bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
EVALUATION OF VESSEL SIMULATION MODEL COMPATIBILITY WITH ITS EQUIVALENT IN REALITY
Authors: Zwolan Piotr , Czaplewski Krzysztof
Published: February 2014

Complex simulation systems are often used in order to enhance the safety level on newly designed navigation areas and to facilitate their verification process. The application of these systems supersedes older methods based on manoeuvring basins, wherein models minified in particular scales were used. Modern methods are definitely cheaper and require less work. The paper presents the method of assessment of the compatibility of a ship simulation model with its real counterpart. Access to the simulator’s components responsible for creating and editing bodies of water as well as ship models gives the possibility of their verification. Using cutting-edge navigation systems such as inertial systems, weather stations and GPS gives the possibility of obtaining indispensable information about ship’s behaviour under certain hydro-meteorological conditions.
Juvenile Growth and Morphological Traits of Micropropagated Black Locust (Robinia Pseudoacacia L.) Clones under Arid Site Conditions
Authors: Rédei Károly , Keserű Zsolt , Csiha Imre , Rásó János , Kamandiné Végh Ágnes , Antal Borbála
Published: February 2014

Abstract -

In Hungary black locust (Robinia pseudoacacia L.) is considered as an important exotic stand-forming tree species growing mostly under unfavourable ecological conditions for forest management. Due to climate change effects its importance is increasing in many other countries, too. As a result of a selection programme new black locust clones were tested in clone trials. Juvenile growth and the morphological as well as phenological traits of four micropropagated black locust clones were evaluated in central Hungary under dry site conditions. Significant differences (P<5%) were found for DBH and field survival rate values. At age of 7 the clone R.p. ‘Bácska’ (’KH 56A 2/5’) appears to be especially promising for mass propagation. Tissue culture can be considered as a suitable tool for propagating superior individuals and offers new prospects for the rapid cloning of selected genotypes used for plantation forestry.
Modelling the Potential Distribution of Three Climate Zonal Tree Species for Present and Future Climate in Hungary
Authors: Móricz Norbert , Rasztovits Ervin , Gálos Borbála , Berki Imre , Eredics Attila , Loibl Wolfgang
Published: February 2014

The potential distribution and composition rate of beech, sessile oak and Turkey oak were investigated for present and future climates (2036-2065 and 2071-2100) in Hungary. Membership functions were defined using the current composition rate (percentage of cover in forest compartments) of the tree species and the long-term climate expressed by the Ellenberg quotient to model the present and future tree species distribution and composition rate. The simulation results using the regional climate model REMO showed significant decline of beech and sessile oak in Hungary during the 21st century. By the middle of the century only about 35% of the present beech and 75% of the sessile oak stands will remain above their current potential distribution limit. By the end of the century beech forests may almost disappear from Hungary and sessile oak will also be found only along the Southwest border and in higher mountain regions. On the contrary the present occurrences of Turkey oak will be almost entirely preserved during the century however its distribution area will shift to the current sessile oak habitats.
Measuring the Bearing Capacity of Forest Roads with an Improved Benkelman Beam Apparatus
Authors: Markó Gergely , Primusz Péter , Péterfalvi József
Published: February 2014

Bearing capacity measurements of roads were traditionally carried out using the Benkelman beam. The Benkelman beam measurements provide the maximum vertical deflection of the pavement under 50 kN of wheel load. Nowadays the bearing capacity of public roads is measured with falling weight deflectometers. Falling weight deflectometer measurements provide the full deflection basin. It is convenient to use these high precision instruments on forest roads, but their application is inefficient and costly. The Department of Forest Opening Up developed a new method to measure the full deflection basin with the Benkelman beam. Besides the instrument improvement the authors developed a new method for the processing of the deflection basin data. Results are presented through the case study of a 2nd class opening up forest road.
Mapping Forest Regeneration from Terrestrial Laser Scans
Authors: Brolly Gábor , Király Géza , Czimber Kornél
Published: February 2014

Location, spread, abundance and density of forest regeneration are key factors in understanding forest dynamics as well as in operational management of uneven-aged stands. Simulation of forest growth, silviculture and planning of skid road networks require accurate and objective methods for locating forest regeneration. Terrestrial laser scanning has high potential for tree mapping, however, the development of automatic processing methods has been focused on mature trees so far. This study introduces an automatic procedure to locate individual trees with 3-6 meter height from terrestrial laser scanner data. The method has been validated on three sample quadrates representing different stand structures and it succeeded in detecting 79-90% of trees extracted manually from the point cloud. Out of the investigated stand features, stem density had the strongest impact on the performance, while branching intensity slightly affected the detection rate. The results highlight that terrestrial laser scanning has the ability for the quantitative evaluation of regeneration, providing a prospective tool for surveying forests of contiguous cover.
Working in Regional Agro-food Networks – Strengthening Rural Development through Cooperation
Authors: Burandt Annemarie , Lang Friederike , Schrader Regina , Thiem Anja
Published: February 2014

Regional agro-food networks have an impact on the development of rural regions. Networks give small and medium sized enterprises the opportunity to gain access to further markets (e.g. through offering a wider common product range), to conduct more effective marketing or to synergize the variety of skills and knowhow of the network partners. Networks of the agricultural and food economy are also seen as a chance for rural regions because they can positively influence social and cultural lives as well as the natural and economic areas in regions.

We analysed regional networks of the agricultural and food economy, investigated the strengths and weaknesses in the structure of agro-food networks and developed options for action to strengthen the collaboration within the networks and their regional marketing.

In our paper we present the results of one case study in Eastern Germany. We show our findings of a strengths and weaknesses analysis and a constellation analysis. Therefore, success factors were identified and used to evaluate the networks qualitatively. In addition, we discuss how regional networks can support regional marketing and sustainable regional development.
Determination of motor activity and anxiety-related behaviour in rodents: methodological aspects and role of nitric oxide
Authors: Sestakova Natalia , Puzserova Angelika , Kluknavsky Michal , Bernatova Iveta
Published: February 2014

In various areas of the bio-medical, pharmacological and psychological research a multitude of behavioural tests have been used to investigate the effects of environmental, genetic and epi-genetic factors as well as pharmacological substances or diseased states on behaviour and thus on the physiological and psycho-social status of experimental subjects. This article is reviewing the most frequently used behavioural tests in animal research (open field, elevated plus maze, zero maze, and black and white box). It provides a summary of common characteristics as well as differences in the methods used in various studies to determine motor activity, anxiety and emotionality. Additionally to methodological aspects, strain, sex and stress-related differences as well as the involvement of nitric oxide in modulation of motor activity and anxiety of rodents were briefly reviewed.
Hemolytic activity and platelet aggregation inhibitory effect of vipoxin’s basic sPLA2 subunit
Authors: Stoykova Silviya , Goranova Yana , Pantcheva Ivayla , Atanasov Vasil , Danchev Dobri , Petrova Svetla
Published: February 2014

In the present study we evaluated the effect of secreted phospholipase A2 (sPLA2) (the toxic subunit of the heterodimeric neurotoxin vipoxin, isolated from the Bulgarian long-nosed viper Vipera ammodytes meridionalis) on hemolysis, erythrocyte morphology and platelet aggregation. Hemolytic activity of sPLA2 was examined in the presence of saturated (palmitic) and unsaturated (oleic) fatty acids and it was found that oleic acid increased the hemolytic activity of sPLA2 in a concentration-dependent manner, compared to the effect of palmitic acid and controls. The addition of heparin to red blood cells (RBC) suspension containing sPLA2 or mixture of sPLA2 and the corresponding fatty acid led to an inhibition of hemolytic activity. The effect of sPLA2 on RBC morphology resulted in formation of echinocytes (spherocyte subtype), suggesting that RBC could be the possible targets attacked by sPLA2. Vipoxin sPLA2 inhibited (in a dose-dependent manner) platelet aggregation when arachidonic acid and collagen were used as inducers, while in the case of ADP its inhibitory effect was inappreciable.
Analysis of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug use in hospitalized patients and perception of their risk
Authors: Varga Zoltán , Kriška Milan , Kristová Viera , Petrová Miriam
Published: February 2014

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) belong to the most widely prescribed and used pharmacological agents worldwide. Data gathered in the last decade show increased incidence of thrombotic events during NSAID administration. Analysis of NSAID usage and assessment of risk for development of cardiovascular adverse effects is needed for improving patient safety. For limiting the impact of adverse effects on the health of patients, NSAID users should be informed about the possible adverse effects and their symptoms to ensure early detection and treatment discontinuation. In the presented study, we retrospectively analyzed the administration of NSAIDs in a group of patients (n=428) in need of analgesic treatment hospitalized at a department of internal medicine. Factors increasing the risk for cardiovascular adverse effects were also investigated. A separate questionnaire study was conducted to gather information concerning the knowledge of hospitalized NSAID users (n=251) about adverse effects of the medication used. For purpose of comparison, we conducted a similar study in a group of 234 random respondents from a shopping center. Data were evaluated using descriptive statistics, Student´s t-test and chi-squared test. Our results suggest that the majority of patients treated with NSAIDs have factors indicating increased risk of development of adverse effects, most commonly arterial hypertension (58.2% of patients). The results of our questionnaire study show limited knowledge of NSAID users about the risk of the therapy. Nearly half of the respondents were unaware of any adverse effects. We consider as alarming that only a limited number of respondents were informed by their physician or pharmacist about the possible risks of treatment. In conclusion, we found that hospitalized NSAID users often have a history of diseases predisposing to the development of cardiovascular adverse effects of NSAIDs. Despite this, their knowledge about the risk of treatment is insufficient.
Phytochemical and acute toxicity of ethanolic extract of Enantia chlorantha (oliv) stem bark in albino rats
Authors: Adebiyi Olamide E. , Abatan Mathew O.
Published: February 2014

It is presumed that drugs sourced from herbs have lesser side effects than allopathic drugs. Enantia chlorantha is widely used in herbal medicine for the treatment of several ailments such as jaundice, malaria, fever, infective hepatitis, etc. However its toxicity profiles are not well documented. The effects of ethanolic extract of E. chlorantha stem bark on body weight changes, biochemical and haematological parameters as well as histology of vital organs (heart, kidneys and liver) were assessed. Also, the phytochemical constituent of the plant was analysed. Albino rats of both sexes were randomly divided into five groups (A-E) of five rats each and the ethanolic extract of E. chlorantha stem bark extract was administered by oral gavage in a single dose. Group A rats were administered 500 mg/kg of the extract, group B; 1000 mg/kg, group C; 2000 mg/kg, group D; 3000 mg/kg and group E rats received distilled water (10 ml/kg) and served as control. The extract caused significant (p<0.05) decreases in the levels of packed cell volume, haemoglobin concentration and red blood cell counts in a dose dependent manner. Further, significant alterations were not observed in the serum biochemical parameters analysed (AST, ALP, ALT, blood urea nitrogen, total protein, albumin, globulin and bilirubin). In addition, the extract at 1000, 2000 and 3000 mg/kg caused congestion in the heart and kidney of experimental rats. These results suggest that oral administration of E. chlorantha may produce severe toxic effects at relatively high doses, thus caution should be exercised in its use.
Evaluation of hepatic antioxidant capacities of Spirogyra neglecta (Hassall) Kützing in rats
Authors: Thumvijit Tarika , Thuschana Waristha , Amornlerdpison Doungporn , Peerapornpisal Yuwadee , Wongpoomchai Rawiwan
Published: February 2014

Free radicals are one of the causes of chronic and degenerative diseases. Antioxidants can protect the progression of free radical mediated disorders. The aim of this study was to evaluate the antioxidant activity of Spirogyra neglecta (Hassall) Kützing in rats. The rats were divided into 5 groups. Group 1 served as control. Groups 2 and 3 were administered hot water extract of S. neglecta at 50 and 200 mg/kg bw, respectively, while groups 4 and 5 were fed 1% and 4% S. neglecta mixed diet, resp., for 13 weeks. Antioxidant enzymes were evaluated in livers of the rats. The activities of catalase and glutathione reductase were significantly increased in the group fed 50 mg/kg of the extract, compared with the control group. Glutathione peroxidase activity was also significantly higher in the group fed 50 and 200 mg/kg of the extract. The study suggests that S. neglecta may enhance antioxidant systems in the rat liver.
Competitive analysis of outdoor ornamental plants sector: a case study of Konya province, Turkey
Authors: Çelik Yusuf , Arisoy Hasan
Published: February 2014

In this study, development and alteration trends of ornamental plants sector in Turkey and the rest of the world were analysed. The competitive and structural analysis of outdoor ornamental plants sector in Konya province, Turkey, was carried out in accordance with the Strengths, Weakness, Opportunities, Threats (SWOT) analytical technique and Diamond Model of Porter. Main data of the study have been obtained by a survey method from 16 managers of enterprises. According to the results, the ornamental plants sector in Turkey developed vigorously, especially after 1980s, in parallel with other parts of the world. The cultivated area of ornamental plants in Turkey, which was 1513.2 ha in 2000, tripled to 4786.0 ha in 2011. Outdoor ornamental plants sector in Konya province has developed in parallel with that in the whole country and the number of enterprises producing has increased by 50% in the last decade. Competition level of outdoor ornamental plants sector is low in Konya. As a strategy to increase it, the aggregation of production in larger companies and diversification of the spectrum of plants more adapted to the natural conditions are discussed.
First report on the association of a begomovirus with chrysanthemum indicum exhibiting yellowing of leaf vein disease characterized by molecular studies
Authors: Marwal Avinash , Sahu Anurag Kumar , Gaur Rajarshi Kumar
Published: February 2014

Infected leaf samples of an ornamental plant Chrysanthemum indicum showing yellowing of leaf veins were collected from gardens of New Delhi (India). An expected PCR product of size ~500 bp was amplified from total DNA extracts of symptomatic leaf samples with universal primers on the gene of coat protein region of begomovirus DNA-A component. The presence of begomoviruses was also confirmed by Southern blot analysis using control cloned DNA-A probe of Cotton leaf curl virus. Sequence analysis of the virus infecting Chrysanthemum indicum showed 99% nucleotide sequence identity with Clerodendron yellow mosaic virus (EF408037).
Effect of inoculation with piriformospora indica and sebacina vermifera on growth of selected brassicaceae plants under greenhouse conditions
Authors: Kari Dolatabadi Hossein , Mohammadi Goltapeh Ebrahim
Published: February 2014

The effect of inoculation of two root-colonizing basidiomycete fungi Piriformospora indica and Sebacina vermifera on the host plants from the family Brassicaceae (Brassica oleracea, B. napus, B. nigra, Lepidium sativum, Descurainia sophia and Matthiola incana) was studied in a pot experiment. Both fungi were able to colonize all plant species tested but with different efficiency. Colonized plants reacted with increase of fitness, bigger leaves and more side shoots. Plant heights of five inoculated species were higher than of uninoculated controls. Five species had higher dry weight of shoots and four had higher dry weights of roots. The highest stimulation was stated for B. oleracea and the lowest for L. sativum. It can be connected with the intensity of root colonization, which was greater in B. oleracea. In most cases both fungi influenced growth and dry weight of plants similarly but B. nigra and D. sophia were stimulated more by P. indica and B. napus by S. vermifera.
Steady state of solid-grain interfaces during simulated CPT
Authors: Butlanska Joanna , Arroyo Marcos , Gens Antonio
Published: February 2014

It has recently been shown (Arroyo et al. [1]) that 3D DEM models are able to reproduce with reasonable accuracy the macroscopic response of CPT performed in calibration chambers filled with sand. However, the cost of each simulation is an important factor. Hence, to achieve manageable simulation times the discrete material representing the sand was scaled up to sizes that were more typical of gravel than sand. A side effect of the scaled-up discrete material size employed in the model was an increased fluctuation of the macro-response that can be filtered away to observe a macroscopic steady-state cone resistance. That observation is the starting point of this communication, where a series of simulations in which the size ratio between penetrometer and particles is varied are systematically analyzed. A micromechanical analysis of the penetrometer-particle interaction is performed. These curves reveal that a steady state is arrived also at the particle-cone contact level. The properties of this dynamic interface are independent of the initial density of the granular material.
The numerical calculations of influence of underpinning on foundations settlement
Authors: Górski Krzysztof , Ignatowicz Rajmund Leszek , Wierzbicki Jędrzej , Mazur Robert , Mazurkiewicz Jakub
Published: February 2014

The paper presents numerical calculations of the influence of implementation technology for underpinning the footing on settlement, with the use of finite element method. Three cases of underpinning methods were taken for calculations, depending on the diameter of the jet grouting column and the order of works. The intensity of settlement of the base of the footing foundation is significantly influenced by the growth of Young’s modulus and the jet grouting column with time, until its complete curing and reaching final technological parameters.
Efficient implementation of background generation method based on pixel occurrences
Authors: Bubliński Zbigniew , Pawlik Piotr
Published: February 2014

The paper presents the implementation of modified background generation algorithm based on analysis of the frequency of occurrences of pixels. The proposed solution allows the use of the algorithm in real-time systems, which was quite difficult in the original method. The results show that the modified algorithm gives practically the same background as the original method but in significantly less time and can be applied in many tasks related to the detection and analysis of moving objects.
Hardware-software vision system for moving people counting based on 3D information
Authors: Kryjak Tomasz , Komorkiewicz Mateusz
Published: February 2014

The article presents a hardware-software system for people counting based on analysis of 3D information. It consists of a 3D video source (3D camera), an FPGA evaluation board and a PC computer. The computationaly demanding disparity map calculation and median filtering are realized in hardware. The software part is responsible for people segmentation, tracking and counting. The data between system nodes is transferred via Ethernet. In the paper the system architecture, proposed algorithms and obtained results are presented.
Comparison of non-linear palette usage for gamma-ray tomography imaging
Authors: Budzisz Jan , Mosorov Volodymyr , Biedron Sebastian
Published: February 2014

Gamma-ray tomography is used for non-invasive studying of objects. To enable correct interpretation of such measurements, they need to be presented in analysis-friendly way. One method is to use ILST (Iterative Least Squares Technique) algorithm to visualize 1D detector data on a 2D grid, so that gammaray attenuation is visible with a resemblance to cross-section structure. However algorithm imperfections and thresholding do not always allow inferring shapes of the structure correctly. To remedy this, the analyses of the whole range of reconstructed values are to be used with a non-linear transformation function to visualize and emphasize density gradient.
All things considered? Alternative reasons for hamster extinction
Authors: Monecke Stefanie
Published: February 2014

In 2002 a pest biologist (LEIRS 2002) calculated the survival chances of the European hamster (Cricetus cricetus) according to data provided by participants of the meeting of the International Hamster Workgroup in Tongeren. His model was based predominantly on demographic data as birth rates and predicted that the European hamster will be extinct in Western Europe within the next 50 years. Since then, the mean number of litters females raise in a year has diminished from 2-3 to 1-2. It is thus to be feared that the remaining time is only half as long as predicted and extinction might occur around 2030. However, since then hamster protection measures have improved considerably and two major milestones have been reached: (1) we are able to breed captive hamsters in a sufficient number and (2) most released hamsters survive long enough to reproduce once. Thus, at the present state we can claim that the hamster won.t go extinct as long as such breeding and releasing programs are in place. However, we haven.t achieved a state yet at which it is clear that the hamster will survive with its own means when such programs are stopped. To work on this will be the task of the coming years. This review might be a starting point for that. It reflects on which other factors possibly impair the survival of European hamster populations besides some aspects of modern agriculture, thus it searches for parameters which are not yet considered in conservation programs. Historical data as well as observations and research data from other species are reviewed. Additionally, new insights from the subterranean life of European hamsters in outdoor terrariums are presented, which suggest that the soil as habitat might need more attention in conservation. However, this conjecture can provide only new ideas, which still have to be confirmed by research. The intention is to spark a lively discussion on such potential alternative reasons for the decline of European hamsters, whether some of them are worth being investigated and whether we overlooked something. There is not much time left.
Relationship Between Lower Extremity Muscle Strength and All-Cause Mortality in Japanese Patients Undergoing Dialysis
Authors: Matsuzawa Ryota , Matsunaga Atsuhiko , Wang Guoqin , Yamamoto Shuhei , Kutsuna Toshiki , Ishii Akira , Abe Yoshifumi , Yoneki Kei , Yoshida Atsushi , Takahira Naonobu
Published: February 2014

Background

Skeletal muscle wasting is common and insidious in patients who are undergoing hemodialysis. However, the association between lower extremity muscle strength and all-cause mortality remains unclear in this population.

Objective

The purpose of this study was to investigate the prognostic significance of lower extremity muscle strength on 7-year survival in a cohort of patients who were clinically stable and undergoing hemodialysis.

Design

A prospective cohort study was conducted.

Methods

A total of 190 Japanese outpatients who were undergoing maintenance hemodialysis 3 times per week at a hemodialysis center were followed for up to 7 years. Lower extremity muscle strength was evaluated using a handheld dynamometer at the time of patient enrollment in the study. Muscle strength data were divided by dry weight and expressed as a percentage. A Cox proportional hazards regression model was used to assess the contribution of lower extremity muscle strength to all-cause mortality.

Results

The median age (25th and 75th percentiles) of this study population was 64 years (57 and 72 years), 53.2% of the patients were women, and the time on hemodialysis was 39.0 months (15.9 and 110.5 months) at baseline. During a median follow-up of 36.0 months, there were 30 deaths. With a multivariate Cox model, the hazard ratio in the group with a knee extensor strength of <40% was 2.73 (95% confidence interval=1.14–6.52) compared with that in the ≥40% group.

Limitations

This was a small-scale observational study, and the mechanisms underlying the higher mortality risk in patients with poor muscle strength undergoing hemodialysis than in other patients undergoing hemodialysis remain to be elucidated.

Conclusions

Decreased lower extremity muscle strength was strongly associated with increased mortality risk in patients undergoing hemodialysis.
Evidence Based Public Health Practice: Brief Introduction
Authors: Marahatta SB
Published: February 2014

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/jmmihs.v1i2.9906 Journal of Manmohan Memorial Institute of Health Sciences Vol.1(2) 2013; 38-40
Finite Element Based Vehicle Component Fatigue Life Assessment According to a Customer Usage Profile
Authors: Şener Arif Şenol
Published: February 2014

In this study, construction and standardization of a track for performing fatigue and reliability tests of light commercial vehicles are described. Such a test track is necessary for design and manufacturing verification of these vehicles. Fatigue characteristics of Turkish roads were determined by analyzing fifty different roads. This paper focuses on defining the load spectrum and equivalent fatigue damage of the leaf spring resulting from accelerated tests on a route. Fatigue analysis and estimated lifetime of the part were calculated using Finite Element Analyses and verified by the Palmgren-Miner rule. When as customer profile the Turkish automotive user is taken into consideration and accelerated test tracks are designed for the reliability and fatigue tests of the related company, linear FEA of the spring represents a convenient procedure.
Formation of Carbon Nano Onions by Thermo-Mechanical Processing of Graphite Powders
Authors: Güler Ömer , Evin Ertan
Published: February 2014

This study reports on the thermo-mechanical synthesis of carbon nano onions from elemental graphite powders. Initially, amorphous carbon was obtained by high energy ball milling technique from graphite powders. X-ray spectra taken from ball milled samples indicated that the hexagonal graphite, composed of layers, was transformed into the amorphous carbon for a shorter milling time of 5 h by high energy input about 78 times of gravity. Subsequent isothermal annealing of milled graphite powders was conducted at 1400 °C for 4 h in Ar gas. It was revealed via investigation of transmission electron microscopy that carbon nano onions were formed after annealing.
Effects of Al2O3 phase composition on AlON powder synthesis via aluminothermic reduction and nitridation
Authors: Qi Jianqi , Wang Ying , Xie Xiumin , Wang Yuezhong , Zhou Jicheng , Wei Nian , Wang Jun , Wu Di , Lu Tiecheng
Published: February 2014

Using micro-sized aluminum powder (11 wt.%) and nano-sized Al2O3 powder (89 wt.%) with five different phase compositions, AlON powders were synthesized at different temperatures in flowing-nitrogen atmosphere. Our results suggest that for starting materials with low γ-Al2O3/total Al2O3 ratio R (0 and 0.15), a calcination temperature of 1 750 °C is required to obtain single-phase AlON. This temperature is about 50 °C higher than for other batches starting with larger R values (0.5, 0.85, and 1.0). The AlON powders fabricated from reactants with a high R value in this work show narrower particle size distribution and better particle homogeneity than those prepared from batches with lower R values.
Studies on salt fog corrosion behavior of friction stir welded AA7075–T651 aluminum alloy
Authors: Rao T. Srinivasa , Reddy G. Madhusudhan , Rao G. Srinivasa , Rao S. R. Koteswara
Published: February 2014

High strength aluminum alloy 7075 is used in aerospace applications. This alloy is considered unweldable using fusion welding processes. Friction stir welding being a solid state process has been proved to be a suitable process for obtaining sound welds of these materials. Although no solid–liquid phase transformation occurs during friction stir welding, relatively high temperatures, up to 475 °C for AA7075 aluminum alloy, are generated by friction between the tool and the workpiece. This produces modified microstructures that may be more susceptible to corrosion than the parent alloy. In the current study, 16 mm thick rolled AA7075–T651 aluminum alloy plates were joined using friction stir welding. The corrosion behavior of base material and friction stir welds was investigated using the Salt fog test (ASTM B117). It was observed that the corrosion resistance of the welds in the basic solution is better than that in the acidic and neutral solutions. In contrast, no significant difference has been found in the corrosion resistance of the base material with change in pH value. It was also found that the corrosion rate decreases with increase in time of exposure. It has been observed that corrosion attack is greater in the weld region than in the parent material and within the weld, the heat-affected zone has been found to be more susceptible to corrosion compared to the weld nugget and thermo-mechanically-affected zone regions. Transmission electron microscopy studies showed coarser precipitates and wider precipitate-free zones in the heat-affected zone which are concluded to be reasons for more susceptibility to corrosion.
The status and decadal change of glaciers in Bhutan from the 1980s to 2010 based on satellite data
Authors: Bajracharya Samjwal Ratna , Maharjan Sudan Bikash , Shrestha Finu
Published: February 2014

In order to monitor changes in the glaciers in the Bhutan Himalaya, a repeat decadal glacier inventory was carried out from Landsat images of 1977/78 (~1980), 1990, 2000 and 2010. The base map of glaciers was obtained by the object-based image classification method using the multispectral Landsat images of 2010. This method is used separately to delineate clean-ice and debris-covered glaciers with some manual editing. Glacier polygons of 2000,1990 and ~1980 were obtained by manual editing on 2010 by separately overlaying respective years. The 2010 inventory shows 885 glaciers with a total area of ~642 ± 16.1 km2. The glacier area is 1.6% of the total land cover in Bhutan. The result of a repeat inventory shows 23.3 ± 0.9% glacial area loss between ~1980 and 2010, with the highest loss (11.6 ±1.2%) between ~1980 and 1990 and the lowest (6.7 ±0.1%) between 2000 and 2010. The trend of glacier area change from the 1980s to 2010 is -6.4 ± 1.6%. Loss of glacier area was mostly observed below 5600 m a.s.l. and was greater for clean-ice glaciers. The equilibrium-line altitude has shifted upward from 5170 ± 110 m a.s.l. to 5350 ± 150 m a.s.l. in the years ~1980-2010.
Thermal diffusivity of thermokarst lake ice in the Beiluhe basin of the Qinghai–Tibetan Plateau
Authors: Shi Liqiong , Li Zhijun , Niu Fujun , Huang Wenfeng , Lu Peng , Feng Enmin , Han Hongwei
Published: February 2014

The ice cover on the Qinghai–Tibetan Plateau plays an important role in the environmental and ecological systems. We analyze the in situ measurements of ice growth and examine the thermal diffusivity of thermokarst lake ice in the Beiluhe basin. We evaluate numerically the change of thermal diffusivity of thermokarst lake ice with changing ice temperature using an optimal control model. In a higher ice temperature regime (–3 to 0°C), the thermal diffusivity of thermokarst lake ice decreases exponentially with increasing ice temperature, and approaches the thermal diffusivity value of fresh water near the freezing-point temperature. In a lower ice temperature regime (–15 to –3°C), the thermal diffusivity increases slowly with decreasing ice temperature.
Design and Operation of a Photocataytic Reactor: A Study of Dye (Methylene Blue) Removal Process
Authors: Islam MA , Uddin M Rakib , Amin MSA , Haque MI , Molla MSR
Published: February 2014

The degradation of Methylene Blue (MB) in aqueous solution has been investigated in a photocatalytic reactor under UV radiation and in presence of zinc oxide (ZnO). The photodegradation kinetics follows pseudo-first order reaction. The effect of process parameters such as catalyst loading and initial concentration of MB on the degradation is investigated. The results show that the degradation rate is affected insignificantly by the increases in the catalyst dosage. Batch test, however, shows that with an increase in the initial concentration the apparent rate constant gradually decreases. The first results with a continuous reactor with a diluted feed solution show inspiring dye removal. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jce.v28i1.18110 Journal of Chemical Engineering, Vol. 28, No. 1, December 2013: 41-44
Micropatterning of 3D Microenvironments for Living Biosensor Applications
Authors: Hynes William , Doty Nate , Zarembinski Thomas , Schwartz Michael , Toepke Michael , Murphy William , Atzet Sarah , Clark Ryan , Melendez J. , Cady Nathaniel
Published: February 2014

Micro-scale printing and patterning of living cells has multiple applications including tissue engineering, cell signaling assays, and the fabrication of cell-based biosensors. In this work, a molecular printing instrument, the Bioforce Nano eNabler, was modified to enable micron-scale “quill-pen” based printing of mammalian cells in a 3D hyaluronan/gelatin based hydrogel. Specifically, photo-initiated “thiol-ene” click chemistry was used to couple the thiol groups of thiolated hyaluronan/thiolated gelatin to the alkene groups of 4-arm polyethylene glycol (PEG)-norbornene molecules. Rapid photopolymerization enabled direct printing and controlled curing of living cells within the hydrogel matrix. The resulting hydrogels were biocompatible with human adipose-derived stem cells, NIH-3T3 cells, and mouse embryonic stem cells. The utility of this printing approach was also explored for cell-based biosensors. Micro-printed cells expressing a redox sensitive variant of the green fluorescent protein (roGFP-R12) showed a measurable fluorescent response to addition of oxidizing and then reducing agents. This work represents a novel approach to micron-scale cell patterning, and its potential for living, cell-based biosensors.
Understanding Climate Change on the California Coast: Accounting for Extreme Daily Events among Long-Term Trends
Authors: Potter Christopher
Published: February 2014

The majority of weather station records indicate that surface air temperatures have been warming in California between 1950 and 2005. Temperature data from the mid-1990s to the present were analyzed for stations on California Central Coast near Big Sur (Monterey County) to better understand potential for climate change in this biologically unique region. Results showed that daily temperatures in both the winter and summer seasons have cooled the Big Sur coast, particularly after 2003. A current hypothesis is that observed coastal California cooling derives from greenhouse gas-induced regional warming of the inland Central Valley and Sierra Nevada foothill areas, resulting in stronger sustained on-shore sea-breeze flow. Closer examination of daily temperature records at a station location near the Big Sur coast revealed that, even as average monthly maximum temperatures (Tmax) have decreased gradually, the number of extreme warm summer days (Tmax > 37 °C) has also increased by several fold in frequency. Overall patterns in the station records since the mid-1990s indicated that diurnal temperature ranges are widening on the Big Sur coast, with markedly cooler nighttime temperatures (frequently in the wet winter season) followed by slightly higher-than-average daytime temperatures, especially during the warm, dry summer season.
Laboratory Validation of Inertial Body Sensors to Detect Cigarette Smoking Arm Movements
Authors: Raiff Bethany , Karataş Çağdaş , McClure Erin , Pompili Dario , Walls Theodore
Published: February 2014

Cigarette smoking remains the leading cause of preventable death in the United States. Traditional in-clinic cessation interventions may fail to intervene and interrupt the rapid progression to relapse that typically occurs following a quit attempt. The ability to detect actual smoking behavior in real-time is a measurement challenge for health behavior research and intervention. The successful detection of real-time smoking through mobile health (mHealth) methodology has substantial implications for developing highly efficacious treatment interventions. The current study was aimed at further developing and testing the ability of inertial sensors to detect cigarette smoking arm movements among smokers. The current study involved four smokers who smoked six cigarettes each in a laboratory-based assessment. Participants were outfitted with four inertial body movement sensors on the arms, which were used to detect smoking events at two levels: the puff level and the cigarette level. Two different algorithms (Support Vector Machines (SVM) and Edge-Detection based learning) were trained to detect the features of arm movement sequences transmitted by the sensors that corresponded with each level. The results showed that performance of the SVM algorithm at the cigarette level exceeded detection at the individual puff level, with low rates of false positive puff detection. The current study is the second in a line of programmatic research demonstrating the proof-of-concept for sensor-based tracking of smoking, based on movements of the arm and wrist. This study demonstrates efficacy in a real-world clinical inpatient setting and is the first to provide a detection rate against direct observation, enabling calculation of true and false positive rates. The study results indicate that the approach performs very well with some participants, whereas some challenges remain with participants who generate more frequent non-smoking movements near the face. Future work may allow for tracking smoking in real-world environments, which would facilitate developing more effective, just-in-time smoking cessation interventions.
Acknowledgement to Reviewers of Electronics in 2013
Authors: ELectronics Editorial Office
Published: February 2014

The editors of Electronics would like to express their sincere gratitude to the following reviewers for assessing manuscripts in 2013. [...]
Phenotype-Based Genetic Association Studies (PGAS)—Towards Understanding the Contribution of Common Genetic Variants to Schizophrenia Subphenotypes
Authors: Ehrenreich Hannelore , Nave Klaus-Armin
Published: February 2014

Neuropsychiatric diseases ranging from schizophrenia to affective disorders and autism are heritable, highly complex and heterogeneous conditions, diagnosed purely clinically, with no supporting biomarkers or neuroimaging criteria. Relying on these “umbrella diagnoses”, genetic analyses, including genome-wide association studies (GWAS), were undertaken but failed to provide insight into the biological basis of these disorders. “Risk genotypes” of unknown significance with low odds ratios of mostly <1.2 were extracted and confirmed by including ever increasing numbers of individuals in large multicenter efforts. Facing these results, we have to hypothesize that thousands of genetic constellations in highly variable combinations with environmental co-factors can cause the individual disorder in the sense of a final common pathway. This would explain why the prevalence of mental diseases is so high and why mutations, including copy number variations, with a higher effect size than SNPs, constitute only a small part of variance. Elucidating the contribution of normal genetic variation to (disease) phenotypes, and so re-defining disease entities, will be extremely labor-intense but crucial. We have termed this approach PGAS (“phenotype-based genetic association studies”). Ultimate goal is the definition of biological subgroups of mental diseases. For that purpose, the GRAS (Göttingen Research Association for Schizophrenia) data collection was initiated in 2005. With >3000 phenotypical data points per patient, it comprises the world-wide largest currently available schizophrenia database (N > 1200), combining genome-wide SNP coverage and deep phenotyping under highly standardized conditions. First PGAS results on normal genetic variants, relevant for e.g., cognition or catatonia, demonstrated proof-of-concept. Presently, an autistic subphenotype of schizophrenia is being defined where an unfortunate accumulation of normal genotypes, so-called pro-autistic variants of synaptic genes, explains part of the phenotypical variance. Deep phenotyping and comprehensive clinical data sets, however, are expensive and it may take years before PGAS will complement conventional GWAS approaches in psychiatric genetics.
Acknowledgement to Reviewers of Healthcare in 2013
Authors: Healthcare Editorial Office
Published: February 2014

The editors of Healthcare would like to express their sincere gratitude to the following reviewers for assessing manuscripts in 2013. [...]
Effects of Moderate Strength Cold Air Exposure on Blood Pressure and Biochemical Indicators among Cardiovascular and Cerebrovascular Patients
Authors: Zhang Xiakun , Zhang Shuyu , Wang Chunling , Wang Baojian , Guo Pinwen
Published: February 2014

The effects of cold air on cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases were investigated in an experimental study examining blood pressure and biochemical indicators. Zhangye, a city in Gansu Province, China, was selected as the experimental site. Health screening and blood tests were conducted, and finally, 30 cardiovascular disease patients and 40 healthy subjects were recruited. The experiment was performed during a cold event during 27–28 April 2013. Blood pressure, catecholamine, angiotensin II (ANG-II), cardiac troponin I (cTnI), muscle myoglobin (Mb) and endothefin-1 (ET-1) levels of the subjects were evaluated 1 day before, during the 2nd day of the cold exposure and 1 day after the cold air exposure. Our results suggest that cold air exposure increases blood pressure in cardiovascular disease patients and healthy subjects via the sympathetic nervous system (SNS) that is activated first and which augments ANG-II levels accelerating the release of the norepinephrine and stimulates the renin-angiotensin system (RAS). The combined effect of these factors leads to a rise in blood pressure. In addition, cold air exposure can cause significant metabolism and secretion of Mb, cTnI and ET-1 in subjects; taking the patient group as an example, ET-1 was 202.7 ng/L during the cold air exposure, increased 58 ng/L compared with before the cold air exposure, Mb and cTnI levels remained relatively high (2,219.5 ng/L and 613.2 ng/L, increased 642.1 ng/L and 306.5 ng/L compared with before the cold air exposure, respectively) 1-day after the cold exposure. This showed that cold air can cause damage to patients’ heart cells, and the damage cannot be rapidly repaired. Some of the responses related to the biochemical markers indicated that cold exposure increased cardiovascular strain and possible myocardial injury.
Non-Specific Inhibition of Ischemia- and Acidosis-Induced Intracellular Calcium Elevations and Membrane Currents by α-Phenyl-N-tert-butylnitrone, Butylated Hydroxytoluene and Trolox
Authors: Katnik Christopher , Cuevas Javier
Published: February 2014

Ischemia, and subsequent acidosis, induces neuronal death following brain injury. Oxidative stress is believed to be a key component of this neuronal degeneration. Acute chemical ischemia (azide in the absence of external glucose) and acidosis (external media buffered to pH 6.0) produce increases in intracellular calcium concentration ([Ca2+]i) and inward membrane currents in cultured rat cortical neurons. Two α-tocopherol analogues, trolox and butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT), and the spin trapping molecule α-Phenyl-N-tert-butylnitrone (PBN) were used to determine the role of free radicals in these responses. PBN and BHT inhibited the initial transient increases in [Ca2+]i, produced by ischemia, acidosis and acidic ischemia and increased steady state levels in response to acidosis and the acidic ischemia. BHT and PBN also potentiated the rate at which [Ca2+]i increased after the initial transients during acidic ischemia. Trolox inhibited peak and sustained increases in [Ca2+]i during ischemia. BHT inhibited ischemia induced initial inward currents and trolox inhibited initial inward currents activated by acidosis and acidic ischemia. Given the inconsistent results obtained using these antioxidants, it is unlikely their effects were due to elimination of free radicals. Instead, it appears these compounds have non-specific effects on the ion channels and exchangers responsible for these responses.
Acknowledgement to Reviewers of Metals in 2013
Authors: Metals Editorial Office
Published: February 2014

The editors of Metals would like to express their sincere gratitude to the following reviewers for assessing manuscripts in 2013. [...]