bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of reduction of inspired oxygen fraction or application of positive end-expiratory pressure after an alveolar recruitment maneuver on respiratory mechanics, gas exchange, and lung aeration in dogs during anesthesia and neuromuscular blockade
Authors: De Monte Valentina , Grasso Salvatore , De Marzo Carmelinda , Crovace Antonio , Staffieri Francesco
Published: December 2012

Objective—To evaluate the effectiveness of reduction of inspired oxygen fraction (Fio2) or application of positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) after an alveolar recruitment maneuver (ARM) in minimizing anesthesia-induced atelectasis in dogs.

Animals—30 healthy female dogs.

Procedures—During anesthesia and neuromuscular blockade, dogs were mechanically ventilated under baseline conditions (tidal volume, 12 mL/kg; inspiratory-to-expiratory ratio, 1:2; Fio2, 1; and zero end-expiratory pressure [ZEEP]). After 40 minutes, lungs were inflated (airway pressure, 40 cm H2O) for 20 seconds. Dogs were then exposed to baseline conditions (ZEEP100 group), baseline conditions with Fio2 reduced to 0.4 (ZEEP40 group), or baseline conditions with PEEP at 5 cm H2O (PEEP100 group; 10 dogs/group). For each dog, arterial blood gas variables and respiratory system mechanics were evaluated and CT scans of the thorax were obtained before and at 5 (T5) and 30 (T30) minutes after the ARM.

Results—Compared with pre-ARM findings, atelectasis decreased and Pao2:Fio2 ratio increased at T5 in all groups. At T30, atelectasis and oxygenation returned to pre-ARM findings in the ZEEP100 group but remained similar to T5 findings in the other groups. At T5 and T30, lung static compliance in the PEEP100 group was higher than values in the other groups.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Application of airway pressure of 40 cm H2O for 20 seconds followed by Fio2 reduction to 0.4 or ventilation with PEEP (5 cm H2O) was effective in diminishing anesthesia-induced atelectasis and maintaining lung function in dogs, compared with the effects of mechanical ventilation providing an Fio2 of 1.
Load redistribution in walking and trotting Beagles with induced forelimb lameness
Authors: Abdelhadi Jalal , Wefstaedt Patrick , Galindo-Zamora Vladimir , Anders Alexandra , Nolte Ingo , Schilling Nadja
Published: December 2012

Objective—To evaluate the load redistribution mechanisms in walking and trotting dogs with induced forelimb lameness.

Animals—7 healthy adult Beagles.

Procedures—Dogs walked and trotted on an instrumented treadmill to determine control values for peak and mean vertical force as well as verticle impulse for all 4 limbs. A small sphere was attached to the ventral pad of the right forelimb paw to induce a reversible lameness, and recordings were repeated for both gaits. Additionally, footfall patterns were assessed to test for changes in temporal gait variables.

Results—During walking and trotting, peak and mean vertical force as well as vertical impulse were decreased in the ipsilateral forelimb, increased in the contralateral hind limb, and remained unchanged in the ipsilateral hind limb after lameness was induced. All 3 variables were increased in the contralateral forelimb during trotting, whereas only mean vertical force and vertical impulse were increased during walking. Stance phase duration increased in the contralateral forelimb and hind limb during walking but not during trotting.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Analysis of the results suggested that compensatory load redistribution mechanisms in dogs depend on the gait. All 4 limbs should be evaluated in basic research and clinical studies to determine the effects of lameness on the entire body. Further studies are necessary to elucidate specific mechanisms for unloading of the affected limb and to determine the long-term effects of load changes in animals with chronic lameness.
Comparison of echocardiography with dual-source computed tomography for assessment of left ventricular volume in healthy Beagles
Authors: Lee Miyoung , Park Nohwon , Lee Seungyeon , Lee Ahra , Jung Joohyun , Kim Youngjun , Ko Sungmin , Kim Hwiyool , Jeong Soonwuk , Eom Kidong
Published: December 2012

Objective—To compare echocardiographic measurements of left ventricular (LV) volume obtained via a modified Simpson or Teichholz method with those obtained via dual-source CT (DSCT).

Animals—7 healthy Beagles.

Procedures—Each dog was anesthetized for DSCT; LV volume was determined from contrast-enhanced images of the LV lumen during all phases of contraction. Echocardiography was performed with dogs awake and anesthetized. End-diastolic volume (EDV), end-systolic volume (ESV), stroke volume, and ejection fraction were measured via a modified Simpson method and Teichholz method. Each dog was anesthetized twice with a 1-week interval between anesthetic sessions.

Results—Results obtained while dogs were anesthetized revealed that the modified Simpson method underestimated LV volume (mean ± SD EDV, 24.82 ± 2.38 mL; ESV, 12.24 ± 1.77 mL), compared with that estimated by the Teichholz method (EDV, 32.57 ± 2.85 mL; ESV, 14.87 ± 2.09 mL) or DSCT (EDV, 34.14 ± 1.57 mL; ESV, 16.71 ± 0.76 mL). Ejection fraction (modified Simpson method, 48.53% ± 4.24%; Teichholz method, 54.33% ± 4.26%; DSCT, 51.00% ± 2.71%) differed significantly among the 3 methods. Echocardiographic results obtained while dogs were awake revealed that EDV, ESV, and stroke volume differed significantly between the modified Simpson and Teichholz methods.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—LV volume determined via the Teichholz method was more similar to that determined via DSCT than was the LV volume determined via the modified Simpson method. The modified Simpson method underestimated LV volume, compared with that obtained via the Teichholz method, in both anesthetized and awake dogs.
Use of quantitative contrast-enhanced ultrasonography to detect diffuse renal changes in Beagles with iatrogenic hypercortisolism
Authors: Haers Hendrik , Daminet Sylvie , Smets Pascale M. Y. , Duchateau Luc , Aresu Luca , Saunders Jimmy H.
Published: December 2012

Objective—To determine the feasibility of quantitative contrast-enhanced ultrasonography (CEUS) for detection of changes in renal blood flow in dogs before and after hydrocortisone administration.

Animals—11 Beagles

Procedure—Dogs were randomly assigned to 2 treatment groups: oral administration of hydrocortisone (9.6 mg/kg; n = 6) or a placebo (5; control group) twice a day for 4 months, after which the dose was tapered until treatment cessation at 6 months. Before treatment began and at 1, 4, and 6 months after, CEUS of the left kidney was performed by IV injection of ultrasonography microbubbles. Images were digitized, and time-intensity curves were generated from regions of interest in the renal cortex and medulla. Changes in blood flow were determined as measured via contrast agent (baseline [background] intensity, peak ntensity, area under the curve, arrival time of contrast agent, time-to-peak intensity, and speed of contrast agent transport).

Results—Significant increases in peak intensity, compared with that in control dogs, were observed in the renal cortex and medulla of hydrocortisone-treated dogs 1 and 4 months after treatment began. Baseline intensity changed similarly. A significant increase from control values was also apparent in area under the curve for the renal cortex 4 months after hydrocortisone treatment began and in the renal medulla 1 and 4 months after treatment began. A significant time effect with typical time course was observed, corresponding with the period during which hydrocortisone was administered. No difference was evident in the other variables between treated and control dogs.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Quantitative CEUS allowed detection of differences in certain markers of renal blood flow between dogs treated orally with and without hydrocortisone. Additional studies are needed to investigate the usefulness of quantitative CEUS in the diagnosis of diffuse renal lesions.
Serum cobalamin and methylmalonic acid concentrations in dogs with chronic gastrointestinal disease
Authors: Berghoff Nora , Parnell Nolie K. , Hill Steve L. , Suchodolski Jan S. , Steiner Jörg M.
Published: December 2012

Objective—To determine the prevalence of hypocobalaminemia or methylmalonic acidemia (or both) in dogs with chronic gastrointestinal disease.

Sample—Serum samples from 56 dogs with chronic gastrointestinal disease and 43 control dogs.

Procedures—Serum cobalamin and methylmalonic acid (MMA) concentrations were measured in all samples and compared between groups. A correlation between serum cobalamin and MMA concentrations and the canine chronic enteropathy clinical activity index was evaluated via the Spearman rank correlation.

Results—20 of 56 (36%) dogs with gastrointestinal disease had hypocobalaminemia. Serum cobalamin concentrations were significantly lower in dogs with gastrointestinal disease than in control dogs. Five of 56 (9%) dogs with chronic gastrointestinal disease and 5 of 20 (25%) hypocobalaminemic dogs had increased MMA concentrations. There was a significant negative correlation (Spearman r = −0.450) between serum cobalamin and MMA concentrations in dogs with gastrointestinal disease. No correlation was found between the canine chronic enteropathy clinical activity index and serum cobalamin or MMA concentrations.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—These data indicated the prevalence of hypocobalaminemia in dogs with chronic gastrointestinal disease was 20 of 56 (36%). Five of 20 (25%) hypocobalaminemic dogs had increased serum MMA concentrations, which indicated that although hypocobalaminemia was common in these dogs, it did not always appear to be associated with a deficiency of cobalamin on a cellular level. Hypocobalaminemia is a risk factor for negative outcome in dogs with chronic gastrointestinal disease and should be considered in every patient with corresponding clinical signs.
Selection of reference genes for quantitative real-time PCR evaluation of chronic erythropoietin treatment effect on the SH-SY5Y and PC12 cells
Authors: Španinger Klemen , Sytkowski Arthur , Debeljak Nataša
Published: December 2012

Abstract The quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) is a sensitive technique for examining the influence of erythropoietin (Epo) on gene expression. A critical and fundamental step for data analysis is the selection of and normalization to the optimal reference gene(s). We identified appropriate reference gene(s) among 32 genes during chronic recombinant human Epo (rHuEpo) treatment of SH-SY5Y cells using TaqMan human Express Endogenous Control Plate. Expression stability of the selected reference gene (RPLP) was retested with qPCR, together with two commonly used reference genes (GAPDH, ACTB) and six genes of interest (EPOR, EPO, STAT5B, STAT5A, JUN, AKT). In PC12 cells, three commonly used reference genes (Gapdh, CycA and Ywhaz) and seven genes of interest (EpoR, Epo, Stat5b, Stat5a, Jun, Akt, Fos) were evaluated. For the evaluation of expression stability, geNorm, NormFinder and BestKeeper software were used. All three gave similar results. We demonstrated that among the housekeeping genes, RPLP in SH-SY5Y and CycA and Ywhaz in PC12 are the most stable genes. Additionally, we showed that normalization with GAPDH gave misleading results compared to normalization with geNorm. In conclusion, selection of the appropriate normalization gene(s) is crucial for correct interpretation of rHuEpo treatment results. Graphical abstract
Development of QSAR models for predicting anti-HIV-1 activity using the Monte Carlo method
Authors: Toropov Andrey , Toropova Alla , Raska Ivan , Benfenati Emilio , Gini Giuseppina
Published: December 2012

Abstract The CORAL software (http://www.insilico.eu/coral/) has been examined as a tool for modeling anti-HIV-1 activity by quantitative structure — activity relationships (QSAR) for three different sets: (i) TIBO derivatives (n=82) (ii) anti-HIV-1 activity of 2-amino-6-arylsulfonylbenzonitriles and their congeners (n=64), and (iii) the measured binding affinity for fullerene-based HIV-1 PR inhibitors (n=48). A new global invariant ATOMPAIR of the molecular structure which can be calculated with the simplified molecular input line entry system (SMILES) was studied. The ATOMPAIR is an indicator of the joint presence of pairs of chemical elements (F, Cl, Br, N, O, S, and P) and three types of bonds (double covalent bond, triple covalent bond, and stereo chemical bond). Six random splits into sub-training, calibration, and test set were examined for each set. For the three aforementioned sets, the use of ATOMPAIR in the modeling process improves the predictive potential of the models for six random splits. Graphical abstract
Influence of H3PW12O40 on electrochemical properties of LaCo4.8Bi0.2 alloy
Authors: Giza Krystyna , Adamczyk Lidia
Published: December 2012

Abstract The effect of the surface treatment by H3PW12O40 solution on electrochemical properties of the LaCo4.8Bi0.2 alloy was investigated. A significant increase of hydrogen absorption and a distinct increase of exchange current density was obtained for LaCo4.8Bi0.2 alloy activated with tungstophosphoric acid. Potentiokinetic polarization curves show that the anodic currents increase with the amount of absorbing hydrogen. Graphical abstract
The reaction mechanism of the [2+3] cycloaddition between α-phenylnitroethene and (Z)-C,N-diphenylnitrone in the light of a B3LYP/6-31G(d) computational study
Authors: Jasiński Radomir , Mikulska Maria , Barański Andrzej
Published: December 2012

Abstract The analysis of reactivity indices suggests the polar nature of the [2+3] cycloaddition of a-phenylnitroethene to (Z)-C,N-diphenylnitrone. Similar conclusions can be drawn from the investigation of the reaction pathways using the B3LYP/6-31g(d) algorithm. This shows that the cycloaddition mechanism depends on the polarity of the reaction medium. A one-step mechanism is followed in the gas phase and toluene in all the theoretically possible pathways. In more polar media (nitromethane, water), a zwitterionic, two-step rather than a one-step mechanism occurs in the pathway leading to 3,4-trans-2,3,5-triphenyl-4-nitroisoxazolidine. Graphical abstract
Determination of three phenoxyacid herbicides in environmental water samples by the application of dispersive liquid-liquid microextraction coupled with micellar electrokinetic chromatography
Authors: Ma Yanling , Wen Yingying , Li Jinhua , Wang Hua , Ding Yangjun , Chen Lingxin
Published: December 2012

Abstract An efficient method based on dispersive liquid-liquid microextraction coupled with micellar electrokinetic chromatography has been developed for determination of three phenoxyacid herbicides (PAs) of 2,4-dichlorophenoxybutyric acid (2,4-DB), dicamba and 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D), in environmental water samples. The types and volumes of extracting and dispersing solvents, ionic strength, extraction and centrifugation time and centrifugation speed were investigated. Successful separation of the three PAs was achieved within 7 min, by using the background electrolyte solution consisting of 10 mmol L−1 sodium tetraborate, 25 mmol L−1 sodium dodecyl sulfate and 15% (v/v) methanol, at pH 9.75. Excellent analytical performances were attained, such as good linear relationships (R ≥0.9993) between peak area and concentration for each PAs from 10–1000 ng mL−1, limits of detection of 1.56–1.91 ng mL−1, and intra-day precisions at two spiked levels in terms of migration time and peak area within the range of 0.22–0.42% and 3.88–6.39%, respectively. Enrichment factors of 2,4-DB, dicamba and 2,4-D were 180, 151 and 216, respectively. The method recoveries obtained at fortified 20.0, 50.0 and 100.0 ng mL−1 for lake, river and reservoir water samples varied from 67.91 to 119.07% with the relative standard deviation of 1.47–6.89%. Graphical abstract
Preparation and characterization of new hydrogels based on poly(vinyl alcohol)/phosphoester — chondroitin sulphate
Authors: Vlad-Bubulac Tachita , Serbezeanu Diana , Oprea Ana-Maria , Carja Ionela-Daniela , Hamciuc Corneliu , Cazacu Maria
Published: December 2012

Abstract New polymer hydrogels based on partially phosphorylated poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA/Phosphoester) have been prepared. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) was employed to confirm PVA/Phosphoester formation. Contact angle measurements were performed to evaluate the surface characteristics of the hydrogels. The PVA/Phosphoester hydrogels were co-networked with Chondroitin sulfate (CS) in various ratios by chemical crosslinking. The synthetic-natural mixed resulted semi-IPN hydrogels were structurally and morphologically investigated by ATR — FT-IR spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy, respectively. The swelling behavior and dynamic moisture sorption capacity of the PVA/Phosphoester (p-methyl-phenyl phosphonic dichloride) (P3)-CS semi-IPN hydrogels were followed. It was found that the performance of the semi-IPN hydrogels was influenced by the CS. By kinetic studies, it has been shown that the swelling processes occurred by an anomalous transport mechanism. Graphical abstract
Weak sulfur-sulfur interactions between chemically-identical atoms
Authors: Silaghi-Dumitrescu Radu , Lupan Alexandru
Published: December 2012

Abstract Experimentally-known sulfur-sulfur distances shorter than the sum of van der Waals radii and involving two chemically-identical sulfur atoms are examined at several levels of theory (BP86/6-31G** to CCSD(T)/6-311+G**). None of the theoretical methods predict an attractive interaction from an energetic point of view, even though molecular orbitals stretching between the two sulfur atoms have been identified. Most likely, if there is indeed an attractive interaction force between chemically identical sulfur atoms, its value is comparable to the accuracy of the methods employed here — implying an attractive interaction below 1 kcal/mol. The investigation includes some simple models of 1,6,12,17-tetrathiacyclodocosa-2,4,13,15-tetrayne which was previously shown to have an S—S interaction involving two chemically-identical atoms. Attractive interactions calculated for these latter models are shown to arise from S—HC weak bonding, with the S—S interaction being again repulsive. Graphical abstract
Electrochemical study of dsDNA on carbon nanotubes paste electrodes applying cyclic and differential pulse voltammetry
Authors: Serpi Constantina , Voulgaropoulos Anastasios , Girousi Stella
Published: December 2012

Abstract Carbon nanotubes paste electrodes (CNTPEs) in combination with adsorptive transfer stripping voltammetry are shown to be very suitable for the determination of calf thymus double-stranded DNA (dsDNA). The performance of three types of multi-walled carbon nanotubes paste electrodes (MWCNTPEs) is investigated. The effects of surface pre-treatment and accumulation conditions on the adsorption and electrooxidation of the dsDNA at MWCNTPEs are also described. The results indicate that the electroactivity inherent to carbon nanotubes/paste electrodes allows a large enhancement of the guanine oxidation signal compared to that obtained at the conventional carbon paste electrodes (CPEs). Moreover, the extent of the enhancement dependents on the type of MWCNTs incorporated into the paste. Based on the signal of guanine, under optimal conditions, very low levels of dsDNA can be detected following short accumulation times for all three types of MWCNTPEs (MWCNTPE1, MWCNTPE2, MWCNTPE3), with detection limits of 2.64 mg L−1, 2.02 mg L−1 and 1.46 mg L−1, respectively. Additionally, the dsDNA isolated from rat liver tissues is determined by use of the previously mentioned MWCNTPEs. Graphical abstract
Gemini ester quat surfactants and their biological activity
Authors: Łuczyński Jacek , Frąckowiak Renata , Włoch Aleksandra , Kleszczyńska Halina , Witek Stanisław
Published: December 2012

Cationic gemini surfactants are an important class of surface-active compounds that exhibit much higher surface activity than their monomeric counterparts. This type of compound architecture lends itself to the compound being easily adsorbed at interfaces and interacting with the cellular membranes of microorganisms. Conventional cationic surfactants have high chemical stability but poor chemical and biological degradability. One of the main approaches to the design of readily biodegradable and environmentally friendly surfactants involves inserting a bond with limited stability into the surfactant molecule to give a cleavable surfactant. The best-known example of such a compound is the family of ester quats, which are cationic surfactants with a labile ester bond inserted into the molecule. As part of this study, a series of gemini ester quat surfactants were synthesized and assayed for their biological activity. Their hemolytic activity and changes in the fluidity and packing order of the lipid polar heads were used as the measures of their biological activity. A clear correlation between the hemolytic activity of the tested compounds and their alkyl chain length was established. It was found that the compounds with a long hydrocarbon chain showed higher activity. Moreover, the compounds with greater spacing between their alkyl chains were more active. This proves that they incorporate more easily into the lipid bilayer of the erythrocyte membrane and affect its properties to a greater extent. A better understanding of the process of cell lysis by surfactants and of their biological activity may assist in developing surfactants with enhanced selectivity and in widening their range of application.
Subcellular localization of full-length human myeloid leukemia factor 1 (MLF1) is independent of 14-3-3 proteins
Authors: Molzan Manuela , Ottmann Christian
Published: December 2012

Myeloid leukemia factor 1 (MLF1) is associated with the development of leukemic diseases such as acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS). However, information on the physiological function of MLF1 is limited and mostly derived from studies identifying MLF1 interaction partners like CSN3, MLF1IP, MADM, Manp and the 14-3-3 proteins. The 14-3-3-binding site surrounding S34 is one of the only known functional features of the MLF1 sequence, along with one nuclear export sequence (NES) and two nuclear localization sequences (NLS). It was recently shown that the subcellular localization of mouse MLF1 is dependent on 14-3-3 proteins. Based on these findings, we investigated whether the subcellular localization of human MLF1 was also directly 14-3-3-dependent. Live cell imaging with GFP-fused human MLF1 was used to study the effects of mutations and deletions on its subcellular localization. Surprisingly, we found that the subcellular localization of full-length human MLF1 is 14-3-3-independent, and is probably regulated by other as-yet-unknown proteins.
Removal of heavy metal ions from aqueous solutions using low-cost sorbents obtained from ash
Authors: Harja Maria , Buema Gabriela , Sutiman Daniel , Cretescu Igor
Published: December 2012

This study’s main objective was the development of effective low-cost sorbents for the removal of heavy metal ions from aqueous solutions. The influence of different factors on the sorption capacity of ash and modified ash as low-cost sorbents obtained by different methods was investigated. The synthesis of new ash-based materials was carried out at ambient temperature (20°C), 70°C, and 90°C, respectively, in an alkaline medium with NaOH concentrations of 2 M and 5 M, respectively, corresponding to a mixture with solid/liquid ratios of 1: 3 and 1: 5, respectively. The prepared materials (sorbents) were characterised by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive X-ray analysis (EDAX), X-ray diffraction, and BET surface measurement. Adsorption isotherms were determined using the batch equilibrium method. The results showed that these types of new materials displayed a good capacity to remove copper, nickel, and lead ions (29.97 mg of Cu2+ per g of sorbent, 303 mg of Ni2+ per g of sorbent, and 1111 mg of Pb2+ per g of sorbent) from aqueous solutions. The modified materials were prepared using an alkaline attack (a recognised method used in previous studies), but Romanian ash from a thermal power plant was studied for the above purpose for the first time. Hence, the factors which affect the sorption capacity of the prepared low-cost sorbents were determined and their behaviour was explained, taking into account the composition and structure of the new materials.
Rationalized algorithm for computing the product of two sedenions
Authors: Cariow Aleksandr , Cariowa Galina
Published: December 2012

In this paper we introduce efficient algorithm for the multiplication of sedenions. The direct multiplication of two sedenions requires 256 real multiplications and 240 real additions. We show how to compute a sedenions product with 120 real multiplications and 344 real additions.
Graphics card processing: accelerating profile-profile alignment
Authors: Hanif Muhammad , Zimmermann Karl-Heinz
Published: December 2012

Alignment is the fundamental operation in molecular biology for comparing biomolecular sequences. The most widely used method for aligning groups of alignments is based on the alignment of the profiles corresponding to the groups. We show that profile-profile alignment can be significantly speeded up by general purpose computing on a modern commodity graphics card. Wavefront and matrix-matrix product approaches for implementing profile-profile alignment onto graphics processor are analyzed. The average speed-up obtained is one order of magnitude even when overheads are considered. Thus the computational power of graphics cards can be exploited to develop improved solutions for multiple sequence alignment.
Pralad Yonzon, colleague, friend, conservationist, student of Red Panda
Authors: Hunter Malcolm L
Published: December 2012

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/hjs.v7i9.7109 Himalayan Journal of Sciences Vol.7 Issue 9 2011 pp.32-33
Dr Pralad Yonzon: Guru of field methodology
Authors: Bhuju Dinesh
Published: December 2012

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/hjs.v7i9.7111 Himalayan Journal of Sciences Vol.7 Issue 9 2011 pp.34
Pedestrian Safety at Intersections under Control of Permissive Left-Turn Signal
Authors: Qi Yi , Yuan Peina
Published: December 2012

This research investigated the impacts of pedestrians on the safety performance of intersections with permissive left-turn signal control by conducting three studies: traffic engineers' survey, field traffic-conflict study, and historical crash-data analysis. The results of this research demonstrated that pedestrian volume, opposing through-vehicle volume, left-turn-vehicle volume, and intersection width in the opposing direction were significant contributing factors to the safety of pedestrians under permissive left-turn signal control. The T-intersection was found to be more dangerous than the four-leg intersection was for operation of a permissive left-turn signal. Finally, this research suggested that conducting traffic-conflict studies could be an effective alternative for safety analysis because of the high correlation between the data on collected historical crashes and the observed traffic conflicts at the eight intersections studied.
Analysis of Pedestrian Travel with Static Bluetooth Sensors
Authors: Malinovskiy Yegor , Saunier Nicolas , Wang Yinhai
Published: December 2012

Travel evaluation metrics have been historically biased toward motorized modes, which dominate land transportation choices and are partially responsible for numerous environmental and health issues facing society today. Encouraging active travel solutions is seen as a means of improving the sustainability, health, and cohesiveness of a community. Unfortunately, information about volume, trip origin and destination, travel time, and personal interactions is difficult to obtain because of a lack of sensor infrastructure and unrestricted movement of these modes. Therefore, information is often limited to annual surveys and model estimates that are insufficient to address the increasing needs of sustainable planning and large-scale behavior studies. An automated, cost-effective approach to acquiring pedestrian data is desirable. The emergence of Bluetooth sensors as a means of gathering travel time data for traffic analysis presents an opportunity to use the same technology for pedestrian travel analysis. However, because people generally carry more Bluetooth devices in their vehicles than they do on their person, making representative sample sizes is a challenge. A study of pedestrian detection with Bluetooth technology is presented at two sites (Montreal, Quebec, Canada, and Seattle, Washington) to investigate the feasibility of Bluetooth technology for pedestrian studies. The results indicate that, given sufficient populations, high-level trend analysis can provide insights into pedestrian travel behavior.
Bicycle and Pedestrian Studies Based on Data from National Household Travel Survey
Authors: Edwards Stephen , Ivey Stephanie S. , Lipinski Martin , Golias Mihalis M.
Published: December 2012

Communities around the nation are addressing new federal regulations and an increased pressure by national and local advocacy groups to accommodate bicyclists and pedestrians in transportation projects. To meet these demands, state and local transportation planning agencies must often rely on data sets derived from small samples and with little previous application to develop user characteristics and travel demand models that estimate the effect an increase in bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure will have on the transportation network. One of the main sources for data on travel and transportation available to industry professionals is the National Household Travel Survey (NHTS), which FHWA conducts every 5 to 7 years and which provides data sets on daily travel for all transportation modes, including information on driver characteristics, travel time, trip purpose, time of day, and day of the week a trip took place. An add-on program with NHTS offers agencies an opportunity to obtain local data that may be used for bicycle and pedestrian studies. This paper presents the results of a literature review on the current methodology NHTS uses to gather bicycle and pedestrian data, the application of the data by transportation planning agencies and researchers, and lessons learned in the use of those data for bicycle–pedestrian studies.
Underlying problems of ship recycling industries in Bangladesh and way forward
Authors: Zakaria N. M. Golam , Ali Mir Tareque , Hossain Kh. Akhter
Published: December 2012

Ship recycling in Bangladesh has been playing as a catalyst for the economy by supporting steel industry, shipbuilding industry and other industries and it has also been generating huge employments for the country. But, existing problems of this industry in terms of safety, health and environmental issues bring negative image for the country sometimes. This paper is aimed to identify the underlying problems of ship recycling industry and then analyze the nature of the problems to make it helpful overcoming the obstacles. A brief overview about strength, weakness, opportunity and threat of the industries in global perspective has been also discussed.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jname.v9i2.10515 Journal of Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering 9(2012) 91-102
Unsteady MHD boundary layer flow of an upper convected Maxwell fluid past a stretching sheet with first order constructive/destructive chemical reaction
Authors: Mukhopadhyay Swati , Gorla Rama S. R.
Published: December 2012

The mass transfer of unsteady two-dimensional flow of MHD non-Newtonian Maxwell fluid over a stretching surface in the presence of first order constructive/destructive chemical reaction is presented. Upper convected Maxwell (UCM) fluid model is used here to characterize the non-Newtonian behavior of the fluid. Using similarity solutions the governing partial differential equations are transformed to ordinary differential equations and are then solved numerically by shooting method. The flow field and mass transfer are significantly influenced by the governing parameters. The results show that fluid velocity initially decreases with increasing unsteadiness parameter (0 to 0.3) and concentration decreases significantly due to unsteadiness. The effect of increasing values of the Maxwell parameter (0 to 0.4) is to suppress the velocity field. The concentration is enhanced with increasing Maxwell parameter. The fluid velocity decreases with increasing magnetic parameter (0 to 0.3). DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jname.v9i2.12541 Journal of Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering 9(2012) 123-133
Numerical simulation of magneto-hydrodynamics mixed convection in an open channel having a semi-circular heater
Authors: Billah Md. Masum , Munshi M. J. H. , Azad A. K. , Uddin M. S. , Rahman M. M.
Published: December 2012

The present study is conducted to investigate heat and fluid flow in an open channel having a circular heater on the bottom surface under magnetic field. The semi-circle is heated isothermally and the other walls of the channel are kept adiabatic. The consequent mathematical model is governed by the coupled equations of mass, momentum and energy and solved by employing Galerkin weighted residual method of finite-element technique. A wide range of pertinent parameters such as Rayleigh numbers (Ra), and Hartmann numbers (Ha) are considered in the present study. In addition, the mixed convection regime is occurred due to buoyancy and shear forces. Various characteristics such as streamlines, isotherms and heat transfer rate in terms of the average Nusselt number (Nuav), average fluid temperature (?av), and Drag force (D) is investigated for the aforesaid parameters. The magnetic field is found as a control parameter on heat and fluid flow, particularly at higher Rayleigh numbers. It is observed that Hartmann numbers have a significant effect on average Nusselt number, average fluid temperature and Drag force.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jname.v9i2.8020 Journal of Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering 9(2012) 81-90
Effects of temperature dependent thermal conductivity on natural convection flow along a vertical flat plate with heat generation
Authors: Islam A. K. M. Safiqul , Alim M. A. , Sarker M. M. A. , Khan A. F. M. Khodadad
Published: December 2012

The effects of temperature dependent thermal conductivity on natural convection flow of an electrically conducting fluid along a vertical flat plate with heat generation have been investigated in this paper. The governing equations with associated boundary conditions for this phenomenon are converted to dimensionless forms using a suitable transformation. The transformed non-linear equations are then solved using the implicit finite difference method. Numerical results of the velocity and temperature profiles, skin friction coefficient and surface temperature profiles for different values of the thermal conductivity variation parameter, Prandtl number and heat generation parameters are presented graphically. Detailed discussion is given for the effects of the aforementioned parameters.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jname.v9i2.9025 Journal of Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering 9(2012) 113-122
Maximum Disjoint Paths on Edge-Colored Graphs: Approximability and Tractability
Authors: Bonizzoni Paola , Dondi Riccardo , Pirola Yuri
Published: December 2012

The problem of finding the maximum number of vertex-disjoint uni-color paths in an edge-colored graph has been recently introduced in literature, motivated by applications in social network analysis. In this paper we investigate the approximation and parameterized complexity of the problem. First, we show that, for any constant ε > 0, the problem is not approximable within factor c1-ε, where c is the number of colors, and that the corresponding decision problem is W[1]-hard when parametrized by the number of disjoint paths. Then, we present a fixed-parameter algorithm for the problem parameterized by the number and the length of the disjoint paths.
Linking Eco-Energetics and Eco-Hydrology to Select Sites for the Assisted Colonization of Australia’s Rarest Reptile
Authors: Mitchell Nicola , Hipsey Matthew , Arnall Sophie , McGrath Gavan , Tareque Hasnein , Kuchling Gerald , Vogwill Ryan , Sivapalan Murugesu , Porter Warren , Kearney Michael
Published: December 2012

Assisted colonization—the deliberate translocation of species from unsuitable to suitable regions—is a controversial management tool that aims to prevent the extinction of populations that are unable to migrate in response to climate change or to survive in situ. The identification of suitable translocation sites is therefore a pressing issue. Correlative species distribution models, which are based on occurrence data, are of limited use for site selection for species with historically restricted distributions. In contrast, mechanistic species distribution models hold considerable promise in selecting translocation sites. Here we integrate ecoenergetic and hydrological models to assess the longer-term suitability of the current habitat of one of the world’s rarest chelonians, the Critically Endangered Western Swamp Tortoise (Psuedemydura umbrina). Our coupled model allows us to understand the interaction between thermal and hydric constraints on the foraging window of tortoises, based on hydrological projections of its current habitat. The process can then be repeated across a range of future climates to identify regions that would fall within the tortoise’s thermodynamic niche. The predictions indicate that climate change will result in reduced hydroperiods for the tortoises. However, under some climate change scenarios, habitat suitability may remain stable or even improve due to increases in the heat budget. We discuss how our predictions can be integrated with energy budget models that can capture the consequences of these biophysical constraints on growth, reproduction and body condition.
Gene Expression and Regulation in Adrenocortical Tumorigenesis
Authors: Fonseca Annabelle , Healy James , Kunstman John , Korah Reju , Carling Tobias
Published: December 2012

Adrenocortical tumors are frequently found in the general population, and may be benign adrenocortical adenomas or malignant adrenocortical carcinomas. Unfortunately the clinical, biochemical and histopathological distinction between benign and malignant adrenocortical tumors may be difficult in the absence of widely invasive or metastatic disease, and hence attention has turned towards a search for molecular markers. The study of rare genetic diseases that are associated with the development of adrenocortical carcinomas has contributed to our understanding of adrenocortical tumorigenesis. In addition, comprehensive genomic hybridization, methylation profiling, and genome wide mRNA and miRNA profiling have led to improvements in our understanding, as well as demonstrated several genes and pathways that may serve as diagnostic or prognostic markers.
Application of Paper-Supported Printed Gold Electrodes for Impedimetric Immunosensor Development
Authors: Ihalainen Petri , Majumdar Himadri , Viitala Tapani , Törngren Björn , Närjeoja Tuomas , Määttänen Anni , Sarfraz Jawad , Härmä Harri , Yliperttula Marjo , Österbacka Ronald , Peltonen Jouko
Published: December 2012

In this article, we report on the formation and mode-of-operation of an affinity biosensor, where alternate layers of biotin/streptavidin/biotinylated-CRP-antigen/anti-CRP antibody are grown on printed gold electrodes on disposable paper-substrates. We have successfully demonstrated and detected the formation of consecutive layers of supra-molecular protein assembly using an electrical (impedimetric) technique. The formation process is also supplemented and verified using conventional surface plasmon resonance (SPR) measurements and surface sensitive characterization techniques, such as X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and atomic force microscopy (AFM). The article provides a possible biosensor development scheme, where—(1) fabrication of paper substrate (2) synthesis of gold nanoparticle inks (3) inkjet printing of gold electrodes on paper (4) formation of the biorecognition layers on the gold electrodes and (5) electrical (impedimetric) analysis of growth—all are coupled together to form a test-structure for a recyclable and inexpensive point-of-care diagnostic platform.
A Comment on Qi et al. An Estimation of Radiobiological Parameters for Head-and-Neck Cancer Cells and the Clinical Implications—Authors' Reply
Authors: Qi X. , Yang Qiu , Lee Steve , Li X. , Wang Dian
Published: December 2012

We appreciate the thoughtful comments from Dr. Jack Fowler on our recent manuscript of an estimation of radiobiological parameters for head and neck cancer (HNC) and the clinical implications [1]. [...]
The “Stars and Stripes” Metaphor for Animal Regeneration-Elucidating Two Fundamental Strategies along a Continuum
Authors: Rinkevich Baruch , Rinkevich Yuval
Published: December 2012

A number of challenges have hindered the development of a unified theory for metazoan regeneration. To describe the full range of complex regeneration phenomena in Animalia, we suggest that metazoans that regenerate missing body parts exhibit biological attributes that are tailored along a morpho-spatial regeneration continuum, illustrated in its polar scenarios by the USA “stars and stripes” flag. Type 1 organisms (“T1, ‘stars’”) are typical colonial organisms (but contain unitary taxa) that are able to regenerate “whole new stars”, namely, whole bodies and colonial modules, through systemic induction and sometimes multiple regeneration foci (hollow regeneration spheres, resembling the blastula) that compete for dominance. They regenerate soma and germ constituents with pluripotent adult stem cells and exhibit somatic-embryogenesis mode of ontogeny. Type 2 organisms (“T2, ‘stripes’”) are capable of limited regeneration of somatic constituents via fate-restricted stem cells, and regenerate through centralized inductions that lead to a single regeneration front. T2 organisms are unitary and use preformistic mode of ontogeny. T1 and T2 organisms also differ in interpretation of what constitutes positional information. T2 organisms also execute alternative, less effective, regeneration designs (i.e., scar formation). We assigned 15 characteristics that distinguish between T1/T2 strategies: those involving specific regeneration features and those operating on biological features at the whole-organism level. Two model organisms are discussed, representing the two strategies of T1/T2 along the regeneration continuum, the Botrylloides whole body regeneration (T1) and the mouse digit-tip regeneration (T2) phenomena. The above working hypothesis also postulates that regeneration is a primeval attribute of metazoans. As specified, the “stars and stripes” paradigm allows various combinations of the biological features assigned to T1 and T2 regeneration strategies. It does not consider any concentration gradient or thresholds and does not refer to the “epimorphosis” and “morphallaxis” terms, regeneration types across phyla or across body plans. The “stars and stripes” paradigm also ignores, at this stage of analysis, cases of regeneration loss that may obscure biological trajectories. The main advantage of the “stars and stripes” paradigm is that it allows us to compare T1/T2 regeneration, as well as other modes of regeneration, through critical determining characteristics.
Coating and Surface Treatments on Orthodontic Metallic Materials
Authors: Arango Santiago , Peláez-Vargas Alejandro , García Claudia
Published: December 2012

Metallic biomaterials have been extensively used in orthodontics throughout history. Gold, stainless steel, cobalt-chromium alloys, titanium and its alloys, among other metallic biomaterials, have been part of the orthodontic armamentarium since the twentieth century. Metals and alloys possess outstanding properties and offer numerous possibilities for the fabrication of orthodontic devices such as brackets, wires, bands, ligatures, among others. However, these materials have drawbacks that can present problems for the orthodontist. Poor friction control, allergic reactions, and metal ionic release are some of the most common disadvantages found when using metallic alloys for manufacturing orthodontic appliances. In order to overcome such weaknesses, research has been conducted aiming at different approaches, such as coatings and surface treatments, which have been developed to render these materials more suitable for orthodontic applications. The purpose of this paper is to provide an overview of the coating and surface treatment methods performed on metallic biomaterials used in orthodontics.
Human-Induced Disturbance Alters Pollinator Communities in Tropical Mountain Forests
Authors: Kambach Stephan , Guerra Fernando , Beck Stephan , Hensen Isabell , Schleuning Matthias
Published: December 2012

Mountain forest ecosystems in the Andes are threatened by deforestation. Increasing fire frequencies lead to fire-degraded habitats that are often characterized by a persistent fern-dominated vegetation. Little is known about the consequences of these drastic changes in habitat conditions for pollinator communities. In a rapid diversity assessment, we collected individuals of two major groups of insect pollinators (bees and butterflies/moths) with pan traps and compared pollinator diversities in a spatial block design between forest interior, forest edge and adjacent fire-degraded habitats at eight sites in the Bolivian Andes. We found that bee species richness and abundance were significantly higher in fire-degraded habitats than in forest habitats, whereas species richness and abundance of butterflies/moths increased towards the forests interior. Species turnover between forest and fire-degraded habitats was very high for both pollinator groups and was reflected by an increase in the body size of bee species and a decrease in the body size of butterfly/moth species in fire-degraded habitats. We conclude that deforestation by frequent fires has profound impacts on the diversity and composition of pollinator communities. Our tentative findings suggest shifts towards bee-dominated pollinator communities in fire-degraded habitats that may have important feedbacks on the regenerating communities of insect-pollinated plant species.
Combined Heat and Power from Municipal Solid Waste: Current Status and Issues in South Korea
Authors: Ryu Changkook , Shin Donghoon
Published: December 2012

Municipal solid waste (MSW) is an important energy resource for combined heat and power (CHP) production. This study summarized an overview of CHP by MSW to energy (WtE) plants in South Korea and discussed the issues related to energy efficiency improvement. Given the dominant housing culture of apartment living in South Korea, the primary energy output of WtE plants has been for district heating. In 2010, approximately half of the 51 large WtE plants were CHP, while the rest produced heat. Power generation in the WtE CHP plants was estimated to be only 3.65% of the thermal input, while heat production was 60.79%. The R1 efficiency when compared to that in Europe was similar for the CHP plants and higher for heat-only plants. Improving power generation efficiency is required for new power plants producing steam at pressures higher than the current level of 20–30 bar. Over ten of the existing plants needed to increase their energy efficiency by installing new equipment such as steam turbines for excess steam. Finally, transboundary centralization of WtE plants between neighboring local authorities is essential for heat utilization since many existing small-scale plants (<50 t/day capacity) do not recover heat.