bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Hybrid Dual-Continuum Discrete Fracture Modeling Approach for Numerical Simulation of Production from Unconventional Plays
Authors: Wang Yuhang
Published: September 2015

In this paper, we present the formulation, structure and applications of our recently developed unconventional (tight gas and shale gas) two-phase (gas/water) numerical simulator based on a hybrid approach for representing fractures of different scales. In particular, we use a Discrete Fracture Model (DFM) based on unstructured Voronoi grids, to explicitly represent the large-scale primary (hydraulic) fractures. Our proposed gridding algorithm employed in the simulator, generates high quality unstructured Cen-troidal Voronoi mesh. Specifically, we perform grid optimization based on an iterative strategy to ensure that matrix grid nodes land on the centroids of their corresponding control volumes, while fracture nodes are treated as constraints. Our mesh generation algorithm facilitates Local Grid Refinement (LGR) around fracture stages, allowing for capturing the slow flow transients.

To represent small-scale fractures in the Stimulated Reservoir volume (SRV), we formulate a dual-porosity/dual-permeability model coupled with the DFM. To compute matrix-fracture transfer function, we define a characteristic parameter consisting of shape factor and geometrical properties of the mesh. We show that the proposed characteristic parameter is almost irrespective of the shape of the grid. Thus, we can predict the shape factor for an arbitrary unstructured Voronoi grid with reasonable accuracy and efficiency.

To account for the key features that affect production from unconventional plays, we incorporate several physical models in our simulator, including Langmuir gas adsorption/desorption for shale gas, near wellbore non-Darcy flow of gas, and Klinkenberg permeability model. We present the simulation results for several synthetic examples and investigate the effects of a wide range of key physical and operational parameters on production performance for both tight gas and shale gas reservoirs.
A Modification to the Jones Inflow Model for Improving Completion Efficiency and Production Optimization by Turbulence Analysis
Authors: Titus Z. D.
Published: September 2015

The ability of the Production Engineer to precisely determine the extent and effect of skin on the productivity of wells is key to optimizing production in wells since skin results in additional pressure drop. The various forms of skin (mechanical skin- formation damage due to drilling and perforation, well deviation skin, partial penetration skin and non-Darcy or rate dependent skin- due to turbulence) are the outcomes of activities and operations in the wellbore such as completion, production, hole geometry effects and sand control operations. Skin due to turbulence is caused by the most natural activity of the reservoir, which is producing or flowing the well at a high rate. As such, a suitable and appropriate method of analyzing its effects on the producing well, and a technique that defines how improvements can be made to reducing turbulence in high rate wells by applying a modification to the Jones inflow model is presented in this paper. This model was selected mainly based on three criteria: physical consistency, availability of information to create the model and the physical interpretation of results obtained. The modification to the model was achieved by relating the concept of nozzle devices in Inflow Control Devices (ICDs) used in open holes, to perforations in wells. The model offers an improvement in completion efficiency (actual performance versus design expectation), as turbulence effect can be determined by the area open to flow. Ultimately, it provides a quick and efficient method of determining turbulence, area open to flow due to turbulence effect, a direction as to what remedial work can be done to reduce rate-dependent skin (turbulence) and also the economic justification of the proposed solution. Hence, this work aims at providing a diagnostic tool, whose economic impact can be justified.
Simultaneous determination of Cd(II) and Cu(II) using stripping voltammetry in groundwater, soil and Alhagi maurorum plants in industrial and urban areas in Northern Border, Saudi Arabia with luminol as a chelating agent
Authors: Al-Hossainy Ahmed Farouk
Published: September 2015

The cathodic stripping voltammetry of Cu(II) and Cd(II) speciation was re-optimized by using luminol (Lu) in groundwater, soil and Alhagi maurorum plants, finding differences with the pre-existing method and a different interpretation for the electroactive species. The main findings are that optimum sensitivity is obtained at 0.3–142.5 ng/mL and 0.065–60.0 ng/mL for copper and cadmium, respectively, that the complexes responsible for adsorption on the electrode are CuLu and CdLu, and that the sensitivity of the method is much improved in the absence of dissolved oxygen. The limit of detection of the method was 0.011 ± 0.001 ng/mL for Cu(II) and 0.013 ± 0.001 ng/mL for Cd(II). The interference of some common ions: Cr(III), Fe(III), Zn(II), Ni(II), Co(II) and Mo(II) was studied. It was concluded that application of this method for the determination of Cu(II) and Cd(II) in groundwater, soil and Alhagi maurorum plants led to satisfactory results.
Nervous Facilitation in Cardiodynamic Response of Exercising Athletes to Superimposed Mental Tasks: Implications in Depressive Disorder
Authors: Tocco Filippo , Crisafulli Antonio , Milia Raffaele , Marongiu Elisabetta , Mura Roberto , Roberto Silvana , Todde Francesco , Concu Daniele , Melis Salvatore , Velluzzi Fernanda , Loviselli Andrea , Concu Alberto , Melis Franco
Published: September 2015

Introduction: Motor commands to perform exercise tasks may also induce activation of cardiovascular centres to supply the energy needs of the contracting muscles. Mental stressors per se may also influence cardiovascular homeostasis. We investigated the cardiovascular response of trained runners simultaneously engaged in mental and physical tasks to establish if aerobically trained subjects could develop, differently from untrained ones, nervous facilitation in the brain cardiovascular centre.Methods:Cardiovascular responses of 8 male middle-distance runners (MDR), simultaneously engaged in mental (colour-word interference test) and physical (cycle ergometer exercise) tasks, were compared with those of 8 untrained subjects. Heart rate, cardiac (CI) and stroke indexes were assessed by impedance cardiography while arterial blood pressures were assessed with a brachial sphygmomanometer.Results:Only in MDR simultaneous engagement in mental and physical tasks induced a significant CI increase which was higher (p<0.05) than that obtained on summing CI values from each task separately performed.Conclusion:Aerobic training, when performed together with a mental effort, induced a CI oversupply which allowed a redundant oxygen delivery to satisfy a sudden fuel demand from exercising muscles by utilizing aerobic sources of ATP, thus shifting the anaerobic threshold towards a higher work load. From data of this study it may also be indirectly stated that, in patients with major depressive disorder, the promotion of regular low-intensity exercise together with mental engagement could ameliorate the perceived physical quality of life, thus reducing their heart risk associated with physical stress.
Diaphragm Damage of Precast Concrete T-Shape Girder Bridge: Analysis and Strengthening
Authors: Niu Yanwei , Liu Bangjun , Zhao Yu , Rong Shuai , Huang Pingming
Published: September 2015

For advantage of economical and practical construction, precast T-shape girder bridge is commmonly used in
China. In recent years, damage of diaphragm became a serious problem in operation and maintenance. In this study, based
on finite element (FE) analysis of an actual bridge, stress distribution and failure process of diaphragm is demonstrated.
The result shows that the stress of middle diaphragms started to beyond the limit firstly, under heavey load of 1.5 times
equivalent Grade highway-I live load. Then, method of Double-K brace to strengthen the transveral connnection of the exist
bridges is proposed and applied on background bridge. Based on the field test, tensile stress of diaphragms concrete reduced
69.4% when Double-K brace were adopted, and the lateral integrity of precast T-beam bridge could be improved
effectively.
Population genetic analysis and evidence of inter-specific introgression in Helichrysum armenium and H. rubicundum (Asteraceae)
Authors: Taban Malahat , Sheidai Masoud , Noormohammadi Zahra , Azizi Narjes , Ghasemzadeh-Baraki Somayeh , Koohdar Fahimeh
Published: September 2015

Helichrysum armenium and H. rubicundum are two medicinally important plants
of Iran that are distributed in various regions of the country. They are
extensively used by locals as medicinal plants and a great negative selection
pressure is applied on them. Therefore, due to importance of these plant
species, we performed a population genetic study in both species. For this
study, we used 66 randomly collected plants from 24 geographical populations
of Helichrysum armenium and H. rubicundu. These species had areas of overlap
and contact and we found some intermediate plants that were included in our
study too. UPGMA and MDS analyses revealed morphological separation of these
closely related species and placed intermediate plants in an intermediate
position. ISSR analysis revealed inter-population genetic diversity and
K-Means clustering and STRUCTURE analyses revealed populations. Genetic
stratification in both species. Genetic difference of the studied populations
was not correlated to geographical distance. Triangle plot of Bayesian
analysis and NeighborNet plot showed inter-specific gene flow. The studied
populations showed plants with 2n = 2x = 14 and 2n = 4x = 28 chromosomes and
differed significantly in their meiotic behavior. Therefore, a combination of
genetic stratification, and genetic admixture as well as polyploidy and
chromosomes structural changes, have played rule in Helichrysum
diversification.
Genetic diversity of maize inbred lines as inferred from SSR markers
Authors: Nikolic Ana , Ignjatovic-Micic Dragana , Kovacevic Dragan , Camdzija Zoran , Filipovic Milomir , Mladenovic-Drinic Snezana
Published: September 2015

Creating new maize hybrids with greater yield potential is a permanent goal
of breeding programs all over the world. Long-time existing and new problems
related to different biotic and abiotic stresses and the growing needs of the
world market require constant work on finding new ways for advancing maize
production. Molecular marker technology is one of the fastest developing
fields and its implementation has already given results in solving different
problems related to maize breeding improvement. The aim of the study
presented herein was characterization and genetic similarity assessment of
twenty-nine maize inbred lines from Maize Research Institute collection using
Simple Sequence Repeats (SSR) markers. The analysis was done using 20 pairs
of SSR primers with clearly visible and reproducible results. A total of 119
alleles were detected with a mean of 5.8 per locus. PIC (Polymorphism
Information Content) values were in the range from 0.45 to 0.92 (average
0.74). Genetic similarities calculated using Jaccard?s coefficient ranged
from 0.27 to 0.99. Cluster and Principal Component Analysis (PCA) analysis
were done using matrices of similarity in the NTSYSpc software, version 2.1.
Results of both classifications were moderately in agreement with the
pedigree data of analysed genotypes. The information about genetic diversity
of maize inbred lines revealed by SSR markers could be useful in planning
strategies for future maize breeding programs.
Improvement of adventitious organogenesis for regeneration of transgenic plants in blackberry
Authors: Gajdosová Alena , Vujovic Tatjana , Súkeníková Miroslava , Libiaková Gabriela
Published: September 2015

The introduction of foreign DNA into the plant genome by Agrobacterium
tumefaciens is a promising technique of targeted gene transfer which depends
on good working regeneration system. The aim of the work was to elaborate the
system for efficient adventitious organogenesis and transgenic plant
regeneration in Rubus fruticosus L. using explants from mature plants.
Regeneration of putative transgenic shoots took place from flag explants
cultivated vertically on MS medium with 1 mg l-1 TDZ and 0.02 mg l-1 IBA
followed by transfer on MS medium with 1 mg l-1 BAP, 0.02 mg l-1 IBA and 0.1
mg l-1 GA3 supplemented with 10-15 mg l-1 hygromycin after transformation by
A. tumefaciens strain LBA 4404 carrying plasmid pCambia 1304. Four putative
transgenic plants of cv. 'Cacanska Bestrna' were rooted and acclimatized.
The importance of MTHFR gene mutation detection in patient with recurrent miscarriages
Authors: Daugėlaitė Klaudija , Serapinas Danielius
Published: September 2015

Homocysteine is an enzyme encoded by MTHFR (methylenetetrahydrofolate
reductase) gene located on chromosome 1. Mutations in MTHFR gene may result
in the afflicted metabolism of homocysteine and thus might increase the risk
of recurrent miscarriages. In some cases, recurrent pregnancy loss could be
prevented by prescribing folic acid and B group vitamin supplements. The
demand of MTHFR gene sequencing for variations is commonly overlooked by
doctors or genetic counsellors. To highlight this problem we present a case
study of recurrent miscarriages in a patient with a homozygous c. 655C>T
variation in MTHFR gene. Moreover, we discuss the need of molecular genetic
testing for MTHFR gene variations in patients with recurrent miscarriages and
the treatment of hyperhomocysteinemia.
Detection and molecular characterization of Pepper mild mottle virus in Serbia
Authors: Milosevic Dragana , Stankovic Ivana , Bulajic Aleksandra , Ignjatov Maja , Nikolic Zorica , Petrovic Gordana , Krstic Branka
Published: September 2015

During 2009 and 2010, a survey was conducted in pepper crops to detect the
possible presence of Pepper mild mottle virus (PMMoV) in Serbia. A total of
239 pepper samples from 39 crops at 26 localities were collected and analyzed
for the presence of PMMoV, Cucumber mosaic virus (CMV), Potato virus Y (PVY),
and Alfalfa mosaic virus (AMV), using DAS-ELISA test. Although it was
detected in a small percentage, PMMoV could pose a threat to pepper
production in Serbia due to its rapid seed-borne spread. Presence of PMMoV
was confirmed by serological and biological detection, followed by
conventional reverse transcription RT-PCR, using primers specific for the
RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) and the coat protein (CP) genes.
Molecular identification confirmed that the Serbian isolates belong to PMMoV
pathotypes P1,2 which do not break the resistance gene L3. Reconstructed
phylogenetic tree confirmed the allocation of the Serbian isolates together
with the majority of PMMoV isolates which belong to pathotypes P1,2. This
study represents the first serological and molecular characterization of
PMMoV infection of pepper in Serbia, and provides important data on the
population structure. The obtained data could have great influence on pepper
production in Serbia as well as future pepper resistance breeding in the
country.
Glucose-Dependent Insulinotropic Polypeptide Stimulates Osteopontin Expression in the Vasculature via Endothelin-1 and CREB
Authors: Berglund Lisa M. , Lyssenko Valeriya , Ladenvall Claes , Kotova Olga , Edsfeldt Andreas , Pilgaard Kasper , Alkayyali Sami , Brøns Charlotte , Forsblom Carol , Jonsson Anna , Zetterqvist Anna V. , Nitulescu Mihaela , McDavitt Christian Ruiz , Dunér Pontus , Stancáková Alena , Kuusisto Johanna , Ahlqvist Emma , Lajer Maria , Tarnow Lise , Madsbad Sten , Rossing Peter , Kieffer Timothy J. , Melander Olle , Orho-Melander Marju , Nilsson Peter , Groop Per-Henrik , Vaag Allan , Lindblad Bengt , Gottsäter Anders , Laakso Markku , Goncalves Isabel , Groop Leif , Gomez Maria F.
Published: September 2015

Glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) is an incretin hormone with extrapancreatic effects beyond glycemic control. Here we demonstrate unexpected effects of GIP signaling in the vasculature. GIP induces the expression of the proatherogenic cytokine osteopontin (OPN) in mouse arteries via local release of endothelin-1 and activation of CREB. Infusion of GIP increases plasma OPN concentrations in healthy individuals. Plasma endothelin-1 and OPN concentrations are positively correlated in patients with critical limb ischemia. Fasting GIP concentrations are higher in individuals with a history of cardiovascular disease (myocardial infarction, stroke) when compared with control subjects. GIP receptor (GIPR) and OPN mRNA levels are higher in carotid endarterectomies from patients with symptoms (stroke, transient ischemic attacks, amaurosis fugax) than in asymptomatic patients, and expression associates with parameters that are characteristic of unstable and inflammatory plaques (increased lipid accumulation, macrophage infiltration, and reduced smooth muscle cell content). While GIPR expression is predominantly endothelial in healthy arteries from humans, mice, rats, and pigs, remarkable upregulation is observed in endothelial and smooth muscle cells upon culture conditions, yielding a “vascular disease–like” phenotype. Moreover, the common variant rs10423928 in the GIPR gene is associated with increased risk of stroke in patients with type 2 diabetes.
An Efficient Functional Test Generation Method For Processors Using Genetic Algorithms
Authors: Hudec Ján , Gramatová Elena
Published: September 2015

The paper presents a new functional test generation method for processors testing based on genetic algorithms and evolutionary strategies. The tests are generated over an instruction set architecture and a processor description. Such functional tests belong to the software-oriented testing. Quality of the tests is evaluated by code coverage of the processor description using simulation. The presented test generation method uses VHDL models of processors and the professional simulator ModelSim. The rules, parameters and fitness functions were defined for various genetic algorithms used in automatic test generation. Functionality and effectiveness were evaluated using the RISC type processor DP32.
On the categorization of the Japanese honorific system Keigo
Authors: Barešova Ivona
Published: September 2015

The way the structure of the Japanese honorific system keigo is grasped and presented influences the understanding and appropriate use of the honorific forms this system includes. Functional categorization makes it easier to perceive principles that are not immediately evident.

This paper argues for the superiority of the new 5-category division into sonkeigo (‘deferential speech’), kenjōgo (‘humble speech’), teichōgo (‘formal polite speech’), teineigo (‘polite speech’) and bikago (‘refined speech’), recently promulgated by the Ministry of Education, over the traditional and wide-spread 3-category division into sonkeigo, kenjōgo and teineigo. It proposes that the new system offers significant functional advantages in that it better captures the ways social relations are expressed within the Japanese honorific system and that it sets out more clear-cut categories which better reflect the differences between the forms available to the speaker. Through description and comparison of the more notable frameworks proposed by Japanese linguists over the past fifty years, the paper seeks to demonstrate that the 5-category system is not just another more extensive model but also represents a logical outcome of developments in this field of scholarship.
The Predictive Value of Pre-Operative Symptoms Including Upper Gastrointestinal Endoscopy Before Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy for Elective Symptomatic Cholecystolithiasis
Authors: Karmacharya A , Malla BR , Joshi HN , Gurung RB , Rajbhandari M
Published: September 2015

Background It has always been a challenge to distinguish between upper gastrointestinal symptoms due to gall stones or any other causes. The persistence of abdominal symptoms even after cholecystectomy is highly discouraging for surgeons. Objective To evaluate the value of preoperative (UGE) as a routine investigative tool in patients with gall stone disease and to assess the outcome of cholecystectomy in patients with gallstones on preoperative abdominal symptoms.Methods This is a prospective study conducted on 96 cases at the Department of Surgery, Dhulikhel Hospital among ultrasonographically proven gall bladder stones irrespective of age and sex. After the examination, all the patients were subjected to UGE, and biopsy were obtained for histopathology if required. The statistical analysis were performed using spss version 16.Results Out of total patients, 84(87.5%) were females and 12(12.5%) were males with a M: F ratio of 1:7. Both the sexes were comparable in age groups. Out of total 96 patients, 53(55.2%) presented with typical pain and 43(44.8%) presented with atypical pain. All the patients were subjected to upper gastrointestinal endoscopy (UGE) and 53(55.2%) had normal findings and 43(44.8%) had various lesions. Patients with typical pattern of pain had normal endoscopic findings and those with atypical pain had pathology in upper gastroendoscopy (p<0.001). Serious pathology resulting to change of the planned treatment was found in three cases (3.12%). Among them two had gastric carcinoma and one had active peptic ulcer disease. The relief rate after the cholecystectomy was significant in patients with typical pain than among those with atypical pain (p<0.001). The commenest post cholecystectomy symptoms were heart burn (10%), abdominal discomfort (9%) and dyspepsia (7%).Conclusion Presence of atypical pain in patients with gall stones is highly likely to have other coexisting upper gastrointestinal pathologies. Hence, upper gastrointestinal endoscopy prior to elective cholecystectomy in patients with gall stones can be clinically helpful.Kathmandu Univ Med J 2013; 11(4): 300-304
Variation of Carrying Angle With Age, Sex, Height and Special Reference to Side
Authors: Sharma K , Mansur DI , Khanal K , Haque MK
Published: September 2015

Background The carrying angle is defined as the acute angle made by the median axis of arm and median axis of forearm in full extension and supination. This angle permits the forearms to clear the hips in swinging movements during walking and is important when carrying objects.Objective The purpose of this study was to determine the values of carrying angle in both the sexes according to the age group in relation with height and special reference to side.Methods To evaluate the elbow carrying angle in normal children between 5-15 years by a manual goniometer, measurements were performed in 532 children (Male- 335, Female- 197), with the elbow in full extension and forearm in supination. Carrying angle was measured on right and left upper limbs to find out the difference on both the limbs. Their height, ages and sexes are also recorded. Bicipital groove, biceps brachii tendon at its insertion and palmaris longus tendon at the wrist were palpated and marked as anatomical landmarks to demarcate the median axes of arm and forearm respectively.Results The mean carrying angle of male on the left limb was 7.0359O and the female was 7.8030O and the mean carrying angle of male on the right limb was 4.5509O and the female was 4.9545O. We observed the greater carrying angle in non-dominant limb than the dominant limbs. There was significant positive correlation between height of students and carrying angle left (r =0.0866, p= 0.048<0.05), negative correlation between height and carrying angle right (r= -0.082, p= 0.058 >0.05).Conclusion The present study showed that the carrying angle was greater in female than in male and was greater in non-dominant arm than in dominant arm and the carrying angle was not inversely related to the height of the person.Kathmandu Univ Med J 2013; 11(4): 315-318
A Comprehensive Diagnostic Framework for Evaluating Business Intelligence and Analytics Effectiveness
Authors: Foshay Neil , Yeoh William , Boo Yee Ling , Ong Kok-Leong , Mattie David
Published: September 2015

Business intelligence and analytics (BIA) initiatives are costly, complex and experience high failure rates. Organizations require effective approaches to evaluate their BIA capabilities in order to develop strategies for their evolution. In this paper, we employ a design science paradigm to develop a comprehensive BIA effectiveness diagnostic (BIAED) framework that can be easily operationalized. We propose that a useful BIAED framework must assess the correct factors, should be deployed in the proper process context and acquire the appropriate input from different constituencies within an organization. Drawing on the BIAED framework, we further develop an online diagnostic toolkit that includes a comprehensive survey instrument. We subsequently deploy the diagnostic mechanism within three large organizations in North America (involving over 1500 participants) and use the results to inform BIA strategy formulation. Feedback from participating organizations indicates that BIA diagnostic toolkit provides insights that are essential inputs to strategy development. This work addresses a significant research gap in the area of BIA effectiveness assessment.
Motivating Students to Pursue Transportation Careers
Authors: Hernandez Sarah , Ritchie Stephen G.
Published: September 2015

General lack of awareness of the transportation profession and of its diversity of content has been cited as critical issues affecting transportation workforce recruitment. University engineering programs have a crucial role in recruitment and training of the next generation of transportation professionals, but in focusing mostly on automobile travel, undergraduate transportation engineering courses do not properly introduce students to the multimodal, environmental, and public service facets of the profession. Moreover, several surveys have cited that engineering students aspire to careers in which they can make a difference in the world, improve the lives of others, and better the natural environment. Service learning is one way to link course content better with students' motivation to study a subject while introducing non-traditional transportation engineering concepts in an effort to increase students' awareness of the diverse nature of the profession. This paper showcases how a transit feasibility study for Joshua Tree National Park was framed as a service-learning project and documents the lessons learned in facilitating student and community stakeholder involvement. A survey of student job placement after graduation showed that many of the participating students went on to transportation-related careers, as compared with their peers who had not participated. Although this unique service-learning project cannot be replicated exactly, it is a good model for forming future projects that highlight the multifaceted roles of transportation professionals and better leverage students' intrinsic motivation so that they persist through their degree programs to become members of the transportation workforce.
Emission-Based Signal Timing Optimization for Isolated Intersections
Authors: Khalighi Farnoush , Christofa Eleni
Published: September 2015

Continuous growth in transportation demand in recent years has led to many traffic issues in urban areas. Among the most challenging are traffic congestion and the associated vehicular emissions. Efficient design of traffic signal control systems is a promising approach for addressing these problems. This research developed a real-time signal control system that optimizes signal timings at an undersaturated isolated intersection by minimizing total vehicular emissions. A combination of previously introduced analytical models based on traffic flow theory was used. These models estimated time spent per operating mode (i.e., time spent accelerating, decelerating, cruising, and idling) as functions of demand, vehicle arrival times, saturation flow, and signal control parameters. Information on vehicle activity was used along with the vehicle-specific power approach that provided emission rates per time spent in each operating mode to estimate the total emissions per cycle. For the evaluation of the proposed method, data from the intersection of Mesogeion and Katechaki Avenues in Athens, Greece, were used. The evaluation was performed through deterministic arrival tests under the assumption of perfect information of vehicle arrival demand and times, as well as through stochastic arrival tests in a microsimulation environment. The results reveal that the proposed emission-based optimization can substantially reduce total emissions at signalized intersections and can also lead to reduced person delay compared with the commonly used vehicle-based optimization for most cases, even under the uncertainty of stochastic arrivals.
Performance Measures for Optimizing Diverging Interchanges and Outcome Assessment with Drone Video
Authors: Hainen Alexander M. , Stevens Amanda L. , Day Christopher M. , Li Howell , Mackey Jamie , Luker Matt , Taylor Mark , Sturdevant James R. , Bullock Darcy M.
Published: September 2015

Diverging diamond interchanges (DDIs) are an emerging interchange configuration that eliminates the need for left-turn phases in conventional diamonds and may be less expensive to construct than some alternative geometries. This paper examines signal timing for DDIs. DDI signal timing typically has used a two-phase configuration that reflects the two competing movements at the crossover points at each inter section of the DDI. This configuration inherently contains some inefficiency: (a) there is potential for internal queuing under two-phase configuration and (b) it is possible for the inflow demand to exceed outflow capacity of the interchange. This paper uses high-resolution event data to develop performance measures for evaluating operations at a DDI in Salt Lake City, Utah. Alternatives to the existing signal timing within the two-phase configuration are modeled and tested with a field deployment. The field deployment demonstrated the ability to prioritize ramp or through vehicles within the two-phase configuration. Additionally, a new three-phase configuration was developed and deployed to address the internal queuing that occurs with two-phase timing. With this new configuration, the flows from one DDI intersection to the other are balanced, and progression within the DDI is improved. With the implementation of the three-phase configuration, the percentage of vehicles arriving on green at the heaviest internal movement within the DDI increased from 53% to 92%. To illustrate these performance measures and improved DDI operation qualitatively, a video from a tethered unmanned aerial vehicle demonstrated the vehicle arrival characteristics by overlaying vehicle detection and signal state graphics on the video.
Performance Ranking of Arterial Corridors Using Travel Time and Travel Time Reliability Metrics
Authors: Day Christopher M. , Remias Stephen M. , Li Howell , Mekker Michelle M. , McNamara Margaret L. , Cox Edward D. , Bullock Darcy M.
Published: September 2015

Performance measures are essential for managing transportation systems and demonstrating agency accountability. Probe vehicles are an effective means for gathering vast amounts of information about highway networks. This paper presents a scalable methodology for analyzing arterial travel times that considers both the central tendency and the reliability of the travel time. A pilot analysis was carried out for 28 arterials with a total of 341 signalized intersections across Indiana. Starting from individual minute-by-minute speed records, the data were converted into travel times and aggregated into time series cohorts that correspond to typical traffic signal time-of-day periods. The data were normalized for the ideal travel time (based on the speed limits on each route) to account for individual route lengths and speeds. The data were compiled for all Wednesdays from January through July 2014 for investigation of arterial characteristics. The results show that a greater density of traffic signals on a route loosely corresponds to higher average travel times and less reliability. A composite index incorporating both the average values and reliability characteristics of travel time is developed and is used to rank the arterials by performance.
A novel pollen-based method to detect seasonality in ice cores: a case study from the Ortles glacier, South Tyrol, Italy
Authors: Festi Daniela , Kofler Werner , Bucher Edith , Carturan Luca , Mair Volkmar , Gabrielli Paolo , Oeggl Klaus
Published: September 2015

We present novel results of pollen analyses performed on a 10 m firn core retrieved from Alto dell’Ortles glacier (3840 m a.s.l.), Eastern Italian Alps, in 2009. The objective was to identify and quantify pollen grains retained in the ice to detect annual and interannual variations in the pollen spectra, thus enabling construction of an accurate pollen-based timescale. Up to now, this has been achieved by pollen diagram interpretation. Here we present a statistical approach developed to extract the seasonal/annual signal contained in the pollen spectra of an ice core. The method is based on principal component analyses of pollen assemblages obtained by high-level taxonomical identification. We apply this approach to the Ortles samples, demonstrating that seasonal and yearly variations of the pollen spectra are easily detectable and provide valuable information that can help improve the chronological model of the firn core. This approach can potentially be used for deeper cores as well as other types of archives (e.g. varved sediments), allowing faster, more objective estimation of yearly and seasonal variations than with classical percentage pollen diagrams.
Cutaneous Leishmaniasis in a Bangladeshi Adult: A Case Report
Authors: Rahim Abdur , Moniruzzan Md , Hassan Rashedul , Sarmin Monira , Yusuf Md Abdullah , Ahmed Be Nazir , Rahman Md Mujibur
Published: September 2015

Cutaneous leishmaniasis is rare in Bangladesh although very few case reports are seen since last few years. But Visceral Leishmaniasis (kala azar) and PKDL are common in this region. In country like ours where tuberculosis and leprosy are more prevalent Cutaneous Leishmaniasis is very likely to be mistreated as Cutaneous tuberculosis especially lupus vulgaris or leprosy. Cases of Cutaneous Leishmaniasis (CL) are usually imported to Bangladesh from other endemic countries. A patient from an endemic area of Cutaneous Leishmaniasis, a non-healing nodulo-ulcerative lesion on exposed part of the body, dermal infiltration with lymphocytes, histiocytes and plasma cells and demonstration of intracellular parasites in lesional skin establish the diagnosis of Cutaneous Leishmaniasis. We present a case of Cutaneous Leishmaniasis in a Bangladeshi adult working in Saudi Arabia for more than 15 years. He presented with multiple ulcerative lesions on nasal bridge, right ear lobule and dorsum of right ring finger. The patients clinical history, morphology of the lesions and laboratory analysis were consistent with Cutaneous Leishmaniasis, a rare entity for Bangladesh.Bangladesh J Medicine Jul 2014; 25 (2) : 78-80
Vitis vinifera juice ameliorates depression-like behavior in mice by modulating biogenic amine neurotransmitters
Authors: Aslam Muhammad , Sultana Nuzhat
Published: September 2015

The advantageous effects of Vitis vinifera juice on depressive model mice were examined utilizing a blend of behavioral evaluations and biogenic amine neurotransmitter estimations. During the behavioral evaluations, immobility time on the forced swimming test and tail suspension test were measured in unstressed and immobilization-induced stressed mice. V. vinifera juice (4 mL/kg and 8 mL/kg) and fluoxetine (20 mg/kg) produced a significant decrease in immobility time of both unstressed and stressed mice when compared with their respective saline-treated control groups in both paradigms. Neurotransmitters were measured using high-performance liquid chromatography with electrochemical detector. V. vinifera juice raised the levels of both serotonin (p<0.001) and noradrenalin (p<0.001) in brain tissue. These outcomes give significant mechanistic insights into the protective effect of V. vinifera juice against depressive disorders. Our results showed that V. vinifera juice could relieve depressive manifestations in the rodent model of depression.
Simulated Spaceflight Operations Under Sleep Deprivation and Confinement
Authors: Zhang Yijing , Li Zhizhong , Liu Xueyong , Liu Fang , Jing Xiaolu , Wu Bin
Published: September 2015

INTRODUCTION: This study investigated how operation complexity and type affect Chinese individuals’ performance of simulated spaceflight operations under conditions of sleep deprivation and confinement (SDC).METHODS: There were 20 male volunteers who were randomly
divided into 2 groups: the SDC group (N = 8) and the control group (N = 12). During the 72-h experimental period, the volunteers were asked to perform 11 computerized spaceflight emergency procedures, varying in operation complexity and type, three times at the 9th,
33rd, and 57th hours, respectively. Operation times and errors of each spaceflight emergency procedure were recorded. Three complexity levels (i.e., low complexity, high complexity, and combined complexity) and three operation types (i.e., two-way judgment, manual operation,
and mixed operation) were identified according to an operation complexity measure and an engineering definition.RESULTS: Mixed model ANOVAs indicated that performance of the three complex operations and three operation types were negatively affected by SDC. Moreover, the results
showed that the operation time of manual operation (10.67 ± 1.706 at the 9th hour, 13.94 ± 4.261 at the 33rd hour) and mixed operation (4.88 ± 0.247 at the 9th hour, 5.15 ± 1.308 at the 57th hour) increased significantly
with the increase of waking time. It was also shown that the high complexity operation and manual operation got less variation in operation time compared with low complexity and two-way judgment, respectively.CONCLUSIONS: The result indicated that the task assignment with high complexity
requiring cognition could be a useful way to counteract the effect of SDC. It was also implied that psychomotor abilities were more easily affected by SDC than perception and judgment.Zhang Y, Li Z, Liu X, Liu F, Jing X, Wu B. Simulated spaceflight operations under sleep deprivation
and confinement. Aerosp Med Hum Perform. 2015; 86(10):865–874.
Military Research ColorDx and Printed Color Vision Tests
Authors: Almustanyir Ali , Hovis Jeffery K.
Published: September 2015

PURPOSE: To determine the equivalence of the ColorDx Military Research version (mColorDx) test and three printed pseudoisochromatic tests (HRR, Ishihara, and PIPIC) for color vision testing.METHODS: Participating in the study were 75 color-normals and 47 subjects with
red-green color vision defects. Color vision was classified by an anomaloscope. The HRR (4th edition), Ishihara 38-plate edition, and PIPIC tests are printed color vision tests, whereas mColorDx test figures were displayed on a calibrated computer desktop monitor. All tests were
repeated in about 1 wk.RESULTS: The kappa level of agreement (κ) values with the anomaloscope for screening for each test was 0.96 or greater. The values were statistically identical. Specificity for each test was at least 0.99 and sensitivity was at least 0.95. The repeatability
of the screening sections for all tests was very good with κ values greater than 0.95. Deutans tended to miss the tritan screening plates on the HRR and mColorDx tests. The Spearman rank correlation coefficients between the severity of the defect and anomaloscope range was moderate with
r = 0.45 for the mColorDx and r = 0.6 for the HRR. Both the mColorDx and HRR had perfect agreement with the anomaloscope in classifying the defects as either protan or deutan.CONCLUSION: The validity of the four tests for color vision screening was statistically identical; however,
the HRR may be preferred because it had the highest sensitivity of 0.99, a specificity of 1.0, and a reasonable correlation between the severity rating of the defect and the anomaloscope range.Almustanyir A, Hovis JK. Military Research ColorDX and printed color vision tests. Aerosp
Med Hum Perform. 2015; 86(10):852–859.
Leasehold: An Institutional Framework for Understanding Nonprofit Governance in a Civil Society Context
Authors: Greller Martin
Published: September 2015

Nonprofit organizations play a role in the creation of a society that is civil, and it is an important one that neither the state nor for-profit organizations undertake. This raises the question of governance and accountability, which is often addressed by looking to agency-based models from the private sector. The acknowledged problem is that the agency’s notion of owners does not translate well to nonprofits. Adapting the concept of leasehold (wherein the managers and organization operate with broad autonomy, using resources supplied by supporters in exchange for the promise that specific societal value will be created, and are accountable for doing so) allows for a more flexible and responsive arrangement. It also suggests a mechanism whereby many independent nonprofits taking multiple approaches help civil society evolve.
Manual of Cupule Replication Technology
Authors: Kumar Giriraj , Krishna Ram
Published: September 2015

Throughout the world, iconic rock art is preceded by non-iconic rock art. Cupules (manmade, roughly semi-hemispherical depressions on rocks) form the major bulk of the early non-iconic rock art globally. The antiquity of cupules extends back to the Lower Paleolithic in Asia and Africa, hundreds of thousand years ago. When one observes these cupules, the inquisitive mind poses so many questions with regard to understanding their technology, reasons for selecting the site, which rocks were used to make the hammer stones used, the skill and cognitive abilities employed to create the different types of cupules, the objective of their creation, their age, and so on. Replication of the cupules can provide satisfactory answers to some of these questions. Comparison of the hammer stones and cupules produced by the replication process with those obtained from excavation can provide support to observations. This paper presents a manual of cupule replication technology based on our experience of cupule replication on hard quartzite rock near Daraki-Chattan in the Chambal Basin, India.
A Realization of a Quasi-Random Walk for Atoms in Time-Dependent Optical Potentials
Authors: Hinkel Torsten , Ritsch Helmut , Genes Claudiu
Published: September 2015

We consider the time dependent dynamics of an atom in a two-color pumped cavity, longitudinally through a side mirror and transversally via direct driving of the atomic dipole. The beating of the two driving frequencies leads to a time dependent effective optical potential that forces the atom into a non-trivial motion, strongly resembling a discrete random walk behavior between lattice sites. We provide both numerical and analytical analysis of such a quasi-random walk behavior.
The Altered Hepatic Tubulin Code in Alcoholic Liver Disease
Authors: Groebner Jennifer , Tuma Pamela
Published: September 2015

The molecular mechanisms that lead to the progression of alcoholic liver disease have been actively examined for decades. Because the hepatic microtubule cytoskeleton supports innumerable cellular processes, it has been the focus of many such mechanistic studies. It has long been appreciated that α-tubulin is a major target for modification by highly reactive ethanol metabolites and reactive oxygen species. It is also now apparent that alcohol exposure induces post-translational modifications that are part of the natural repertoire, mainly acetylation. In this review, the modifications of the “tubulin code” are described as well as those adducts by ethanol metabolites. The potential cellular consequences of microtubule modification are described with a focus on alcohol-induced defects in protein trafficking and enhanced steatosis. Possible mechanisms that can explain hepatic dysfunction are described and how this relates to the onset of liver injury is discussed. Finally, we propose that agents that alter the cellular acetylation state may represent a novel therapeutic strategy for treating liver disease.
Increasing Fuel Efficiency of Direct Methanol Fuel Cell Systems with Feedforward Control of the Operating Concentration
Authors: Na Youngseung , Zenith Federico , Krewer Ulrike
Published: September 2015

Most of the R&D on fuel cells for portable applications concentrates on increasing efficiencies and energy densities to compete with other energy storage devices, especially batteries. To improve the efficiency of direct methanol fuel cell (DMFC) systems, several modifications to system layouts and operating strategies are considered in this paper, rather than modifications to the fuel cell itself. Two modified DMFC systems are presented, one with an additional inline mixer and a further modification of it with a separate tank to recover condensed water. The set point for methanol concentration control in the solution is determined by fuel efficiency and varies with the current and other process variables. Feedforward concentration control enables variable concentration for dynamic loads. Simulation results were validated experimentally with fuel cell systems.
Tree- and Stand-Level Thinning Effects on Growth of European Beech (Fagus sylvatica L.) on a Northeast- and a Southwest-Facing Slope in Southwest Germany
Authors: Diaconu Daniela , Kahle Hans-Peter , Spiecker Heinrich
Published: September 2015

Anticipated changes in climate and research findings on the drought sensitivity of beech have triggered controversial discussions about the future of European beech. We investigated the growth response of beech on the tree- and stand-level in mature stands to three different thinning intensities (no thinning, strong thinning, very strong thinning) on a northeast- and southwest-facing slope in Southwest Germany. Linear mixed-effects models were formulated to describe effects on growth parameters on the tree- and stand-level (diameter, height, basal area, volume). At the stand-level, the stand basal area increment and stand volume increment were lower on the thinned plots. At the tree-level, the basal area increment significantly increased with increasing thinning intensity. The growth of individual trees was also influenced by initial tree size, the size-related rank of the tree within a stand, and by the aspect of the site. Our data indicate that growth of European beech is impaired on the southwest-facing slope with a warmer and drier climate and that a very strong thinning regime applied at advanced age can accelerate growth of European beech trees even on the warmer and drier site. Our findings, therefore, imply that in a warmer climate intensive thinning may also represent an important adaptive forest management measure in European beech stands.