bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Polymorphisms in DNA repair genes XRCC2 and XRCC3 risk of gastric cancer in Turkey
Authors: Gok İlhami , Baday Meryem , Cetinkunar Suleyman , Kilic Kemal , Bilgin Bulent Caglar
Published: January 2015

We studied the prevalence of polymorphisms in genes XRCC2 and XRCC3 in stomach cancer patients who lived in North Eastern Turkey. A total of 61 cancer patients and 78 controls were included in this study. Single nucleotide changes were studied in XRCC2 and XRCC3 genes at locus Arg188His and Thr241Met. Blood samples were taken from the patients and controls, and DNA was isolated. The regions of interest were amplified using a polymerase chain reaction method. After amplification, we used restriction enzymes (HphI and NcoI) to digest the amplified product. The digested product was then run through gel electrophoresis. We identified changes in the nucleotides in these specific regions. It was found that the Arg188His polymorphism of the XRCC2 gene was about 39% (24 out of the 61) among cancer patients. However, only 15% (12 out of 78) of the control group indicated this polymorphism. We also observed that 18 of the 61 cancer patients (29%) carried the Thr241Met polymorphism of the XRCC3 gene whereas 11 of the 78 (14%) individuals in the control group had the polymorphism. Our results showed a significant difference in polymorphism ratios between the cancer patients and healthy control group for the regions of interest. This result clearly showed that these polymorphisms increase the risk of stomach cancer and might be a strong marker for early diagnosis of gastric cancer.
The neuroprotective effects of tocotrienol rich fraction and alpha tocopherol against glutamate injury in astrocytes
Authors: Selvaraju Thilaga Rati , Khaza’ai Huzwah , Vidyadaran Sharmili , Abd Mutalib Mohd Sokhini , Vasudevan Ramachandran
Published: January 2015

Tocotrienol rich fraction (TRF) is an extract of palm oil, which consists of 25% alpha tocopherol (α-TCP) and 75% tocotrienols. TRF has been shown to possess potent antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, neuroprotection, and cholesterol lowering activities. Glutamate is the main excitatory amino acid neurotransmitter in the central nervous system of mammalian, which can be excitotoxic, and it has been suggested to play a key role in neurodegenerative disorders like Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s diseases. In this present study, the effects of vitamin E (TRF and α-TCP) in protecting astrocytes against glutamate injury were elucidated. Astrocytes induced with 180 mM of glutamate lead to significant cell death. However, glutamate mediated cytotoxicity was diminished via pre and post supplementation of TRF and α-TCP. Hence, vitamin E acted as a potent antioxidant agent in recovering mitochondrial injury due to elevated oxidative stress, and enhanced better survivability upon glutamate toxicity.
Extracorporeal shock waves lithotripsy versus retrograde ureteroscopy: is radiation exposure a criterion when we choose which modern treatment to apply for ureteric stones?
Authors: Pricop Catalin , Maier Adrian , Negru Dragos , Malau Ovidiu , Orsolya Martha , Radavoi Daniel , Serban Dragomir R
Published: January 2015

The aim of this study is to compare two major urological procedures in terms of patient exposure to radiation. We evaluated 175 patients, that were subjected to retrograde ureteroscopy (URS) and extracorporeal shock waves lithotripsy (ESWL) for lumbar or pelvic ureteral lithiasis, at two urological departments. The C-arm Siemens (produced in 2010 by Siemens AG, Germany) was used for ureteroscopy. The radiological devices of the lithotripters used in this study in the two clinical centers had similar characteristics. We evaluated patient exposure to ionizing radiation by using a relevant parameter, the air kerma-area product (PKA; all values in cGy cm2), calculated from the radiation dose values recorded by the fluoroscopy device. PKA depends on technical parameters that change due to anatomical characteristics of each case examined, such as body mass index (BMI), waist circumference, and stone location. For the patients subjected to ESWL for lumbar ureteral lithiasis the mean of PKA (cGy cm2) was 509 (SD=180), while for those treated for pelvic ureteral lithiasis the mean of PKA was 342 (SD=201). In the URS group for lumbar ureteral lithiasis, the mean of PKA (cGy cm2) was 892 (SD=436), while for patients with pelvic ureteral lithiasis, the mean of PKA was 601 (SD=429). The patients treated by URS had higher exposure to ionizing radiation dose than patients treated by ESWL. The risk factors of higher radiation doses were obesity, exposure time, and localization of the stones.
Neuroprotective effects of sildenafil in experimental spinal cord injury in rabbits
Authors: Kara Hasan , Degirmenci Selim , Ak Ahmet , Bayir Aysegul , Kayis Seyit Ali , Uyar Mehmet , Akinci Murat , Acar Demet , Kocacan Metin , Akyurek Fikret
Published: January 2015

Neuroprotective agents such as methylprednisolone and sildenafil may limit damage after spinal cord injury. We evaluated the effects of methylprednisolone and sildenafil on biochemical and histologic changes after spinal cord injury in a rabbit model. Female New Zealand rabbits (32 rabbits) were allocated to 4 equal groups: laminectomy only (sham control) or laminectomy and spinal trauma with no other treatment (trauma control) or treatment with either methylprednisolone or sildenafil. Gelsolin and caspase-3 levels in cerebrospinal fluid and plasma were determined, and spinal cord histology was evaluated at 24 hours after trauma. There were no differences in mean cerebrospinal fluid or plasma levels of caspase-3 between the groups or within the groups from 0 to 24 hours after injury. From 0 to 24 hours after trauma, mean cerebrospinal fluid gelsolin levels significantly increased in the sildenafil group and decreased in the sham control and the trauma control groups. Mean plasma gelsolin level was significantly higher at 8 and 24 hours after trauma in the sildenafil than other groups. Histologic examination indicated that general structural integrity was better in the methylprednisolone in comparison with the trauma control group. General structural integrity, leptomeninges, white and grey matter hematomas, and necrosis were significantly improved in the sildenafil compared with the trauma control group. Caspase-3 levels in the cerebrospinal fluid and blood were not increased but gelsolin levels were decreased after spinal cord injury in trauma control rabbits. Sildenafil caused an increase in gelsolin levels and may be more effective than methylprednisolone at decreasing secondary damage to the spinal cord.
Factors affecting the opinions of family physicians regarding generic drugs – a questionnaire based study
Authors: Lewek Pawel , Smigielski Janusz , Kardas Przemyslaw
Published: January 2015

A range of factors are believed to exert a negative influence on opinions of physicians about generic drugs.The aim of this study was to survey the opinions of primary care doctors on generics, and determine the factors which may affect them. A questionnaire comprising thirty eight questions was distributed among primary care doctors working in seventy out-patient clinics of the Lodzkie province, Poland, during the period of January 1, 2010 – December 31, 2010. A total of170 of 183 participants completed the survey (average age 48.5; 70.0% women): a 92.9%response rate. While 38.8% of physicians claimed that generics were worse than brand name drugs, 54.1% considered them to be better. However, 36.5% of the doctors did not choose generics for their own use. Two key opinions were identified among the responses concerning the effectiveness of generic drugs: use of generic drugs by the physician (p<0.001), and their opinion that pharmacists do inform patients about generic drugs (p<0.05). Although existing evidence confirms that generic and brand name drugs are equally effective, many physicians doubt this, which prevents them from being used as cost effective drug therapy. In order to increase healthcare savings through the use of generics, these factors should be addressed: for example, convincing a physician to adopt generics for personal use may be an efficient way to support more cost effective treatment of his patients.
Nicolau Syndrome after Intramuscular Injection of Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAID)
Authors: Dadaci Mehmet , Altuntas Zeynep , Ince Bilsev , Bilgen Fatma , Tufekci Osman , Poyraz Necdet
Published: January 2015

Nicolau syndrome is a rare complication of intramuscular injection that leads to local ischemic necrosis of the skin and adipose tissue. In this paper, we discuss etiologies, risk factors, and treatment options for gluteal Nicolau syndrome referring to patients treated in our hospital. Our study includes 17 women who visited our clinic with symptoms of gluteal necrosis secondary to intramuscular injection. The following variables were taken into account: injection site, drug administered, frequency of injections, the person who administered the injections, needle size, and needle tip color. Magnetic resonance images obtained in the aftermath of intramuscular injection application were carefully analyzed for presence of necrosis, cyst formation and the thickness of the gluteal fat tissue layer. Drugs that had been received in intramuscular injection were exclusively non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Mean patient BMI was 41.8 (all patients were considered as obese), and mean gluteal fat thickness was 54 mm. Standard length of needles (3.8 cm) had been used in procedures. The wounds were treated with primary closure in 11 patients and with local flap therapy in 6 patients. The observed necrosis was a consequence of misplaced gluteal injection, where drugs were injected into the adipose tissue instead of the muscle due to the extreme thickness of the fat layer, on one hand, and the inappropriate length of standard needles, on the other hand. Intramuscular injection should be avoided in obese patients whenever possible: if it is necessary, proper injection technique should be used.
Interleukin 6 and fetal fibronectin as a predictors of preterm delivery in symptomatic patients
Authors: Hadzi Lega Marija , Daneva Markova Ana , Stefanovic Milan , Tanturovski Mile
Published: January 2015

Preterm delivery is the leading cause of neonatal mortality and morbidity. The rate of preterm births has been estimated to be about 15 million, which accounts for 11.1% of all live births worldwide. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the cervico-vaginal (CVF) cytokine IL-6 and fetal fibronectin (fFN) status as predictors of preterm delivery in patients with symptoms of preterm labor. Patients with symptoms suggestive of preterm labor were recruited from September 2013 to March 2014. Vaginal swabs were taken for fetal fibronectin test (fFN) and CVF IL-6. Antibiotics, steroids and tocolytics were administered, where appropriate. The outcome was measured by the occurrence of preterm delivery within 14 days from the day of hospital admission. Cut-off value of 1305 pg/mL for the concentration of IL-6 in the CVF was the best predictor of preterm delivery, with the sensitivity of 69.4% and specificity of 68.2%. Patients with positive fFN test had the OR of 6.429 (95%CI 1.991-20.758) to deliver prematurely. The multivariate analysis of combined fFN and CVF IL-6 tests resulted in risk of 86.7% to deliver prematurely, if both tests were positive. The combination of both tests performed better than the individual tests and decreased the false positive rate, which in turn reduced the chances for inappropriate patient treatment, bringing down the costs.
Extrafloral nectaries have a limited effect on the structure of arboreal ant communities in a Neotropical savanna
Authors: Camarota Flávio , Powell Scott , Vasconcelos Heraldo L. , Priest Galen , Marquis Robert J.
Published: February 2015

How environmental contexts shape the strength of species interactions, and their influence on community structure, remains a key focus for the field of community ecology. In particular, the extent to which local competitive interactions impact community structure, and whether this differs across contexts, persists as a general issue that is unresolved across a broad range of animal systems. Studies of arboreal ants have shown that competitive interactions over carbon‐rich exudates from extrafloral nectaries (EFNs) and homopteran aggregations can have positive and negative effects on the local abundances of individual species. Nevertheless, it is still unclear the extent to which these local effects scale to community‐level effects. Here we address the role of food from extrafloral nectaries on the structure of arboreal ant communities in a savanna of central Brazil. We did this with a combination of a diversity survey across tree species with and without EFNs, a repeated survey at times of peak EFN activity, and testing of our survey findings with two experimental manipulations of nectar availability that also provided supplementary nesting cavities. Species richness, but not composition, differed significantly between trees with and without EFNs. However, trees with EFNs had, on average, only 9% more species than those without EFNs. Furthermore, ant species richness did not differ significantly between periods of high and low EFN activity. Although nectar supplementation significantly affected nest occupation rates, this difference was seen solely in the experiment with a massive supply of nectar and there was no effect on total ant richness or identity of the focal assemblages. Our findings suggest that the effects of extrafloral nectar on the abundances of arboreal ants at local scales do not scale to a strong structuring force at the community level. We suggest that this is most likely due to a lack of specificity of community members for EFN tree species, and the diffuse temporal and spatial nature of the availability of active EFNs. These properties mean that observable short‐lived activity and competition over particular EFNs does not ultimately drive lasting changes in the associated assemblage of species, and therefore, the community as a whole.
Faunal communities and habitat characteristics of the Big Bend seagrass meadows, 2009–2010.
Authors: Stallings Christopher D. , Mickle Alejandra , Nelson James A. , McManus Michael G. , Koenig Christopher C.
Published: February 2015

Seagrass meadows are important habitats that serve as nursery, feeding, and sheltering grounds for many marine species. In addition to the ecosystem functions and services they provide, seagrass habitats and associated fauna are commonly observed to have naturally high levels of heterogeneity, making them ideal for the study of ecological patterns and processes across multiple spatial scales. However, seagrass systems worldwide have undergone sharp declines in coverage and increased levels of fragmentation at both local and regional spatial scales, thus compromising their ecological functions and services and reducing their value as unaltered marine systems in which to conduct ecological studies. Covering nearly 3000 km2, the seagrass meadows of the Big Bend region in the eastern Gulf of Mexico represents one of the largest in the world, and given its separation from human population centers and coastal development, is also considered to be one of the most intact and least disturbed. The objective of our study was to provide the first region‐wide characterization of the habitats and faunal communities in seagrass meadows of the Big Bend. This two‐year study occurred in 2009 and 2010 during the summers when peak productivity in seagrass systems is highest. Sites were selected using a spatially balanced approach and sampling was conducted with beam trawls. A total of 170 sites were sampled, and all animals were identified to lowest taxonomic level possible, counted, and their sizes measured. Habitat characteristics were concurrently measured at both local (e.g., seagrass areal coverage and composition, volume of drift algae) and regional scales (e.g., latitude, type of adjacent coastal habitat).
Desertification, land use, and the transformation of global drylands
Authors: Bestelmeyer Brandon T , Okin Gregory S , Duniway Michael C , Archer Steven R , Sayre Nathan F , Williamson Jebediah C , Herrick Jeffrey E
Published: February 2015

Desertification is an escalating concern in global drylands, yet assessments to guide management and policy responses are limited by ambiguity concerning the definition of “desertification” and what processes are involved. To improve clarity, we propose that assessments of desertification and land transformation be placed within a state change–land‐use change (SC–LUC) framework. This framework considers desertification as state changes occurring within the context of particular land uses (eg rangeland, cropland) that interact with land‐use change. State changes that can be readily reversed are distinguished from regime shifts, which are state changes involving persistent alterations to vegetation or soil properties. Pressures driving the transformation of rangelands to other types of land uses may be low, fluctuating, or high, and may influence and be influenced by state change. We discuss how the SC–LUC perspective can guide more effective assessment of desertification and management of drylands.
An Entrained-Droplet Model for Prediction of Minimum Flow Rate for the Continuous Removal of Liquids From Gas Wells
Authors: Wang Zhibin , Bai Huifang , Zhu Suyang , Zhong Haiquan , Li Yingchuan
Published: February 2015

Experimental studies show that liquid drop is deformed from initial spherical shape into ellipsoid shape in annular-mist flow, and the available critical Weber number WeCrit determined by the experiment can vary from 2.2 to 60 for low-viscosity liquid. On the basis of the force equilibrium and the critical-Weber-number-calculation method proposed by Azzopardi (1985), this paper develops a new model to predict minimum gas rate. This model introduces a parameter Ck,Wecrit that describes the effect of liquid-drop deformation and the maximum drop-size difference on the minimum gas rate. The effect of liquid-droplet coalescence is also considered indirectly. A function to predict drop-deformation magnitude for different critical Weber numbers is developed on the basis of energy conservation. The function-prediction results are in good agreement with experimental data from the literature and the predicted result from the drop deformation/breakup model, and the average absolute deviation is 6.1%. The Ck,Wecrit calculated by the new model increases with the increase of the pressure and liquid amount and it varies from 3.99 to 7.3, which means the critical gas velocity increases with the increase of the pressure and liquid amount. Numerous gas-well data were used for the validation of these entrained models, including data from 33 low-pressure gas wells (wellhead pressure: 0.26–3.41 MPa) from Coleman et al. (1991) and 91 high-pressure gas wells (wellhead pressure: 0.7–56 MPa) from Turner et al. (1969). The result shows the new entrained model has a good comprehensive performance in judging liquid-loading status in both high- and low-pressure gas wells.
Violence and Complexity
Authors: Pagani Camilla
Published: February 2015

Like all the phenomena that the human mind is knowledgeable about, the phenomenon of violence should be regarded as a complex macrosystem, where systems of networks and agents are linked and interact at different interconnected levels. This means that complexity refers to the phenomenon per se, to the various cognitive and emotional processes through which the human mind should examine and evaluate it and to the development of solutions to eradicate violence itself. It is clear that the complexity of these processes of examination and evaluation should be a requisite both of scientists and of laypeople. This does not mean that the scientist or the layperson should be knowledgeable about all the components and aspects of the macrosystem in their complex interconnections but that they should think and act on the grounds of their awareness of this complexity. One of the main issues relating to the study of violence is the definition of violence itself. In this respect, it is here suggested that thoughts and emotions, and not only behaviors, should be included in the definition of violence. As an exemplar of the difficulty regarding this specific issue, some considerations will draw on data obtained in a previous study on children and adolescents’ animal abuse experiences. It is also important to point out that complexity does not only refer to the explorations of the connections between systems taken from different research fields (e.g., neurology, biology, psychology, sociology, etc.). It can also refer, for example, to the theoretical premises of the research and of the questions at stake, to the scope and aims of the research and of these questions, and to the methods used in the investigation. In the same way, it is also important to bear in mind that, rooted in the theoretical premises and in the aims, are also specific views of society and life in general and that these views deeply and unavoidably affect the whole investigation process. It is clear that focusing on complexity also means opposing the fragmentation which usually characterizes the scientific study of violence and the interventions aiming to countervail it. Finally, as complexity theory indicates, through this “holistic” approach, a new conceptualization and understanding of violence could emerge so as to lead to more innovative and effective solutions to the problem of violence.
Soil properties and crop yield under different tillage methods for rapeseed cultivation in paddy fields
Authors: Alizadeh Mohammad , Allameh Alireza
Published: February 2015

A two-year research was conducted to investigate the effect of different
tillage methods on some soil physical characteristics and crop yield in
rapeseed cultivation after rice harvesting. Five tillage treatments
including: (i) using rotavator, once to depth of 10-15 cm (T1), (ii) using
rotavator, twice to depth of 10-15 cm (T2), (iii) using moldboard plow to
depth of 25 cm + rotavator, once to depth of 10-15 cm (T3), (iv) no-till
planting through removing rice stubbles from plots (T4), and (v) no-till
planting without removing rice stubbles from plots (T5), were evaluated under
randomized complete block design (RCBD) in three replications. The biannual
results revealed that the effect of tillage methods was significant (p<0.01)
on soil bulk density, surface residues after tillage, dry mass of weeds, seed
germination, and grain yield. T2 and T3 made considerable reduction in soil
bulk density compared to other treatments for the 15- to 30-cm tillage
depths. In T1, T2, T3, and T4, surface residues after tillage decreased in
comparison with T5 by up to 35.37, 50.71, 69.92, and 75.75%, respectively.
Having 71.48 g m-2, T5 had the maximum dry mass of weeds while T3 had the
minimum one with 37.50 g m-2. Means comparison represented that in T2 and T3,
seed germination reached the shortest length of 6.4 days in average. The
highest and lowest grain yields were acquired in T3 (1,571 kg ha-1) and T5
(1,339 kg ha-1), respectively. Statistically, there was no significant
difference between T1 (1,432 kg ha-1) and T2 (1,537 kg ha-1) compared with T3
in terms of grain yield.
Effect of salinity stress on mungbean [Vigna radiata (L.) Wilczek] during consecutive summer and spring seasons
Authors: Sehrawat Nirmala , Yadav Mukesh , Bhat Kangila , Sairam Raj , Jaiwal Pawan
Published: February 2015

Mungbean is an ecologically important food grain legume crop. Susceptibility
towards salinity stress has limited the productivity of mungbean. The effect
of salt stress on two popular mungbean varieties ("Pusa vishal" and "Pusa
ratna") has been compared during summer and spring seasons. The experiment
was carried out at two salinity stress levels (50 mM and 75 mM NaCl).
Significant variations and adaptability among stressed and non-stressed
plants were observed in both varieties. The plants in early vegetative stage
were found more resistant to salinity as compared to plants in late
vegetative and reproductive stage. Salt stress, high temperature and salinity
induced osmotic stress severely limited the plant growth, morphology,
physiology and yield characteristics during summer. Measured parameters were
less affected during spring season. The tolerant variety ?Pusa vishal?
exhibited less reduction in plant height, total chlorophyll and carotenoid
contents, plant length, leaf area, rate of photosynthesis, number of pods per
plant and grain yield at high salinity level. However, the susceptible
variety ?Pusa ratna? showed higher reduction for the measured parameters
under salinity stress. A delay in pod ripening during spring season resulted
in less pod-shattering. The present study may help to execute further
research on screening of large mungbean germplasm for salt tolerance during
spring season. The germplasm screening may help to identify resistant
genotypes for genetic improvement of mungbean for growing in saline soil.
Effect of rural-urban migrants’ remittances on arable crop production in Delta State, Nigeria
Authors: Ofuoku Albert
Published: February 2015

This study was conducted in Delta State, Nigeria, to investigate the effect
of rural-urban remittances on arable crop production. Twenty percent (20%) of
the registered arable crop farmers in Delta State were selected to arrive at
131 respondents for the study. Questionnaire and structured interview
schedule were used to collect data from the respondents. Descriptive and
inferential statistics and contingency tables were used to treat the
collected data. It was discovered that most (69.5%) of rural-urban migrants
were in the 11-30 age bracket. The remittances from rural farm households
were far higher than the remittances from rural-urban migrants. The little
remittances from the rural-urban migrants were added to the funds of the
rural farm household, farm labour and inputs. The remittances from
rural-urban migrants did not make any meaningful contribution to arable crop
production. It was recommended that governments should make the rural areas
attractive to young school learners/graduates, embark on enlightenment
programme to expose the youths to agriculture related self-employment
opportunities in the rural areas; and create enabling environment for the
youths to operate as self-employed individuals in the rural areas.
Effect of urban household farming on food security status in Ibadan metropolis, Oyo State, Nigeria
Authors: Yusuf Sulaiman , Balogun Olubunmi , Falegbe Olanike
Published: February 2015

Agriculture is an important tool for reducing the effects of household food
insecurity, unemployment and poverty which are major problems in urban areas
in Nigeria. Food insecurity continues to worsen in some urban areas of the
country and many households resulted into urban farming as a means of coping.
The study investigated the effect of urban household farming on food security
status in Ibadan metropolis, Oyo State, Nigeria. Primary data was collected
for the study using structured questionnaire. Two-stage sampling technique
was employed for this study. The first stage involved the random selection of
two urban local government areas from Ibadan metropolis. This was followed
with the selection of 110 urban farming households from these local
government areas. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics,
Foster-Greer-Thorbecke and probit regression. Results showed that sex, years
of schooling, marital status, household size, access to extension agent,
hired labour and type of farming enterprises are determinants of food
security. The study recommends the policies that make extension services
accessible to urban farmers and also skills development among others.
Technologies for Clinical Diagnosis Using Expired Human Breath Analysis
Authors: Mathew Thalakkotur , Pownraj Prabhahari , Abdulla Sukhananazerin , Pullithadathil Biji
Published: February 2015

This review elucidates the technologies in the field of exhaled breath analysis. Exhaled breath gas analysis offers an inexpensive, noninvasive and rapid method for detecting a large number of compounds under various conditions for health and disease states. There are various techniques to analyze some exhaled breath gases, including spectrometry, gas chromatography and spectroscopy. This review places emphasis on some of the critical biomarkers present in exhaled human breath, and its related effects. Additionally, various medical monitoring techniques used for breath analysis have been discussed. It also includes the current scenario of breath analysis with nanotechnology-oriented techniques
Total Site Heat Integration Considering Pressure Drops
Authors: Chew Kew , Klemeš Jiří , Alwi Sharifah , Manan Zainuddin , Reverberi Andrea
Published: February 2015

Pressure drop is an important consideration in Total Site Heat Integration (TSHI). This is due to the typically large distances between the different plants and the flow across plant elevations and equipment, including heat exchangers. Failure to consider pressure drop during utility targeting and heat exchanger network (HEN) synthesis may, at best, lead to optimistic energy targets, and at worst, an inoperable system if the pumps or compressors cannot overcome the actual pressure drop. Most studies have addressed the pressure drop factor in terms of pumping cost, forbidden matches or allowable pressure drop constraints in the optimisation of HEN. This study looks at the implication of pressure drop in the context of a Total Site. The graphical Pinch-based TSHI methodology is extended to consider the pressure drop factor during the minimum energy requirement (MER) targeting stage. The improved methodology provides a more realistic estimation of the MER targets and valuable insights for the implementation of the TSHI design. In the case study, when pressure drop in the steam distribution networks is considered, the heating and cooling duties increase by 14.5% and 4.5%.
Correction: Faria, M., et al. A Social Assessment of Forest Degradation in the “Cacheu Mangroves Natural Park”, Guinea-Bissau. 2014, 5, 3327-3343
Authors: De Faria Margarida , Ferreira Pedro , Melo Joana , Vasconcelos Maria
Published: February 2015

The authors would like to correct the scientific names on some of the tree species listed in this paper [1], doi:10.3390/f5123327, website: http://www.mdpi.com/1999-4907/5/12/3327. After publication we discovered that some of the vernacular names used by some communities were in fact a different species than initially anticipated. Therefore, although the vernacular is correct, the scientific name should be corrected. This confusion was due to the variety of vernacular names used for each species, which depend mostly on the ethnic group. The authors would like to apologize for any inconvenience caused to the readers by these changes.[...]
Building Roof Segmentation from Aerial Images Using a Lineand Region-Based Watershed Segmentation Technique
Authors: El Merabet Youssef , Meurie Cyril , Ruichek Yassine , Sbihi Abderrahmane , Touahni Raja
Published: February 2015

In this paper, we present a novel strategy for roof segmentation from aerial images (orthophotoplans) based on the cooperation of edge- and region-based segmentation methods. The proposed strategy is composed of three major steps. The first one, called the pre-processing step, consists of simplifying the acquired image with an appropriate couple of invariant and gradient, optimized for the application, in order to limit illumination changes (shadows, brightness, etc.) affecting the images. The second step is composed of two main parallel treatments: on the one hand, the simplified image is segmented by watershed regions. Even if the first segmentation of this step provides good results in general, the image is often over-segmented. To alleviate this problem, an efficient region merging strategy adapted to the orthophotoplan particularities, with a 2D modeling of roof ridges technique, is applied. On the other hand, the simplified image is segmented by watershed lines. The third step consists of integrating both watershed segmentation strategies into a single cooperative segmentation scheme in order to achieve satisfactory segmentation results. Tests have been performed on orthophotoplans containing 100 roofs with varying complexity, and the results are evaluated with the VINETcriterion using ground-truth image segmentation. A comparison with five popular segmentation techniques of the literature demonstrates the effectiveness and the reliability of the proposed approach. Indeed, we obtain a good segmentation rate of 96% with the proposed method compared to 87.5% with statistical region merging (SRM), 84% with mean shift, 82% with color structure code (CSC), 80% with efficient graph-based segmentation algorithm (EGBIS) and 71% with JSEG.
Modifications of the stress-state of cable-stayed bridges due to staggered construction of their superstructure
Authors: Lozano-Galant Jose Antonio , Ruiz-Ripoll Lidia , Payá-Zaforteza Ignacio , Turmo José
Published: January 2015

In current practice, the effects of the evolutionary erection of cable-stayed bridge superstructure are rarely included into the simulation of its tensioning process. In fact, stay forces in service are usually defined in early stages of design, when the construction process has not even been conceived in detail yet. In order to fill this gap, the effects of the evolutionary erection of cable-stayed bridge superstructure throughout the tensioning process are studied in this paper. This study is focused on steel cable-stayed bridges erected on temporary supports. For the very first time a new criterion to include the effects of the evolutionary erection of cable-stayed bridges into the definition of the stay forces in the service state is presented.
Relationship between deformation moduli obtained using light falling weight deflectometer and static plate test on various types of soil
Authors: Pospisil Karel , Zednik Petr , Stryk Josef
Published: January 2015

There is increasing effort to optimize test methods for evaluation of subgrade. It takes effect in aspiration in replacement of static plate loading test by other faster test methods. One of them is the use of Light Falling Weight Deflectometer. In many countries in Europe both static and dynamic plate tests are standardized. The presented paper introduces results of the research project dealing with the sensitivity of the relationship between static modulus and modulus obtained from the Light Falling Weight Deflectometer on specific types of soil. It is shown that there are significant differences in relationship between moduli values obtained using both methods on different types of soil.
Transition curves in vertical alignment as a method for reducing fuel consumption
Authors: Kobryń Andrzej
Published: January 2015

This paper presents a new approach to the fuel consumption reduction. This approach is based on vertical curve designs based on transition curves. The work presents selected curves, which are used for this purpose. Moreover, the results of comparative studies are shown for these curves, carried out in order to compare the possible reduction of fuel consumption in vertical curves designed using both conventional and proposed methods. Numerical studies were based on German engineering guidelines. In the case of vertical arcs formed by transition curves, fuel consumption indexes prove to be significantly lower than in curves based on a grade line consisting of straight lines with parabolic arcs. The obtained results indicate the advisability of forming vertical curves using transition curves.
Use of unconventional aggregates in hot mix asphalt concrete
Authors: Haritonovs Viktors , Tihonovs Janis
Published: January 2015

The study investigates use of dolomite sand waste as filler or/and sand material plus blast oxygen furnace steel slag as fine and coarse aggregate for design of high performance asphalt concrete. Both environmental and economic factors contribute to the growing need for the use of these materials in asphalt concrete pavements. This is particularly important for Latvia, where local crushed dolomite and sandstone do not fulfill the requirements for mineral aggregate in high and medium intensity asphalt pavements roads. Annually 100–200 thousand tons of steel slag aggregates are produced in Latvia. However, it has not been used extensively in asphalt pavement despite of its high performance characteristics. Dolomite sand waste, which is a byproduct of crushed dolomite production, is another widely available polydisperse by-product in Latvia. Its quantity has reached a million of tons and is rapidly increasing. This huge quantity of technological waste needs to be recycled with maximum efficiency. Various combinations of steel slag, dolomite sand waste and conventional aggregates were used to develop asphalt concrete AC 11 mixtures. The mix properties tests include resistance to permanent deformations (wheel tracking test, dynamic creep test) and fatigue resistance. Laboratory test results showed that asphalt concrete mixtures containing steel slag and local limestone in coarse portion and dolomite sand waste in sand and filler portions had high resistance to plastic deformations and good resistance to fatigue failure
Evaluation of stiffness to predict rutting resistance of hot-mix asphalt: a Canadian case study
Authors: Safiuddin Md , Tighe Susan Louise , Uzarowski Ludomir
Published: January 2015

This paper investigates the relationship between the stiffness and rutting resistance of hot-mix asphalt. Ten different types of hot-mix asphalt were examined. The Superpave mix design method was utilized to produce nine mixes; the remaining mix was designed using the Marshall method. The asphalt mixes were tested for stiffness and rutting resistance under the Centre for Pavement and Transportation Technology research program at the University of Waterloo. The stiffness was determined by the laboratory resilient and dynamic moduli tests. The dynamic modulus test was conducted at six different loading frequencies and five different temperatures. The rutting test was executed by the Hamburg Wheel Rut Tester and the French Laboratory Rutting Tester to obtain rutting depth. The regression analysis was performed to examine the relationships of resilient and dynamic moduli with rutting depth. The results of the regression analysis revealed that resilient modulus did not correlate well with rutting depth. In contrast, dynamic modulus showed strong correlation with rutting depth for a number of loading frequencies and temperatures. The strong relationship was observed at the higher temperatures of +46.1 oC and +54.4 oC. Moreover, the relationship between dynamic modulus and rutting depth was better for lower loading cycles/wheel passes applied in the rutting test. It was also noticed that dynamic modulus exhibited a better relationship with rutting depth obtained from the French Laboratory Rutting Tester. The overall findings indicate that the dynamic moduli obtained at 0.1–1.0 Hz and +46.1–(+54.4) oC are useful to predict the rutting resistance of hot-mix asphalt.
Road landscape as a product: does it satisfy consumers’ aesthetic needs?
Authors: Matijošaitienė Irina , Stankevičė Inga , Ribeiro Jaime
Published: January 2015

The contemporary market laws and consumer society impose that road users are regarded to as consumers, and road landscape – as a product. In this context, consumers’ willingness to use the product is equivalent to road users’ willingness to drive on the road. Consumers’ fastidiousness induces to develop road landscape in a way which ensures satisfaction of drivers’ versatile needs, including the aesthetic ones. However, development of desirable-to-drive road landscape remains one of the challenges of land management. Hence, based on the analysis of aesthetic needs of road users, the paper proposes a framework for creation of desirable-to-drive road landscape. The research rests on photofixation, Kansei engineering, regression, correlation and descriptive analyses. The landscape of the main Lithuanian roads was investigated. The results show that the willingness to drive on a road depends on the level of tune of all the elements comprising the roadscape, the amount of positive impression left by the roadscape, roadscape’s pleasurability, level of sophistication, and skittishness. The guidelines for the development of desirable to drive road landscape are proposed, and the map of distribution of roadscape in Lithuania, according to the willingness to drive, is drawn.
Hot-mix asphalt compaction evaluation with field tests
Authors: Micaelo Rui , Azevedo Maria C. , Ribeiro Jaime
Published: January 2015

The objective of this study is to determine the influence of field compaction conditions on hot-mix asphalt layers compaction. A large field test was carried out to assess the compaction degree variation under field conditions such as the type of layer, the temperature and the roller (weight and compaction mode). Compaction evolution with roller passes of two asphalt layers was assessed in-situ with a nuclear and a non-nuclear measurement device. The analysis of the compaction results with regression models showed that the temperature, the roller weight and the asphalt mixture are the most influential and that the frequency, for all dynamic compaction modes, is not relevant. Finishing compaction increases layer’s compaction degree up to 2%. The two different density gauges used in this study measured different compaction degree values.
Improving the method of conflict situations
Authors: Kapski Denis , Bertulienė Lina
Published: January 2015

The paper presents the results of research to develop methodology for a rapid assessment of the effect of measures used to improve road safety. The research includes the improvement of the method of determining traffic conflict situations and the development of accident prediction in conflict situations. A method of conflict situations is one of the most advanced and effective methods for predicting accidents at conflict sites since this method is based on the dependency of the number of accidents on the number of conflict situations. Having determined at the study site the number of conflict situations it is possible to calculate a predictable annual number of accidents at that site. The research implemented gave a possibility to increase the accuracy of accident prediction according to the method of conflict situations making it suitable to be used in practice for assessing the quality of road safety measures at the conflict sites – signalized intersections and pedestrian crossings, in the zone of which the artificial speed humps have been installed, such as a “sleeping policeman”.
Disease Activity in Ankylosing Spondylitis and Associations to Markers of Vascular Pathology and Traditional Cardiovascular Disease Risk Factors: A Cross-sectional Study
Authors: Berg Inger Jorid , van der Heijde Désirée , Dagfinrud Hanne , Seljeflot Ingebjørg , Olsen Inge Christoffer , Kvien Tore K. , Semb Anne Grete , Provan Sella A.
Published: February 2015

Objective.

To compare the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) in ankylosing spondylitis (AS) and population controls, and to examine the associations between disease activity and CVD risk.

Methods.

A cross-sectional study was done of patients with AS grouped according to Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Score (ASDAS) into ASDAS-high and ASDAS-low. Markers of vascular pathology, impaired endothelial function [asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA)], and arterial stiffness [augmentation index (AIx) and pulse wave velocity (PWV)], and traditional CVD risk factors [blood pressure, lipids, body mass index (BMI), CVD risk scores] were compared between AS and controls as well as across ASDAS-high versus ASDAS-low versus controls using ANCOVA analyses.

Results.

Altogether, 151 patients with AS and 134 controls participated. Patients had elevated ADMA (µmol/l) and AIx (%) compared to controls: mean difference (95% CI): 0.05 (0.03, 0.07), p < 0.001 and 2.6 (0.8, 4.3), p = 0.01, respectively. AIx increased with higher ASDAS level, p(trend) < 0.04. There were no significant group differences of PWV. BMI was higher in ASDAS-high compared to ASDAS-low (p = 0.02). Total cholesterol was lower in AS compared to controls, and lower with higher ASDAS, p(trend) = 0.02. CVD risk scores were similar across groups except for Reynolds Risk Score, where the ASDAS-high group had a significantly higher score, compared to both ASDAS-low and controls.

Conclusion.

Elevated ADMA and AIx in AS support a higher CVD risk in AS. Elevated AIx and BMI in AS with high ASDAS indicate an association between disease activity and CVD risk. Lower total cholesterol in AS may contribute to underestimation of CVD risk.
Urinary Albumin Excretion Is Increased in Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis and Associated with Arterial Stiffness
Authors: Becetti Karima , Oeser Annette , Ormseth Michelle J. , Solus Joseph F. , Raggi Paolo , Stein C. Michael , Chung Cecilia P.
Published: February 2015

Objective.

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is associated with increased risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD). High urinary albumin excretion is a risk factor for CVD in the general population, but its role in atherosclerosis in patients with RA is not well defined.

Methods.

We determined the urine albumin to creatinine ratio (UACR) in 136 patients with RA and 79 controls. Individuals with diabetes or a clinical history of CVD were excluded. We measured coronary artery calcium (CAC) with electron beam computer tomography and augmentation index (AIx) using pulse wave analysis. In patients with RA, erythrocyte sedimentation rate and concentrations of vascular cell adhesion protein-1 (VCAM-1), interleukin 10 (IL-10), C-reactive protein, IL-6, tumor necrosis factor-α, and cystatin-C were measured and results correlated with UACR.

Results.

Patients with RA had higher UACR [median (interquartile range): 7.6 (4.0–15.5) mg/g] than control subjects: 5.6 (3.3–9.0) mg/g; p = 0.02. The presence of CAC was not associated with UACR in RA or control subjects. In patients with RA, UACR was significantly correlated with AIx (rho = 0.24, p = 0.01), higher levels of VCAM-1 (rho = 0.2, p = 0.01), and lower levels of IL-10 (rho = −0.2, p = 0.02). The association between AIx and higher UACR remained significant in multivariate analysis [β coefficient of 1.5 (95% CI 0.1–2.8), p = 0.03 that adjusted for age, sex, and race].

Conclusion.

Urinary albumin excretion was higher in patients with RA than controls and correlated with increased arterial stiffness, higher VCAM-1, and lower IL-10 concentrations.
Advances in Pinhole and Multi-Pinhole Collimators For Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography Imaging
Authors: Islamian Jalil , Azazrm AhmadReza , Mahmoudian Babak , Gharapapagh Esmail
Published: February 2015

The collimator in single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT), is an important part of the imaging chain. One of the most important collimators that used in research, preclinical study, small animal, and organ imaging is the pinhole collimator. Pinhole collimator can improve the tradeoff between sensitivity and resolution in comparison with conventional parallel-hole collimator and facilities diagnosis. However, a major problem with pinhole collimator is a small field of view (FOV). Multi-pinhole collimator has been investigated in order to increase the sensitivity and FOV with a preserved spatial resolution. The geometry of pinhole and multi-pinhole collimators is a critical factor in the image quality and plays a key role in SPECT imaging. The issue of the material and geometry for pinhole and multi-pinhole collimators have been a controversial and much disputed subject within the field of SPECT imaging. On the other hand, recent developments in collimator optimization have heightened the need for appropriate reconstruction algorithms for pinhole SPECT imaging. Therefore, iterative reconstruction algorithms were introduced to minimize the undesirable effect on image quality. Current researches have focused on geometry and configuration of pinhole and multi-pinhole collimation rather than reconstruction algorithm. The lofthole and multi-lofthole collimator are samples of novel designs. The purpose of this paper is to provide a review on recent researches in the pinhole and multi-pinhole collimators for SPECT imaging.