bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Modified Paris's Law to Predict Entire Crack Growth in Asphalt Mixtures
Authors: Luo Xue , Luo Rong , Lytton Robert L.
Published: February 2014

Paris's law is a well-known and widely used method for predicting crack growth in engineering materials. Currently, most Paris's law model forms are formulated on the basis of the growth of a single crack, which is not in accord with the actual damage in asphalt mixtures, which entails the propagation of a multitude of cracks. The parameters in these Paris's law model forms are determined either by extensive testing and curve fitting or by collecting data from a series of different tests. To predict the entire crack growth in an asphalt mixture, this paper proposes a modified Paris's law, which is defined by using the damage density. In addition, the procedure for determining the modified Paris's law parameters (A’ and n’) is simplified so that they are easily obtained from one test on one asphalt mixture specimen. The proposed modified Paris's law was applied to 20 types of asphalt mixtures. The results showed that A’ and n’ were highly correlated with each other for the materials tested. On the basis of this relationship, the damage density formulated in the modified Paris's law is proved to be related monotonically to n’ through a sensitivity analysis. This relationship suggests that n’ can be used directly to compare the damage density of different asphalt mixtures. Investigation of the effects of asphalt binder, air void content, and aging period on fatigue cracking in asphalt mixtures further confirms that n’ is a good indicator of the tendency of the material to crack and can be used solely in material comparison and selection for fatigue cracking; a smaller value of n’ is preferred.
Laboratory Hot-Mix Asphalt Cracking Testing
Authors: Walubita Lubinda F. , Faruk Abu N. M. , Alvarez Allex E. , Izzo Richard , Haggerty Brett , Scullion Tom
Published: February 2014

Cracking is one of the predominant distresses occurring in hot-mix asphalt (HMA) pavements and often costs highway agencies millions of dollars in road maintenance and rehabilitation activities. One way to minimize this distress is through material screening and selection of appropriate mix designs that are representative of crack-resistant HMA. However, there are no universally adapted standardized laboratory cracking test methods for routine mix design and screening purposes for HMA mix crack resistance. In this study, three repeated loading cracking test methods—namely, the repeated loading overlay tester (OTR), repeated loading indirect tension (R-IDT), and repeated loading semicircular bending (R-SCB)—were evaluated and compared for their potential application as surrogate tests for routine crack evaluation and screening of HMA mixes in the laboratory. The evaluation criteria, based on commonly used Texas HMA mixes, included (a) the potential to differentiate and screen mixes readily, (b) the sensitivity to mix design variables such as variations in the asphalt binder content, (c) repeatability and statistical variability, (d) correlation to field performance data, and (e) the practicality of implementation. Overall, the OTR test, with a proven correlation to field performance data, exhibited statistical superiority as a practical repeated loading crack test method for routine HMA mix design and screening, followed by the R-IDT test. However, although the R-IDT test exhibited superiority concerning sample fabrication simplicity, validation with field data remains one of the key challenges to be addressed with this test. The R-SCB test was the least repeatable, particularly at high asphalt binder content levels, and appears to be better suited for low-temperature testing.
Event-Based Modeling of Driver Yielding Behavior to Pedestrians at Two-Lane Roundabout Approaches
Authors: Salamati Katayoun , Schroeder Bastian J. , Geruschat Duane R. , Rouphail Nagui M.
Published: February 2014

Drivers are less likely to comply with the “Yield to Pedestrians” sign at roundabouts than at other types of controlled intersections. The aim of this study was to identify the contributing factors affecting the likelihood of drivers yielding to pedestrians at two-lane roundabouts. The analysis used logistic regression to model the likelihood of drivers yielding based on several factors. The models were applied to 1,150 controlled pedestrian crossings at the entry and exit legs of two-lane approaches to six roundabouts across the country. The logistic regression models that were developed support prior research that found that the likelihood of drivers yielding at the entry leg of a roundabout was higher than at the exit. Drivers tended to yield to pedestrians carrying a white cane more often than they did to sighted pedestrians. Drivers traveling in the far lane, relative to pedestrian location, had a lower probability of yielding to the pedestrian. As speed increased, the probability of drivers yielding decreased. At the exit leg of the roundabout, drivers turning right from the adjacent lane had a lower propensity of yielding than did drivers coming from other directions. The logistic regression models also quantified the effect of each of these factors on the propensity of driver yielding. The models included variables that were specific to each study location and explained the impact size of each study location on the probability of yielding. The results of the research can be used to isolate factors that may increase yielding (such as lower roundabout approach speeds) and can feasibly be incorporated into microsimulation algorithms to model driver yielding at roundabouts.
ASSIST-ME
Authors: Ozbay Kaan , Bartin Bekir , Mudigonda Sandeep , Iyer Shrisan
Published: February 2014

This paper presents Advanced Software for Statewide Integrated Sustainable Transportation System Monitoring and Evaluation (ASSIST-ME), an application for visualizing and analyzing the output of transportation planning models in a geographic information system environment. ASSIST-ME was developed on a customized version of the ArcGIS 9.2 Developer Engine in the Microsoft .NET Framework. The tool is built on a flexible framework that allows for adoption of any traditional transportation planning model, as demonstrated with the output of two major transportation planning models on different software platforms: the New York Best Practice Model, running in TransCAD, and the North Jersey Regional Transportation Model–Enhanced, running in CUBE. ASSIST-ME allows agencies and planners to easily work with transportation planning model output, analysis of which is often time-consuming and requires extensive training. It offers four key functionalities: data visualization, demand analysis, path analysis, and benefit–cost analysis. Data visualization and demand analysis enable the user to work easily with direct model output; the custom path and cost analysis tools support analyses beyond those possible with other software packages. The benefit–cost analysis functions utilize the latest quantification–monetization approaches employed in research and by government agencies and require no external applications or procedures. This process can be used for any planning scenario, but ASSIST-ME also allows for customization to modify input data or analysis procedures according to the user's needs. ASSIST-ME incorporates data visualization, data analysis, and output reporting functionalities in a single user-friendly setting that requires minimal training or knowledge of the models themselves.
The Sword, the Scythe, and the ‘Arts of Peace’ in Dryden's Georgics
Authors: Schoenberger Melissa
Published: February 2014

Dryden's translation of Virgil's Georgics amplifies Virgilian ideas of peace. Dryden is keenly attuned to the complex balance of conditions that Virgil's work proposes as the makings of a peaceful life: deep awareness of natural cycles, toilsome yet fulfilling labour, and distance from battle. The Georgics do not advise oblivion, nor do they place naive hope in a future without conflict. But they do propose a form of positively defined peace, which Dryden interrogates throughout the translation. Only one of the fifteen instances of the word ‘peace’ in the translation is a direct rendering of the Latin noun; the other fourteen appear in lines that Dryden has manipulated in order to make explicit the Georgics’ engagement with various forms of peace. This article discusses many of Dryden's interventions, and concludes that like their Latin counterparts, Dryden's Georgics offer no promise of total unity or stability. Questions of peace pervade Virgil's entire body of work; Dryden's translation reveals his awareness of these questions, while adding further uncertainties.
Acknowledgement to Reviewers of Algorithms in 2013
Authors: Algorithms Editorial Office
Published: February 2014

The editors of Algorithms would like to express their sincere gratitude to the following reviewers for assessing manuscripts in 2013. [...]
Acknowledgement to Reviewers of Agriculture in 2013
Authors: Agriculture Editorial Office
Published: February 2014

The editors of Agriculture would like to express their sincere gratitude to the following reviewers for assessing manuscripts in 2013. [...]
Chemical Composition and Antioxidant Properties of Juniper Berry (Juniperus communis L.) Essential Oil. Action of the Essential Oil on the Antioxidant Protection of Saccharomyces cerevisiae Model Organism
Authors: Höferl Martina , Stoilova Ivanka , Schmidt Erich , Wanner Jürgen , Jirovetz Leopold , Trifonova Dora , Krastev Lutsian , Krastanov Albert
Published: February 2014

The essential oil of juniper berries (Juniperus communis L., Cupressaceae) is traditionally used for medicinal and flavoring purposes. As elucidated by gas chromatography/flame ionization detector (GC/FID) and gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS methods), the juniper berry oil from Bulgaria is largely comprised of monoterpene hydrocarbons such as α-pinene (51.4%), myrcene (8.3%), sabinene (5.8%), limonene (5.1%) and β-pinene (5.0%). The antioxidant capacity of the essential oil was evaluated in vitro by 2,2-Diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) scavenging, 2,2-azino-bis-3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6 sulfonic acid (ABTS) radical cation scavenging, hydroxyl radical (ОН•) scavenging and chelating capacity, superoxide radical (•O2−) scavenging and xanthine oxidase inhibitory effects, hydrogen peroxide scavenging. The antioxidant activity of the oil attributable to electron transfer made juniper berry essential oil a strong antioxidant, whereas the antioxidant activity attributable to hydrogen atom transfer was lower. Lipid peroxidation inhibition by the essential oil in both stages, i.e., hydroperoxide formation and malondialdehyde formation, was less efficient than the inhibition by butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT). In vivo studies confirmed these effects of the oil which created the possibility of blocking the oxidation processes in yeast cells by increasing activity of the antioxidant enzymes superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx).
McArdle Disease and Exercise Physiology
Authors: Kitaoka Yu
Published: February 2014

McArdle disease (glycogen storage disease Type V; MD) is a metabolic myopathy caused by a deficiency in muscle glycogen phosphorylase. Since muscle glycogen is an important fuel for muscle during exercise, this inborn error of metabolism provides a model for understanding the role of glycogen in muscle function and the compensatory adaptations that occur in response to impaired glycogenolysis. Patients with MD have exercise intolerance with symptoms including premature fatigue, myalgia, and/or muscle cramps. Despite this, MD patients are able to perform prolonged exercise as a result of the “second wind” phenomenon, owing to the improved delivery of extra-muscular fuels during exercise. The present review will cover what this disease can teach us about exercise physiology, and particularly focuses on the compensatory pathways for energy delivery to muscle in the absence of glycogenolysis.
Acknowledgement to Reviewers of Cells in 2013
Authors: Cells Editorial Office
Published: February 2014

The editors of Cells would like to express their sincere gratitude to the following reviewers for assessing manuscripts in 2013. [...]
Retraction: Aydin, B. Statistical Convergent Topological Sequence Entropy Maps of the Circle. Entropy 2004, 6, 257–261
Authors: Knuth Kevin
Published: February 2014

The editors were made aware that a paper published in Entropy in 2004 [1] may have plagiarized an earlier paper by Roman Hric published in 2000 [2]. After checking with specialized plagiarism software, we found that this claim is indeed correct and almost the entire paper is a verbatim copy of the earlier one. After confirmation of this fact, the editors of Entropy have decided to retract the paper immediately. [...]
Signal Processing for the Measurement of the Deuterium/Hydrogen Ratio in the Local Interstellar Medium
Authors: Rodríguez Moreno Diego , Wurz Peter , Saul Lukas , Bzowski Maciej , Kubiak Marzena , Sokół Justyna , Frisch Priscilla , Fuselier Stephen , McComas David , Möbius Eberhard , Schwadron Nathan
Published: February 2014

We report on a comprehensive signal processing procedure for very low signal levels for the measurement of neutral deuterium in the local interstellar medium from a spacecraft in Earth orbit. The deuterium measurements were performed with the IBEX-Lo camera on NASA’s Interstellar Boundary Explorer (IBEX) satellite. Our analysis technique for these data consists of creating a mass relation in three-dimensional time of flight space to accurately determine the position of the predicted D events, to precisely model the tail of the H events in the region where the H tail events are near the expected D events, and then to separate the H tail from the observations to extract the very faint D signal. This interstellar D signal, which is expected to be a few counts per year, is extracted from a strong terrestrial background signal, consisting of sputter products from the sensor’s conversion surface. As reference we accurately measure the terrestrial D/H ratio in these sputtered products and then discriminate this terrestrial background source. During the three years of the mission time when the deuterium signal was visible to IBEX, the observation geometry and orbit allowed for a total observation time of 115.3 days. Because of the spinning of the spacecraft and the stepping through eight energy channels the actual observing time of the interstellar wind was only 1.44 days. With the optimised data analysis we found three counts that could be attributed to interstellar deuterium. These results update our earlier work.
eLearning and eMaking: 3D Printing Blurring the Digital and the Physical
Authors: Loy Jennifer
Published: February 2014

This article considers the potential of 3D printing as an eLearning tool for design education and the role of eMaking in bringing together the virtual and the physical in the design studio. eLearning has matured from the basics of lecture capture into sophisticated, interactive learning activities for students. At the same time, laptops and internet enabled phones have made computer-based learning mobile, invading classroom learning, changing communication between students, enabling on the spot research, and making the recording of ideas and activities easier. The barriers between online and offline are becoming blurred in a combined digital and physical learning environment. Three-dimensional printing is part of this unification and can be an empowering learning tool for students, changing their relationship with the virtual and the physical, allowing them to take ideas and thinking from screen to reality and back again in an iterative, connected process, however, from an eLearning point of view it is, more importantly, a transformative technology with the potential to change the relationship of the learner to their learning and the scope and nature of their work. Examples from Griffith Product Design student learning illustrate the potential of eMaking to enhance combined learning in a digital age.
Temperatures and Heat Flows in a Soil Enclosing a Slinky Horizontal Heat Exchanger
Authors: Neuberger Pavel , Adamovský Radomír , Šeďová Michaela
Published: February 2014

Temperature changes and heat flows in soils that host “slinky”-type horizontal heat exchangers are complex, but need to be understood if robust quantification of the thermal energy available to a ground-source heat pump is to be achieved. Of particular interest is the capacity of the thermal energy content of the soil to regenerate when the heat exchangers are not operating. Analysis of specific heat flows and the specific thermal energy regime within the soil, including that captured by the heat-exchangers, has been characterised by meticulous measurements. These reveal that high concentrations of antifreeze mix in the heat-transfer fluid of the heat exchanger have an adverse impact on heat flows discharged into the soil.
Voltage Support Provided by STATCOM in Unbalanced Power Systems
Authors: Rodríguez Ana , Bueno Emilio , Mayor Álvar , Rodríguez Francisco , García-Cerrada Aurelio
Published: February 2014

The presence of an unbalanced voltage at the point of common coupling (PCC) results in the appearance of a negative sequence current component that deteriorates the control performance. Static synchronous compensators (STATCOMs) are well-known to be a power application capable of carrying out the regulation of the PCC voltage in distribution lines that can suffer from grid disturbances. This article proposes a novel PCC voltage controller in synchronous reference frame to compensate an unbalanced PCC voltage by means of a STATCOM, allowing an independent control of both positive and negative voltage sequences. Several works have been proposed in this line but they were not able to compensate an unbalance in the PCC voltage. Furthermore, this controller includes aspects as antiwindup and droop control to improve the control system performance.
Li, R.; Ma, H.; Wang, F.; Wang, Y.; Liu, Y.; Li, Z. Game Optimization Theory and Application in Distribution System Expansion Planning, Including Distributed Generation. Energies 2013, 6, 1101–1124
Authors: Li Ran , Ma Huizhuo , Wang Feifei , Wang Yihe , Liu Yang , Li Zenghui
Published: February 2014

The authors wish to make the following corrections to this paper [1]. [...]
Influence of Prewhirl Regulation by Inlet Guide Vanes on Cavitation Performance of a Centrifugal Pump
Authors: Tan Lei , Zhu Baoshan , Cao Shuliang , Wang Yuchuan , Wang Binbin
Published: February 2014

The influence of prewhirl regulation by inlet guide vanes (IGVs) on a centrifugal pump performance is investigated experimentally and numerically. The experimental results show that IGVs can obviously change the head and increase the efficiency of the tested centrifugal pump over a wide range of flow rates. Although the cavitation performance is degraded, the variation of the cavitation critical point is less than 0.5 m. Movement of the computed three-dimensional streamlines in suction pipe and impeller are analyzed in order to reveal the mechanism how the IGVs realize the prewhirl regulation. The calculated results show that the influence of IGVs on the cavitation performance of centrifugal pump is limited by a maximum total pressure drop of 1777 Pa, about 7.6% of the total pressure at the suction pipe inlet for a prewhirl angle of 24°.
Acknowledgement to Reviewers of Future Internet in 2013
Authors: Future Internet Editorial Office
Published: February 2014

The editors of Future Internet would like to express their sincere gratitude to the following reviewers for assessing manuscripts in 2013. [...]
Schelling, von Neumann, and the Event that Didn’t Occur
Authors: Field Alexander
Published: February 2014

Thomas Schelling was recognized by the Nobel Prize committee as a pioneer in the application of game theory and rational choice analysis to problems of politics and international relations. However, although he makes frequent references in his writings to this approach, his main explorations and insights depend upon and require acknowledgment of its limitations. One of his principal concerns was how a country could engage in successful deterrence. If the behavioral assumptions that commonly underpin game theory are taken seriously and applied consistently, however, nuclear adversaries are almost certain to engage in devastating conflict, as John von Neumann forcefully asserted. The history of the last half century falsified von Neumann’s prediction, and the “event that didn’t occur” formed the subject of Schelling’s Nobel lecture. The answer to the question “why?” is the central concern of this paper.
Acknowledgement to Reviewers of Games in 2013
Authors: Games Editorial Office
Published: February 2014

The editors of Games would like to express their sincere gratitude to the following reviewers for assessing manuscripts in 2013. [...]
A Telemonitoring Tool based on Serious Games Addressing Money Management Skills for People with Intellectual Disability
Authors: Lopez-Basterretxea Asier , Mendez-Zorrilla Amaia , Garcia-Zapirain Begonya
Published: February 2014

This article presents a telemonitoring tool based on computer games, aimed at money management skill improvement for people with Intellectual Disabilities (ID). The presented tool is divided into two parts: on one hand, some training activities related to payments and currency discrimination based on Serious Games are proposed to the user using a multitouch device. On the other hand, the psychologists and specialist who work with them, can access to the Serious Games results using an online application in order to evaluate their evolution. The results are measured according to the number of errors they have during the proposed activities, the time they need to complete them and the score. The article show the results of an experiment made with a clinical sample of 12 users with ID between 12 and 15 years, taking into account that all of them are capable of correct oral communication and they do not have severe physical coordination problems. Only two users completed all the games without errors. Males obtained a mean of 28.25 errors, whereas females obtained a mean of 17.75. The results show significant difference between the selection of games 1, 2 or 3, because all of them prefer the game 1 related with “Payments” probably because it permits more interaction using the multitouch device. The authors also made a qualitative evaluation and the results have been very promising and satisfactory.
Acknowledgement to Reviewers of the ISPRS International Journal of Geo-Information in 2013
Authors: IJGI Editorial Office
Published: February 2014

The editors of the ISPRS International Journal of Geo-Information would like to express their sincere gratitude to the following reviewers for assessing manuscripts in 2013. [...]
Acknowledgement to Reviewers of International Journal of Molecular Sciences 2013
Authors: IJMS Editorial Office
Published: February 2014

The editors of International Journal of Molecular Sciences would like to express their sincere gratitude to the following reviewers for assessing manuscripts in 2013. [...]
Acknowledgement to Reviewers of Information in 2013
Authors: Information Editorial Office
Published: February 2014

The editors of Information would like to express their sincere gratitude to the following reviewers for assessing manuscripts in 2013. [...]
Artery Segmentation in Ultrasound Images Based on an Evolutionary Scheme
Authors: Guzman Pablo , Ros Rafael , Ros Eduardo
Published: February 2014

Segmentation in ultrasound (US) images is a challenge in computer vision, due to the high signal noise, artifacts that produce discontinuities in the boundaries and shadows that hide part of the received signal. In this paper, a solution based on ellipse fitting motivated by natural artery geometry will be proposed. To optimize the parameters that define such an ellipse, a strategy based on an evolutionary algorithm was adopted. The paper will also demonstrate that the method can be solved in a reasonable amount of time, making intensive GPGPU (general graphics processing unit, GPU, processing) where excellent computing performance gain is obtained (up to 54 times faster than the parallel CPU implementation). The proposed approach is compared with other artery segmentation methods in US images, obtaining very promising results. Furthermore, the proposed approach is parameter free and does not require any initialization estimation close to the final solution.
A Numerical Implementation of a Nonlinear Mild Slope Model for Shoaling Directional Waves
Authors: Davis Justin , Sheremet Alex , Tian Miao , Saxena Saurabh
Published: February 2014

We describe the numerical implementation of a phase-resolving, nonlinear spectral model for shoaling directional waves over a mild sloping beach with straight parallel isobaths. The model accounts for non-linear, quadratic (triad) wave interactions as well as shoaling and refraction. The model integrates the coupled, nonlinear hyperbolic evolution equations that describe the transformation of the complex Fourier amplitudes of the deep-water directional wave field. Because typical directional wave spectra (observed or produced by deep-water forecasting models such as WAVEWATCH III™) do not contain phase information, individual realizations are generated by associating a random phase to each Fourier mode. The approach provides a natural extension to the deep-water spectral wave models, and has the advantage of fully describing the shoaling wave stochastic process, i.e., the evolution of both the variance and higher order statistics (phase correlations), the latter related to the evolution of the wave shape. The numerical implementation (a Fortran 95/2003 code) includes unidirectional (shore-perpendicular) propagation as a special case. Interoperability, both with post-processing programs (e.g., MATLAB/Tecplot 360) and future model coupling (e.g., offshore wave conditions from WAVEWATCH III™), is promoted by using NetCDF-4/HD5 formatted output files. The capabilities of the model are demonstrated using a JONSWAP spectrum with a cos2s directional distribution, for shore-perpendicular and oblique propagation. The simulated wave transformation under combined shoaling, refraction and nonlinear interactions shows the expected generation of directional harmonics of the spectral peak and of infragravity (frequency <0.05 Hz) waves. Current development efforts focus on analytic testing, development of additional physics modules essential for applications and validation with laboratory and field observations.
The Dog that Stopped Barking: Mass Legal Executions in 21st Century America
Authors: Blackman Paul , McLaughlin Vance
Published: February 2014

During the first two centuries of European colonization of what is now the United States, executions for a variety of offenses relatively frequently involved mass executions, that is, the execution for the same criminal incident of four or more persons. By the time of American independence, some of those crimes had largely ceased to exist or to elicit such punishment, like witchcraft and piracy. However, the punishment of slaves and Indians kept the percentage of executed persons involved in mass executions significant, if not large. During the last quarter of the 19th and first six decades of the 20th century, mass legal executions diminished as a percentage and were largely limited to punishing robbery-related homicides, including felony-homicides of conspirators. Throughout that period, the end of mass executions for a particular crime presaged the end of all executions for that offense, and the last mass legal execution occurred in 1960.
Migratory Policy as an Exclusionary Tool: The Case of Haitians in the Dominican Republic
Authors: Mazzaglia Natalia , Marcelino Pedro
Published: February 2014

This article examines major changes in the migratory policy of the Dominican Republic over the last decade, and how they possibly relate to the consolidation of racist perceptions of the Other, prevalent since the Haitian and Dominican independence wars in the early 19th century. Generally focusing on the intersection of politics, exclusion, and Otherness, the paper takes a multidisciplinary approach fundamentally focused on the juridical and legislative processes, whenever the rule of law is presented as a legitimizing vehicle through which racism is expressed. Considering the conceptual usefulness of migration as a threat, the article problematizes cultural and biologic understandings of Haitian migrants in the Dominican Republic, and their legislative reduction to ‘bare life’. It finally examines the convenience of Haitian lives for the Dominican State, conditioned by de facto and de jure processes of exclusion.
The Application of Molecular Dynamics in Fullerene-Based Journal Bearing Simulation
Authors: Kornaev Alexey , Savin Leonid , Nozdrichkin Mikhail
Published: February 2014

The article is devoted to modeling of the molecular microscopic journal bearing. The walls and the lubricant of the bearing are fullerene-like molecules. On the basis of similarity theory and analysis of the dimensions, the similarity criterion is proposed. This criterion characterizes the convergence of a numerical solution. The test calculation is also made to evaluate the quality of the proposed criterion.
Lubricants in Pharmaceutical Solid Dosage Forms
Authors: Li Jinjiang , Wu Yongmei
Published: February 2014

Lubrication plays a key role in successful manufacturing of pharmaceutical solid dosage forms; lubricants are essential ingredients in robust formulations to achieve this. Although many failures in pharmaceutical manufacturing operations are caused by issues related to lubrication, in general, lubricants do not gain adequate attention in the development of pharmaceutical formulations. In this paper, the fundamental background on lubrication is introduced, in which the relationships between lubrication and friction/adhesion forces are discussed. Then, the application of lubrication in the development of pharmaceutical products and manufacturing processes is discussed with an emphasis on magnesium stearate. In particular, the effect of its hydration state (anhydrate, monohydrate, dihydrate, and trihydrate) and its powder characteristics on lubrication efficiency, as well as product and process performance is summarized. In addition, the impact of lubrication on the dynamics of compaction/compression processes and on the mechanical properties of compacts/tablets is presented. Furthermore, the online monitoring of magnesium stearate in a blending process is briefly mentioned. Finally, the chemical compatibility of active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) with magnesium stearate and its reactive impurities is reviewed with examples from the literature illustrating the various reaction mechanisms involved.
Materials Best Paper Award 2014
Authors: Tabrizian Maryam
Published: February 2014

Materials instituted an annual award in order to acknowledge outstanding papers in the area of materials science and engineering published in Materials. [...]
Acknowledgement to Reviewers of Membranes in 2013
Authors: Membranes Editorial Office
Published: February 2014

The editors of Membranes would like to express their sincere gratitude to the following reviewers for assessing manuscripts in 2013. [...]
Triptolide Induces S Phase Arrest and Apoptosis in Gallbladder Cancer Cells
Authors: Hu Yun-Ping , Tan Zhu-Jun , Wu Xiang-Song , Liu Tian-Yu , Jiang Lin , Bao Run-Fa , Shu Yi-Jun , Li Mao-Lan , Weng Hao , Ding Qian , Tao Feng , Liu Ying-Bin
Published: February 2014

Gallbladder carcinoma is the most common malignancy of the biliary tract, with a very low 5-year survival rate and extremely poor prognosis. Thus, new effective treatments and drugs are urgently needed for the treatment of this malignancy. In this study, for the first time we investigated the effects of triptolide on gallbladder cancer cells and identified the mechanisms underlying its potential anticancer effects. The MTT assay showed that triptolide decreased cell viability in a dose- and time-dependent manner. The results of the colony formation assay indicated that triptolide strongly suppressed colony formation ability in GBC-SD and SGC-996 cells. Flow cytometric analysis revealed that triptolide induced S phase arrest in gallbladder cancer cells. In addition, triptolide induced apoptosis, as shown by the results of annexin V/propidium iodide double-staining and Hoechst 33342 staining. Furthermore, triptolide decreased mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm) in a dose-dependent manner. Finally, western blot analysis of triptolide-treated cells revealed the activation of caspase-3, caspase-9, PARP, and Bcl-2; this result demonstrated that triptolide induced apoptosis in gallbladder cancer cells by regulating apoptosis-related protein expression, and suggests that triptolide may be a promising drug to treat gallbladder carcinoma.
Synthesis of A New Class of Pyridazin-3-one and 2-Amino-5-arylazopyridine Derivatives and Their Utility in the Synthesis of Fused Azines
Authors: Ibrahim Hamada , Behbehani Haider
Published: February 2014

A general route for the synthesis of a novel class of pyridazin-3-one derivatives 3 by the reaction in acetic anhydride between 3-oxo-2-arylhydrazonopropanals 1 and some active methylene compounds like p-nitrophenylacetic acid and cyanoacetic acid was established. Under these conditions the pyridazin-3-one derivatives 3 were formed as the sole isolable products in excellent yield. The 6-acetyl-3-oxopyridazine derivative 3l was reacted with DMF-DMA to afford the corresponding enaminone derivative 4, which reacts with a variety of aminoazoles to afford the corresponding azolo[1,5-a]pyrimidine derivatives 5–7. Also, in order to explore the viability and generality of a recently uncovered reaction between 3-oxo-2-arylhydrazonopropanals and active methylene compounds, a variety of 2-amino-6-aryl-5-arylazo-3-aroylpyridines 16–19 were prepared by reacting 3-oxo-2-arylhydrazonopropanals with miscellaneous active methylene compounds like 3-oxo-3-phenylpropionitrile, hetaroylacetonitriles and cyanoacetamides. These 2-aminopyridine derivatives undergo smooth reactions with cyanoacetic acid that led to the formation in high yield of a new class of 1,8-naphthyridine derivatives 24. The structures of all new substances prepared in this investigation were determined by the different analytical spectroscopic methods, in addition to the X-ray crystallographic analysis.
Discovery of Novel c-Met Inhibitors Bearing a 3-Carboxyl Piperidin-2-one Scaffold
Authors: Zhang Wei , Ai Jing , Shi Dakuo , Peng Xia , Ji Yinchun , Liu Jian , Geng Meiyu , Li Yingxia
Published: February 2014

A series of compounds containing a novel 3-carboxypiperidin-2-one scaffold based on the lead structure BMS-777607 were designed, synthesized and evaluated for their c-Met kinase inhibition and cytotoxicity against MKN45 cancer cell lines. The results indicated that five compounds exhibited significant inhibitory effect on c-Met with IC50 values of 8.6−81 nM and four compounds showed potent inhibitory activity against MKN45 cell proliferation, with IC50s ranging from 0.57−16 μM.
Comparative Diagnostic Techniques for Cryptosporidium Infection
Authors: Omoruyi Beauty , Nwodo Uchechukwu , Udem Chukwuneke , Okonkwo Francis
Published: February 2014

Diarrhoea caused by Cryptosporidium is usually mild in immune competent individuals but severe in the young and those with underlying disease leading to compromised immunity. The conventional diagnosis of Cryptosporidium requires observation of the infective oocysts however, their tiny size yields indistinct results, thus limiting the effectiveness of the conventional diagnostic technique, modified Ziehl-Neelsen (ZN) differential staining. Consequent to the abovementioned limitation, ZN staining, sandwich antigen detection enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (sad-ELISA) and a direct polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay techniques were evaluated for diagnostic efficacy. Stool samples were collected from 180 consenting adult patients attending outpatient and inpatient clinics at Victoria Hospital, Alice, Eastern Cape Province of South Africa. Subjects were stratified as; 35 HIV-positive and diarrhoeagenic, 125 HIV-negative diarrhoeagenic and 20 apparently healthy controls. Cryptosporidium incidence following diagnostic techniques were 13 (37.1%; ZN staining), 26 (74.3%; sad-ELISA) and 23 (65.7%; PCR), respectively, among HIV-positive diarrhoeagenic patients and 34 (27.2%; ZN staining), 96 (76.8%; sad-ELISA) and 89 (71.2%; PCR) among HIV-negative diarrhoeagenic patients. Sensitivity, specificity and predictive values of the diagnostic techniques’ efficiency were: sensitivity: 46.2% (HIV-positive) and 32.3% (HIV-negative) against the ZN technique and 96.9% against sad-ELISA and PCR, respectively, for both HIV-positive and -negative patients; specificity was 88.9% (HIV-positive) and 96.6% (HIV-negative) against the ZN technique. Lastly, the predictive values were 92.3% (HIV-positive) and 96.9% (HIV-negative), respectively, following ZN staining. The sad-ELISA technique proved more suitable for the determination of the presence of Cryptosporidium oocysts. The high incidence of Cryptosporidium in HIV-positive subjects as compared to the HIV-negative population accentuates the significance of cryptosporidiosis diagnosis in the treatment and management of HIV cases.
Synthesis and Biological Evaluation of Substituted Desloratadines as Potent Arginine Vasopressin V2 Receptor Antagonists
Authors: Mu Shuai , Liu Ying , Gong Min , Liu Deng-Ke , Liu Chang-Xiao
Published: February 2014

Twenty-one non-peptide substituted desloratadine class compounds were synthesized as novel arginine vasopressin receptor antagonists from desloratadine via successive acylation, reduction and acylation reactions. Their structures were characterized by 1H-NMR and HRMS, their biological activity was evaluated by in vitro and in vivo studies. The in vitro binding assay and cAMP accumulation assay indicated that these compounds are potent selective V2 receptor antagonists. Among them compounds 1n, 1t and 1v exhibited both high affinity and promising selectivity for V2 receptors. The in vivo diuretic assay demonstrated that 1t presented remarkable diuretic activity. In conclusion, 1t is a potent novel AVP V2 receptor antagonist candidate.
Genomic and Global Approaches to Unravelling How Hypermutable Sequences Influence Bacterial Pathogenesis
Authors: Bidmos Fadil , Bayliss Christopher
Published: February 2014

Rapid adaptation to fluctuations in the host milieu contributes to the host persistence and virulence of bacterial pathogens. Adaptation is frequently mediated by hypermutable sequences in bacterial pathogens. Early bacterial genomic studies identified the multiplicity and virulence-associated functions of these hypermutable sequences. Thus, simple sequence repeat tracts (SSRs) and site-specific recombination were found to control capsular type, lipopolysaccharide structure, pilin diversity and the expression of outer membrane proteins. We review how the population diversity inherent in the SSR-mediated mechanism of localised hypermutation is being unlocked by the investigation of whole genome sequences of disease isolates, analysis of clinical samples and use of model systems. A contrast is presented between the problematical nature of analysing simple sequence repeats in next generation sequencing data and in simpler, pragmatic PCR-based approaches. Specific examples are presented of the potential relevance of this localized hypermutation to meningococcal pathogenesis. This leads us to speculate on the future prospects for unravelling how hypermutable mechanisms may contribute to the transmission, spread and persistence of bacterial pathogens.
Acknowledgement to Reviewers of Resources in 2013
Authors: Resources Editorial Office
Published: February 2014

The editors of Resources would like to express their sincere gratitude to the following reviewers for assessing manuscripts in 2013. [...]
Correction: Van Beek, J. et al. Stem Water Potential Monitoring in Pear Orchards through WorldView-2 Multispectral Imagery. Remote Sens. 2013, 5, 6647–6666
Authors: Van Beek Jonathan , Tits Laurent , Somers Ben , Janssens Pieter , Odeurs Wendy , Vandendriessche Hilde , Deckers Tom , Coppin Pol
Published: February 2014

The suitability of high resolution satellite imagery to provide the water status in orchard crops, i.e. stem water potential (Ψstem) was evaluated in [1]. However, the contribution of a number of collaborators was not properly acknowledged. Pieter Janssens, Wendy Odeurs, Hilde Vandendriessche and Tom Deckers all provided a substantial contribution to the conception and the design of the work. They furthermore had a leading role in the acquisition, processing, analysis, and interpretation of the reference evapotranspiration (ETo) and Ψstem data. The article [1] would not have been possible without their valuable input, and the authors would like to correct the authors list as follows. [...]
A Disposable Alkaline Phosphatase-Based Biosensor for Vanadium Chronoamperometric Determination
Authors: Alvarado-Gámez Ana , Alonso-Lomillo María , Domínguez-Renedo Olga , Arcos-Martínez María
Published: February 2014

A chronoamperometric method for vanadium ion determination, based on the inhibition of the enzyme alkaline phosphatase, is reported. Screen-printed carbon electrodes modified with gold nanoparticles were used as transducers for the immobilization of the enzyme. The enzymatic activity over 4-nitrophenyl phosphate sodium salt is affected by vanadium ions, which results in a decrease in the chronoamperometric current registered. The developed method has a detection limit of 0.39 ± 0.06 µM, a repeatability of 7.7% (n = 4) and a reproducibility of 8% (n = 3). A study of the possible interferences shows that the presence of Mo(VI), Cr(III), Ca(II) and W(VI), may affect vanadium determination at concentration higher than 1.0 mM. The method was successfully applied to the determination of vanadium in spiked tap water.
Implementation and Performance of a GPS/INS Tightly Coupled Assisted PLL Architecture Using MEMS Inertial Sensors
Authors: Tawk Youssef , Tomé Phillip , Botteron Cyril , Stebler Yannick , Farine Pierre-André
Published: February 2014

The use of global navigation satellite system receivers for navigation still presents many challenges in urban canyon and indoor environments, where satellite availability is typically reduced and received signals are attenuated. To improve the navigation performance in such environments, several enhancement methods can be implemented. For instance, external aid provided through coupling with other sensors has proven to contribute substantially to enhancing navigation performance and robustness. Within this context, coupling a very simple GPS receiver with an Inertial Navigation System (INS) based on low-cost micro-electro-mechanical systems (MEMS) inertial sensors is considered in this paper. In particular, we propose a GPS/INS Tightly Coupled Assisted PLL (TCAPLL) architecture, and present most of the associated challenges that need to be addressed when dealing with very-low-performance MEMS inertial sensors. In addition, we propose a data monitoring system in charge of checking the quality of the measurement flow in the architecture. The implementation of the TCAPLL is discussed in detail, and its performance under different scenarios is assessed. Finally, the architecture is evaluated through a test campaign using a vehicle that is driven in urban environments, with the purpose of highlighting the pros and cons of combining MEMS inertial sensors with GPS over GPS alone.
Improvement in pH Sensitivity of Low-Temperature Polycrystalline-Silicon Thin-Film Transistor Sensors Using H2 Sintering
Authors: Yen Li-Chen , Tang Ming-Tsyr , Chang Fang-Yu , Pan Tung-Ming , Chao Tien-Sheng , Lee Chiang-Hsuan
Published: February 2014

In this article, we report an improvement in the pH sensitivity of low-temperature polycrystalline-silicon (poly-Si) thin-film transistor (TFT) sensors using an H2 sintering process. The low-temperature polycrystalline-silicon (LTPS) TFT sensor with H2 sintering exhibited a high sensitivity than that without H2 sintering. This result may be due to the resulting increase in the number of Si–OH2+ and Si–O− bonds due to the incorporation of H in the gate oxide to reduce the dangling silicon bonds and hence create the surface active sites and the resulting increase in the number of chemical reactions at these surface active sites. Moreover, the LTPS TFT sensor device not only offers low cost and a simple fabrication processes, but the technique also can be extended to integrate the sensor into other systems.
Sensor Network Infrastructure for a Home Care Monitoring System
Authors: Palumbo Filippo , Ullberg Jonas , Štimec Ales , Furfari Francesco , Karlsson Lars , Coradeschi Silvia
Published: February 2014

This paper presents the sensor network infrastructure for a home care system that allows long-term monitoring of physiological data and everyday activities. The aim of the proposed system is to allow the elderly to live longer in their home without compromising safety and ensuring the detection of health problems. The system offers the possibility of a virtual visit via a teleoperated robot. During the visit, physiological data and activities occurring during a period of time can be discussed. These data are collected from physiological sensors (e.g., temperature, blood pressure, glucose) and environmental sensors (e.g., motion, bed/chair occupancy, electrical usage). The system can also give alarms if sudden problems occur, like a fall, and warnings based on more long-term trends, such as the deterioration of health being detected. It has been implemented and tested in a test environment and has been deployed in six real homes for a year-long evaluation. The key contribution of the paper is the presentation of an implemented system for ambient assisted living (AAL) tested in a real environment, combining the acquisition of sensor data, a flexible and adaptable middleware compliant with the OSGistandard and a context recognition application. The system has been developed in a European project called GiraffPlus.
Acknowledgement to Reviewers of Toxins in 2013
Authors: Toxins Editorial Office
Published: February 2014

The editors of Toxins would like to express their sincere gratitude to the following reviewers for assessing manuscripts in 2013. [...]
Acknowledgement to Reviewers of Water in 2013
Authors: Water Editorial Office
Published: February 2014

The editors of Water would like to express their sincere gratitude to the following reviewers for assessing manuscripts in 2013. [...]