bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Density and abundance of Wilson's snipeGallinago delicatain winter in the Lower Mississippi Flyway, USA
Authors: Carroll James M. , Krementz David G.
Published: May 2014

Wilson's snipeGallinago delicatais one of the least studied North American game birds, and information on snipe populations and abundance is mostly unknown. We conducted roadside surveys stratified at the township level in the lower Mississippi Alluvial Valley (LMAV) in Arkansas, Mississippi and Louisiana, as well as the Red River Region, and the Gulf Coastal Plain of Louisiana during winters of 2009 and 2010. We identified observer, vegetation cover, and water cover as important covariates in estimating snipe densities. We detected 2915 snipe along 814 line transects (1450 km) for 2009 and 2010 combined. We estimated snipe densities of 8.05 individuals km‐2(95% CI: 4.57–14.17) in 2009, and 2.13 individuals km‐2(95% CI: 1.47–3.08) in 2010. We used the resulting snipe density estimates within the study area to calculate abundance estimates of 1 026 431 (95%CI: 582 707‐1 806 774) in 2009, and 271 590 (95%CI: 187 435‐392 722) in 2010 for the LMAV. Our data indicate that a road transect survey method is effective for estimating wintering snipe density and abundance in the lower Mississippi Flyway.
The Second Workshop on Lineshape Code Comparison: Isolated Lines
Authors: Alexiou Spiros , Dimitrijević Milan , Sahal-Brechot Sylvie , Stambulchik Evgeny , Duan Bin , González-Herrero Diego , Gigosos Marco
Published: May 2014

In this work, we briefly summarize the theoretical aspects of isolated line broadening. We present and discuss test run comparisons from different participating lineshape codes for the 2s-2p transition for LiI, B III and NV.
High Intensity Training Improves Health and Physical Function in Middle Aged Adults
Authors: Adamson Simon , Lorimer Ross , Cobley James , Lloyd Ray , Babraj John
Published: May 2014

High intensity training (HIT) is effective at improving health; however, it is unknown whether HIT also improves physical function. This study aimed to determine whether HIT improves metabolic health and physical function in untrained middle aged individuals. Fourteen (three male and eleven female) untrained individuals were recruited (control group n = 6: age 42 ± 8 y, weight 64 ± 10 kg, BMI 24 ± 2 kg·m−2 or HIT group n = 8: age 43 ± 8 y, weight 80 ± 8 kg, BMI 29 ± 5 kg·m−2). Training was performed twice weekly, consisting of 10 × 6-second sprints with a one minute recovery between each sprint. Metabolic health (oral glucose tolerance test), aerobic capacity (incremental time to exhaustion on a cycle ergometer) and physical function (get up and go test, sit to stand test and loaded 50 m walk) were determined before and after training. Following eight weeks of HIT there was a significant improvement in aerobic capacity (8% increase in VO2 peak; p < 0.001), physical function (11%–27% respectively; p < 0.05) and a reduction in blood glucose area under the curve (6% reduction; p < 0.05). This study demonstrates for the first time the potential of HIT as a training intervention to improve skeletal muscle function and glucose clearance as we age.
La0.6Sr0.4Co0.2Fe0.8O3 Perovskite: A Stable Anode Catalyst for Direct Methane Solid Oxide Fuel Cells
Authors: Mirzababaei Jelvehnaz , Chuang Steven
Published: May 2014

Direct methane solid oxide fuel cells, operated by supplying methane to a Ni/YSZ anode, suffer from degradation via accumulation of carbon deposits on the Ni surface. Coating a 40 µm thin film of La0.6Sr0.4Co0.2Fe0.8O3 (LSCF) perovskite on the Ni/YSZ anode surface decreased the amount of carbon deposits, slowing down the degradation rate. The improvement in anode durability could be related to the oxidation activity of LSCF which facilitates oxidation of CH4 and carbon deposits. Analysis of the crystalline structure of LSCF revealed that LSCF was stable in the reducing anode environment under H2 and CH4 flow at 750 °C and retained its perovskite structure throughout the 475 h long-term stability test.
GIS-Based Planning and Modeling for Renewable Energy: Challenges and Future Research Avenues
Authors: Resch Bernd , Sagl Günther , Törnros Tobias , Bachmaier Andreas , Eggers Jan-Bleicke , Herkel Sebastian , Narmsara Sattaya , Gündra Hartmut
Published: May 2014

In the face of the broad political call for an “energy turnaround”, we are currently witnessing three essential trends with regard to energy infrastructure planning, energy generation and storage: from planned production towards fluctuating production on the basis of renewable energy sources, from centralized generation towards decentralized generation and from expensive energy carriers towards cost-free energy carriers. These changes necessitate considerable modifications of the energy infrastructure. Even though most of these modifications are inherently motivated by geospatial questions and challenges, the integration of energy system models and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) is still in its infancy. This paper analyzes the shortcomings of previous approaches in using GIS in renewable energy-related projects, extracts distinct challenges from these previous efforts and, finally, defines a set of core future research avenues for GIS-based energy infrastructure planning with a focus on the use of renewable energy. These future research avenues comprise the availability base data and their “geospatial awareness”, the development of a generic and unified data model, the usage of volunteered geographic information (VGI) and crowdsourced data in analysis processes, the integration of 3D building models and 3D data analysis, the incorporation of network topologies into GIS, the harmonization of the heterogeneous views on aggregation issues in the fields of energy and GIS, fine-grained energy demand estimation from freely-available data sources, decentralized storage facility planning, the investigation of GIS-based public participation mechanisms, the transition from purely structural to operational planning, data privacy aspects and, finally, the development of a new dynamic power market design.
Nexus of Health and Development: Modelling Crude Birth Rate and Maternal Mortality Ratio Using Nighttime Satellite Images
Authors: Roychowdhury Koel , Jones Simon
Published: May 2014

Health and development are intricately related. Although India has made significant progress in the last few decades in the health sector and overall growth in GDP, there are still large regional differences in both health and development. The main objective of this paper is to develop techniques for the prediction of health indicators for all the districts of India and examine the correlations between health and development. The level of electrification and district domestic product (DDP) are considered as two fundamental indicators of development in this research. These data, along with health metrics and the information from two nighttime satellite images, were used to propose the models. These successfully predicted the health indicators with less than a 7%–10% error. The chosen health metrics, such as crude birth rate (CBR) and maternal mortality rate (MMR), were mapped for the whole country at the district level. These metrics showed very strong correlation with development indicators (correlation coefficients ranging from 0.92 to 0.99 at the 99% confidence interval). This is the first attempt to use Visible Infrared Imaging Radiometer Suite (VIIRS) (satellite) imagery in a socio-economic study. This paper endorses the observation that areas with a higher DDP and level of electrification have overall better health conditions.
Transport Pathways—Proton Motive Force Interrelationship in Durum Wheat Mitochondria
Authors: Trono Daniela , Laus Maura , Soccio Mario , Pastore Donato
Published: May 2014

In durum wheat mitochondria (DWM) the ATP-inhibited plant mitochondrial potassium channel (PmitoKATP) and the plant uncoupling protein (PUCP) are able to strongly reduce the proton motive force (pmf) to control mitochondrial production of reactive oxygen species; under these conditions, mitochondrial carriers lack the driving force for transport and should be inactive. However, unexpectedly, DWM uncoupling by PmitoKATP neither impairs the exchange of ADP for ATP nor blocks the inward transport of Pi and succinate. This uptake may occur via the plant inner membrane anion channel (PIMAC), which is physiologically inhibited by membrane potential, but unlocks its activity in de-energized mitochondria. Probably, cooperation between PIMAC and carriers may accomplish metabolite movement across the inner membrane under both energized and de-energized conditions. PIMAC may also cooperate with PmitoKATP to transport ammonium salts in DWM. Interestingly, this finding may trouble classical interpretation of in vitro mitochondrial swelling; instead of free passage of ammonia through the inner membrane and proton symport with Pi, that trigger metabolite movements via carriers, transport of ammonium via PmitoKATP and that of the counteranion via PIMAC may occur. Here, we review properties, modulation and function of the above reported DWM channels and carriers to shed new light on the control that they exert on pmf and vice-versa.
Apoptotic Death of Cancer Stem Cells for Cancer Therapy
Authors: He Ying-Chun , Zhou Fang-Liang , Shen Yi , Liao Duan-Fang , Cao Deliang
Published: May 2014

Cancer stem cells (CSCs) play crucial roles in tumor progression, chemo- and radiotherapy resistance, and recurrence. Recent studies on CSCs have advanced understanding of molecular oncology and development of novel therapeutic strategies. This review article updates the hypothesis and paradigm of CSCs with a focus on major signaling pathways and effectors that regulate CSC apoptosis. Selective CSC apoptotic inducers are introduced and their therapeutic potentials are discussed. These include synthetic and natural compounds, antibodies and recombinant proteins, and oligonucleotides.
Functional Annotation of Proteomic Data from Chicken Heterophils and Macrophages Induced by Carbon Nanotube Exposure
Authors: Li Yun-Ze , Cheng Chung-Shi , Chen Chao-Jung , Li Zi-Lin , Lin Yao-Tung , Chen Shuen-Ei , Huang San-Yuan
Published: May 2014

With the expanding applications of carbon nanotubes (CNT) in biomedicine and agriculture, questions about the toxicity and biocompatibility of CNT in humans and domestic animals are becoming matters of serious concern. This study used proteomic methods to profile gene expression in chicken macrophages and heterophils in response to CNT exposure. Two-dimensional gel electrophoresis identified 12 proteins in macrophages and 15 in heterophils, with differential expression patterns in response to CNT co-incubation (0, 1, 10, and 100 µg/mL of CNT for 6 h) (p < 0.05). Gene ontology analysis showed that most of the differentially expressed proteins are associated with protein interactions, cellular metabolic processes, and cell mobility, suggesting activation of innate immune functions. Western blot analysis with heat shock protein 70, high mobility group protein, and peptidylprolyl isomerase A confirmed the alterations of the profiled proteins. The functional annotations were further confirmed by effective cell migration, promoted interleukin-1β secretion, and more cell death in both macrophages and heterophils exposed to CNT (p < 0.05). In conclusion, results of this study suggest that CNT exposure affects protein expression, leading to activation of macrophages and heterophils, resulting in altered cytoskeleton remodeling, cell migration, and cytokine production, and thereby mediates tissue immune responses.
DEFLATE Compression Algorithm Corrects for Overestimation of Phylogenetic Diversity by Grantham Approach to Single-Nucleotide Polymorphism Classification
Authors: Schlosberg Arran , Lam Brian , Yeo Giles , Clifton-Bligh Roderick
Published: May 2014

Improvements in speed and cost of genome sequencing are resulting in increasing numbers of novel non-synonymous single nucleotide polymorphisms (nsSNPs) in genes known to be associated with disease. The large number of nsSNPs makes laboratory-based classification infeasible and familial co-segregation with disease is not always possible. In-silico methods for classification or triage are thus utilised. A popular tool based on multiple-species sequence alignments (MSAs) and work by Grantham, Align-GVGD, has been shown to underestimate deleterious effects, particularly as sequence numbers increase. We utilised the DEFLATE compression algorithm to account for expected variation across a number of species. With the adjusted Grantham measure we derived a means of quantitatively clustering known neutral and deleterious nsSNPs from the same gene; this was then used to assign novel variants to the most appropriate cluster as a means of binary classification. Scaling of clusters allows for inter-gene comparison of variants through a single pathogenicity score. The approach improves upon the classification accuracy of Align-GVGD while correcting for sensitivity to large MSAs. Open-source code and a web server are made available at https://github.com/aschlosberg/CompressGV.
Prevention of Bone Metastases in Breast Cancer Patients. Therapeutic Perspectives
Authors: Beuzeboc Philippe , Scholl Suzy
Published: May 2014

One in four breast cancer patients is at risk of developing bone metastases in her life time. The early prevention of bone metastases is a crucial challenge. It has been suggested that the use of zoledronic acid (ZOL) in the adjuvant setting may reduce the persistence of disseminated tumor cells and thereby might improve outcome, specifically in a population of patients with a low estrogen microenvironment. More recently, the results of a large meta-analysis from 41 randomized trials comparing a bisphosphonate (BP) to placebo or to an open control have been presented at the 2013 San Antonio Breast Cancer Meeting. Data on 17,016 patients confirm that adjuvant BPs, irrespective of the type of treatment or the treatment schedule and formulation (oral or intra-venously (IV)), significantly reduced bone recurrences and improved breast cancer survival in postmenopausal women. No advantage was seen in premenopausal women. BPs are soon likely to become integrated into standard practice. Published data on the mechanisms involved in tumor cell seeding from the primary site, in homing to bone tissues and in the reactivation of dormant tumor cells will be reviewed; these might offer new ideas for innovative combination strategies.
Effects of Asymmetric Quantum Wells on the Structural and Optical Properties of InGaN-Based Light-Emitting Diodes
Authors: Tsai Chia-Lung , Wu Wei-Che
Published: May 2014

A metalorganic vapor phase epitaxy-grown InGaN/GaN multiple-quantum-well (MQW) with three graded-thickness wells (the first-grown well had the greatest width) near the n-GaN was used as the active layer of an LED. For LEDs with an asymmetric quantum well (AQW), high-resolution X-ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopic reveal that the modified MQWs with a reasonable crystalline quality were coherently strained on the underlying GaN epilayers without any relaxation. In addition, the slight increase of indium segregation in the LED with an AQW may be attributed to variations in indium contents experienced during epitaxial growth of the wide well-containing MQWs. By preventing the energetic electrons from accumulating at the topmost quantum well nearest the p-GaN, the presence of light intensity roll-off in the LED with an AQW is shifted to higher currents and the corresponding maximum light output power is increased with a ratio 7.9% higher than that of normal LEDs. Finally, similar emission wavelengths were observed in the electroluminescence spectra of both LEDs, suggesting that light emitted mostly from the top quantum wells (near the p-GaN) while the emissions from the AQW region were insignificant.
Discovery of Novel Saponins from the Viscera of the Sea Cucumber Holothuria lessoni
Authors: Bahrami Yadollah , Zhang Wei , Franco Chris
Published: May 2014

Sea cucumbers, sometimes referred to as marine ginseng, produce numerous compounds with diverse functions and are potential sources of active ingredients for agricultural, nutraceutical, pharmaceutical and cosmeceutical products. We examined the viscera of an Australian sea cucumber Holothuria lessoni Massin et al. 2009, for novel bioactive compounds, with an emphasis on the triterpene glycosides, saponins. The viscera were extracted with 70% ethanol, and this extract was purified by a liquid-liquid partition process and column chromatography, followed by isobutanol extraction. The isobutanol saponin-enriched mixture was further purified by high performance centrifugal partition chromatography (HPCPC) with high purity and recovery. The resultant purified polar samples were analyzed using matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry (MALDI-MS)/MS and electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI-MS)/MS to identify saponins and characterize their molecular structures. As a result, at least 39 new saponins were identified in the viscera of H. lessoni with a high structural diversity, and another 36 reported triterpene glycosides, containing different aglycones and sugar moieties. Viscera samples have provided a higher diversity and yield of compounds than observed from the body wall. The high structural diversity and novelty of saponins from H. lessoni with potential functional activities presents a great opportunity to exploit their applications for industrial, agricultural and pharmaceutical use.
New Cyclic Cystine Bridged Peptides from the Sponge Suberites waedoensis
Authors: Song Jinhaeng , Jeon Ju-eun , Won Tae , Sim Chung , Oh Dong-Chan , Oh Ki-Bong , Shin Jongheon
Published: May 2014

Two new peptides, chujamides A (1) and B (2), were isolated from the marine sponge Suberites waedoensis, which was collected from Korean waters. Based upon the results of the combined spectroscopic analyses, the structures of these compounds were determined to be proline-riched and cyclic cystine bridged dodeca- and undecapeptides. The absolute configurations of all amino acid residues were determined to be l by advanced Marfey’s analysis. The new compounds exhibited weak cytotoxicities against A549 and K562 cell-lines, and compound 2 also demonstrated moderate inhibitory activity against Na+/K+-ATPase.
Design, Synthesis, Characterization of Novel Ruthenium(II) Catalysts: Highly Efficient and Selective Hydrogenation of Cinnamaldehyde to (E)-3-Phenylprop-2-en-1-ol
Authors: Darwish Hany , Barakat Assem , Nafady Ayman , Suleiman Mohammed , Al-Noaimi Mousa , Hammouti Belkheir , Radi Smaail , Hadda Taibi , Abu-Obaid Ahmad , Mubarak Mohammad , Warad Ismail
Published: May 2014

In this contribution, two novel supported and non-supported ruthenium(II) complexes of type [RuCl2(dppme)(NN)] where [dppme is H2C=C(CH2PPh2)2 and NN is N1-(3-(trimethoxysilyl)propyl)ethane-1,2-diamine] were prepared. The NN co-ligand caused release of one of the dppme ligands from [RuCl2(dppme)2] precursor to yield complex 1. The process of substitution of dppme by NN was monitored by 31P{1H}-NMR. Taking advantage of the presence of trimethoxysilane group in the backbone of complex 1, polysiloxane xerogel counterpart, X1, was prepared via sol-gel immobilization using tetraethoxysilane as cross-linker. Both complexes 1 and X1 have been characterized via elemental analysis, CV and a number of spectroscopic techniques including FT-IR, 1H-, 13C-, and 31P-NMR, and mass spectrometry. Importantly, carbonyl selective hydrogenation was successfully accomplished under mild conditions using complex 1 as a homogenous catalyst and X1 as a heterogeneous catalyst, respectively.
A Study of Palladium Catalyzed Intra/Intermolecular Cascade Cross Coupling/Cyclizations Involving Bicyclopropylidene
Authors: Demircan Aydin
Published: May 2014

The compounds [3-(2-Bromocyclohex-2-enyloxy)prop-1-ynyl]-tert-butyl-dimethylsilane 3, [4-(2-bromocyclohex-2-en-1-yloxy)but-2-yn-1-yloxy]tert-butyldimethylsilane 5 and dimethyl 2-(2-bromocyclohex-2-enyl)-2-(3-(tert-butyldimethylsilanyl)prop-2-ynyl)malonate 9 were prepared and subjected to palladium-catalyzed intra-intermolecular cascade cross couplings incorporating bicyclopropylidene 10 under two types of conditions. In the presence of Pd(OAc)2, PPh3 and K2CO3 in acetonitrile at 80 °C, the products were indene analogues, cross-conjugated tetraenes 11, 12 and 13, respectively. The corresponding spirocyclopropanated tricycle 16 in dimethylformamide at 110 °C was obtained, albeit in low yield (24%), and observed as an equimolar mixture of diastereomers, whereas 14, 15 were not fully isolated.
Directed Kinetic Self-Assembly of Mounds on Patterned GaAs (001): Tunable Arrangement, Pattern Amplification and Self-Limiting Growth
Authors: Lin Chuan-Fu , Kan Hung-Chih , Kanakaraju Subramaniam , Richardson Christopher , Phaneuf Raymond
Published: May 2014

We present results demonstrating directed self-assembly of nanometer-scale mounds during molecular beam epitaxial growth on patterned GaAs (001) surfaces. The mound arrangement is tunable via the growth temperature, with an inverse spacing or spatial frequency which can exceed that of the features of the template. We find that the range of film thickness over which particular mound arrangements persist is finite, due to an evolution of the shape of the mounds which causes their growth to self-limit. A difference in the film thickness at which mounds at different sites self-limit provides a means by which different arrangements can be produced.
The Impact of Surface Ligands and Synthesis Method on the Toxicity of Glutathione-Coated Gold Nanoparticles
Authors: Harper Bryan , Sinche Federico , Ho Wu Rosina , Gowrishankar Meenambika , Marquart Grant , Mackiewicz Marilyn , Harper Stacey
Published: May 2014

Gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) are increasingly used in biomedical applications, hence understanding the processes that affect their biocompatibility and stability are of significant interest. In this study, we assessed the stability of peptide-capped AuNPs and used the embryonic zebrafish (Danio rerio) as a vertebrate system to investigate the impact of synthesis method and purity on their biocompatibility. Using glutathione (GSH) as a stabilizer, Au-GSH nanoparticles with identical core sizes were terminally modified with Tryptophan (Trp), Histidine (His) or Methionine (Met) amino acids and purified by either dialysis or ultracentrifugation. Au-GSH-(Trp)2 purified by dialysis elicited significant morbidity and mortality at 200 µg/mL, Au-GSH-(His)2 induced morbidity and mortality after purification by either method at 20 and 200 µg/mL, and Au-GSH-(Met)2 caused only sublethal responses at 200 µg/mL. Overall, toxicity was significantly reduced and ligand structure was improved by implementing ultracentrifugation purifications at several stages during the multi-step synthesis and surface modification of Au-GSH nanoparticles. When carefully synthesized at high purity, peptide-functionalized AuNPs showed high biocompatibility in biological systems.
Energy Requirements of US Army Special Operation Forces During Military Training
Authors: Margolis Lee , Crombie Aaron , McClung Holly , McGraw Susan , Rood Jennifer , Montain Scott , Young Andrew
Published: May 2014

Special Operations Forces (SOF) regularly engage in physically demanding combat operations and field training exercises, resulting in high daily energy expenditure, and thus increased energy requirements. However, the majority of studies assessing energy requirements of SOF have been conducted on soldiers going through intense SOF initiation training. The objective of the current investigation was to determine the energy expenditure of SOF conducting military training operations. Thirty-one soldiers taking part in Pre-Mission Training (PMT n = 15) and Combat Diver Qualification Courses (CDQC n = 16) volunteered to participate in this observational study. Energy expenditure was determined using doubly labeled water. Body weight (83 ± 7 kg) remained stable during both training periods. Overall energy expenditure adjusted for body composition was 17,606 ± 2326 kJ·day−1. Energy expenditure was 19,110 ± 1468 kJ·day−1 during CDQC and 16,334 ± 2180 kJ·day−1 during PMT, with physical activity levels of 2.6 ± 0.2 and 2.2 ± 0.3 during CDQC and PMT, respectively. Compared to the Military Dietary Reference Intakes for energy (13,598 kJ·day−1), these data are in agreement with previous reports that energy requirement for SOF Soldiers exceed that of the average soldier.
Effect of Shear Resistance on Flexural Debonding Load-Carrying Capacity of RC Beams Strengthened with Externally Bonded FRP Composites
Authors: Li Guibing , Zhang Aihui , Jin Weiliang
Published: May 2014

Debonding failure is the main failure mode in flexurally strengthened reinforced concrete beams by externally bonded or near surface mounted fibre reinforced polymer (FRP) composites. It is believed that FRP debonding will be initiated if the shear stress on the concrete-FRP interface reaches the tensile strength of concrete. However, it was found through experimental and analytical studies that the debonding mechanism of FRP composites has the potential of shear failure in combination with debonding failure. Moreover, the shear failure probably influences the debonding failure. Presently, there are very little experimental and analytical studies to investigate the influence of shear resistance of reinforced concrete (RC) beam on FRP debonding failure. The current study investigates and analyzes the effect of shear resistance on FRP debonding failure based on test results. The analytical results show that the shear resistance of RC beam has a great effect on flexural debonding load-carrying capacity of FRP-strengthened RC beam. The influence of shear resistance on flexural debonding load-carrying capacity must be fully considered in flexural strengthening design of RC beams.
Transferability of a Visible and Near-Infrared Model for Soil Organic Matter Estimation in Riparian Landscapes
Authors: Liu Yaolin , Jiang Qinghu , Fei Teng , Wang Junjie , Shi Tiezhu , Guo Kai , Li Xiran , Chen Yiyun
Published: May 2014

The transferability of a visible and near-infrared (VNIR) model for soil organic matter (SOM) estimation in riparian landscapes is explored. The results indicate that for the soil samples with air-drying, grinding and 2-mm sieving pretreatment, the model calibrated from the soil sample set with mixed land-use types can be applied in the SOM prediction of cropland soil samples (r2Pre = 0.66, RMSE = 2.78 g∙kg−1, residual prediction deviation (RPD) = 1.45). The models calibrated from cropland soil samples, however, cannot be transferred to the SOM prediction of soil samples with diverse land-use types and different SOM ranges. Wavelengths in the region of 350–800 nm and around 1900 nm are important for SOM estimation. The correlation analysis reveals that the spectral wavelengths from the soil samples with and without the air-drying, grinding and 2-mm sieving pretreatment are not linearly correlated at each wavelength in the region of 350–1000 nm, which is an important spectral region for SOM estimation in riparian landscapes. This result explains why the models calibrated from samples without pretreatment fail in the SOM estimation. The Kennard–Stone algorithm performed well in the selection of a representative subset for SOM estimation using the spectra of soil samples with pretreatment, but failed in soil samples without the pretreatment. Our study also demonstrates that a widely applicable SOM prediction model for riparian landscapes should be based on a wide range of SOM content.
The Use of Accelerometers and Gyroscopes to Estimate Hip and Knee Angles on Gait Analysis
Authors: Alonge Francesco , Cucco Elisa , D'Ippolito Filippo , Pulizzotto Alessio
Published: May 2014

In this paper the performance of a sensor system, which has been developed to estimate hip and knee angles and the beginning of the gait phase, have been investigated. The sensor system consists of accelerometers and gyroscopes. A new algorithm was developed in order to avoid the error accumulation due to the gyroscopes drift and vibrations due to the ground contact at the beginning of the stance phase. The proposed algorithm have been tested and compared to some existing algorithms on over-ground walking trials with a commercial device for assisted gait. The results have shown the good accuracy of the angles estimation, also in high angle rate movement.
Wastewater Recycling in Greece: The Case of Thessaloniki
Authors: Ilias Andreas , Panoras Athanasios , Angelakis Andreas
Published: May 2014

In Greece, and particularly in many southeastern and island areas, there is severe pressure on water resources, further exacerbated by the high demand of water for tourism and irrigation in summertime. The integration of treated wastewater into water resources management is of paramount importance to meet future demands. Despite this need, only a few projects of effluent reuse have been implemented, most of them being pilot projects of crop or landscape irrigation. The most important projects which are currently in practice are those of Thessaloniki, Chalkida, Malia, Livadia, Amfisa, Kalikratia, and Chersonissos. In Thessaloniki, at the most important wastewater reuse site, the secondary effluent of the city’s Waste Water Treatment Plant (WWTP) (165,000 m3/day) is used for agricultural irrigation after mixing with freshwater at a 1:5 ratio. The main crops irrigated are rice, corn, alfalfa and cotton. A few other projects are under planning, such as that at Iraklion, Agios Nikolaos and several island regions. Finally, it should be mentioned that there are several cases of indirect reuse, especially in central Greece. However, the reuse potential in Greece is limited, since effluent from Athens’s WWTP, serving approximately half of the country’s population, is not economically feasible due to the location of the plant.
Un indicateur de retournement conjoncturel pour la France : une application du modèle à facteur avec changements de régimes
Authors: Nguiffo-Boyom Muriel
Published: May 2014

Dans cet article, on propose la construction d’un indicateur de retournement conjoncturel en utilisant un modèle à facteur avec changements de régimes. Le facteur représente l’opinion des professionnels concernant l’activité économique et est extrait à partir de quatre soldes d’opinion tirés de trois enquêtes de l’INSEE . Cette opinion est caractérisée par des phases d’optimisme et de pessimisme, modélisées à l’aide d’un modèle à changements de régimes markoviens. On peut ainsi prévoir les points de retournement de l’opinion, qui correspondent aux points de changement de régime du modèle. On montre que les points de retournement de l’opinion des professionnels annoncent les points de retournement de l’activité avec une certaine avance, ce qui permet de construire un indicateur de retournement conjoncturel.
L'estimation des préférences individuelles en vue de la décision publique. Problèmes, paradoxes, enjeux
Authors: Baujard Antoinette
Published: May 2014

Public decision-makers seek to maximize social welfare , hence to satisfy the population’s individual preferences. How do the systems for gathering information on agents’ preferences affect the quality and the interpretation of public decision-making ? The paper applies a decision-making model to the allocation of a subsidy for public or private transportation. Individual preferences are revealed, at the aggregate level, by individual behaviors in different choice contexts. Using Saari’s techniques of probability calculus for voting paradoxes, the loss of information due to these particular conditions of data collection is assessed and analyzed in detail. The author draws conclusions in three areas : information reliability and decision quality ; model formulation ; and the implementation of welfarism.
Évaluation des effets des régimes de coopération intercommunale sur les dépenses publiques locales
Authors: Leprince Matthieu , Guengant Alain
Published: May 2014

L’intercommunalité à fiscalité propre regroupe en 2006 environ 90 % des communes françaises et 85 % de la population. Cependant, la diversité des régimes possibles de coopération entre communes est aujourd’hui controversée, notamment en raison d’effets mal connus sur les comportements budgétaires des communes. Nous proposons deux résultats principaux. D’une part, les propriétés de la fonction de demande de bien public communal conditionnelle à l’offre intercommunale sont étroitement liées au régime fiscal de coopération (fiscalités additionnelle ou spécialisée). D’autre part, l’estimation économétrique du modèle communal, à partir des données communales et intercommunales en 2001, souligne l’hétérogénéité des comportements communaux mais aussi la faible réaction de la dépense communale au développement de la dépense intercommunale, contrairement à la forte substitution attendue.
Estimation semi-paramétrique de la convergence des régions européennes
Authors: Cuong Pham Thi Kim , Nguyen Van Phu , El Ouardighi Jalal , Azomahou Théophile
Published: May 2014

We use a partly linear semi-parametric model to study the convergence of European Union regions. The data are taken from the Eurostat base and cover 223 EU regions for the period 1990-2000. The estimation results indicate the presence of non-linearity and heterogeneity in the convergence process. Convergence occurs only in regions with low GDP per capita (approx . 8.5 % of the sample). These regions converge at different speeds and can be caught in a poverty trap. By comparison with the linear regression model typically used in the literature, our test results show that the semi-parametric specification yields a better approximation of the data.
Slow Adaptation of Ventricular Repolarization as a Cause of Arrhythmia?
Authors: Hanson B. M. , Gill J. S. , Taggart P. , Rodriguez B. , Bueno-Orovio A.
Published: May 2014

Introduction: This article is part of the Focus Theme of Methods of Information in Medicine on “Biosignal Interpretation: Advanced Methods for Studying Cardiovascular and Respiratory Systems”.

Background: Adaptation of the QT-interval to changes in heart rate reflects on the body-surface electrocardiogram the adaptation of action potential duration (APD) at the cellular level. The initial fast phase of APD adaptation has been shown to modulate the arrhythmia substrate. Whether the slow phase is potentially proarrhythmic remains unclear.

Objectives: To analyze in-vivo human data and use computer simulations to examine effects of the slow APD adaptation phase on dispersion of repolarization and reentry in the human ventricle.

Methods: Electrograms were acquired from 10 left and 10 right ventricle (LV/RV) endocardial sites in 15 patients with normal ventricles during RV pacing. Activation-recovery intervals, as a surrogate for APD, were measured during a sustained increase in heart rate. Observed dynamics were studied using computer simulations of human tissue electrophysiology.

Results: Spatial heterogeneity of rate adaptation was observed in all patients. Inhomogeneity in slow APD adaptation time constants (ΔTs) was greater in LV than RV (ΔTs LV = 31.8 ± 13.2, ΔTs RV = 19.0 ± 12.8 s, P < 0.01). Simulations showed that altering local slow time constants of adaptation was sufficient to convert partial wavefront block to block with successful reentry.

Conclusions: Using electrophysiological data acquired in-vivo in human and computer simulations, we identify heterogeneity in the slow phase of APD adaptation as an important component of arrhythmogenesis.
Major complications and risk factors associated with surgical correction of congenital medial patellar luxation in 124 dogs
Authors: Havlicek M. , Perkins N. R. , James D. R. , Fearnside S. M. , Marchevsky A. M. , Black A. P. , Cashmore R. G.
Published: May 2014

Dogs treated for congenital medial patellar luxation were reviewed for the purpose of determining the incidence of postoperative major complications requiring surgical revision and the risk factors for their occurrence. Major complications occurred in 18.5% of the patellar luxation stabilization procedures with implant associated complications being the most frequent, patellar reluxation the second, and tibial tuberosity avulsion the third most common major complication. Other complications included patellar ligament rupture and trochlear wedge displacement. When recession trochleoplasty was performed in addition to tibial tuberosity transposition, a 5.1-fold reduction in the rate of patellar reluxation was observed. Release of the cranial belly of the sartorius muscle further reduced the incidence of patellar reluxation, while patella alta (pre- or postoperative) and patellar luxation grade were not found to influence the rate of reluxation. Tibial tuberosity avulsion was 11.1-times more likely when using a single Kirschner wire to stabilize a transposition, compared with two Kirschner wires. Independent to the number of Kirschner wires used, the more caudodistally the Kirschner wires were directed, the higher the risk for tibial tuberosity avulsion. Tension bands were used in 24.4% of the transpositions with no tuberosity avulsion occurring in stifles stabilized with a tension band. Overall, grade 1 luxations had a significantly lower incidence of major complications than other grades, while body weight, age, sex, and bilateral patellar stabilization were not associated with risk of major complication development.
Modification of the contact area of a standard force platform and runway for small breed dogs
Authors: Kim J. Y. W. , Garcia-Nolan T. C. , Kim S. Y. , Hayashi K. , Hitchens P. L. , Stover S. M. , Kapatkin A. S.
Published: May 2014

Objectives: To develop a platform that used standard size force plates for large breed dogs to capture ground reaction force data from any size dog.

Methods: A walkway platform was constructed to accommodate two force plates (60 cm x 40 cm) positioned in series to a variety of smaller sizes. It was constructed from a custom wood frame with thick aluminium sheet force plate covers that prevented transfer of load to the force plate, except for rectangular windows of three different dimensions. A friction study was performed to ensure plates did not translate relative to one another during gait trials. A prospective, observational, single crossover study design was used to compare the effect of force platform configuration (full plate size [original plate], half plate size [modified plate]) on ground reaction forces using eight adult healthy Labrador Retriever dogs.

Results: Slippage of the steel plate on the force plate did not occur. Peak propulsion force was the only kinetic variable statistically different between the full size and half sized platforms. There were no clinically significant differences between the full and half force platforms for the variables and dogs studied.

Discussion and conclusion: The modified force platform allows the original 60 x 40 cm force plate to be adjusted effectively to a 30 x 40 cm, 20 x 40 cm and 15 x 40 cm sized plate with no clinically significant change in kinetic variables. This modification that worked for large breed dogs will potentially allow kinetic analysis of a large variety of dogs with different stride lengths.
Romancing “Friends with Benefits”: Does it Benefit New York as a Travel Destination?
Authors: Quintal Vanessa , Phau Ian
Published: May 2014

This study examines whether the romantic comedy as an information source can impact on and shape viewer attitude toward and intention to visit a place. Data were collected from patrons at a large cinema chain located in a major shopping center in Australia. Using an experimental approach,
the experimental group watched a romantic comedy set in New York, whereas the control group did not. Subjects in the experimental group had significantly higher empathy, past experience, place familiarity, attitude toward, intention to visit New York, and significantly lower performance/financial
risk associated with visiting New York than the control group. Furthermore, perceived social risk played a significant role in influencing place familiarity in the control group. This suggests that romantic comedies can be an effective information source in allaying viewers' concerns about
a movie location. This article provides researchers with theoretical underpinning for future empirical studies in movie-induced tourism. It also encourages more collaboration between government, movie producers, and destination managers to deliver a movie that provides consistent branding
in its story, location, and product placement strategies.
Direct C–H trifluoromethylation of di- and trisubstituted alkenes by photoredox catalysis
Authors: Tomita Ren , Yasu Yusuke , Koike Takashi , Akita Munetaka
Published: May 2014

Background: Trifluoromethylated alkene scaffolds are known as useful structural motifs in pharmaceuticals and agrochemicals as well as functional organic materials. But reported synthetic methods usually require multiple synthetic steps and/or exhibit limitation with respect to access to tri- and tetrasubstituted CF3-alkenes. Thus development of new methodologies for facile construction of Calkenyl–CF3 bonds is highly demanded.

Results: The photoredox reaction of alkenes with 5-(trifluoromethyl)dibenzo[b,d]thiophenium tetrafluoroborate, Umemoto’s reagent, as a CF3 source in the presence of [Ru(bpy)3]2+ catalyst (bpy = 2,2’-bipyridine) under visible light irradiation without any additive afforded CF3-substituted alkenes via direct Calkenyl–H trifluoromethylation. 1,1-Di- and trisubstituted alkenes were applicable to this photocatalytic system, providing the corresponding multisubstituted CF3-alkenes. In addition, use of an excess amount of the CF3 source induced double C–H trifluoromethylation to afford geminal bis(trifluoromethyl)alkenes.

Conclusion: A range of multisubstituted CF3-alkenes are easily accessible by photoredox-catalyzed direct C–H trifluoromethylation of alkenes under mild reaction conditions. In particular, trifluoromethylation of triphenylethene derivatives, from which synthetically valuable tetrasubstituted CF3-alkenes are obtained, have never been reported so far. Remarkably, the present facile and straightforward protocol is extended to double trifluoromethylation of alkenes.
Diarrhea in peripheral stem cell transplant recipients: a developing country’s experience
Authors: Pala Cigdem , Kaynar Leylagul , Buyukoglan Ruksan , Kurnaz Fatih , Metan Gokhan , Yazar Suleyman , Durmaz Suleyman , Sakioglu Ayse , Sivgin Sedar , Eser Bulent , Unal Ali , Cetin Mustafa
Published: May 2014

Introduction: We aimed to determine the frequency and microbiological causes of diarrhea occurring during the first 100 days in allogeneic (allo-) and autologous (auto-) stem cell transplantation (SCT) patients. Methodology: A total of 452 patients who underwent transplantation due to hematological or solid organ malignancy were included. From the administration of the conditioning regimen up to day 100 post-transplant, diarrhea cases lasting at least three days with a minimum of three episodes per day were evaluated. Results: Cases of diarrhea were observed in 94 patients out of 227 subjects who received allo-SCT and in 107 patients out of 225 who received auto-SCT. The incidence rate of diarrhea in both patients undergoing autologous and allogeneic transplant was 47.5% and 41.4%, respectively. The cause of the diarrhea could be detected in 20.5% of auto-SCT patients and in 30.8% of allo-SCT patients. Parasitic infections were frequently observed in both autologous and allogeneic transplant patients in the first 20 days. In the late period, significantly more patients developed diarrhea in the allo-SCT recipient group than in the auto-SCT recipients due to graft versus host disease (GVHD) and cytomegalovirus (CMV) colitis. Conclusions: This study revealed the causes of diarrhea and the prevalence and factors of parasitic infections in transplant patients in Turkey. All causative factors of diarrhea should be considered in detail, feces analyses should be evaluated for each patient, and endoscopic biopsy samples should be obtained when required in immunosuppressive patients undergoing stem cell transplantation.
Effect of simulated deployment patrols on gastric mucosa of explosive detection dogs
Authors: Davis M.S. , Willard M.D. , Bowers D. , Payton M.E.
Published: May 2014

Exercise-induced gastric disease is well-recognised in dogs performing ultra-endurance racing, but has not been described in dogs performing non-competitive athletic activities. Explosive detection dogs often perform prolonged periods of exercise and are reported to have chronic inappetance and weight-loss consistent with gastric disease. Seven privately-owned Labrador Retrievers trained for off-leash explosive detection activities were used to test the hypothesis that explosive detection dogs develop exercise-induced gastric disease while performing routine duties. Gastroscopy was performed on dogs before and after a 5-day exercise challenge designed to simulate routine military deployment activities. Five days of sustained submaximal exercise resulted in substantial gastric disease. These results demonstrate that dogs performing prolonged submaximal exercise consistent with off-leash explosive detection patrols are susceptible to exercise-induced gastric disease. Exercise-induced gastric disease may explain the anecdotal reports of poor thrift in these types of dogs during military deployment, and prophylactic acid suppression therapy should be considered in dogs participating in these activities.
Revisión de las aplicaciones del análisis térmico en las plantas de fundición de aluminio
Authors: Djurdjevic Mile B. , Vicario Iban , Huber Gerhard
Published: May 2014

El análisis térmico ha sido usado como una herramienta de control de calidad desde hace tiempo en las plantas de fundición de aluminio. Recientemente ha sido reconocido que el análisis de la curva de enfriamiento y su primera derivada ofrecen algunos otros parámetros que pueden ser usados de manera exitosa en los programas de simulación para mejorar su precisión. Los nuevos desarrollos en el análisis de la curva de enfriamiento aplicando las derivadas de orden superior han mostrado que la técnica del análisis térmico puede aplicarse para calcular la cantidad de precipitados en el proceso de solidificación. Este artículo proporciona una pequeña revisión de la aplicación de la curva de enfriamiento en las plantas de fundición de aluminio y del efecto del plomo sobre las temperaturas características de solidificación de la aleación AlSi6Cu4.
Combination of seismic and resistivity tomography for the detection of abandoned mine workings in Münster/Westfalen, Germany: Improved data interpretation by cluster analysis
Authors: Kotyrba Beate , Schmidt Volkmar
Published: May 2014

The detection of abandoned mine workings is a frequent objective of geophysical investigations. Several non‐destructive geophysical methods have the potential to image these structures, although in practice the interpretation of the results may be complicated. In this study, an abandoned mine was investigated using different geophysical methods on the same site. Seismic refraction tomography and resistivity tomography was undertaken on numerous profiles. With both methods it was possible to detect the mine workings, although interpretation of the resistivity distributions was difficult. To achieve a more meaningful interpretation of the results, seismic modelling was done. By cluster analysis, even further information about the condition of the galleries could be gained.