bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Characterisation of GST genes from the Chinese white pine beetle Dendroctonus armandi (Curculionidae: Scolytinae) and their response to host chemical defence
Authors: Dai Lulu , Ma Junning , Ma Mingyuan , Zhang Haoqiang , Shi Qi , Zhang Ranran , Chen Hui
Published: June 2015

BACKGROUND

Bark beetles rely on their detoxifying enzymes to resist the defensive terpenoids of host trees. Glutathione S‐transferases (GSTs) conjugate xenobiotic compounds with a glutathione moiety (GSH) and often work in tandem with cytochromes P450 or other enzymes that aid in the detoxification, sequestration or excretion of toxic compounds.

RESULT

We identified nine new GST genes in the Chinese white pine beetle (Dendroctonus armandi) and carried out a bioinformatics analysis on the deduced full‐length amino acid sequences. These genes belong to four different classes (epsilon, sigma, omega and theta). Differential transcript levels of each class of GST genes were observed between sexes, and, within these levels, significant differences were found among the different adult substages that were fed phloem of Pinus armandi and exposed to six stimuli [(±)‐α‐pinene, (−)‐α‐pinene, (−)‐β‐pinene, (+)‐3‐carene, (±)‐limonene and turpentine] at 8 and 24 h.

CONCLUSION

The increased transcription levels of GST genes suggested that they have some relationship with the detoxification of terpenoids that are released by host trees. The mediating oxidative stress that is caused by monoterpene might be the main role of the bark beetle GSTs. © 2015 Society of Chemical Industry
A Note on Incorporating Simultaneous Multi‐level Failure Time Data in System Reliability Assessments
Authors: Graves Todd L. , Hamada Michael S.
Published: June 2015

In this article, we present a method how to evaluate the likelihood for simultaneous failure time data when monitoring is stopped when the system fails. Our method is based on the reliability structure of the system, listing all possible events consistent with the simultaneous data and calculating their contributions to the likelihood. The method is simple to understand and is based on standard probabilistic calculations. We also consider the Jackson and Moslehmethod, and some results suggest that the two methods are equivalent. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Fourcault‐Verglasungen am Schloss Babelsberg
Authors: Gubelt Stefan , Huber Ulrich , Lanzrath Mark
Published: June 2015

Bei der Hüllensanierung des 1834 bis 1849 errichteten Schlosses Babelsberg wurden aus denkmalpflegerischen Gesichtspunkten maschinengezogene Gläser verwendet. Für unterschiedliche Verglasungstypen aus monolithischen oder vorgespannten Gläsern, aus Sonderisolierverglasungen und speziellen Verbundgläsern mit horizontaler Stoßfuge werden Bemessungsgrundlagen, statischer Nachweis und Nachweis der Gebrauchstauglichkeit beschrieben. Verdeutlicht wird der Herstellungsprozess beginnend beim Glasziehen nach Fourcault über das Vorspannen bis zur Produktion der Laminate.

Fourcault‐Glazings of “Schloss Babelsberg”. For the cover restoration of “Schloss Babelsberg”, which was built between 1834 and 1849, it was used machine‐drawn glass due to monument preservation aspects. There are described design bases, statically and usability proofs for the different types of glazing out of monolithic or tempered glasses, special insulation glazing and special laminated glasses with horizontal butt joints. The manufacturing process is highlighted by the drawing of the glass according to Fourcault across tempering to the point of the production of laminated glass.
Generative Formoptimierung zylindrisch gebogener Gläser
Authors: Löffler Kim Boris , Fahlbusch Mark , Bollinger Klaus , Grohmann Manfred
Published: June 2015

Gebogene Verglasungen stellen besondere Anforderungen an den Planungs‐ und Bemessungsprozess im Projektverlauf. Die große Bandbreite an Geometrien aber auch seine Anwendung, Verarbeitungs‐ und Veredelungsmöglichkeiten, bedürfen einer besonders ausführlichen Analyse der jeweiligen Anforderung. Dabei spielen neue Methoden computerbasierter Entwurfs‐ und Analyseverfahren eine zunehmend stärkere Rolle.

Am Beispiel der neuen Eingangspavillons der SAP‐Arena in Mannheim wurden in einer vergleichenden Analyse die Vor‐ und Nachteile klassischer und generativer Verfahren untersucht. Die von den Architekten Meixner Schlüter Wendt entworfenen Bauwerke bieten durch ihre freigeformten Grundrissgeometrien eine ideale Grundlage für die Betrachtung von Bemessungsprozessen: Neben einer klassischen Bearbeitung mit unterschiedlichen Konstruktions‐ und Berechnungsprogrammen wurde ein parametrischer Prozess, der Geometrieberechnung und ‐optimierung in einer Programmumgebung vereint, durchgeführt.

Generative form‐optimisation cylindric curved glass. Curved glazing puts special requirements onto the planning and calculation process at the course of the project. The wide range of glass usage, geometries, processing and finishing, causes a detailed analysis of its requirements. Thereby new methods of computer based design and analysis play an increasing greater role.

The example of the new entrance pavilion at the SAP Arena in Mannheim, the advantages and disadvantages of traditional and generative processes were examined in a comparative analysis. The pavilions, designed by the architects Meixner Schlüter Wendt, offered by their free‐form layout geometries an ideal foundation for the consideration of design processes. Beside a classic design process with different cad tools and calculation programs, a parametric process including geometry optimization and calculation combined in a single program environment, was performed.
Faltwerke aus Glas
Authors: Marinitsch Stefan , Schranz Christian , Teich Martien
Published: June 2015

Faltwerke sind ein idealer Tragwerkstyp für den flächigen Baustoff Glas. Die hierfür notwendige linienförmige Verbindung stellt eine Herausforderung an die konstruktive Umsetzung dar. Im folgenden Beitrag werden ein experimentelles Verbindungsdetail und die zugehörigen Grenzen der Tragfähigkeit gezeigt. Ergebnissen aus Versuchen werden numerische Werte an die Seite gestellt. Der Aufsatz behandelt des weiteren Fragen zur Interaktion unter kombinierter Belastung und den Einfluss des Knickwinkels auf die Auslastung der Verbindung. Geschlossen wird mit einem Ausblick auf notwendige weiterführende Forschung.

Folded Plate Structures in Glass. Folded plate structures seem an optimal structural typology for the flat and thin material glass. The required linear connection is a challenge for the joint design. This paper presents an experimental connection detail together with its loading limits. The values obtained by testing are compared to numerical results. In the following, questions related to load interaction are discussed, as well as the influence of the kink between two plates on the connection’s utilisation. Limitations of digital prototyping will be touched on as well as required future research.
Parameterbestimmung mit dem Anderson‐Darling Test bei Versuchen an Glas
Authors: Müller Christoph , Kloft Harald
Published: June 2015

Die Untersuchung von Probekörpern aus Glas beinhaltet das statistische Auswerten der Versuchsergebnisse. Häufig werden die Daten über eine Regressionsanalyse bewertet. Als Güte der Ausgleichsgeraden an das Datenmaterial wird in diesem Fall häufig das Bestimmtheitsmaß R² verwendet. Es lässt sich jedoch mit dem Bestimmtheitsmaß nicht die Zugehörigkeit der Daten zu der gewählten Wahrscheinlichkeitsverteilung nachweisen. Hierfür ist eine gesonderte Signifikanzanalyse notwendig, welche mit Anpassungstests, wie dem von Anderson‐Darling, durchgeführt werden kann. Durch diesen Anpassungstest steht ein Bewertungskriterium zur Verfügung, mit dem ebenfalls die Parameter der gesuchten Wahrscheinlichkeitsverteilung bestimmt werden können.

Parameter estimation with the Anderson‐Darling test on experiments on glass.The analysis of glass samples implies the statistical evaluation of the test results. Usually a linear regression will be used by applying the coefficient of determination R2. However it is not possible to prove a data affiliation to the chosen probability distribution with this coefficient of determination. Therefor a separate analysis of significance is necessary such as the Anderson‐Darling test of goodness of fit. This test can be used as criterion to determinate the parameters of the probability function for a given data sample.
Analyse einer gefalteten und wandelbaren Struktur aus laminiertem Plexiglas
Authors: Hammer Stefan , Hildebrand Jörg
Published: June 2015

Eine aus Plexiglas und Folie bestehende Konstruktion entsteht durch eine neuartige platzsparende Falttechnik, die im Rahmen einer Masterarbeit im Jahr 2013, an der Fakultät Architektur der Bauhaus‐Universität Weimar erarbeitet wurde. Einzelne modulare Elemente, die aus drei Oktaedern bestehen, können kombiniert und somit in Größe und Anordnung variiert werden. Die beidseitig laminierte Folie ist in bestimmten Fugen einseitig durchtrennt, um eine vielfältige Faltbarkeit zu realisieren. Zur Charakterisierung des Tragverhaltens werden statische Druckversuche von einzelnen Elementen mit berührungsloser Aufnahme der globalen Verformungen und lokalen Dehnungen mittels einer optischen Verformungsanalyse durchgeführt. Der richtungsabhängige Schälwiderstand zwischen Folie und Plexiglas wird in Anlehnung an die Norm DIN EN 1464 ermittelt.

Analysis of a folded and convertible structure made of laminated Plexiglas. A construction consisting of Plexiglas and foil is created by using a new space‐saving folding technique, which was developed as part of a Master’s thesis in 2013, at the Faculty of Architecture at the Bauhaus University Weimar. Individual modular elements, which consist of three octahedra can be combined so that size and arrangement is variable. This double‐sided laminated foil is cut on one side in particular angles in order to allow it to be folded. To characterize the structural behavior, static compression tests of individual elements are carried out with non‐contact recording of the global deformation and local strain using an optical deformation analysis. The direction‐dependent peel resistance between foil and Plexiglas is determined in accordance with the standard DIN EN 1464.
Dimensionierung von Klebefugen aus Silikon mit beliebiger Geometrie
Authors: Maniatis Iris , Siebert Geralt , Nehring Gordon
Published: June 2015

Für die Bemessung von geklebten Konstruktion gibt bisher keine Normen. Verklebungen sind in Deutschland bislang nur im Rahmen einer Zustimmung im Einzelfall oder einer europäischen technischen Zulassung für geklebte Fassaden möglich. Die Anforderungen für die Zulassung regelt die europäische Leitlinie ETAG 002. Diese schreibt eine rechteckige Verglasung und eine an allen Kanten linienförmige Verklebung sowie die Verwendung eines Silikonklebstoffes vor. Für den Querschnitt der Klebefugen sind Seitenverhältnisse zwischen 1:1 und 1:3 einzuhalten. Im Rahmen dieses Beitrags wird eine Vorgehensweise auf numerischer und experimenteller Basis beschrieben, die abweichend von der ETAG 002 eine beliebige Anordnung und Geometrie der Klebefuge erlaubt.

Design of adhesive silicone joints with arbitrary geometry. For the design of bonded connections there are no standards so far. In Germany structural sealants can only be used for single projects with a special permit from the authorities, for facades European technical approvals are possible. The requirements for these approvals are defined in the European guideline ETAG 002. It prescribes a rectangular glazing with a linear bonding along all edges, the structural sealant is to be a silicone. The aspect ratio of the cross section of the structural silicone has to be between 1:1 and 1:3. Within this paper a numerical and experimental approach is described, which allows any arrangement and geometry of the structural sealant deviating from ETAG 002.
Lineare vs. nichtlineare Berechnung von Isoliergläsern
Authors: Neugebauer Jürgen
Published: June 2015

Für die Dimensionierung eines Isolierglases stehen unterschiedliche Konzepte zur Verfügung. Speziell bei größeren Isoliergläser können größere Verformungen auftreten. Aufgrund dieser größeren Verformungen sollte die Theorie für große Verformungen berücksichtigt werden. Die Bemessung ist beispielsweise mit Hilfe eines Finite‐Elemente‐Programm möglich. Um die Richtigkeit der Ergebnisse sicherzustellen, ist es durchaus sinnvoll, die Ergebnisse dieser Programme mit einem zweiten und unterschiedlichen Bemessungsverfahren zu validieren. Eine Möglichkeit ist es, die Ergebnisse mit Hilfe von Tabellen und Gleichungen zu überprüfen. Solche Tabellen und Gleichungen sind in wissenschaftlichen Berichten oder z.B. im Normentwurf prEN 16612 gegeben.

Linear vs. nonlinear structural design of insulated glass units. For the structural design of an insulated glass unit IGU some different concepts are available. Especially for bigger insulated glass units larger deformations arise. Due to these larger deformations the theory for large deformations should be to be taken into account. The structural design is possible e.g. with the help of a finite element program. A couple of computer programs are available on the market. To ensure the correctness of the results, it is absolutely advisable to validate the results of such programs with a second and different design method. One possibility is to check the results with the help of tables with coefficients and equations. Such tables and equations are given in scientific reports or e.g. the pre‐standard prEN 16612.
Anwendung der spannungsoptischen Messmethode bei querkraftbeanspruchten Punkthaltern
Authors: Winter Enrico , Hildebrand Jörg
Published: June 2015

Minimalistisches Design, Schlichtheit sowie Einhaltung der zu gewährleistenden Tragfähigkeit bei verschiedensten Belastungssituationen sind Attribute, die Punkthaltersysteme auszeichnen und für einen vielfältigen Einsatz im konstruktiven Glasbau sprechen. Der Fall eines querkraftbeanspruchten Punkthalters stellt keinen singulären Belastungszustand dar. Neben der einwirkenden Querkraft ist diese Beanspruchungsrichtung immer mit einer zusätzlichen Momentenbeanspruchung verbunden. Die Übertragung dieses kombinierten Belastungszustandes sowie deren Auswirkungen auf den Spannungszustand im Glas kann mit Hilfe der spannungsoptischen Messmethode erfasst und visuell dargestellt werden. An zwei Tellerhaltern mit unterschiedlichen Geometrieparametern und variierendem Anziehmoment werden experimentelle Analysen durchgeführt. Die Ergebnisse zeigen eine Abhängigkeit des Spannungszustandes von der Größe des Tellerhalters einschließlich der Höhe des Anziehmomentes.

Application of the photoelastic measurement method for shear force stressed point mounting. Minimalist design, simplicity and abidance by guaranteeing capacity at various load situations are attributes that characterize point holder systems and argue for a variety of applications in structural glass. In the case of a transverse force stress point holder it is not possible to constitute a singular stress state. Besides the acting shear force this stress direction is always attached to an additional stress moment. The transmission of this combined load state and its effect on the state of stress in the glass can be detected and shown visually using the stress‐optical measurement method. On two plate holders with different geometry parameters and varying tightening torque experimental analyses are conducted. The results show that the stress conditions depend on the size of the plate holders, including the amount of the tightening torque.
Experimentelle Untersuchung des Langzeitverhaltens von verklebten Holz‐Glas‐Verbundkonstruktionen
Authors: Fadai Alireza , Rinnhofer Matthias , Winter Wolfgang
Published: June 2015

Im Rahmen des Forschungsprojektes “Load Bearing Timber‐Glass Composites (LBTGC)“ wurde das Langzeitverhalten von Holz‐Glas‐Verbundkonstruktionen unter dauerhafter Schubbeanspruchung untersucht. Dafür wurden Probekörper in unterschiedlichen Ausführungsvarianten hergestellt. Aus den Untersuchungsergebnissen wurden anschließend Modifikations‐ und Deformationsbeiwerte zur Bemessung von Holz‐Glas‐Verbundkonstruktionen hergeleitet und ein Vergleich zu den normativ in der ETAG festgelegten Faktoren gezogen. Es wird noch ein Überblick über derzeitige Entwicklungen mit mehrseitiger Verklebung gegeben. Durch diese Entwicklungsarbeit können die Sicherheitsbeiwerte bezüglich des Langzeitverhaltens reduziert werden, wodurch sich ein größeres Einsatzgebiet eröffnet.

Experimental investigation on the long‐term behavior of timber‐glass composite structures. Within the research project “Load Bearing Timber‐Glass Composites (LBTGC)” the long‐term behavior of timber‐glass composite (TGC) structures under permanent shear stress was investigated. Specimens were prepared in different variants. Based on the test results the modification factor – taking into account the effect of the duration of load and moisture – as well as the deformation factor for design of TGC structures were derived and a comparison to the normative specified factors in the ETAG was drawn. The studies on long‐term behavior of TGC structures were deepened and the reliability of such structures in practical applications was proved.
Die längste Seilnetzfassade der Welt in Dongguan
Authors: Plieninger Sven , Mühlberger Jörg , Chen Wei
Published: June 2015

In Dongguan steht seit 2014 eine der modernsten Basketballhallen Chinas. Basketball hat dort einen hohen Stellenwert, daher fasst die Halle 15 000 Zuschauer. Ihre Ausstattung und Abmessungen sind mit einer modernen NBA‐Halle in den USA vergleichbar. Gefordert war eine möglichst positive und einmalige architektonische Erscheinung. Die Aufgabe wurde mit dem Bild eines Basketballkorbs gelöst, bestehend aus einer ringförmigen Dachstruktur, die eine Kombination aus Hängetragwerk und Stahlfachwerk darstellt. Hinzu kommt das charakteristische Netz, das die Hallenfassade bildet und interessante Einblicke schafft. Diese 500 Meter lange doppelt gekrümmte Seilnetzfassade stellt die derzeit wohl längste Fassade ihrer Art in der Welt dar.

The longest cable net wall in Dongguan. Since 2014, Dongguan is home to one of the most modern basketball arenas in China. Since basketball is of great significance in China, the arena can host up to 15,000 spectators. Its facilities and dimensions are comparable to a modern NBA arena in the USA. One of the requirements was a positive and unique architectural appearance. It was met by using the image of a basketball hoop consisting of a circular roof structure, which is formed by combining a suspended structure and steel trusses. Additionally, it features a distinctive cable net which forms the arena façade and allows for interesting views. This 500 meters long double curved cable net façade represents the possibly worldwide longest façade of its kind.
Eine neue Fassadengeneration – seele iconic skin SCF
Authors: Rohrer Emil , Cseh Xénia , Kersken Matthias
Published: June 2015

Das iconic skin ist ein neues integrales Fassadensystem in doppelschaliger Bauweise. Transparente und opake Bereiche können hier innerhalb eines Elementes variiert werden, ohne Fugen oder Spalte in der Außenscheibe. Transparente und opake Bereiche verschmelzen nahtlos miteinander. In den transparenten Bereichen ist Platz für den Einbau von Sonnenschutzanlagen. Der Druckausgleich des großen Zwischenraumes erfolgt durch das neu entwickelte SCF‐System. Mit diesem autark arbeitenden passivem System ist es möglich den Druckausgleich von großen Zwischenräumen kondensationssicher auszuführen.

The new façade generation – seele iconic skin SCF. The iconic skin is a new integral double skin façade concept. Its main advantage is a wide range of combination possibilities with the transparent and opaque façade parts within one unit, while a minimum amount of visible joints between the elements are necessary. The façade has a homogeneous appearance. The shading device could be incorporated in the transparent part of the cavity of the double skin façade. The pressure equalization of the façade cavity is realized by the newly developed system of self conditioning façade (SCF). The SCF concept is a passive, self‐sufficient system, which enables the design of large façade cavities without condensation.
9 m Spannglasbrücke auf der glasstec 2014
Authors: Weller Bernhard , Engelmann Michael
Published: June 2015

Mit der Entwicklung bewehrter Glasträger werden neue Konstruktionspotentiale erschlossen. Konventionelle Träger versagen in der Regel durch einen Bruch aller Glaslagen, sodass der Nachweis der Resttragfähigkeit problematisch wird. Dagegen können mit einer Bewehrung alternative Lastpfade angeboten werden. Dazu werden verschiedenartige Konstruktionskonzepte, oft in Zusammenhang mit adhäsiven Verbindungen, entwickelt. Nach einem neuartigen Ansatz wird die Bewehrung zusätzlich vorgespannt, was zu einer materialgünstigen Druckbeanspruchung im Glas führt. Dieses Prinzip wurde im Rahmen eines zweijährigen Forschungsprojektes am Institut für Baukonstruktion an einer 9 m langen Glasbrücke mit vorgespannter Bewehrung angewendet und anwendungsnah auf der glasstec 2014 ausgestellt. Der Entwurf, die Nachweisführung sowie praktische Aspekte bei der Herstellung und dem Aufbau werden als Fallstudie in diesem Beitrag diskutiert.

9 m Glass Bridge with Post‐Tensioned Reinforcement at glasstec 2014. Developing novel reinforced glass beams results in unique structural potentials. Usually, all glass layers in conventional beams fail at once, which leads to problematic post‐breakage performance. Reinforcement offers a redundant way of load transfer. Therefore, new structural options, including adhesive connections, are under examination. Furthermore, the reinforcement may be post‐tensioned leading to a beneficial compressive stress in the glass. During a two‐year research project at TU Dresden a 9 m spanning Glass Bridge with post‐tensioned reinforcement was designed and displayed at glasstec 2014. This report describes the design process and aspects of manufacturing and installation.
Sanierungskonzepte für ein denkmalgeschütztes Laborgebäude der Nachkriegsmoderne
Authors: Horn Sebastian , Fahrion Marc‐Steffen , Weller Bernhard
Published: June 2015

Das Pflanzenphysiologische Institut der Freien Universität Berlin ist mit seiner reduzierten Formensprache und seiner hohen Funktionalität ein herausragendes und spätes Zeugnis der Nachkriegsmoderne. Das denkmalgeschützte Gebäude mit seiner vorgehängten Fassade, der besonderen Art der Nutzung und der komplexen Raumlufttechnik ist ein ausgesprochener Hochverbraucher, bei welchem nach über vierzigjähriger Nutzung ein erhöhter Sanierungsbedarf beziehungsweise Sanierungsdruck besteht. Der Beitrag zeigt die Entwicklung verschiedener Sanierungsvarianten zur Optimierung des Nutzerkomforts sowie der Energieeffizienz unter besonderer Beachtung des Denkmalschutzes. Die Vorhangfassade wird dabei detailliert betrachtet.

Versions of refurbishment for a listed laboratory building of post‐war modernism. The institute of Plant Physiology of Freie Universität Berlin is an outstanding and late reference of post‐war modernism due to its reduced design and high functionality. The heritage building with its curtain wall, its special use and the complex ventilation and air conditioning has a high energy consumption. After forty years it needs to be refurbished. This paper shows the development of different versions of refurbishment to optimize the comfort of the occupants and the energy efficiency under the aspect of heritage conservation. The curtain wall will be considered in detail.
Characterization of demand response in the commercial, industrial, and residential sectors in the United States
Authors: Kiliccote Sila , Olsen Daniel , Sohn Michael D. , Piette Mary Ann
Published: June 2015

The goal of this study is to provide an overview of demand response (DR) technologies, including standards and end uses, in the United States and describe resource characteristics and the attributes of 14 specific DR resources in the U.S. commercial, residential, and industrial sectors. The attributes reviewed for the end uses being considered are response frequency, response time, the need for and impacts of energy pre‐ or recharge, the cost of enabling a resource to respond to a load‐curtailment signal, and the magnitude of load curtailment in a given resource. We also describe controls and communications technologies that can enable end uses to participate in DR programs. The characterization was initially developed as a foundational work to quantify hourly availability of DR resources from the selected end uses followed by a multi‐laboratory effort that quantified DR's value within the Western Interconnectiona. WIREs Energy Environ 2016, 5:288–304. doi: 10.1002/wene.176

This article is categorized under:

Energy Infrastructure > Economics and Policy

Energy Infrastructure > Systems and Infrastructure
A “death trap” in the landscape of fear
Authors: Schmidt Krzysztof , Kuijper Dries P. J.
Published: June 2015

A crucial element in the “the landscape of fear” concept is that prey animals are aware of varying levels of predation risk at a spatial scale. This often leads to a negative spatial relationship between prey and predator in which prey avoid the most risky sites in the landscape. In this paper, we argue that our understanding of large carnivore-ungulate interactions is biased by studies from highly heterogeneous landscapes (e.g. the Yellowstone National Park). Due to a high availability of refuges and foraging sites in such landscapes, prey are able to reduce predation risk by showing habitat shifts. Besides the spatial heterogeneity at the landscape scale, the ungulate response to predation risk can be affected by the hunting mode (stalking vs. cursorial) of the predator. We propose that prey cannot easily avoid predation risk by moving to less risky habitats in more homogenous landscapes with concentrated food resources, especially where the large carnivores’ assemblage includes both stalking and cursorial species. No distinct refuges for prey may occur in such landscapes due to equally high accessibility to predators in all habitats, while concentrated resources make prey distribution more predictable. We discuss a model of a densely forested landscape based on a case study of the Białowieża Primeval Forest, Poland. Within this landscape, ungulates focus their foraging activity on small food-rich forest gaps, which turn out to be “death traps” as the gaps are primarily targeted by predators (stalking lynx and cursorial wolf) while hunting. No alternative of moving to low predation risk areas exist for prey due to risk from wolves in surrounding closed-canopy forest. As a result, the prey is exposed to constant high predation pressure in contrast to heterogeneous landscapes with less concentrated resources and more refuge areas. Future research should focus on explaining how ungulates are coping with predation risk in these landscapes that offer little choice of escaping predation by considering behavioural and physiological (e.g. metabolic, hormonal) responses.
Rapid identification of multi‐strain HBV infection in patient by high‐throughput DNA sequencing
Authors: Zheng Yongchang , Kayani Masood ur Rehman , Zhu Ting F.
Published: June 2015

Hepatitis B is a well‐known risk factor for the development of liver cancer and is closely associated with patient morbidity and mortality. Viral mutants and variants have the potential to evade immune response and prolong infection, and thus it is crucial to develop a methodology for the rapid identification of multi‐strain hepatitis infections in patients. Here we describe a method based on selective region amplification of viral genome and deep sequencing, which may be used for rapid identification of multi‐strain hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection in patients. The method works even with significantly low amounts of patients’ serum samples, where the wet‐lab procedures take about 1.5 days, followed by a quick bioinformatic analysis to reveal the final results. Our method can potentially be applied to the rapid and reliable identification of multi‐strain HBV infection and help improve treatment regiments.
Amyloid‐β sequester proteins as blood‐based biomarkers of cognitive decline
Authors: Uchida Kazuhiko , Shan Liu , Suzuki Hideaki , Tabuse Yo , Nishimura Yoshinori , Hirokawa Yoshihiro , Mizukami Katsuyoshi , Akatsu Hiroyasu , Meno Kohji , Asada Takashi
Published: June 2015

Introduction

There are no blood‐based biomarkers for cognitive decline in aging, or mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and Alzheimer's disease (AD). Cumulative evidence suggests that apolipoproteins, complement system, and transthyretin are involved in AD pathogenesis by sequestration of amyloid β. However, there is no clinical study to assess the utility of “sequester proteins” in risk assessment and/or diagnosis of MCI and AD.

Methods

Serum levels of sequester proteins and their clinical potential in cognitive decline assessment were analyzed by longitudinal and cross‐sectional studies using independent cohorts and were confirmed by a prospective study.

Results

A combination of apolipoprotein A1, complement C3, and transthyretin achieved an area under the curve of 0.89 (sensitivity 91% and specificity 80%) in MCI versus healthy controls and also discriminated individuals with mild cognitive decline from healthy controls.

Discussion

A set of sequester proteins could be blood‐based biomarkers for assessment of early stages of cognitive decline.
Studying antibiotic–membrane interactions via X‐ray diffraction and fluorescence microscopy
Authors: Sun Yi-Ting , Huang Ping-Yuan , Lin Cheng-Hao , Lee Kuan-Rong , Lee Ming-Tao
Published: June 2015

Antibiotic drug resistance is a serious issue for the treatment of bacterial infection. Understanding the resistance to antibiotics is a key issue for developing new drugs. We used penicillin and sulbactam as model antibiotics to study their interaction with model membranes. Cholesterol was used to target the membrane for comparison with the well‐known insertion model. Lamellar X‐ray diffraction (LXD) was used to determine membrane thickness using successive drug‐to‐lipid molar ratios. The aspiration method for a single giant unilamellar vesicle (GUV) was used to monitor the kinetic binding process of antibiotic–membrane interactions in an aqueous solution. Both penicillin and sulbactam are found positioned outside the model membrane, while cholesterol inserts perpendicularly into the hydrophobic region of the membrane in aqueous solution. This result provides structural insights for understanding the antibiotic–membrane interaction and the mechanism of antibiotics.
Incidence of dementia and subtypes: A cohort study in four regions in China
Authors: Yuan Jing , Zhang Zhenxin , Wen Hongbo , Hong Xia , Hong Zhen , Qu Qiumin , Tang Mouni , Wu Jixing , Xu Qun , Li Hui , Cummings Jeffrey L.
Published: June 2015

Introduction

There is a dearth of literature on the incidence of dementia in China.

Methods

Using a stratified, multistage, cluster‐sampling method, 16,921 nondemented participants ≥55 years were recruited from four regional centers in China in 1997 and followed up to 4.5 years. Cases were identified through a three‐step protocol, according to standardized criteria for dementia, Alzheimer's dementia (AD), and vascular dementia (VaD).

Results

The crude incidence in persons ≥65 years was 12.1/1000 person‐years for dementia, 8.2/1000 person‐years for AD, and 3.1/1000 person‐years for VaD. After adjusting for sociodemographic factors, older age and lower education were associated with a higher risk of incident dementia, AD and VaD; regional difference was associated mainly with incidence of VaD (north vs. south: hazard ratio [HR] = 3.59); modestly with AD (east vs. west: HR = 1.55).

Discussion

The incidence of dementia in Chinese population is comparable with that in Europe and United States.
Sleep duration, cognitive decline, and dementia risk in older women
Authors: Chen Jiu‐Chiuan , Espeland Mark A. , Brunner Robert L. , Lovato Laura C. , Wallace Robert B. , Leng Xiaoyan , Phillips Lawrence S. , Robinson Jennifer G. , Kotchen Jane M. , Johnson Karen C. , Manson JoAnn E. , Stefanick Marcia L. , Sarto Gloria E. , Mysiw W. Jerry
Published: June 2015

Introduction

Consistent evidence linking habitual sleep duration with risks of mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and dementia is lacking.

Methods

We conducted a prospective study on 7444 community‐dwelling women (aged 65–80 y) with self‐reported sleep duration, within the Women's Health Initiative Memory Study in 1995–2008. Incident MCI/dementia cases were ascertained by validated protocols. Cox models were used to adjust for multiple sociodemographic and lifestyle factors, depression, cardiovascular disease (CVD), and other clinical characteristics.

Results

We found a statistically significant (P = .03) V‐shaped association with a higher MCI/dementia risk in women with either short (≤6 hours/night) or long (≥8 hours/night) sleep duration (vs. 7 hours/night). The multicovariate‐adjusted hazard for MCI/dementia was increased by 36% in short sleepers irrespective of CVD, and by 35% in long sleepers without CVD. A similar V‐shaped association was found with cognitive decline.

Discussion

In older women, habitual sleep duration predicts the future risk for cognitive impairments including dementia, independent of vascular risk factors.
MIND diet slows cognitive decline with aging
Authors: Morris Martha Clare , Tangney Christy C. , Wang Yamin , Sacks Frank M. , Barnes Lisa L. , Bennett David A. , Aggarwal Neelum T.
Published: June 2015

Introduction

The Mediterranean and dash diets have been shown to slow cognitive decline; however, neither diet is specific to the nutrition literature on dementia prevention.

Methods

We devised the Mediterranean‐Dietary Approach to Systolic Hypertension (DASH) diet intervention for neurodegenerative delay (MIND) diet score that specifically captures dietary components shown to be neuroprotective and related it to change in cognition over an average 4.7 years among 960 participants of the Memory and Aging Project.

Results

In adjusted mixed models, the MIND score was positively associated with slower decline in global cognitive score (β = 0.0092; P < .0001) and with each of five cognitive domains. The difference in decline rates for being in the top tertile of MIND diet scores versus the lowest was equivalent to being 7.5 years younger in age.

Discussion

The study findings suggest that the MIND diet substantially slows cognitive decline with age. Replication of these findings in a dietary intervention trial would be required to verify its relevance to brain health.
Memory in the Aftermath of War: Australian Responses to the Vietnamese Refugee Crisis of 1975
Authors: Nguyen Nathalie Huynh Chau
Published: June 2015

This article interweaves the personal and archival by exploring the intersection of official Australian records on the fall of Saigon and government handling of Vietnamese refugees in 1975 with my family history. As transitional justice addresses the legacies of human rights violations including the displacement and resettlement of refugees in post-conflict contexts, Australian responses to the Vietnamese refugee crisis of 1975 provide a relevant case study. Drawing on a wide range of archival documentation at the National Archives of Australia and the National Library of Australia, including policy papers, Senate findings, confidential cables, ministerial submissions, private correspondence and photographs, I trace the effect of government decisions on Vietnamese refugees seeking asylum. In the process I reveal actions by senior bureaucrats and in particular by then Prime Minister Gough Whitlam that are largely unknown. Combining archival research with personal history enables me to not only shed light on past actions of governance and uncover past injustice but also explore the enduring impact of government decision-making on individual lives.
Exposure to the World Trade Center Disaster and 9/11-Related Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and Household Disaster Preparedness
Authors: Gargano Lisa M. , Caramanica Kimberly , Sisco Sarah , Brackbill Robert M. , Stellman Steven D.
Published: June 2015

Objective

In a population with prior exposure to the World Trade Center disaster, this study sought to determine the subsequent level of preparedness for a new disaster and how preparedness varied with population characteristics that are both disaster-related and non-disaster-related.

Methods

The sample included 4496 World Trade Center Health Registry enrollees who completed the Wave 3 (2011-2012) and Hurricane Sandy (2013) surveys. Participants were considered prepared if they reported possessing at least 7 of 8 standard preparedness items. Logistic regression was used to determine associations between preparedness and demographic and medical factors, 9/11-related post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) assessed at Wave 3, 9/11 exposure, and social support.

Results

Over one-third (37.5%) of participants were prepared with 18.8% possessing all 8 items. The item most often missing was an evacuation plan (69.8%). Higher levels of social support were associated with being prepared. High levels of 9/11 exposure were associated with being prepared in both the PTSD and non-PTSD subgroups.

Conclusions

Our findings indicate that prior 9/11 exposure favorably impacted Hurricane Sandy preparedness. Future preparedness messaging should target people with low social support networks. Communications should include information on evacuation zones and where to find information about how to evacuate. (Disaster Med Public Health Preparedness. 2015;9:625–633)
Chlorhexidine Only Works If Applied Correctly: Use of a Simple Colorimetric Assay to Provide Monitoring and Feedback on Effectiveness of Chlorhexidine Application
Authors: Supple Laura , Kumaraswami Monika , Kundrapu Sirisha , Sunkesula Venkata , Cadnum Jennifer L. , Nerandzic Michelle M. , Tomas Myreen , Donskey Curtis J.
Published: June 2015

We used a colorimetric assay to determine the presence of chlorhexidine on skin, and we identified deficiencies in preoperative bathing and daily bathing in the intensive care unit. Both types of bathing improved with an intervention that included feedback to nursing staff. The assay provides a simple and rapid method of monitoring the performance of chlorhexidine bathing.

Infect. Control Hosp. Epidemiol. 2015;36(9):1095–1097
Hospital Transfer Network Structure as a Risk Factor for Clostridium difficile Infection
Authors: Simmering Jacob E. , Polgreen Linnea A. , Campbell David R. , Cavanaugh Joseph E. , Polgreen Philip M.
Published: June 2015

OBJECTIVE

To determine the effect of interhospital patient sharing via transfers on the rate of Clostridium difficile infections in a hospital.

DESIGN

Retrospective cohort.

METHODS

Using data from the Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project California State Inpatient Database, 2005–2011, we identified 2,752,639 transfers. We then constructed a series of networks detailing the connections formed by hospitals. We computed 2 measures of connectivity, indegree and weighted indegree, measuring the number of hospitals from which transfers into a hospital arrive, and the total number of incoming transfers, respectively. Next, we estimated a multivariate model of C. difficile infection cases using the log-transformed network measures as well as covariates for hospital fixed effects, log median length of stay, log fraction of patients aged 65 or older, and quarter and year indicators as predictors.

RESULTS

We found an increase of 1 in the log indegree was associated with a 4.8% increase in incidence of C. difficile infection (95% CI, 2.3%–7.4%) and an increase of 1 in log weighted indegree was associated with a 3.3% increase in C. difficile infection incidence (1.5%–5.2%). Moreover, including measures of connectivity in our models greatly improved their fit.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results suggest infection control is not under the exclusive control of a given hospital but is also influenced by the connections and number of connections that hospitals have with other hospitals.

Infect. Control Hosp. Epidemiol. 2015;36(9):1031–1037
Adjustment of vorticity fields with specified values of Casimir invariants as initial condition for simulated annealing of an incompressible, ideal neutral fluid and its MHD in two dimensions
Authors: Chikasue Y. , Furukawa M.
Published: June 2015

A method is developed to adjust a vorticity field to satisfy specified values for a finite number of Casimir invariants. The developed method is tested numerically for a neutral fluid in two dimensions. The adjusted vorticity field is adopted as an initial condition for simulated annealing (SA) of an incompressible, ideal neutral fluid and its magnetohydrodynamics (MHD), where SA enables us to obtain a stationary state of the fluid. Since the Casimir invariants are kept unchanged during the annealing process, the obtained stationary state has the required values of the Casimir invariants specified by our method.
Validation of Non-Smoking Status by Spouse Following a Cessation Intervention
Authors: Mejia Raul M. , Braun Sandra , Peña Lorena , Gregorich Steven E. , Pérez-Stable Eliseo J.
Published: June 2015

Background: Following cessation interventions, self-reported smoking abstinence with biochemical verification is the “gold standard” for defining outcomes. Because obtaining biochemical verification is challenging in community studies, we compared self-reported cessation among smokers completing treatment to the smoking status reported by each participant's spouse or proxy.

Method: Participants were smokers who had reported quitting 12 months after a cessation intervention. Participants had either attended a smoking cessation clinic or they were patients seen by physicians who had recently participated in a cessation-training program. Proxies living with these participants were interviewed by telephone to ask about their partner's smoking status. We compared the participants' responses to those from their spouses.

Results: At 12 months, 346 of 1423 baseline smokers had quit; 161/346 reported non-smokers were called and 140 proxies were interviewed. The participants averaged 51 years of age, 69% were women. At baseline, the mean number of cigarettes smoked per day was 20.1 (SD = 9.9) and the average number of quit attempts was 2.4 (SD = 1.2). Cessation methods used were medical advice (21%) and/or pharmacotherapy (79%). Of the 140 spouses interviewed, only 10 (7.1%) reported that their partners were currently smoking.

Conclusions: Proxy-reported data on smoking status could be used to validate self-report.
PALLAS: Planetary Analogues Laboratory for Light, Atmosphere, and Surface Simulations
Authors: ten Kate I.L. , Reuver M.
Published: June 2015

Humankind has been interested in space throughout the ages and studies of the universe and our own solar system have been ongoing since the first observations of celestial bodies. In the current era space exploration has providedin situdata for the different bodies in our solar system. To fully comprehend the underlying processes occurring in these bodies, missions and telescope observations are, however, not sufficient and additional modelling studies, both numerical and analogue, are necessary. In this paper we present a new facility specifically designed to experimentally study organic compounds under simulated planetary (sub)surface conditions on rocky bodies in our solar system: PALLAS, the Planetary Analogues Laboratory for Light, Atmosphere, and Surface Simulations. We give an overview of planetary conditions that can be simulated in this facility and that are known to affect organic compounds: radiation, atmospheric composition, temperature and surface composition.
Flight behavior of foraging and overwintering brown marmorated stink bug,Halyomorpha halys(Hemiptera: Pentatomidae)
Authors: Lee D.-H. , Leskey T.C.
Published: June 2015

Brown marmorated stink bug,Halyomorpha halys(Stål), is a highly polyphagous invasive species attacking both cultivated and wild plants increasing its threat to ecosystems as a global pest. However, dispersal biology of this invasive species is not well understood. This study evaluated the flight capacity and behavior ofH. halysunder laboratory, semi-field, and field conditions. Flight mills were used to measure the baseline flight capacity of adults collected year round from the field and included both foraging and overwintering populations. The effects of abiotic conditions such as wind speed and temperatures on the free flight parameters ofH. halyswere evaluated under semi-field and field conditions. The mean flight distances over a 22-h period were 2442 and 2083 m for male and female, respectively. Most individuals (89%) flew <5 km, though some flew much further with a maximum flight distance observed of 117 km. Flight distances byH. halysincreased after emergence from overwintering sites in spring and reached their highest point in June. The incidence of take off byH. halyswas significantly affected by the wind speed; when provided with still air conditions, 83% of individuals took off, but the rates decreased to <10% when wind speed was increased to or above 0.75 m s−1. The incidence of take off byH. halyswas significantly affected by ambient temperature and light intensity in the field, whereas relative humidity and insect sex did not. When the temperature was at 10–15°C, 3% of individuals took off, but the proportion ofH. halystaking flight increased to 61, 84, and 87% at 15–20, 20–25, and 25–30°C, respectively. In the field, prevailing flight direction was biased toward the opposite direction of the sun's position, especially in the morning. The implications ofH. halysflight biology are discussed in the context of developing monitoring and management programs for this invasive species.
Biotic mortality factors affecting emerald ash borer (Agrilus planipennis) are highly dependent on life stage and host tree crown condition
Authors: Jennings D.E. , Duan J.J. , Shrewsbury P.M.
Published: June 2015

Emerald ash borer (EAB),Agrilus planipennis, is a serious invasive forest pest in North America responsible for killing tens to hundreds of millions of ash trees since it was accidentally introduced in the 1990s. Although host-plant resistance and natural enemies are known to be important sources of mortality for EAB in Asia, less is known about the importance of different sources of mortality at recently colonized sites in the invaded range of EAB, and how these relate to host tree crown condition. To further our understanding of EAB population dynamics, we used a large-scale field experiment and life-table analyses to quantify the fates of EAB larvae and the relative importance of different biotic mortality factors at 12 recently colonized sites in Maryland. We found that the fates of larvae were highly dependent on EAB life stage and host tree crown condition. In relatively healthy trees (i.e., with a low EAB infestation) and for early instars, host tree resistance was the most important mortality factor. Conversely, in more unhealthy trees (i.e., with a moderate to high EAB infestation) and for later instars, parasitism and predation were the major sources of mortality. Life-table analyses also indicated how the lack of sufficient levels of host tree resistance and natural enemies contribute to rapid population growth of EAB at recently colonized sites. Our findings provide further evidence of the mechanisms by which EAB has been able to successfully establish and spread in North America.