bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparison of the global TRMM and WFD precipitation datasets in driving a large-scale hydrological model in southern Africa
Authors: Li Lu , Ngongondo Cosmo S. , Xu Chong-Yu , Gong Lebing
Published: October 2013

This paper provides a comparison of two widely used global precipitation datasets in southern Africa: Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (TRMM) and Water and Global Change (WATCH) Forcing Data (WFD). We also evaluate the performance of the water and snow balance modelling system (WASMOD-D) in a water balance simulation of 22 gauged basins over the southern Africa region. Water balance for southern Africa was simulated using the two global datasets as input with regionalized model parameter values. The results reveal that the special variation patterns of mean annual precipitation from TRMM and WFD datasets and temporal changing trend are similar in southern Africa. However, they are quite different in terms of probability distributions. Simulation of WASMOD-D based on two datasets in southern Africa results in model performances of above 0.5 for Nash–Sutcliffe (NS) values, below 10% for volume error (VE) values and a good reproduction of the observed flow duration curves for the majority of the basins. Finally, WFD data which have been bias corrected were observed to outperform TRMM data in southern Africa. The approaches and results described in this study contribute to the limited literature on regional hydrological modelling in the data-scarce region of southern Africa.
Assessing the hydrological impacts of climate change in the headwater catchment of the Tarim River basin, China
Authors: Liu Zhaofei , Xu Zongxue , Fu Guobin , Yao Zhijun
Published: October 2013

Two statistical downscaling models were used to downscale regional climate change scenarios, on the basis of the outputs of three general circulation models (GCMs) and three emission scenarios. Driven by these climate change scenarios, a distributed macro-scale hydrological model (the Variable Infiltration Capacity (VIC) model) was applied to assess the impact of climate change on hydrological processes in the headwater catchment (HC) of the Tarim River basin, China. The results showed that the HC tends to experience warmer and drier conditions under the combined climate change scenarios. The predictions show a decreasing trend of the runoff in the HC, driven by the combined climate change scenarios. The results predicted an increasing trend for winter runoff however, which was consistent with the forecasts from most previous studies on other locations such as the region of St Lawrence tributaries (Quebec, Canada) and the Willamette River Basin (Oregon, USA). There was an inconsistent intra-annual distribution of the changes in precipitation and runoff in the HC; these inconsistencies may be explained by increasing snowmelt runoff resulting from higher air temperature. It was concluded that uncertainties within different GCM outputs are more significant than emission scenarios in the assessment of the potential impact of climate change.
Taking the Pulse of the Real Economy Using Financial Statement Analysis: Implications for Macro Forecasting and Stock Valuation
Authors: Konchitchki Yaniv , Patatoukas Panos N.
Published: October 2013

In this study, we hypothesize and find that financial statement analysis of firm profitability drivers applied at the aggregate level yields timely insights that are relevant for forecasting real economic activity. We first show that focusing on the 100 largest firms offers a cost-effective way to extract information embedded in accounting profitability data of the entire stock market portfolio. We then show that accounting profitability data aggregated across the 100 largest firms have predictive content for subsequent real Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth. We also show that stock market returns have predictive content for future real GDP growth, while their predictive power varies with the length of the measurement window with annual stock market returns being the most powerful. Importantly, we find that the predictive content of our indices of aggregate accounting profitability drivers is incremental to that of annual stock market returns. An in-depth investigation of consensus survey forecasts shows that professional macro forecasters revise their expectations of real economic activity in the direction of the predictive content of aggregate accounting profitability drivers and stock market returns. Although macro forecasters are fully attuned to stock market return data, their forecasts of real GDP growth can be improved in a statistically and economically significant way using our indices of aggregate accounting profitability drivers. Our findings suggest that professional macro forecasters and stock market investors do not fully impound the predictive content of aggregate accounting profitability drivers when forecasting real economic activity. In additional analysis, we examine the association between stock market returns and the portion of subsequent real GDP growth that is predictable based on our indices of aggregate accounting profitability drivers but that is not anticipated by stock market investors. We find that this portion is positively related to stock market returns, suggesting that the macro predictive content of aggregate accounting profitability drivers is relevant for stock valuation. Overall, our study brings financial statement analysis to the forefront as an incrementally useful tool for gauging the prospects of the real economy that should be of interest to academics and practitioners.

JEL Classification: E01; E32; E60; M41.

Data Availability: Data are available from public sources indicated in the text.
A Genome-Wide Association Study in American Indians ImplicatesDNERas a Susceptibility Locus for Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Hanson Robert L. , Muller Yunhua L. , Kobes Sayuko , Guo Tingwei , Bian Li , Ossowski Victoria , Wiedrich Kim , Sutherland Jeffrey , Wiedrich Christopher , Mahkee Darin , Huang Ke , Abdussamad Maryam , Traurig Michael , Weil E. Jennifer , Nelson Robert G. , Bennett Peter H. , Knowler William C. , Bogardus Clifton , Baier Leslie J.
Published: October 2013

Most genetic variants associated with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) have been identified through genome-wide association studies (GWASs) in Europeans. The current study reports a GWAS for young-onset T2DM in American Indians. Participants were selected from a longitudinal study conducted in Pima Indians and included 278 cases with diabetes with onset before 25 years of age, 295 nondiabetic controls ≥45 years of age, and 267 siblings of cases or controls. Individuals were genotyped on a ∼1M single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) array, resulting in 453,654 SNPs with minor allele frequency >0.05. SNPs were analyzed for association in cases and controls, and a family-based association test was conducted. Tag SNPs (n = 311) were selected for 499 SNPs associated with diabetes (P < 0.0005 in case-control analyses or P < 0.0003 in family-based analyses), and these SNPs were genotyped in up to 6,834 additional Pima Indians to assess replication. Rs1861612 in DNER was associated with T2DM (odds ratio = 1.29 per copy of the T allele; P = 6.6 × 10−8, which represents genome-wide significance accounting for the number of effectively independent SNPs analyzed). Transfection studies in murine pancreatic β-cells suggested that DNER regulates expression of notch signaling pathway genes. These studies implicate DNER as a susceptibility gene for T2DM in American Indians.
Podocyte-Specific GLUT4-Deficient Mice Have Fewer and Larger Podocytes and Are Protected From Diabetic Nephropathy
Authors: Guzman Johanna , Jauregui Alexandra N. , Merscher-Gomez Sandra , Maiguel Dony , Muresan Cristina , Mitrofanova Alla , Diez-Sampedro Ana , Szust Joel , Yoo Tae-Hyun , Villarreal Rodrigo , Pedigo Christopher , Molano R. Damaris , Johnson Kevin , Kahn Barbara , Hartleben Bjoern , Huber Tobias B. , Saha Jharna , Burke George W. , Abel E. Dale , Brosius Frank C. , Fornoni Alessia
Published: October 2013

Podocytes are a major component of the glomerular filtration barrier, and their ability to sense insulin is essential to prevent proteinuria. Here we identify the insulin downstream effector GLUT4 as a key modulator of podocyte function in diabetic nephropathy (DN). Mice with a podocyte-specific deletion of GLUT4 (G4 KO) did not develop albuminuria despite having larger and fewer podocytes than wild-type (WT) mice. Glomeruli from G4 KO mice were protected from diabetes-induced hypertrophy, mesangial expansion, and albuminuria and failed to activate the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway. In order to investigate whether the protection observed in G4 KO mice was due to the failure to activate mTOR, we used three independent in vivo experiments. G4 KO mice did not develop lipopolysaccharide-induced albuminuria, which requires mTOR activation. On the contrary, G4 KO mice as well as WT mice treated with the mTOR inhibitor rapamycin developed worse adriamycin-induced nephropathy than WT mice, consistent with the fact that adriamycin toxicity is augmented by mTOR inhibition. In summary, GLUT4 deficiency in podocytes affects podocyte nutrient sensing, results in fewer and larger cells, and protects mice from the development of DN. This is the first evidence that podocyte hypertrophy concomitant with podocytopenia may be associated with protection from proteinuria.
Identification of Factors Associated With Sural Nerve Regeneration and Degeneration in Diabetic Neuropathy
Authors: Hur Junguk , Sullivan Kelli A. , Callaghan Brian C. , Pop-Busui Rodica , Feldman Eva L.
Published: October 2013

OBJECTIVE

Patients with diabetic neuropathy (DN) demonstrate variable degrees of nerve regeneration and degeneration. Our aim was to identify risk factors associated with sural nerve degeneration in patients with DN.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

Demographic, anthropometric, biochemical, and anatomical data of subjects with DN from a 52-week trial of acetyl-L-carnitine were retrospectively examined. Based on the change in sural nerve myelinated fiber density (ΔMFD%), subjects were divided into three groups: regenerator (top 16 percentiles, n = 67), degenerator (bottom 16 percentiles, n = 67), and intermediate (n = 290), with dramatically increased, decreased, and steady ΔMFD%, respectively. ANOVA, Fisher exact test, and multifactorial logistic regression were used to evaluate statistical significance.

RESULTS

ΔMFD%s were 35.6 ± 17.4 (regenerator), −4.8 ± 12.1 (intermediate), and −39.8 ± 11.0 (degenerator). HbA1c at baseline was the only factor significantly different across the three groups (P = 0.01). In multifactorial logistic regression, HbA1c at baseline was also the only risk factor significantly different between regenerator (8.3 ± 1.6%) and degenerator (9.2 ± 1.8%) (odds ratio 0.68 [95% CI 0.54–0.85]; P < 0.01). Support Vector Machine classifier using HbA1c demonstrated 62.4% accuracy of classifying subjects into regenerator or degenerator. A preliminary microarray experiment revealed that upregulated genes in the regenerator group are enriched with cell cycle and myelin sheath functions, while downregulated genes are enriched in immune/inflammatory responses.

CONCLUSIONS

These data, based on the largest cohort with ΔMFD% information, suggest that HbA1c levels predict myelinated nerve fiber regeneration and degeneration in patients with DN. Therefore, maintaining optimal blood glucose control is likely essential in patients with DN to prevent continued nerve injury.
Enhancement of Vasoreactivity and Cognition by Intranasal Insulin in Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Novak Vera , Milberg William , Hao Ying , Munshi Medha , Novak Peter , Galica Andrew , Manor Bradley , Roberson Paula , Craft Suzanne , Abduljalil Amir
Published: October 2013

OBJECTIVE

To determine acute effects of intranasal insulin on regional cerebral perfusion and cognition in older adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM).

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

This was a proof-of-concept, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled intervention evaluating the effects of a single 40-IU dose of insulin or saline on vasoreactivity and cognition in 15 DM and 14 control subjects. Measurements included regional perfusion, vasodilatation to hypercapnia with 3-Tesla MRI, and neuropsychological evaluation.

RESULTS

Intranasal insulin administration was well tolerated and did not affect systemic glucose levels. No serious adverse events were reported. Across all subjects, intranasal insulin improved visuospatial memory (P ≤ 0.05). In the DM group, an increase of perfusion after insulin administration was greater in the insular cortex compared with the control group (P = 0.0003). Cognitive performance after insulin administration was related to regional vasoreactivity. Improvements of visuospatial memory after insulin administration in the DM group (R2adjusted = 0.44, P = 0.0098) and in the verbal fluency test in the control group (R2adjusted = 0.64, P = 0.0087) were correlated with vasodilatation in the middle cerebral artery territory.

CONCLUSIONS

Intranasal insulin administration appears safe, does not affect systemic glucose control, and may provide acute improvements of cognitive function in patients with type 2 DM, potentially through vasoreactivity mechanisms. Intranasal insulin-induced changes in cognitive function may be related to vasodilatation in the anterior brain regions, such as insular cortex that regulates attention-related task performance. Larger studies are warranted to identify long-term effects and predictors of positive cognitive response to intranasal insulin therapy.
Novel polymorphic microsatellite markers from turmeric, Curcuma longa L. (Zingiberaceae)
Authors: Senan Siju , Kizhakayil Dhanya , Sheeja Thotten E. , Sasikumar Bhaskaran , Bhat Alangar I. , Parthasarathy Villupanoor A.
Published: October 2013

- Twenty one polymorphic microsatellite loci were isolated and characterized from turmeric (Curcuma longa L.). These markers were screened across thirty accessions. The number of alleles observed for each locus ranged from two to eight with an average of 4.7 alleles per locus. The discrimination power of these markers ranged from 0.25 to 0.67 (average 0.6). The simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers can complement the currently available SSR markers and would be useful for the genetic analysis of turmeric accessions.
Chlorophyll content, photosynthetic efficiency and genetic markers in two sour cherry (Prunus cerasus L.) genotypes under drought stress
Authors: Viljevac Marija , Dugalić Krunoslav , Mihaljević Ines , Šimić Domagoj , Sudar Rezica , Jurković Zorica , Lepeduš Hrvoje
Published: October 2013

- Drought is a limiting factor in fruit production today. Identification of sour cherry genotypes tolerant to drought will enable the sustainability of fruit production. The aim of our study was to select sour cherry genotypes according to their genetic background as well as drought tolerance and investigate possible mechanisms of drought tolerance through the changes in photosynthetic apparatus (i.e. photosynthetic pigment content) and photosynthesis process assessed through the chlorophyll fluorescence transient. All of them together with molecular markers (SSRs and AFLPs), relative water content (RWC) as indicator of plant water status distinguish two genotypes (Kelleris 16 and OS), which are the opposite in regards to drought tolerance. Down-regulation of photosynthesis in drought-treated Kelleris 16 plants was seen as changes in antenna complexes of PSII (decreased total chlorophylls content (a+b) and chlorophylls ratio (a/b)). Despite unchanged maximum quantum yield of PSII in drought-treated leaves of genotype OS, overall photosynthetic performance expressed as PIABS was down-regulated in both investigated genotypes. However, decrement of PIABS was much pronounced in genotype Kelleris 16, mainly because of changes in a certain fraction of RCs, which become dissipative centres, seen as increase in ABS/RC and DI0/RC, in order to avoid photooxidative damage of photosynthetic apparatus. Also, electron transport, seen as decrease in ET0/(TR0-ET0) and ET0/RC, was impaired which lead to impaired CO2 fixation and photosynthesis. The described changes in the functioning of photosynthetic apparatus in drought-treated plants of Kelleris 16 constitute the main distinction between the two investigated genotypes regarding drought adaptation mechanisms.
Shallots in Croatia – genetics, morphology and nomenclature
Authors: Puizina Jasna
Published: October 2013

- The term 'shallot' in Croatia denotes three genetically and morphologically different, vegetatively reproduced relatives of the common onion, Allium cepa L., which are mainly traditionally cultivated for consumption and as a spice: A. cepa Aggregatum group, (2n = 2x = 16), A. × proliferum (Moench) Schrad. (2n = 2x = 16) and A. × cornutum Clementi ex Vis. (2n = 3x = 24). This paper reviews the results of studies of their morpho- -anatomical characteristics and genetic structure. Although all three taxa were determined as varieties of the common onion, only the shallot A. cepa Aggregatum group (syn. A. ascalonicum L.) belongs to that species. The shallot A. × proliferum represents a hybrid between the two closely related species, A. cepa and A. fistulosum L. The third form of shallot, A. × cornutum is a still incompletely understood triploid hybrid between A. cepa and one or two closely related Allium species, whose identity has not been fully elucidated. In contrast to shallot A. cepa Aggregatum group, which has normal meiosis and produces fertile seed, hybrid shallots A. × proliferum and A. × cornutum are sterile, and reproduce exclusively vegetatively by underground bulbs or bulbils from the inflorescence.
Hydrolysis of Lactose from Cheese Whey Using a Reactor with β-Galactosidase Enzyme Immobilised on a Commercial UF Membrane
Authors: Regenhardt Silvina A. , Mammarella Enrique J. , Rubiolo Amelia C.
Published: October 2013

In this study, β-galactosidase enzyme from Kluyveromyces fragilis was immobilised on a commercial polyethersulfone membrane surface, 10 kDa cut-off. An integrated process, concerning the simultaneous hydrolysis-ultrafiltration of whey lactose was studied and working conditions have been fixed at 55°C and pH 6.9, the same conditions that are used for the industrial process of protein concentration. For the immobilisation, best results were obtained using 5% (v/v) of glutaraldehyde solution and 0.03 M galactose; the total activity recovery coefficient (TARC) was 44.2%. The amount of immobilised enzyme was 12.49 mg with a total activity of 86.3 LAU at 37°C, using 5% (w/v) lactose solution in phosphate buffer (100 mM pH 6.9).

The stability of the immobilised enzyme was approximately 585 fold higher in comparison with the stability of free enzyme. Multipoint covalent immobilisation improves the stability of the enzyme, thereby enhancing the decision to use the membrane as a filtering element and support for the enzyme immobilisation.
Mineral Matter Transformation in OXY-Fuel Coal Combustion
Authors: Nowak-Woźny Dorota , Moroń Wojciech , Urbanek Bartosz , Rybak Wiesław
Published: October 2013

The paper presents the results of the mechanical, electrical, CCSEM and XRD measurements of hard coal, conducted in simulated conditions of sintering in atmospheres of O2/CO2,. The changes of the coal ash resistivity are correlated with the content of the oxides and with the sintering temperature determined by the mechanical test and Leitz method. The SEM-EDS analysis was conducted for deposits on the probe. The changes of the measured ash samples, observed during sintering process in O2/CO2 atmosphere, were discussed in the ash microstructure point of view.
Are Various Forms of Locomotion-Speed Diverse or Unique Performance Quality?
Authors: Cavar Mile , Corluka Marin , Cerkez Ivana , Culjak Zoran , Sekulic Damir
Published: October 2013

The forward-sprint is considered to be, and is regularly performed as, a unique measure of “on-ground” linearspeed performance. Thus far, no investigation has simultaneously studied different forms of linear-speed or investigated whether different forms of linear-speed should be observed as unique performance quality. The purpose of this study was to determine (I) the achievements (i.e. execution time), and (II) the reliability and inter-relationships between various linear-speed performances. The participants were 42 male physical education students with substantial sport-specific backgrounds. We applied a total of six tests: three quadrupedal (supine backward, supine forward, and pronate backward locomotion) and three bipedal-performances (forward sprinting, backward sprinting, lateral shuffling). All of the tests showed appropriate reliability parameters (Cronbach Alpha ranged from 0.91 to 0.97; Inter-Item-R 0.78-0.92; Coefficient-of-Variation 1.3-9.1). The tests used in this study shared between 9% and 50% of the common variance. Our results suggest that different activities require activity-specific tests of linear-speed. This is particularly significant in those sports and activities in which quadrupedal locomotion patterns are highly important (wrestling, physically trained military services, law enforcement, fire and rescue, protective services).
Potentiation Increases Peak Twitch Torque by Enhancing Rates of Torque Development and Relaxation
Authors: Froyd Christian , Beltrami Fernando Gabe , Jensen Jørgen , Noakes Timothy David
Published: October 2013

The aim of this study was to measure the extent to which potentiation changes in response to an isometric maximal voluntary contraction. Eleven physically active subjects participated in two separate studies. Single stimulus of electrical stimulation of the femoral nerve was used to measure torque at rest in unpotentiated quadriceps muscles (study 1 and 2), and potentiated quadriceps muscles torque in a 10 min period after a 5 s isometric maximal voluntary contraction of the quadriceps muscles (study 1). Additionally, potentiated quadriceps muscles torque was measured every min after a further 10 maximal voluntary contractions repeated every min (study 2). Electrical stimulation repeated several times without previous maximal voluntary contraction showed similar peak twitch torque. Peak twitch torque 4 s after a 5 s maximal voluntary contraction increased by 45±13% (study 1) and by 56±10% (study 2), the rate of torque development by 53±13% and 82±29%, and the rate of relaxation by 50±17% and 59±22%, respectively, but potentiation was lost already two min after a 5 s maximal voluntary contraction. There was a tendency for peak twitch torque to increase for the first five repeated maximal voluntary contractions, suggesting increased potentiation with additional maximal voluntary contractions. Correlations for peak twitch torque vs the rate of torque development and for the rate of relaxation were r2= 0.94 and r2=0.97. The correlation between peak twitch torque, the rate of torque development and the rate of relaxation suggests that potentiation is due to instantaneous changes in skeletal muscle contractility and relaxation.
Estimating the Energy Costs of Intermittent Exercise
Authors: Scott Christopher B. , Fountaine Charles
Published: October 2013

To date, steady state models represent the only acceptable methodology for the estimation of exercise energy costs. Conversely, comparisons made between continuous and intermittent exercise generally reveal major physiological discrepancies, leading to speculation as to why steady state energy expenditure models should be applied to intermittent exercise. Under intermittent conditions, skeletal muscle invokes varying aerobic and anaerobic metabolic responses, each with the potential to make significant contributions to overall energy costs. We hypothesize that if the aerobic-only energetic profile of steady state exercise can be used to estimate the energetics of non-steady state and intermittent exercise, then the converse also must be true. In fact, reasonable estimates of energy costs to work volumes or work rates can be demonstrated under steady state, non-steady state and intermittent conditions; the problem with the latter two is metabolic variability. Using resistance training as a model, estimates of both aerobic and anaerobic energy cost components, as opposed to one or the other, have reduced the overall energetic variability that appears inherent to brief, intense, intermittent exercise models.
Relationship Between Fatigue Index and Number of Repetition Maxima with Sub-Maximal Loads in Biceps Curl
Authors: Pekünlü Ekim , Atalağ Ozan
Published: October 2013

The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between the number of repetition maxima to volitional failure (RM) at 60%, 75%, 90% of 1RM and fatigue index (FI), a determinant of the muscular endurance level. Thirty four resistance trained male participants attended two testing sessions. The first session was conducted to assess 1RM load and RM at 60%, 75% and 90% of 1RM in the supine biceps curl (SBC) exercise. In the second session, a FI test protocol consisting of five sets of SBC with 90 s rest between sets was performed to determine FI values. Each set was performed to volitional failure using a sub-maximal load in the range of 15-20RM. Hypothetical high FI and low FI groups (17 participants with the highest and lowest FI values, respectively) were formed for statistical analyses. ANOVA results revealed that RM at 60%, 75%, 90% of 1RM were not significantly different between FI groups when controlled for mean repetition tempo (p=0.11, p=0.38, p=0.13, respectively). Pearson’s correlation coefficients revealed that no significant relationship was present between FI values and RM at 60%, 75%, 90% of 1RM (p=0.40, p=0.46, p=0.14, respectively). In conclusion, the muscular endurance level of participants defined in terms of FI value was not an indicator of RM in SBC. Therefore, athletes with different muscular endurance levels can use similar percentages of 1RM in biceps curl exercise in their training programs when the aim is to elicit training adaptations related to specific RM zones.
A Decade of Euroleague Basketball: an Analysis of Trends and Recent Rule Change Effects
Authors: Štrumbelj Erik , Vračar Petar , Robnik-Šikonja Marko , Dežman Brane , Erčulj Frane
Published: October 2013

The International Basketball Federation (FIBA) recently introduced major rule changes that came into effect with the 2010/11 season. Most notably, moving the three-point arc and changing the shot-clock. The purpose of this study was to investigate and quantify how these changes affect the game performance of top-level European basketball players. In order to better understand these changes, we also investigated past seasons and showed the presence of several trends, even in the absence of significant rule changes. A large set of game statistics for 10 seasons and 2198 Euroleague basketball games in which top European clubs competed was analyzed. Results show that the effects of the rule changes are contrary to trends in recent years
Sex ratio adjustment in birds
Authors: Szász Eszter , Kiss Dorottya , Rosivall Balázs
Published: October 2013

In a number of bird species, the sex ratio of the broods is not random, instead it is related to parental quality and environmental conditions. Several hypotheses have been proposed to explain this phenomenon, the so called sex ratio adjustment. According to these hypotheses, sex ratio adjustment is expected to evolve when the fitness benefit an offspring confers to the parents changes with ecological or social factors in a sex-specific way. Though many correlative and experimental studies support these hypotheses, there are still unresolved problems. In our paper, we provide details on the hypotheses related to sex ratio adjustment and explanations for the differences observed in sex ratio patterns between populations and years. Finally, we discuss the importance of sex ratio adjustment for species conservation.
Application of Shape From Shading Technique for Side Scan Sonar Images
Authors: Bikonis Krzysztof , Moszynski Marek , Lubniewski Zbigniew
Published: October 2013

Digital signal processing technology has revolutionized a way of processing, visualisation and interpretation of data acquired by underwater systems. Through many years side scan sonars were one of the most widely used imaging systems in the underwater environment. Although they are relatively cheap and easy to deploy, more powerful sensors like multibeam echo sounders and sonars are widely used today and deliver 3D bathymetry of sea bottom terrain. Side scan sonar outputs data usually in a form of grey level 2D acoustic images but the analysis of such pictures performed by human eye allows creating semi-spatial impressions of seafloor relief and morphology. Hence the idea of post-processing the side scan sonar data in a manner similar to human eye to obtain 3D visualisation.

In recently developing computer vision systems the shape from shading approach is well recognized technique. Applying it to side scan sonar data is challenging idea used by several authors. In the paper, some further extensions are presented. They rely on processing the backscattering information of each footprint (pixel in sonar image) along with its surroundings. Additionally, a current altitude is estimated from the size of shadow areas. Both techniques allow constructing 3D representation of sea bottom relief or other investigated underwater objects.
Determination of cavities using electrical resistivity tomography
Authors: Putiška René , Nikolaj Maroš , Dostál Ivan , Kušnirák David
Published: October 2013

Geophysical surveys for cavity detection are one of the most common nearsurface applications. The usage of resistivity methods is also very straightforward for the air-filled underground voids, which should have theoretically infinite resistivity in the ERT image. In the first part of the paper, we deal with the comparison of detectability of the cavity by several types of the electrode arrays, the second part discusses the effect of a thin layer around the cavity itself, by means of 2D modelling. The presence of this layer deforms the resistivity image significantly as the resistive anomaly could be turned into a conductive one, in the case when the thin layer is more conductive than the background environment. From the electrical array analysis for the model situation a dipole-dipole and combined pole-dipole shows the best results among the other involved electrical arrays.
Effects of Superabsorbent and Irrigation Regime on Seedling Growth Characteristics of Barley (Hordeum Vulgare L.)
Authors: Jalilian J. , Mohsennia O.
Published: October 2013

Greenhouse experiment was carried out to study the effects of superabsorbent and water deficit stress on seedling growth of barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) in Urmia University of Iran. Three amounts of superabsorbent polymer (0 (S1), 2 (S2) and 4 g (S3) were mixed with 500 g soil before sowing, and four levels of irrigation regimes (irrigation at 20 (I1), 40 (I2), 60 (I3) and 80% (I3) field capacity) were set as treatments. The root length, root volume, root and shoot dry weight, plant height, leaf length, leaf width, SPAD and root-shoot ratio were affected by treatments. Means comparisons indicated that the highest root length (19 cm) observed in the I4 irrigation regime and the lowest of it (16.18 cm) obtained in I1 condition. Barley plants that received 4 g and no superabsorbent had the utmost (1.13 cm) and lowest (0.54 cm) root volume, respectively. Whereas plant situated in I4 and I1 irrigation regimes produced greatest and smallest amount amount of shoot dry weight and SPAD. The maximum (12.83 cm) and minimum (8.33 cm) leaf length was obtained from S3I3 and S1I1 condition, respectively. Generally, the results showed the most of measured barley seedling traits in irrigation at 40 % field capacity (I2) were the equal with I3 and I4 irrigation regimes treatments, which indicated the resistance of barley seedling to the water deficit stress. Also, we found that the improving of root dry weight and root volume of barley seedling along with increasing in the superabsorbent application.
Effect of Foliar Application of Silicon on Yield and Quality of Rice (Oryza Sativa L)
Authors: Ahmad A. , Afzal M. , Ahmad A.U.H. , Tahir M.
Published: October 2013

A field experiment was conducted at University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Pakistan, to investigate the effect of foliar application of silicon on yield and quality of fine rice (Oryza sativa L.). The research was designed as randomized complete block design (RCBD) having three replications and 6m x 4.5m net plot size was maintained. Foliar applications of silicon’s aqueous solution were used as treatments comprised of control, 0.25%, 0.50%, 1.00% silicon solutions. Nursery of 30 days old seedling nursery was transplanted to the plots under aerobic condition and 22.5cm hill to hill distance was maintained. Sodium silicate (20.35% Si) as the source of silicon (soluble in warm water) was used. Fertilizer inputs as nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium were uniformly applied at the rate of 100, 67, 67 kg ha-1 while all other agronomic practices were kept constant for all the treatments. The data from the field (yield components) as well as lab analysis (quality parameters) was recorded according to the standard procedures. Fisher’s analysis of the variance technique was used for statistical analysis and treatment’s mean differences were compared using least significant difference (LSD) test at 5% probability level. Silicon showed no significant effect on plant height, harvest index, number of kernels and opaque kernels percentage. Silicon (0.50% silicon solution) produced maximum grain diameter and grain protein while silicon @ 1.00% silicon solution resulted maximum in number of productive tillers, straw yield, spike per panicle, 1000 grain weight, paddy yield and grain starch. All others parameters have overlapping results of different silicon levels.
Hormone Priming Improves Germination Characteristics and Enzyme Activity of Sorghum Seeds (Sorghum Bicolor L.) Under Accelerated Aging
Authors: Azadi M.S. , Tabatabaei S.A. , Younesi E. , Rostami M.R. , Mombeni M.
Published: October 2013

Maximum germination percentage achieves immediately after harvesting and gradually decreases with storage time. Aging is one of the key factors in plant yield loss especially in vegetables. Seed aging is the main problem of seed storage. Application of accelerated aging treatment is used to assess seed vigor and quality. Seed priming enhances seed germination performance after aging. An experiment was conduct in order to investigate the activity of catalase and ascorbate peroxidase during accelerated aging and repair during priming treatment of sorghum seeds. In order to improve germination characteristics in aged seeds with seed priming. Our result showed that seed priming treatments significantly (p≤ 0.01) affected, germination percentage, germination index and means time to germination after aging (0, 3 and 6 days). Increasing aging duration resulted higher reduction in germination characteristics. Priming with gibberelic acid (GA), salicylic acid (SA) and ascorbic acid (ASC) increased germination characteristics of seed aged. The highest germination percentage, germination index, normal seedling percentage and enzyme activity were achieved in control conditions (0 day of aging). Antioxidant activity of aged seeds increased after seed priming.
Performance of Promising Lentil (Lens Culinaris Medik.) Cultivars at Different Nitrogen Rates Under Irrigated Conditions of Faisalabad, Pakistan
Authors: Rahman M.H. , Wajid S.A. , Afzal M. , Ahmad A. , Awais M. , Irfan M. , Ahmad A.U.H.
Published: October 2013

Lentil is a short stature, semierect, rabi legume plant cultivated on large area in Pakistan. It is a main source of vegetable protein in human diet. A field study was conducted, to evaluate the effect of nitrogen application on different agrophysiological traits of three lentil cultivars. The experiment was conducted at the Agronomic Research Area, Department of Agronomy, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Pakistan. The experiment was laid out in splot plot design with three replicates. The three cultivars were: Punjab Masoor (PM)-2009, NIAB Masoor (NM)- 2006 and NIAB Masoor (NM)-2002) were randomized in main plots and three levels of nitrogen (13, 19 and 25 kg ha-1) in sub-plots. The results showed that various cultivars and nitrogen rates significantly affected the lentil growth, yield and related traits. PM- 2009 performed the best under irrigated semiarid environment of Faisalabad; it gave the highest seed yield (972 kg ha-1). Maximum number of pods plant-1 (47.29), number of grains pod-1 (1.80), 1000-seed weight (21.89 g), grain yield (877.09 kg ha-1) and biological yield (3954.5 kg ha-1) were recorded against 25 kg N ha-1. It was concluded that sowing PM-2009 at 25 kg N ha-1 is best strategy enhance grain yield of lentil in Faisalabad conditions.
Influence of oil-in-water emulsions on fluorescence properties as observed by excitation-emission spectra
Authors: Baszanowska E. , Zielinski O. , Otremba Z. , Toczek H.
Published: October 2013

Oil poses a major threat to marine ecosystems. This work describes a set of studies focused on introducing an efficient method for the identification of oil in the form of oil emulsions through fluorescence spectra analyses. Hence the concept of classification of oil pollution in seawater based on fluorescence spectroscopy using a high sensitive fluorimeter [1] suitable for laboratory and in situ measurements is introduced. We consider that this approach, in the future, will make it possible to collect specific fluorescence information allowing us to build a base of the oil standards.

Here we examined excitation-emission fluorescence spectra (EEMs) of water containing oil-in-water emulsion prepared artificially under laboratory conditions. Water polluted with oil-in-water emulsion was studied with the objective to estimate differences in three-dimensional fluorescence spectra. Studies included various types of oils and oil concentrations. Essential differences in fluorescence spectra for various oils are indicated.
Characterization of Moisture-Dependent Changes in Stiffness of Unbound Aggregate Base Materials in Florida
Authors: Ayithi Aditya , Hiltunen Dennis R.
Published: October 2013

The mechanistic–empirical pavement design guidelines recommend the use of the material modulus in lieu of the structural number for the design of pavement base layer thickness. The modulus is nonlinear with respect to effective confinement stress, loading strain, and moisture (suction). Modulus nonlinearity should be considered for an efficient base layer design and analysis. Fixed-free resonant column tests were conducted on two base materials used in Florida to characterize shear modulus (G) nonlinearity in the strain range of 10-5% to 10-1%, including small level strains, under different loading confinements and moisture contents. The suction effect on the nonlinear modulus due to drying was evaluated, and it was found that the unsaturated modulus was linear at strains lower than 10-5% and nonlinear thereafter. In a comparison with dry materials, the presence of moisture in unsaturated material made it more nonlinear with respect to strain. The suction effect increased G in the strain range of 10-5% to 10-1%, with significant increases at strain levels below 10-3%. Empirical equations were developed to calculate the very small strain modulus (Gmax) of dry material. A procedure to calculate an approximate G-value at known moisture content, confinement, and strain magnitude was developed.
Thermally Induced Water Flux in Soils
Authors: Liu Zhen , Zhang Bin , Yu Xiong (Bill) , Tao Junliang , Sun Ye , Gao Quan
Published: October 2013

A comprehensive study is presented for the formulation of thermally induced water flux. For conditions without ice lenses, either frozen or unfrozen conditions, a theory is proposed to address the underestimation of water flux by the model of Philip and de Vries. In addition, experiments with a modified capillary rise method are proposed to calculate a gain factor that accounts for this underestimation. For thermally induced flux in frozen soils with ice lenses, a theoretical formulation is derived for the segregation potential, which is the key parameter in the model of Konrad and Morgenstern. This theoretical formulation, which is lacking in previous research, is expressed in a simple mathematical form and can be conveniently used for accurate prediction of segregation potential. The validity of the theory is proved with reported data, and more auxiliary relationships are provided for accurately predicting the segregation potential with the proposed formulation.
Leaching Behavior of Aluminum, Arsenic, and Chromium from Highway Structural Fills Amended with High-Carbon Fly Ash
Authors: Cetin Bora , Aydilek Ahmet H. , Li Lin
Published: October 2013

Coal combustion byproducts such as high-carbon fly ash (HCFA) are commonly used in highway construction as a stabilizing agent or soil amendment. Annually, 131 million tons of fly ash is produced in the United States. Unfortunately, only 40% of this fly ash is recycled, most of which are Class C and Class F types. These types of fly ash are generally used in concrete and cement production. However, HCFA cannot be used in such processes because of its high carbon content. Therefore, large amounts of HCFA are being put into landfills and causing significant economic loss and loss of valuable land space. Reuse of HCFA in geotechnical structures, particularly in road embankment construction, keeps these materials out of landfills. However, it is important to determine the environmental suitability of HCFA as a soil amendment because it poses a great potential for metal leaching. To evaluate environmental suitability, a series of column leach tests were conducted to determine the leaching of metals (aluminum, arsenic, and chromium) from soils amended with fly ash. In addition, numerical computer modeling programs were used to predict the metal concentrations in the soil vadose zone and ground-water. Results from laboratory tests indicated that metal concentrations increased with an increase in fly ash content and did not exceed the maximum concentration limits for drinking water, with few exceptions. Numerical modeling techniques predicted that leached metal concentrations decreased in the soil vadose zone with time and that concentrations of leached metals would be below environmental regulatory limits.
Leaching of Alkaline Substances and Heavy Metals from Recycled Concrete Aggregate Used as Unbound Base Course
Authors: Chen Jiannan , Tinjum James M. , Edil Tuncer B.
Published: October 2013

There is an increasing trend toward using recycled concrete aggregate (RCA) in construction. However, concerns have been expressed in laboratory studies about the highly alkaline leachate, high-pH leaching patterns, and release of heavy metals from RCA (e.g., chromium, lead, and arsenic). In this study, RCA materials from a wide geographical area were investigated. Physical, chemical, and mineralogical properties were characterized and laboratory column leaching tests were conducted. Two field test sites were installed and instrumented, one at the Minnesota Road Research (MnROAD) facility in Minnesota and a second at a surface parking facility at the University of Wisconsin–Madison. The MnROAD site showed a neutral leachate pH (between 6.5 and 8.0) after 7 months of service life [1.2 pore volumes of flow (PVFs)]; however, the pH from column leaching tests ranged between 11.0 and 12.5 and showed no decline over 100 PVFs. Because of the large difference between the field and laboratory results, two samples of RCA in Wisconsin, one from a recent demolition of concrete pavement (WR-F) and the other from an RCA stockpile with an age of 5 to 10 years (WR-SP), were used in the Wisconsin field site to verify the Minnesota data and investigate the long-term leaching of alkaline compounds and heavy metals. WR-F RCA started with a high leachate pH (12.6) and remained constant for the first 5 PVFs; however, WR-SP RCA started at a lower pH (7.3) but showed a gradually increasing trend, up to pH = 11.9 for the first 2 PVFs. The pHs from both RCAs were higher than the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency drinking water standard. Arsenic, chromium, lead, and selenium in the RCA field leachate were observed to be higher than the maximum contaminant level for the U.S. drinking water standard.
Physically Based Equation for Phase Composition Curve of Frozen Soils
Authors: Liu Zhen , Yu Xiong (Bill)
Published: October 2013

The relationship between unfrozen water content (or saturation in freezing and thawing) and temperature, which is referred to as the phase composition curve in frozen soils, is a fundamental relationship in cold regions engineering. Because of the lack of a physical basis, there have been only empirical equations for this relationship. This study investigated the mechanisms underlying the phase composition curve. A detailed physical basis was established on the basis of the soil freezing characteristic curve, the Clapeyron equation, and the bundle of cylindrical capillary model. From this physical basis, a closed-form equation was developed for the formulation and prediction of this curve. This physically based equation quantifies the unique correlation between saturation and temperature in frozen soils and takes various factors into account, such as the soil saturation under unfrozen conditions and the lowest temperature used in experiments. The equation was validated with phase composition data measured with a thermal–time domain reflectometry sensor. In addition, the flexibility of the equation and its excellent applicability in various soils with a wide range of properties, in large temperature ranges, and in both freezing and thawing processes (hysteresis) were proved with reported data.
Validating Spring Weight Restriction Limits with Mechanistic–Empirical Failure Prediction Models
Authors: Kavanagh Leonnie N. , Shalaby Ahmed
Published: October 2013

This study developed local mechanistic–empirical failure models to predict fatigue and rutting damage on spring-weight-restricted (SWR) roads in Manitoba, Canada. The local models were used to assess the SWR load limits and to validate the current SWR deflection levels that regulate commercial vehicle weights during the spring period. The local model predictions were compared with the damage models of the Asphalt Institute (AI) and the Mechanistic–Empirical Design Guide (MEPDG). The results indicated that the predicted equivalent single-axle load repetitions to fatigue failure from the local model were higher than those of the MEPDG and the AI models by an average of 37% and 20%, respectively. On the basis of the local model equivalent single-axle load predictions, the current SWR deflection limits used in Manitoba appear to be a reasonable method for regulating B-Train operations during the spring period.