bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
New thiamine functionalized silica microparticules as a sorbent for the removal of lead, mercury and cadmium ions in aqueous media
Authors: Deniz Sabahattin , Taşci Neşe , Yetimoğlu Ece , Kahraman Memet
Published: November 2016

The existence of heavy metal ions in aqueous media is one of the biggest environmental pollution problems and thus the removal of heavy metals is a very important procedure. In this work, a new adsorbent was synthesized by modifying 3-aminopropyl-functionalized silica gel with thiamine (vitamin B1) and characterized. The influence of the uptake conditions, such as pH, contact time, initial feed concentration and foreign metal ions, on the binding capacity of thiamine-functionalized silica gel sorbent (M3APS) were investigated. Maximum obtained adsorption capacities for Pb(II), Hg(II) and Cd(II) were 39.4?0.2, 30.9?0.5 and 9.54?0.4 mg g-1 M3APS, respectively, at pH 5.0. The observed selectivity of M3APS for these metal ions was the following: Pb(II) > Hg(II) > Cd(II). Adsorption isotherm models were also applied to the adsorption process. As a result, the Langmuir isotherm model gave the best fit for the adsorption of metal ions on M3APS. The Gibbs energy change (?G) for the adsorption of Pb(II), Hg(II) and Cd(II) were calculated to predict the nature of adsorption process. Having such satisfactory adsorption results, M3APS is a potential candidate adsorbent for Pb(II) and Hg(II) removal from aqueous media.
Humanitarian Gesture: Canada and the Tibetan Resettlement Program, 1971–5
Authors: Raska Jan
Published: November 2016

In 1966, the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (unhcr) lobbied the Canadian government to accept a small number of Tibetan refugees for permanent resettlement. Federal officials informed the unhcr that Canadian immigration policy discouraged group settlement. Initially, efforts to permanently resettle the Tibetan refugees were stifled as Canadian immigration officials disagreed over the resettlement of “self-described nomads.” As the Canadian government strengthened relations with the People's Republic of China (prc), federal officials resettled an experimental wave of 228 Tibetan refugees in an effort to meet their international humanitarian obligations and to find a permanent solution to the plight of Tibetan refugees in northern India. The resettlement program demonstrated that refugees from a non-European ethnocultural and linguistic background who did not qualify under normal immigration criteria could be successfully re-established in Canada in a short period of time and at a relatively low cost to the federal government. The special program for Tibetan refugees illustrated to federal officials that future refugee programs had to be coordinated with individuals and families themselves in order to effectively meet their needs and governmental requirements during resettlement.
Microsimulation-Based Real-Time Congestion Pricing Strategy for Managed Lane
Authors: Cho Hyun Woong , Laval Jorge A.
Published: November 2016

A real-time toll that accurately reflects the congestion and delays of a system enhances a high-occupancy toll (HOT) lane system. This paper extends an existing system-optimal real-time congestion pricing strategy by relaxing the assumption of constant capacity, which allows one to implement the strategy on a dynamic microsimulation of the HOT lane, whose capacity and that of general purpose lanes vary because of the weaving activity at the end of the HOT lane. It was found that the proposed model was superior in total delay savings, particularly when bottleneck capacities varied significantly. A clear linear relationship was also found between the pricing coefficient and dimensionless delays and the pricing coefficient and revenue. These findings strengthen the system-optimal linear toll pricing strategy and suggest that departments of transportation can implement practical toll systems that incorporate the real-time discharge rates of bottlenecks.
Framework for Assessing Effectiveness of Peak Hour Parking Restrictions: Case Study from Washington, D.C.
Authors: Elahi Manzur , Steverson Gregg , Dey Soumya , Dock Stephanie , Green Larry
Published: November 2016

Roadways provide mobility for goods and services and accessibility to destinations. In urban settings such as the District of Columbia, an important element of accessibility is the ability to park on the street close to the destination. Agencies often use peak hour parking restrictions as a strategy to balance these two often-conflicting goals. The District Department of Transportation undertook a research project to develop a framework for assessing the effectiveness of existing peak hour parking restrictions and evaluating the effects of any modifications. The framework was developed, tested, and applied to two major corridors: Connecticut Avenue and Rhode Island Avenue. The corridors were modeled to simulate the existing restrictions and the alternatives. The corridor level of service was used to measure the mobility and determine the desired restriction periods. In addition, the study evaluated the effects of any restriction changes on relevant factors, such as land use, transit availability, neighborhood parking, and cut-through traffic. A policy framework and an implementation plan were developed as part of this study, and they can be applied to other corridors. These findings can be useful for jurisdictions considering the reevaluation of their peak hour parking restriction policies.
Measurement and Assessment of Driver Compliance with Variable Speed Limit Systems: Comparison of the United States and Germany
Authors: Riggins Gary , Bertini Robert L. , Ackaah Williams , Bogenberger Klaus
Published: November 2016

Active traffic management (ATM) systems are becoming increasingly important, particularly in urban areas aiming to combat recurrent and nonrecurrent congestion. ATM systems apply proactive strategies to improve safety and mobility, as well as to reduce emissions, noise, and fuel consumption. As one of the key elements in the ATM toolbox, variable speed limit (VSL) systems are being increasingly deployed around the United States. In the past, most VSL systems in Europe have included automated enforcement as part of the system, while systems in the United States have relied on traditional speed enforcement strategies. In the Portland, Oregon, metropolitan area, a new traffic- and weather-responsive VSL system has been deployed. It uses variable advisory speeds (VAS), allowing law enforcement to rely on the basic rule for enforcement. Thanks to the availability of high-resolution intelligent transportation systems data, it is possible to conduct post hoc analysis after VSL deployments. This paper focuses on driver compliance with displayed VAS messages. “Compliance” is defined as the difference between the displayed speed and the measured speed of traffic. In addition to analyzing more than 35 days at the Portland site, for comparison purposes, some additional analysis of a VSL site in Munich, Germany, is also included. The analysis of compliance for VSL–VAS deployments is useful for understanding the benefits of these important ATM strategies, assisting with targeting enforcement actions, and better understanding where and when to employ VSL–VAS systems.
Urban Storage Space Selection Method for Integrated Control on a Freeway Bottleneck
Authors: Landman R. L. , Hegyi A. , Hoogendoorn S. P.
Published: November 2016

Ramp metering is an effective means to reduce freeway bottleneck delay that results from the capacity drop phenomenon when congestion sets in. The bottleneck flow is kept at free-flow capacity by temporarily storing vehicles traveling toward the bottleneck at the ramp. The metering duration is normally limited because of the finite amount of ramp storage space available to prevent undesired spill back to the urban network. A beneficial extension of the metering duration might be achieved by strategically choosing upstream intersection arms that reduce their inflow to the ramp. For that purpose, coordination needs to be realized between the ramp meter and its intersection controllers located upstream, which will also hinder vehicles not traveling toward the ramp. In this contribution, an evaluation approach is put forward to decide objectively which intersection buffers (arms) should be included in the coordination. To quantify the resulting delays in the system, cumulative inflow and outflow curves are developed as a function of the involved situation-specific variables. This approach enables one to determine the optimal set of coordinated buffers beforehand and to gain insight into the effect of the various system variables on the delays. By means of worked examples, these effects are illustrated, and the way to determine the optimal set of coordinated buffers is shown. Results show that the length of the peak period and the size of the capacity drop strongly determine the coordination benefits, and, hence, a buffer’s minimum required fraction of traffic traveling past the bottleneck needed to result in beneficial coordination.
Dynamic Hard Shoulder Running for Traffic Incident Management
Authors: Ma Jiaqi , Hu Jia , Hale David K. , Bared Joe
Published: November 2016

Hard shoulder running (HSR), used in many large cities for reducing peak hour recurring congestion, has been proved effective. This paper looks at another perspective of using hard shoulders and proposes dynamic hard shoulder running (D-HSR) for traffic incident management. The purpose of this paper is to show the benefits and make recommendations to state departments of transportation and local agencies on how to use hard shoulders dynamically to reduce the effects of nonrecurring traffic incidents. An approach based on microscopic simulation with factorial experimental design is adopted in this study, and interesting results are obtained from the discussion and statistical analyses of simulation results: ( a) D-HSR strategies are more suitable for property damage only incidents in which traffic operations centers have more flexibility in managing traffic; ( b) only the part of the shoulder that is 0.5 mi upstream and downstream of the incident location needs to be opened to achieve maximum benefits for relieving a bottleneck; ( c) the opened shoulder can be closed after the incident is cleared, and opening the shoulder for a longer time will not improve traffic conditions; and ( d) the effectiveness of D-HSR is significant across different roadway geometry, traffic, and incident scenarios. Equations to estimate potential benefits are also available in this paper. These results are favorable particularly in practice because shoulders need to serve as refuge areas for incident vehicles and be used by emergency vehicles. It is recommended that departments of transportation and local agencies consider D-HSR for relieving congestion during incidents.
User-Friendly Benefit–Cost Estimation Tool for Traffic Incident Management Programs
Authors: Ma Jiaqi , TariVerdi Mersedeh , Prentiss David , Miller-Hooks Elise , Lochrane Taylor , Zhou Fang , Jodoin Paul , Promisel Ira
Published: November 2016

Traffic incidents contribute significantly to deterioration in the level of service on freeways and arterials. Traffic incident management (TIM) programs have been introduced worldwide to mitigate the effects of traffic incidents on safety and roadway performance. These programs support quick incident response and thereby shorten incident duration, and control traffic demand around the incident scene. Some TIM programs can be costly to taxpayers. Thus, it is important to be able to evaluate benefits and determine associated returns on investment. Although benefit–cost (B/C) estimation studies have been conducted for numerous Safety Service Patrol programs, these studies use a wide range of estimation methods and monetary equivalent conversion factors. Consequently, the resulting B/C ratio estimates vary widely and have been shown to be sensitive to these choices. Moreover, these studies can be quite costly. Therefore, this paper is aimed at developing a user-friendly TIM-BC tool with a standardized method that can be universally and equitably used in such a B/C ratio estimation for TIM programs, essential to creating consistency and, therefore, greater confidence in the validity of estimation results. With access to the method in the form of a simple-to-use, less data-intensive tool, TIM programs and taxpayers alike can benefit from cost-effective evaluations. A New York State case study compared the effectiveness of implementing three selected TIM strategies, namely, Safety Service Patrol, driver removal laws, and dispatch colocation. The case study also helps in understanding the need for a standardized B/C ratio estimation tool and the effectiveness of the developed TIM-BC tool.
Sustained Flow Index: Stochastic Measure of Freeway Performance
Authors: Shojaat Siavash , Geistefeldt Justin , Parr Scott A. , Wilmot Chester G. , Wolshon Brian
Published: November 2016

Research into the operation of traffic flow at high volumes reveals that the capacity of freeways is not a fixed number but is rather a random variable. Since traditional operational performance measures for the analysis of traffic flow on freeways typically disregard the randomness of capacity, new approaches to make use of the concept of randomness for freeway operation analysis are required. To address that need, this paper introduces a new indicator of freeway performance based solely on a stochastic approach to capacity computation. With this new indicator, the maximum reliable volume that can be carried by a freeway over prolonged time periods was derived from parameters of capacity distribution functions. The breakdown probability corresponding to the optimum volume can be used to select a single value from the capacity distribution function. To explore the empirical relationship between expected values of capacity and the optimum volumes calculated from this new computational process, flow data from several German freeway sections were analyzed. To illustrate the application potential for a sustained flow index, this paper also discusses the bases for increasing the effectiveness of ramp metering and vehicle routing management techniques.
Modeling the Risk of Wrong-Way Driving on Freeways and Toll Roads
Authors: Rogers John H. , Al-Deek Haitham , Alomari Ahmad H. , Gordin Eric , Carrick Grady
Published: November 2016

Wrong-way driving (WWD) is dangerous and poses a significant legal and safety risk when it occurs on limited access facilities. Most previous studies focused on WWD crashes to develop countermeasures. The combined risk of WWD citations and 911 calls, however, has been overlooked. Furthermore, because WWD crashes are rare and represent less than 3% of all crashes, such crashes are difficult to analyze. WWD prediction is an important assessment because it can help mitigate and reduce future occurrences. This paper builds on previous work pioneered by the authors in which WWD crashes were predicted with the use of WWD noncrash events (e.g., citations and 911 calls). These WWD noncrash events occur more frequently, and their data are widely available. The paper demonstrates how WWD 911 calls and citations, along with route characteristics, can be linked to WWD crashes and so target corridors for countermeasures. Two models were developed and applied in South Florida to identify WWD hot spots. The first model shows that WWD citations and 911 calls positively affect yearly crash prediction. The second model identifies hot spot segments in a route and predicts crashes during a 4-year period. This second model predicts crashes with the use of several variables, such as major interchanges per mile, directional interchanges per mile, and WWD 911 calls along the segment. The findings showed high WWD risk values on SR-821 (Homestead Extension) from Exits 20 to 39 and on SR-9 (I-95) from Exits 0 to 6B and Exits 7 to 14.
New 1-octanoyl-3-aryl thiourea derivatives: Solvent-free synthesis, characterization and multi-target biological activities
Authors: Larik Fayaz Ali , Saeed Aamer , Channar Pervaiz Ali , Ismail Hammad , Dilshad Erum , Mirza Bushra
Published: November 2016

An efficient solvent-free synthesis of a 10-member library of octanoyl linked substituted aryl thioureas was accomplished successfully. The octanoyl isothiocyanate was freshly prepared in excellent yield and purity by the reaction of potassium thiocyanate with octanoyl chloride followed by removal of potassium chloride by filtration. The reaction of the latter with a series of ten different substituted anilines by stirring at 60-65°C lead to the formation of the title compounds. The in vitro antifungal activity of newly synthesized compounds was evaluated against Aspergillus niger, A. flavus and Fusarium solani strains of pathogenic fungi. Antibacterial assay was carried out against Gram positive (Staphylococcus aureus, Micrococcus luteus) and Gram negative bacterial strains (Escherichia coli, Enterobacter aerogens). Furthermore, anti-oxidant potential and enzyme inhibition studies against α-amylase and butyryl cholinestrase were performed. The results obtained indicated moderate to excellent activities of most of the compounds whilst some derivatives showed potency higher than the standard used.

Video Clips:

Antibacterial assay: 2 min 16 sec

Enzyme inhibition: 1 min 27 sec  
Eschatology and the Western Missionary Movement
Authors: Walls Andrew F.
Published: November 2016

The article considers the influence of eschatological concepts, especially in Puritan and Evangelical circles, on the development of Protestant missions from the early mission efforts among Native Americans to the mid-nineteenth century and notes the major changes introduced by a move from the expectation of a period of notable response to the Gospel to the expectation of the return of Christ to a worsening world. It is argued that very divergent eschatological expectations at different times brought stimulus and direction and that eschatology in African and Asian Christianity needs fuller investigation.
Reincarnated Religion? The Eschatology of the Church of Almighty God in Comparative Perspective
Authors: Dunn Emily
Published: November 2016

The Church of Almighty God is a Chinese new religious movement. This article provides an account of the eschatology of the Church of Almighty God on the basis of its texts and considers this eschatology in comparison with other varieties of millenarianism in Chinese history, namely Christianity, the religion of the Taipings and Buddho-Daoist sectarianism. Many elements of the Church of Almighty God's teachings are familiar in the Chinese context, but its eschatology in fact differs from that of earlier religions. The Church of Almighty God adopts very little explicitly from the ‘three teachings’ of Confucianism, Buddhism or Daoism, invoking the bible and Christian vocabulary instead. It is therefore possible to overstate the historical precedent and to underestimate the innovative nature of the teachings of the Church of Almighty God.
Enantiopure C1-symmetric N-Heterocyclic Carbene Ligands from Desymmetrized meso-1,2-Diphenylethylenediamine: Application in Ruthenium-Catalyzed Olefin Metathesis
Authors: Paradiso Veronica , Menta Sergio , Pierini Marco , Della Sala Giorgio , Ciogli Alessia , Grisi Fabia
Published: November 2016

In order to design improved chiral ruthenium catalysts for asymmetric olefin metathesis, enantiomeric catalysts incorporating C1-symmetric N-Heterocyclic carbenes (NHC) ligands with syn-related substituents on the backbone were synthesized starting from meso-1,2-diphenylethylenediamine. The absolute configuration of the enantiomers of the desymmetrized meso diamine was assigned by optical rotation analysis and in silico calculations, and was found to be maintained in their respective ruthenium catalysts by comparison of the relative electronic circular dichroism (ECD) spectra. The catalytic behaviour of the enantiomeric ruthenium complexes was investigated in model asymmetric metathesis transformations and compared to that of analogous complexes bearing C1-symmetric NHC ligands with an anti backbone. Modest enantioselectivities were registered and different catalyst properties depending on the nature of stereochemical relationship of substituents on the backbone were observed.
“What Does Weight Have to Do with It?” Parent Perceptions of Weight and Pain in a Pediatric Chronic Pain Population
Authors: Hainsworth Keri , Jastrowski Mano Kristen , Stoner Alison , Anderson Khan Kim , Ladwig Renee , Davies W. , Defenderfer Ellen , Weisman Steven
Published: November 2016

Tailored pain management strategies are urgently needed for youth with co-occurring chronic pain and obesity; however, prior to developing such strategies, we need to understand parent perspectives on weight in the context of pediatric chronic pain. Participants in this study included 233 parents of patients presenting to a multidisciplinary pediatric chronic pain clinic. Parents completed a brief survey prior to their child’s initial appointment; questions addressed parents’ perceptions of their child’s weight, and their perceptions of multiple aspects of the relationship between their child’s weight and chronic pain. The majority (64%) of parents of youth with obesity accurately rated their child’s weight; this group of parents was also more concerned (p < 0.05) about their child’s weight than parents of youth with a healthy weight. However, the majority of parents of youth with obesity did not think their child’s weight contributed to his/her pain, or that weight was relevant to their child’s pain or pain treatment. Overall, only half of all parents saw discussions of weight, nutrition, and physical activity as important to treating their child’s pain. Results support the need for addressing parents’ perceptions of their child’s weight status, and educating parents about the relationship between excessive weight and chronic pain.
Shear-Thinning Characteristics of Nematic Liquid Crystals Doped with Nanoparticles
Authors: Kimura Munehiro , Hanafi Zur , Takagi Tatsuya , Sawara Ryosuke , Fujii Shuji
Published: November 2016

This work investigated changes in the physical properties of nematic liquid crystals (NLCs) upon doping with nanoparticles. Shear viscosity measurements demonstrated the shear-thinning of typical NLCs following the addition of small amounts of nanoparticles at approximately 1 wt. %. However, neither the birefringence nor the dielectric anisotropy was significantly affected at these levels of doping. The shear-thinning appears to result from the locally ordered alignment of the NLCs in the vicinity of the nanoparticles rather than from reductions in the bulk order parameters.
Influence of Phase Transformations on Crystal Growth of Stoichiometric Brownmillerite Oxides: Sr2ScGaO5 and Ca2Fe2O5
Authors: Ceretti Monica , Corallini Serena , Paulus Werner
Published: November 2016

High quality stoichiometric brownmillerite-type oxide single crystals have been successfully grown by the floating zone method using a mirror furnace. We report here on the growth conditions and structural characterization of two model compounds: Ca2Fe2O5 and Sr2ScGaO5. Both show oxygen deficiency with respect to the average perovskite structure, and are promising candidates for oxygen ion conductivity at moderate temperatures. While Sr2ScGaO5 single crystals were obtained in the cubic oxygen-deficient perovskite structure, Ca2Fe2O5 crystallizes in the brownmillerite framework. Having no cubic parent high temperature counterpart, Ca2Fe2O5 crystals were found to be not twinned. We report on structural characterization of the as-grown single crystals by neutron and X-ray diffraction, as well as scanning electron microscopy (SEM) coupled with EDX (Energy Dispersive X-Ray Spectroscopy) analysis and isotope exchange experiments.
The Recent Change in the Italian Policies for Photovoltaics: Effects on the Energy Demand Coverage of Grid-Connected PV Systems Installed in Urban Contexts
Authors: Orioli Aldo , Franzitta Vincenzo , Di Gangi Alessandra , Foresta Ferdinando
Published: November 2016

In July 2013, the Italian photovoltaic (PV) support policies changed the feed-in tariff (FIT) mechanism and turned to a tax credits program, which is currently in force. The aim of this paper is to investigate how such a radical change has influenced the electricity demand coverage of the PV systems installed in urban contexts. A methodology, which connects the economic assessment to a detailed architectural and energy suitability analysis, was applied to some case studies to analyse the relationships between the physical parameters related to multi-storey buildings (roof shapes, number of floors and area of flats) and the most relevant economic and financial features affecting the viability of rooftop PV systems. The study, which considers only the electricity produced by the PV systems that are economically profitable, highlighted that the tax credits scheme is even more effective in covering the electrical consumption of densely urbanised Italian city districts. The results, which are significantly influenced by the latitude of the analysed districts, underline the opportunity for governments to adopt PV promoting policies that are more sensitive to the amount of solar energy available in the different regions of their national territory.
Optimization Forest Thinning Measures for Carbon Budget in a Mixed Pine-Oak Stand of the Qingling Mountains, China: A Case Study
Authors: Hou Lin , Li Zhe , Luo Chunlin , Bai Longlong , Dong Ningning
Published: November 2016

Forest thinning is a silviculture treatment for sustainable forest management. It may promote growth of the remaining individuals by decreasing stand density, reducing competition, and increasing light and nutrient availability to increase carbon sequestration in the forest ecosystem. However, the action also increases carbon loss simultaneously by reducing carbon and other nutrient inputs as well as exacerbating soil CO2 efflux. To achieve a maximum forest carbon budget, the central composite design with two independent variables (thinning intensity and thinning residual removal rate) was explored in a natural pine-oak mixed stand in the Qinling Mountains, China. The net primary productivity of living trees was estimated and soil CO2 efflux was stimulated by the Yasso07 model. Based on two years observation, the preliminary results indicated the following. Evidently chemical compounds of the litter of the tree species affected soil CO2 efflux stimulation. The thinning residual removal rate had a larger effect than thinning intensity on the net ecosystem productivity. When the selective thinning intensity and residual removal rate was 12.59% and 66.62% concurrently, the net ecosystem productivity reached its maximum 53.93 t·ha−1·year−1. The lower thinning intensity and higher thinning residual removal rated benefited the net ecosystem productivity.
Haploids in Conifer Species: Characterization and Chromosomal Integrity of a Maritime Pine Cell Line
Authors: Cabezas José , Morcillo Marian , Vélez María , Díaz Luis , Segura Juan , Cervera María , Arrillaga Isabel
Published: November 2016

Haploids are a valuable tool for genomic studies in higher plants, especially those with huge genome size and long juvenile periods, such as conifers. In these species, megagametophyte cultures have been widely used to obtain haploid callus and somatic embryogenic lines. One of the main problems associated with tissue culture is the potential genetic instability of the regenerants. Because of this, chromosomal stability of the callus and/or somatic embryos should also be assessed. To this end, chromosome counting, flow cytometry and genotyping using microsatellites have been reported. Here, we present an overview of the work done in conifers, with special emphasis on the production of a haploid cell line in maritime pine (Pinus pinaster L.) and the use of a set of molecular markers, which includes Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPs) and microsatellites or Single Sequence Repeats (SSRs), to validate chromosomal integrity confirming the presence of all chromosomic arms.
Wood or Laminate?—Psychological Research of Customer Expectations
Authors: Jiménez Paul , Dunkl Anita , Eibel Kerstin , Denk Elisabeth , Grote Vincent , Kelz Christina , Moser Maximilian
Published: November 2016

Wood is generally associated with being practical, aesthetic and economy-friendly. Using wood in interior settings also can be based on psychological expectations and assumptions, as wood is attributed as warmer, more homely, more relaxing and more inviting. However, when investigating psychological differences, wood is usually compared to carpets, glass, leather, stone, or plastic but is not compared to a visually similar material such as laminate. The aim of this study is to analyze and compare the various psychological characteristics related to wooden and laminate materials in interior settings. The experimental design was a 2 × 2 design (material, sequence) with repeated measures for material. Forty participants were asked to evaluate a framed piece of wood floor and a framed piece of laminate floor regarding technical, practical, and psychological aspects. Further, three questions about one’s purchase decision were asked. The results show that the wooden floor was evaluated significantly better than the laminate floor regarding “materials and processing”, “atmosphere”, and “values and symbolic functions”. For the criterion “health”, a tendency in favor of wood could be found. In addition, the participants would more likely recommend and purchase wooden products and also accept more deficiencies in wooden products.
Interstellar Scintillation and Scattering of Micro-arc-second AGN
Authors: Jauncey David , Bignall Hayley , Kedziora-Chudczer Lucyna , Koay Jun , Lovell James , Macquart Jean-Pierre , Ojha Roopesh , Pursimo Tapio , Reynolds Cormac , Rickett Barney
Published: November 2016

The discovery of the first quasar 3C 273 led directly to the discovery of their variability at optical and radio wavelengths. We review the radio variability observations, in particular the variability found at frequencies below 1 GHz, as well as those exhibiting intra-day variability (IDV) at cm wavelengths. Observations have shown that IDV arises principally from scintillation caused by scattering in the ionized interstellar medium of our Galaxy. The sensitivity of interstellar scintillation towards source angular sizes has provided a powerful tool for studying the most compact components of radio-loud AGN at microarcsecond and milliarcsecond scale resolution.
Weight Management Advice for Clients with Overweight or Obesity: Allied Health Professional Survey
Authors: Snodgrass Suzanne , Guest Maya , Kable Ashley , James Carole , Ashby Samantha , Plotnikoff Ronald , Collins Clare
Published: November 2016

The prevalence of obesity is increasing. The potential for allied health professionals to intervene through the provision of lifestyle advice is unknown. This study aimed to determine the knowledge, attitudes and practices of health professionals in the provision of dietary and physical activity advice for clients with overweight or obesity. Dietitians, exercise physiologists, nurses, occupational therapists, physiotherapists and psychologists (n = 296) working in New South Wales were surveyed using paper-based and online methods. The majority of health professionals (71%) believed that providing weight management advice was within their scope of practice; 81% provided physical activity advice but only 57% provided dietary advice. Other than dietitians, few had received training in client weight management during their professional qualification (14%) or continuing education (16%). Providing dietary advice was associated with: believing it was within their scope of practice (OR 3.9, 95% CI 1.9–7.9, p < 0.01), training during their entry-level qualification (OR 7.2, 3.2–16.4, p < 0.01) and having departmental guidelines (OR 4.7, 2.1–10.9, p < 0.01). Most health professionals are willing to provide lifestyle advice to clients with overweight or obesity but few have received required training. Developing guidelines and training for in client weight management may potentially impact on rising obesity levels.
Total Water Storage Change in Cameroon: Calculation, Variability and Link with Onset and Retreat Dates of the Rainy Season
Authors: Guenang Guy , Vondou Derbetini , Mkankam Kamga Francois
Published: November 2016

Total water storage change (TWSC) was calculated using CRU (Climatic Research Unit) monthly gridded data for the period 1962–1993 over Cameroon. Investigations were conducted to link its annual cycle with both the beginning and the end of the rainy season. A method was derived as an alternative to determine onset and retreat dates of the rainy season. Two methods were used for the calculation of TWSC. The first method used potential evapotranspiration (PET) from the Thornthwaite formula (PET T H ) and the second, CRU gridded PET data estimated from the Penman–Monteith formula (PET P M ). A comparative study of the corresponding TWSC, namely TWSC T H and TWSC P M , respectively, was done. According to the preliminary results, the study area is classified as humid below latitude 8 ∘ N and semiarid above. The results of the spatial and temporal variations showed a close correlation between the two methods, but with a slight gap between their different values, those of TWSC P M being larger and fluctuating less. The annual cycles of TWSC and PR generally showed similar patterns, and their intensities decreased from the southern part of the area (Equatorial forest zone) to the northern part (Sahelian zone). For mean T W S C = 0 , two different points were identified: the first and the second corresponding dates matching the onset and retreat months of the rainy season, respectively, except in the arid area (Sahelian zone), where only the retreat month of the rainy season was perfectly determined. The delay observed in the determination of rainfall onset date in that area is assigned to PET formulas that are defined only for humid areas and to the influence of high temperature just before the beginning of the rainy season, promoting the rapid evaporation of soil water immediately after the first rains. Application of the same method ( T W S C = 0 ) for the individual year showed similar performances. Although TWSC is always negative in Zone 3 and positive in Zones 1 and 2, the study of the interannual variabilities revealed an overall declining trend due to a stronger decrease in precipitation compared with PET. Moreover, the decrease during dry months is more remarkable than during wet months.
An Overview of Sub-Cellular Mechanisms Involved in the Action of TTFields
Authors: Tuszynski Jack , Wenger Cornelia , Friesen Douglas , Preto Jordane
Published: November 2016

Long-standing research on electric and electromagnetic field interactions with biological cells and their subcellular structures has mainly focused on the low- and high-frequency regimes. Biological effects at intermediate frequencies between 100 and 300 kHz have been recently discovered and applied to cancer cells as a therapeutic modality called Tumor Treating Fields (TTFields). TTFields are clinically applied to disrupt cell division, primarily for the treatment of glioblastoma multiforme (GBM). In this review, we provide an assessment of possible physical interactions between 100 kHz range alternating electric fields and biological cells in general and their nano-scale subcellular structures in particular. This is intended to mechanistically elucidate the observed strong disruptive effects in cancer cells. Computational models of isolated cells subject to TTFields predict that for intermediate frequencies the intracellular electric field strength significantly increases and that peak dielectrophoretic forces develop in dividing cells. These findings are in agreement with in vitro observations of TTFields’ disruptive effects on cellular function. We conclude that the most likely candidates to provide a quantitative explanation of these effects are ionic condensation waves around microtubules as well as dielectrophoretic effects on the dipole moments of microtubules. A less likely possibility is the involvement of actin filaments or ion channels.
An Effective NoSQL-Based Vector Map Tile Management Approach
Authors: Wan Lin , Huang Zhou , Peng Xia
Published: November 2016

Within a digital map service environment, the rapid growth of Spatial Big-Data is driving new requirements for effective mechanisms for massive online vector map tile processing. The emergence of Not Only SQL (NoSQL) databases has resulted in a new data storage and management model for scalable spatial data deployments and fast tracking. They better suit the scenario of high-volume, low-latency network map services than traditional standalone high-performance computer (HPC) or relational databases. In this paper, we propose a flexible storage framework that provides feasible methods for tiled map data parallel clipping and retrieval operations within a distributed NoSQL database environment. We illustrate the parallel vector tile generation and querying algorithms with the MapReduce programming model. Three different processing approaches, including local caching, distributed file storage, and the NoSQL-based method, are compared by analyzing the concurrent load and calculation time. An online geological vector tile map service prototype was developed to embed our processing framework in the China Geological Survey Information Grid. Experimental results show that our NoSQL-based parallel tile management framework can support applications that process huge volumes of vector tile data and improve performance of the tiled map service.
Altered Episodic Memory in Introverted Young Adults Carrying the BDNFMet Allele
Authors: Bombardier Andreanne , Beauchemin Maude , Gosselin Nadia , Poirier Judes , De Beaumont Louis
Published: November 2016

While most studies have been interested in the distinct, predisposing roles of the common BDNF Val66Met variant and extraversion personality traits on episodic memory, very few studies have looked at the synergistic effects of genetic and personality factors to account for cognitive variance. This is surprising considering recent reports challenging the long-held belief that the BDNFMet variant negatively impacts cognitive function. A total of 75 young healthy adults (26 of them carried at least one copy of the BDNFMet allele) took part in this study consisting of genetic profiling from saliva, personality assessment using the Revised NEO Personality Inventory (NEO PI-R) and a short battery of neuropsychological tests. An ANOVA revealed that BDNFMet carriers were significantly less extraverted than BDNFVal carriers (F1,73 = 9.54; p < 0.01; ηp2 = 0.126). Moreover, extraversion was found to significantly moderate the relationship between the BDNF genotype and episodic memory performance (p = 0.03). Subsequent correlational analyses yielded a strong and significant correlation (r = 0.542; p < 0.005) between introversion and delayed episodic memory specific to BDNFMet individuals. The present study suggests that introversion and the BDNFMet variant synergistically interact to reduce episodic memory performance in healthy, young adults. These findings reaffirm that a more accurate explanation of cognitive variance can be achieved by looking at the synergistic effects of genotype and phenotype factors.
Generation and Characterisation of a Reference Transcriptome for Lentil (Lens culinaris Medik.)
Authors: Sudheesh Shimna , Verma Preeti , Forster John , Cogan Noel , Kaur Sukhjiwan
Published: November 2016

RNA-Seq using second-generation sequencing technologies permits generation of a reference unigene set for a given species, in the absence of a well-annotated genome sequence, supporting functional genomics studies, gene characterisation and detailed expression analysis for specific morphophysiological or environmental stress response traits. A reference unigene set for lentil has been developed, consisting of 58,986 contigs and scaffolds with an N50 length of 1719 bp. Comparison to gene complements from related species, reference protein databases, previously published lentil transcriptomes and a draft genome sequence validated the current dataset in terms of degree of completeness and utility. A large proportion (98%) of unigenes were expressed in more than one tissue, at varying levels. Candidate genes associated with mechanisms of tolerance to both boron toxicity and time of flowering were identified, which can eventually be used for the development of gene-based markers. This study has provided a comprehensive, assembled and annotated reference gene set for lentil that can be used for multiple applications, permitting identification of genes for pathway-specific expression analysis, genetic modification approaches, development of resources for genotypic analysis, and assistance in the annotation of a future lentil genome sequence.
Unsaturated Lipids Change in Olive Tree Drupe and Seed during Fruit Development and in Response to Cold-Stress and Acclimation
Authors: D’Angeli Simone , Altamura Maria
Published: November 2016

The olive tree is a plant of economic value for the oil of its drupe. It is a cultigen complex composed of genotypes with differences in cold-hardiness. About 90% of the oil is stored in oil bodies (OBs) in the drupe during the oleogenic phase. Phenols and lipids contribute to oil quality, but the unsaturated fatty acid (FA) fraction is emerging as the most important for quality, because of the very high content in oleic acid, the presence of ω6-linoleic acid and ω3-linolenic acid, and the very low saturated FA content. Another 10% of oil is produced by the seed. Differences in unsaturated FA-enriched lipids exist among seed coat, endosperm, and embryo. Olive oil quality is also affected by the environmental conditions during fruit growth and genotype peculiarities. Production of linoleic and α-linolenic acids, fruit growth, fruit and leaf responses to low temperatures, including cuticle formation, and cold-acclimation are related processes. The levels of unsaturated FAs are changed by FA-desaturase (FAD) activities, involving the functioning of chloroplasts and endoplasmic reticulum. Cold induces lipid changes during drupe and seed development, affecting FADs, but its effect is related to the genotype capability to acclimate to the cold.
Inhibitory Interactions of Aspalathus linearis (Rooibos) Extracts and Compounds, Aspalathin and Z-2-(β-d-Glucopyranosyloxy)-3-phenylpropenoic Acid, on Cytochromes Metabolizing Hypoglycemic and Hypolipidemic Drugs
Authors: Patel Oelfah , Muller Christo , Joubert Elizabeth , Louw Johan , Rosenkranz Bernd , Awortwe Charles
Published: November 2016

Rooibos extract, due to its glucose and lipid lowering effects, has potential as a nutraceutical for improvement of metabolic dysfunction. Potential herb-drug interactions as a result of the use of natural products are of increasing concern. Cytochrome P450 enzymes, CYP2C8, CYP2C9, and CYP3A4, are important in the metabolism of hypoglycemic drugs, such as thiazolidinediones (TZDs) and sulfonylureas, and hypocholesterolemic drugs, such as atorvastatin. This study investigated the effects of rooibos extracts, prepared from “unfermented” and “fermented” rooibos plant material and two of the major bioactive compounds, Z-2-(β-d-glucopyranosyloxy)-3-phenylpropenoic acid (PPAG) and aspalathin (ASP), on Vivid® recombinant CYP450 enzymes. Unfermented (GRT) and fermented (FRE) rooibos extracts inhibited the activity of CYP2C8 (7.69 ± 8.85 µg/mL and 8.93 ± 8.88 µg/mL, respectively) and CYP3A4 (31.33 ± 4.69 µg/mL and 51.44 ± 4.31 µg/mL, respectively) based on their respective IC50 concentrations. Both extracts dose- and time-dependently inhibited CYP2C8 activity, but only time-dependently inhibited CYP2C9. CYP3A4 showed concentration-dependent inhibition by ASP, GRT, and FRE at 25, 50, and 100 µg/mL concentrations. ASP, GRT, and FRE time-dependently inhibited CYP3A4 activity with GRT and FRE showing a more potent time-dependent inhibition, comparable to erythromycin. These findings suggest that herb-drug interactions may occur when nutraceuticals containing rooibos extracts are co-administered with hypoglycemic drugs such as TZDs, sulfonylureas, and dyslipidemic drug, atorvastatin.
Eluent Tolerance and Enantioseparation Recovery of Chiral Packing Materials Based on Chitosan Bis(Phenylcarbamate)-(n-Octyl Urea)s for High Performance Liquid Chromatography
Authors: Wang Jing , Huang Shao-Hua , Chen Wei , Bai Zheng-Wu
Published: November 2016

The goal of the present work was to study the influence of the swelling of chitosan derivatives on the enantioseparation and the separation performance recovery of chiral stationary phases (CSPs) based on these derivatives. Therefore, six chitosan bis(phenylcarbamate)-(n-octyl urea)s were synthesized, which were coated on macroporous 3-aminopropyl silica gel affording new CSPs. Most of the CSPs demonstrated strong enantioseparation capability for the tested chiral compounds. The swelling capacity of the chitosan bis(phenylcarbamate)-(n-octyl urea)s in ethyl acetate, acetone and tetrahydrofuran (THF) was evaluated. Among the chitosan derivatives, the chitosan bis(3,5-dichlorophenylcarbamate)-(n-octyl urea) polymer showed the highest swelling capacity in ethyl acetate and THF. The polymer-based CSPs could be utilized with pure ethyl acetate and a normal phase containing 70% THF, but was damaged by pure THF. On the other hand, the separation performance of the damaged CSP could be recovered after it was allowed to stand for a period of time. The observations are important for the development and application of polysaccharide derivative-based CSPs.
Green Synthesis of Iron Nanoparticles and Their Environmental Applications and Implications
Authors: Saif Sadia , Tahir Arifa , Chen Yongsheng
Published: November 2016

Recent advances in nanoscience and nanotechnology have also led to the development of novel nanomaterials, which ultimately increase potential health and environmental hazards. Interest in developing environmentally benign procedures for the synthesis of metallic nanoparticles has been increased. The purpose is to minimize the negative impacts of synthetic procedures, their accompanying chemicals and derivative compounds. The exploitation of different biomaterials for the synthesis of nanoparticles is considered a valuable approach in green nanotechnology. Biological resources such as bacteria, algae fungi and plants have been used for the production of low-cost, energy-efficient, and nontoxic environmental friendly metallic nanoparticles. This review provides an overview of various reports of green synthesised zero valent metallic iron (ZVMI) and iron oxide (Fe2O3/Fe3O4) nanoparticles (NPs) and highlights their substantial applications in environmental pollution control. This review also summarizes the ecotoxicological impacts of green synthesised iron nanoparticles opposed to non-green synthesised iron nanoparticles.