bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Application of non-thermal plasma reactor for degradation and detoxification of high concentrations of dye Reactive Black 5 in water
Authors: Dojcinovic Biljana , Obradovic Bratislav , Kuraica Milorad , Pergal Marija , Dolic Slobodan , Indjic Dejan , Tosti Tomislav , Manojlovic Dragan
Published: March 2016

Degradation and detoxification efficiency of high concentrations of
commercially available reactive textile dye Reactive Black 5 solution (40,
80, 200, 500, 1000 mg L-1), were studied. Advanced oxidation processes in
water falling film based dielectric barrier discharge as a non-thermal plasma
reactor were used. For the first time, this reactor was used for the
treatment of high concentrations of organic pollutants such as reactive
textile dye Reactive Black 5 in water. Solution of the dye is treated by
plasma as thin water solution film that is constantly regenerated. Basically,
the reactor works as a continuous flow reactor and the electrical discharge
itself takes place at the gas-liquid interphase. The dye solution was
recirculated through the reactor with an applied energy density of 0-374 kJ
L-1. Decolorization efficiency (%) was monitored by UV-VIS spectrophotometric
technique. Samples were taken after every recirculation (~ 22 kJ L-1) and
decolorization percent was measured after 5 min and 24 h of plasma treatment.
The efficiency of degradation (i.e. mineralization) and possible degradation
products were also tracked by determination of the chemical oxygen demand
(COD) and by ion chromatography (IC). Initial toxicity and toxicity of
solutions after the treatment were studied with Artemia salina test
organisms. Efficiency of decolorization decreased with the increase of the
dye concentration. Complete decolorization, high mineralization and
non-toxicity of the solution (<10 %) were acomplished after plasma treatment
using energy density of 242 kJ L-1, while the initial concentrations of
Reactive Black 5 were 40 and 80 mg L-1.
Does the Wagner’s hypothesis hold for China? Evidence from static and dynamic analyses
Authors: Atasoy Burak , Gür Timur
Published: March 2016

China witnessed an admirable growth performance over the last three decades.
It is claimed that such success was achieved by strong support from
government expenditures. This study examines the relationship between
government expenditures and GDP growth for China within the context of Adolph
Wagner?s Hypothesis. It covers the most recent time period between 1982 and
2011 and use advanced static and dynamic econometric models to test validity
of the Hypothesis for Chinese economy. After determining the stationarity of
the series and confirm the existence of the long term relationship between
the variables by using the Bounds test approach, we examine the long and
short run relationship between government expenditures and GDP using an ARDL
model. The ARDL (1, 2) model suggests that 1 percentage point increase in GDP
will lead to 1.63 percentage points surge in government expenditures.
Finally, we use the Kalman filter to investigate the dynamic relationship
between government expenditures and GDP. According to the Kalman filter
model, the income elasticity of government expenditures remains between 1.32
and 1.38. Since the elasticity is found larger than 1 in both static and
dynamic models, we conclude that Wagner?s Hypothesis is valid for China
during the 1982-2011 period.
Investment decisions within the context of financialization: Cointegration evidence from the UK economy
Authors: Alexiou Constantinos , Nellis Joseph
Published: March 2016

Within the context of financialization, this empirical study sheds some light
on the distributional aspects of the existing intra-capitalist conflict
between financial and industrial capital and its concomitant impact, via
investment, on the macroeconomy. In doing so, bounds-test cointegration
techniques in conjunction with Granger causality tests provide the
econometric framework upon which the respective models are tested. Annual
time series were used spanning from 1971 to 2012, for the UK. The empirical
evidence is in line with the theoretical exposition insofar as investment
decisions by industry are significantly conditioned by industrial profit.
Moreover, the distribution of profits between industry and finance, in
conjunction with policy objectives, appears to be playing an instrumental
role in affecting capital accumulation.
Policy implications and impact of household registration system on Peasants’ Willingness to return rural residential lands: Evidence from household survey in rural China
Authors: Hengzhou Xu , Yuexi Liu
Published: March 2016

Despite a growing body of literature on China?s household registration system
and rural land transfer, few studies have examined the impact of the
household registration system on peasants? willingness to return rural
residential land. This paper aims to fill this gap and uses household survey
data to measure the impacts of household registration system on peasants?
willingness to return rural residential land. The results show that the
household registration system reduced the farmers? enthusiasm to exit the
rural residential land, that is, household registration system had a
significant negative impact on farmers? willingness to return rural
residential land.
To picture and to perform: The image of the Eucharistic liturgy at Markov Manastir (II)
Authors: Tomic-Djuric Marka
Published: March 2016

The themes in the sanctuary decoration at Markov Manastir (Christ Emmanuel,
Virgin Orans, Descent of the Holy Spirit on the Apostles), whose peculiar
iconographic elements reveal the mysteries of the Holy Trinity and the
archpriesthood of Christ in the liturgical and theological context of the
fourteenth century, are discussed in this paper. The remains of the text in
the leitourgikon held by Christ the Archpriest have been re-examined. It
seems plausible to assume that the inscription or a part of it referred to
the opening dialogue of the anaphora. The iconographic peculiarities of
individual items carried in the Great Entrance procession, modelled according
to the structure of the archieratical Divine liturgy, have been reconsidered.
It has been established that the way in which the large aer was carried, and
its place in the procession escorting the Eucharistic gifts - which was very
close to the holy offerings - followed the iconographic tradition of the
Heavenly Liturgy in the dome, while the evidence for its shape and size can
be found in a somewhat later liturgical source - the Patriarchal liturgical
Diataxis of Dimitrios Gemistos.
Icon of the Holy Mandylion and representation of multi-layered visual identity of Bozidar Vukovic
Authors: Borozan Igor
Published: March 2016

It was in the monastery of Saint Francis in Venice in the year 1520 when
Bozidar Vukovic purchased the icon of the Holy Mandylion. By that particular
acquisition, this prominent publisher originating from Zeta has visualized
his new position in the sixteenth century Venice. The multi-layered identity
of Bozidar Vukovic was manifested by the subsequent inclusion of the noble
coat of arms of the House of Vukovic on the back of the icon. By the use of
verbal and visual language the artificial initiation of Bozidar Vukovic
within the distinguished members of Venetian society has been confirmed.
Wall paintings of the Davidovica monastery: Additions to the thematical programme and dating
Authors: Vojvodic Dragan
Published: March 2016

Owing to old photographic plates that recorded those segments of the mural
decoration of Davidovica on the Lim which were later destroyed or
considerably damaged, it is possible to put forward a more complete
reconstruction of its thematic program. The programmatic and iconographic
features of both the destroyed frescoes and the surviving ones correspond to
the solutions that can be found in Post-Byzantine painting. The palaeographic
analysis of inscriptions and the analysis of the style of the murals in the
dome, the area under the dome and both chapels in Davidovica clearly indicate
that we are dealing with paintings done in the second half of the sixteenth
century.
Depiction of the martyrdom of Saint Ignatius Theophorus in the prothesis of Novo Hopovo
Authors: Popovic Milica
Published: March 2016

In the art of the Christian East, the depictions of the martyrdom of Saint
Ignatius Theophorus, bishop of Antioch, can usually be found among the
illustrations of the Menologion. The scene from the monastery of Novo Hopovo,
dated to the 1600s, is one of the rare independent depictions of Saint
Ignatius?s martyrdom. The paper discusses the iconography of this scene and
possible reasons for placing it in the prothesis of the katholikon of Novo
Hopovo. The inclusion of a scene showing the martyrdom of the bishop of
Antioch into the thematic repertoire of this compartment is a solitary
example in Serbian medieval and Byzantine monumental painting.
Correlation of the ratio of caudal vena cava diameter and aorta diameter with systolic pressure variation in anesthetized dogs
Authors: Meneghini Caterina , Rabozzi Roberto , Franci Paolo
Published: March 2016

OBJECTIVE To evaluate the correlation coefficient of the ratio between diameter of the caudal vena cava (CVC) and diameter of the aorta (Ao) in dogs as determined ultrasonographically with systolic pressure variation (SPV).

ANIMALS 14 client-owned dogs (9 females and 5 males; mean ± SD age, 73 ± 40 months; mean body weight, 22 ± 7 kg) that underwent anesthesia for repair of skin wounds.

PROCEDURES Anesthesia was induced. Controlled mechanical ventilation with a peak inspiratory pressure of 8 cm H2O was immediately started, and SPV was measured. During a brief period of suspension of ventilation, CVC-to-Ao ratio was measured on a transverse right-lateral intercostal ultrasonographic image obtained at the level of the porta hepatis. When the SPV was ≥ 4 mm Hg, at least 1 bolus (3 to 4 mL/kg) of Hartmann solution was administered IV during a 1-minute period. Bolus administration was stopped and the CVC-to-Ao ratio measured when SPV was < 4 mm Hg. Correlation coefficient analysis was performed.

RESULTS 28 measurements were obtained. The correlation coefficient was 0.86 (95% confidence interval, 0.72 to 0.93). Mean ± SD SPV and CVC-to-Ao ratio before bolus administration were 7 ± 2 mm Hg and 0.52 ± 0.16, respectively. Mean ± SD SPV and CVC-to-Ao ratio after bolus administration were 2 ± 0.6 mm Hg and 0.91 ± 0.13, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE In this study, the CVC-to-Ao ratio was a feasible, noninvasive ultrasonographically determined value that correlated well with SPV. (Am J Vet Res 2016;77:137–143)
Adherence of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus pseudintermedius to suture materials commonly used in small animal surgery
Authors: Morrison Shauna , Singh Ameet , Rousseau Joyce , Weese J. Scott
Published: March 2016

OBJECTIVE To evaluate adherence of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus pseudintermedius (MRSP) to 5 suture materials commonly used in small animal surgery.

SAMPLE 10 epidemiologically unrelated MRSP isolates (obtained from dogs with clinical infections) that had strong biofilm-forming ability and 5 types of suture.

PROCEDURES The 5 types of suture evaluated were monofilament polyglecaprone 25, monofilament polydioxanone, triclosan-coated (TC)–monofilament polydioxanone, braided polyglactin 910, and barbed monofilament polydioxanone. Suture segments were incubated in standard suspensions of MRSP for 2 minutes. Segments were then placed in tryptone soy broth and incubated overnight. After incubation, segments were rinsed with PBS solution and sonicated to dislodge adherent bacteria. Resulting suspensions were used to create serial dilutions that were plated, incubated overnight, and counted the following day. Bacterial adherence to 1 segment of each suture type was assessed by use of scanning electron microscopy.

RESULTS There was significantly less adherence of MSRP to TC–monofilament polydioxanone than to polyglecaprone 25, polyglactin 910, barbed monofilament polydioxanone, and monofilament polydioxanone. There was significantly less adherence of MSRP to polyglecaprone than to polyglactin 910.

CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE Barbed suture had a bacterial adherence profile comparable to that for monofilament suture. Adherence of MRSP was greatest for braided polyglactin 910. Use of TC–monofilament polydioxanone can be considered for patients that are at high risk of developing surgical site infections and for which a surgeon chooses a multifilament suture. (Am J Vet Res 2016;77:194–198)
Effect of granulocyte colony–stimulating factor administration on renal regeneration after experimentally induced acute kidney injury in dogs
Authors: Lim Chae-Young , Han Jae-Ik , Kim Seung-Gon , Lee Chang-Min , Park Hee-Myung
Published: March 2016

OBJECTIVE To evaluate the effects of granulocyte colony–stimulating factor (GCSF) administration in dogs with experimentally induced acute kidney injury.

ANIMALS 6 healthy dogs.

PROCEDURES After induction of kidney injury (day 0) with cisplatin (5 mg/kg, IV), the dogs were randomly assigned into 2 groups (n = 3 dogs/group). Then dogs immediately received GCSF (10 μg/kg) or 1 mL of saline (0.9% NaCl) solution (control group) SC; this treatment was repeated once daily for 4 additional days (days 1 through 4). A once-daily CBC (day 0 to 4), serum biochemical analysis (day 0 to 3), and urinalysis (day 0 to 3) were performed for each dog; samples were collected before administration of cisplatin (day 0) and before treatment with GCSF or saline solution (days 1 through 4). After sample collection and treatment on day 4, all dogs were euthanized; kidney tissue samples underwent histologic evaluation, immunohistochemical analyses, and cytokine profiling via reverse transcriptase PCR assay.

RESULTS In the GCSF-treated group, the histologic evaluation and immunohistochemical analyses of kidney tissue revealed less fibrotic change and greater proliferation of renal tubular epithelial cells, compared with findings in the control group. The mRNA profiles of kidney tissue from the GCSF-treated group indicated lower expression of tumor necrosis factor-α and tumor growth factor-β, compared with findings in the control group; however, concentrations of factors related to renal regeneration were not greater in the GCSF-treated group.

CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE Results indicated that GCSF treatment can impede renal fibrosis and increase proliferation of renal tubules after experimentally induced acute kidney injury in dogs. (Am J Vet Res 2016;77:199–207)
Evaluation of autologous bone marrow–derived mesenchymal stem cells on renal regeneration after experimentally induced acute kidney injury in dogs
Authors: Lim Chae-Young , Han Jae-Ik , Kim Seung-Gon , Lee Chang-Min , Park Hee-Myung
Published: March 2016

OBJECTIVE To evaluate the usefulness of autologous bone marrow–derived mesenchymal stem cell (BM-MSC) therapy for the treatment of dogs with experimentally induced acute kidney injury.

ANIMALS 6 healthy dogs.

PROCEDURES After induction of kidney injury (day 0) with cisplatin (5 mg/kg, IV), dogs immediately received saline (0.9% NaCl) solution (10 mL; n = 3) or BM-MSCs (1 × 106 cells/kg in 10 mL of saline solution; 3) IV. A CBC, serum biochemical analysis, and urinalysis were performed for each dog before administration of cisplatin and on days 1 through 4. Glomerular filtration rate was determined for all dogs on days −7 and 2; BM-MSC tracking by MRI was performed on BM-MSC–treated dogs on days −14 and 4. After sample collection and BM-MSC tracking on day 4, all dogs were euthanized; kidney tissue samples underwent histologic evaluation, immunohistochemical analysis, and cytokine profiling via reverse transcriptase PCR assays.

RESULTS Kidney tissue from both groups had mononuclear inflammatory cell infiltration, tubular necrosis, dilated tubules, and glomerular damage. However, there was less fibrotic change and increased proliferation of renal tubular epithelial cells in the BM-MSC-treated dogs, compared with findings for the control dogs. Expressions of tumor necrosis factor-α and transforming growth factor-β were lower in the BM-MSC-treated group, compared with findings for the control group. Laboratory data revealed no improvement in the renal function in BM-MSC-treated dogs.

CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE Results of this study suggested that autologous BM-MSCs may accelerate renal regeneration after experimentally induced acute kidney injury in dogs. (Am J Vet Res 2016;77:208–217)
Effects of anesthetic induction with a benzodiazepine plus ketamine hydrochloride or propofol on hypothermia in dogs undergoing ovariohysterectomy
Authors: Bornkamp Jennifer L. , Robertson Sheilah , Isaza Natalie M. , Harrison Kelly , DiGangi Brian A. , Pablo Luisito
Published: March 2016

OBJECTIVE To assess the effect of anesthetic induction with a benzodiazepine plus ketamine or propofol on hypothermia in dogs undergoing ovariohysterectomy without heat support.

ANIMALS 23 adult sexually intact female dogs undergoing ovariohysterectomy.

PROCEDURES Baseline rectal temperature, heart rate, and respiratory rate were recorded prior to premedication with buprenorphine (0.02 mg/kg, IM) and acepromazine (0.05 mg/kg, IM). Anesthesia was induced with midazolam or diazepam (0.25 mg/kg, IV) plus ketamine (5 mg/kg, IV; n = 11) or propofol (4 mg/kg, IV; 12) and maintained with isoflurane in oxygen. Rectal temperature was measured at hospital intake, prior to premedication, immediately after anesthetic induction, and every 5 minutes after anesthetic induction. Esophageal temperature was measured every 5 minutes during anesthesia, beginning 30 minutes after anesthetic induction. After anesthesia, dogs were covered with a warm-air blanket and rectal temperature was measured every 10 minutes until normothermia (37°C) was achieved.

RESULTS Dogs in both treatment groups had lower rectal temperatures within 5 minutes after anesthetic induction and throughout anesthesia. Compared with dogs that received a benzodiazepine plus ketamine, dogs that received a benzodiazepine plus propofol had significantly lower rectal temperatures and the interval from discontinuation of anesthesia to achievement of normothermia was significantly longer.

CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE Dogs in which anesthesia was induced with a benzodiazepine plus propofol or ketamine became hypothermic; the extent of hypothermia was more profound for the propofol combination. Dogs should be provided with adequate heat support after induction of anesthesia, particularly when a propofol-benzodiazepine combination is administered.
Evaluation of computed tomographic enterography with an orally administered lactulose solution in clinically normal dogs
Authors: Keh Seoyeon , Sohn Jungmin , Choi Mihyun , Lee Namsoon , Jang Jaeyoung , Kim Hyunwook , Chang Dongwoo , Choi Mincheol , Yoon Junghee
Published: March 2016

OBJECTIVE To determine optimal techniques for CT enterography in clinically normal dogs and to evaluate luminal distention after oral administration of lactulose solution as a contrast agent.

ANIMALS 15 healthy dogs.

PROCEDURES CT was performed in a control group (2 dogs that underwent CT to evaluate metastasis and 5 other dogs). In a bolus administration group (5 dogs from the control group), lactulose solution (1.34 g/mL) was administered (60 mL/kg) rapidly via gastric tube to anesthetized dogs, and CT was performed every 10 minutes for 1 hour. In a continuous administration group of 8 other dogs, lactulose solution (60 mL/kg) was administered slowly via nasoesophageal tube over a period of 45 minutes. Then, 15 minutes after anesthetic induction, CT was performed every 10 minutes for 1 hour. Luminal distention of the small intestines was evaluated qualitatively by use of a 3-point scale.

RESULTS All small intestinal segments had poor luminal distention in the control group. The terminal ileum had poor luminal distention for the bolus administration group. Nearly all segments had good luminal distention for the continuous administration group with mild adverse effects. Luminal distention scores from 0 to 20 minutes after lactulose administration were significantly higher than scores from 30 to 60 minutes. Interobserver reproducibility was high for all intestinal segments.

CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE CT performed between 0 and 20 minutes after continuous administration of lactulose solution (60 mL/kg) may reveal adequate luminal distention for examination of small intestinal segments in dogs.
Biochemical, histologic, and biomechanical characterization of native and decellularized flexor tendon specimens harvested from the pelvic limbs of orthopedically normal dogs
Authors: Balogh Daniel G. , Biskup Jeffery J. , O'Sullivan M. Gerard , Scott Ruth M. , Groschen Donna , Evans Richard B. , Conzemius Michael G.
Published: March 2016

OBJECTIVE To evaluate the biochemical and biomechanical properties of native and decellularized superficial digital flexor tendons (SDFTs) and deep digital flexor tendons (DDFTs) harvested from the pelvic limbs of orthopedically normal dogs.

SAMPLE 22 commercially supplied tendon specimens (10 SDFT and 12 DDFT) harvested from the pelvic limbs of 13 canine cadavers.

PROCEDURES DNA, glycosaminoglycan, collagen, and protein content were measured to biochemically compare native and decellularized SDFT and DDFT specimens. Mechanical testing was performed on 4 groups consisting of native tendons (5 SDFTs and 6 DDFTs) and decellularized tendons (5 SDFTs and 6 DDFTs). All tendons were preconditioned, and tension was applied to failure at 0.5 mm/s. Failure mode was video recorded for each tendon. Load-deformation and stress-strain curves were generated; calculations were performed to determine the Young modulus and stiffness. Biochemical and biomechanical data were statistically compared by use of the Wilcoxon rank sum test.

RESULTS Decellularized SDFT and DDFT specimens had significantly less DNA content than did native tendons. No significant differences were identified between native and decellularized specimens with respect to glycosaminoglycan, collagen, or protein content. Biomechanical comparison yielded no significant intra- or intergroup differences. All DDFT constructs failed at the tendon-clamp interface, whereas nearly half (4/10) of the SDFT constructs failed at midsubstance.

CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE Decellularized commercial canine SDFT and DDFT specimens had similar biomechanical properties, compared with each other and with native tendons. The decellularization process significantly decreased DNA content while minimizing loss of extracellular matrix components. Decellularized canine flexor tendons may provide suitable, biocompatible graft scaffolds for bioengineering applications such as tendon or ligament repair.
Effects of cranberry extract on prevention of urinary tract infection in dogs and on adhesion of Escherichia coli to Madin-Darby canine kidney cells
Authors: Chou Hsin-I , Chen Kuan-Sheng , Wang Hsien-Chi , Lee Wei-Ming
Published: March 2016

OBJECTIVE To determine effects of cranberry extract on development of urinary tract infection (UTI) in dogs and on adherence of Escherichia coli to Madin-Darby canine kidney (MDCK) cells.

ANIMALS 12 client-owned dogs (in vivo experiment) and 6 client-owned dogs (in vitro experiment).

PROCEDURES 12 dogs with a history of recurrent UTI received an antimicrobial (n = 6) or cranberry extract (6) orally for 6 months. Dogs were monitored for a UTI. For the in vitro experiment, cranberry extract was orally administered to 6 dogs for 60 days. Voided urine samples were collected from each dog before and 30 and 60 days after onset of extract administration. Urine was evaluated by use of a bacteriostasis assay. An antiadhesion assay and microscopic examination were used to determine inhibition of bacterial adherence to MDCK cells.

RESULTS None of the 12 dogs developed a UTI. The bacteriostasis assay revealed no zone of inhibition for any urine samples. Bacterial adhesion was significantly reduced after culture with urine samples obtained at 30 and 60 days, compared with results for urine samples obtained before extract administration. Microscopic examination revealed that bacterial adherence to MDCK cells was significantly reduced after culture with urine samples obtained at 30 and 60 days, compared with results after culture with urine samples obtained before extract administration.

CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE Oral administration of cranberry extract prevented development of a UTI and prevented E coli adherence to MDCK cells, which may indicate it has benefit for preventing UTIs in dogs.
Getting it Right: How DNA Polymerases Select the Right Nucleotide
Authors: Ludmann Samra , Marx Andreas
Published: March 2016

All living organisms are defined by their genetic code encrypted in their DNA. DNA polymerases are the enzymes that are responsible for all DNA syntheses occurring in nature. For DNA replication, repair and recombination these enzymes have to read the parental DNA and recognize the
complementary nucleotide out of a pool of four structurally similar deoxynucleotide triphosphates (dNTPs) for a given template. The selection of the nucleotide is in accordance with the Watson-Crick rule. In this process the accuracy of DNA synthesis is crucial for the maintenance of the genome
stability. However, to spur evolution a certain degree of freedom must be allowed. This brief review highlights the mechanistic basis for selecting the right nucleotide by DNA polymerases.
Performance of a Highly Polymer-Modified Asphalt Binder Test Section at the National Center for Asphalt Technology Pavement Test Track
Authors: Willis J. Richard , Timm David H. , Kluttz Robert
Published: March 2016

Polymer modification of asphalt binders is commonly used to improve either the rutting or the cracking performance of asphalt mixtures. In most cases, 2% to 3% polymer is added to the binder; however, highly polymer-modified (HPM) mixtures can use 7% to 8% polymer to create a more integrated polymer chain network, which improves rutting and fatigue performance. In 2009, an HPM mixture test section was built at the National Center for Asphalt Technology Pavement Test Track; the test section was approximately 5.75 in. thick. A control test section was simultaneously built at 7 in. thick with the use of conventional paving materials. The objective of this study was to assess the long-term field performance of the HPM mixture and control sections placed at the test track. These sections were evaluated in regard to field performance and structural capacity. Falling weight deflectometer testing was conducted to determine in-place modulus over time, and weekly strain and pressure responses were collected to determine how the test sections behaved mechanistically under live trafficking. The performance of the test sections was monitored with the use of inertial profilers to measure rutting and ride quality, and visual inspection was used to quantify cracking. After 20 million equivalent single-axle loads of trafficking, the HPM mixture test section had less cracking and rutting than the control section and the ride quality had not diminished over time. These findings support the use of HPM mixes in agency paving programs where appropriate.
Dynamic Modulus of Recycled Pavement Mixtures
Authors: Diefenderfer Brian K. , Bowers Benjamin F. , Schwartz Charles W. , Farzaneh Azadeh , Zhang Zhuoyi
Published: March 2016

Pavement recycling techniques have been shown to be effective for rehabilitating pavements by reducing environmental impacts, construction costs, and time. For various reasons, many highway agencies have not widely embraced these processes despite the demonstrated advantages. One such reason is that the mechanical properties of these materials have not been widely studied, resulting in a lack of consensus on proper design values, which causes concern for highway agencies. This study sought to determine the dynamic modulus of field-produced and field-cured recycled pavement materials from 24 projects constructed in the United States and Canada. The dynamic modulus is one of the primary material parameters for mechanistic–empirical pavement design and performance prediction. On the basis of a statistical test and observation of the constructed master curves, this study found that the three pavement recycling processes studied (cold central-plant recycling, cold in-place recycling, and full-depth reclamation) had a similar range of dynamic modulus values. In addition, cold central-plant recycling and cold in-place recycling showed greater stiffness temperature dependency than that of full-depth reclamation, suggesting that the binder from the existing reclaimed asphalt pavement may play a role in their stiffness properties. The master curves also showed that the use of chemical additives generally increased the stiffness and reduced the temperature dependency of the recycled materials. The master curves showed that dynamic modulus values were similar when emulsified asphalt and foamed asphalt were used as the stabilizing and recycling agents.
Warm-Mix Asphalt Moisture Susceptibility Evaluation for Mix Design and Quality Assurance
Authors: Yin Fan , Epps Martin Amy , Arámbula-Mercado Edith
Published: March 2016

Guidelines for the evaluation of warm-mix asphalt (WMA) moisture susceptibility, including a flowchart and several thresholds for laboratory tests, were developed in a previous study on the basis of a limited number of WMA mixtures. In this study, 64 WMA mixtures were identified from a literature review and web survey with moisture susceptibility data available from mix design or quality assurance as well as field pavement performance. A desirable correspondence was achieved when the moisture susceptibility laboratory test parameters for those WMA mixtures were compared against the proposed thresholds and their field pavement performance, which showed the effectiveness of the guidelines in identifying moisture-susceptible WMA mixtures. In addition, a laboratory experiment was completed to evaluate the effect of various moisture conditioning protocols and specimen drying methods on moisture susceptibility laboratory test parameters. The 1,000-cycle moisture induced stress tester at 140°F (60°C) and 40 psi and the 3-day hot water bath at 140°F (60°C) produced an equivalent level of moisture damage as the modified Lottman protocol per AASHTO T 283 and, thus, are suggested as alternative moisture conditioning protocols in the guidelines. The testing of saturated surface dry specimens was problematic, possibly because of the incompressibility and flow resistance of water remaining inside the pore structure of the specimens, which yielded higher mixture stiffness and strength. Therefore, drying of the moisture-conditioned specimens with the CoreDry 48-h air dry at 77°F (25°C) or the 24-h oven dry at 140°F (60°C) method before testing is recommended. Finally, a revised flowchart including the findings from this study is proposed.
Application of Image Analysis Techniques to Develop a Quality Control Tool for Automated Optimum Binder Content Determination of Open-Graded Friction Course Mixtures
Authors: Mejias de Pernia Yolibeth , Metz John , Gunaratne Manjriker , Nash Tanya , Musselman Jim
Published: March 2016

In some transportation agencies, including the Florida Department of Transportation (DOT), open-graded friction course (OGFC) mixtures are designed by estimating the optimum binder content (OBC). The estimation is based on visual inspection of the asphalt binder draindown (ABD) configuration of three OGFC samples placed on pie plates with predetermined trial asphalt binder contents (ACs). The inspection of the ABD configuration is performed by trained and experienced technicians who determine the OBC with perceptive interpolation or extrapolation based on the known AC values of the above samples. To eliminate the human subjectivity involved in this method, the authors first developed an automated image processing–based method for prediction of the OBC by using digital images of the pie plate specimens (PPSs). In the extended research effort reported in this paper, a quality control tool (QCT) was developed for the aforementioned automated method to enhance its reliability when implemented by other agencies and contractors. The QCT was developed with three quality control imaging parameters (QCIPs): orientation, spatial distribution, and segregation of ABD configuration of PPS images. Then, the above QCIPs were evaluated from PPS images of a variety of mixture designs produced with the Florida DOT visual method. The statistical and computer-generated results indicated that the selected QCIPs are adequate for the formulation of quality control criteria for PPS production. The authors believe that the developed QCT will enhance the reliability and accuracy of the automated OBC estimation image processing–based method.
Proposed Approach for Evaluation of Cohesive and Adhesive Properties of Asphalt Mixtures for Determination of Moisture Sensitivity
Authors: LaCroix Andrew , Regimand Ali , James Lawrence
Published: March 2016

Moisture damage to asphalt pavements continues to be a major concern after decades of research. Two of the most common moisture failure modes in asphalt mixtures are adhesive failures between the aggregate and binder and cohesive failures in the binder or mastic. The challenge in conditioning asphalt mixtures for moisture sensitivity is developing a test method that is capable of evaluating adhesive and cohesive failure properties while remaining repeatable, accurate, and practical. There are three methods for conditioning an asphalt mixture for determining moisture sensitivity: AASHTO T 283, ASTM D4867, and ASTM D7870. T 283 is the most common method for evaluating moisture damage. The conditioning involves saturating, followed by freezing–thawing conditioning of specimens to induce pore pressure. D7870 is the moisture-induced stress test (MIST), which dynamically induces pore pressure into the specimen. In this study, both of these conditioning methods were evaluated with a known moisture-resistant mixture and known moisture-sensitive mixture. The different conditioning methods were evaluated with the tensile strength ratio, change in density, and visual inspection. Results show that the most effective method of conditioning to capture moisture-sensitive mixtures is a combination of T 283 and D7870. T 283 accentuates adhesive failures while D7870 accentuates cohesive failure in the mixtures. The proposed conditioning method uses the MIST unit to effectively identify cohesive and adhesive moisture-sensitive mixtures during mixture design and quality control of asphalt pavements.
Measurement of Rapid Amiloride-Dependent pH Changes at the Cell Surface Using a Proton-Sensitive Field-Effect Transistor
Authors: Schaffhauser Daniel , Fine Michael , Tabata Miyuki , Goda Tatsuro , Miyahara Yuji
Published: March 2016

We present a novel method for the rapid measurement of pH fluxes at close proximity to the surface of the plasma membrane in mammalian cells using an ion-sensitive field-effect transistor (ISFET). In conjuction with an efficient continuous superfusion system, the ISFET sensor was capable of recording rapid changes in pH at the cells’ surface induced by intervals of ammonia loading and unloading, even when using highly buffered solutions. Furthermore, the system was able to isolate physiologically relevant signals by not only detecting the transients caused by ammonia loading and unloading, but display steady-state signals as would be expected by a proton transport-mediated influence on the extracellular proton-gradient. Proof of concept was demonstrated through the use of 5-(N-ethyl-N-isopropyl)amiloride (EIPA), a small molecule inhibitor of sodium/hydrogen exchangers (NHE). As the primary transporter responsible for proton balance during cellular regulation of pH, non-electrogenic NHE transport is notoriously difficult to detect with traditional methods. Using the NHE positive cell lines, Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells and NHE3-reconstituted mouse skin fibroblasts (MSF), the sensor exhibited a significant response to EIPA inhibition, whereas NHE-deficient MSF cells were unaffected by application of the inhibitor.
Complexity Analysis of Surface EMG for Overcoming ECG Interference toward Proportional Myoelectric Control
Authors: Zhang Xu , Ren Xiaoting , Gao Xiaoping , Chen Xiang , Zhou Ping
Published: March 2016

Electromyographic (EMG) signals from muscles in the body torso are often contaminated by electrocardiography (ECG) interferences, which consequently compromise EMG intensity estimation. The ECG interference has become a barrier to proportional control of myoelectric prosthesis using a neural machine interface called targeted muscle reinnervation (TMR), which involves transferring the residual amputated nerves to nonfunctional muscles (typically pectoralis muscles for high level amputations). This study investigates a novel approach toward implementation of proportional myoelectric control by applying sample entropy (SampEn) analysis of surface EMG signals for robust intensity estimation in the presence of significant ECG interference. Surface EMG data from able-bodied and TMR amputee subjects with different degrees of ECG interference were used for performance evaluation. The results showed that the SampEn analysis had high correlation with surface EMG amplitude measurement but low sensitivity to different degrees of ECG interference. Taking this advantage, SampEn analysis of surface EMG signal can be used to facilitate implementation of proportional myoelectric control against ECG interference. This is particularly important for TMR prosthesis users.
A Novel DC-Bus Sensor-less MPPT Technique for Single-Stage PV Grid-Connected Inverters
Authors: Elsaharty Mohamed , Ashour Hamdy , Rakhshani Elyas , Pouresmaeil Edris , Catalão João
Published: March 2016

Single-stage grid connected inverters are considered as an economic, compact and simple topology compared with multi-stage inverters. In photovoltaic (PV) grid connected systems, the major requirement is to achieve maximum output power from the source. Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) techniques require measurements on the DC side of the inverter connected to the PV in order to determine the current operating point on the power characteristics. Typically this is achieved by perturbing the reference output power and observe the change in the PV voltage, current or both. Based on the observation, it could be determined whether the current operating point is beyond or below maximum power. This paper presents an MPPT technique for a single-stage PV grid connected inverter where the MPPT algorithm determines the current operating point at different operating conditions based upon observing the inverter controller action. Such approach eliminates the requirement of sensing elements to be added to the converter which aids the advantages of the single-stage converter. Design of the utilized PV system is derived based on filter parameters, PV panel selection and controller parameters. Using simulation and practical implementation, the performance of the proposed MPPT technique is evaluated for the PV grid connected system.
Climate Change Refugia, Fire Ecology and Management
Authors: Wilkin Kate , Ackerly David , Stephens Scott
Published: March 2016

Early climate change ideas warned of widespread species extinctions. As scientists have probed more deeply into species responses, a more nuanced perspective emerged indicating that some species may persist in microrefugia (refugia), including in mountainous terrain. Refugia are habitats that buffer climate changes and allow species to persist in—and to potentially expand under—changing environmental conditions. While climate and species interactions in refugia have been noted as sources of uncertainty, land management practices and disturbances, such as wildland fire, should also be considered when assessing any given refugium. Our landscape scale study suggests that cold-air pools, an important type of small-scale refugia, have unique fire occurrence, frequency, and severity patterns in frequent-fire mixed conifer forests of California’s Sierra Nevada: cold-air pool refugia have less fire and if it occurs, it is lower severity. Therefore, individuals and small populations are less likely to be extirpated by fire. Active management, such as restoration and fuels treatments for climate change adaptation, may be required to maintain these distinctive and potentially important refugia.
The Interaction of Two Saccharomyces cerevisiae Strains Affects Fermentation-Derived Compounds in Wine
Authors: Gustafsson Frida , Jiranek Vladimir , Neuner Marissa , Scholl Chrystal , Morgan Sydney , Durall Daniel
Published: March 2016

Previous winery-based studies showed the strains Lalvin® RC212 (RC212) and Lalvin® ICV-D254 (D254), when present together during fermentation, contributed to >80% relative abundance of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae population in inoculated and spontaneous fermentations. In these studies, D254 appeared to out-compete RC212, even when RC212 was used as the inoculant. In the present study, under controlled conditions, we tested the hypotheses that D254 would out-compete RC212 during fermentation and have a greater impact on key fermentation-derived chemicals. The experiment consisted of four fermentation treatments, each conducted in triplicate: a pure culture control of RC212; a pure culture control of D254; a 1:1 co-inoculation ratio of RC212:D254; and a 4:1 co-inoculation ratio of RC212:D254. Strain abundance was monitored at four stages. Inoculation ratios remained the same throughout fermentation, indicating an absence of competitive exclusion by either strain. The chemical profile of the 1:1 treatment closely resembled pure D254 fermentations, suggesting D254, under laboratory conditions, had a greater influence on the selected sensory compounds than did RC212. Nevertheless, the chemical profile of the 4:1 treatment, in which RC212 dominated, resembled that of pure RC212 fermentations. Our results support the idea that co-inoculation of strains creates a new chemical profile not seen in the pure cultures. These findings may have implications for winemakers looking to control wine aroma and flavor profiles through strain selection.
Core Stability and Core Selection in a Decentralized Labor Matching Market
Authors: Nax Heinrich , Pradelski Bary
Published: March 2016

We propose a dynamic model of decentralized many-to-one matching in the context of a competitive labor market. Through wage offers and wage demands, firms compete over workers and workers compete over jobs. Firms make hire-and-fire decisions dependent on the wages of their own workers and on the alternative workers available on the job market. Workers bargain for better jobs; either individually or collectively as unions, adjusting wage demands upward/downward depending on whether they are currently employed/unemployed. We show that such a process is absorbed into the core with probability one in finite time. Moreover, within the core, allocations are selected that are characterized by surplus splitting according to a bargaining solution such that (i) firms and workforce share total revenue according to relative bargaining strengths, and (ii) workers receive equal workforce shares above their individual outside options. These results bridge empirical evidence and provide a rich set of testable predictions.
Changes in Cosmetics Use during Pregnancy and Risk Perception by Women
Authors: Marie Cécile , Cabut Sophie , Vendittelli Françoise , Sauvant-Rochat Marie-Pierre
Published: March 2016

Cosmetic products contain various chemical substances that may be potential carcinogen and endocrine disruptors. Women’s changes in cosmetics use during pregnancy and their risk perception of these products have not been extensively investigated. The main objective of this study was to describe the proportion of pregnant women changing cosmetics use and the proportion of non-pregnant women intending to do so if they became pregnant. The secondary objectives were to compare, among the pregnant women, the proportions of those using cosmetics before and during pregnancy, and to describe among pregnant and non-pregnant women, the risk perception of these products. A cross-sectional study was carried out in a gynaecology clinic and four community pharmacies. One hundred and twenty-eight women (60 non-pregnant and 68 pregnant women) replied to a self-administered questionnaire. Cosmetics use was identified for 28 products. The results showed that few women intended to change or had changed cosmetics use during pregnancy. Nail polish was used by fewer pregnant women compared to the period before pregnancy (p < 0.05). Fifty-five percent of the women considered cosmetics use as a risk during pregnancy and 65% would have appreciated advice about these products. Our findings indicate that all perinatal health professionals should be ready to advise women about the benefits and risks of using cosmetics during pregnancy.
Mapping Copper and Lead Concentrations at Abandoned Mine Areas Using Element Analysis Data from ICP–AES and Portable XRF Instruments: A Comparative Study
Authors: Lee Hyeongyu , Choi Yosoon , Suh Jangwon , Lee Seung-Ho
Published: March 2016

Understanding spatial variation of potentially toxic trace elements (PTEs) in soil is necessary to identify the proper measures for preventing soil contamination at both operating and abandoned mining areas. Many studies have been conducted worldwide to explore the spatial variation of PTEs and to create soil contamination maps using geostatistical methods. However, they generally depend only on inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry (ICP–AES) analysis data, therefore such studies are limited by insufficient input data owing to the disadvantages of ICP–AES analysis such as its costly operation and lengthy period required for analysis. To overcome this limitation, this study used both ICP–AES and portable X-ray fluorescence (PXRF) analysis data, with relatively low accuracy, for mapping copper and lead concentrations at a section of the Busan abandoned mine in Korea and compared the prediction performances of four different approaches: the application of ordinary kriging to ICP–AES analysis data, PXRF analysis data, both ICP–AES and transformed PXRF analysis data by considering the correlation between the ICP–AES and PXRF analysis data, and co-kriging to both the ICP–AES (primary variable) and PXRF analysis data (secondary variable). Their results were compared using an independent validation data set. The results obtained in this case study showed that the application of ordinary kriging to both ICP–AES and transformed PXRF analysis data is the most accurate approach when considers the spatial distribution of copper and lead contaminants in the soil and the estimation errors at 11 sampling points for validation. Therefore, when generating soil contamination maps for an abandoned mine, it is beneficial to use the proposed approach that incorporates the advantageous aspects of both ICP–AES and PXRF analysis data.