bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Field performance of retaining walls reinforced with woven and nonwoven geotextiles
Authors: Portelinha F.H.M. , Zornberg J.G. , Pimentel V.
Published: August 2014

ABSTRACT: This paper presents an evaluation of the performance of two instrumented sections of a geosynthetic-reinforced soil wall, 5.6 m high, constructed using a lateritic fine-grained soil. Two sections with identical layout of a nonwoven and a woven geotextile were monitored for comparison purposes. The unconfined tensile stiffness of the nonwoven geotextile was three times smaller than that of the woven geotextile. This allowed direct evaluation of the effect of soil confinement on geotextile stiffness. Instrumentation was used to measure face displacements, reinforcement displacement and strains, and soil matric suction. Rainfall occurred both during and after construction, which facilitated evaluation of the effect of soil wetting on the walls performance. Ultimate and serviceability limit state analyses were conducted to gain further insight into the performance of the two walls. The results show that the performance of the section reinforced with nonwoven geotextile was equivalent to the one reinforced with woven geotextile, even after the observed reduction in matric suction after rainfall. For both sections, the overall deformations occurred during construction. Negligible deformations were observed during service. Maximum face displacements were measured in the lowest instrumented layer for the nonwoven geotextile section whereas it was in the highest layer for the woven geotextile section. These behaviours of face displacement distributions can be the result of the significant differences in global stiffness of the sections. Design analyses and field performance show that soil confinement has a beneficial effect on the nonwoven geotextile stiffness. The significant contribution of the soil cohesion of the lateritic soil played an important role in the behaviour of the nonwoven geotextile-reinforced wall.
Geophysical Characterization of the Keene Valley Landslide in New York State
Authors: Sherrod Laura , Schlosser Kenneth , Kozlowski Andrew , Bird Brian , Werkema D. Dale , Swiontek Jarred
Published: August 2014

The largest naturally occurring landslide in New York State history began in early May 2011. Melting of winter snowpack followed by abnormally high volumes of April rain saturated the underlying glacial stratigraphy and initiated the 0.33 km2(82 acre) landslide on Little Porter Mountain in the High-Peaks region of the Adirondack Mountains. Downslope soil movement rates between 15 and 60 cm per day demonstrated their destructive capacity as the shifting soils caused one house to be condemned because of the unstable ground and foundation while simultaneously rendering three other houses into immediate danger. The mechanisms controlling this landslide were investigated using geophysical methods, displacement measurements, and borehole logs. Nineteen electrical resistivity imaging surveys were implemented to map the subsurface glacial features. Ground penetration radar (GPR) profiles were collected along many of the resistivity lines and additional reconnaissance lines in several other locations. These surveys identified subsurface features such as the buried bedrock surface, thick sequences of loose zones of saturated sediments and clays within the glacial till, and boulder zones. The geophysical data were compared with displacement station measurements and precipitation records, which led to the interpretation that the landslide was triggered by large infiltration and the failure surface was along a clay-sand interface. The nature of the slide is revealed as a deep-seated rotational surface within the glacial deposits instead of the bedrock debris avalanche failures that are considered typical of the Adirondack region. The results of this study assist in the Little Porter Mountain landslide characterization and hazard potential classification of similar glacial deposits on slopes in the Adirondacks region.
The Influence of Buildings on Urban Gravity Surveys
Authors: Yu Dewu
Published: August 2014

The gravity method is used increasingly for site investigations in the development and re-development of urban areas. Typically, this work includes corrections for the terrain components of the gravity measurements. However, there is very little published reference material that describes the influence of existing buildings upon the gravity measurements. Hence, we conducted an experiment in a residential estate to evaluate this influence. The results show that the effects of buildings are significant and should not be ignored or underestimated. To achieve gravity data that can be attributed uniquely to geological variation in developed areas, we must first define the component caused by the buildings. It is hoped that the conclusions of this experiment will be useful to other geophysicists and help promote the use of gravity surveys in urban site investigations.
Profiling USGA Putting Greens Using GPR—An As-built Surveying Method
Authors: Freeland Robert S , Allred Barry J , Sorochan John C
Published: August 2014

Putting greens that are constructed to United State Golf Association (USGA) standards must adhere to strict installation specifications to maintain proper subsurface drainage. Because the infrastructure is buried, it can be difficult to ascertain if these structures were properly installed. Insufficient drainage affects agronomics, compromising the playability of the putting surface. Repairs are expensive and laborious.

This study introduces a nonintrusive survey protocol that combines ground-penetrating radar (GPR) and real-time kinematic (RTK) positioning. A case study was used to examine a putting green designed using the USGA specifications. The protocol created “as-built” subsurface maps.

The protocol non-intrusively identified the tile slope and spacing. It also determined the depth and thickness of the root-zone mixture and gravel. The green adhered to the tile spacing specification, but failed to meet specifications as to tile slope and root-zone mixture depth. These findings suggest that this protocol provides a relatively inexpensive method to determine adherence to USGA greens standards. Generated maps highlighted conformity (or lack thereof) to the design specifications.
Self-potential Inversion for the Estimation of Permeability Structure
Authors: Ozaki Yusuke , Mikada Hitoshi , Goto Tada-noti , Takekawa Junichi
Published: August 2014

The self-potential (SP) method is one geophysical method useful for estimating properties of groundwater flow. The effect of a permeability anomaly on a SP profile has been discussed in the literature, but neither the feasibility of using SP measurements to estimate the permeability structure nor the resolution of the inversion results of an SP profile have been given much attention. In this study, we developed a two-dimensional inversion code for the estimation of permeability structure. We applied this inversion to a synthetic SP profile on the ground surface affected by the permeability structure to evaluate the resolution of the SP inversion. Four models, which include a permeability anomaly located in the center of a slope, are used for the evaluation of the inversion performance. A priori data, including the distribution of the streaming current coefficient, electrical conductivity and flux volume at the discharge and recharge, are input to the inversion. A horizontal zone with high permeability and a vertical zone with low permeability can be reconstructed using the inversion. However, the horizontal low permeable zone and the vertical high permeable zone cannot be imaged clearly. The regional groundwater flow pattern around the permeability anomaly has a great effect on the SP pattern at the surface. For an accurate inversion of SP data, it is necessary that the inversion process consider the effect of flow pattern around the permeability anomaly on the SP profile.
Pressure-Transient Analysis of Multiwing Fractures Connected to a Vertical Wellbore
Authors: Wanjing Luo , Changfu Tang
Published: August 2014

The principal focus of this work is on transient-pressure behaviors of multiwing fractures connected to a vertical wellbore. The vertical well is fractured with multiple-fracture wings with varied intersection angle, length, and asymmetry factor (AF). In the case of equally spaced fractures connected to a vertical wellbore, three flow regimes may be observed: bilinear-flow regime, formation linear flow, and pseudoradial-flow regime. With the increase of fracture numbers, the interaction of fractures becomes stronger and a “hump” occurs on the curves of pressure derivative for low and moderate fracture conductivities. For an anisotropic formation, the fracture may grow at a specific azimuth, and a fracture cluster develops. Because of the strong interactions among fracture clusters, the end of bilinear flow occurs earlier, and the formation linear flow will not be observed even for high fracture conductivities. In some extreme case in which a vertical well is intercepted with highly asymmetrically distributed fracture clusters, its transient performances of pressure and pressure-derivative curves may deviate from the conventional type curves totally. In addition, it is found that the complexity of multiple fractures near the wellbore can enhance the recovery of oil and gas.
Beyond Metformin: Safety Considerations in the Decision-Making Process for Selecting a Second Medication for Type 2 Diabetes Management
Authors: Cefalu William T. , Buse John B. , Del Prato Stefano , Home Philip D. , LeRoith Derek , Nauck Michael A. , Raz Itamar , Rosenstock Julio , Riddle Matthew C.
Published: August 2014

The trend toward personalized management of diabetes has focused attention on the differences among available pharmacological agents in terms of mechanisms of action, efficacy, and, most important, safety. Clinicians must select from these features to develop individualized therapy regimens. In June 2013, a nine-member Diabetes Care Editors’ Expert Forum convened to review safety evidence for six major diabetes drug classes: insulin, sulfonylureas (SUs), thiazolidinediones (TZDs), glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists, dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitors, and sodium glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors. This article, an outgrowth of the forum, summarizes well-delineated and theoretical safety concerns related to these drug classes, as well as the panelists’ opinions regarding their best use in patients with type 2 diabetes. All of the options appear to have reasonably wide safety margins when used appropriately. Those about which we know the most—metformin, SUs, insulin, and perhaps now also TZDs—are efficacious in most patients and can be placed into a basic initial algorithm. However, these agents leave some clinical needs unmet. Selecting next steps is a more formidable process involving newer agents that are understood less well and for which there are unresolved questions regarding risk versus benefit in certain populations. Choosing a specific agent is not as important as implementing some form of early intervention and advancing rapidly to some form of combination therapy as needed. When all options are relatively safe given the benefits they confer, therapeutic decision making must rely on a personalized approach, taking into account patients’ clinical circumstances, phenotype, pathophysiological defects, preferences, abilities, and costs.
Reclassification Patterns Among Latino English Learner Students in Bilingual, Dual Immersion, and English Immersion Classrooms
Authors: Umansky Ilana M. , Reardon Sean F.
Published: August 2014

Schools are under increasing pressure to reclassify their English learner (EL) students to “fluent English proficient” status as quickly as possible. This article examines timing to reclassification among Latino ELs in four distinct linguistic instructional environments: English immersion, transitional bilingual, maintenance bilingual, and dual immersion. Using hazard analysis and 12 years of data from a large school district, the study investigates whether reclassification timing, patterns, or barriers differ by linguistic program. We find that Latino EL students enrolled in two-language programs are reclassified at a slower pace in elementary school but have higher overall reclassification, English proficiency, and academic threshold passage by the end of high school. We discuss the implications of these findings for accountability policies and educational opportunities in EL programs.
Satellite-derived volume loss rates and glacier speeds for the Juneau Icefield, Alaska
Authors: Melkonian Andrew K. , Willis Michael J. , Pritchard Matthew E.
Published: August 2014

We provide a high-resolution map of elevation change rates at the Juneau Icefield (JIF), southeastern Alaska, in order to quantify its contribution to sea-level rise between 2000 and 2009/2013. We also produce the first high-resolution map of ice speeds at the JIF, which we use to constrain flux and look for acceleration. We calculate using stacked digital elevation models (DEMs) from the Advanced Spaceborne Thermal Emission and Reflection Radiometer (ASTER) instrument and the Shuttle Radar Topography Mission (SRTM), taking into account SRTM C-band penetration via comparison with SRTM X-band elevations. Overall, the JIF is losing mass less rapidly (0.13 ± 0.12 m w.e. a–1) than other Alaskan icefields (0.79 m w.e. a–1). We determine glacier speeds using pixel-tracking on optical image pairs acquired from 2001 to 2010 by ASTER, from radar image pairs acquired between 2007 and 2011 and from radar interferometry in 1995. We detect seasonal speed variations but no interannual acceleration, ruling out dynamics as the cause of the observed thinning. Thinning must therefore be due to the documented warming in the region. Flux measurements confirm this for Mendenhall Glacier, showing that calving constitutes only 2.5–5% of mass loss there.
Experimental determination of the absorption enhancement parameter of snow
Authors: Libois Quentin , Picard Ghislain , Dumont Marie , Arnaud Laurent , Sergent Claude , Pougatch Evelyne , Sudul Marcel , Vial David
Published: August 2014

In optical models snow is commonly treated as a disperse collection of particles. In this representation, the penetration depth of solar radiation is sensitive to the shape of the particles, in particular to the absorption enhancement parameter, B, that quantifies the lengthening of the photon path inside grains due to internal multiple reflections. Spherical grains, with theoretical B = 1.25, are often used. We propose an experimental method to determine B, and apply it to 36 snow samples and 56 snow strata. The method is based on radiative transfer modeling and combined measurements of reflectance and irradiance profiles. Such measurements are performed in the laboratory and in the field, in Antarctica and the French Alps. The retrieved values of B are in the range 0.7–2.4, with a wide peak between 1.4 and 1.8. An analysis of measurement error propagation based on a Bayesian framework shows that the uncertainty on B is ± 0.1, which is the order of magnitude of variations between different snow types. Thus, no systematic link between B and snow type can be inferred. Here we recommend using shapes with B = 1.6 to model snow optical properties, rather than spherical grains.
Laparoscopic evaluation of tubal pathology in cases of infertility
Authors: Biswas Rama , Chowdhury TA
Published: August 2014

Infertility is a public health problem in developed and developing countries. Diagnostic laparoscopy is a generally accepted procedure to detect pelvic organ pathologies affecting fertility. This study was undertaken to find out the tubal pathology contributing to primary and secondary infertility by laparoscopic examination. The study was carried out in the department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, BIRDEM during the period of January 2001 to December 2001. The study group comprised of 100 cases of infertile patients of age between 20 to 40 years. Sixty seven percent patients had primary infertility and 33% patients had secondary infertility. Size and shape of the uterus was normal in 69% cases and bicornuate uterus was found in 2% cases. Out of total cases, 71% and 69% had normal right and left fallopian tubes respectively. Patency of right and left fallopian tube was normal in 90% and 89% cases respectively while 11% and 10% had peritubal adhesions. Laparoscopy examination is an important tool for evaluation of tubal pathology contributing to infertility and might play a major role in infertility management. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/imcj.v7i2.20110 Ibrahim Med. Coll. J. 2013; 7(2): 38-40
Peripheral soft tissue Ewings sarcoma: a rare case report
Authors: Shegufta Farzana , Ferdousi Mahfuz Ara , Taher Md Abu
Published: August 2014

A 22 years male patient presented with gradual left forearm swelling for 6 months. X ray forearm revealed large soft tissue swelling with tiny calcification and mild scalloping at inner aspect of ulna and ultrasonogram (USG) revealed soft tissue mass having calcification and necrotic areas within and spectral Doppler showed arterial type of blood flow with no augmentation. Later computerized tomography (CT) scan showed soft tissue mass with necrotic area and calcification with no bony involvement. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) with contrast revealed a large heterogeneously enhancing lobulated mixed intensity lesion in antero-medial compartment of the left forearm involving flexor group of muscles causing displacement of fat plane. MRI and subsequent histopathology of the lesion revealed it as a rare soft tissue Ewings sarcoma / primitive neuroectodermal tumor (PNET) in extremity. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/imcj.v7i2.20113 Ibrahim Med. Coll. J. 2013; 7(2): 43-46
From the Editors: De Ethica. A Journal of Philosophical, Theological and Applied Ethics (English)
Authors: Behrensen Maren
Published: August 2014

No abstract available.
Environmental Ethics as a Question of Environmental Ontology: Naess’ Ecosophy T and Buddhist Traditions
Authors: Cavazza Elisa
Published: August 2014

Arne Naess included several references to Buddhist teachings in his ecophilosophy. I suggest an inquiry into and interpretation of the Buddhist sources of Naess’ proposal, in order to understand the role Buddhist elements play in it, and how they can offer a further understanding of central elements in Naess’ ecosophy. The focus is on the union of theory, worldview and practice, which lies at the core of both fields. A particular emphasis is placed on the idea that only a change of outlook on the nature of reality can promote an ethical transformation. In Naess’ approach, the ecological crisis is first of all a problem of our experience of the world, posing a question of ‘environmental ontology’. I suggest an hermeneutical approach primarily into early Indian Buddhist sources, and I argue that although a homogeneous ‘Buddhism’, as well as a ‘green Buddhism’ are problematic, different strands of thinking in Buddhist philosophy can facilitate the analysis of critical points also raised by Ecosophy T, supporting and expanding an ecosophical approach to ecological challenges.
Preterm Birth and Its Long-Term Effects: Methylation to Mechanisms
Authors: Parets Sasha , Bedient Carrie , Menon Ramkumar , Smith Alicia
Published: August 2014

The epigenetic patterns established during development may influence gene expression over a lifetime and increase susceptibility to chronic disease. Being born preterm (<37 weeks of gestation) is associated with increased risk mortality and morbidity from birth until adulthood. This brief review explores the potential role of DNA methylation in preterm birth (PTB) and its possible long-term consequences and provides an overview of the physiological processes central to PTB and recent DNA methylation studies of PTB.
Matrilin-3 Chondrodysplasia Mutations Cause Attenuated Chondrogenesis, Premature Hypertrophy and Aberrant Response to TGF-β in Chondroprogenitor Cells
Authors: Jayasuriya Chathuraka , Zhou Fiona , Pei Ming , Wang Zhengke , Lemme Nicholas , Haines Paul , Chen Qian
Published: August 2014

Studies have shown that mutations in the matrilin-3 gene (MATN3) are associated with multiple epiphyseal dysplasia (MED) and spondyloepimetaphyseal dysplasia (SEMD). We tested whether MATN3 mutations affect the differentiation of chondroprogenitor and/or mesenchymal stem cells, which are precursors to chondrocytes. ATDC5 chondroprogenitors stably expressing wild-type (WT) MATN3 underwent spontaneous chondrogenesis. Expression of chondrogenic markers collagen II and aggrecan was inhibited in chondroprogenitors carrying the MED or SEMD MATN3 mutations. Hypertrophic marker collagen X remained attenuated in WT MATN3 chondroprogenitors, whereas its expression was elevated in chondroprogenitors expressing the MED or SEMD mutant MATN3 gene suggesting that these mutations inhibit chondrogenesis but promote hypertrophy. TGF-β treatment failed to rescue chondrogenesis markers but dramatically increased collagen X mRNA expression in mutant MATN3 expressing chondroprogenitors. Synovium derived mesenchymal stem cells harboring the SEMD mutation exhibited lower glycosaminoglycan content than those of WT MATN3 in response to TGF-β. Our results suggest that the properties of progenitor cells harboring MATN3 chondrodysplasia mutations were altered, as evidenced by attenuated chondrogenesis and premature hypertrophy. TGF-β treatment failed to completely rescue chondrogenesis but instead induced hypertrophy in mutant MATN3 chondroprogenitors. Our data suggest that chondroprogenitor cells should be considered as a potential target of chondrodysplasia therapy.
The tRNA-Dependent Biosynthesis of Modified Cyclic Dipeptides
Authors: Giessen Tobias , Marahiel Mohamed
Published: August 2014

In recent years it has become apparent that aminoacyl-tRNAs are not only crucial components involved in protein biosynthesis, but are also used as substrates and amino acid donors in a variety of other important cellular processes, ranging from bacterial cell wall biosynthesis and lipid modification to protein turnover and secondary metabolite assembly. In this review, we focus on tRNA-dependent biosynthetic pathways that generate modified cyclic dipeptides (CDPs). The essential peptide bond-forming catalysts responsible for the initial generation of a CDP-scaffold are referred to as cyclodipeptide synthases (CDPSs) and use loaded tRNAs as their substrates. After initially discussing the phylogenetic distribution and organization of CDPS gene clusters, we will focus on structural and catalytic properties of CDPSs before turning to two recently characterized CDPS-dependent pathways that assemble modified CDPs. Finally, possible applications of CDPSs in the rational design of structural diversity using combinatorial biosynthesis will be discussed before concluding with a short outlook.
Mechanistic Studies of Anti-Hyperpigmentary Compounds: Elucidating Their Inhibitory and Regulatory Actions
Authors: Lam Rosanna , Lin Zhi-Xiu , Sviderskaya Elena , Cheng Christopher
Published: August 2014

Searching for depigmenting agents from natural sources has become a new direction in the cosmetic industry as natural products are generally perceived as relatively safer. In our previous study, selected Chinese medicines traditionally used to treat hyperpigmentation were tested for anti-hyperpigmentary effects using a melan-a cell culture model. Among the tested chemical compounds, 4-ethylresorcinol, 4-ethylphenol and 1-tetradecanol were found to possess hypopigmentary effects. Western blot analysis, reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) assay, protein kinase A (PKA) activity assay, tyrosinase inhibition assay and lipid peroxidation inhibition assay were performed to reveal the underlying cellular and molecular mechanisms of the hypopigmentary effects. 4-Ethylresorcinol and 4-ethylphenol attenuated mRNA and protein expression of tyrosinase-related protein (TRP)-2, and possessed antioxidative effect by inhibiting lipid peroxidation. 1-Tetradecanol was able to attenuate protein expression of tyrosinase. The hypopigmentary actions of 4-ethylresorcinol, 4-ethylphenol and 1-tetradecanol were associated with regulating downstream proteins along the PKA pathway. 4-Ethylresorcinol was more effective in inhibiting melanin synthesis when compared to 4-ethylphenol and 1-tetradecanol.
Antibacterial Performance of Alginic Acid Coating on Polyethylene Film
Authors: Karbassi Elika , Asadinezhad Ahmad , Lehocký Marian , Humpolíček Petr , Vesel Alenka , Novák Igor , Sáha Petr
Published: August 2014

Alginic acid coated polyethylene films were examined in terms of surface properties and bacteriostatic performance against two most representative bacterial strains, that is, Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. Microwave plasma treatment followed by brush formation in vapor state from three distinguished precursors (allylalcohol, allylamine, hydroxyethyl methacrylate) was carried out to deposit alginic acid on the substrate. Surface analyses via various techniques established that alginic acid was immobilized onto the surface where grafting (brush) chemistry influenced the amount of alginic acid coated. Moreover, alginic acid was found to be capable of bacterial growth inhibition which itself was significantly affected by the brush type. The polyanionic character of alginic acid as a carbohydrate polymer was assumed to play the pivotal role in antibacterial activity. The cell wall composition of two bacterial strains along with the substrates physicochemical properties accounted for different levels of bacteriostatic performance.
The Effect of Substituent, Degree of Acetylation and Positioning of the Cationic Charge on the Antibacterial Activity of Quaternary Chitosan Derivatives
Authors: Sahariah Priyanka , Gaware Vivek , Lieder Ramona , Jónsdóttir Sigríður , Hjálmarsdóttir Martha , Sigurjonsson Olafur , Másson Már
Published: August 2014

A series of water-soluble cationic chitosan derivatives were prepared by chemoselective functionalization at the amino group of five different parent chitosans having varying degrees of acetylation and molecular weight. The quaternary moieties were introduced at different alkyl spacer lengths from the polymer backbone (C-0, C-2 and C-6) with the aid of 3,6-di-O-tert-butyldimethylsilyl protection of the chitosan backbone, thus allowing full (100%) substitution of the free amino groups. All of the derivatives were characterized using 1H-NMR, 1H-1H COSY and FT-IR spectroscopy, while molecular weight was determined by GPC. Antibacterial activity was investigated against Gram positive S. aureus and Gram negative E. coli. The relationship between structure and activity/toxicity was defined, considering the effect of the cationic group’s structure and its distance from the polymer backbone, as well as the degree of acetylation within a molecular weight range of 7–23 kDa for the final compounds. The N,N,N-trimethyl chitosan with 100% quaternization showed the highest antibacterial activity with moderate cytotoxicity, while increasing the spacer length reduced the activity. Trimethylammoniumyl quaternary ammonium moieties contributed more to activity than 1-pyridiniumyl moieties. In general, no trend in the antibacterial activity of the compounds with increasing molecular weight or degree of acetylation up to 34% was observed.
Conjugates of 1'-Aminoferrocene-1-carboxylic Acid and Proline: Synthesis, Conformational Analysis and Biological Evaluation
Authors: Kovačević Monika , Molčanov Krešimir , Radošević Kristina , Srček Višnja , Roca Sunčica , Čače Alan , Barišić Lidija
Published: August 2014

Our previous studies showed that alteration of dipeptides Y-Fca-Ala-OMe (III) into Y-Ala-Fca-OMe (IV) (Y = Ac, Boc; Fca = 1'-aminoferrocene-1-carboxylic acid) significantly influenced their conformational space. The novel bioconjugates Y-Fca-Pro-OMe (1, Y = Ac; 2, Y = Boc) and Y-Pro-Fca-OMe (3, Y = Boc; 4, Y = Ac) have been prepared in order to investigate the influence of proline, a well-known turn-inducer, on the conformational properties of small organometallic peptides with an exchanged constituent amino acid sequences. For this purpose, peptides 1–4 were subjected to detailed spectroscopic analysis (IR, NMR, CD spectroscopy) in solution. The conformation of peptide 3 in the solid state was determined. Furthermore, the ability of the prepared conjugates to inhibit the growth of estrogen receptor-responsive MCF-7 mammary carcinoma cells and HeLa cervical carcinoma cells was tested.
Genetic Variability and Population Structure of the Potential Bioenergy Crop Miscanthus sinensis (Poaceae) in Southwest China Based on SRAP Markers
Authors: Nie Gang , Zhang Xin-Quan , Huang Lin-Kai , Xu Wen-Zhi , Wang Jian-Ping , Zhang Yun-Wei , Ma Xiao , Yan Yan-Hong , Yan Hai-Dong
Published: August 2014

The genus Miscanthus has great potential as a biofuel feedstock because of its high biomass, good burning quality, environmental tolerance, and good adaptability to marginal land. In this study, the genetic diversity and the relationship of 24 different natural Miscanthus sinensis populations collected from Southwestern China were analyzed by using 33 pairs of Sequence Related Amplified Polymorphism (SRAP) primers. A total of 688 bands were detected with 646 polymorphic bands, an average of 19.58 polymorphic bands per primer pair. The average percentage of polymorphic loci (P), gene diversity (H), and Shannon’s diversity index (I) among the 24 populations are 70.59%, 0.2589, and 0.3836, respectively. The mean value of total gene diversity (HT) was 0.3373 ± 0.0221, while the allelic diversity within populations (HS) was 0.2589 ± 0.0136 and the allelic diversity among populations (DST) was 0.0784. The mean genetic differentiation coefficient (Gst = 0.2326) estimated from the detected 688 loci indicated that there was 76.74% genetic differentiation within the populations, which is consistent with the results from Analysis of Molecular Variance (AMOVA) analysis. Based upon population structure and phylogenetic analysis, five groups were formed and a special population with mixed ancestry was inferred indicating that human-mediated dispersal may have had a significant effect on population structure of M. sinensis. Evaluating the genetic structure and genetic diversity at morphological and molecular levels of the wild M. sinensis in Southwest China is critical to further utilize the wild M. sinensis germplasm in the breeding program. The results in this study will facilitate the biofuel feedstock breeding program and germplasm conservation.
Time and Dose-Dependent Effects of Labisia pumila on Bone Oxidative Status of Postmenopausal Osteoporosis Rat Model
Authors: Effendy Nadia , Shuid Ahmad
Published: August 2014

Postmenopausal osteoporosis can be associated with oxidative stress and deterioration of antioxidant enzymes. It is mainly treated with estrogen replacement therapy (ERT). Although effective, ERT may cause adverse effects such as breast cancer and pulmonary embolism. Labisia pumila var. alata (LP), a herb used traditionally for women’s health was found to protect against estrogen-deficient osteoporosis. An extensive study was conducted in a postmenopausal osteoporosis rat model using several LP doses and duration of treatments to determine if anti-oxidative mechanisms were involved in its bone protective effects. Ninety-six female Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into six groups; baseline group (BL), sham-operated (Sham), ovariectomised control (OVXC), ovariectomised (OVX) and given 64.5 μg/kg of Premarin (ERT), ovariectomised and given 20 mg/kg of LP (LP20) and ovariectomised and given 100 mg/kg of LP (LP100). The groups were further subdivided to receive their respective treatments via daily oral gavages for three, six or nine weeks of treatment periods. Following euthanization, the femora were dissected out for bone oxidative measurements which include superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels. Results: The SOD levels of the sham-operated and all the treatment groups were significantly higher than the OVX groups at all treatment periods. The GPx level of ERT and LP100 groups at the 9th week of treatment were significantly higher than the baseline and OVX groups. MDA level of the OVX group was significantly higher than all the other groups at weeks 6 and 9. The LP20 and LP100 groups at the 9th week of treatment had significantly lower MDA levels than the ERT group. There were no significant differences between LP20 and LP100 for all parameters. Thus, LP supplementations at both doses, which showed the best results at 9 weeks, may reduce oxidative stress which in turn may prevent bone loss via its anti-oxidative property.
Effects of Graphene Nanoplatelets and Reduced Graphene Oxide on Poly(lactic acid) and Plasticized Poly(lactic acid): A Comparative Study
Authors: Chieng Buong , Ibrahim Nor , Yunus Wan , Hussein Mohd , Then Yoon , Loo Yuet
Published: August 2014

The superlative mechanical properties of graphene-based materials make them the ideal filler materials for polymer composites reinforcement. Two types of graphene-based materials, graphene nanoplatelets (xGnP) and reduced graphene oxide (rGO), were used as nanofiller in poly(lactic acid) (PLA) polymer matrix, as well as plasticized PLA. The addition of rGO into PLA or plasticized PLA substantially enhanced the tensile strength without deteriorating elasticity, compared to xGnP nanocomposites. In addition, the investigation of the thermal properties has found that the presence of rGO in the system is very beneficial for improving thermal stability of the PLA or plasticized PLA. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) images of the rGO nanocomposites display homogenous and good uniformity morphology. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) images revealed that the rGO remained intact as graphene sheet layers and were dispersed well into the polymer matrix, and it was confirmed by X-ray diffraction (XRD) results, which shows no graphitic peak in the XRD pattern.
Enabling the Use of Earth Observation Data for Integrated Water Resource Management in Africa with the Water Observation and Information System
Authors: Guzinski Radoslaw , Kass Steve , Huber Silvia , Bauer-Gottwein Peter , Jensen Iris , Naeimi Vahid , Doubkova Marcela , Walli Andreas , Tottrup Christian
Published: August 2014

The Water Observation and Information System (WOIS) is an open source software tool for monitoring, assessing and inventorying water resources in a cost-effective manner using Earth Observation (EO) data. The WOIS has been developed by, among others, the authors of this paper under the TIGER-NET project, which is a major component of the TIGER initiative of the European Space Agency (ESA) and whose main goal is to support the African Earth Observation Capacity for Water Resource Monitoring. TIGER-NET aims to support the satellite-based assessment and monitoring of water resources from watershed to cross-border basin levels through the provision of a free and powerful software package, with associated capacity building, to African authorities. More than 28 EO data processing solutions for water resource management tasks have been developed, in correspondence with the requirements of the participating key African water authorities, and demonstrated with dedicated case studies utilizing the software in operational scenarios. They cover a wide range of themes and information products, including basin-wide characterization of land and water resources, lake water quality monitoring, hydrological modeling and flood forecasting and mapping. For each monitoring task, step-by-step workflows were developed, which can either be adjusted by the user or largely automatized to feed into existing data streams and reporting schemes. The WOIS enables African water authorities to fully exploit the increasing EO capacity offered by current and upcoming generations of satellites, including the Sentinel missions.
Recent Developments in Optical Detection Technologies in Lab-on-a-Chip Devices for Biosensing Applications
Authors: Pires Nuno , Dong Tao , Hanke Ulrik , Hoivik Nils
Published: August 2014

The field of microfluidics has yet to develop practical devices that provide real clinical value. One of the main reasons for this is the difficulty in realizing low-cost, sensitive, reproducible, and portable analyte detection microfluidic systems. Previous research has addressed two main approaches for the detection technologies in lab-on-a-chip devices: (a) study of the compatibility of conventional instrumentation with microfluidic structures, and (b) integration of innovative sensors contained within the microfluidic system. Despite the recent advances in electrochemical and mechanical based sensors, their drawbacks pose important challenges to their application in disposable microfluidic devices. Instead, optical detection remains an attractive solution for lab-on-a-chip devices, because of the ubiquity of the optical methods in the laboratory. Besides, robust and cost-effective devices for use in the field can be realized by integrating proper optical detection technologies on chips. This review examines the recent developments in detection technologies applied to microfluidic biosensors, especially addressing several optical methods, including fluorescence, chemiluminescence, absorbance and surface plasmon resonance.
Bluetongue Virus Capsid Assembly and Maturation
Authors: Mohl Bjorn-Patrick , Roy Polly
Published: August 2014

Maturation is an intrinsic phase of the viral life cycle and is often intertwined with egress. In this review we focus on orbivirus maturation by using Bluetongue virus (BTV) as a representative. BTV, a member of the genus Orbivirus within the family Reoviridae, has over the last three decades been subjected to intense molecular study and is thus one of the best understood viruses. BTV is a non-enveloped virus comprised of two concentric protein shells that encapsidate 10 double-stranded RNA genome segments. Upon cell entry, the outer capsid is shed, releasing the core which does not disassemble into the cytoplasm. The polymerase complex within the core then synthesizes transcripts from each genome segment and extrudes these into the cytoplasm where they act as templates for protein synthesis. Newly synthesized ssRNA then associates with the replicase complex prior to encapsidation by inner and outer protein layers of core within virus-triggered inclusion bodies. Maturation of core occurs outside these inclusion bodies (IBs) via the addition of the outer capsid proteins, which appears to be coupled to a non-lytic, exocytic pathway during early infection. Similar to the enveloped viruses, BTV hijacks the exocytosis and endosomal sorting complex required for trafficking (ESCRT) pathway via a non-structural glycoprotein. This exquisitely detailed understanding is assembled from a broad array of assays, spanning numerous and diverse in vitro and in vivo studies. Presented here are the detailed insights of BTV maturation and egress.
La maison urbaine et son évolution dans la ville basse de Viviers (Ardèche), XIIe-XVe siècles
Authors: Grasse Marie-Christine
Published: August 2014

La maison urbaine et son évolution dans la ville basse de Viviers (Ardèche), XIIe-XVe siècles.

Dans la mesure où la ville évolue constamment, où elle est perpétuellement transformée par des constructions, des travaux, etc., un intérêt particulier doit être porté à la maison, témoin d'une société passée.

En essayant de présenter le paysage urbain de Viviers à la fin du Moyen Age on se heurte aux difficultés liées à la rareté et à la restriction des sources écrites et des vestiges architecturaux encore visibles. Il existe peu de travaux traitant de l'architecture civile provençale. Fréquemment, ils relatent plus l'évolution de l'urbanisme que celle de la maison elle- même.

L'évolution de l'habitat ne peut être envisagée sans l'élaboration d'une chronologie, relative, des types d'appareils et d'ouvertures permettant ainsi une reconstitution de l'organisation de la façade. Celle-ci annonce l'agencement intérieur des bâtiments, au moins pour les pièces qui ouvrent sur la rue. Cette structure, complétée par l'analyse des textes, permet de replacer la demeure dans son contexte urbain.
Étiquette et distribution intérieure dans les maisons royales de la Renaissance
Authors: Jestaz Bertrand
Published: August 2014

Étiquette et distribution intérieure dans les maisons royales de la Renaissance.

On ne peut étudier la distribution d'une résidence sans connaître les usages en matière de logement. Au début du XVIe siècle, le mot et la notion d'appartement n'existent pas : le roi ne dispose traditionnellement que d'une salle et d'une chambre, récemment complétée par une «garderobbe». C'est sous François Ier qu'apparaît le cabinet, sous Henri II l'antichambre. Les règlements adoptés par les derniers Valois révèlent donc l'existence d'une suite quasi classique (salle des gardes, antichambre, chambre, cabinet) qui prendra finalement le nom italien d'appartement. Henri III en 1585 tentera même de l'étendre encore en donnant à chaque pièce une vocation spécifique. Cette évolution explique la réforme imposée par Henri II au programme du nouveau Louvre et le doublement des logis royaux effectué à Fontainebleau par Charles IX. Plus généralement, elle devait amener l'abandon du plan centré et favoriser une disposition linéaire et des partis additifs qui marquent l'architecture du château français à l'aube du XVIIe siècle.
A cluster analysis of eight mediaeval manuscripts based on depicted plant taxa
Authors: Zeven A.C. , Stemerdin G.J.
Published: August 2014

Eight Books of hours with illustrations of plants were classified by cluster analysis of depicted plant taxa as attributes. The grouping of the Books agreed with their time of production. Except for one species, Delphinium consolida, no taxa could be identified which induced the clustering. However, two Books of the beginning of the 16th Century had more Madonna plants depicted than the other books. Is there any relation with the Reformation ? Did artists depict more Madonna plants than before to please their clients ? This change in frequency of Madonna plants may be one cause of the clustering according to time of production. Only six taxa were common to all eight Books. Two of them were probably domesticants. Ten taxa could be identified as domesticants, but only those eight exotic to Northwest Europe are certainly domesticants. The absence of cereals is remarkable. Although the youngest Books were made after the discovery of the Americas no American plant taxon was ever depicted.
Morphology and distribution of Zerazera sorghums
Authors: Prasada Rao K.E. , Mengesha Melak H.
Published: August 2014

On trouve les sorghos zérazéra au Soudan et en Ethiopie. En raison de leur qualité agronomique exceptionnelle, ils ont une place importante dans les programmes d'amélioration du sorgho en Inde et ailleurs. De nombreuses collections de sorghos zérazéra ont été constituées par l'ICRISAT au Soudan et en Ethiopie respectivement en 1979 et 1981. Les similitudes morphologiques, la distribution géographique et la répartition ethnique des zérazéra du Soudan et de l'Ethiopie permettent de supposer que ces sorghos furent introduits au Soudan dans la zone Gambella en Ethiopie. En dépit de quelques différences, on peut regrouper les sorghos zérazéra du Soudan et de l'Ethiopie dans la sous-espèce Zérazéra du genre Caudatum.
Le marquage du bétail chez des pasteurs lapons. I. — Procédés de falsification
Authors: Delaporte Yves
Published: August 2014

Plusieurs procédés ont cours chez les Lapons de Kautokeino (Norvège) pour voler le bétail. Le plus complexe, et en même temps le mieux toléré, consiste à falsifier les marques de propriété formées par des entailles dans les oreilles des rennes. Sont examinées ici les différentes techniques de falsification, les contraintes matérielles auxquelles elles sont soumises, et les stratégies auxquelles elles donnent lieu.
Callinicos de Pétra, sophiste et historien
Authors: Pernot Laurent
Published: August 2014

Callinicus of Petra was a sophist of the second half of the third century A. D. The Fragmente der griechischen Historiker of F. Jacoby devotes an entry to him (FGrHist 281), as does the “ New Jacoby” (FGrHist Cont 1090). The file, however, is not complete ; additional new evidence can fill out these entries. A systematic study of the sources amplifies the list of works attributable to him ; and with this as a foundation, one can reconstruct a sophist’s typical career, highlighted by teaching, rivalry with colleagues, and the writing of orations and rhetorical treatises, as well as a somewhat occasional historical work. Sophist and historian, Callinicus of Petra interestingly exemplifies the intersection of rhetoric and history. His case is similarly instructive for the history of rhetoric, because he belongs to a period when written evidence for the theory and practice of Greek oratory is scarce. He demonstrates that one ought not to accede too quickly to the notion of a decline in rhetoric and sophistic during the third century A. D.
Le renard de Teumesse chez Antoninus Liberalis (Mét., XLI). Formes et structures d’une narration
Authors: Delattre Charles
Published: August 2014

Pour la critique contemporaine, la notice XLI des Métamorphoses

d’Antoninus Liberalis, consacrée au renard de Teumesse, est un récit composé d’épisodes hétérogènes enchaînés de façon médiocre les uns aux autres. Il est possible de montrer au contraire qu’il s’agit d’un texte articulé en quatre volets qui se combinent les uns aux autres dans une architecture générale. On peut également montrer que certains énoncés dans le texte même restent extérieurs à cette organisation d’ensemble, ce qui a pour conséquence de modifier l’édition du texte de la notice en restant plus proche de la tradition manuscrite, et d’envisager la possiblité qu’il existe différents niveaux de composition et de lecture au sein d’un texte mythographique.
"Qu’on fouette les concurrents..." À propos des lettres d’Hadrien retrouvées à Alexandrie de Troade
Authors: Strasser Jean-Yves
Published: August 2014

Cet article présente les trois lettres d’Hadrien adressées en 134 à l’association des technites dionysiaques. Il s’agit d’une inscription retrouvée à Alexandrie de Troade et publiée en 2006. La traduction et le commentaire rendent compte des travaux menés depuis sur ce document d’une exceptionnelle richesse, et apportent aussi de nouvelles analyses. Manifestations du contrôle étroit des concours grecs par l’empereur, ces lettres permettent de clarifier plusieurs points∞∞ ; le plus important est sans doute le fait que les plus grands concours n’offraient pas seulement une couronne à leurs vainqueurs et d’importants privilèges dans leur patrie, mais aussi des prix en argent versés par les cités organisatrices, prix dont la remise au vainqueur est strictement réglementée par Hadrien. L’empereur intervient dans tous les secteurs de la vie agonistique∞∞ : attribution de privilèges importants aux artistes, organisation des épreuves, règlement des litiges, et même ajustement du calendrier des concours, qui fait l’objet de la presque totalité de la seconde lettre, souvent mal comprise par les premiers éditeurs. L’argent, celui gagné par les artistes et celui dépensé par les cités, est au coeur de tout ce dossier.
Une carte inédite dans les scholies aux Halieutiques d’Oppien. Contribution à l’histoire de la géographie sous les premiers Paléologues
Authors: Marcotte Didier
Published: August 2014

Le Parisinus gr. 2735, miscellaneus qui renferme Oppien, Sophocle et Denys d’Alexandrie, a été copié au début de la période paléologue (1260-1280). Le texte des Halieutiques y est accompagné de scholies originales et d’une carte qui figure schématiquement la Méditerranée, la région du Bosphore et la mer Noire. On donne ici la première édition de cette carte, qui porte, avec les scholies correspondantes, la plus ancienne attestation littéraire du nom moderne de la mer Noire en grec. L’analyse de ce témoin nouveau des études géographiques à Byzance permet de jeter un éclairage sur le milieu dans lequel le manuscrit a été copié et de réévaluer sa place dans la tradition d’Oppien.