bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Measure for Measure
Authors: Sears Justine , Glitman Karen , Fanslow Greg
Published: December 2013

As the environmental and financial costs of conventional gasoline become more apparent, interest in the concept of transportation efficiency is growing. Broadly, this concept involves using less energy to meet current travel demand and often uses a systems-level approach. The transportation sector has much to learn from the electric and thermal energy sectors, whose demand management strategies have used established screening tools to assess the environmental and financial benefits of efficiency measures for years. The adoption of such screening tools may be ideal for the transportation sector as electric vehicles (EVs) bring these two sectors together. An example discusses how the Vermont state screening tool can be used to evaluate a transportation measure: switching from a conventional vehicle to an EV. Screening tool results demonstrate that the estimated cost benefits of an EV vary from –$15,911 to $24,645, depending on the EV model, miles driven annually, and externalities considered, among other factors. The cost-effectiveness of EVs was improved by including avoided health costs because of reduced tailpipe emissions. More broadly, results showed that cost-effectiveness screening tools used in the electric and thermal energy sectors provided a meaningful way to assess potential gains in transportation efficiency and could be used to evaluate other transportation efficiency measures (e.g., bicycle and walking infrastructure, transit). The use of such screening tools will increase communication and collaboration between the energy and transportation sectors while facilitating a systems-based approach to transportation planning and demand management.
Participation and Incentive Choice of Participants in an Early Vehicle Retirement Program in Quebec, Canada
Authors: Lachapelle Ugo
Published: December 2013

Early vehicle retirement programs are designed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, improve air quality and traffic safety, and stimulate the economy by replacing the automobile fleet with vehicles that pollute less. The Province of Quebec's early vehicle retirement program also was designed as a mode shift tool by offering six incentives that included transit passes, rebates on bicycles and vehicles, and membership in a car-sharing cooperative. The characteristics associated with program participation and incentive choice were assessed. Between 2009 and 2011, more than 40,000 participants registered with the program and provided address, choice of incentive, age of vehicle, gender, and age. Census data provided measures of the built and social environments near participants' residences. The determinants of program participation rates were assessed with the use of Tobit regressions. Incentive choice was modeled with a multinomial logistic regression. Participation rates were high in low-density metropolitan areas and high-density nonmetropolitan areas as well as in areas with low unemployment rates, few immigrants, and young populations. Transit incentives were popular in dense metro politan centers with a large proportion of women, young people, and high incomes. Older participants were likely to choose car rebates, whereas bicycle incentives were associated with young male participants. Participants in low-income areas were likely to choose the cash incentive. The addition of incentive options that are feasible in low-density or low-income areas should be considered. Alternative transportation incentives are chosen primarily in dense urban environments where a mode shift is feasible.
Analysis of Heterogeneous Speeding Behavior and Gasoline Prices with Hourly Washington State Data
Authors: Watkins Kari Edison , Wolff Hendrik
Published: December 2013

Previous research has produced mixed results for a hypothesis that drivers reduce speeds to conserve gasoline when gasoline prices are high. An analysis that builds on 2012 research by Hendrik Wolff is replicated with an hourly data set of highway speeds from Washington State. A decline in speeds due to increasing gasoline prices is modest but statistically significant. Specifically, a $1/gallon increase in gas prices reduces the average speed by 0.27 mph and changes the average highway speed from 70.82 to 70.55 mph. The change could translate to substantial gas expenditure savings—on the order of $1 billion annually—if similar reductions were seen on all U.S. highways. Study results indicate that in terms of heterogeneity, the fastest drivers do not reduce speeds proportionately; such behavior could undermine the safety objective of a gasoline tax. The speed changes are caused mainly by the gasoline price that drivers pay at the pump. The intense public media attention given to gas prices has relatively little effect on speeding behavior.
Potential Reductions in Emissions and Petroleum Use in Transportation
Authors: Vimmerstedt Laura , Brown Austin , Heath Garvin , Mai Trieu , Melaina Marc , Newes Emily , Ruth Mark , Simpkins Travis , Warner Ethan , Bertram Kenneth , Plotkin Steven , Patel Deena , Stephens Thomas , Vyas Anant
Published: December 2013

The use of energy-efficient technologies and renewable energy sources in transportation could reduce petroleum use and greenhouse gas emissions, but these approaches may face challenges in consumer adoption, infrastructure requirements, and resource constraints. The Transportation Energy Futures project of the U.S. Department of Energy reviewed opportunities for significant reductions in petroleum use and greenhouse gas emissions. On the basis of that review, a diverse set of strategies is explored: reduced energy intensity of transportation modes, lower use intensity of motorized transport, and reduced carbon or petroleum intensity through the use of electricity and hydrogen from renewable energy as well as the use of biofuels. Energy efficiency and demand-side approaches could stop the growth in total transportation energy. In the light-duty vehicle sector, growth in energy use already is projected to flatten; the deployment of technologies for energy efficiency could limit growth in the non-light-duty sector. Travel reduction and built environment changes could moderate personal transportation demand. Freight mass reductions and mode switching could slow or stabilize freight demand. Vehicles using electricity or hydrogen could enable access to renewable energy resources other than biomass. Challenges in fueling infrastructure expansion and market uptake of advanced vehicles are considered. Competition for biomass also is explored, considering markets for electricity, gasoline, diesel, jet fuel, and bunker fuel. The potential for the implementation of these strategies to displace U.S. petroleum use and reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the transportation sector is discussed along with the barriers to realizing this potential in the market.
Is Smart Growth Associated with Reductions in Carbon Dioxide Emissions?
Authors: Wang Xin , Khattak Asad , Zhang Yichi
Published: December 2013

The transportation sector is the second largest contributor to human-generated carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions. A key goal of the U.S. Department of Transportation is to implement environmentally sustainable policies that can reduce carbon emissions from transportation sources. Smart growth—characterized by compact, mixed use; greater network connectivity; and environments friendly to alternative modes—may encourage reductions in vehicle travel and emissions. A better understanding of travel behavior in conventional and smart growth communities is needed to inform policies. A behavioral data set is analyzed to determine whether smart growth developments are associated with lower CO2 emissions. Sample selection models are estimated from a 2009 travel behavior survey of 15,213 households to capture the conditionality of emissions on the decision to drive (or not) by household members on a given day. Results indicated that 12% of responding households used alternative modes or did not travel from home; the rest of the sample traveled in an automobile and therefore contributed to CO2 emissions. CO2 emissions were calculated from vehicle miles traveled and the fuel efficiency of the vehicle used for specific trips taken by household members. The developed framework models whether CO2 emissions are associated with land use, sociodemographics, and preferences for adopting information technology. Tailpipe CO2 emissions are lower for households that reside in mixed land use neighborhoods with good network connections (on the order of 9%). As a long-term strategy, CO2 emissions reductions from smart growth developments can be substantial.
Climate Change Effects on Transportation Infrastructure
Authors: Wu Yao-Jan , Hayat Tanveer , Clarens Andres , Smith Brian L.
Published: December 2013

The potential effects of climate change on transportation infrastructure have been receiving attention in recent years. An especially useful and increasingly common approach to investigating the potential effects of climate change on infrastructure is the use of geographic information systems (GISs) for risk analysis because climate change effects are likely to occur in conjunction with other geographically specific impacts such as storm surge and traffic operations, whose vulnerability can be most effectively quantified with GIS-based tools. To demonstrate the efficacy of these tools, a scenario-based risk analysis approach is presented: it investigates the effects of climate change on transportation infrastructure in Hampton Roads, Virginia. First, climate change effects in the study site are investigated to develop representative climate change scenarios. Then, a GIS-based evaluation of transportation infrastructure vulnerability to sea level rise and storm surge is formed by combining the GIS data set with results from the Sea, Lake, and Overland Surges from Hurricanes (SLOSH) model. Finally, the proposed risk model generates a GIS-based risk map under three scenarios of climate change threat. Results indicate that the city of Virginia Beach, Virginia, is at high risk in all three scenarios because of climate change events, a high level of transportation activity, and density of transportation facilities. The risk map—a visualization of the risk model—can assist transportation planners and decision makers with prioritizing assets to allocate resources for emergency preparation and response.
The Space Mission Design Example Using LEO Bolos
Authors: Nizhnik Oleg
Published: December 2013

Four sample space launch missions were designed using rotating momentum transfer tethers (bolos) within low Earth orbit and a previously unknown phenomenon of “aerospinning” was identified and simulated. The momentum transfer tethers were found to be only marginally more efficient than the use of chemical rocket boosters. Insufficient power density of modern spacecrafts was identified as the principal inhibitory factor for tether usage as a means of launch-assistance, with power densities at least 10 W/kg required for effective bolos operation.
Diurnal Variation of Rainfall Associated with Tropical Depression in South China and its Relationship to Land-Sea Contrast and Topography
Authors: Zhao Yuchun
Published: December 2013

Convective precipitation associated with tropical depression (TD) is one primary type of post-flooding season rainfall in South China (SC). Observations of the Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (TRMM) satellite have shown specific diurnal features of convective rainfall in South China, which is somewhat different from that in other seasons or regions of China. Convective precipitation is usually organized into a rainfall band along the southeastern coast of South China in the early morning hours. The rainfall band develops and intensifies quickly in the morning, then moves inland in the afternoon and, finally, diminishes at night. The daily convective rainfall along the coast is much more than that in the inland region, and heavy rainfall is often found along the coast. A long-duration heavy rainfall event associated with tropical depression “Fitow” during the period from 28 August to 6 September 2001, is selected in this study to explore the diurnal feature of convective rainfall and its formation mechanism. Modeling results of the 10-day heavy rainfall event are compared with both rain-gauge observation and satellite-retrieved rainfall. Total precipitation and its spatial distribution, as well as diurnal variations are reasonably simulated and agree well with observations. Further analysis reveals that the development and movement of convective precipitation is mainly related to the land and sea breezes. The anomalous height-latitudinal circulation in the morning-to-noon hours is completely reversed in the afternoon-to-late-evening hours, with the convective rainfall swinging back and forth, following its updraft branch. Sensitivity experiments show that the afternoon convective rainfall in the inland region of SC is caused by the diurnal variation of solar radiation forcing. The mountain range along the coast and the complex topography in the inland region of SC plays a critical role in the enhancement of diurnal convective rainfall everywhere. The formation of a heavy rainfall band along the southeastern coast of SC and the diurnal variation of the rainfall pattern are mainly the results of the land-sea thermal contrast.
Misfolding of Amyloidogenic Proteins and Their Interactions with Membranes
Authors: Relini Annalisa , Marano Nadia , Gliozzi Alessandra
Published: December 2013

In this paper, we discuss amyloidogenic proteins, their misfolding, resulting structures, and interactions with membranes, which lead to membrane damage and subsequent cell death. Many of these proteins are implicated in serious illnesses such as Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease. Misfolding of amyloidogenic proteins leads to the formation of polymorphic oligomers and fibrils. Oligomeric aggregates are widely thought to be the toxic species, however, fibrils also play a role in membrane damage. We focus on the structure of these aggregates and their interactions with model membranes. Study of interactions of amlyoidogenic proteins with model and natural membranes has shown the importance of the lipid bilayer in protein misfolding and aggregation and has led to the development of several models for membrane permeabilization by the resulting amyloid aggregates. We discuss several of these models: formation of structured pores by misfolded amyloidogenic proteins, extraction of lipids, interactions with receptors in biological membranes, and membrane destabilization by amyloid aggregates perhaps analogous to that caused by antimicrobial peptides.
26,26,26,27,27,27-Hexadeuterated-1,25-Dihydroxyvitamin D3 (1,25D-d6) As Adjuvant of Chemotherapy in Breast Cancer Cell Lines
Authors: Seoane Samuel , Bermudez Maria , Sendon-Lago Juan , Martinez-Ordoñez Anxo , Abdul-Hadi Soraya , Maestro Miguel , Mouriño Antonio , Perez-Fernandez Roman
Published: December 2013

It has been demonstrated that 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 (1,25D) and some of its analogues have antitumor activity. 1,25D labeled with deuterium (26,26,26,27,27,27-hexadeuterated 1a,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3, or 1,25D-d6) is commonly used as internal standard for 1,25D liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) quantification. In the present study using human breast cancer cell lines, the biological activity of 1,25D-d6 administered alone and in combination with two commonly used antineoplastic agents, 5-fluorouracil and etoposide, was evaluated. Using an MTT assay, flow cytometry, and western blots, our data demonstrated that 1,25D-d6 has effects similar to the natural hormone on cell proliferation, cell cycle, and apoptosis. Furthermore, the combination of 1,25D-d6 and etoposide enhances the antitumoral effects of both compounds. Interestingly, the antitumoral effect is higher in the more aggressive MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cell line. Our data indicate that 1,25D-d6 administered alone or in combination with chemotherapy could be a good experimental method for accurately quantifying active 1,25D levels in cultures or in biological fluids, on both in vitro breast cancer cell lines and in vivo animal experimental models.
Diseases — the Reasons for a New Challenge in Open Access Medicine Research
Authors: Battino Maurizio
Published: December 2013

First, I would like to warmly welcome the readers, contributors, and editorial board members of Diseases journal as a new entrant to the international periodicals industry. [...]
Trypanosomatid Aquaporins: Roles in Physiology and Drug Response
Authors: Mandal Goutam , Orta Jose , Sharma Mansi , Mukhopadhyay Rita
Published: December 2013

In the class Kinetoplastida, we find an order of parasitic protozoans classified as Trypanosomatids. Three major pathogens form part of this order, Trypanosoma cruzi, Trypanosoma brucei, and Leishmania, which are responsible for disease and fatalities in millions of humans worldwide, especially in non-industrialized countries in tropical and sub-tropical regions. In order to develop new drugs and treatments, the physiology of these pathogenic protozoans has been studied in detail, specifically the significance of membrane transporters in host parasites interactions. Aquaporins and Aquaglyceroporins (AQPs) are a part of the major intrinsic proteins (MIPs) super-family. AQPs are characterized for their ability to facilitate the diffusion of water (aquaporin), glycerol (aquaglyceroporin), and other small-uncharged solutes. Furthermore, AQPs have been shown to allow the ubiquitous passage of some metalloids, such as trivalent arsenic and antimony. These trivalent metalloids are the active ingredient of a number of chemotherapeutic agents used against certain cancers and protozoan parasitic infections. Recently, the importance of the AQPs not only in osmotic adaptations but also as a factor in drug resistance of the trypanosomatid parasites has been reported. In this review, we will describe the physiological functions of aquaporins and their effect in drug response across the different trypanosomatids.
Nonadiabatic Molecular Dynamics Based on Trajectories
Authors: De Carvalho Felipe , Bouduban Marine , Curchod Basile , Tavernelli Ivano
Published: December 2013

Performing molecular dynamics in electronically excited states requires the inclusion of nonadiabatic effects to properly describe phenomena beyond the Born-Oppenheimer approximation. This article provides a survey of selected nonadiabatic methods based on quantum or classical trajectories. Among these techniques, trajectory surface hopping constitutes an interesting compromise between accuracy and efficiency for the simulation of medium- to large-scale molecular systems. This approach is, however, based on non-rigorous approximations that could compromise, in some cases, the correct description of the nonadiabatic effects under consideration and hamper a systematic improvement of the theory. With the help of an in principle exact description of nonadiabatic dynamics based on Bohmian quantum trajectories, we will investigate the origin of the main approximations in trajectory surface hopping and illustrate some of the limits of this approach by means of a few simple examples.
Approximating Time-Dependent Quantum Statistical Properties
Authors: Bonella Sara , Ciccotti Giovanni
Published: December 2013

Computing quantum dynamics in condensed matter systems is an open challenge due to the exponential scaling of exact algorithms with the number of degrees of freedom. Current methods try to reduce the cost of the calculation using classical dynamics as the key ingredient of approximations of the quantum time evolution. Two main approaches exist, quantum classical and semi-classical, but they suffer from various difficulties, in particular when trying to go beyond the classical approximation. It may then be useful to reconsider the problem focusing on statistical time-dependent averages rather than directly on the dynamics. In this paper, we discuss a recently developed scheme for calculating symmetrized correlation functions. In this scheme, the full (complex time) evolution is broken into segments alternating thermal and real-time propagation, and the latter is reduced to classical dynamics via a linearization approximation. Increasing the number of segments systematically improves the result with respect to full classical dynamics, but at a cost which is still prohibitive. If only one segment is considered, a cumulant expansion can be used to obtain a computationally efficient algorithm, which has proven accurate for condensed phase systems in moderately quantum regimes. This scheme is summarized in the second part of the paper. We conclude by outlining how the cumulant expansion formally provides a way to improve convergence also for more than one segment. Future work will focus on testing the numerical performance of this extension and, more importantly, on investigating the limit for the number of segments that goes to infinity of the approximate expression for the symmetrized correlation function to assess formally its convergence to the exact result.
Analysis of Time Reversible Born-Oppenheimer Molecular Dynamics
Authors: Lin Lin , Lu Jianfeng , Shao Sihong
Published: December 2013

We analyze the time reversible Born-Oppenheimer molecular dynamics (TRBOMD) scheme, which preserves the time reversibility of the Born-Oppenheimer molecular dynamics even with non-convergent self-consistent field iteration. In the linear response regime, we derive the stability condition, as well as the accuracy of TRBOMD for computing physical properties, such as the phonon frequency obtained from the molecular dynamics simulation. We connect and compare TRBOMD with Car-Parrinello molecular dynamics in terms of accuracy and stability. We further discuss the accuracy of TRBOMD beyond the linear response regime for non-equilibrium dynamics of nuclei. Our results are demonstrated through numerical experiments using a simplified one-dimensional model for Kohn-Sham density functional theory.
Time Integrators for Molecular Dynamics
Authors: Bou-Rabee Nawaf
Published: December 2013

This paper invites the reader to learn more about time integrators for Molecular Dynamics simulation through a simple MATLAB implementation. An overview of methods is provided from an algorithmic viewpoint that emphasizes long-time stability and finite-time dynamic accuracy. The given software simulates Langevin dynamics using an explicit, second-order (weakly) accurate integrator that exactly reproduces the Boltzmann-Gibbs density. This latter feature comes from adding a Metropolis acceptance-rejection step to the integrator. The paper discusses in detail the properties of the integrator. Since these properties do not rely on a specific form of a heat or pressure bath model, the given algorithm can be used to simulate other bath models including, e.g., the widely used v-rescale thermostat.
Enhanced Sampling in Molecular Dynamics Using Metadynamics, Replica-Exchange, and Temperature-Acceleration
Authors: Abrams Cameron , Bussi Giovanni
Published: December 2013

We review a selection of methods for performing enhanced sampling in molecular dynamics simulations. We consider methods based on collective variable biasing and on tempering, and offer both historical and contemporary perspectives. In collective-variable biasing, we first discuss methods stemming from thermodynamic integration that use mean force biasing, including the adaptive biasing force algorithm and temperature acceleration. We then turn to methods that use bias potentials, including umbrella sampling and metadynamics. We next consider parallel tempering and replica-exchange methods. We conclude with a brief presentation of some combination methods.
Correlation Functions in Open Quantum-Classical Systems
Authors: Hsieh Chang-Yu , Kapral Raymond
Published: December 2013

Quantum time correlation functions are often the principal objects of interest in experimental investigations of the dynamics of quantum systems. For instance, transport properties, such as diffusion and reaction rate coefficients, can be obtained by integrating these functions. The evaluation of such correlation functions entails sampling from quantum equilibrium density operators and quantum time evolution of operators. For condensed phase and complex systems, where quantum dynamics is difficult to carry out, approximations must often be made to compute these functions. We present a general scheme for the computation of correlation functions, which preserves the full quantum equilibrium structure of the system and approximates the time evolution with quantum-classical Liouville dynamics. Several aspects of the scheme are discussed, including a practical and general approach to sample the quantum equilibrium density, the properties of the quantum-classical Liouville equation in the context of correlation function computations, simulation schemes for the approximate dynamics and their interpretation and connections to other approximate quantum dynamical methods.
Malliavin Weight Sampling: A Practical Guide
Authors: Warren Patrick , Allen Rosalind
Published: December 2013

Malliavin weight sampling (MWS) is a stochastic calculus technique for computing the derivatives of averaged system properties with respect to parameters in stochastic simulations, without perturbing the system’s dynamics. It applies to systems in or out of equilibrium, in steady state or time-dependent situations, and has applications in the calculation of response coefficients, parameter sensitivities and Jacobian matrices for gradient-based parameter optimisation algorithms. The implementation of MWS has been described in the specific contexts of kinetic Monte Carlo and Brownian dynamics simulation algorithms. Here, we present a general theoretical framework for deriving the appropriate MWS update rule for any stochastic simulation algorithm. We also provide pedagogical information on its practical implementation.
Validation of a Pre- and Post-Evaluation Process: A Tool for Adult Training in Food Handling
Authors: Mastrantonio Guido , Dulout Mariana , González María , Zeinsteger Pedro
Published: December 2013

Education in food safety is a well-recognized health intervention, which allows the prevention of a wide range of diseases. Among the strategies of control and prevention of foodborne diseases, it is indicated that food safety education has the double advantage of having low costs and high potential effectiveness, as long as it is carried out with the active participation of food handling workers. In many countries, the Food Code has made compulsory the sanitary training of food workers. However, like in many other disciplines, food science educators receive minimal training on instructional techniques before becoming teachers. One of the important questions of the problem here presented is the issue related to the methodologies of pre-evaluation and final evaluation. We describe two indices to validate the training in food safety, which could be used for the quantification of educational intervention. The results show that a better learning process involves the active participation of both the students and the educators. We concluded that the evaluation process is more complex than the single instance of accreditation though a final evaluation.
Cultivating Reflective Practitioners in Technology Preparation: Constructing TPACK through Reflection
Authors: Lu Liangyue
Published: December 2013

Teaching is a complex profession, which is further complicated by the integration of technology into classrooms. Reflection can help teachers unpack the complexity in their practice. Reflection can be an effective instructional strategy in helping preservice teachers develop technological pedagogical content knowledge (TPACK), the complex and dynamic knowledge necessary for effective technology integration into instruction. In this study, reflective activities were integrated into a Learning By Design (LBD) environment, which was created to help preservice teachers develop TPACK. This paper investigated the participants’ TPACK development and examined how reflection helped them construct TPACK. Through content analysis of the participants’ reflective journals, the researcher found that the preservice teachers developed initial TPACK awareness. However, their reflection in technology knowledge and the content aspects of TPACK were limited and superficial. Interviews with the participants showed reflection helped the preservice teachers remember what they learned by describing and elaborating on their in-class experiences, pushed them to think about how to apply what they learned in their future classrooms, and helped them become more reflective and open-minded about using technology in classrooms. Finally, the researcher discussed this study’s implications for teacher educators and researchers.
Comparative Evaluation of Diagnostic Tools for Oxidative Deterioration of Polyunsaturated Fatty Acid-Enriched Infant Formulas during Storage
Authors: Siefarth Caroline , Serfert Yvonne , Drusch Stephan , Buettner Andrea
Published: December 2013

The challenge in the development of infant formulas enriched with polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) is to meet the consumers’ expectations with regard to high nutritional and sensory value. In particular, PUFAs may be prone to fatty acid oxidation that can generate potential rancid, metallic and/or fishy off-flavors. Although such off-flavors pose no health risk, they can nevertheless lead to rejection of products by consumers. Thus, monitoring autoxidation at its early stages is of great importance and finding a suitable analytical tool to perform these evaluations is therefore of high interest in quality monitoring. Two formulations of infant formulas were varied systematically in their mineral composition and their presence of antioxidants to produce 18 model formulas. All models were aged under controlled conditions and their oxidative deterioration was monitored. A quantitative study was performed on seven characteristic odor-active secondary oxidation products in the formulations via two-dimensional high resolution gas chromatography-mass spectrometry/olfactometry (2D-HRGC-MS/O). The sensitivity of the multi-dimensional GC-MS/O analysis was supported by two additional analytical tools for monitoring autoxidation, namely the analysis of lipid hydroperoxides and conjugated dienes. Furthermore, an aroma profile analysis (APA) was performed to reveal the presence and intensities of typical odor qualities generated in the course of fatty acid oxidation. The photometrical analyses of lipid hydroperoxides and conjugated dienes were found to be too insensitive for early indication of the development of sensory defects. By comparison, the 2D-HRGC-MS/O was capable of monitoring peroxidation of PUFAs at low ppb-level in its early stages. Thereby, it was possible to screen oxidative variances on the basis of such volatile markers already within eight weeks after production of the products, which is an earlier indication of oxidative deterioration than achievable via conventional methods. In detail, oxidative variances between the formulations revealed that lipid oxidation was low when copper was administered in an encapsulated form and when antioxidants (vitamin E, ascorbyl palmitate) were present.
Using Small-Area Analysis to Estimate County-Level Racial Disparities in Obesity Demonstrating the Necessity of Targeted Interventions
Authors: D'Agostino-McGowan Lucy , Gennarelli Renee , Lyons Sarah , Goodman Melody
Published: December 2013

Data on the national and state levels is often used to inform policy decisions and strategies designed to reduce racial disparities in obesity. Obesity-related health outcomes are realized on the individual level, and policies based on state and national-level data may be inappropriate due to the variations in health outcomes within and between states. To examine county-level variation of obesity within states, we use a small-area analysis technique to fill the void for county-level obesity data by race. Five years of Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System data are used to estimate the prevalence of obesity by county, both overall and race-stratified. A modified weighting system is used based on demographics at the county level using 2010 census data. We fit a multilevel reweighted regression model to obtain county-level prevalence estimates by race. We compare the distribution of prevalence estimates of non-Hispanic Blacks to non-Hispanic Whites. For 25 of the 26 states included in our analysis there is a statistically significant difference between within-state county-level average obesity prevalence rates for non-Hispanic Whites and non-Hispanic Blacks. This study provides information needed to target disparities interventions and resources to the local areas with greatest need; it also identifies the necessity of doing so.
DNA Repair Gene XRCC4 Codon 247 Polymorphism Modified Diffusely Infiltrating Astrocytoma Risk and Prognosis
Authors: Lin Zhong-Hui , Chen Jin-Chun , Wang Yun-Sun , Huang Teng-Jiao , Wang Jin , Long Xi-Dai
Published: December 2013

The DNA repair gene X-ray cross-complementary group 4 (XRCC4), an important caretaker of the overall genome stability, is thought to play a major role in human tumorigenesis. We investigated the association between an important polymorphic variant of this gene at codon 247 (rs373409) and diffusely infiltrating astrocytoma (DIA) risk and prognosis. This hospital-based case-control study investigated this association in the Guangxi population. In total, 242 cases with DIA and 358 age-, sex-, and race-matched healthy controls were genotyped using TaqMan-PCR technique. We found a significant difference in the frequency of XRCC4 genotypes between cases and controls. Compared with the homozygote of XRCC4 codon 247 Ala alleles (XRCC4-AA), the genotypes of XRCC4 codon 247 Ser alleles (namely XRCC4-AS or -SS) increased DIA risk (odds ratios [OR], 1.82 and 2.89, respectively). Furthermore, XRCC4 polymorphism was correlated with tumor dedifferentiation of DIA (r = 0.261, p < 0.01). Additionally, this polymorphism modified the overall survival of DIA patients (the median survival times were 26, 14, and 8 months for patients with XRCC4-AA, -AS, and -SS, respectively). Like tumor grade, XRCC4 codon 247 polymorphism was an independent prognostic factor influencing the survival of DIA. These results suggest that XRCC4 codon 247 polymorphism may be associated with DIA risk and prognosis among the Guangxi population.
Phenological, Nutritional and Molecular Diversity Assessment among 35 Introduced Lentil (Lens culinaris Medik.) Genotypes Grown in Saudi Arabia
Authors: Alghamdi Salem , Khan Altaf , Ammar Megahed , El-Harty Ehab , Migdadi Hussein , El-Khalik Samah , Al-Shameri Aref , Javed Muhammad , Al-Faifi Sulieman
Published: December 2013

Morphological, nutritional and molecular analyses were carried out to assess genetic diversity among 35 introduced lentil genotypes (Lens culinaris Medik.). The genotypes exhibited significant differences for their field parameters and some of them showed noticeable superiority. The nutritional and proximate analysis showed that some genotypes were excellent sources of proteins, essential amino acids, minerals, anti-oxidants, total phenolic contents (TPC) and total flavonoid contents (TFC) and hence, highlights lentil nutritional and medicinal potential. Sequence-related amplified polymorphism (SRAP) and amplified fragments length polymorphism (AFLP) markers were used to estimate the genetic variability at the molecular level. The existence of a considerable amount of genetic diversity among the tested lentil genotypes was also proven at the molecular level. A total of 2894 polymorphic SRAP and 1625 AFLP loci were successfully amplified using six SRAP and four AFLP primer pair combinations. Polymorphism information content (PIC) values for SRAP and AFLP markers were higher than 0.8, indicating the power and higher resolution of those marker systems in detecting molecular diversity. UPGMA (unweighted pair group method with arithmetic average) cluster analysis based on molecular data revealed large number of sub clusters among genotypes, indicating high diversity levels. The data presented here showed that FLIP2009-64L and FLIP2009-69L could be used as a significant source of yield, total protein, essential amino acids, and antioxidant properties. The results suggest potential lentil cultivation in the central region of Saudi Arabia for its nutritional and medicinal properties, as well as sustainable soil fertility crop.
MiRNA-199a-3p Regulates C2C12 Myoblast Differentiation through IGF-1/AKT/mTOR Signal Pathway
Authors: Jia Long , Li Yue-Feng , Wu Guo-Fang , Song Zi-Yi , Lu Hong-Zhao , Song Cheng-Chuang , Zhang Qiang-Ling , Zhu Jia-Yu , Yang Gong-She , Shi Xin-E
Published: December 2013

MicroRNAs constitute a class of ~22-nucleotide non-coding RNAs. They modulate gene expression by associating with the 3' untranslated regions (3' UTRs) of messenger RNAs (mRNAs). Although multiple miRNAs are known to be regulated during myoblast differentiation, their individual roles in muscle development are still not fully understood. In this study, we showed that miR-199a-3p was highly expressed in skeletal muscle and was induced during C2C12 myoblasts differentiation. We also identified and confirmed several genes of the IGF-1/AKT/mTOR signal pathway, including IGF-1, mTOR, and RPS6KA6, as important cellular targets of miR-199a-3p in myoblasts. Overexpression of miR-199a-3p partially blocked C2C12 myoblast differentiation and the activation of AKT/mTOR signal pathway, while interference of miR-199a-3p by antisense oligonucleotides promoted C2C12 differentiation and myotube hypertrophy. Thus, our studies have established miR-199a-3p as a potential regulator of myogenesis through the suppression of IGF-1/AKT/mTOR signal pathway.
Controlled Synthesis of Carbon Nanoparticles in a Supercritical Carbon Disulfide System
Authors: Lou Zhengsong , Huang Hongying , Li Min , Shang Tongming , Chen Changle
Published: December 2013

Carbon nanoparticles with large surface areas were produced by the reduction of carbon disulfide with metallic lithium at 500 °C. The carbon nanoparticles account for about 80% of the carbon product. The carbon nanoparticles were characterized by X-ray powder diffraction, field emission scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, high resolution transmission electron microscopy and N2 physisorption. The results showed that carbon nanoparticles predominate in the product. The influence of experimental conditions was investigated, which indicated that temperature plays a crucial role in the formation of carbon nanoparticles. The possible formation mechanism of the carbon nanoparticles was discussed. This method provides a simple and efficient route to the synthesis of carbon nanoparticles.
Room Temperature Ferromagnetic Mn:Ge(001)
Authors: Lungu George , Stoflea Laura , Tanase Liviu , Bucur Ioana , Răduţoiu Nicoleta , Vasiliu Florin , Mercioniu Ionel , Kuncser Victor , Teodorescu Cristian-Mihail
Published: December 2013

We report the synthesis of a room temperature ferromagnetic Mn-Ge system obtained by simple deposition of manganese on Ge(001), heated at relatively high temperature (starting with 250 °C). The samples were characterized by low energy electron diffraction (LEED), scanning tunneling microscopy (STM), high resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), superconducting quantum interference device (SQUID), and magneto-optical Kerr effect (MOKE). Samples deposited at relatively elevated temperature (350 °C) exhibited the formation of ~5–8 nm diameter Mn5Ge3 and Mn11Ge8 agglomerates by HRTEM, while XPS identified at least two Mn-containing phases: the agglomerates, together with a Ge-rich MnGe~2.5 phase, or manganese diluted into the Ge(001) crystal. LEED revealed the persistence of long range order after a relatively high amount of Mn (100 nm) deposited on the single crystal substrate. STM probed the existence of dimer rows on the surface, slightly elongated as compared with Ge–Ge dimers on Ge(001). The films exhibited a clear ferromagnetism at room temperature, opening the possibility of forming a magnetic phase behind a nearly ideally terminated Ge surface, which could find applications in integration of magnetic functionalities on semiconductor bases. SQUID probed the co-existence of a superparamagnetic phase, with one phase which may be attributed to a diluted magnetic semiconductor. The hypothesis that the room temperature ferromagnetic phase might be the one with manganese diluted into the Ge crystal is formulated and discussed.
Effects of Ground Conditions on Microbial Cementation in Soils
Authors: Kim Daehyeon , Park Kyungho , Kim Dongwook
Published: December 2013

The purpose of this study is to understand the effect of ground conditions on microbial cementation in cohesionless soils. Since the method of microbial cementation is still at the experimental stage, for its practical use in the field, a number of laboratory experiments are required for the quantification of microbial cementation under various ground conditions, such as relative densities, relative compactions and particle size distributions. In this study, in order to evaluate the effectiveness of microbial cementation in treated sands and silts, an experiment was performed for different relative densities of silica sands, for different relative compactions of silts and for different particle size distributions of weathered soils sampled from the field. Scanning electron microscope (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) spectroscopy and mapping analyses were implemented for the quantification of the levels of microbial cementations for sand, silt and weathered soil specimens. Based on the test results, a considerable microbial cementation was estimated depending on the soil conditions; therefore, an implementation of this new type of bio-grouting on a weak foundation may be possible to increase the strength and stiffness of weak ground.
Predictive Maintenance of Hydraulic Lifts through Lubricating Oil Analysis
Authors: Kalligeros Stamatios
Published: December 2013

This article examines the possibility of measuring lift maintenance through analysis of used hydraulic oil. Hydraulic oils have proved to be a reliable indicator for the maintenance performed on elevators. It has also been proved that the end users or the maintenance personnel do not always conform to the instructions of the elevators’ hydraulic machine manufacturer. Furthermore, by examining the proportion of the metals, an estimation of the corrosion and the wear resistance of the joined moving parts can be observed. Additionally, the presence of chlorine and calcium in hydraulic oils demonstrates their function in a highly corrosive environment.
One-Dimensional Nonlinear Stefan Problems in Storm’s Materials
Authors: Briozzo Adriana , Natale María
Published: December 2013

We consider two one-phase nonlinear one-dimensional Stefan problems for a semi-infinite material x > 0; with phase change temperature Tf : We assume that the heat capacity and the thermal conductivity satisfy a Storm’s condition. In the first case, we assume a heat flux boundary condition of the type q(t) = q 0 t , and in the second case, we assume a temperature boundary condition T = Ts < Tf at the fixed face. Solutions of similarity type are obtained in both cases, and the equivalence of the two problems is demonstrated. We also give procedures in order to compute the explicit solution.
Invasive Lionfish (Pterois volitans): A Potential Human Health Threat for Ciguatera Fish Poisoning in Tropical Waters
Authors: Robertson Alison , Garcia Ana , Quintana Harold , Smith Tyler , II Bernard , Reale-Munroe Kynoch , Gulli Joseph , Olsen David , Hooe-Rollman Jennifer , Jester Edward , Klimek Brian , Plakas Steven
Published: December 2013

Invasive Indo-Pacific lionfish (Pterois volitans) have rapidly expanded in the Western Atlantic over the past decade and have had a significant negative impact on reef fish biodiversity, habitat, and community structure, with lionfish out-competing native predators for resources. In an effort to reduce this population explosion, lionfish have been promoted for human consumption in the greater Caribbean region. This study examined whether the geographical expansion of the lionfish into a known ciguatera-endemic region can pose a human health threat for ciguatera fish poisoning (CFP). More than 180 lionfish were collected from waters surrounding the US Virgin Islands throughout 2010 and 2011. Ciguatoxin testing included an in vitro neuroblastoma cytotoxicity assay for composite toxicity assessment of sodium-channel toxins combined with confirmatory liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry. A 12% prevalence rate of ciguatoxic lionfish exceeding the FDA guidance level of 0.1 µg/kg C-CTX-1 equivalents was identified in fish from the U.S. Virgin Islands, highlighting a potential consumption risk in this region. This study presents the first evidence that the invasive lionfish, pose a direct human health risk for CFP and highlights the need for awareness and research on this food safety hazard in known endemic areas.
Antitumor Immunity and Dietary Compounds
Authors: Smith Annalise , Andreansky Samita
Published: December 2013

The mechanisms by which natural dietary compounds exert their antitumor effects have been the focus of a large number of research efforts in recent years. Induction of apoptosis by inhibition of cell proliferative pathways is one of the common means of cell death employed by these dietary compounds. However, agents that can activate an antitumor immune response in addition to a chemotherapeutic effect may be useful adjuvants or alternative therapies for the treatment of cancer. The focus of this review is to highlight representative dietary compounds, namely Withania somnifera, Panax ginseng, curcumin and resveratrol with special emphasis on their antitumor immune mechanism of action. Each of these dietary compounds and their sources has a history of safe human use as food or in herbal medicine traditions, potentially making them ideal therapeutics. Here we report the recent advances in the cellular immune mechanisms utilized by these compounds to induce antitumor immunity. Taken together, these findings provide a new perspective for exploiting novel dietary compounds as chemoimmunotherapeutic anti-cancer agents.
The Phenolics from the Roots of Livistona chinensis Show Antioxidative and Obsteoblast Differentiation Promoting Activity
Authors: Zeng Xiaobin , Tian Jun , Cui Liao , Wang Yang , Su Yanjie , Zhou Xin , He Xiangjiu
Published: December 2013

This study investigated the antioxidative and obsteoblast differentiation promoting activity of the phenolics isolated from the 70% ethanol extract of the roots of Livistona chinensis. Two new phenolics, (2R,3R)-3,5,6,7,3',4'-hexahydroxyflavane (1), and phenanthrene-2,4,9-triol (2), together with six known phenolics 3–8, were isolated and identified on the basis of extensive spectroscopic analysis. The antioxidative and obsteoblast differentiation promoting abilities of the compounds 1–3, 7–8 were tested, the phenolics 1–3, 7 showed effects on proliferation of osteoblastic cells and antioxidative activity of 3.125–50 µg/mL. In addition, the phenolics 1–3 observably increased alkaline phosphatase activity, osteocalcin content and hydroxyproline content in osteoblastic cells. Phenolic 1 at 12.5 µg/mL concentration significantly increased the area of nodules by about 9.35-fold. The antioxidative activity results indicated that the anti-osteoporosis effects of these phenolics may be linked to a reduction of oxidative stress. The observed effects of these phenolics on bone formation by rat osteoblastic cells suggest that these phenolics may have beneficial effects on bone health.