bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Resin-Immobilized Palladium Nanoparticle Catalysts for Organic Reactions in Aqueous Media: Morphological Aspects
Authors: Mastrorilli Piero , Dell’Anna Maria , Rizzuti Antonino , Mali Matilda , Zapparoli Mauro , Leonelli Cristina
Published: October 2015

An insight into the nano- and micro-structural morphology of a polymer supported Pd catalyst employed in different catalytic reactions under green conditions is reported. The pre-catalyst was obtained by copolymerization of the metal-containing monomer Pd(AAEMA)2 [AAEMA− = deprotonated form of 2-(acetoacetoxy) ethyl methacrylate] with ethyl methacrylate as co-monomer, and ethylene glycol dimethacrylate as cross-linker. This material was used in water for the Suzuki-Miyaura cross-coupling of aryl bromides, and for the reduction of nitroarenes and quinolines using NaBH4 or H2, as reductants. TEM analyses showed that in all cases the pristine Pd(II) species were reduced in situ to Pd(0), which formed metal nanoparticles (NPs, the real active species). The dependence of their average size (2–10 nm) and morphology on different parameters (temperature, reducing agent, presence of a phase transfer agent) is discussed. TEM and micro-IR analyses showed that the polymeric support retained its porosity and stability for several catalytic cycles in all reactions and Pd NPs did not aggregate after reuse. The metal nanoparticle distribution throughout the polymer matrix after several recycles provided precious information about the catalytic mechanism, which was truly heterogeneous in the hydrogenation reactions and of the so-called “release and catch” type in the Suzuki coupling.
Metal Oxide Nanomaterial QNAR Models: Available Structural Descriptors and Understanding of Toxicity Mechanisms
Authors: Ying Jiali , Zhang Ting , Tang Meng
Published: October 2015

Metal oxide nanomaterials are widely used in various areas; however, the divergent published toxicology data makes it difficult to determine whether there is a risk associated with exposure to metal oxide nanomaterials. The application of quantitative structure activity relationship (QSAR) modeling in metal oxide nanomaterials toxicity studies can reduce the need for time-consuming and resource-intensive nanotoxicity tests. The nanostructure and inorganic composition of metal oxide nanomaterials makes this approach different from classical QSAR study; this review lists and classifies some structural descriptors, such as size, cation charge, and band gap energy, in recent metal oxide nanomaterials quantitative nanostructure activity relationship (QNAR) studies and discusses the mechanism of metal oxide nanomaterials toxicity based on these descriptors and traditional nanotoxicity tests.
Mesoporous Transition Metal Oxides for Supercapacitors
Authors: Wang Yan , Guo Jin , Wang Tingfeng , Shao Junfeng , Wang Dong , Yang Ying-Wei
Published: October 2015

Recently, transition metal oxides, such as ruthenium oxide (RuO2), manganese dioxide (MnO2), nickel oxides (NiO) and cobalt oxide (Co3O4), have been widely investigated as electrode materials for pseudo-capacitors. In particular, these metal oxides with mesoporous structures have become very hot nanomaterials in the field of supercapacitors owing to their large specific surface areas and suitable pore size distributions. The high specific capacities of these mesoporous metal oxides are resulted from the effective contacts between electrode materials and electrolytes as well as fast transportation of ions and electrons in the bulk of electrode and at the interface of electrode and electrolyte. During the past decade, many achievements on mesoporous transition metal oxides have been made. In this mini-review, we select several typical nanomaterials, such as RuO2, MnO2, NiO, Co3O4 and nickel cobaltite (NiCo2O4), and briefly summarize the recent research progress of these mesoporous transition metal oxides-based electrodes in the field of supercapacitors.
In Vitro Bioaccessibility, Human Gut Microbiota Metabolites and Hepatoprotective Potential of Chebulic Ellagitannins: A Case of Padma Hepaten® Formulation
Authors: Olennikov Daniil , Kashchenko Nina ,  Chirikova Nadezhda
Published: October 2015

Chebulic ellagitannins (ChET) are plant-derived polyphenols containing chebulic acid subunits, possessing a wide spectrum of biological activities that might contribute to health benefits in humans. The herbal formulation Padma Hepaten containing ChETs as the main phenolics, is used as a hepatoprotective remedy. In the present study, an in vitro dynamic model simulating gastrointestinal digestion, including dialysability, was applied to estimate the bioaccessibility of the main phenolics of Padma Hepaten. Results indicated that phenolic release was mainly achieved during the gastric phase (recovery 59.38%–97.04%), with a slight further release during intestinal digestion. Dialysis experiments showed that dialysable phenolics were 64.11% and 22.93%–26.05% of their native concentrations, respectively, for gallic acid/simple gallate esters and ellagitanins/ellagic acid, in contrast to 20.67% and 28.37%–55.35% for the same groups in the non-dialyzed part of the intestinal media. Investigation of human gut microbiota metabolites of Padma Hepaten and pure ChETs (chebulinic, chebulagic acids) established the formation of bioactive urolithins (A, B, C, D, M5). The fact of urolithin formation during microbial transformation from ChETs and ChET-containing plant material was revealed for the first time. Evaluation of the protective effect of ChETs colonic metabolites and urolithins on tert-butyl hydroperoxide (t-BHP)-induced oxidative injury in cultured rat primary hepatocytes demonstrated their significant reversion of the t-BHP-induced cell cytotoxicity, malonic dialdehyde production and lactate dehydrogenase leakage. The most potent compound was urolithin C with close values of hepatoprotection to gallic acid. The data obtained indicate that in the case of Padma Hepaten, we speculate that urolithins have the potential to play a role in the hepatic prevention against oxidative damage.
Views of English Pharmacists on Providing Public Health Services
Authors: Dewsbury Catherine , Rodgers Ruth , Krska Janet
Published: October 2015

Locally-commissioned pharmacy public health services have developed in England over the last 20 years. Few studies have sought pharmacist views on commissioning and provision of public health services in general. This study sought views of community pharmacists (n = 778) in 16 areas of England on services provided, decisions about services, support, promotion and future developments, using a postal questionnaire with two reminders. Response rate was 26.5% (206). Funded public health services provided most frequently were: emergency contraception (71%), smoking cessation (62%), and supervised drug consumption (58%). Blood pressure monitoring was provided by 61% and was considered to be one of the services pharmacists perceived as being most valued by customers, but was not National Health Services (NHS)-funded. Motivation for providing public health services was professional not financial, particularly from those working in independent pharmacies. Only 35% were personally involved in deciding which services to deliver, and fewer than 20% based decisions on local public health reports. Pharmacists had positive attitudes towards providing public health services, but mixed views on support for services and their promotion. Most thought services would increase in future, but were concerned about commissioning. Both national and local support is needed to ensure future commissioning of pharmacy public health services.
Effect of Chemical Treatment of Flax Fiber and Resin Manipulation on Service Life of Their Composites Using Time-Temperature Superposition
Authors: Amiri Ali , Ulven Chad , Huo Shanshan
Published: October 2015

In recent years there has been a resurgence of interest in the usage of natural fiber reinforced composites in more advanced structural applications. As a result, the need for improving their mechanical properties, as well as service life modeling and predictions have arisen. In this study effect of alkaline treatment of flax fiber as well as addition of 1% acrylic resin to vinyl ester on mechanical properties and long-term creep behavior of flax/vinyl ester composites was investigated. To perform the alkaline treatment, fibers were immersed into 1500 mL of 10 g/L sodium hydroxide/ethanol solution at 78 °C for 2 h. Findings revealed that alkaline treatment was successful in increasing interlaminar shear, tensile and flexural strength of the composite but decreased the tensile and flexural modulus by 10%. Addition of acrylic resin to the vinyl ester resin improved all mechanical properties except the flexural modulus which was decreased by 5%. In order to evaluate the long-term behavior, creep compliance master curves were generated using the time-temperature superposition principle. Results suggests that fiber and matrix treatments delay the creep response and slows the process of creep in flax/vinyl ester composites in the steady state region, respectively.
Correction: Ryan, J., et al. Application of the Hyperspectral Imager for the Coastal Ocean to Phytoplankton Ecology Studies in Monterey Bay, CA, USA. Remote Sens. 2014, 6, 1007–1025
Authors: Montes Marcos , Ryan John , Davis Curtiss , Tufillaro Nicholas , Kudela Raphael
Published: October 2015

Studies of phytoplankton ecology in Monterey Bay, CA, USA, using the Hyperspectral Imager for the Coastal Ocean (HICO) and other satellite remote sensing and in-situ observations, were presented in [1]. [...]
Data-Driven Approach to Benthic Cover Type Classification Using Bathymetric LiDAR Waveform Analysis
Authors: Kumpumäki Teemu , Ruusuvuori Pekka , Kangasniemi Ville , Lipping Tarmo
Published: October 2015

A data-driven method for describing the benthic cover type based on full-waveform bathymetric LiDAR data analysis is presented. The waveform of the bathymetric LiDAR return pulse is first modeled as a sum of three functions: a Gaussian pulse representing the surface return, a function modeling the backscatter and another Gaussian pulse modeling the return from the bottom surface. Two sets of variables are formed: one containing features describing the bottom return and the other describing various conditions, such as water quality and the depth of the seabed. Regression analysis is used to eliminate the effect of the condition variables on the features, after which the features are mapped onto a cell lattice using a self-organizing map (SOM). The cells of the SOM are grouped into seven clusters using the neighborhood distance matrix method. The clustering result is evaluated using the seabed substrate map based on sonar measurements, as well as delineation of photic zones in the study area. High correspondence between the clusters and the substrate type/photic zone has been obtained indicating that the proposed clustering method adequately describes the benthic cover in the study area. The bottom return pulse waveforms corresponding to the clusters and a cluster map of the study area are also presented. The method can be used for clustering full waveform bathymetric LiDAR data acquired from large areas to discover the structure of benthic cover types and to focus the field studies accordingly.
A Spectrometric Method for Hydrogen Peroxide Concentration Measurement with a Reusable and Cost-Efficient Sensor
Authors: Hsu Cheng-Chih , Lo Yuan-Rong , Lin Yu-Chian , Shi Yi-Cen , Li Pang-Lung
Published: October 2015

In this study we developed a low cost sensor for measuring the concentration of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) in liquids utilizing a spectrometric method. The sensor was tested using various concentrations of a peroxidase enzyme immobilized on a glass substrate. H2O2 can be catalyzed by peroxidase and converted into water and oxygen. The reagent 4-amino-phenazone takes up oxygen together with phenol to form a colored product that has absorption peaks at 510 nm and 450 nm. The transmission intensity is strongly related to the hydrogen peroxide concentration, so can be used for quantitative analysis. The measurement range for hydrogen peroxide is from 5 × 10−5% to 1 × 10−3% (0.5 ppm to 10 ppm) and the results show high linearity. This device can achieve a sensitivity and resolution of 41,400 (photon count/%) and 3.49 × 10−5% (0.35 ppm), respectively. The response time of the sensor is less than 3 min and the sensor can be reused for 10 applications with similar performance.
Integration of a Miniature Quartz Crystal Microbalance with a Microfluidic Chip for Amyloid Beta-Aβ42 Quantitation
Authors: Tao Wenyan , Xie Qingji , Wang Hairui , Ke Shanming , Lin Peng , Zeng Xierong
Published: October 2015

A miniature quartz crystal microbalance (mQCM) was integrated with a polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) microfluidic device for on-chip determination of amyloid polypeptide–Aβ42. The integration techniques included photolithography and plasma coupling. Aβ42 antibody was immobilized on the mQCM surface using a cross-linker method, and the resonance frequency of mQCM shifted negatively due to antibody-antigen binding. A linear range from 0.1 µM to 3.2 µM was achieved. By using matrix elimination buffer, i.e., matrix phosphate buffer containing 500 µg/mL dextran and 0.5% Tween 20, Aβ42 could be successfully detected in the presence of 75% human serum. Additionally, high temperature treatments at 150 °C provided a valid method to recover mQCM, and PDMS-mQCM microfluidic device could be reused to some extent. Since the detectable Aβ42 concentration could be as low as 0.1 µM, which is close to cut-off value for Alzheimer patients, the PDMS-mQCM device could be applied in early Alzheimer’s disease diagnosis.
Optimization of High-Q Coupled Nanobeam Cavity for Label-Free Sensing
Authors: Yaseen Mohammad , Yang Yi-Chun , Shih Min-Hsiung , Chang Yia-Chung
Published: October 2015

We numerically and experimentally investigated the lateral coupling between photonic crystal (PhC) nanobeam (NB) cavities, pursuing high sensitivity and figure of merit (FOM) label-free biosensor. We numerically carried out 3D finite-difference time-domain (3D-FDTD) and the finite element method (FEM) simulations. We showed that when two PhC NB cavities separated by a small gap are evanescently coupled, the variation in the gap width significantly changes the coupling efficiency between the two coupled NB cavities and the resulting resonant frequencies split. Experimentally, we fabricated laterally-coupled PhC NB cavities using (InGaAsP) layer on the InP substrate. For sensing, we showed that the laterally coupled PhC NB cavities sensor exhibits higher sensitivity than the single PhC NB cavity. The higher sensitivity of laterally coupled PhC NB cavities is due to the strong evanescent coupling between nearby PhC NB cavities, which depends on the gap width and it is attributed to the large confinement of the electromagnetic field in the gap (air or liquid). As a result of the lateral coupling, both even (symmetric) and odd (asymmetric) modes exist. We show that even modes are more sensitive than odd modes. In addition, higher-order modes exhibit higher sensitivity. Hence, we characterized and examined the fabricated PhC NB cavity as a label-free biosensor, and it exhibits high figure of merit due to its high Q-factor. This illustrates a potentially useful method for optical sensing at nanoscale.
Multi-Sensor Calibration of Low-Cost Magnetic, Angular Rate and Gravity Systems
Authors: Lüken Markus , Misgeld Berno , Rüschen Daniel , Leonhardt Steffen
Published: October 2015

We present a new calibration procedure for low-cost nine degrees-of-freedom (9DOF) magnetic, angular rate and gravity (MARG) sensor systems, which relies on a calibration cube, a reference table and a body sensor network (BSN). The 9DOF MARG sensor is part of our recently-developed “Integrated Posture and Activity Network by Medit Aachen” (IPANEMA) BSN. The advantage of this new approach is the use of the calibration cube, which allows for easy integration of two sensor nodes of the IPANEMA BSN. One 9DOF MARG sensor node is thereby used for calibration; the second 9DOF MARG sensor node is used for reference measurements. A novel algorithm uses these measurements to further improve the performance of the calibration procedure by processing arbitrarily-executed motions. In addition, the calibration routine can be used in an alignment procedure to minimize errors in the orientation between the 9DOF MARG sensor system and a motion capture inertial reference system. A two-stage experimental study is conducted to underline the performance of our calibration procedure. In both stages of the proposed calibration procedure, the BSN data, as well as reference tracking data are recorded. In the first stage, the mean values of all sensor outputs are determined as the absolute measurement offset to minimize integration errors in the derived movement model of the corresponding body segment. The second stage deals with the dynamic characteristics of the measurement system where the dynamic deviation of the sensor output compared to a reference system is Sensors 2015, 15 25920 corrected. In practical validation experiments, this procedure showed promising results with a maximum RMS error of 3.89°.
Data Fusion for Driver Behaviour Analysis
Authors: Carmona Juan , García Fernando , Martín David , Escalera Arturo , Armingol José
Published: October 2015

A driver behaviour analysis tool is presented. The proposal offers a novel contribution based on low-cost hardware and advanced software capabilities based on data fusion. The device takes advantage of the information provided by the in-vehicle sensors using Controller Area Network Bus (CAN-BUS), an Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU) and a GPS. By fusing this information, the system can infer the behaviour of the driver, providing aggressive behaviour detection. By means of accurate GPS-based localization, the system is able to add context information, such as digital map information, speed limits, etc. Several parameters and signals are taken into account, both in the temporal and frequency domains, to provide real time behaviour detection. The system was tested in urban, interurban and highways scenarios.
A Novel Robot Visual Homing Method Based on SIFT Features
Authors: Zhu Qidan , Liu Chuanjia , Cai Chengtao
Published: October 2015

Warping is an effective visual homing method for robot local navigation. However, the performance of the warping method can be greatly influenced by the changes of the environment in a real scene, thus resulting in lower accuracy. In order to solve the above problem and to get higher homing precision, a novel robot visual homing algorithm is proposed by combining SIFT (scale-invariant feature transform) features with the warping method. The algorithm is novel in using SIFT features as landmarks instead of the pixels in the horizon region of the panoramic image. In addition, to further improve the matching accuracy of landmarks in the homing algorithm, a novel mismatching elimination algorithm, based on the distribution characteristics of landmarks in the catadioptric panoramic image, is proposed. Experiments on image databases and on a real scene confirm the effectiveness of the proposed method.
Low-Pass Parabolic FFT Filter for Airborne and Satellite Lidar Signal Processing
Authors: Jiao Zhongke , Liu Bo , Liu Enhai , Yue Yongjian
Published: October 2015

In order to reduce random errors of the lidar signal inversion, a low-pass parabolic fast Fourier transform filter (PFFTF) was introduced for noise elimination. A compact airborne Raman lidar system was studied, which applied PFFTF to process lidar signals. Mathematics and simulations of PFFTF along with low pass filters, sliding mean filter (SMF), median filter (MF), empirical mode decomposition (EMD) and wavelet transform (WT) were studied, and the practical engineering value of PFFTF for lidar signal processing has been verified. The method has been tested on real lidar signal from Wyoming Cloud Lidar (WCL). Results show that PFFTF has advantages over the other methods. It keeps the high frequency components well and reduces much of the random noise simultaneously for lidar signal processing.
Study of Interdigitated Electrode Arrays Using Experiments and Finite Element Models for the Evaluation of Sterilization Processes
Authors: Oberländer Jan , Jildeh Zaid , Kirchner Patrick , Wendeler Luisa , Bromm Alexander , Iken Heiko , Wagner Patrick , Keusgen Michael , Schöning Michael
Published: October 2015

In this work, a sensor to evaluate sterilization processes with hydrogen peroxide vapor has been characterized. Experimental, analytical and numerical methods were applied to evaluate and study the sensor behavior. The sensor set-up is based on planar interdigitated electrodes. The interdigitated electrode structure consists of 614 electrode fingers spanning over a total sensing area of 20 mm2. Sensor measurements were conducted with and without microbiological spores as well as after an industrial sterilization protocol. The measurements were verified using an analytical expression based on a first-order elliptical integral. A model based on the finite element method with periodic boundary conditions in two dimensions was developed and utilized to validate the experimental findings.
Understanding Innovation for Sustainable Business Management Capabilities and Competencies under Uncertainty
Authors: Wu Kuo-Jui , Liao Ching-Jong , Tseng Ming-Lang , Chou Pei-Jay
Published: October 2015

In recent years, many firms have come to understand that innovation is an important issue in sustainable business management, as it helps improve firm capabilities and competencies. Because of the fiercely competitive environment in the hotel industry, innovation has become a critical factor in the process of hotel differentiation, leading to sustainable business success. However, the literature has not thoroughly examined the role of innovation or the hierarchical structure of the capabilities and competencies in sustainable business management. This study adopts interval-valued triangular fuzzy numbers and grey relational analysis to provide a competitive priority ranking for the aspects and criteria that assist firms in decision-making. The study results indicate that innovation in technology capabilities and networking and social capabilities—in addition to competencies in systemic thinking—are the most important aspects of sustainable business management. In particular, this study indicates that to succeed in building a sustainable business in the hotel industry, firms should upgrade and integrate their business technologies, collaborate with actors inside and outside the firm, build trust as well as a shared vision that includes common agreement, and develop competencies in inventive thinking to support innovation and foster changes in strategy, structure, administrative procedures, and systems when necessary.
Dynamics of Paddy Field Patterns in Response to Urbanization: A Case Study of the Hang-Jia-Hu Plain
Authors: Song Jie , Cai Dongyan , Deng Jinsong , Wang Ke , Shen Zhangquan
Published: October 2015

Urban land has increasingly expanded and encroached upon a significant number of paddy fields in Hang-Jia-Hu Plain, due to the rapid socio-economic development and agro-pedoclimatic conditions favorable to rice cultivation and human settlement. Although many studies have analyzed the characteristics of urban land expansion, relatively less attention has been paid to exploring the various urban expansion patterns and the impact of different urban expansion patterns on paddy field at a regional scale. This paper characterized the changing patterns of paddy fields in response to various urban expansion patterns in the Hang-Jia-Hu Plain integrating geographic information systems, gradient analyses and landscape metrics. Our results demonstrate that the amount of urban land expanded to nearly four times that of the initial area during 1980–2010 and that 88% of new urban land was developed on paddy fields. Of the total area of paddy fields, paddy fields of level I accounted for 96%. Moreover, various urban expansion styles differentially influenced the patterns of paddy fields. In autonomous expansion cities, sprawled urban land mainly occupied paddy fields in urban centers. However, the irregular expansion of passive expansion cities encroached on a number of paddy fields in the urban fringe where the landscape of urban patches and paddy fields was more complex and irregular in shape. Furthermore, the urbanization curve implies that future urbanization efforts will focus on the passive expansion cities, indicating that paddy fields still face the risk of disruption. We suggest that the boundary of urban development should be restricted, permanent paddy reserves should be delimited, and ecologically oriented management systems that target paddy field protection should be implemented to ensure the sustainable development of this region. This work improved the understanding of the urbanization process that governed paddy fields dynamics, and provides a scientific basis for decision-making processes to achieve regional sustainability.
Advancing Environmental Mainstreaming in the Caribbean Region: The Role of Regional Institutions for Overcoming Barriers and Capacity Gaps
Authors: Bizikova Livia , Metternicht Graciela , Yarde Therese
Published: October 2015

Environmental mainstreaming (EM) is a policy instrument to integrate environmental risks and opportunities into planning and implementation. A body of knowledge exists on identifying barriers for EM at the national level. This paper identifies contributions of regional institutions for improving capacities for EM at the national level, using the Caribbean region as a case study. The methodology adopted combines in-depth interviews with senior policy-makers and participatory workshops for medium- and junior-level staff of government agencies. Four barriers for EM are analyzed with specific roles for regional agencies, including weak leadership, insufficient science–policy linkages, deficits in quantity and quality of human resources, and institutional aspects. Research findings identify regional leadership as crucial to supporting the science–policy interface, to share data and knowledge across countries facing similar challenges, to provide assistance with national policy development for EM involving transboundary issues, and to ensure cross-sectoral perspectives in regional initiatives, especially those on economic development.
Lie Group Method for Solving the Generalized Burgers’, Burgers’–KdV and KdV Equations with Time-Dependent Variable Coefficients
Authors: Abd-el-Malek Mina , Amin Amr
Published: October 2015

In this study, the Lie group method for constructing exact and numerical solutions of the generalized time-dependent variable coefficients Burgers’, Burgers’–KdV, and KdV equations with initial and boundary conditions is presented. Lie group theory is applied to determine symmetry reductions which reduce the nonlinear partial differential equations to ordinary differential equations. The obtained ordinary differential equations were solved analytically and the solutions are obtained in closed form for some specific choices of parameters, while others are solved numerically. In the obtained results we studied effects of both the time t and the index of nonlinearity on the behavior of the velocity, and the solutions are graphically presented.
Supporting Student Learning in Computer Science Education via the Adaptive Learning Environment ALMA
Authors: Gasparinatou Alexandra , Grigoriadou Maria
Published: October 2015

This study presents the ALMA environment (Adaptive Learning Models from texts and Activities). ALMA supports the processes of learning and assessment via: (1) texts differing in local and global cohesion for students with low, medium, and high background knowledge; (2) activities corresponding to different levels of comprehension which prompt the student to practically implement different text-reading strategies, with the recommended activity sequence adapted to the student’s learning style; (3) an overall framework for informing, guiding, and supporting students in performing the activities; and; (4) individualized support and guidance according to student specific characteristics. ALMA also, supports students in distance learning or in blended learning in which students are submitted to face-to-face learning supported by computer technology. The adaptive techniques provided via ALMA are: (a) adaptive presentation and (b) adaptive navigation. Digital learning material, in accordance with the text comprehension model described by Kintsch, was introduced into the ALMA environment. This material can be exploited in either distance or blended learning.
Using S. cerevisiae as a Model System to Investigate V. cholerae VopX-Host Cell Protein Interactions and Phenotypes
Authors: Seward Christopher , Manzella Alexander , Alam Ashfaqul , Butler J. , Dziejman Michelle
Published: October 2015

Most pathogenic, non-O1/non-O139 serogroup Vibrio cholerae strains cause diarrheal disease in the absence of cholera toxin. Instead, many use Type 3 Secretion System (T3SS) mediated mechanisms to disrupt host cell homeostasis. We identified a T3SS effector protein, VopX, which is translocated into mammalian cells during in vitro co-culture. In a S. cerevisiae model system, we found that expression of VopX resulted in a severe growth defect that was partially suppressed by a deletion of RLM1, encoding the terminal transcriptional regulator of the Cell Wall Integrity MAP kinase (CWI) regulated pathway. Growth of yeast cells in the presence of sorbitol also suppressed the defect, supporting a role for VopX in destabilizing the cell wall. Expression of VopX activated expression of β-galactosidase from an RLM1-reponsive element reporter fusion, but failed to do so in cells lacking MAP kinases upstream of Rlm1. The results suggest that VopX inhibits cell growth by stimulating the CWI pathway through Rlm1. Rlm1 is an ortholog of mammalian MEF2 transcription factors that are proposed to regulate cell differentiation, proliferation, and apoptosis. The collective findings suggest that VopX contributes to disease by activating MAP kinase cascades that elicit changes in cellular transcriptional programs.
Phosphorylation of Single Stranded RNA Virus Proteins and Potential for Novel Therapeutic Strategies
Authors: Keck Forrest , Ataey Pouya , Amaya Moushimi , Bailey Charles , Narayanan Aarthi
Published: October 2015

Post translational modification of proteins is a critical requirement that regulates function. Among the diverse kinds of protein post translational modifications, phosphorylation plays essential roles in protein folding, protein:protein interactions, signal transduction, intracellular localization, transcription regulation, cell cycle progression, survival and apoptosis. Protein phosphorylation is also essential for many intracellular pathogens to establish a productive infection cycle. Preservation of protein phosphorylation moieties in pathogens in a manner that mirrors the host components underscores the co-evolutionary trajectory of pathogens and hosts, and sheds light on how successful pathogens have usurped, either in part or as a whole, the host enzymatic machinery. Phosphorylation of viral proteins for many acute RNA viruses including Flaviviruses and Alphaviruses has been demonstrated to be critical for protein functionality. This review focuses on phosphorylation modifications that have been documented to occur on viral proteins with emphasis on acutely infectious, single stranded RNA viruses. The review additionally explores the possibility of repurposing Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved inhibitors as antivirals for the treatment of acute RNA viral infections.
Catchment-Scale Modeling of Nitrogen Dynamics in a Temperate Forested Watershed, Oregon. An Interdisciplinary Communication Strategy
Authors: Vaché Kellie , Breuer Lutz , Jones Julia , Sollins Phil
Published: October 2015

We present a systems modeling approach to the development of a place-based ecohydrological model. The conceptual model is calibrated to a variety of existing observations, taken in watershed 10 (WS10) at the HJ Andrews Experimental Forest (HJA) in Oregon, USA, a long term ecological research (LTER) site with a long history of catchment-scale data collection. The modeling framework was designed to help document and evaluate an evolving understanding of catchment processing of water, nitrogen, and carbon that has developed over the many years of on-going research at the site. We use the dynamic model to capture the temporal variation in the N and C budgets and to evaluate how different components of the complex system may control the retention and release of N in this pristine forested landscape. Results indicate that the relative roles of multiple competing controls on N change seasonally, between periods of wet/dry and growth/senescence. The model represents a communication strategy to facilitate dialog between disciplinary experimentalists and modelers, to produce a more complete picture of nitrogen cycling in the region. We view this explicit development of complete, yet conceptually simplified models as a useful and important way to evaluate complex environmental dynamics.
Effect of Submergence and Apron Length on Spillway Scour: Case Study
Authors: Hong Seungho , Biering Celio , Sturm Terry , Yoon Kwang , Gonzalez-Castro Juan
Published: October 2015

Large-scale water resources systems are often managed by an integrated set of hydraulic structures that are vulnerable to wider ranges of discharge and tailwater elevation than envisioned in their original design due to climate change and additional project objectives such as fostering healthy ecosystems. The present physical model study explored the performance of a spillway structure on the Kissimmee River, operated by the South Florida Water Management District, under extreme conditions of drought and flooding with accompanying low and high tailwater levels for both gate-controlled and uncontrolled spillway flow conditions. Maximum scour depths and their locations for two different riprap apron lengths downstream of the spillway stilling basin were measured along with the complex flow fields prior to scour. Effects of tailwater submergence, type of spillway flow and riprap apron length on scour results are interpreted in terms of the measured turbulent kinetic energy and velocity distributions near the bed.
Sustainable Supply of Safe Drinking Water for Underserved Households in Kenya: Investigating the Viability of Decentralized Solutions
Authors: Cherunya Pauline , Janezic Christine , Leuchner Michael
Published: October 2015

Water quality and safe water sources are pivotal aspects of consideration for domestic water. Focusing on underserved households in Kenya, this study compared user perceptions and preferences on water-service provision options, particularly investigating the viability of decentralized models, such as the Safe Water Enterprise (SWE), as sustainable safe drinking water sources. Results showed that among a number of water-service provision options available, the majority of households regularly sourced their domestic water from more than one source (86% Ngoliba/Maguguni, 98% Kangemi Gichagi). A majority of households perceived their water sources to be unsafe to drink (84% Ngoliba/Maguguni, 73% Kangemi Gichagi). For this reason, drinking water was mainly chlorinated (48% Ngoliba/Maguguni, 33% Kangemi Gichagi) or boiled (42% Ngoliba/Maguguni, 67% Kangemi Gichagi). However, this study also found that households in Kenya did not apply these household water treatment methods consistently, thus indicating inconsistency in safe water consumption. The SWE concept, a community-scale decentralized safe drinking water source, was a preferred option among households who perceived it to save time and to be less cumbersome as compared to boiling and chlorination. Willingness to pay for SWE water was also a positive indicator for its preference by the underserved households. However, the long-term applicability of such decentralized water provision models needs to be further investigated within the larger water-service provision context.
Le décor des cryptoportiques en Gaule
Authors: Allag Claudine
Published: October 2015

Si les cryptoportiques de forum commencent à être bien connus, la restitution de leur décoration intérieure reste problématique. Des traits communs se font jour toutefois : grands panneaux limités par des refends, très traditionnels (Lyon, Feurs ?), ou par de simples bandes colorées (Reims, Bavay) ; corniches en pierre (Arles) ou en stuc (Lyon, Reims) ; prédominance du blanc ; effets d'architectures monumentales.

Ces galeries ne caractérisent-elles pas un urbanisme artificiel imposé par une romanisa- tion systématique ? Leurs enduits intérieurs, si peu variés, ne représentent-ils pas simplement un décor de prestige conventionnel ?

La prise en considération, à l'avenir, des restes mêmes minimes de revêtements muraux, devrait permettre d'approfondir l'étude des décors d'édifices publics.
Les peintures murales romaines d'Aubechies en Belgique
Authors: Delplace Christiane , Belot Eric , Vanbrugghe Nathalie
Published: October 2015

Analytic presentation of two groups of painted coatings, one in an « architectural design » (Groupe A) and the other in a « Linear design » (Group B), followed by a stylistic study which, owing to a total lack of precise archaeological information, can only let us apprehend a datation between the first and the beginning of the third century.
Les fouilles de l'église Saint-Etienne à Lille. 1983-1984
Authors: Rousseaux Xavier
Published: October 2015

Opgravingen op het terrein van de « Ritz » in het hartje van Rijsel hebben de overblijfse- len blootgelegd van de Saint-Etiennekerk, die in 1792 vernield werd.

Over de oorsprong van het gebouw, die misschien samenvalt met die van de stad, is niet veel bekend. opgravingen in het koor en een zijkapel en de studie van de zeldzame archieven, laten toe enkele fasen in zijn ontwikkeling te belichten. Stilaan krijgt men een beter beeld van de bescheiden Romaanse kerk, die in de xvine eeuw een imposant gebouw gewor- den was.
Recherches archéologiques à Cassel (Nord), Castellum Menapiorum III
Authors: Hanoune Roger , Muller Arthur
Published: October 2015

Resultaten van een graafcampagne die een stuk van de muur van het Late Keizerrijk, van de grondvesten tot 2,6 m hoogte blootlegde. De muur werd in opus mixtum gebouwd met baksteen als vlaksteen. Men heeft verschillende antieke en récente bouwfasen kunnen identificeren (vooral de funderingsgracht met een muntstuk uit 268-270). Het voorzetten van de campagne zal de studie van een oudere laag van de muur mogelijk maken.
Development and characterization of 25 microsatellite primers for Ilex chinensis (Aquifoliaceae)
Authors: Chen Wen‐Wen , Xiao Zhen‐Zhu , Tong Xin , Liu Yu‐Pei , Li Yuan‐Yuan
Published: October 2015

Premise of the study:

To evaluate genetic variation and structure of Ilex chinensis (Aquifoliaceae), a dioecious evergreen tree, we developed 25 microsatellite markers from its nuclear genome.

Methods and Results:

Based on the biotin‐streptavidin capture method, 10 polymorphic and 15 monomorphic microsatellite markers were developed. Ten polymorphic loci were characterized by 87 individuals sampled from three populations located in Zhejiang Province and Shanghai, China. The number of alleles per locus varied from two to 12. The observed and expected heterozygosities were 0.0435–0.9032 and 0.3121–0.8343, respectively.

Conclusions:

These microsatellite markers can be useful for further genetic studies of I. chinensis populations, and so contribute to forest restoration and management.
Nitrogen-doped graphene films from chemical vapor deposition of pyridine: influence of process parameters on the electrical and optical properties
Authors: Capasso Andrea , Dikonimos Theodoros , Sarto Francesca , Tamburrano Alessio , De Bellis Giovanni , Sarto Maria Sabrina , Faggio Giuliana , Malara Angela , Messina Giacomo , Lisi Nicola
Published: October 2015

Graphene films were produced by chemical vapor deposition (CVD) of pyridine on copper substrates. Pyridine-CVD is expected to lead to doped graphene by the insertion of nitrogen atoms in the growing sp2 carbon lattice, possibly improving the properties of graphene as a transparent conductive film. We here report on the influence that the CVD parameters (i.e., temperature and gas flow) have on the morphology, transmittance, and electrical conductivity of the graphene films grown with pyridine. A temperature range between 930 and 1070 °C was explored and the results were compared to those of pristine graphene grown by ethanol-CVD under the same process conditions. The films were characterized by atomic force microscopy, Raman and X-ray photoemission spectroscopy. The optical transmittance and electrical conductivity of the films were measured to evaluate their performance as transparent conductive electrodes. Graphene films grown by pyridine reached an electrical conductivity of 14.3 × 105 S/m. Such a high conductivity seems to be associated with the electronic doping induced by substitutional nitrogen atoms. In particular, at 930 °C the nitrogen/carbon ratio of pyridine-grown graphene reaches 3%, and its electrical conductivity is 40% higher than that of pristine graphene grown from ethanol-CVD.
The Syntax and Semantics of the French Ne Que Construction
Authors: Pierre, Dekydtspotter Laurent, Aime
Published: October 2015

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Investigation on application of basalt materials as reinforcement for flexural elements of concrete bridges
Authors: Gribniak Viktor , Arnautov Aleksandr K. , Kaklauskas Gintaris , Tamulenas Vytautas , Timinskas Edgaras , Sokolov Aleksandr
Published: October 2015

Basalt polymers are rather new materials for civil engineering; therefore, identification of peculiarities and limitations of application of such polymers in concrete structures (particularly bridges) is of vital importance. This paper experimentally investigates deformation behaviour and cracking of flexural elements, which are predominant parameters governing serviceability of the bridges. Unlike a common practice, the present study is not limited by the analysis of concrete beams reinforced with the polymer bars; it also considers effectiveness of basalt fibre reinforced polymer sheets for repairing the beams. The analysis has revealed that a combination of the high strength and elasticity polymer materials governs the effective repair of the beams by significantly increasing (up to 40%) the structural stiffness.
Mechanical performance of asphalt mixes incorporating waste glass
Authors: Moreno-Navarro Fernando , Pérez-Martínez Miguel , Martín-Marín Jesús , Sol-Sánchez Miguel , Rubio-Gámez María del Carmen
Published: October 2015

This paper shows the results obtained in a research project that analyzes the mechanical performance of asphalt concrete containing waste glass as a substitute of part of the aggregate. The mechanical performance of an AC16S asphalt mix with different percentages of glass (0%, 8% and 15%) and different types of filler was assessed with the moisture sensitivity test, the stiffness modulus test, and the cyclic triaxial compression test in order to analyze their response to moisture action and plastic deformation as well as to calculate their stiffness modulus. Results show that the reuse of waste glass as a substitute for the sand fraction in low dosages (8%) produced asphalt mixes with mechanical properties that were suitable for road surfaces course, being the calcium carbonate the more appropriate filler.
Evaluation of possibilities for the climatic distribution of regions from the point of view of road construction
Authors: Juknevičiūtė-Žilinskienė Lina , Laurinavičius Alfredas
Published: October 2015

Seeking to reduce a negative impact of unfavourable weather conditions on road traffic, many countries introduce modern technologies allowing to objectively assessing meteorological conditions of roads. The world over, data from the automated meteorological stations of Road Weather Information System have been long ago used on a significantly larger scale than only for the organization of road maintenance works. International experience of introducing Road Traffic Information Systems in European Union and other countries of the world shows that Road Weather Information Systems give good results for increasing road safety, improving the level of road user information and solving the road construction issues. Road Weather Information System is a system of technologies and decision-making using historical and real-time data of roads and weather conditions. The collected and processed multi-year data from meteorological stations is a great assistance in designing or reconstructing road pavement structures. Road pavement structure is highly affected by a negative air temperature and frozen ground. The impact of negative temperature is expressed by the thickness of frost blanket course. The thickness of frost blanket course depends on a frost susceptibility of soil. To determine the thickness of frost blanket course it is necessary to assess the frost impact, therefore it was up to the purpose − climatic distribution of regions the territory of Lithuania according to the distribution of frost impact and the depth of frozen ground. Based on climatic maps compiled, a correction of the thickness of road pavement structure was suggested.
Analysis of innovative two-span suspension bridges
Authors: Juozapaitis Algirdas , Merkevičius Tomas , Daniūnas Alfonsas , Kliukas Romas , Sandovič Giedrė , Lukoševičienė Ona
Published: October 2015

Recently, two-span, or the so-called single pylon suspension bridges, due to their constructing structure, have been widely applied. A reduction in deformation seems to be the main problem of the behaviour and design of such bridges. The deformation of suspension bridges is mainly determined by cable kinematic displacements caused by temporary loadings rather than by elastic deformations. Not all known methods for the stabilization of the initial form of suspension bridges are suitable for single pylon bridges. The employment of the so-called rigid cables that increase the general stiffness of the suspension bridge appears to be one of the innovative methods for stabilizing the initial form of single pylon suspension bridges. Rigid cables are designed from standard steel profiles and, compared to the common ones made of spiral and parallel wires, are more resistant to corrosion. Moreover, the construction joints, in terms of fabrication and installation, have a simpler form. However, calculation methods for such single pylon suspension bridges with rigid cables are not sufficiently prepared. Only single publications on the analysis of the behaviour of one or three-span suspension bridges with rigid cables have been available so far. The paper presents analytical expressions to calculate the displacements and internal forces of suspension bridges with rigid cables thus assessing the sequence of cable installation. Also, the paper describes the sequence of iterative calculation.
Adoption et usages des outils de gestion de l’absentéisme : l’importance des jeux d’acteurs et jeux de pouvoir
Authors: Lux Gulliver
Published: October 2015

L’objet de cet article est de traiter de l’impact des jeux de pouvoir et jeux d’acteurs (Crozier, Friedberg, 1977) sur le statut d’adoption d’un outil de gestion et sur les usages qui peuvent en être faits par le directeur d’un Établissement Médico-Social (EMS). La recherche s’appuie sur le parcours d’un outil de gestion de suivi de l’absentéisme et de ses coûts directs au sein d’un établissement médico-social sur une période de deux ans et demi. Dans le cadre de cette étude empirique, nous montrons que l’outil de gestion passe par pas moins de cinq phases caractérisant son état d’adoption et les usages qui en sont faits. Ces phases de vie de l’outil qui caractérisent des statuts de l’outil de gestion en terme d’adoption et d’usage au sein de l’organisation sont confirmées par 25 entretiens semi directifs menés auprès d’autres directeurs d’EMS.