiophene-2-carboxylate was reduced with bismuth(III) chloride/potassium borohydride to give an unstable hydroxylamine which was oxidised without isolation using iron(III) chloride to give methyl 3-nitrosothiophene-2-carboxylate. Condensation of this with methyl 3-aminothiophene-2-carboxylate furnished the azodiester. This was more conveniently obtained by manganese dioxide oxidation of the aminoester. Hydrolysis of the azodiester to give the diacid followed by decarboxylation gave 3,3′-azothiophene which could be oxidised to 3,3′- azoxythiophene with hydrogen peroxide. The azodiester was oxidised to the corresponding azoxydiester with urea-hydrogen peroxide/trifluoroacetic anhydride and reduced to the related hydrazothiophenediester with diimide.
Synthesis of new Derivatives of Pyrimido[5,4-e][1,2,4]triazolo[3,4-b] [1,3,4]Thiadiazine and Their Enzyme Inhibitory Activity Assessment on Soybean 15-lipoxygenase
Authors: Bakavoli Mehdi , Seyedi Seyed Mohammad , Shiri Ali , Saberi Sattar , Gholami Mahmoud , Sadeghian Hamid
Published: February 2013

The synthesis of new derivatives of pyrimido[5,4- e][1,2,4]triazolo[3,4- b][1,3,4]thiadiazine is described. These derivatives have a wide range of medicinal applications. Their inhibitory activity against the enzyme 15-lipoxygenase was also investigated.
Amberlyst A-26: An Efficient and Reusable Heterogeneous Catalyst for a One-pot Oxidation–Cannizarro Reaction
Authors: Shen Ming-Gui , Shang Shi-Bin , Song Zhan-Qian , Wang Dan , Rao Xiao-Ping , Gao Hong , Liu He
Published: February 2013

Amberlyst A-26 catalyses the efficient synthesis of α-hydroxy-arylacetic acids from aryl methyl ketones in the presence of SeO2. After simple separation, the catalyst does not lose its activity and can be reused without significant loss in activity for at least four cycles.
A Convenient Synthesis of 5-substituted 2-amino-1,3,4-oxadiazoles from Corresponding Acylthiosemicarbazides Using iodine and Oxone®
Authors: Shinde Vikas N. , Ugarkar Bheemarao G. , Ghorpade Sandeep R.
Published: February 2013

A convenient methodology has been developed for the synthesis of substituted 2-amino-1,3,4-oxadiazoles from corresponding acylthiosemicarbazides using catalytic amount of iodine/KI in the presence of Oxone® as a bulk oxidant. This offers the advantage of short reaction times and substrate variability which is suitable for the rapid production of analogues required for lead optimisation programmes. The method could also be useful for large-scale synthesis because of the mild reaction conditions and the use commercially inexpensive and safe reagents.
Catalytic Transfer Reductive Cleavage of azo Compounds to Amines Using Chitosan-supported Formate and Zinc
Authors: Han Y.Q. , Yu X.H. , Xu L. , Song H. , Yan G.F. , Ma X.J. , Zhen Y.Z.
Published: February 2013

A convenient method for the cleavage of azo derivatives to the corresponding amines using chitosan-supported formate as hydrogen donors in conjunction with zinc is described.
Red-emitting Materials Derived from 2,3-dicyanopyrazine for Organic Light Emitting Devices
Authors: Jang Chun Keun , Song Cheol Jun , Park Ji Hyun , Yao Wang , Jaung Jae Yun
Published: February 2013

Styryl-substituted derivatives of 2,3-dicyanopyrazine were designed and synthesised by the Knoevenagel condensation of 2,3-dicyano-5-methylpyrazines with 4-(diphenylamino)benzaldehyde for use as red-emitting fluorescent dyes in organic light-emitting devices. Structural analysis of the red-emitting styryl fluorescent dyes was carried out using 1H NMR, FT-IR, and elemental analysis. The electroluminescent performance of multi-layered organic light-emitting devices fabricated with the triphenylamine-substituted dicyanopyrazine compound as the emitting layer achieved a current efficiency of 1.57 cd A-1 in the green region with CIE coordinates of (0.37, 0.51). However, the green emission (525 nm) observed from the tris-(8-hydroxyquinolinato)aluminum(III) (Alq3) electron-transport layer indicated the action of a recombination phenomenon between the emitting layer and the Alq3 electron-transport layer. The device fabricated with the tert-butylphenyl-substituted compound achieved a current efficiency of 0.238 cd A-1 in the red region with CIE coordinates of (0.54, 0.42) and showed no recombination phenomenon.
Crosstalk between Oxidative Stress and SIRT1: Impact on the Aging Process
Authors: Salminen Antero , Kaarniranta Kai , Kauppinen Anu
Published: February 2013

Increased oxidative stress has been associated with the aging process. However, recent studies have revealed that a low-level oxidative stress can even extend the lifespan of organisms. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are important signaling molecules, e.g., being required for autophagic degradation. SIRT1, a class III protein deacetylase, is a crucial cellular survival protein, which is also involved in combatting oxidative stress. For instance, SIRT1 can stimulate the expression of antioxidants via the FoxO pathways. Moreover, in contrast to ROS, SIRT1 inhibits NF-κB signaling which is a major inducer of inflammatory responses, e.g., with inflammasome pathway. Recent studies have demonstrated that an increased level of ROS can both directly and indirectly control the activity of SIRT1 enzyme. For instance, ROS can inhibit SIRT1 activity by evoking oxidative modifications on its cysteine residues. Decreased activity of SIRT1 enhances the NF-κB signaling, which supports inflammatory responses. This crosstalk between the SIRT1 and ROS signaling provokes in a context-dependent manner a decline in autophagy and a low-grade inflammatory phenotype, both being common hallmarks of ageing. We will review the major mechanisms controlling the signaling balance between the ROS production and SIRT1 activity emphasizing that this crosstalk has a crucial role in the regulation of the aging process.
New Spiral γ-Lactone Enantiomers from the Plant Endophytic Fungus Pestalotiopsis foedan
Authors: Yang Xiao-Long , Li Zhuang-Zhuang
Published: February 2013

(−)-(4S, 8S)-Foedanolide (1a) and (+)-(4R, 8R)-foedanolide (1b), a pair of new spiro-γ-lactone enantiomers, were isolated from the fermentation broth of the plant endophytic fungus Pestalotiopsis foedan by HPLC using a chiral column, achieving over 7% ee. Their structures and absolute configurations were determined on the basis of extensive analysis of NMR spectra combined with computational methods via calculation of the electronic circular dichroism (ECD) and optical rotation (OR). Compounds 1a and 1b showed moderate activities against HeLa, A-549, U-251, HepG2 and MCF-7 tumor cell lines.
Ansprechen auf eine Docetaxel-therapie im LNCaP-Prostata-karzinom-Xenograft-Mausmodell
Authors: Souvatzoglou M. , Schuster T. , Nawroth R. , Weirich G. , Treiber U. , Wester H.-J. , Ziegler S. , Schwaiger M. , Senekowitsch-Schmidtke R. , Schwarzenböck S. , Sachs D. , Krause B. J.
Published: February 2013

The aim of this study was to determine whether [11C]choline can be used for docetaxel therapy response assessment in a LNCaPprostate cancer xenograft mouse model using [11C]choline small-animal PET/CT. Animals, methods: The androgen-dependent human prostate cancer cell line LNCaP was implanted subcutaneously into the left flanks of 17 SCID-mice, 12.5 mg testosterone platelets were implanted in the neck wrinkle. All mice were injected 4–6 weeks after xenograft implantation with 37 MBq [11C]choline via the tail vein. Dynamic imaging was performed for 60 minutes with a small-animal PET/CT scanner. After the first [11C]choline PET/CT imaging 8 mice were subsequently injected intravenously with docetaxel twice (days 1 and 5) at a dose of 3 mg/kg body weight. 8 mice were treated with PBS as a control. [11C]choline PET/CT imaging was performed on day 7, 14 and 21 after treatment. Image analysis was performed using tumor/ muscle (T/M) ratios (ROIT/ROIM = T/M ratio). Results: All LNCaP tumours could be visualized by [11C]choline PET/CT. Before treatment the mean T/M ratio was 2.0 ± 0.2 in the docetaxel-treated group and 1.9 ± 0.2 in the control group (p = 0.837). There was a reduction in the mean [11C]choline uptake after docetaxel treatment of the tumours of the LNCaP cell line as early as 1 week after initiation of therapy (T/Mmean ratio 1.5 ± 0.2 after one week, 1.3 ± 0.2 after 2 weeks and 1.4 ± 0.2 after 3 weeks). There was no decrease in [11C]choline uptake in the control group. Conclusion: Our results show that [11C]choline has the potential for use in the early monitoring of the therapeutic effect of docetaxel in a LNCaP prostate cancer xenograft animal model.
Teaching for Understanding in Engineering Education
Authors: Kipper Hants , Rüütmann Tiia
Published: February 2013

The article introduces effective teaching strategies and models suitable for teaching engineering, implemented at Estonian Centre for Engineering Pedagogy. Introduced models are designed to capitalize deep understanding and critical thinking in teaching engineering. Accordingly students will be able to explain, find evidence and examples, generalise, apply, analogise and represent a topic in a new way. At least four different kinds of knowledge are essential for expert teaching: knowledge of content; pedagogical content knowledge; general pedagogical knowledge; and knowledge of learners and learning. The goal of the article is to help engineering teachers acquire knowledge in each of these areas.
Propeller-Pendulum for Nonlinear UAVs Control
Authors: Huba Tomáš , Malatinec Tomáš , Huba Mikuláš
Published: February 2013

This paper presents basic information about new experiment and about the wrapped-around learning objects for nonlinear control and other relevant topics from the mechatronics area. Its primary aim is to motivate students within the framework of the â??learning by playingâ?, â??learning by discoveringâ?, or through â??experiential learningâ? approaches to drag them to study this highly sophisticated stuff. The experiment may deal with simple but challenging positional or velocity control tasks requiring knowledge of basic physical principals of mechanics and of the associated mathematical apparatus of nonlinear differential equations. Furthermore, it is also used to master related measurement and communication problems, to carry out embedded control design and programming of embedded devices. Finally, it is also useful and illustrative in comparing traditional control methods that may be confronted towards the latest development in several areas of modern control theory.
Humoral immune activation in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis patients
Authors: Rentzos Michael , Evangelopoulos Maria Elepthera , Sereti Eleni , Zouvelou Vassiliki , Marmara Styliani , Alexakis Theodoros , Evdokimidis Ioannis
Published: February 2013

There is evidence that immunological factors may involved in the pathogenetic mecha- nisms of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Few studies to date have explored the status of the humoral immune response in patients with ALS. We examined the presence of humoral immune activation in ALS patients, serum immunoglobulins (IgG, IgA and IgM) levels were measured in 36 patients with ALS and 35 normal controls. Serum IgG, IgM and IgA levels were not significantly different in our ALS patients compared with the control group (P=ns). No correlations of serum IgG, IgM and IgA concentrations with duration, severity of the disease or the clinical form of onset (bulbar or spinal) were found in our ALS patients. Our results do not suggest a humoral immune activation in ALS patients. This does not exclude that immunological mechanisms may be involved in ALS pathogenesis.
Multicenter Phase II Study of a New Effective S-1 and Irinotecan Combination Schedule in Patients with Unresectable Metastatic or Recurrent Colorectal Cancer
Authors:   Kurume Surgical and Clinical Oncology Group, Ogata Yutaka , Tanaka Takaho , Akagi Yoshito , Ishibashi Nobuya , Tsuji Yoshiaki , Matono Keiko , Isobe Makoto , Sueyoshi Susumu , Kaibara Atsushi , Shirouzu Kazuo
Published: February 2013

Introduction

This multicenter phase II study determined the efficacy and safety of new daily oral S-1 and weekly irinotecan (CPT-11) combination schedule in patients with previously untreated advanced or recurrent colorectal cancer.

Patients and Methods

Patients received first-line chemotherapy comprising S-1 80 mg/m2/day given on days 3 to 7, 10 to 14, and 17 to 21 and 60 mg/m2 CPT-11 administered intravenously on days 1, 8, and 15 of a 28-day cycle.

Results

A total of 45 eligible patients were enrolled in this study. The overall response rate was 48.9%. Median progression-free survival and median overall survival was 8.1 months and 20.9 months, respectively. The rates of grade 3 or 4 toxicity were as follows: neutropenia, 8.9%; anemia, 4.4%; anorexia, 6.7%; and diarrhea, 6.7%.

Conclusions

This new S-1 and irinotecan combination schedule appeared to be an effective, well-tolerated, and convenient regimen in patients with advanced colorectal cancer as compared with conventional regimens such as FOLFIRI and IRIS.
Preimplantation Genetic Testing in the 21st Century: Uncharted Territory
Authors: Brezina Paul R.
Published: February 2013

The past hundred years have given birth to arguably the most profound changes in society, medicine, and technology the world has ever witnessed. Genetics is one such field that has enjoyed a meteoric rise during this time. Progressing from Mendelian genetics to the discovery of DNA to the ability to sequence the human genome, perhaps no other discipline holds more promise to affect future change than genetics. Technology currently exists to evaluate some of the genetic information held by developing embryos in the context of an in vitro fertilization (IVF) cycle. This information is then used to determine which embryos are selected for uterine transfer. Many societies have enacted legislation to protect against possible abuses utilizing this technology. However, it is incumbent upon society to continue ensuring that preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD)–-and genetic testing in general–-is applied in a way that utilizes its potential in a responsible manner to improve health care.
Epigenetic Effect of Chronic Stress on Dopamine Signaling and Depression
Authors: Moriam Sofia , Sobhani Mahbub E.
Published: February 2013

Because of the complex causal factors leading to depression, epigenetics is of considerable interest for the understanding effect of stress in depression. Dopamine is a key neurotransmitter important in many physiological functions, including motor control, mood, and the reward pathway. These factors lead many drugs to target Dopamine receptors in treating depressive disorders. In this review, we try to portray how chronic stress as an epigenetic factor changes the gene regulation pattern by interrupting Dopamine signaling mechanism.
Nearly Countable Dense Homogeneous Spaces
Authors: Hrušák Michael , van Mill Jan
Published: February 2013

We study separable metric spaces with few types of countable dense sets. We present a structure theorem for locally compact spaces having precisely n types of countable dense sets: such a space contains a subset S of size at most n−1 such that S is invariant under all homeomorphisms of X and X ∖ S is countable dense homogeneous. We prove that every Borel space having fewer than c types of countable dense sets is Polish. The natural question of whether every Polish space has either countably many or c many types of countable dense sets is shown to be closely related to Topological Vaught's Conjecture.
Ciguatera Incidence in the US Virgin Islands Has Not Increased over a 30-Year Time Period Despite Rising Seawater Temperatures
Authors: Radke Elizabeth G. , Grattan Lynn M. , Cook Robert L. , Smith Tyler B. , Anderson Donald M. , Morris J. Glenn
Published: February 2013

Ciguatera fish poisoning is the most common marine food poisoning worldwide. It has been hypothesized that increasing seawater temperature will result in increasing ciguatera incidence. In St. Thomas, US Virgin Islands, we performed an island-wide telephone survey (N = 807) and a medical record review of diagnosed ciguatera cases at the emergency department of the sole hospital and compared these data with comparable data sources collected in 1980. Annual incidence from both recent data sources remained high (12 per 1,000 among adults in the telephone survey). However, the combined data sources suggest that incidence has declined by 20% or more or remained stable over 30 years, whereas seawater temperatures were increasing. Illness was associated with lower education levels, higher levels of fish consumption, and having previous episodes of ciguatera; population shifts from 1980 to 2010 in these factors could explain an incidence decline of approximately 3 per 1,000, obscuring effects from rising seawater temperature.
Dieting and Encouragement to Diet by Significant Others: Associations with Disordered Eating in Young Adults
Authors: Eisenberg Marla E. , Berge Jerica M. , Neumark-Sztainer Dianne
Published: February 2013

Purpose.

Examine the role of perceived significant other's modeling or encouragement of dieting in young adults' disordered eating behaviors.

Design.

Online survey data were collected (2008–2009) as part of an ongoing study examining weight and related issues in young people.

Setting.

Participants were originally recruited as students at middle and high schools in Minnesota (1998–1999).

Subjects.

One thousand two hundred ninety-four young adults (mean age 25.3, 55% female, 50% white) with significant others.

Measures.

Participants were asked if their significant other diets or encourages them to diet. Behaviors included unhealthy weight control, extreme weight control, and binge eating.

Analysis.

General linear models estimated the predicted probability of using each behavior across levels of significant other's dieting or encouraging dieting, stratifying by gender, and adjusting for demographics and body mass index.

Results.

Perceived dieting and encouragement to diet by significant others were common. Disordered eating behaviors were positively associated with significant other's dieting and encouragement to diet, particularly for females. In models including both perceived dieting and encouragement, encouragement remained significantly associated with disordered eating. For example, women's binge eating was almost doubled if their significant other encouraged dieting “very much” (25.5%) compared to “not at all” (13.6%, p = .015).

Conclusion.

There is a strong association between disordered eating behaviors and perceived modeling and encouragement to diet by significant others in young adulthood.
Selection of Alloys For Refinery Processing Equipment
Authors: FREEDMAN A. J. , TISINAI G. F. , TROSCINSKI E. S.
Published: February 2013

Discusses variables in a refinery which affect selection of alloy materials to be used in construction of units. Gives examples of failures caused by lack of evaluation of alloys in new processes before fabrication of units. Presents reasons a laboratory and pilot plant corrosion testing program should be established and information on effects of temperature, concentration ^ and time that should be obtained from this program. Also discusses metallurgical considerations which should be made in selection of alloys: weld metal structure, grain boundary precipitation effects in stainless steels and in other alloys, problems in clad vessels, stress corrosion cracking in alloys and effects of hydrogen on alloys. Emphasizes the need to maintain effective records of tests, chemical composition and heat treatment history of each specimen. Briefly discusses need to continue alloy evaluation by corrosion monitoring in process equipment. 6.5
Acidproof Floor Construction With Membrane and Brick
Authors:   A Report of NACE Technical Unit Committee T-6K on Corrosion Resistant Construction With Masonry and Allied Materials,   A Report of NACE Technical Unit Committee T-6K on Corrosion Resistant Construction With Masonry and Allied Materials
Published: February 2013

Deals with acidproof floor construction involving a chemical resistant masonry type facing joined with a chemically resistant cement mortar applied over an impervious membrane on a suitable subfloor. Discusses factors determining the type floor construction required. Presents the steps in applying the brick construction including cleaning, priming, membrane coating and brick placement. 8.1.2
Testing of Coal Tar Coatings (4) – Surface Preparation And Atmospheric Exposure
Authors: FAIR W. F.
Published: February 2013

Discusses necessity of specifying non-bituminous inhibitory pigmented primers for all applications of coal tar protective coating-systems. Describes tests in which selected primers and coal tar coatings were applied to coke plant areas subject to high atmospheric corrosivity. All systems applied to wire-brushed surfaces, primed or unprimed, failed within one year. The same systems on sandblasted surfaces, with and without primers, are still in satisfactory condition after five years' exposure in the same environment.

Coated panels have been exposed for about four years at Ingleside, Texas, Kure Beach, N. C., and Kearny, N. J. Contrary to expectation, some coatings are weathering faster at Ingleside than at Kearny. Some non-bituminous systems which have already failed in Texas are still in satisfactory condition in New Jersey. Results to date confirm the advisability of specifying coal tar pitch emulsion as the best top coat for coal tar protective coating systems subject to atmospheric exposure. 5.4.5
Use of Alloy Additions to Prevent intergranular Stress Corrosion Cracking In Aluminum Bronze
Authors: KLEMENT J. F. , MAERSCH R. E. , TULLY P. A.
Published: February 2013

The general principles of equilibrium grain boundary segregation are applied to form a theory on the possible elimination of intergranular stress corrosion cracking in alpha aluminum bronze in steam. Various possible alloy additions are discussed in relation to their atom size, solubility, and tendency to react with steam. A theoretical selection of beneficial additions is made. Actual test results on several alloys containing a variety of additions are presented, illustrating good agreement of theory and results. The effects of the additions on transgranular ammonia cracking susceptibility are also discussed. A brief history of the application of laboratory results to field testing and actual application to the product is given. 3.7.2
History and Development of Some Problems Associated with CONTRACT CHEMICAL CLEANING
Authors: Loucks Charles M.
Published: February 2013

Author believes little more attention is being paid to corrosion control in chemical cleaning operations than was common in 1957 when the first NACE committee on the subject was organized. History of chemical cleaning is reviewed, with references to the literature dealing with the use of petroleum products, potatoes and other materials. First use of acids is described and some engineers’ comments on use of acids are reported.

Following the introduction of inhibited acids for cleaning, the growth of contract cleaning is described. Some laboratory and field experience with cleaning by inhibited acid is described, and some of the corrosion and safety hazards examined.

In considering the contract cleaning of plants with acids, the author cites the difficulties faced in attempting to establish specifications for the work in advance of contract letting. He deplores the practice of letting acid cleaning on the lowest bid without a full understanding between the parties of what is to be done.

Writer suggests that the nature of the acid cleaning process is such, the potential hazards to persons and equipment so serious that industry would be advised to seek professional type services rather than let work on low bids. Some mention is made of cleaning agents other than hydrochloric acids and why contractors so far have shown little interest in them. 49 references. 5.9.2
Estimating the Cost of Corrosion In Refinery Crude Units
Authors: LANDIS N. J.
Published: February 2013

The cost of corrosion was estimated for refinery crude oil distillation units in a detailed study. This program was conceived as the first step in determining the cost of refinery corrosion on a unit throughput basis. A knowledge of the overall cost of corrosion is regarded by management as a valuable aid in assigning manpower and facilities most effectively to corrosion work. Capital, maintenance and operating costs were all considered. A significant “result of this cost study was that the actual cost of corrosion was far less than prior estimates by the industry would have predicted. Of equal importance are the methods evolved in gathering and analyzing the various types of cost data. In their general form these methods should be applicable in corrosion cost studies for all types of process units. 1.2.2
Selective Corrosion of Inconel
Authors: BAKISH R. , KERN F.
Published: February 2013

Details of a case of selective corrosion of Inconel and a tentative mechanism by which it proceeds are presented in this paper. Sheet, rod and tube samples were tested in the as-received condition by complete immersion in a fused salt bath. Tests were carried out at 800 C for tests times up to 50 days. It was found that a layer of porous sponge-like material formed on the surface. Chromium and iron were preferentially leached out of these layers. 6.3.10
A Proposed Standardized Static Laboratory Screening Test for Materials to Be Used as Inhibitors In Sour Oil and Gas Wells
Authors:   A Report of NACE Technical Unit Committee T-1K,   On Inhibitors for Oil and Gas Wells, Prepared by Task Group T-1K-1 on Sour Crude Inhibitor Evaluation
Published: February 2013

A description is given of a static laboratory test designed to provide a simple, easily reproducible method for screening materials to be evaluated subsequently as possible inhibitors in sour oil and gas wells. Mild cold rolled steel specimens were immersed for seven days in deaerated brine containing 400-600 ppm hydrogen sulfide plus kerosene. Materials suppressing 90 percent or more of the weight loss found in the control were deemed to be suitable for further study.

2.3.4
Corrosion Behavior of High Purity Vanadium
Authors: SCHLAIN DAVID , KENAHAN CHARLES B. , ACHERMAN WALTER L.
Published: February 2013

Chemical and galvanic corrosion experiments at 35 C show that ductile vanadium is resistant to corrosion in substitute ocean water. It is also resistant in 60 percent sulfuric and 20 percent hydrochloric acids but corrodes rapidly in nitric acid solutions. Vanadium is less noble than stainless steel and copper and more noble than aluminum, magnesium and steel (SAE 4130) in substitute ocean water. 6.3.18
High-Temperature, High-Pressure Oxidation Of Alloys Caused by Carbon Dioxide
Authors: BOKROS J. C. , WALLACE W. P.
Published: February 2013

Presents data on corrosion of heat resistant alloys by high pressure carbon dioxide. Describes oxidation behavior of 26 alloys in 1000 to 2000 psi carbon dioxide in temperature range of 1100 to 1740 F. Oxidation rates of heat resistant alloys in 2000-psi carbon dioxide at 1300 and 1500 F were very low. In all cases, scales were protective. Oxidation followed a parabolic or slower rate law. At 1740 F, most alloys tested exhibited excessive scaling in 1000-psi carbon dioxide. 3.4.6
Qualification of Inconel For Nuclear Power Plant Applications
Authors: COPSON H. R. , BERRY W. E.
Published: February 2013

In order to qualify Inconel for service art the steam generation system of pressurized water nuclear power plants, the behavior of this material was investigated with respect to resistance to corrosion, radioactivity of corrosion products, and fabrication. The present paper presents the corrosion data. Corrosion tests were conducted in simulated primary and secondary reactor waters on Inconel specimens in several conditions of heat treatment and composition. Stressed specimens, weldments, galvanic couples, and crevice specimens were included. Under all conditions a tightly adherent film formed on the specimens and the corrosion rates were comparable to those of austenitic stainless steels. The Inconel alloy does not suffer intergranular attack or stress corrosion cracking in reactor waters. 6.3.10
Sources of Underground Corrosion Potential Differences
Authors: COMPTON K. G.
Published: February 2013

Explains potential of metals in their environments and its role in galvanic corrosion. Sources of potentials discussed include polarization, stray current, dissimilar metals, differences in electrolyte and differences in structure surface. Also discusses behavior of potentials dining corrosion. Tabular data and figures given. 3.6.1