bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Classification of Jet Fuel Properties by Near-Infrared Spectroscopy Using Fuzzy Rule-Building Expert Systems and Support Vector Machines
Authors: Xu Zhanfeng , Bunker Christopher E. , De B. Harrington Peter
Published: November 2010

Monitoring the changes of jet fuel physical properties is important because fuel used in high-performance aircraft must meet rigorous specifications. Near-infrared (NIR) spectroscopy is a fast method to characterize fuels. Because of the complexity of NIR spectral data, chemometric techniques are used to extract relevant information from spectral data to accurately classify physical properties of complex fuel samples. In this work, discrimination of fuel types and classification of flash point, freezing point, boiling point (10%, v/v), boiling point (50%, v/v), and boiling point (90%, v/v) of jet fuels (JP-5, JP-8, Jet A, and Jet A-1) were investigated. Each physical property was divided into three classes, low, medium, and high ranges, using two evaluations with different class boundary definitions. The class boundaries function as the threshold to alarm when the fuel properties change. Optimal partial least squares discriminant analysis (oPLS-DA), fuzzy rule-building expert system (FuRES), and support vector machines (SVM) were used to build the calibration models between the NIR spectra and classes of physical property of jet fuels. OPLS-DA, FuRES, and SVM were compared with respect to prediction accuracy. The validation of the calibration model was conducted by applying bootstrap Latin partition (BLP), which gives a measure of precision. Prediction accuracy of 97 ± 2% of the flash point, 94 ± 2% of freezing point, 99 ± 1% of the boiling point (10%, v/v), 98 ± 2% of the boiling point (50%, v/v), and 96 ± 1% of the boiling point (90%, v/v) were obtained by FuRES in one boundaries definition. Both FuRES and SVM obtained statistically better prediction accuracy over those obtained by oPLS-DA. The results indicate that combined with chemometric classifiers NIR spectroscopy could be a fast method to monitor the changes of jet fuel physical properties.
Is Diabetes Mellitus a Continuous Spectrum?
Authors: Brooks-Worrell Barbara , Palmer Jerry P
Published: November 2010

BACKGROUND

Diabetes mellitus has been historically divided into type 1 and type 2 diabetes, with type 1 being an autoimmune disease and type 2 being primarily a metabolic disease.

CONTENT

The current diabetes classification scheme needs to be reevaluated because of the accumulating evidence of immune system involvement in the pathophysiology of type 2 diabetes.

There are similarities and differences between type 1 and type 2 diabetes with regard to pathogenesis, pathophysiology, and genetics. We propose a resolution to the dilemma of the current classification scheme.
Stress Concentration Ratio of Model Stone Columns in Soft Clays
Authors: Fattah Mohammed Y. , Shlash Kais T. , Al-Waily Maki J. Mohammed
Published: November 2010

In this work, laboratory experiments have been carried out to study the value of the stress concentration ratio, n, which is defined as the ratio of vertical stress acting on the stone column to that acting on the surrounding soil. A laboratory setup was manufactured in which two proving rings are used to measure the total load applied to the soil-stone column system and the individual load carried directly by the stone column. The foundation steel plates have 220 mm diameter and 5 mm thickness. These plates contain 1, 2, 3, and 4 holes. The spacing between all the holes equals twice the stone column diameter, D, center to center. The stone columns made of crushed stone were installed in very soft clays having undrained shear strength ranging between 6 and 12 kPa. Two length to diameter ratios L/D were tried, namely, L/D=6 and 8. The testing program consists of 30 tests on single, two, three, and four columns to study the stress concentration ratio and the bearing improvement ratio (qtreared/ q untreated) of stone columns. The experimental tests showed that the stone columns with L/D=8 provided a stress concentration ratio n of 1.4, 2.4, 2.7, and 3.1 for the soil having a shear strength cu=6 kPa, treated with single, two, three, and four columns, respectively. The values of n were decreased to 1.2, 2.2, 2.5, and 2.8 when the L/D=6. The values of n increase when the shear strength of the treated soil was increased to 9 and 12 kPa.
Study of the Initial Stage and Anisotropic Growth of Oxide Layers Formed on Zircaloy-4
Authors: Zhou B. X. , Peng J. C. , Yao M. Y. , Li Q. , Xia S. , Du C. X. , Xu G.
Published: November 2010

An in situ investigation of the epitaxial oxide layer formed on a thin specimen heated in a transmission electron microscope was carried out. Some dot-like grains about 10 nm in size were formed on the surface of a relatively thin area. The dot-like grains are monoclinic zirconium oxide and have an orientation relationship of (001)m//(01¯11)α-Zr, (111)m//(11¯01)α-Zr with the α-Zr matrix. Some long strip-like grains, probably a new kind of zirconium suboxide, were formed on the surface of a relatively thick area. The strip-like grains have a bcc structure with a lattice parameter a=0.66 nm and have an orientation relationship of (110)bcc//(101¯0)α-Zr, [11¯0]bcc//[0001]α-Zr with the α-Zr matrix. The relationship between the thickness of oxide layers and the grain orientations of the α-Zr matrix was studied with coarse-grained Zircaloy-4 specimens through autoclave corrosion tests at 500 and 400°C in superheated steam, and at 360°C in both lithiated and deionized water for long time exposure. The results show that the anisotropic growth of oxide layers on the grain surface with different orientations is considerable. However, the relationship between the thickness of oxide layers and the grain orientations of the α-Zr matrix varies with corrosion temperature and water chemistry. The largest variation of oxide thickness developed during corrosion tests at 500°C. The thickest oxide layers were formed on those grains whose surface orientations were distributed around the planes from (011¯0) to (1¯21¯0). The thicker oxide layers on these grains were further developed into nodular corrosion. When the specimens were corroded at 360°C in lithiated water, the thickest oxide layers formed on those grains, whose surface orientations tilted from 15 to 30° away from the (0001) plane. When the specimens were corroded at 400°C in superheated steam and at 360°C in deionized water, the difference between the thickness of oxide layers on different grain surfaces was less prominent.
Evaluation of the Effects of Asphalt Binder on the Properties of Hot Mix Asphalt at Intermediate Temperatures
Authors: Wen Haifang , Kutay M. Emin , Shen Shihui
Published: November 2010

The asphalt binder is an essential component of asphaltic mixtures. The performance of an asphaltic mixture is directly related to mechanical characteristics of the binder. With the development of new material characterization methods for both asphalt binder and asphaltic mixture, there is a need to re-evaluate the relationship between the properties of binders and asphaltic mixtures such that a proper understanding and selection of an asphalt binder can be made to improve the performance of an asphaltic mixture. In this study, the effects of asphalt binder properties on asphaltic mixtures at intermediate temperatures were evaluated based on recent developments on material characterization methods for both binder and asphaltic mixture. Five asphalt binders and five asphalt mixtures containing these binders with one aggregate were tested. Four of the binders were based on a modification of a base binder with different techniques. Complex shear modulus and monotonic constant shear-rate tests were conducted on asphalt binders, whereas dynamic modulus and indirect tensile strength tests were conducted on the mixtures. The effects of modification techniques on the properties of asphalt binders and the relationships between the properties of binders and asphaltic mixtures were evaluated in this study.
Characterization of Crack Arrest Phenomena in a Modified 9Cr-1Mo Steel
Authors: Sathyanarayanan S. , Moitra A. , Sasikala G. , Dasgupta A. , Saroja S. , Bhaduri A. K. , Raj Baldev , Singh Vakil
Published: November 2010

Crack arrest toughness (K1A) is a measure of the material’s ability to stop a propagating cleavage crack. However, experimental evaluation of K1A from impact tests of small size specimens is often difficult due to the uncertainties involved in the determination of the two necessary parameters, namely, the crack arrest load (Parrest) and the crack arrest length (aarrest). In this study with Mod.9Cr-1Mo steel in normalized and tempered and in subsequent cold worked conditions, these two parameters and thus the K1A have been determined from instrumented impact tests carried out in the ductile-brittle transition temperature regime. While the Parrest has been directly determined from the load-displacement traces, the aarrest was inferred using an analytical technique, namely, the “key curve” method. The crack arrest phenomenon has been attributed to the cumulative effect of the blocking of the cleavage crack at the microstructural boundaries with high degree of misorientations as identified by scanning electron microscope and electron back scattered diffraction studies. The effect of cold work on the K1A has been found to be insignificant.
Growth Response and Feed Utilization of Juvenile Hybrid Catfish Fed Diets Containing Distiller's Dried Grains with Solubles to Replace a Combination of Soybean Meal and Corn Meal
Authors: Zhou Ping , Zhang Wenbing , Davis D Allen , Lim Chhorn
Published: November 2010

A feeding trial was conducted in aquaria with juvenile hybrid catfish (channel catfish Ictalurus punctatus × blue catfish I. furcatus) to evaluate distiller's dried grains with solubles (DDGS) as a replacement for a combination of soybean meal (SBM) and corn meal (CM). Twenty-five 75-L glass aquaria were each stocked with 30 juvenile hybrid catfish (initial weight = 1.16–1.25 g). Five replicates were randomly assigned to each of five dietary treatments. Diet 1, the basal diet, contained 32% SBM and 20% CM (no DDGS and no lysine supplementation) and was based on a practical diet formulated for channel catfish. Diet 2 contained 20% DDGS and 0% lysine supplementation; diet 3 contained 20% DDGS and 0.10% lysine supplementation; diet 4 contained 30% DDGS and 0% lysine supplementation; and diet 5 contained 30% DDGS and 0.20% lysine supplementation. Fish were fed at a restricted rate equaling 5% of wet body weight twice daily for 8 weeks. There were no significant differences in percent weight gain or final weight among the four treatments with DDGS supplements. However, weight gain and final weights of fish offered diet 1 were significantly poorer than those of fish offered diets 3–5. These diets also produced significantly lower feed conversion ratios and higher protein efficiency ratios than diet 1. Results of the present study indicate that the diets formulated with 30% DDGS using the reported combination of other protein sources were not deficient in lysine and supported good growth and feed utilization in juvenile hybrid catfish.
Pond Demonstration of Production Diets Using High Levels of Distiller's Dried Grains with Solubles with or without Lysine Supplementation for Channel Catfish
Authors: Zhou Ping , Davis D Allen , Lim Chhorn , Yildirim-Aksoy Mediha , Paz Patricio , Roy Luke A
Published: November 2010

Due to the increased availability and potential price advantage of distiller's dried grains with solubles (DDGS), there is considerable interest in utilizing this product in aquaculture diets. The response of channel catfish Ictalurus punctatus to practical diets containing 20% and 30% DDGS with and without lysine supplementation was evaluated over a 150-d pond trial. Twenty earthen ponds were stocked with 650 juvenile channel catfish. The basal diet contained 35% soybean meal, 15% cottonseed meal, and 23.7% corn meal and was based on a typical practical diet formulation for channel catfish. The experimental diets, which were formulated to contain 32% protein and 6% lipid, were as follows: diet 1 (control [basal] diet) contained 0% DDGS and 0% lysine; diet 2 included 20% DDGS and 0% lysine; diet 3 contained 20% DDGS and 0.10% lysine; diet 4 contained 30% DDGS and 0% lysine; and diet 5 included 30% DDGS and 0.20% lysine. There were no significant differences in the measured variables (i.e., final weight, weight gain, yield, survival, and feed conversion ratio) among the dietary treatments, indicating that diets containing a soybean meal–corn meal mixture and 30% DDGS without lysine supplementation allow for good growth and feed utilization in pond-produced channel catfish.
New Fossil Elaterids (Coleoptera: Polyphaga: Elateridae) from the Jehol Biota in China
Authors: Chang Huali , Kirejtshuk Alexander , Ren Dong
Published: November 2010

Three new genera and six new species of fossil elaterids of the tribe Desmatini Dolin, 1975 from second Bed of the Upper Jurassic-Lower Cretaceous Yixian Formation in Huangbanjigou, Liaoning Province, China are described: Paradesmatus dilatatus sp. nov., Desmatinus cognatus gen. et sp. nov., Apoclion clavatus gen. et sp. nov., A. dolini gen. et sp. nov., A. antennatus gen. et sp. nov. and Anoixis complanus, gen. et sp. nov. This tribe demonstrates some characters similar to those in Throscidae and Eucnemidae, elucidating the evolutionary process of the Elateroidea. New materials make clear the distinctness of the genera related to DesmatusDolin, 1975 (tribe Desmatini) from all other Elateridae. Tetraraphes ebersiniIablokoff-Khnzorian, 1961 could be regarded somewhat nearby the subfamily Protagrypninae; however, this species seems to be similar to some Cenozoic groups rather than any of Mesozoic groups.
Molecular Fingerprinting and Population Dynamics of Brevipalpus Mites on Texas Citrus
Authors: Mata J , Setamou M , French J V , Louzada E
Published: November 2010

Three species of Brevipalpus mites are known potential vectors of the citrus leprosis virus (family Rhabdoviridae, genus Cyto- and Nucleorhabdovirus, CiLV). Species identification of these mites is difficult because of their small size and morphological similarities. The objective of this study was to develop an accurate and rapid molecular fingerprinting method for identifying B. phoenicis and B. californicus on Texas citrus. Iso-colonies of the two Brevipalpus species were cultured on immature citrus fruit and identified using a dichotomous key. Whole genome amplification was used to produce DNA template from single mites to identify the two species by amplified fragment length polymorphism and sequence-characterized amplified region (SCAR). Population dynamics of Brevipalpus were monitored in four citrus orchards during the 2007 growing season. Subsamples of mites were identified morphologically or by species-specific SCAR markers. Molecular fingerprinting was very efficient in identifying the two species of mites in subsamples, even in cases where the morphological identification did not discriminate between species. Brevipalpus spp. density per fruit was significantly affected by the host plant species, with sweet orange fruit hosting significantly higher density than grapefruit, Citrus x paradisi Macfad. The percentage of fruit infested with Brevipalpus mites varied significantly with time but not with host plant and the host plant by sampling date interaction. Comparison of molecular fingerprinting and morphological identification provided a high percentage of match >85% between the two methods, suggesting that molecular fingerprinting could facilitate studies on population dynamics of Brevipalpus in citrus.
Functional Morphology of the Honey Stomach Wall of the European Honey Bee (Hymenoptera: Apidae)
Authors: Sammataro D , Cicero Joseph M
Published: November 2010

The crop, or honey stomach, of the honey bee, Apis mellifera L. (Hymenoptera: Apidae), is invested in cords of muscles that are numerous enough, in both latitudinal and longitudinal directions, to fully enclose and confine the underlying, cuticle-lined epithelium. Although appressed against the inner wall of this enclosure by the crop's contents, the epithelium is largely free of ligations that would immobilize it. It can therefore slide on the inner wall and undergo extensive pleating as needed to conform to the diameter of the enclosure, regardless of the extent of contraction or distention. The two primary components of the epithelial layer, epidermal cells and procuticle, can undergo extreme compression to maintain pleats while enduring the pressure exerted by the volume of crop contents. During engorgement with nectar, the muscular enclosure relaxes to larger and larger diameters. Correspondingly, pleats unfold as needed. During dispensation of nectar in the hive, the muscular enclosure contracts and forces the epithelium to pleat itself again. Pleats are present in even the most grossly distended crops, indicating that capacity is not a limiting factor in the volume of nectar a bee can accumulate during foraging. Individual pleats are appressed, too, indicating that a lubricating, cohering substance occurs between them.
Morphological Characterization of Antennal Sensilla of the Dogwood Borer (Lepidoptera: Sesiidae)
Authors: Frank D L , Leskey T C , Bergh J C
Published: November 2010

The external morphology of the dogwood borer, Synanthedon scitula (Harris) (Lepidoptera: Sesiidae), antennae and their sensilla was investigated using light and scanning electron microscopy. Male and female antennae were clavate before tapering to an apical point and consisted of three main segments; scape, pedicel, and flagellum. Although there was no significant difference in the length of the flagellum between genders, the number of flagellomeres was significantly greater in females than in males and the length and width of individual flagellomeres was significantly greater in males than in females, except near the proximal and distal end of the antennae. The antennal flagellum of both male and female dogwood borer contained seven sensillum types: auricillica, basiconica, chaetica, coeloconica, squamiformia, styloconica, and trichoidea (three subtypes). The mean number of sensilla basiconica did not differ between female and male antennae, but all other sensillum types were significantly more abundant on female antennae. The morphology and purported function of each sensillum type are discussed in relation to the host and oviposition site finding and acceptance behaviors exhibited by dogwood borer.
Biology of Dineulophus phtorimaeae (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae) and Field Interaction with Pseudapanteles dignus (Hymenoptera: Braconidae), Larval Parasitoids of Tuta absoluta (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae) in Tomato
Authors: Luna María G , Wada Verónica I , Sánchez Norma E
Published: November 2010

Some biological characteristics of the ectoparasitoid Dineulophus phtorimaeae (de Santis) (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae) and field interaction with the endoparasitoid Pseudapanteles dignus (Muesebeck), both larval parasitoids of Tuta absoluta (Meyrick) (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae), were examined. In addition, we completed the original description of D. phtorimaeae. Preimaginal developmental time of the ectoparasitoid was 11.17 ± 0.60 d for both sexes, and adult life span was 11.73 ± 0.92 d for females and 8.78 ± 0.93 d for males. The proportion of males to females was equal. In the field, hosts were parasitized at the third larval instar. On average, a female attacked ca. four hosts throughout her lifetime and deposited eggs in ≈50% of cases. The most successful female attacked six hosts, yielding a potential fecundity of ≈10 eggs. Host paralysis without parasitism was observed, suggesting stinging for host feeding. The daily oviposition curve is compatible with a synovigenic-type parasitoid. Our prediction stating that D. phtorimaeae would succeed when competing for hosts with P. dignus was correct, because the former species had greater parasitism rates. In the field, both T. absoluta parasitoids were able to coexist at leaf scale. The negative aspects of differences in feeding behavior, narrower host range (third instar), and lower fecundity of D. phtorimaeae would be compensated by its better attributes as natural enemy, in comparison with P. dignus, enabling coexistence.
Reevaluation of theDiceroprocta texanaSpecies Complex (Hemiptera: Cicadoidea: Cicadidae)
Authors: Sanborn Allen F , Phillips Polly K
Published: November 2010

The Diceroprocta texana species complex is currently composed of Diceroprocta texana texana (Davis, 1916) and Diceroprocta texana lataDavis, 1941. We analyzed physiological, morphological, and biogeography to determine whether these taxa in fact represent two distinct species rather than subspecies. There are statistically significant differences in morphological, acoustic, and thermal parameters as well as the biogeographic patterns of the two taxa. From these data, we suggest that the two taxa actually represent two species and that D. texana lata be elevated to species full species rank with the name Diceroprocta lataDavis, 1941 n. stat. We provide the first records of D. lata collected in the United States.
Effect of Temperature on the Development and Longevity ofPlanococcus ficus(Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae)
Authors: Varikou K , Birouraki A , Bagis N , Kontodimas D C
Published: November 2010

The developmental biology of Planococcus ficus (Signoret) (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae) on table grape (Vitis spp.) leaves (‘Soultanina’) was studied at seven constant temperatures—15, 17.5, 20, 25, 30, 32.5, and 35°C—under laboratory conditions. Developmental time and adult longevity were inversely related to temperature. No nymphs hatched from eggs when incubated at 15 and 35°C, whereas no nymphs survived at 32.5°C. The highest egg-to-adult survival (72.09%) was found at 30°C and the lowest (48.80%) at 25°C. The mean total developmental time from egg to adults for females ranged from 39.87 d at 30°C to 112.62 d at 17.5°C. The recorded sex ratio of the offspring was strongly female biased. Adult females lived from 27.64 d at 30°C to 63.70 d at 20°C, whereas males lived 1.66–7.55 d, respectively. Both linear and nonlinear models adequately described the relationship between temperature and developmental rates for immature stages of P. ficus. Thus, P. ficus required 555.56 degree-days to complete development from egg to adult stage, above a minimum threshold of 11.11°C as estimated by linear regression. The temperature thresholds for all nymph instars of P. ficus, estimated by the linear model, were lower than values that were estimated by the non linear model. The predicted upper lethal temperature was 32.5°C, with a minimum threshold for total development occurring at 14.20°C, as estimated by a nonlinear model. These results may lead to better management of P. ficus by improving predictions of its seasonal appearance.
Genetic and Cytogenetic Analysis of the Walnut-Husk Fly (Diptera: Tephritidae)
Authors: Drosopoulou E , Koeppler K , Kounatidis I , Nakou I , Papadopoulos N T , Bourtzis K , Mavragani-Tsipidou P
Published: November 2010

Genetic and cytogenetic information is an essential basis for understanding the biology of insect pests, as well as for designing modern control strategies. The walnut husk fly, Rhagoletis completa (Cresson) (Diptera: Tephritidae), is an important pest of walnuts (Juglans spp.) in North America and has invaded Europe in the early 1990s. Studies on the genetics and cytogenetics of R. completa are scarce. The mitotic karyotype and detailed photographic maps of the salivary gland polytene chromosomes of this pest species are presented here. The mitotic metaphase complement consists of six pairs of chromosomes, the sex chromosomes being very small and similar in size. The analysis of the salivary gland polytene complement shows a total number of five long chromosomes (10 polytene arms) that correspond to the five autosomes of the mitotic nuclei and a heterochromatic mass corresponding to the sex chromosomes. The banding pattern as well as the most characteristic features and prominent landmarks of each polytene chromosome are presented and discussed.
Genetic Differentiation of Troides Aeacus Formosanus (Lepidoptera: Papilionidae), Based on Cytochrome Oxidase I Sequences and Amplified Fragment Length Polymorphism
Authors: Wu I-Hsin , Yang Ping-Shih , Liu Cheng-Yue , Yeh Wen-Bin
Published: November 2010

The butterfly Troides aeacus formosanus (Rothschild) (Lepidoptera: Papilionidae) is one of the five T. aeacus subspecies adapted to tropical regions and is endemic to Taiwan. Partial DNA sequences of cytochrome oxidase I (COI) and amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) markers were analyzed to differentiate this birdwing butterfly subspecies and to indicate its possible dispersal history. Phylogenetic relationship analyses have shown that T. a. formosanus can be divided into lineages I and II with limited COI variations, and AFLP patterns also have shown two divergent clusters, A and B. In populations collected from southern Taiwan, there was a significant relationship between lineage II and cluster B. Parsimonious network of COI indicated haplotype H1, the nearest to the other subspecies, should be the basal form in T. a. formosanus. Both COI sequences and AFLP patterns indicated that haplotype diversity was high in all populations, whereas low levels of genetic differentiation were found among populations. Molecular variance suggested that most of the total variance was due to differences within populations. These results, together with the divergence estimation and the specific geological topology in southern Taiwan, indicate that T. a. formosanus might have entered Taiwan during recent glaciations (≈150,000 yr ago) and become adapted to the tropical environment. The observed differentiation of T. a. formosanus could have resulted from the geographic barriers of the Central Range on the island. Moreover, genetic exchanges caused by movement of individuals among butterfly farms or gardens in the past two decades may have led to less diversification among current populations of T. a. formosanus.
Gender and Species Identification of Four Native Honey Bees (Apidae:Apis) in Thailand Based on Wing Morphometic Analysis
Authors: Rattanawannee Atsalek , Chanchao Chanpen , Wongsiri Siriwat
Published: November 2010

Morphometrics is a relatively powerful analytical tool for the identification of distinct species and subspecies of bees. Typically, within honey bees (Apidae: Apis), morphometric analysis has been used to differentiate the groups and species by using multiple body characteristics. However, these procedures are time-consuming for the suitable preparation of the samples and orientating each part into the correct plane for accurate measurement. Here, we were able to discriminate four honey bee species based on their wing venation pattern information only. Geometric morphometric measurements of the right forewing of drones and workers of Apis andreniformis Smith, Apis cerana F., Apis dorsata F., and Apis florea F. were analyzed. The results demonstrated that the patterns of forewing venation of native Thai honey bees between sexes in the same species were more closely related to each other than to honey bees of the same sex in another species. The wing venation pattern carried sufficient information to discriminate 99% of the individuals, and so the geometric morphometric analysis of the wing alone could be used to identify Asian honey bee species in most circumstances. In addition, the sex of the individual did not obstruct identification. Therefore, morphometric analysis of a single wing might be a useful tool for biodiversity studies of bees and other insects or fossil records. Many insect fossils are only known from a wing, including several fossil honey bees.
Reproductive Role of Infrared Radiation Sensors ofMelanophila acuminata(Coleoptera: Buprestidae) at Forest Fires
Authors: Evans W G
Published: November 2010

Based on the original experimental results from stimulating the infrared radiation sensors of Melanophila acuminata (DeGeer) (Coleoptera: Buprestidae), it has been concluded that the sensors function at forest fires by protecting beetles from hazardous conditions associated with a flaming environment while swarming, mating, and ovipositing on heated, exposed tree roots. The beetles are renowned for their rapid flight and for their exceptional dispersal capacity resulting in such a wide distribution that they come upon fires randomly. Thus, a case is made here that the infrared radiation sensors of M. acuminata and, presumably, other species in the genus, evolved not for distance perception of fires but for enhanced reproductive activities at them. An examination of the literature has revealed a long-standing interest in distances of perception of forest fires by the sensors, during which time increasingly longer distances have been claimed in various publications. These distances, however, cannot be accepted because there are no calculations supporting them, but just as important is that all of them, ranging up to 100 km in length, far exceed distances obtained by application of the inverse square law of physics where the intensity of radiation of a fire is inversely proportional to distance.
Discovery of a New Plagiotrochus Species (Hymenoptera: Cynipidae) Inducing Galls on the Evergreen Oak in Japan
Authors: Ide Tatsuya , Wachi Nakatada , Abe Yoshihisa
Published: November 2010

Plagiotrochus masudai Ide, Wachi & Abe sp. nov. (Hymenoptera: Cynipidae), a gall inducer on Quercus (Cyclohalanopsis) glauca Thunberg in Japan, is described. This is the first description of an oak gall wasp species (tribe Cynipini) inducing galls on Cyclohalanopsis. The unique life cycle of P. masudai takes 3 yr to complete. The adult wasps of the sexual generation emerge from bud galls on Q. glauca in spring of the first year, and those of the asexual generation emerge from twig galls in spring of the third year.
Briefing: Spreadsheet analysis of complex masonry structures
Authors: Harvey W. J.
Published: November 2010

When dealing with complex masonry structures, exploration of the potential flow of forces can sometimes be more useful than rigorous analysis. Exploration requires division of the structure into elements, computation of volumes and weights, summation of forces and then the tracing and visualisation of force flow. This briefing note describes how vector algebra and spreadsheets can be used to develop simple interactive spreadsheet models.
Masonry arch analysis using discontinuity layout optimisation
Authors: Gilbert M. , Smith C. C. , Pritchard T. J.
Published: November 2010

Limit-analysis techniques have been found to provide a useful means of rapidly estimating the ultimate load-carrying capacity of masonry arch bridges. However, in most limit-analysis models only the masonry elements (e.g. arches and piers) are modelled directly, and the surrounding soil backfill material is usually modelled in an indirect and highly simplified manner. Given the likely importance of the soil backfill, this can lead to considerable imprecision when estimating load-carrying capacity, particularly when non-homogeneous backfill materials are involved. In this paper the recently developed discontinuity layout optimisation (DLO) limit-analysis procedure is extended to enable rotations at the boundaries of prescribed regions to be considered, thus allowing both soil and masonry components within a problem to be be modelled explicitly. This allows masonry arch bridges to be analysed using DLO. Results are initially validated against literature benchmarks and then compared with those obtained from carefully controlled tests recently carried out on soil-filled masonry arch bridges. It is demonstrated that reasonable estimates of bridge load-carrying capacity can be obtained provided ‘mobilised' rather than peak soil strengths are used in the analysis.
Dynamics of in-plane arch rocking: an energy approach
Authors: DeJong M. J. , Ochsendorf J. A.
Published: November 2010

This study employs an analytical model to describe the rocking response of a masonry arch to in-plane seismic loading. Through evaluation of the rate of energy input to the system, the model reveals the ground motions that cause maximum rocking amplification. An experimental investigation of small-scale masonry arches subjected to past earthquake time histories is used to evaluate the analytical model and to explore arch rocking behaviour. The results demonstrate that rocking amplification can occur, but is highly sensitive to slight variations in the ground motion. Thus, the accuracy to which the arch response can be predicted is brought into perspective. The concept that the primary impulse of an expected ground motion is fundamentally important in predicting arch collapse is evaluated in light of the developed energy approach. Finally, a statistical method is proposed for predicting the probability of arch collapse during seismic loading.
Briefing: Making soldiers’ lives better
Authors: Smart Peter
Published: November 2010

The use of modular accommodation has been one of the key factors in the success of the UK Ministry of Defence’s private finance initiative infrastructure project, Allenby/Connaught. The contract, which was awarded in March 2006 to Aspire Defence, a joint venture between Carillion plc and KBR Ltd, is for a contract period of 35 years and provides high-quality, modern living, leisure and working accommodation across the garrisons of Salisbury Plain and Aldershot. It is aimed at improving the quality of life for the military personnel based there, or, simply put, ‘making’soldiers’ lives better’. The work includes the construction or refurbishment of 550 buildings of which 368 are new. Of these, 254 are modular single living accommodation blocks and the remainder are steel-frame-constructed administrative or technical buildings. Completed buildings are being handed over at a rate in excess of one a week over the 8 years of the construction programme.
Key influences of innovation magnitude and mode
Authors: Shaw Nicholas , Bouchlaghem Dino , Demian Peter
Published: November 2010

There is plenty of recognition of the need for more innovation in the construction sector. Increasing levels of competition, rapid technological and regulatory change, the current economic climate and environmental concern all accentuate this requirement. In response, many construction firms are seeking ways to manage innovation more actively and conscientiously in order to remain competitive. However, there is little practical guidance for construction professionals on how to make innovation flourish in their teams. Those who aspire to improve the management of innovation will need to understand how innovation happens, what are the driving forces and how can they be influenced. This paper reports on an empirical investigation that was undertaken to explore some of these questions, specifically the role of organisational climate, customers, risk and complexity on the levels of innovation in teams and the various modes of innovation that prevail – with the aim of providing practitioners with clearer guidance on where efforts should be focused. The findings suggest that there are a limited number of fundamental factors that significantly influence innovation magnitude and mode. For industry professionals it is hoped that this stimulates debate and assists in establishing a much needed foundation for improved innovation management in construction.
A short history for the future of engineering
Authors: Steels Harry Macdonald
Published: November 2010

The author has views on the development of the profession for the twenty-first century which are both challenging and provocative. By contrasting the Victorian industrial revolution with the major changes in society needed today, a fundamental review of the profession's raison d’être is suggested, as is a radical rethink of the education and training of civil engineers. The author believes that the standards are already set and that there are the germs of a renaissance, but that industry and the profession at large have yet to realise their full significance.
Long‐term vegetation responses to reintroduction and repeated use of fire in mixed‐conifer forests of the Sierra Nevada
Authors: Webster Karen M. , Halpern Charles B.
Published: November 2010

Nearly a century of fire suppression has changed fundamental aspects of the structure and functioning of fire‐adapted forests throughout the western U.S. Prescribed fire is increasingly used to restore forest structure and reduce surface fuels with limited consideration of its consequences for biological diversity. In this study, we used more than two decades of data from permanent plots in mixed‐conifer forests of Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks, California, to explore changes in plant diversity and abundance following reintroduction and repeated use of fire. Data on stand structure, fuel loading, fire severity and heterogeneity, and the richness and abundance of major growth forms were collected on 51 plots representing one of three treatments: control, first‐entry burn, and second‐entry burn. Understories showed distinct compositional changes over time in first‐ and second‐entry burns. Burned plots supported more than twice as many species as controls 10 yr after treatment; first‐entry plots showed a nearly threefold increase in richness by year 20. Burned plots supported four to five times as many shrub species as controls 5–10 yr after burning. Total plant cover (dominated by perennial forbs and shrubs) increased in first‐entry plots, but did not differ from controls until 20 yr after treatment. Following second‐entry, cover did not change through final sampling (year 10). Nonnative species were rare, occurring in only three plots at low abundance. Higher severity fires led to greater numbers of species and to greater plant cover. Species richness was not correlated with burn heterogeneity. Long‐term observations suggest that reintroduction of fire in previously unmanaged forests can gradually enhance the diversity and abundance of understory species. Repeated burning—necessary to achieve structural and fuel‐reduction objectives—does not appear to have a detrimental effect on plant diversity and may enhance the distributions of species that are adversely affected by fire exclusion. If fire is to play an important role in restoration, however, it will need to be maintained as a frequent and spatially dynamic process on the landscape.
First-Mover Advantage in a Dynamic Duopoly with Spillover
Authors: Femminis Gianluca , Martini Gianmaria
Published: November 2010

We present a dynamic duopoly model of technical innovation in which R&D costs decrease exogenously with time and inter-firm knowledge spillover lowers the second comer's R&D cost. The spillover effect only becomes available after a disclosure lag. These features allow us to identify a new type of equilibrium: the leader delays investment until the R&D cost is low enough that the follower finds it optimal to invest as soon as he can benefit from the spillover. This equilibrium is subgame perfect over a wide range of parameters and raises several interesting implications. First, in our new equilibrium, the time delay between the two R&D investments is realistically short. Second, while the presence of a spillover favors the second-mover, this benefit is not enough to rule out a first-mover advantage. Indeed, the first-mover advantage survives whenever technical progress is sufficiently fast and the disclosure lag is relatively long. Third, in case of a major innovation, our equilibrium implies under-investment, which requires a substantial public intervention in favor of the investment activity.
Ellipticine and benzo(a)pyrene increase their own metabolic activation via modulation of expression and enzymatic activity of cytochromes P450 1A1 and 1A2
Authors: Aimová Dagmar , Poljaková Jitka , Kotrbová Věra , Moserová Michaela , Frei Eva , Arlt Volker , Stiborová Marie
Published: November 2010

Ellipticine and benzo(a)pyrene increase their own metabolic activation via modulation of expression and enzymatic activity of cytochromes P450 1A1 and 1A2

Two compounds known to covalently bind to DNA after their activation with cytochromes P450 (CYPs), carcinogenic benzo(a)pyrene (BaP) and an antineoplastic agent ellipticine, were investigated for their potential to induce CYP and NADPH:CYP reductase (POR) enzymes in rodent livers, the main target organ for DNA adduct formation. Two animal models were used in the study: (i) rats as animals mimicking the fate of ellipticine in humans and (ii) mice, especially wild-type (WT) and hepatic POR null (HRN™) mouse lines. Ellipticine and BaP induce expression of CYP1A enzymes in livers of experimental models, which leads to increase in their enzymatic activity. In addition, both compounds are capable of generating DNA adducts, predominantly in livers of studied organisms. As determined by32P postlabelling analysis, levels of ellipticine-derived DNA adducts formedin vivoin the livers of HRN™ mice were reduced (by up to 65%) relative to levels in WT mice, indicating that POR mediated CYP enzyme activity is important for the activation of ellipticine. In contrast to these results, 6.4 fold higher DNA binding of BaP was observed in the livers of HRN™ mice than in WT mice. This finding suggests a detoxication role of CYP1A in BaP metabolismin vivo. Inin vitroexperiments, DNA adduct formation in calf thymus DNA was up to 25 fold higher in incubations of ellipticine or BaP with microsomes from pretreated animals than with controls. This stimulation effect was attributed to induction of CYP1A1/2 enzymes, which are responsible for oxidative activation of both compounds to the metabolites generating major DNA adductsin vitro. Taken together, these results demonstrate that by inducing CYP1A1/2, ellipticine and BaP modulate their own enzymatic metabolic activation and detoxication, thereby modulating their either pharmacological (ellipticine) and/or genotoxic potential (both compounds).
Oxidation of carcinogenic 2-nitroanisole by rat cytochromes P450 - similarity between human and rat enzymes
Authors: Svobodová Martina , Dračínská Helena , Martínková Markéta , Hudeček Jiří , Hodek Petr , Frei Eva , Stiborová Marie
Published: November 2010

Oxidation of carcinogenic 2-nitroanisole by rat cytochromes P450 - similarity between human and rat enzymes

2-Nitroanisole (2-NA) is an important industrial pollutant and a potent carcinogen for rodents. Understanding which cytochrome P450 (CYP) enzymes are involved in its metabolism are important to assess an individual's susceptibility to this environmental carcinogen. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficiency of rat hepatic CYPs to oxidize 2-NA, to examine the metabolites formed during such an oxidation, and to compare such efficiencies of rat CYPs with those of human. 2-NA is oxidized by rat hepatic microsomes to 2-nitrophenol (2-NP) as the major metabolite, and to 2,6-dihydroxynitrobenzene (2,6-DNB) and 2,5-dihydroxynitrobenzene (2,5-DNB) as the minor products. All these metabolites are suggested as detoxication products. Using hepatic microsomes of rats pre-treated with specific CYP inducers and microsomes from Baculovirus transfected insect cells expressing recombinant rat and human CYP enzymes we found that rat recombinant CYP2E1, 2D2, 2B2, 2C6 and 1A1, as well as orthologous human CYP enzymes are the most efficient enzymes metabolizing 2-NA. However, human CYP1A1 oxidize 2-NA with a higher efficiency than the enzyme of rats. The results show the participation of orthologous CYPs in 2-NA oxidation by both species and underline the suitability of rat species as a model to evaluate human susceptibility to 2-NA.
Comparison of the sensitivity of Danio rerio and Poecilia reticulata to silver nitrate in short-term tests
Authors: Doleželová Petra , Mácová Stanislava , Pištěková Vladimíra , Svobodová Zdeňka , Bedáňová Iveta , Voslářová Eva
Published: November 2010

Comparison of the sensitivity ofDanio rerioandPoecilia reticulatato silver nitrate in short-term tests

The aim of this study is to assess the acute toxicity of silver nitrate in adult zebra fish and adult guppies and to compare the sensitivity of these species to this compound. Silver is a naturally occurring element in our environment and it combines with other elements such as sulfide, chloride, and nitrate. Silver, in the form of silver nitrate, is one of the most toxic metals affecting freshwater fish. Industry, particularly photographical and electrotechnical, is the major contributor of silver that is released into the environment. Tests of acute toxicity were performed on the most common species of aquarium fish,Danio rerioandPoecilia reticulata.Both zebra fish and guppies were exposed to progressive concentrations of silver nitrate; a semi-static method according to OECD 203 was used. In each test series, 6 tests of acute toxicity were conducted, with 10 fish used for each separate concentration and for the control group. The results (number of fish deaths in the individual test concentrations) were subjected to probit analysis (EKO-TOX 5.1 software) to determine the 96hLC50AgNO3values. The 96hLC50AgNO3value for the zebra fish was (mean ± SEM) 15 ± 0.52 μg/l and for the guppies was (mean ± SEM) 17.14 ± 5.43 μg/l. We didn't find any statistically significant difference between the sensitivity of zebra fish and guppies. The results reported in this study are in agreement with LC50values published in peer-reviewed literature, and conclude that AgNO3is one of the most toxic compounds known to fishery.
Isolation of cytoplasmic NADPH-dependent phenol hydroxylase and catechol-1,2-dioxygenase from Candida tropicalis yeast
Authors: Vilímková Lenka , Páca Jan , Kremláčková Veronika , Páca Jan , Stiborová Marie
Published: November 2010

Isolation of cytoplasmic NADPH-dependent phenol hydroxylase and catechol-1,2-dioxygenase fromCandida tropicalisyeast

The efficiencies of NADPH-dependent phenol hydroxylase (EC 1.14.13.7) and catechol 1,2-dioxygenase (EC.1.13.11.1) in biodegradation of phenol in the cytosolic fraction isolated from yeastCandida tropicaliswere investigated. Enzymatic activities of both NADPH-dependent phenol hydroxylase and catechol 1,2-dioxygenase were detected in the cytosolic fraction ofC. tropicalisgrown on medium containing phenol. Using the procedure consisting of chromatography on DEAE-Sepharose, fractionation by polyethylene glycol 6000 and gel permeation chromatography on Sepharose 4B the enzyme responsible for phenol hydroxylation in cytosol, NADPH-dependent phenol hydroxylase, was isolated from the cytosolic fraction ofC. tropicalisclose to homogeneity. However, fractionation with polyethylene glycol 6000 lead to a decrease in catechol 1,2-dioxygenase activity. Therefore, another procedure was tested to purify this enzyme. Gel permeation chromatography of proteins of the eluate obtained by chromatography on a DEAE-Sepharose column was utilized to separate phenol hydroxylase and catechol 1,2-dioxygenase. Among gel permeation chromatography on columns of Sephadex G-100, Sephacryl S-300 and Sepharose 4B tested for their efficiencies to isolate phenol hydroxylase and catechol 1,2-dioxygenase, that on Sephacryl S-300 was found to be suitable for such a procedure. Nevertheless, even this chromatographic method did not lead to obtain catechol 1,2-dioxygenase in sufficient amounts and purity for its further characterization. The data demonstrate the progress in resolving the enzymes responsible for the first two steps of phenol degradation by theC. tropicalisstrain.