bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Regulation of TRAIL-Receptor Expression by the Ubiquitin-Proteasome System
Authors: Sarhan Dhifaf , D'Arcy Padraig , Lundqvist Andreas
Published: October 2014

The tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-related apoptosis-inducing ligand- receptor (TRAIL-R) family has emerged as a key mediator of cell fate and survival. Ligation of TRAIL ligand to TRAIL-R1 or TRAIL-R2 initiates the extrinsic apoptotic pathway characterized by the recruitment of death domains, assembly of the death-inducing signaling complex (DISC), caspase activation and ultimately apoptosis. Conversely the decoy receptors TRAIL-R3 and TRAIL-R4, which lack the pro-apoptotic death domain, function to dampen the apoptotic response by competing for TRAIL ligand. The tissue restricted expression of the decoy receptors on normal but not cancer cells provides a therapeutic rational for the development of selective TRAIL-mediated anti-tumor therapies. Recent clinical trials using agonistic antibodies against the apoptosis-inducing TRAIL receptors or recombinant TRAIL have been promising; however the number of patients in complete remission remains stubbornly low. The mechanisms of TRAIL resistance are relatively unexplored but may in part be due to TRAIL-R down-regulation or shedding of TRAIL-R by tumor cells. Therefore a better understanding of the mechanisms underlying TRAIL resistance is required. The ubiquitin-proteasome system (UPS) has been shown to regulate TRAIL-R members suggesting that pharmacological inhibition of the UPS may be a novel strategy to augment TRAIL-based therapies and increase efficacies. We recently identified b-AP15 as an inhibitor of proteasome deubiquitinase (DUB) activity. Interestingly, exposure of tumor cell lines to b-AP15 resulted in increased TRAIL-R2 expression and enhanced sensitivity to TRAIL-mediated apoptosis and cell death in vitro and in vivo. In conclusion, targeting the UPS may represent a novel strategy to increase the cell surface expression of pro-apoptotic TRAIL-R on cancer cells and should be considered in clinical trials targeting TRAIL-receptors in cancer patients.
Human iPS Cell-Derived Germ Cells: Current Status and Clinical Potential
Authors: Ishii Tetsuya
Published: October 2014

Recently, fertile spermatozoa and oocytes were generated from mouse induced pluripotent (iPS) cells using a combined in vitro and in vivo induction system. With regard to germ cell induction from human iPS cells, progress has been made particularly in the male germline, demonstrating in vitro generation of haploid, round spermatids. Although iPS-derived germ cells are expected to be developed to yield a form of assisted reproductive technology (ART) that can address unmet reproductive needs, genetic and/or epigenetic instabilities abound in iPS cell generation and germ cell induction. In addition, there is still room to improve the induction protocol in the female germline. However, rapid advances in stem cell research are likely to make such obstacles surmountable, potentially translating induced germ cells into the clinical setting in the immediate future. This review examines the current status of the induction of germ cells from human iPS cells and discusses the clinical potential, as well as future directions.
Towards Sensor-Actuator Coupling in an Automated Order Picking System by Detecting Sealed Seams on Pouch Packed Goods
Authors: Weichert Frank , Böckenkamp Adrian , Prasse Christian , Timm Constantin , Rudak Bartholomäus , Hölscher Klaas , Hompel Michael
Published: October 2014

In this paper, a novel concept of coupling the actuators of an automated order picking system for pouch packed goods with an embedded CCD camera sensor by means of image processing and machine learning is presented. The picking system mechanically combines the conveyance and singularization of a still-connected chain of pouch packed goods in a single machinery. The proposed algorithms perform a per-frame processing of the captured images in real-time to detect the sealed seams of the ongoing pouches. The detections are used to deduce cutting decisions in order to control the system’s actuators, namely the drive pulley for conveyance and the cutting device for the separation. Within this context, two controlling strategies are presented as well which specify the interaction of the sensor and the actuators. The detection is carried out by two different marker detection strategies: enhanced Template Matching as a heuristic and Support Vector Machines as a supervised classification based concept. Depending on the employed marker, detection rates of almost 100% with a calculation time of less than 40 ms are possible. From a logistic point of view, sealed seam widths of 20 mm prove feasible.
New Methods of Enhancing the Thermal Durability of Silica Optical Fibers
Authors: Wysokiński Karol , Stańczyk Tomasz , Gibała Katarzyna , Tenderenda Tadeusz , Ziołowicz Anna , Słowikowski Mateusz , Broczkowska Małgorzata , Nasiłowski Tomasz
Published: October 2014

Microstructured optical fibers can be precisely tailored for many different applications, out of which sensing has been found to be particularly interesting. However, placing silica optical fiber sensors in harsh environments results in their quick destruction as a result of the hydrolysis process. In this paper, the degradation mechanism of bare and metal-coated optical fibers at high temperatures under longitudinal strain has been determined by detailed analysis of the thermal behavior of silica and metals, like copper and nickel. We furthermore propose a novel method of enhancing the lifetime of optical fibers by the deposition of electroless nickel-phosphorous alloy in a low-temperature chemical process. The best results were obtained for a coating comprising an inner layer of copper and outer layer of low phosphorous nickel. Lifetime values obtained during the annealing experiments were extrapolated to other temperatures by a dedicated model elaborated by the authors. The estimated copper-coated optical fiber lifetime under cycled longitudinal strain reached 31 h at 450 °C.
The Effect of Freeze/Thaw Cycles on Reproducibility of Metabolic Profiling of Marine Microalgal Extracts Using Direct Infusion High-Resolution Mass Spectrometry (HR-MS)
Authors: Eilertsen Hans , Huseby Siv , Degerlund Maria , Eriksen Gunilla , Ingebrigtsen Richard , Hansen Espen
Published: October 2014

During normal sample preparation, storage in freezers and subsequent freeze/thaw cycles are commonly introduced. The effect of freeze/thaw cycles on the metabolic profiling of microalgal extracts using HR-MS was investigated. Methanolic extracts of monocultures of Arctic marine diatoms were analyzed immediately after extraction, after seven days of storage at −78 °C (one freeze/thaw cycle), and after additional seven days at −20 °C (two freeze/thaw cycles). Repeated direct infusion high-resolution mass spectrometry analysis of microalgae extracts of the same sample showed that reproducibility was ca. 90% when a fresh (unfrozen) sample was analyzed. The overall reproducibility decreased further by ca. 10% after the first freeze/thaw-cycle, and after one more freeze/thaw cycle the reproducibility decreased further by ca. 7%. The decrease in reproducibility after freeze-thaw cycles could be attributed to sample degradation and not to instrument variability.
Characterization and Development of EST-SSR Markers Derived from Transcriptome of Yellow Catfish
Authors: Zhang Jin , Ma Wenge , Song Xiaomin , Lin Qiaohong , Gui Jian-Fang , Mei Jie
Published: October 2014

Yellow catfish (Pelteobagrus fulvidraco) is one of the most important freshwater fish due to its delicious flesh and high nutritional value. However, lack of sufficient simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers has hampered the progress of genetic selection breeding and molecular research for yellow catfish. To this end, we aimed to develop and characterize polymorphic expressed sequence tag (EST)–SSRs from the 454 pyrosequencing transcriptome of yellow catfish. Totally, 82,794 potential EST-SSR markers were identified and distributed in the coding and non-coding regions. Di-nucleotide (53,933) is the most abundant motif type, and AC/GT, AAT/ATT, AAAT/ATTT are respective the most frequent di-, tri-, tetra-nucleotide repeats. We designed primer pairs for all of the identified EST-SSRs and randomly selected 300 of these pairs for further validation. Finally, 263 primer pairs were successfully amplified and 57 primer pairs were found to be consistently polymorphic when four populations of 48 individuals were tested. The number of alleles for the 57 loci ranged from 2 to 17, with an average of 8.23. The observed heterozygosity (HO), expected heterozygosity (HE), polymorphism information content (PIC) and fixation index (fis) values ranged from 0.04 to 1.00, 0.12 to 0.92, 0.12 to 0.91 and −0.83 to 0.93, respectively. These EST-SSR markers generated in this study could greatly facilitate future studies of genetic diversity and molecular breeding in yellow catfish.
Diversity-Oriented Synthesis as a Tool for Chemical Genetics
Authors: Lenci Elena , Guarna Antonio , Trabocchi Andrea
Published: October 2014

Chemical genetics is an approach for identifying small molecules with the ability to induce a biological phenotype or to interact with a particular gene product, and it is an emerging tool for lead generation in drug discovery. Accordingly, there is a need for efficient and versatile synthetic processes capable of generating complex and diverse molecular libraries, and Diversity-Oriented Synthesis (DOS) of small molecules is the concept of choice to give access to new chemotypes with high chemical diversity. In this review, the combination of chemical genetics and diversity-oriented synthesis to identify new chemotypes as hit compounds in chemical biology and drug discovery is reported, giving an overview of basic concepts and selected case studies.
Carbohydrate-Dependent, Exercise-Induced Gastrointestinal Distress
Authors: De Oliveira Erick , Burini Roberto
Published: October 2014

Gastrointestinal (GI) problems are a common concern of athletes during intense exercise. Ultimately, these symptoms can impair performance and possibly prevent athletes from winning or even finishing a race. The main causes of GI problems during exercise are mechanical, ischemic and nutritional factors. Among the nutritional factors, a high intake of carbohydrate and hyperosmolar solutions increases GI problems. A number of nutritional manipulations have been proposed to minimize gastrointestinal symptoms, including the use of multiple transportable carbohydrates. This type of CHO intake increases the oxidation rates and can prevent the accumulation of carbohydrate in the intestine. Glucose (6%) or glucose plus fructose (8%–10%) beverages are recommended in order to increase CHO intake while avoiding the gastric emptying delay. Training the gut with high intake of CHO may increase absorption capacity and probably prevent GI distress. CHO mouth rinse may be a good strategy to enhance performance without using GI tract in exercises lasting less than an hour. Future strategies should be investigated comparing different CHO types, doses, and concentration in exercises with the same characteristics.
Protein Content and Methyl Donors in Maternal Diet Interact to Influence the Proliferation Rate and Cell Fate of Neural Stem Cells in Rat Hippocampus
Authors: Amarger Valérie , Lecouillard Angèle , Ancellet Laure , Grit Isabelle , Castellano Blandine , Hulin Philippe , Parnet Patricia
Published: October 2014

Maternal diet during pregnancy and early postnatal life influences the setting up of normal physiological functions in the offspring. Epigenetic mechanisms regulate cell differentiation during embryonic development and may mediate gene/environment interactions. We showed here that high methyl donors associated with normal protein content in maternal diet increased the in vitro proliferation rate of neural stem/progenitor cells isolated from rat E19 fetuses. Gene expression on whole hippocampi at weaning confirmed this effect as evidenced by the higher expression of the Nestin and Igf2 genes, suggesting a higher amount of undifferentiated precursor cells. Additionally, protein restriction reduced the expression of the insulin receptor gene, which is essential to the action of IGFII. Inhibition of DNA methylation in neural stem/progenitor cells in vitro increased the expression of the astrocyte-specific Gfap gene and decreased the expression of the neuron-specific Dcx gene, suggesting an impact on cell differentiation. Our data suggest a complex interaction between methyl donors and protein content in maternal diet that influence the expression of major growth factors and their receptors and therefore impact the proliferation and differentiation capacities of neural stem cells, either through external hormone signals or internal genomic regulation.
Passive Optical Access Networks: State of the Art and Future Evolution
Authors: Muciaccia Tommaso , Gargano Fabio , Passaro Vittorio
Published: October 2014

In the very last years, optical access networks are growing very rapidly, from both the network operators and the research interests points of view. Fiber To The Home (FTTH) is already a reality in plenty of real contexts and there has been a further stimulus to the proposal of new solutions and the investigation of new possibilities, in order to optimize network performance and reduce capital and operational expenditure. A complete and systematic overview of passive optical access networks is presented in this paper, concerning both the hot research topics and the main operative issues about the design guidelines and the deployment of Passive Optical Networks (PON) architectures, nowadays the most commonly implemented approach to realize optical fiber links in the access networks. A comparison of advantages and disadvantages of different multiplexing techniques is discussed, with specific reference to WDM-based networks, almost universally considered as the enabling technology for future proof bandwidth requirements. An exhaustive summary is also given about the-state-of-the-art of modulation and encoding techniques recently proposed by the scientific community, as well as the open challenges (such as colorless and coolerless ONUs) for telecom companies and international standardization compliance.
The Relationship between Daoist Rituals and Theatrical Performance: The Case of Xianggong Tapeng in Puxian Theater
Authors: Zhang Lijuan
Published: October 2014

Daoism is a traditional Chinese religion. Daoism has had a deep and pervasive impact on the lives of China’s peoples. Chinese theatrical performances were often integrated with religious activities, thereby gradually giving rise to many forms of popular drama that are deeply inflected with religious overtones. Xianggong Tapeng (相公踏棚, Xianggong stamps the shed) is one component of Puxian opera’s rites for stage cleaning that is closely linked with Daoist thought. First, Xianggong is both a theatrical spirit within Puxian opera and a member of the Daoist pantheon. Second, the lyric “luo li lian” featured in Xianggong Tapeng bears a remarkable resemblance to the two Daoist spells Yuanshuai Zhou (元帥咒, Incantation of Yuanshuai) and Xiangmo Zhou (降魔咒, Incantation for Subduing Demons). This is due to the fact that traditional Daoist verse often features phrases such as “luo li lian”. Moreover, the stage cleaning rites that are characteristic of Puxian opera share many similarities with Daoist altar purification rites. A detailed investigation and comparison reveal that Xianggong Tapeng is an adaptation of the Daoist altar purification rite to the needs of popular custom and theatrical performance.
Remote Sensing for Landslide Investigations: An Overview of Recent Achievements and Perspectives
Authors: Scaioni Marco , Longoni Laura , Melillo Valentina , Papini Monica
Published: October 2014

Landslides represent major natural hazards, which cause every year significant loss of lives and damages to buildings, properties and lifelines. In the last decades, a significant increase in landslide frequency took place, in concomitance to climate change and the expansion of urbanized areas. Remote sensing techniques represent a powerful tool for landslide investigation: applications are traditionally divided into three main classes, although this subdivision has some limitations and borders are sometimes fuzzy. The first class comprehends techniques for landslide recognition, i.e., the mapping of past or active slope failures. The second regards landslide monitoring, which entails both ground deformation measurement and the analysis of any other changes along time (e.g., land use, vegetation cover). The third class groups methods for landslide hazard analysis and forecasting. The aim of this paper is to give an overview on the applications of remote-sensing techniques for the three categories of landslide investigations, focusing on the achievements of the last decade, being that previous studies have already been exhaustively reviewed in the existing literature. At the end of the paper, a new classification of remote-sensing techniques that may be pertinently adopted for investigating specific typologies of soil and rock slope failures is proposed.
Subsidence Detected by Multi-Pass Differential SAR Interferometry in the Cassino Plain (Central Italy): Joint Effect of Geological and Anthropogenic Factors?
Authors: Polcari Marco , Albano Matteo , Saroli Michele , Tolomei Cristiano , Lancia Michele , Moro Marco , Stramondo Salvatore
Published: October 2014

In the present work, the Differential SAR Interferometry (DInSAR) technique has been applied to study the surface movements affecting the sedimentary basin of Cassino municipality. Two datasets of SAR images, provided by ERS 1-2 and Envisat missions, have been acquired from 1992 to 2010. Such datasets have been processed independently each other and with different techniques nevertheless providing compatible results. DInSAR data show a subsidence rate mostly located in the northeast side of the city, with a subsidence rate decreasing from about 5–6 mm/yr in the period 1992–2000 to about 1–2 mm/yr between 2004 and 2010, highlighting a progressive reduction of the phenomenon. Based on interferometric results and geological/geotechnical observations, the explanation of the detected movements allows to confirm the anthropogenic (surface effect due to building construction) and geological causes (thickness and characteristics of the compressible stratum).
New Approach Based on Compressive Sampling for Sample Rate Enhancement in DASs for Low-Cost Sensing Nodes
Authors: Bonavolontà Francesco , D'Apuzzo Massimo , Liccardo Annalisa , Vadursi Michele
Published: October 2014

The paper deals with the problem of improving the maximum sample rate of analog-to-digital converters (ADCs) included in low cost wireless sensing nodes. To this aim, the authors propose an efficient acquisition strategy based on the combined use of high-resolution time-basis and compressive sampling. In particular, the high-resolution time-basis is adopted to provide a proper sequence of random sampling instants, and a suitable software procedure, based on compressive sampling approach, is exploited to reconstruct the signal of interest from the acquired samples. Thanks to the proposed strategy, the effective sample rate of the reconstructed signal can be as high as the frequency of the considered time-basis, thus significantly improving the inherent ADC sample rate. Several tests are carried out in simulated and real conditions to assess the performance of the proposed acquisition strategy in terms of reconstruction error. In particular, the results obtained in experimental tests with ADC included in actual 8- and 32-bits microcontrollers highlight the possibility of achieving effective sample rate up to 50 times higher than that of the original ADC sample rate.
Ambient Intelligence Context-Based Cross-Layer Design in Wireless Sensor Networks
Authors: Liu Yang , Seet Boon-Chong , Al-Anbuky Adnan
Published: October 2014

By exchanging information directly between non-adjacent protocol layers, cross-layer (CL) interaction can significantly improve and optimize network performances such as energy efficiency and delay. This is particularly important for wireless sensor networks (WSNs) where sensor devices are energy-constrained and deployed for real-time monitoring applications. Existing CL schemes mainly exploit information exchange between physical, medium access control (MAC), and routing layers, with only a handful involving application layer. For the first time, we proposed a framework for CL optimization based on user context of ambient intelligence (AmI) application and an ontology-based context modeling and reasoning mechanism. We applied the proposed framework to jointly optimize MAC and network (NET) layer protocols for WSNs. Extensive evaluations show that the resulting optimization through context awareness and CL interaction for both MAC and NET layer protocols can yield substantial improvements in terms of throughput, packet delivery, delay, and energy performances.
Investigation of Barriers and Factors Affecting the Reverse Logistics of Waste Management Practice: A Case Study in Thailand
Authors: Pumpinyo Sumalee , Nitivattananon Vilas
Published: October 2014

Economic growth in developing countries accelerated waste generation, and Thailand also is experiencing issues related to increased waste generation and improper waste management. The country’s domestic waste utilization is only 20%–26%. Efficient waste management and increased quantity of waste utilization is possible only by overcoming problems and constraints in reverse logistics (RL) systems in Thailand. To address these issues and constraints, this study aims to focus the investigation on the current practices in the RL systems. The study was conducted in Bangkok and its vicinity. An integrated approach of qualitative and quantitative methods was employed to investigate the systems’ and stakeholders’ characteristics and to explore the factors influencing and constraining RL practices. Data were gathered through: (1) existing literature and in-depth interviews of key stakeholders involved in RL; and (2) a questionnaire survey of 98 managers of separation centers (SCs) probing their practices and studying the factors influencing those practices. The findings showed that RL systems can be separated into three levels, i.e., downstream, middle stream and upstream. SCs are key stakeholders in RL of waste management, and they collect waste from downstream, manage waste in a systematic way and send it upstream. The factors influencing and the barriers in the flow of recyclable waste are related to environmental, economic and social aspects. The analysis shows that waste managed by a cooperative-like franchise of SCs perceived that their practices were more efficient than those of a non-franchise practices. Additionally, these SCs have more bargaining power with waste buyers and sellers to set prices in the RL system. The constraints in RL practice are related to finance, market, labor, management/technology and legal issues.
Polar Vector Property of the Stationary State of Condensed Molecular Matter
Authors: Hulliger Jürg , Cannavacciuolo Luigi , Rech Mathias
Published: October 2014

Crystalline phases undergoing 180\(^{\circ}\) orientational disorder of dipolar entities in the seed or at growing (hkl) faces will show a polar vector property described by \(\infty\) /mm symmetry. Seeds and crystals develop a bi-polar state (\(\infty\)/mm), where domains related by a mirror plane m allow for a \(\infty\) m symmetry in each domain. The polarity of domains is due to energetic favorable interactions at the object-to-nutrient interface. Such interactions are well reproduced by an Ising Hamiltonian. Two-dimensional Monte Carlo simulations performed for real molecules with full long-range interactions allow us to calculate the spatial distribution of the electrical polarization Pel. The investigation has been extended to liquid droplets made of dipolar entities by molecular dynamics simulations. We demonstrate the development of an m\(\bar{\infty}\) quasi bi-polar state leading to a charged surface.
Piperlongumine-Induced Phosphatidylserine Translocation in the Erythrocyte Membrane
Authors: Bissinger Rosi , Malik Abaid , Warsi Jamshed , Jilani Kashif , Lang Florian
Published: October 2014

Background: Piperlongumine, a component of Piper longum fruit, is considered as a treatment for malignancy. It is effective by inducing apoptosis. Mechanisms involved in the apoptotic action of piperlongumine include oxidative stress and activation of p38 kinase. In analogy to apoptosis of nucleated cells, erythrocytes may undergo eryptosis, the suicidal death of erythrocytes characterized by cell shrinkage and cell membrane scrambling with phosphatidylserine-exposure at the erythrocyte surface. Signaling involved in eryptosis include increase of cytosolic Ca2+-activity ([Ca2+]i), formation of ceramide, oxidative stress and activation of p38 kinase. Methods: Cell volume was estimated from forward scatter, phosphatidylserine-exposure from annexin V binding, [Ca2+]i from Fluo3 fluorescence, reactive oxygen species from 2',7'-dichlorodihydrofluorescein-diacetate fluorescence, and ceramide abundance from binding of fluorescent antibodies in flow cytometry. Results: A 48 h exposure to piperlongumine (30 µM) was followed by significant decrease of forward scatter and increase of annexin-V-binding. Piperlongumine did not significantly modify [Ca2+]i and the effect was not dependent on presence of extracellular Ca2+. Piperlongumine significantly increased ROS formation and ceramide abundance. Conclusions: Piperlongumine triggers cell membrane scrambling, an effect independent from entry of extracellular Ca2+ but at least partially due to ROS and ceramide formation.
Overview of Serological Techniques for Influenza Vaccine Evaluation: Past, Present and Future
Authors: Trombetta Claudia , Perini Daniele , Mather Stuart , Temperton Nigel , Montomoli Emanuele
Published: October 2014

Serological techniques commonly used to quantify influenza-specific antibodies include the Haemagglutination Inhibition (HI), Single Radial Haemolysis (SRH) and Virus Neutralization (VN) assays. HI and SRH are established and reproducible techniques, whereas VN is more demanding. Every new influenza vaccine needs to fulfil the strict criteria issued by the European Medicines Agency (EMA) in order to be licensed. These criteria currently apply exclusively to SRH and HI assays and refer to two different target groups—healthy adults and the elderly, but other vaccine recipient age groups have not been considered (i.e., children). The purpose of this timely review is to highlight the current scenario on correlates of protection concerning influenza vaccines and underline the need to revise the criteria and assays currently in use. In addition to SRH and HI assays, the technical advantages provided by other techniques such as the VN assay, pseudotype-based neutralization assay, neuraminidase and cell-mediated immunity assays need to be considered and regulated via EMA criteria, considering the many significant advantages that they could offer for the development of effective vaccines.
Sublingual Immunotherapy in Human and Canine Atopic Dermatitis: A Mini Review
Authors: Ozmen Ibrahim , Marsella Rosanna
Published: October 2014

Atopic Dermatitis (AD) is a prevalent disease that affects both humans and animals. Dogs share similar environments with the owners and spontaneously develop a disease that is clinically and immunologically identical to AD in humans. In past decades AD has become more and more common in both dogs and humans, possibly due to the increased exposure to indoor allergens and decreased exposure to parasites and beneficial bacteria. The allergic component plays an important role in both species. Allergen specific immunotherapy (ASIT) has been used with great success in veterinary medicine for decades for the treatment of AD and traditionally has been accomplished with subcutaneous injections. In human medicine, ASIT has been traditionally used for respiratory manifestations of atopic disease and only recently considered for the therapy of AD. Interestingly, dogs primarily express cutaneous manifestations of atopic disease and only rarely progress from cutaneous into respiratory disease, a process referred in human medicine as “atopic march”. Recently, sublingual immunotherapy has been replacing subcutaneous immunotherapy both in human and veterinary medicine due to its ease and safety, leading to increased compliance. The purpose of this mini review is to focus on the use of sublingual immunotherapy for AD highlighting similarities and differences between humans and dogs.
Regime Shift Identification of Runoff and Sediment Loads in the Yellow River Basin, China
Authors: Wang Fei , Zhao Guangju , Mu Xingmin , Gao Peng , Sun Wenyi
Published: October 2014

Runoff and sediment loads have exhibited significant changes over the past six decades in the Yellow River Basin, China. The current study evaluates the changing trends and regime shifts in runoff and sediment loads at both the annual and monthly time scales. The associated spatial and temporal variations are analyzed by a sequential t-test analysis of the regime shifts (STARS) approach and the “breaks for additive seasonal and trend” (BFAST) model using hydrological data at eight stations from the 1950s to 2011. Both runoff and sediment loads exhibit significant declines (p < 0.05), except in the upper reaches of the river near the Tangnaihai station. The regime shifts detected by the STARS approach are not completely consistent with the results from the BFAST method. In most cases, the regime shifts occurred in 1969 and 1986, due to the construction of large reservoirs. Climate change and other human activities, such as large-scale soil and water conservation measures, can result in abrupt changes in hydrological series at some stations. The trapping effects of reservoirs not only cause regime shifts of runoff and sediment loads, but also adjust their inter-annual and seasonal distributions. Various soil and water conservation measures are responsible for the significant reduction in runoff and sediment loads in the mid-lower reaches of the Yellow River Basin. In addition, water withdrawals from both river runoff and ground water play a critical role in the changing trends in runoff and indirectly alter the sediment loads. The findings provide a good reference for the effective promotion of climate change adaptation, water resources planning and river basin management.
Water Resources Response to Changes in Temperature, Rainfall and CO2 Concentration: A First Approach in NW Spain
Authors: Arias Ricardo , Rodríguez-Blanco M. , Taboada-Castro M. , Nunes Joao , Keizer Jan , Taboada-Castro M.
Published: October 2014

Assessment of the diverse responses of water resources to climate change and high concentrations of CO2 is crucial for the appropriate management of natural ecosystems. Despite numerous studies on the impact of climate change on different regions, it is still necessary to evaluate the impact of these changes at the local scale. In this study, the Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) model was used to evaluate the potential impact of changes in temperature, rainfall and CO2 concentration on water resources in a rural catchment in NW Spain for the periods 2031–2060 and 2069–2098, using 1981–2010 as a reference period. For the simulations we used compiled regional climate models of the ENSEMBLES project for future climate input data and two CO2 concentration scenarios (550 and 660 ppm). The results showed that changes in the concentration of CO2 and climate had a significant effect on water resources. Overall, the results suggest a decrease in streamflow of 16% for the period 2031–2060 (intermediate future) and 35% by the end of the 21st century as a consequence of decreasing rainfall (2031–2060: −6%; 2069–2098: −15%) and increasing temperature (2031–2060: 1.1 °C; 2069–2098: 2.2 °C).
Les inscriptions funéraires islamiques de Brunei (deuxième partie)
Authors: Kalus Ludvik , Guillot Claude
Published: October 2014

Ludvik Kalus et Claude Guillot

Les inscriptions funéraires islamiques de Brunei (deuxième partie)

Cette contribution sur les inscriptions islamiques de Brunei, dont est présentée ici la deuxième partie, s'inscrit dans le cadre plus large d'un projet, en cours, d'étude de l'épigraphie musulmane du Monde malais. Y sont recensées, décrites et traduites les épigraphes antérieures à l'an mille de l'hégire – des épitaphes dans leur totalité – qui ont été trouvées dans ce sultanat et qui, pour une majorité d'entre elles, n'ont pas encore été publiées. Elles constituent une source primaire irremplaçable pour l'histoire ancienne de Brunei et, en particulier, pour la période de son islamisation. Comparées à celles des autres régions de l'ensemble malais, ces pierres tombales présentent des différences notables aussi bien dans la rédaction des textes – utilisation de la langue malaise à côté de l'arabe, écriture en coufique carré – que dans leurs styles très variés – forme florale, ornementation chinoise, etc. Ces traits uniques reflètent la place particulière occupée jadis par Brunei parmi les autres sultanats malais.
Glass from Khao Sam Kaeo: Transferred technology for an early Southeast Asian exchange network
Authors: W. Lankton James , Dussubieux Laure , Gratuze Bernard
Published: October 2014

James W. Lankton, Laure Dussubieux et Bernard Gratuze

Glass from Khao Sam Kaeo: Transferred technology for an early Southeast Asian exchange network

Cet article présente les vestiges de l'artisanat verrier à Khao Sam Kaeo. Leur étude fournit des renseignements, d'une part sur les liens que le site avait établi, d'autre part sur les origines possibles de la technologie verrière qui a été mise en œuvre. Nous avons considéré les techniques de fabrication et la composition chimique des verres de Khao Sam Kaeo et de 600 autres objets de verre provenant de sites en Asie du Sud et du Sud-Est. Cette étude a permis de tirer les conclusions suivantes :

– Les habitants de Khao Sam Kaeo étaient activement impliqués dans un réseau d'échange de verre de grande qualité qui s'étendait du Myanmar aux Philippines : Ce réseau semble déjà bien établi au IIIe-IVe siècle avant notre ère.

– Alors que l'origine de la technologie de production des ornements en verre, et peut-être celle du verre lui-même, est sûrement exogène et, comme nous le suggérons, probablement du nord de l'Inde, la plupart des productions qui circulaient dans ce réseau d'échange, qu'elles soient en verre ou de pierre, étaient certainement produites en Asie du Sud-Est et non importés d'Inde ou du Sri Lanka.

– De plus, les compositions chimiques caractéristiques des verres de sites ressortissant au réseau dont Khao Sam Kaeo faisait partie sont rares sur des sites relevant davantage de la protohistoire plus récents tels qu'Ankor Borei, Noen U-Loke, Oc Eo et Khlong Thom.

Cela semble indiquer de profonds changements dans les échanges en Asie du Sud-Est vers la fin du Ier millénaire avant notre ère.
Agricultural origins from the ground up: Archaeological approaches to plant domestication
Authors: Langlie BrieAnna S. , Mueller Natalie G. , Spengler Robert N. , Fritz Gayle J.
Published: October 2014

The timing, geographical locations, causes, and consequences of crop domestication have long been major concerns of archaeologists, and agricultural origins and dispersals are currently more relevant than ever to scientists seeking solutions to elusive problems involving food insecurity and global health disparities. Perennial research issues that archaeologists continue to tackle include (1) thinking outside centers of origin that were based on limited and insufficient past knowledge; (2) distinguishing between single and multiple domestications of specific crops; (3) measuring the pace of domestication; and (4) decoupling domestication from agricultural economies. Paleoethnobotanists have expanded their toolkits to include analysis of ancient and modern DNA and have added increasingly sophisticated techniques in the field and the laboratory to derive precise chronological sequences to assess morphological changes in ancient and often fragmentary archaeobotanical remains and to correctly interpret taphonomy and context. Multiple lines of archaeological evidence are ideally brought together, and whenever possible, these are integrated with information from complementary sources. We discuss current perspectives and anthropological approaches to research that have as their goals the fuller and broader understanding of ancient farming societies, the plants that were domesticated, the landscapes that were created, and the culinary legacies that were passed on.
The ecological side of an ethnobotanical coin: Legacies in historically managed trees
Authors: Ross Nanci J. , Stevens M. Henry H. , Rupiper Andrew W. , Harkreader Ian , Leben Laura A.
Published: October 2014

• Premise of the study: A growing body of literature now documents how ancient human management of the landscape echoes through to extant environments in eastern North America. Plant domestication is a major theme in the study of human–nature interactions. Long‐term ecological impacts of human selection may last for centuries after management ends, yet little work has focused on legacies in the evolution of historically used trees. Ecological data will be valuable in teasing apart myriad variables that confound questions of land‐use legacies. We discuss the potential for legacies of ancient human selection and present a preliminary case study for the approach of integrating ecological and historical data for Diospyros virginiana, the American persimmon.

• Methods: Herbarium samples of D. virginiana (28 male and 40 female) from across the species range provided specimen localities for edaphic analysis. Soil and environmental data were analyzed using nonparametric ordination, Wilcoxon summed rank test, and permutational MANOVA.

• Key results: Edaphic data demonstrated substantial variation among sites, but revealed no significant differences between sexes. Permutational MANOVA showed no difference in environmental preferences for the tested variables between male and female trees (R2 < 0.01, P = 0.8).

• Conclusions: Extending our understanding of landscape history to the long‐term impacts of artificial selection at the species or population level would be valuable in both theoretical and applied botanical research. Multidisciplinary approaches integrating ecological data will be essential for investigation of the evolutionary implications of historical human selection in economic species and the potential for adaptive flexibility in reproductive systems of long‐lived perennials.
New highlights of the syntheses of pyrrolo[1,2-a]quinoxalin-4-ones
Authors: Georgescu Emilian , Nicolescu Alina , Georgescu Florentina , Teodorescu Florina , Marinescu Daniela , Macsim Ana-Maria , Deleanu Calin
Published: October 2014

The one-pot three-component reactions of 1-substituted benzimidazoles with ethyl bromoacetate and electron-deficient alkynes, in 1,2-epoxybutane, gave a variety of pyrrolo[1,2-a]quinoxalin-4-ones and pyrrolo[1,2-a]benzimidazoles. The influence of experimental conditions on the course of reaction was investigated. A novel synthetic pathway starting from benzimidazoles unsubstituted at the five membered ring, alkyl bromoacetates and non-symmetrical electron-deficient alkynes in the molar ratio of 1:2:1, in 1,2-epoxybutane at reflux temperature, led directly to pyrrolo[1,2-a]quinoxalin-4-ones in fair yield by an one-pot three-component reaction.
Loudness as a Cue for Acceptable Noise Levels
Authors: Recker Karrie L. , McKinney Martin F. , Edwards Brent W.
Published: October 2014

Background/Purpose:The acceptable noise level (ANL) test is the only test that is known to predict success with hearing aids with a high degree of accuracy. A person’s ANL is the maximal amount of background noise that he or she is “willing to put up with” while
listening to running speech. It is defined as the speech level minus the noise level, in decibels (dB). People who are willing to put up with high levels of background noise are generally successful hearing-aid wearers, whereas people who are not willing to put up with high levels of background
noise are generally unsuccessful hearing-aid wearers. If it were known what cues that listeners are using to decide how much background noise they are willing to tolerate, then it might be possible to create technology that reduces these cues and improves listeners’ chances of success
with hearing aids. As a first step toward this goal, this study investigated whether listeners are using loudness as a cue to determine their ANLs.Research Design and Study Sample:Twenty-one individuals with normal hearing and 21 individuals with sensorineural hearing loss participated
in this study. In each group of 21 participants, 7 had a low ANL (<7 dB), 7 had a mid ANL (7‐13 dB), and 7 had a high ANL (>13 dB).Data Collection/Analysis:Participants performed a modified version of the ANL in which the speech was fixed at four different levels (50, 63,
75 and 88 dBA), and participants adjusted the background noise (multitalker babble) to the maximal level at which they were willing to listen while following the speech. These results were compared with participants’ equal-loudness contours for the multitalker babble in the presence
of speech. Equal-loudness contours were measured by having the participants perform a loudness-matching task in which they matched the level of the background noise (multitalker babble), played concurrently with speech, to a reference condition (also multitalker babble). During the test condition,
the speech played at 50, 63, 75, or 88 dBA. All testing was performed in a sound booth with the speech and the noise presented from a loudspeaker at a 0° azimuth, 3 feet in front of the participant. Each condition was presented multiple times, and the results were averaged. Presentation
order was randomized. Participants were tested unaided.Results:Participants' ANLs were compared with their equal-loudness contours for the background noise. ANLs that ran parallel to the equal-loudness contours were considered consistent with a loudness-based listening strategy. This
pattern was observed for only two participants ‐ both hearing-impaired.Conclusions:The majority of listeners showed no consistent trend between their ANLs and their loudness-matched data, suggesting that they are using cues other than loudness to determine their ANLs. ANLs were
consistent with loudness-matched data for a small subset of listeners, suggesting that they may be using loudness as a cue for determining their ANLs.
Amplification for Listeners with a Moderately Severe High-Frequency Hearing Loss
Authors: Lau Chi-Chuen , Kuk Francis , Keenan Denise , Schumacher Jennifer
Published: October 2014

Background:Some evidence exists to support the use of an extended bandwidth (EBW) for those with a relatively mild to moderate degree of hearing loss. The use of frequency lowering is suggested for those with a severe/profound degree of hearing loss. The amplification option
for those with a moderately severe hearing loss in the high frequencies is less clear. This study compared three amplification options for listeners with a moderately severe hearing loss in the high frequencies.Purpose:The efficacy of three amplification options—limited bandwidth
to 4000 Hz, EBW, and frequency transposition—were evaluated for listeners with a moderately severe, high-frequency hearing loss.Research Design:The experiment used a factorial repeated-measures design.Study Sample:A total of 13 adults with bilateral hearing loss of 50‐70
dB HL at 4000 Hz served as test participants.Data Collection and Analysis:The participants rated the sound quality of birdsongs and music when aided with the amplification options. Speech perception in quiet was measured at 50 dB SPL and 68 dB SPL input levels. The participants also
completed a questionnaire on the best amplification option to use in different real-life environments during a 2 wk, take-home trial. The data were analyzed with repeated-measures analysis of variance.Results:The findings showed that more listeners preferred the EBW for home use but
that the frequency transposition was the least preferred. In addition, the performance of the EBW was better than that of the limited bandwidth in speech recognition but similar to that of the frequency transposition.Conclusions:The results supported the fitting of an EBW as the better
choice for this group of listeners.
Are Chirps Better than Clicks and Tonebursts for Evoking Middle Latency Responses?
Authors: Atcherson Samuel R. , Moore Page C.
Published: October 2014

Background:The middle latency response (MLR) is considered a valid clinical tool for assessing the integrity of cortical and subcortical structures. Several investigators have demonstrated that a rising frequency chirp stimulus is capable of eliciting not only larger wave V amplitudes
but larger MLR components as well. However, the chirp has never been specifically examined in a hemispheric electrode montage setup that is typical for neurodiagnostic application and site-of-lesion testing.Purpose:The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of chirp, click,
and toneburst stimuli on MLR waveform peak latency and peak-to-peak amplitude in a hemispheric electrode montage setup.Research Design:This study used a repeated-measures design.Study Sample:A total of 10 young adult participants (3 males, 7 females) with normal hearing were
recruited and had negative histories of audiologic, otologic, and neurologic involvement, and no reported language or learning difficulties.Data Collection and Analysis:MLR latencies (Na, Pa, Nb, and Pb) and peak-to-peak amplitudes (Na-Pa, Pa-Nb, and Nb-Pb) were measured for all conditions
and were statistically evaluated for left hemisphere-right ear (C3-A2) and right hemisphere-left ear (C4-A1) recordings.Results:Statistical analyses revealed no significant difference between C3-A2 and C4-A1 peak-to-peak amplitudes; therefore, data were collapsed. Stimulus comparisons
revealed that Na evoked by tonebursts were statistically prolonged compared with both chirp and click, and that both Na-Pa and Pa-Nb peak-to-peak amplitudes were statistically larger for chirps compared with both clicks and tonebursts, and for clicks compared with tonebursts.Conclusions:The
results of this study support the hypothesis that a chirp would offer a clinical advantage to the click and toneburst in overall peak-to-peak amplitude. As expected, normal-hearing participants did not exhibit hemispheric differences when comparing C3-A2 and C4-A1 peak-to-peak amplitudes demonstrating
symmetric auditory brain function. However, chirp-evoked MLRs will require further study to determine its usefulness in clinical practice.