bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Simple Method for Calibrating Dielectric Soil Moisture Sensors: Laboratory Validation in Sands
Authors: Sakaki Toshihiro , Limsuwat Anuchit , Illangasekare Tissa H.
Published: September 2012

With the goal of an effective method for calibrating dielectric soil moisture sensors that can be implemented rapidly, the applicability of a two‐point α‐mixing model was examined for a variety of sensor types. A large number of sensor outputs (X) were taken for four different types of ECH2O soil moisture sensors under varying volumetric water contents (θ) using four test sands with various grain sizes. The two‐point α‐mixing model was fitted to the X–θ data and a fitting parameter, α, was determined for each sensor type. Two other widely used sensors, the CS616 and the ThetaProbe ML2x, were also tested using the calibration functions and data provided by the manufacturers, including data for a soil with high electrical conductivity. For the sensors tested in this study, the effects of sensor characteristics were lumped into α. The value of α was 1.0 to 4.6, generally with high r2 values. Some of these were as accurate as polynomial models that require a large number of X–θ data. After the α value is fitted for a specific sensor type, the two‐point α‐mixing model requires only the measurement of porosity and two extreme X values, i.e., sensor outputs in dry and saturated soils, and does not require soil samples with intermediate water content. Therefore, the two‐point α‐mixing model can be considered as an alternative method for calibrating dielectric soil moisture sensors, especially when porosity is known with small uncertainty such as relatively homogeneous field or laboratory experiments.
Direct Measurement of Unsaturated Conductivity including Hydraulic Nonequilibrium and Hysteresis
Authors: Weller Ulrich , Ippisch Olaf , Köhne Max , Vogel Hans-Jörg
Published: September 2012

The unsaturated hydraulic conductivity function is the dominant material property for modeling soil water dynamics. Because it is difficult to measure directly, it is often derived from the water retention characteristic combined with a geometric model of the pore space. In this study, we developed an automated, simple multistep flux (MSF) experiment to directly measure unsaturated conductivities, K(ψm), at a number of water potentials, ψm, using the experimental setup of classical multistep outflow (MSO) experiments. In contrast to the MSO experiment, the MSF experiment measures the conductivity directly at a spatially constant water potential assuming macroscopically homogeneous materials. Additionally, the proposed method reveals the hysteresis of K(ψm) with respect to increasing and decreasing water potentials as well as the temporal dynamics of K(ψm) during transient‐flow conditions. This temporal behavior is explained by the dynamics of fluid configurations at the pore scale during drainage and imbibition leading to hydraulic nonequilibrium. It may provoke a systematic underestimation of hydraulic conductivity using inverse optimization of K(ψm) based on classical MSO experiments. The new approach will improve the determination of K(ψm) and it provides an experimental tool to quantify the effects of hydraulic nonequilibrium under transient conditions.
Evaluation of Macropore Flow and Transport Using Three‐Dimensional Simulation of Tension Infiltration Experiments
Authors: Alberti David R. , Cey Edwin E.
Published: September 2012

Macropores are important hydrologic features that result in preferential flow and transport even under partially saturated flow conditions. The objective of this study was to use numerical simulations to investigate the hydraulic representation of preferential flow in partially saturated macroporous soils. Tension infiltration experiments that exhibited varying degrees of preferential flow, primarily along worm burrows, provided the basis for the numerical simulations. Field measurements of infiltration, soil water content, and dye transport were used to calibrate the model and assess the results. A three‐dimensional model was constructed such that the soil matrix contained discrete vertical macropores. The simulations were able to capture the relevant flow and transport characteristics during infiltration. Sensitivity analyses demonstrated the utility of cumulative infiltration and dye transport data for constraining numerical simulations of macroporous systems. Hydraulic conductivity estimates for both matrix and macropores were lower than expected, which may be due to an overly simplified description of macropore flow hydraulics. Simulated macropore discontinuities near the surface reduced the infiltration volume by >50% and the depth of dye transport by >80%. The simulations also showed that increasing macropore density was nearly linearly related to increases in preferential flow, and confirmed field observations that closer macropore spacing led to increased transport depths due to macropore–matrix interaction and conjoined wetting fronts between neighboring macropores. This discrete macropore approach provides a useful method for examining macropore flow and transport, and highlights gaps in our understanding of the unsaturated flow behavior of macropores.
Groundwater Recharge through Vertisols: Irrigated Cropland vs. Natural Land, Israel
Authors: Kurtzman Daniel , Scanlon Bridget R.
Published: September 2012

Land use change from natural ecosystems to cropland influences groundwater recharge, including water quantity and quality. Soil core samples (0–11‐m depth) from six boreholes beneath irrigated cropland and two boreholes beneath natural ecosystems, in Vertisols, were analyzed for particle size distribution, water content, and water‐extractable Cl− Chloride mass balance and numerical, one‐dimensional unsaturated flow and transport modeling were used to assess average and transient recharge fluxes and to test matrix vs. preferential flow hypotheses. Water contents under irrigated cropland were significantly higher than under natural land with similar particle size distributions. Pore‐water Cl− concentrations in deep vadose zones (>3 m) under irrigated cropland (900–2000 mg L−1) were similar to recent local groundwater Cl− and significantly lower than pore‐water Cl− in deep vadose zones under natural land (3000–6000 mg L−1). Calibrated models' recharge rates through the soil matrix were much higher under irrigated cropland (90–230 mm yr−1) than natural ecosystems (1–3 mm yr−1) and were consistent with groundwater‐balance estimates of average recharge (110–160 mm yr−1). In contrast, matrix recharge rates under natural ecosystems were considerably lower than those based groundwater balance (50–80 mm yr−1). While matrix unsaturated flow under irrigated cropland explains vadose zone and groundwater observations, under natural ecosystems preferential flow paths are required to support observations. Plowing and irrigation prevent development of crack networks and promote matrix percolation through the clay, which flushes salts from previously immobile vadose zone pore water. These phenomena may be applicable to similar land use changes in Vertisols globally.
An Improved Air Pressure Measuring Method and Demonstrated Application to Drainage in Heterogeneous Soils
Authors: Sakaki Toshihiro , Limsuwat Anuchit , Illangasekare Tissa H.
Published: September 2012

Water flow in the vadose zone is often modeled as a single‐phase flow where the air phase is assumed to be free to flow. Although this is a fair assumption in many practical cases, there are a number of applications where the free flow of air is hindered due to various causes. Air phase that is not free to flow in the subsurface can lead to a decreased infiltration rate or changes in water flow paths. In this study, we improved methods for measuring air pressure in wet soil, and demonstrated its applicability to investigate how the air phase can play a critical role in heterogeneous soil under certain conditions. To achieve this, we performed two sets of experiments. In the first set of experiments, we tested seven different porous material–hydrophobic treatment combinations for air pressure measurement in soils that were initially water saturated. In the second set of the experiment, drainage was induced in a layered column where a layer of coarse sand was overlaid by finer sand. Air pressure was monitored using the method selected based on the results of the first experiment. As the drainage proceeded, the layer of coarse sand released water when the air phase penetrated through the fine sand layer. The air pressure in the coarse layer rapidly decreased (became negative) as the water was released. The results demonstrated that the improved air pressure measuring method successfully indicated a decrease in air pressure during the drainage, and that the single‐phase approach where only the water pressure is considered becomes invalid for cases where free air flow is hindered and water–air interaction is significant.
Freezability and Semen Parameters in Candidates of Sperm Bank Donors: 1992–2010
Authors: Yogev Leah , Paz Gedalia , Kleiman Sandra E. , Shabtai Esther , Gamzu Ronni , Botchan Amnon , Lehavi Ofer , Yavetz Haim , Hauser Ron
Published: September 2012

Abstract: There has been considerable concern worldwide about possible semen quality deterioration over the last 2 decades. The aim of this study was to evaluate freezability and semen quality of healthy young males during the years 1992–2010. A total of 1211 young (20–32 years old) candidates for sperm bank donation were recruited into the study with no exclusion criteria. They were instructed to observe 2 to 3 days of abstinence from sexual activity, and most of them supplied 2 specimens each. Average values of the various semen parameters, including freezing survival, were calculated for each participant. The change in different semen parameters over years, according to yearly and monthly average temperatures, was evaluated by SAS PROC SURVEYREG analysis. During that period, there were significant increases in motility and vitality percentages, as well as in the percentage of thawed sperm motility. The parameters of volume, concentration, normal morphology, total count, and total motile count showed a significant decrease with years (P < .01). The significant increase in average yearly temperature (P < .004) had limited, nonsignificant association with any of the semen variables. However, average monthly temperature contributed significantly to the trend of semen quality parameters (ie, specimen volume, concentration, percentage of normal morphology, and thawed motility). To the best of our knowledge, this is the first demonstration of the occurrence of an improvement in percent thawed motility over the years, and its significance lies in enabling a higher proportion of sperm bank candidates to be suitable for donation. It is suggested that the global warming phenomenon might have only partial contribution to semen variable changes over the years.
Nitric Oxide May Mediate Nipple Erection
Authors: Tezer Murat , Ozluk Yasemin , Sanli Oner , Asoglu Oktar , Kadioglu Ates
Published: September 2012

Abstract: The nipple is a specialized structure that can become erect by cold, sexual arousal, breast‐feeding, or other tactile stimulations, which can induce the milk ejection reflex and sexual arousal because of intense sensory innervation. The studies that have been conducted thus far to identify the mechanism of nipple erection (NE) are not sufficient. It has been stated that NE occurs via activation of the sympathetic nervous system and smooth muscle contraction. The purposes of this study were to investigate the existence of nitric oxide synthase (NOS) in the nipple‐areola complex (NAC) to explain the NE mechanism. Considering that smooth muscle relaxation might be effective in NE, endothelial and neuronal NOS expression and localization were investigated via immunohistochemical methods on sagittal sections from 17 human NACs. The results of this study indicate that eNOS is expressed in the vascular endothelium, ductal epithelium, and smooth muscles, whereas nNOS is expressed in the neural fibers, smooth muscles, ductal epithelium, and vascular endothelium in the NAC. Sinusoidal spaces with endothelial layers similar to those found in penile cavernosal tissue are not found in the NAC. Various mediators are known to affect the function of the NAC smooth muscles; however, this study demonstrates that enzymes (eNOS and nNOS) that synthesize nitric oxide are expressed in the NAC.
Artificial Insemination With Seminal Plasma Improves the Reproductive Performance of Frozen‐Thawed Boar Epididymal Spermatozoa
Authors: Okazaki Tetsuji , Akiyoshi Teiichi , Kan Masakazu , Mori Manabu , Teshima Hisanori , Shimada Masayuki
Published: September 2012

Abstract:Frozen‐thawed epididymal spermatozoa have good fertilization capability in vitro; however, their artificial insemination conception rate is less than half of that of frozen‐thawed ejaculated spermatozoa. Because the addition of seminal plasma to the thawing solution enhances the in vivo fertilizing ability of frozen‐thawed ejaculated spermatozoa, we hypothesized that the reproductive performance of frozen‐thawed epididymal spermatozoa could also be improved by the inclusion of seminal plasma. When frozenthawed epididymal spermatozoa were incubated for up to 6 hours, the motility of the sperm significantly decreased in a time‐dependent manner. The acrosomal membrane was damaged in the majority of frozen‐thawed epididymal spermatozoa. The addition of seminal plasma to the thawing solution significantly decreased the percentage of sperm with abnormal acrosomes and increased their total motility in a dose‐dependent manner. Furthermore, the addition of seminal plasma reduced the abundance of a 15‐kDa tyrosinephosphorylated protein in frozen‐thawed sperm, and the maximum effect was observed at 15% (vol/vol) seminal plasma. When cryopreserved epididymal spermatozoa from 3 different boars were thawed with a 15% (vol/vol) seminal plasma‐containing solution, the conception rate and mean litter size obtained by artificial insemination were significantly increased as compared with those in the control without seminal plasma. From these results, we concluded that the addition of seminal plasma to the thawing solution is a key step in obtaining an optimal number of piglets by artificial insemination using frozen‐thawed boar epididymal spermatozoa.
Influence of Helicobacter pylori Infection on Levels of Ghrelin and Obestatin in Human Semen
Authors: Moretti Elena , Collodel Giulia , Campagna Maria Stella , Franci Maria Beatrice , Iacoponi Francesca , Mazzi Lucia , Figura Natale
Published: September 2012

Abstract: Helicobacter pylori (HP) infection might have negative effects on the semen parameters of infertile men. We explored the possibility that this infection can influence systemic and seminal levels of ghrelin and obestatin, hormones mainly produced by the stomach. Ghrelin and obestatin exert many activities, including the regulation of reproductive biology, and are present in many organs and fluids, including human semen. In 78 men, we determined HP infection and cytotoxin‐associated gene A protein (CagA) status by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay and Western blotting, semen quality following World Health Organization guidelines, and ghrelin and obestatin levels in the blood stream (47 subjects) and semen by radioimmunoassay. Twenty‐seven men (34.6%) were infected (HP+) and 11 out of 27 infected men (40.7%) were seropositive for CagA (CagA+). Sperm motility was significantly reduced in HP+/CagA+ men compared with HP+/CagA– men (P < .01). Ghrelin semen levels were decreased in HP+ men compared with uninfected individuals (P < .05), whereas they were increased in HP+/CagA+ men compared with HP+/CagA– subjects (P < .01). Ghrelin semen concentrations in HP+/CagA– men were lower than those measured in uninfected subjects (P < .001). Semen obestatin concentration was increased, in a nonsignificant manner, in HP+/CagA+ men. The obestatin levels were approximately 4 times higher than those of ghrelin in semen and approximately half the levels of ghrelin in serum specimens of all the analyzed groups. No significant differences were found in systemic levels of ghrelin and obestatin in HP+ to uninfected individuals. HP infection may influence the ghrelin seminal concentrations, probably as a response to a negative effect of infection on the semen quality.
Human Sperm Chromatin Undergoes Physiological Remodeling During In Vitro Capacitation and Acrosome Reaction
Authors: de Lamirande E. , San Gabriel M. C. , Zini A.
Published: September 2012

Abstract:Capacitation (CAP) and acrosome reaction (AR) are sequential processes of sperm activation. Beside the known ionic, membrane, and transduction events and final release of proteolytic enzymes that help sperm movement toward the egg, chromatin changes, such as a physiological remodeling, are also possible. Our aims were to ascertain that CAP and AR do not induce DNA damage and to evaluate changes occurring in the human sperm head during these physiological processes using cytochemical stains. Percollpurified spermatozoa from normal donors were incubated in Biggers, Whitten, and Whittingham medium ± fetal cord serum ultrafiltrate (CAP inducer) and then with lysophosphatidylcholine (AR inducer). CAP and AR were associated with increases in aniline blue (AB, for histones; ∼70%) and toluidine blue (TB, for chromatin compaction; ∼40%) staining but had no influence on that of chromomycin A3 (for protamines). The increase (∼40%) in iodoacetamide‐fluorescein (IAF, for sulfhydryl groups) staining observed during CAP was absent after AR. CAP and AR did not damage DNA (percentage of DNA fragmentation index remained low) nor affect histone content. CAP, and even more AR, primed sperm heads to decondense (∼80% and ∼140% increases, respectively) when challenged with sodium dodecyl sulfate + dithiothreitol. Interestingly, induced decondensation correlated with all other tests (CAP, AB, TB, and IAF). Therefore, the data strongly support a physiological remodeling of nondamaged human sperm chromatin during CAP and AR, and modifications are probably interlinked and help prepare chromatin for postfertilization events.
Gene Therapy With an Erythropoietin Enhancer—Mediated, Hypoxia‐Inducible Gene Expression System in the Corpus Cavernosum of Mice With High‐Cholesterol Diet‐Induced Erectile Dysfunction
Authors: Ryu Ji‐Kan , Lee Minhyung , Choi Min Ji , Kim Hyun Ah , Jin Hai‐Rong , Kim Woo Jean , Yin Guo Nan , Song Kang‐Moon , Kwon Mi‐Hye , Suh Jun‐Kyu
Published: September 2012

Abstract: Cavernous hypoxia is an important factor in the pathogenesis of vasculogenic erectile dysfunction (ED). Therefore, the hypoxia‐inducible gene expression system can be exploited as gene therapy for vasculogenic ED. This study was undertaken to examine the effectiveness of a hypoxia‐inducible gene expression system, namely, the RTP801 promoter or the erythropoietin enhancer, in a mouse model of hypercholesterolemic ED in vivo and in primary cultured mouse cavernous endothelial cells in vitro. Two‐month‐old male C57BL/6micewere fed a diet containing 4% cholesterol and 1% cholic acid, and age‐matched control animals were fed a normal diet for 3 months. Mouse cavernous endothelial cells were isolated and cultured under normoxic or hypoxic conditions. After treatment of animals or endothelial cells with pSV‐Luc, pRTP801‐Luc, or pEpo‐SV‐Luc vector, gene expression was evaluated by luciferase assay, and the gene expression area was evaluated by immunohistochemistry. Plasmids pRTP801‐Luc and pEpo‐SV‐Luc induced gene expression significantly in the hypercholesterolemic mice and in cavernous endothelial cells under hypoxia, and the highest gene expression was noted in the group treated with pEpo‐SV‐Luc. Gene expression was higher for more than 7 days in the hypercholesterolemic mice injected with pEpo‐SV‐Luc than in mice injected with pSV‐Luc. As shown by immunohistochemistry, the gene expression area was also greater in the pEpo‐SV‐Luc group than in the pSV‐Luc group, but the difference was not as great as that in luciferase activity. The hypoxia‐specific gene expression system could be a valuable tool for facilitating gene delivery into ischemic corpus cavernosum tissue resulting from vascular causes.
Auditor Commitment to Privately Held Clients and its Effect on Value-Added Audit Service
Authors: Herda David N. , Lavelle James J.
Published: September 2012

This study examines auditor commitment to clients and how it affects the level of value-added audit service (e.g., management letter comments) provided to the clients. Our research model is based on social exchange theory. Using a sample of 204 auditors at two public accounting firms that principally serve privately held clients, we find that perceived fair treatment by the client predicts perceived support from the client, and perceived support predicts auditor commitment to the client. We find that client commitment is positively associated with the extent of value-added audit service provided to the client. The results highlight the important role that perceptions of client fairness play in engendering social exchange relationships between individual auditors and clients. Higher-quality relationships lead to higher levels of service that go beyond the basic requirements of the audit itself.
Frequency and Severity of the Dawn Phenomenon in Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Monnier Louis , Colette Claude , Sardinoux Mathieu , Baptista Gregory , Regnier-Zerbib Alyne , Owens David
Published: September 2012

OBJECTIVE

To know whether age has an independent effect on the dawn phenomenon in noninsulin-using type 2 diabetes.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

Eighty-one individuals with type 2 diabetes were matched for HbA1c and divided by age into three subgroups of 27 individuals (1: ≥70 years; 2: 60–69 years; and 3: ≤59 years). All underwent ambulatory continuous glucose monitoring for quantifying the dawn phenomenon (i.e., the absolute [∂G, mg/dL] or relative [∂G%] increments from nocturnal nadirs to prebreakfast time points).

RESULTS

HbA1c levels and 24-h glycemic profiles were similar across the three groups. Glucose increments (mean ± SEM) were identical in the three groups: ∂G (mg/dL), 22.0 ± 4.7 (1), 21.3 ± 3.6 (2), and 18.0 ± 3.6 (3) and δG (%), 19.9 ± 4.9 (1), 21.6 ± 4.4 (2), and 17.6 ± 4.2 (3). Using the most common definition (∂G >10 mg/dL), the prevalence of the dawn phenomenon was 52, 70, and 59% in groups 1, 2, and 3, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

The dawn phenomenon is present in the elderly.
Identification of potential sources of thymoquinone and related compounds in Asteraceae, Cupressaceae, Lamiaceae, and Ranunculaceae families
Authors: Taborsky Jan , Kunt Miroslav , Kloucek Pavel , Lachman Jaromir , Zeleny Vaclav , Kokoska Ladislav
Published: September 2012

In this study, forty-seven plant species belonging to seven families were analysed by GC and GC-MS for the contents of pharmacologically effective quinones: dithymoquinone (DTQ), thymohydroquinone (THQ), and thymoquinone (TQ). The results showed that detectable amounts (≥1 mg kg−1) of at least one of these compounds have been found in three species of both Monarda (M. didyma, M. media, and M. menthifolia) and Thymus (T. pulegioides, T. serpyllum, and T. vulgaris) genera, two Satureja (S. hortensis and S. montana) species, and in single representatives of Eupatorium (E. cannabinum), Juniperus (J. communis), and Nigella (N. sativa) genera. The maximum contents of THQ and TQ were found in M. media aerial parts and M. didyma inflorescences (2674 and 3564 mg kg−1 of dried weight, respectively) in amounts significantly exceeding their maximum contents in N. sativa seeds (THQ = 530 mg kg−1 and TQ = 1881 mg kg−1), which are generally considered as the main natural source of both of these compounds. As a conclusion, M. didyma (bergamot) and M. media (purple bergamot) can be recommended as new prospective natural sources of THQ and TQ for pharmaceutical or food industries.
Mimicking the morphology of long bone
Authors: Ficai Anton , Andronescu Ecaterina , Ficai Denisa , Sonmez Maria , Albu Madalina , Voicu Georgeta
Published: September 2012

The aim of this work was to mimic the stratified structure of the median region of long bones. Starting from this desideratum, more COLL/HA composite materials with different morphology were synthesized and characterized, each of these materials mimicking one layer of long bone (endo- and periosteum, compact and cancellous bony tissue). Stratified bone grafts were obtained by assembling these layers; the obtained grafts were similar to the median region of long bones. Even though, natural bones have a more complex microstructure, this is a pioneering work since for the first time a stratified COLL/HA composite material similar to bone was produced.
Total synthesis of N,O,O,O-tetraacetyl-d-ribo-phytosphingosine and its 2-epi-congener
Authors: Martinková Miroslava , Pomikalová Kvetoslava , Gonda Jozef
Published: September 2012

Total synthesis of the natural d-ribo-phytosphingosine I and its 2-epimer III in the protected form was achieved through a common strategy. The aza-Claisen rearrangement of allylic thiocyanate (Z)-V incorporated the new stereogenic centre with nitrogen and the subsequent Wittig olefination constructed a non-polar side chain. Hydrogenation, followed by removal of protecting groups, completed the syntheses of I and III.
Effect of reactants’ concentration on the ratio and yield of E,Z isomers of isatin-3-(4-phenyl)semicarbazone and N-methylisatin-3-(4-phenyl)semicarbazone
Authors: Jakusová Klaudia , Gáplovský Martin , Donovalová Jana , Cigáň Marek , Stankovičová Henrieta , Sokolík Robert , Gašpar Jan , Gáplovský Anton
Published: September 2012

In this work, the effect of inter- and intramolecular interactions of reactants and products, reactants concentration as well as the solvent effect on the ratio of E and Z isomers of isatinphenylsemicarbazones in the reaction mixture is examined. Theoretical calculations proved that Z isomers are more stable than E isomers. Experimental results confirmed the noncovalent intermolecular donor-acceptor interactions of the reactants in the reaction mixture at concentrations above 0.1 mol L−1. The E/Z isomer ratio of isatin-3-(4-phenyl)semicarbazone (I) and N-methylisatin-3-(4-phenyl)semicarbazone (II) depends on the initial concentrations of 3-amino-1-phenylurea (phenylsemicarbazide; V) and 1H-indole-2,3-dione (isatin; III), or 3-methylindol-2,3(1H)-dion (3-methylisatin; IV), respectively. Both isomers exhibit high thermal stability. Thermal E-Z isomerization takes place at temperatures above 70°C in N,N-dimethylformamide.
From Quasi-Entropy to Various Quantum Information Quantities
Authors: Hiai Fumio , Petz Dénes
Published: September 2012

The subject is the applications of the use of quasi-entropy in finite dimensional spaces to many important quantities in quantum information. Operator monotone functions and relative modular operators are used. The origin is the relative entropy, and the

f

-divergence, monotone metrics, covariance and the

\chi^2

-divergence are the most important particular cases. The extension of monotone metrics to those with two parameters is a new concept. Monotone metrics are also characterized by their joint convexity property.
The Homotopy Types of $SU$(3)-gauge Groups over Simply Connected 4-manifolds
Authors: Theriault Stephen
Published: September 2012

We classify the integral homotopy types of gauge groups of principal

SU

(3)-bundles over a simply-connected Spin 4-manifold

M

. When

M

is non-Spin, a similar classiffication holds once localization is allowed.
Drinfeld Realization of Affine Quantum Algebras: the Relations
Authors: Damiani Ilaria
Published: September 2012

The structure of the Drinfeld realization

\mathcal U_q^{Dr}

of affine quantum algebras (both untwisted and twisted) is described in detail, and its defining relations are studied and simplified. As an application, a homomorphism

\psi

from this realization to the Drinfeld and Jimbo presentation

\mathcal U_q^{DJ}

is provided, and proved to be surjective.
Co-Fe-Si Aerogel Catalytic Honeycombs for Low Temperature Ethanol Steam Reforming
Authors: Domínguez Montserrat , Taboada Elena , Molins Elies , Llorca Jordi
Published: September 2012

Cobalt talc doped with iron (Fe/Co~0.1) and dispersed in SiO2 aerogel was prepared from silica alcogel impregnated with metal nitrates by supercritical drying. Catalytic honeycombs were prepared following the same procedure, with the alcogel synthesized directly over cordierite honeycomb pieces. The composite aerogel catalyst was characterized by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, focus ion beam, specific surface area and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The catalytic layer is about 8 µm thick and adheres well to the cordierite support. It is constituted of talc layers of about 1.5 µm × 300 nm × 50 nm which are well dispersed and anchored in a SiO2 aerogel matrix with excellent mass-transfer properties. The catalyst was tested in the ethanol steam reforming reaction, aimed at producing hydrogen for on-board, on-demand applications at moderate temperature (573–673 K) and pressure (1–7 bar). Compared to non-promoted cobalt talc, the catalyst doped with iron produces less methane as byproduct, which can only be reformed at high temperature, thereby resulting in higher hydrogen yields. At 673 K and 2 bar, 1.04 NLH2·mLEtOH(l)−1·min−1 are obtained at S/C = 3 and W/F = 390 g·min·molEtOH−1.
Dispatch Method for Independently Owned Hydropower Plants in the Same River Flow
Authors: Rajšl Ivan , Ilak Perica , Delimar Marko , Krajcar Slavko
Published: September 2012

This paper proposes a coexistence model for two independent companies both operating hydropower plants in the same river flow, based on a case study of the Cetina river basin in Croatia. Companies are participants of the day-ahead electricity market. The incumbent company owns the existing hydropower plants and holds concessions for the water. The new company decides to build a pump storage hydropower plant that uses one of the existing reservoirs as its lower reservoir. Meeting reservoir water balance is affected by decisions by both companies which are independently seeking maximal profit. Methods for water use settlement and preventing of spillage are proposed. A mixed-integer linear programming approach is used. Head effects on output power levels are also considered. Existences of dispatches that satisfy both companies are shown.
Modification by Ubiquitin-Like Proteins: Significance in Apoptosis and Autophagy Pathways
Authors: Cajee Umar-Faruq , Hull Rodney , Ntwasa Monde
Published: September 2012

Ubiquitin-like proteins (Ubls) confer diverse functions on their target proteins. The modified proteins are involved in various biological processes, including DNA replication, signal transduction, cell cycle control, embryogenesis, cytoskeletal regulation, metabolism, stress response, homeostasis and mRNA processing. Modifiers such as SUMO, ATG12, ISG15, FAT10, URM1, and UFM have been shown to modify proteins thus conferring functions related to programmed cell death, autophagy and regulation of the immune system. Putative modifiers such as Domain With No Name (DWNN) have been identified in recent times but not fully characterized. In this review, we focus on cellular processes involving human Ubls and their targets. We review current progress in targeting these modifiers for drug design strategies.
Polystyrene Attached Pt(IV)–Azomethine, Synthesis and Immobilization of Glucose Oxidase Enzyme
Authors: Sari Nurşen , Antepli Esin , Nartop Dilek , Yetim Nurdan Kurnaz
Published: September 2012

Modified polystyrene with Pt(IV)–azomethine (APS–Sch–Pt) was synthesized by means of condensation and demonstrated to be a promising enzyme support by studying the enzymatic properties of glucose oxidase enzyme (GOx) immobilized on it. The characteristics of the immobilized glucose oxidase (APS–Sch–Pt–GOx) enzyme showed two optimum pH values that were pH = 4.0 and pH = 7. The insertion of stable Pt(IV)–azomethine spacers between the polystyrene backbone and the immobilized GOx, (APS–Sch–Pt–GOx), increases the enzymes’ activity and improves their affinity towards the substrate even at pH = 4. The influence of temperature, reusability and storage capacity on the free and immobilized glucose oxidase enzyme was investigated. The storage stability of the immobilized glucose oxidase was shown to be eleven months in dry conditions at +4 °C.
Venus-Earth-Mars: Comparative Climatology and the Search for Life in the Solar System
Authors: Launius Roger D.
Published: September 2012

Both Venus and Mars have captured the human imagination during the twentieth century as possible abodes of life. Venus had long enchanted humans—all the more so after astronomers realized it was shrouded in a mysterious cloak of clouds permanently hiding the surface from view. It was also the closest planet to Earth, with nearly the same size and surface gravity. These attributes brought myriad speculations about the nature of Venus, its climate, and the possibility of life existing there in some form. Mars also harbored interest as a place where life had or might still exist. Seasonal changes on Mars were interpreted as due to the possible spread and retreat of ice caps and lichen-like vegetation. A core element of this belief rested with the climatology of these two planets, as observed by astronomers, but these ideas were significantly altered, if not dashed during the space age. Missions to Venus and Mars revealed strikingly different worlds. The high temperatures and pressures found on Venus supported a “runaway greenhouse theory,” and Mars harbored an apparently lifeless landscape similar to the surface of the Moon. While hopes for Venus as an abode of life ended, the search for evidence of past life on Mars, possibly microbial, remains a central theme in space exploration. This survey explores the evolution of thinking about the climates of Venus and Mars as life-support systems, in comparison to Earth.
Morphological Effect of Pd Catalyst on Ethanol Electro-Oxidation Reaction
Authors: Cerritos Raúl Carrera , Guerra-Balcázar Minerva , Ramírez Rosalba Fuentes , Ledesma-García Janet , Arriaga Luis Gerardo
Published: September 2012

In the present study, three different structures with preferentially exposed crystal faces were supported on commercial carbon black by the polyol method (nanoparticles (NP/C), nanobars (NB/C) and nanorods (NR/C)). The electrocatalysts were characterized by XRD, TEM, TGA and cyclic voltammetry at three different ethanol concentrations. Considerable differences were found in terms of catalytic electroactivity. At all ethanol concentrations, the trend observed for the ethanol oxidation peak potential was preserved as follows: NB/C < NP/C< NR/C < commercial Pd/C. This result indicates that, from a thermodynamics point of view, the NB/C catalyst enclosed by Pd(100) facets presented the highest activity with respect to ethanol electro-oxidation among all of the catalysts studied.
Arginine Methyltransferases Are Regulated by Epstein-Barr Virus in B Cells and Are Differentially Expressed in Hodgkin’s Lymphoma
Authors: Leonard Sarah , Gordon Naheema , Smith Nikki , Rowe Martin , Murray Paul G. , Woodman Ciarán B.
Published: September 2012

Although there is increasing evidence that aberrant expression of those enzymes which control protein arginine methylation contribute to carcinogenesis, their de-regulation by oncogenic viruses in primary cells has yet to be reported. We first show that the protein arginine methyltransferases, CARM1, PRMT1 and PRMT5 are strongly expressed in Hodgkin Reed-Sternberg (HRS) cells, and up-regulated in Hodgkin's lymphoma (HL) cell lines. Given that Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) can be detected in approximately 50% of primary HL, we next examined how EBV infection of germinal centre (GC) B cells, the presumptive precursors of HRS cells, modulated the expression of these proteins. EBV infection of GC B cells was followed by the up-regulation of CARM1, PRMT1 and PRMT5, and by the down-regulation of the arginine deiminase, PADI4. Latent membrane protein 1 (LMP1), the major EBV transforming gene was shown to induce PRMT1 in GC B cells and in a stably transfected B cell line. The recent development of compounds which inhibit PRMT-mediated reactions provides a compelling case for continuing to dissect the contribution of virus induced changes in these proteins to lymphomagenesis.
Tree Height Growth Measurement with Single-Scan Airborne, Static Terrestrial and Mobile Laser Scanning
Authors: Lin Yi , Hyyppä Juha , Kukko Antero , Jaakkola Anttoni , Kaartinen Harri
Published: September 2012

This study explores the feasibility of applying single-scan airborne, static terrestrial and mobile laser scanning for improving the accuracy of tree height growth measurement. Specifically, compared to the traditional works on forest growth inventory with airborne laser scanning, two issues are regarded: “Can the new technique characterize the height growth for each individual tree?” and “Can this technique refine the minimum growth-discernable temporal interval further?” To solve these two puzzles, the sampling principles of the three laser scanning modes were first examined, and their error sources against the task of tree-top capturing were also analyzed. Next, the three-year growths of 58 Nordic maple trees (Crimson King) for test were intermittently surveyed with one type of laser scanning each time and then analyzed by statistics. The evaluations show that the height growth of each individual tree still cannot be reliably characterized even by single-scan terrestrial laser scanning, and statistical analysis is necessary in this scenario. After Gaussian regression, it is found that the minimum temporal interval with distinguishable tree height growths can be refined into one month based on terrestrial laser scanning, far better than the two years deduced in the previous works based on airborne laser scanning. The associated mean growth was detected to be about 0.12 m. Moreover, the parameter of tree height generally under-estimated by airborne and even mobile laser scanning can be relatively revised by means of introducing static terrestrial laser scanning data. Overall, the effectiveness of the proposed technique is primarily validated.
Riparian Forest Restoration: Conflicting Goals, Trade-Offs, and Measures of Success
Authors: Bateman Heather L. , Merritt David M. , Johnson J. Bradley
Published: September 2012

Restoration projects can have varying goals, depending on the specific focus, rationale, and aims for restoration. When restoration projects use project-specific goals to define activities and gauge success without considering broader ecological context, determination of project implications and success can be confounding. We used case studies from the Middle Rio Grande (MRG), southwest USA, to demonstrate how restoration outcomes can rank inconsistently when narrowly-based goals are used. Resource managers have chosen MRG for restoration due to impacts to the natural flood regime, reduced native tree recruitment, and establishment of non-native plants. We show restoration “success” ranks differently based upon three goals: increasing biodiversity, increasing specific ecosystem functions, or restoring native communities. We monitored 12 restored and control sites for seven years. Treatments ranked higher in reducing exotic woody populations, and increasing proportions of native plants and groundwater salvage, but generally worse at removing fuels, and increasing species and habitat structural diversity. Managers cannot rely on the term “restoration” to sufficiently describe a project’s aim. Specific desired outcomes must be defined and monitored. Long-term planning should include flexibility to incorporate provisions for adaptive management to refine treatments to avoid unintended ecological consequences.
A DYNAMIC ANALYSIS ON PUBLIC BUS TRANSPORT'S SUPPLY QUALITY BY USING AHP
Authors: Duleba Szabolcs , Mishina Tsutomu , Shimazaki Yoshiaki
Published: September 2012

Nowadays, it is a really important issue to improve the supply quality of city public bus transportation in many cases. Meanwhile, the different participants of transport systems have different ideas on the ways of improvement, for this reason the taken measures can be inefficient and expensive. The operational costs are steadily increasing (e.g. price of fuel, wages, etc.) therefore the decision makers do not really have the opportunity to lower the price of tickets. For solving the above mentioned problems, before creating a plan of improving a certain public system, a clear image should have been gained on the preferences of passengers, company managers and governmental decision makers. In the current paper a general three-level-hierarchical model has been set up to analyze dynamically the public bus transport system of a city. The price is excluded, only the elements of supply quality are assessed in the hierarchy. Based on the model, questionnaires were created and for the analysis, Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) was used to determine preference weights of evaluators from different evaluator groups. Passengers, company managers and governmental officers evaluated exactly the same type of questionnaires so the results are comparable. Avoiding the difficulties of other AHP applications, we used a simplified Saaty-scale for scoring so that the missing data of the matrices could be calculated by an algorithm as well. This study revealed a priority ranking of the elements of supply quality within each level, and this ranking is comparable among the participants of public bus system. This may help the policy makers to synthesize various aspects of public transportation.
ANALYSIS OF UNMANNED AIRCRAFT SYSTEMS APPLICATION IN THE CIVIL FIELD
Authors: Kharchenko Volodymyr , Prusov Dmitry
Published: September 2012

The basic directions of unmanned aircraft systems applications in the civil field has been reviewed, the concepts of creation and organization of civil unmanned aircraft systems has been considered depending on the task orientation as well as the wide range of issues concerning the use of existing capacity for the design, manufacture and operation, with subsequent integration into the common air space.
FREEWAY SAFETY MANAGEMENT: CASE STUDIES IN ITALY
Authors: Luca Mario De , Dell’Acqua Gianluca
Published: September 2012

Road safety has since become one of the major factors for a description of the state traffic system and crashes are often due to bad made decisions by drivers in environments created by engineers. This study proposes an update of the previous version (Dell'Acqua et al. 2011a) to estimate V 85, for non-conditioned traffic flows on freeways. The databases used in the study come from a series of speed measurements and vehicle ranges on a stretch of freeway using a fixed measuring system. The produced model proved to be very reliable, with the greatest error in the estimation of V 85, being less than 6%. The model obtained was then applied to a stretch of freeway of approximately 20 km. Some significant correlations between DV 85 (variation of V 85 among successive stretches) and DN (the variation in the number of crashes among successive stretches) were found, which may be very useful in the management of safety on roads. In particular the obtained results have highlighted some aspects of motorway traffic. In addition, using the procedure illustrated, it has been possible to identify some particular ‘black spots’ due to the poor design co-ordination of the alignment, positioned between consecutive stretches (for approximately 2 km), with a difference in terms of V 85average greater than 10 km/h.
New Developments in Spanish Federalism
Authors: Arzoz Xabier
Published: September 2012

Résumé Les principales évolutions du fédéralisme espagnol ces dernières années tiennent à l’élaboration, l’approbation et la révision du Statut d’autonomie de la Catalogne, un processus qui a duré sept ans (2003-2010). Le nouveau Statut d’autonomie catalan a constitué un test historique de la structure de « l’État des communautés autonomes ». Une autre évolution concerne la consécration constitutionnelle du principe de stabilité budgétaire. Dans les deux cas, une vision homogène de la décentralisation espagnole a prévalu.
Federalism as a Tool of Conflict-Resolution: The Case of Bosnia and Herzegovina
Authors: Keil Soeren
Published: September 2012

Résumé Le fédéralisme a été utilisé comme instrument pour mettre fin au violent conflit de Bosnie-Herzégovine et pour assurer la coopération politique après la guerre. Cependant, l’idéologie du fédéralisme comme les institutions de l’État fédéral furent bâties par les acteurs internationaux et non par les acteurs internes à la Bosnie. En conséquence, on constate aujourd’hui que l’idée même d’État fédéral est remise en cause par toutes les parties de la Bosnie-Herzégovine. Bien qu’il y ait eu un nombre important de réformes en Bosnie depuis 1995, celles-ci se sont en général concentrées sur le renforcement du niveau central aux dépens des entités membres. Les réformes n’ont pas pu créer un environnement dans lequel l’État bosniaque en tant que tel ne serait plus remis en cause. Ainsi, l’Union européenne a dû accepter de considérer que la conditionnalité qu’elle imposait ne fonctionne pas en Bosnie, car les élites locales continuent à considérer la politique comme un jeu à somme nulle. Ce dont la Bosnie a besoin est une réforme constitutionnelle, dans laquelle les groupes les plus importants s’accordent sur la nature de l’État bosniaque, sur leurs relations à cet État et sur leurs relations réciproques. Ces réformes doivent être réalisées au travers de compromis locaux et de coopération, et ne peuvent être imposées de l’extérieur. Enfin, cet article démontre en quoi le fédéralisme a contribué à bâtir la paix et à construire un État fédéral en Bosnie, mais aussi en quoi il n’a pas réussi à créer un consensus au sujet de l’État et à assurer que toutes les parties acceptent l’État et sa nature fédérale.
Immigration and Migrant Integration in Multicultural Societies
Authors: Kössler Karl
Published: September 2012

Résumé Cet article s’intéresse à la tendance générale d’accroissement de l’autorité intra-étatique dans la gouvernance de problèmes complexes, et analyse dans quelle mesure cette tendance est également valable dans le domaine de l’immigration et de l’intégration des migrants dans des sociétés multiculturelles. L’article considère qu’une distinction analytique doit être faite entre la question de « l’immigration », comme simple régulation des flux internationaux de migration, et la question beaucoup plus complexe et multidimensionnelle de « l’intégration des migrants ». Plus précisément, les multiples dimensions de l’intégration – sociale, économique et politique – relèvent d’une responsabilité intersectorielle et constituent une question qui prend en compte plusieurs niveaux de gouvernement. Le domaine de l’immigration, par contraste, est à de rares exceptions près le domaine exclusif du gouvernement central. L’article démontre comment ces différentes logiques entraînent d’importants dysfonctionnements dans la coordination de l’immigration et de l’intégration des migrants, car l’interconnectivité intrinsèque de ces politiques est négligée.