bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of surface roughness on optical heating of metals
Authors: Auinger M. , Ebbinghaus P. , Blümich A. , Erbe A.
Published: January 2014

Heating by absorption of light is a commonly used technique to ensure a fast temperature increase of metallic samples. The rate of heating when using optical heating depends critically on the absorption of light by a sample. Here, the reflection and scattering of light from UV to IR by surfaces with different roughness of iron-based alloy samples (Fe, 1 wt-% Cr) is investigated. A combination of ellipsometric and optical scattering measurements is used to derive a simplified parametrisation which can be used to obtain the absorption of light from random rough metal surfaces, as prepared through conventional grinding and polishing techniques. By modelling the ellipsometric data of the flattest sample, the pseudodielectric function of the base material is derived. Describing an increased roughness by a Maxwell-Garnett model does not yield a reflectivity which follows the experimentally observed sum of scattered and reflected intensities. Therefore, a simple approach is introduced, based on multiple reflections, where the number of reflections depends on the surface roughness. This approach describes the data well, and is subsequently used to estimate the fraction of absorbed energy. Using numerical modelling, the effect on the heating rate is investigated. A numerical example is analysed, which shows that slight changes in roughness may result in big differences of the energy input into a metallic sample, with consequences on the achieved temperatures. Though the model oversimplifies reality, it provides a physically intuitive approach to estimate trends.
Investigation of a novel silicon-on-insulator Rib-Slot photonic sensor based on the vernier effect and operating at 3.8 µm
Authors: Troia B. , Passaro V. M. N.
Published: January 2014

In this paper, we present the theoretical investigation of photonic sensors based on Vernier effect with two cascade-coupled ring resonators in silicon on insulator technology. The photonic chip utilizes rib and slot waveguides designed to operate at 3.8 µm mid infrared wavelength, where a number of harmful gases, chemical and biochemical analytes are spectroscopically accessible. A rigorous algorithmic procedure has been implemented for the design of such devices and novel technological solutions have been proposed according to very recent experimental results. The rib-slot sensor architecture can exhibit wavelength sensitivities as high as 20.6 µm/RIU and limits of detection for homogeneous sensing as low as 3.675 × 10−4 RIU.
Observation of resonant states in negative refractive photonic crystals
Authors: Romano S. , De Luca A. C. , De Tommasi E. , Cabrini S. , Rendina I. , Mocella V.
Published: January 2014

In this paper, experimental evidences about the resonance phenomena in a negative 2D photonic crystal are shown. Localized plasmon-like modes and guided mode resonances are detected in the reflectivity spectrum of a photonic crystal slab irradiated with out-of-plane incident radiation. The strong confinement of the radiation, in addition to the field enhancement, make photonic crystals a very appealing alternative to plasmonic substrates, avoiding the limits of absorption losses in metals.
Teacher Evaluation Policy and Conflicting Theories of Motivation
Authors: Firestone William A.
Published: January 2014

Current interest in teacher evaluation focuses disproportionately on measurement issues and performance-based pay without an overarching theory of how evaluation works. To develop such a theory, I contrast two motivation theories often used to guide thinking about teacher evaluation. External motivation theory relies on economics and extrinsic incentives. Internal motivation uses psychology and intrinsic incentives. These theories and available evidence raise doubts about performance-based pay, but not the use of other extrinsic incentives. These theories also suggest that to maintain effective intrinsic incentives, policies to remove ineffective teachers should not reduce autonomy or trust among effective teachers and that evaluations should provide teachers with useful feedback and policy makers with information on the conditions that facilitate good teaching.
Editorial Vol.10(2)
Authors: Editor The
Published: January 2014

SAARC Journal of Tuberculosis, Lung Diseases & HIV/AIDS; 2013; X(2) DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/saarctb.v10i2.9732
Best Practices in Urban Freight Management
Authors: Dablanc Laetitia , Giuliano Genevieve , Holliday Kevin , O'Brien Thomas
Published: January 2014

Freight movement is essential to the function of metropolitan areas, yet generates many externalities, including congestion, air pollution, noise, and greenhouse gas emissions. Metropolitan areas around the world are seeking ways to manage urban freight and its impacts. This paper presents the results from a comprehensive international survey of urban freight management strategies. The objective was to examine the effectiveness of alternative strategies and assess their transferability for U.S. implementation. Three categories were used to describe urban freight strategies: last-mile or first-mile deliveries and pickups, environmental mitigation, and trade node strategies. Many possibilities were found for the improved management of urban freight and its impacts; these possibilities included labeling and certification programs, incentive-based programs for voluntary emissions reduction, local land use and parking policies, and more stringent national fuel efficiency and emissions standards for heavy-duty trucks. More research is needed on intrametropolitan freight movements and on the effectiveness of existing policies and strategies.
Wholesale Hub Locations in Food Supply Chains
Authors: Etemadnia Hamideh , Hassan Ahmed , Goetz Stephan , Abdelghany Khaled
Published: January 2014

This paper addresses the wholesale hub location problem in food supply chains. The paper aims to design an optimal hub location network to serve food consumption markets through efficient connections with production sites. These optimal locations can be compared with the current locations of hubs to determine whether changes could lead to greater efficiencies. The model is mathematically formulated as a mixed-integer programming problem. The model minimizes the total network costs, which include the transportation of goods and the construction of hubs. The mathematical program considers several constraints on travel distance, hub capital cost and capacity, road condition, and transportation cost. Several experiments are conducted to test the sensitivity of the model to changes in parameters such as the food's average travel distance, the maximum hub capacity, and the transportation cost. Then, a real-world application is made to the Northeast United States livestock industry. Finally, the results show the effect of the changes in model parameters on the optimal hub network design (i.e., the number of hubs and the selection of hub locations).
Modeling Reservation-Based Autonomous Intersection Control in VISSIM
Authors: Li Zhixia , Chitturi Madhav V. , Zheng Dongxi , Bill Andrea R. , Noyce David A.
Published: January 2014

The use of autonomous vehicles is attracting more and more attention as a promising approach to improving both highway safety and efficiency. Most previous studies on autonomous intersection management relied heavily on custom-built simulation tools to implement and evaluate their control algorithms, but the use of nonstandard simulation platforms makes the comparison of systems almost impossible. Furthermore, without support from standard simulation platforms, reliable and trustworthy simulation results are hard to obtain. In this context, this paper explores a way to model autonomous intersections through the use of VISSIM, a standard microscopic simulation platform. A reservation-based intersection control system named autonomous control of urban traffic (ACUTA) was introduced and implemented in VISSIM through the use of VISSIM's external driver model. The operational and safety performance characteristics of ACUTA were evaluated with VISSIM's easy-to-use evaluation tools. In comparison with the results obtained with optimized signalized control, significantly reduced delays, along with a higher intersection capacity and lower volume-to-capacity ratios under various traffic demand conditions, resulted from the use of ACUTA. The safety performance of ACUTA was evaluated by use of the surrogate safety measure model, and few conflicts between vehicles within the intersection were detected. Moreover, the key steps and elements for implementation of ACUTA in VISSIM were introduced. These steps and elements can be useful for other researchers and practitioners implementing their autonomous intersection control algorithms in a standard simulation platform. By use of a standard simulation platform, the performance characteristics of autonomous intersection control algorithms can eventually be compared.
Travel Behavior and Electric Mobility in Germany
Authors: Kölbl Robert , Bauer Dietmar , Rudloff Christian
Published: January 2014

A reluctance to switch to electric vehicles is observed in various countries despite national efforts to promote them. The question of whether electric cars are capable of meeting daily mobility requirements in Germany is investigated. The analysis is based on data from the German Mobility Panel Survey from 1995 to 2010 and the travel survey of 2009 and 2010 for the Stuttgart, Germany, area and combines a long-term travel behavior analysis with a region-specific verification. The focus is on individuals who exclusively drive a car and walk during the day and who rely on the car as a primary means of transport. For this group, the determinants of the decision to drive an internal combustion engine vehicle versus a battery electric vehicle (BEV) are analyzed, with a focus on driving range and energy costs. Results of the analysis suggest that around 80% of all daily travel by car drivers could be done with currently available models of electric cars and that charging them only at night would be sufficient in most cases. Therefore, the driving range of BEVs cannot be the restricting factor. In contrast, the current cost structure of BEVs (high investment cost, low energy cost) is not favorable for the large share of drivers with low annual mileage because the high investment cost is not compensated for by low operation costs. In the Stuttgart region, drivers from the suburbs would benefit most from such energy cost savings; however, city dwellers would need other cost structures or incentives to switch to BEVs.
Cultural competency in the physician assistant curriculum in the United States: a longitudinal study with two cohorts
Authors: Beck Barbra , Scheel Matthew H. , De Oliveira Kathleen , Hopp Jane
Published: January 2014

Purpose: Many Physician Assistant (PA) programs have recently integrated cultural competency into their curricula. However, there is little evidence tracking the longitudinal effectiveness of curricula on culture competency. This study tested whether amount of exposure to a cultural competency curriculum affected self-assessments of cultural awareness among two cohorts of students. Method: Cohort 1 and Cohort 2 students completed a cultural awareness survey at the beginning of the program and retook the survey at three intervals during the first year. Results: Regression analyses confirmed significant linear relationships (two-tailed α < .05) between responses and interval number on all questions for each cohort, with exception of Question 8 for Cohort 2. Conclusion: Results from Cohort 2 replicated those from Cohort 1 suggesting that cultural awareness among PA students benefits from repeated exposure to lessons on cultural competency. Schools attempting to develop or expand cultural awareness among students should consider integrating cultural competency training throughout the PA curriculum.
Age and Variations in the Attitude towards Scottish Independence – An Exploration of Cohort and Lifecycle Explanations
Authors: Schneider Anna
Published: January 2014

This paper presents findings of an exploration into the sources of the association of age with attitude towards Scottish independence. Polls and surveys have repeatedly shown that the lower the age of a person, the higher is the likelihood of them favouring independence over other ways of ruling Scotland. Using Klandermans' work on why people join social movements as theoretical framework, a binary logistic model of attitude towards independence was constructed (Nagelkerke R2=.21). Subsequently, cohort and lifecycle indicators were identified and used in separate models. It was found that the cohort model reduced the age group coefficients by about a third of their power, suggesting that cohort effects accounted for some of the observed age effects, while the age coefficients in the lifecycle model remained unchanged. While the association between attitude towards Scottish independence and age is weak, the fact that the results presented in this paper suggest that they are at least partly based on cohort differences means that support for Scottish independence may grow in the coming decades.
Public Attitudes towards Migration in Scotland: Exceptionality and Possible Policy Implications
Authors: McCollum David , Nowok Beata , Tindal Scott
Published: January 2014

Scotland is often perceived as having a relatively welcoming view towards migrants and is presented as such by its politicians and policymakers. This positioning sits within a broader political context in which the Scottish Government favours immigration but has limited policy levers with which to directly influence it. This paper seeks to scrutinise the supposition that Scotland can be seen as ‘different’ to the rest of the UK in terms of how immigration is perceived in the public realm. This is pursued through the analysis of attitudinal data to explore public views on migration, the potential drivers of these perceptions and their implications for future immigration policy in the context of the 2014 referendum on the constitutional future of Scotland. The research finds that the public in Scotland does hold relatively positive views towards migration and that this could be related to Scotland's particular experience of population in and out movements. However there is evidence of some (growing) hostility towards migration on the part of the general public in Scotland and a possible link between nationalist leanings and opposition to ‘Others’. These findings have significant implications for debates regarding possible future immigration policies in Scotland.
Characterisation of the Disadvantaged: Explaining Differences in Levels of Support for Independence by Income Levels, Economic Activity and Socio-economic Status
Authors: McLean Christopher , Thomson Douglas
Published: January 2014

This paper specifically seeks to explain why those who are most disadvantaged in Scottish society are more likely to support independence. This focus on the lowest ranking socio-economic classes is relevant for two main reasons: one is that they are shown as consistently more likely to vote for constitutional change and, two, they are generally the least interested in politics and hence an understanding of their motives is necessary if they are to be better engaged with opinion formers.

The analysis demonstrates, by contrasting the upper and lower population quarters on a number of socio-economic indicators (income and employment related groups), the differing attitudes which are displayed. Further characteristics of the lower quarter are highlighted. These include their greater tendency to identify themselves as Scottish rather than British and to expect general economic improvement following a yes vote in September. They are less likely to expect a lessening of economic inequality, however, and their recent support for the SNP is no higher than more affluent groups. They are also less likely to take an active interest in politics.

This should help inform debate ahead of the 2014 referendum.
The Neurotoxicity of Nitrous Oxide: The Facts and “Putative” Mechanisms
Authors: Savage Sinead , Ma Daqing
Published: January 2014

Nitrous oxide is a widely used analgesic agent, used also in combination with anaesthetics during surgery. Recent research has raised concerns about possible neurotoxicity of nitrous oxide, particularly in the developing brain. Nitrous oxide is an N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA)-antagonist drug, similar in nature to ketamine, another anaesthetic agent. It has been linked to post-operative cardiovascular problems in clinical studies. It is also widely known that exposure to nitrous oxide during surgery results in elevated homocysteine levels in many patients, but very little work has investigated the long term effect of these increased homocysteine levels. Now research in rodent models has found that homocysteine can be linked to neuronal death and possibly even cognitive deficits. This review aims to examine the current knowledge of mechanisms of action of nitrous oxide, and to describe some pathways by which it may have neurotoxic effects.
Glioblastoma Multiforme: A Look Inside Its Heterogeneous Nature
Authors: Inda Maria-del-Mar , Bonavia Rudy , Seoane Joan
Published: January 2014

Heterogeneity is a hallmark of tumors and has a crucial role in the outcome of the malignancy, because it not only confounds diagnosis, but also challenges the design of effective therapies. There are two types of heterogeneity: inter-tumor and intra-tumor heterogeneity. While inter-tumor heterogeneity has been studied widely, intra-tumor heterogeneity has been neglected even though numerous studies support this aspect of tumor pathobiology. The main reason has been the technical difficulties, but with new advances in single-cell technology, intra-tumor heterogeneity is becoming a key area in the study of cancer. Several models try to explain the origin and maintenance of intra-tumor heterogeneity, however, one prominent model compares cancer with a tree where the ubiquitous mutations compose the trunk and mutations present in subpopulations of cells are represented by the branches. In this review we will focus on the intra-tumor heterogeneity of glioblastoma multiforme (GBM), the most common brain tumor in adults that is characterized by a marked heterogeneity at the cellular and molecular levels. Better understanding of this heterogeneity will be essential to design effective therapies against this devastating disease to avoid tumor escape.
Entropy Best Paper Award 2014
Authors: Knuth Kevin
Published: January 2014

In 2013, Entropy instituted the “Best Paper” award to recognize outstanding papers in the area of entropy and information studies published in Entropy [1]. We are pleased to announce the “Entropy Best Paper Award” for 2014. Nominations were selected by the Editor-in-Chief and designated Editorial Board Members from all the papers published in 2010. [...]
Recent Developments and Future Trends in Volunteered Geographic Information Research: The Case of OpenStreetMap
Authors: Neis Pascal , Zielstra Dennis
Published: January 2014

User-generated content (UGC) platforms on the Internet have experienced a steep increase in data contributions in recent years. The ubiquitous usage of location-enabled devices, such as smartphones, allows contributors to share their geographic information on a number of selected online portals. The collected information is oftentimes referred to as volunteered geographic information (VGI). One of the most utilized, analyzed and cited VGI-platforms, with an increasing popularity over the past few years, is OpenStreetMap (OSM), whose main goal it is to create a freely available geographic database of the world. This paper presents a comprehensive overview of the latest developments in VGI research, focusing on its collaboratively collected geodata and corresponding contributor patterns. Additionally, trends in the realm of OSM research are discussed, highlighting which aspects need to be investigated more closely in the near future.
Diesel Exhaust Exposure and the Risk of Lung Cancer—A Review of the Epidemiological Evidence
Authors: Sun Yi , Bochmann Frank , Nold Annette , Mattenklott Markus
Published: January 2014

To critically evaluate the association between diesel exhaust (DE) exposure and the risk of lung cancer, we conducted a systematic review of published epidemiological evidences. To comprehensively identify original studies on the association between DE exposure and the risk of lung cancer, literature searches were performed in literature databases for the period between 1970 and 2013, including bibliographies and cross-referencing. In total, 42 cohort studies and 32 case-control studies were identified in which the association between DE exposures and lung cancer was examined. In general, previous studies suffer from a series of methodological limitations, including design, exposure assessment methods and statistical analysis used. A lack of objective exposure information appears to be the main problem in interpreting epidemiological evidence. To facilitate the interpretation and comparison of previous studies, a job-exposure matrix (JEM) of DE exposures was created based on around 4,000 historical industrial measurements. The values from the JEM were considered during interpretation and comparison of previous studies. Overall, neither cohort nor case-control studies indicate a clear exposure-response relationship between DE exposure and lung cancer. Epidemiological studies published to date do not allow a valid quantification of the association between DE and lung cancer.
Airborne Particulate Matter in School Classrooms of Northern Italy
Authors: Rovelli Sabrina , Cattaneo Andrea , Nuzzi Camilla , Spinazzè Andrea , Piazza Silvia , Carrer Paolo , Cavallo Domenico
Published: January 2014

Indoor size-fractioned particulate matter (PM) was measured in seven schools in Milan, to characterize their concentration levels in classrooms, compare the measured concentrations with the recommended guideline values, and provide a preliminary assessment of the efficacy of the intervention measures, based on the guidelines developed by the Italian Ministry of Healthand applied to mitigate exposure to undesirable air pollutants. Indoor sampling was performed from Monday morning to Friday afternoon in three classrooms of each school and was repeated in winter 2011–2012 and 2012–2013. Simultaneously, PM2.5 samples were also collected outdoors. Two different photometers were used to collect the PM continuous data, which were corrected a posteriori using simultaneous gravimetric PM2.5 measurements. Furthermore, the concentrations of carbon dioxide (CO2) were monitored and used to determine the Air Exchange Rates in the classrooms. The results revealed poor IAQ in the school environment. In several cases, the PM2.5 and PM10 24 h concentrations exceeded the 24 h guideline values established by the World Health Organization (WHO). In addition, the indoor CO2 levels often surpassed the CO2 ASHRAE Standard. Our findings confirmed that important indoor sources (human movements, personal clouds, cleaning activities) emitted coarse particles, markedly increasing the measured PM during school hours. In general, the mean PM2.5 indoor concentrations were lower than the average outdoor PM2.5 levels, with I/O ratios generally <1. Fine PM was less affected by indoor sources, exerting a major impact on the PM1–2.5 fraction. Over half of the indoor fine particles were estimated to originate from outdoors. To a first approximation, the intervention proposed to reduce indoor particle levels did not seem to significantly influence the indoor fine PM concentrations. Conversely, the frequent opening of doors and windows appeared to significantly contribute to the reduction of the average indoor CO2 levels.
Resistance Markers and Genetic Diversity in Acinetobacter baumannii Strains Recovered from Nosocomial Bloodstream Infections
Authors: Martins Hanoch , Bomfim Maria , França Rafaela , Farias Luiz , Carvalho Maria , Serufo José , Santos Simone
Published: January 2014

In this study, phenotypic and genotypic methods were used to detect metallo-β-lactamases, cephalosporinases and oxacillinases and to assess genetic diversity among 64 multiresistant Acinetobacter baumannii strains recovered from blood cultures in five different hospitals in Brazil from December 2008 to June 2009. High rates of resistance to imipenem (93.75%) and polymyxin B (39.06%) were observed using the disk diffusion (DD) method and by determining the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC). Using the disk approximation method, thirty-nine strains (60.9%) were phenotypically positive for class D enzymes, and 51 strains (79.6%) were positive for cephalosporinase (AmpC). Using the E-test, 60 strains (93.75%) were positive for metallo-β-lactamases (MβLs). All strains were positive for at least one of the 10 studied genes; 59 (92.1%) contained blaVIM-1, 79.6% contained blaAmpC, 93.7% contained blaOXA23 and 84.3% contained blaOXA51. Enterobacteria Repetitive Intergenic Consensus (ERIC)-PCR analysis revealed a predominance of certain clones that differed from each other. However, the same band pattern was observed in samples from the different hospitals studied, demonstrating correlation between the genotypic and phenotypic results. Thus, ERIC-PCR is an appropriate method for rapidly clustering genetically related isolates. These results suggest that defined clonal clusters are circulating within the studied hospitals. These results also show that the prevalence of MDR A. baumannii may vary among clones disseminated in specific hospitals, and they emphasize the importance of adhering to appropriate infection control measures.
Barrier Island Dynamics Using Mass Center Analysis: A New Way to Detect and Track Large-Scale Change
Authors: Paris Paul , Mitasova Helena
Published: January 2014

A geographic information system (GIS) was used to introduce and test a new method for quantitatively characterizing topographic change. Borrowing from classic Newtonian mechanics, the concept of a body’s center of mass is applied to the geomorphic landscape, and the barrier island environment in particular, to evaluate the metric’s potential as a proxy for detecting, tracking and visualizing change. Two barrier islands along North Carolina’s Outer Banks are used to test this idea: Core Banks, uninhabited and largely-undeveloped, and Hatteras Island, altered by the presence of a protective dune system. Findings indicate that for Core Banks, the alongshore change in the center of mass is in accord with dominate littoral transport and wind conditions. Cross-shore change agrees with independent estimates for the island migration rates. This lends credence to our assertion that the mass center metric has the potential to be a viable proxy for describing wholesale barrier migration and would be a valuable addition to the already-established ocean shoreline and subaerial volume metrics. More research is, however, required to demonstrate efficacy.
Associations between U.S. Adult Obesity and State and County Economic Conditions in the Recession
Authors: Zhang Qi , Lamichhane Rajan , Wang Youfa
Published: January 2014

This study examines the association between state and county unemployment rates and individuals’ body weight status during the latest recession in the U.S. We used the U.S. Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) data in 2007, 2009 and 2011, which were collected from 722,692 American adults aged 18 or older. Overweight and obesity were defined as body mass index (BMI) ≥25, and ≥30, respectively. Multivariate linear and logistic regressions were applied to assess the association between BMI, risks of overweight and obesity, and state and county unemployment rates. State unemployment rates were negatively associated with individual BMI across years, while county unemployment rates were significantly positively associated with BMI and obesity rates in all years (p < 0.05). However, the scale of the positive relationship was reduced in 2009 and 2011. Stratified analyses were conducted among adults with employment and without employment. The unemployed group’s body weight status was not related to state- and county-level economic conditions in most times. In the pooled analyses with all three years’ data, the relationship between unemployment rates and body weight status were consistently reduced after the recession of 2008–2009. Our results indicated that macroeconomic conditions at different levels can have different associations with individuals’ obesity risk across time.
Estimate Submarine Groundwater Discharge to Crystal River/Kings Bay in Florida with the Help of a Hydrodynamic Model
Authors: Chen XinJian
Published: January 2014

Crystal River/Kings Bay is a spring-fed estuarine system located on the west coast of the Florida peninsula. During 2008-2009, a field investigation was conducted to measure submarine groundwater discharges (SGDs) from numerous spring vents in Kings Bay. Based on directly measured real-time SGD data, an empirical relationship that links SGD with tides in Kings Bay and the groundwater level measured in a nearby Artesian well were obtained. A 3D unstructured Cartesian grid model was used to help verify the correctness of the empirical SGD formula, which was slightly adjusted for each individual vent when used in the model. The model was calibrated and verified against measured real-time data of water level, salinity, and temperature at two stations in the estuary. A successful simulation of circulations, salinity transport processes, and thermodynamics in the Crystal River/Kings Bay system proves that the empirical relationship is appropriate for estimating SGDs in Kings Bay.
The Formation of Jupiter, the Jovian Early Bombardment and the Delivery of Water to the Asteroid Belt: The Case of (4) Vesta
Authors: Turrini Diego , Svetsov Vladimir
Published: January 2014

The asteroid (4) Vesta, parent body of the Howardite-Eucrite-Diogenite meteorites, is one of the first bodies that formed, mostly from volatile-depleted material, in the Solar System. The Dawn mission recently provided evidence that hydrated material was delivered to Vesta, possibly in a continuous way, over the last 4 Ga, while the study of the eucritic meteorites revealed a few samples that crystallized in presence of water and volatile elements. The formation of Jupiter and probably its migration occurred in the period when eucrites crystallized, and triggered a phase of bombardment that caused icy planetesimals to cross the asteroid belt. In this work, we study the flux of icy planetesimals on Vesta during the Jovian Early Bombardment and, using hydrodynamic simulations, the outcome of their collisions with the asteroid. We explore how the migration of the giant planet would affect the delivery of water and volatile materials to the asteroid and we discuss our results in the context of the geophysical and collisional evolution of Vesta. In particular, we argue that the observational data are best reproduced if the bulk of the impactors was represented by 1–2 km wide planetesimals and if Jupiter underwent a limited (a fraction of au) displacement.
Inhibition of Mild Steel Corrosion in Sulfuric Acid Solution by New Schiff Base
Authors: Al-Amiery Ahmed , Kadhum Abdul , Kadihum Abdulhadi , Mohamad Abu , How Chong , Junaedi Sutiana
Published: January 2014

The efficiency of Schiff base derived from 4-aminoantipyrine, namely 2-(1,5-dimethyl-4-(2-methylbenzylidene)amino)-2-phenyl-1H-pyrazol-3(2H)-ylidene) hydrazinecarbothioamide as a corrosion inhibitor on mild steel in 1.0 M H2SO4 was investigated using electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), potentiodynamic polarization (PD) and electrochemical frequently modulation (EFM) in addition to the adsorption isotherm, corrosion kinetic parameters and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The results showed that this inhibitor behaved as a good corrosion inhibitor, even at low concentration, with a mean efficiency of 93% and, also, a reduction of the inhibition efficiency as the solution temperature increases. A polarization technique and EIS were tested for different concentrations and different temperatures to reveal that this compound is adsorbed on the mild steel, therefore blocking the active sites, and the adsorption follows the Langmuir adsorption isotherm model. The excellent inhibition effectiveness of 2-(1,5-dimethyl-4-(2-methylbenzylidene)amino)-2-phenyl-1H-pyrazol-3(2H)-ylidene)hydrazinecarbothioamide was also verified by scanning electron microscope (SEM).
Study on Surface Permeability of Concrete under Immersion
Authors: Liu Jun , Xing Feng , Dong Biqin , Ma Hongyan , Pan Dong
Published: January 2014

In this paper, concrete specimens are immersed in ultrapure water, to study the evolutions of surface permeability, pore structure and paste microstructure following the prolonging of immersion period. According to the results, after 30-day immersion, the surface permeability of concrete becomes higher as compared with the value before immersion. However, further immersion makes the surface permeability decrease, so that the value measured after 150-day immersion is only half that measured after 30-day immersion. The early increase in surface permeability should be mainly attributed to the leaching of calcium hydroxide, while the later decrease to the refinement of pore structure due to hydration. The two effects work simultaneously and compete throughout the immersion period. The proposed mechanisms get support from microscopic measurements and observations.
Corrosion Resistance of Calcium Aluminate Cement Concrete Exposed to a Chloride Environment
Authors: Ann Ki , Cho Chang-Geun
Published: January 2014

The present study concerns a development of calcium aluminate cement (CAC) concrete to enhance the durability against an externally chemically aggressive environment, in particular, chloride-induced corrosion. To evaluate the inhibition effect and concrete properties, CAC was partially mixed with ordinary Portland cement (OPC), ranging from 5% to 15%, as a binder. As a result, it was found that an increase in the CAC in binder resulted in a dramatic decrease in the setting time of fresh concrete. However, the compressive strength was lower, ranging about 20 MPa, while OPC indicated about 30–35 MPa at an equivalent age. When it comes to chloride transport, there was only marginal variation in the diffusivity of chloride ions. The corrosion resistance of CAC mixture was significantly enhanced: its chloride threshold level for corrosion initiation exceeded 3.0% by weight of binder, whilst OPC and CAC concrete indicated about 0.5%–1.0%.
Continuous Drug Release by Sea Anemone Nematostella vectensis Stinging Microcapsules
Authors: Tal Yossi , Ayalon Ari , Sharaev Agnesa , Kazir Zoya , Brekhman Vera , Lotan Tamar
Published: January 2014

Transdermal delivery is an attractive option for drug delivery. Nevertheless, the skin is a tough barrier and only a limited number of drugs can be delivered through it. The most difficult to deliver are hydrophilic drugs. The stinging mechanism of the cnidarians is a sophisticated injection system consisting of microcapsular nematocysts, which utilize built-in high osmotic pressures to inject a submicron tubule that penetrates and delivers their contents to the prey. Here we show, for the first time, that the nematocysts of the starlet sea anemone Nematostella vectensis can be isolated and incorporated into a topical formulation for continuous drug delivery. We demonstrate quantitative delivery of nicotinamide and lidocaine hydrochloride as a function of microcapsular dose or drug exposure. We also show how the released submicron tubules can be exploited as a skin penetration enhancer prior to and independently of drug application. The microcapsules are non-irritant and may offer an attractive alternative for hydrophilic transdermal drug delivery.
Antileishmanial Lead Structures from Nature: Analysis of Structure-Activity Relationships of a Compound Library Derived from Caffeic Acid Bornyl Ester
Authors: Glaser Jan , Schultheis Martina , Hazra Sudipta , Hazra Banasri , Moll Heidrun , Schurigt Uta , Holzgrabe Ulrike
Published: January 2014

Bioassay-guided fractionation of a chloroform extract of Valeriana wallichii (V. wallichii) rhizomes lead to the isolation and identification of caffeic acid bornyl ester (1) as the active component against Leishmania major (L. major) promastigotes (IC50 = 48.8 µM). To investigate the structure-activity relationship (SAR), a library of compounds based on 1 was synthesized and tested in vitro against L. major and L. donovani promastigotes, and L. major amastigotes. Cytotoxicity was determined using a murine J774.1 cell line and bone marrow derived macrophages (BMDM). Some compounds showed antileishmanial activity in the concentration range of pentamidine and miltefosine which are the standard drugs in use. In the L. major amastigote assay compounds 15, 19 and 20 showed good activity with relatively low cytotoxicity against BMDM, resulting in acceptable selectivity indices. Molecules with adjacent phenolic hydroxyl groups exhibited elevated cytotoxicity against murine cell lines J774.1 and BMDM. The Michael system seems not to be essential for antileishmanial activity. Based on the results compound 27 can be regarded as new lead structure for further structure optimization.
Gas Phase Thermal Reactions of exo-8-Cyclopropyl-bicyclo[4.2.0]oct-2-ene (1-exo)
Authors: Leber Phyllis , Nocket Anthony , Hancock-Cerutti William , Bemis Christopher , Khine Wint , Mohrbacher III Joseph , Baldwin John
Published: January 2014

The title compound 1-exo (with minor amounts of its C8 epimer 1-endo) was prepared by Wolff-Kishner reduction of the cycloadduct of 1,3-cyclohexadiene and cyclopropylketene. The [1,3]-migration product 2-endo was synthesized by efficient selective cyclopropanation of endo-5-vinylbicyclo[2.2.2]oct-2-ene at the exocyclic π-bond. Gas phase thermal reactions of 1-exo afforded C8 epimerization to 1-endo, [1,3]- migrations to 2-exo and 2-endo, direct fragmentation to cyclohexadiene and vinylcyclopropane, and CPC rearrangement in the following relative kinetic order: kep > k13 > kf > kCPC.
miRNA in Plasma Exosome is Stable under Different Storage Conditions
Authors: Ge Qinyu , Zhou Youxia , Lu Jiafeng , Bai Yunfei , Xie Xueying , Lu Zuhong
Published: January 2014

Exosomes are small membrane-bound vesicles secreted by most cell types. Exosomes contain various functional proteins, mRNAs and microRNAs (miRNAs) that could be used for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes. How we should store the samples before RNA isolation and whether those long term stored samples could be used for circulating RNA investigation because of RNase is unknown. The aim of the study was to determine the stability of circulating miRNA in exosomes and plasma. Exosomes were isolated from plasma samples by using ExoQuick Precipitation methods. RNA was extracted from exosomes and the corresponding plasma samples with a Qiagen miRNeasy Mini kit. The concentration of RNA was measured by a Qubit® RNA HS Assay Kit, and quantitative PCR was used for individual miRNA expression level detection. Results showed that exosomal miRNA showed extra stability under different storage conditions and no significant influence on plasma miRNA, except for short term storage at 4 °C. It is thus indicated that exosome miRNAs can be good biomarkers based on their stability under various storage conditions.
Ursolic Acid-Enriched Herba Cynomorii Extract Induces Mitochondrial Uncoupling and Glutathione Redox Cycling Through Mitochondrial Reactive Oxygen Species Generation: Protection Against Menadione Cytotoxicity in H9c2 Cells
Authors: Chen Jihang , Wong Hoi , Ko Kam
Published: January 2014

Herba Cynomorii (Cynomorium songaricum Rupr., Cynomoriaceae) is one of the most commonly used ‘Yang-invigorating’ tonic herbs in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). An earlier study in our laboratory has demonstrated that HCY2, an ursolic acid-enriched fraction derived from Herba Cynomorii, increased mitochondrial ATP generation capacity (ATP-GC) and induced mitochondrial uncoupling as well as a cellular glutathione response, thereby protecting against oxidant injury in H9c2 cells. In this study, we demonstrated that pre-incubation of H9c2 cells with HCY2 increased mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation in these cells, which is likely an event secondary to the stimulation of the mitochondrial electron transport chain. The suppression of mitochondrial ROS by the antioxidant dimethylthiourea abrogated the HCY2-induced enhancement of mitochondrial uncoupling and glutathione reductase (GR)-mediated glutathione redox cycling, and also protected against menadione-induced cytotoxicity. Studies using specific inhibitors of uncoupling protein and GR suggested that the HCY2-induced mitochondrial uncoupling and glutathione redox cycling play a determining role in the cytoprotection against menadione-induced oxidant injury in H9c2 cells. Experimental evidence obtained thus far supports the causal role of HCY2-induced mitochondrial ROS production in eliciting mitochondrial uncoupling and glutathione antioxidant responses, which offer cytoprotection against oxidant injury in H9c2 cells.
Simultaneous Determination of Fifteen Constituents of Jitai Tablet Using Ultra High-Performance Liquid Chromatography Coupled with Triple Quadrupole Electrospray Tandem Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Wang Shuping , Fu Peng , Liu Lei , Wang Lingling , Peng Chengcheng , Zhang Weidong , Liu Runhui
Published: January 2014

An ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC-ESI-MS/MS) method was developed for simultaneous determination of fifteen constituents in Jitai tablet (JTT), a complex Traditional Chinese Medicine prescription (TCMP) used in treating opiate addiction. Benefitting from a small particle size (1.8 µm) C18 column, accelerated analysis with satisfactory resolution, sensitivity and selectivity were achieved in a single run within 7 min with linear gradient elution of acetonitrile-0.1% (v/v) formic acid in water. The analytical signal was obtained by multiple reaction monitoring transitions via electrospray ionization source operating in both positive and negative ionization mode. The approach was validated for linearity, sensitivity, precision, repeatability, stability and recovery. All analytes showed good linearity over a wide concentration range (r > 0.99). The method limits ranged from 0.03 ng/mL to 19.35 ng/mL which are sensitive enough for quality control studies. The developed method was successfully applied to the simultaneous determination of fifteen constituents in JTT. In conclusion, our experimental results demonstrate that UHPLC-ESI-MS/MS is a useful approach for the overall quality assessment of complex TCMPs.
Immunomodulatory Activity of Red Ginseng against Influenza A Virus Infection
Authors: Lee Jong , Hwang Hye , Ko Eun-Ju , Lee Yu-Na , Kwon Young-Man , Kim Min-Chul , Kang Sang-Moo
Published: January 2014

Ginseng herbal medicine has been known to have beneficial effects on improving human health. We investigated whether red ginseng extract (RGE) has preventive effects on influenza A virus infection in vivo and in vitro. RGE was found to improve survival of human lung epithelial cells upon influenza virus infection. Also, RGE treatment reduced the expression of pro-inflammatory genes (IL-6, IL-8) probably in part through interference with the formation of reactive oxygen species by influenza A virus infection. Long-term oral administration of mice with RGE showed multiple immunomodulatory effects such as stimulating antiviral cytokine IFN-γ production after influenza A virus infection. In addition, RGE administration in mice inhibited the infiltration of inflammatory cells into the bronchial lumens. Therefore, RGE might have the potential beneficial effects on preventing influenza A virus infections via its multiple immunomodulatory functions.
A Simple Visual Ethanol Biosensor Based on Alcohol Oxidase Immobilized onto Polyaniline Film for Halal Verification of Fermented Beverage Samples
Authors: Kuswandi Bambang , Irmawati Titi , Hidayat Moch , Jayus  , Ahmad Musa
Published: January 2014

A simple visual ethanol biosensor based on alcohol oxidase (AOX) immobilised onto polyaniline (PANI) film for halal verification of fermented beverage samples is described. This biosensor responds to ethanol via a colour change from green to blue, due to the enzymatic reaction of ethanol that produces acetaldehyde and hydrogen peroxide, when the latter oxidizes the PANI film. The procedure to obtain this biosensor consists of the immobilization of AOX onto PANI film by adsorption. For the immobilisation, an AOX solution is deposited on the PANI film and left at room temperature until dried (30 min). The biosensor was constructed as a dip stick for visual and simple use. The colour changes of the films have been scanned and analysed using image analysis software (i.e., ImageJ) to study the characteristics of the biosensor’s response toward ethanol. The biosensor has a linear response in an ethanol concentration range of 0.01%–0.8%, with a correlation coefficient (r) of 0.996. The limit detection of the biosensor was 0.001%, with reproducibility (RSD) of 1.6% and a life time up to seven weeks when stored at 4 °C. The biosensor provides accurate results for ethanol determination in fermented drinks and was in good agreement with the standard method (gas chromatography) results. Thus, the biosensor could be used as a simple visual method for ethanol determination in fermented beverage samples that can be useful for Muslim community for halal verification.
Blocking of Snow/Water Slurry Flow in Pipeline Caused by Compression-Strengthening of Snow Column
Authors: Shirakashi Masataka , Yamada Shuichi , Kawada Yoshitaka , Hirochi Takero
Published: January 2014

In earlier works by the present authors, two systems for sustainable energy were proposed: (i) a system for urban snow removal in winter and storage for air conditioning in summer, applied to Nagaoka City, which suffers heavy snow fall every winter, and (ii) a district cooling system utilizing latent heat of ice to reduce the size of storage reservoir and transportation pipeline system. In these systems, the hydraulic conveying of snow or ice through pump-and-pipeline is the key technique to be developed, since characteristics of snow (ice)/ water slurry is largely different from those of conventional non-cohesive solid particle slurries. In this study, the blocking of pipeline of snow/water slurry is investigated experimentally. While the blocking of conventional slurry occurs due to deposition of heavy particles at low flow velocity or arching of large rigid particles, that of snow/water slurry is caused by a compressed plug of snow formed due to cohesive nature of snow particles. This is because the strength of snow plug formed at a high resistance piping element, such as an orifice, becomes higher when the compression velocity is lower, resulting in a solid-like plug filling the whole channel upstream the element.
Biofuel for Energy Security: An Examination on Pyrolysis Systems with Emissions from Fertilizer and Land-Use Change
Authors: Kung Chih-Chun , Xie Hualin , Wu Tao , Chen Shih-Chih
Published: January 2014

One of the most important concerns facing Taiwan is lack of energy security. The study examines to what extent the Taiwan energy security can be enhanced through bioenergy production and how bioenergy affects net greenhouse gases emissions. Ethanol, conventional bioelectricity and pyrolysis based electricity are analyzed and emissions from fertilizer use and land use change are also incorporated. The study employs the Modified Taiwan Agricultural Sector Model (MTASM) for economic and environmental analysis. The results indicate that Taiwan indeed increases its energy security from bioenergy production but net greenhouse gases emissions are also increased. Emissions from fertilizer use and land use change have significant impacts on emissions reduction and pyrolysis does not always provide net greenhouse emissions offset. Some policy implications including goal determination, land availability and emissions trading systems are also provided for potential policy decision making.