bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Recreation in Different Forest Settings: A Scene Preference Study
Authors: Eriksson Louise , Nordlund Annika M. , Olsson Olof , Westin Kerstin
Published: October 2012

Recreation activity preferences in forest settings were explored in a scene preference study. The importance of type of human intervention and the level of biodiversity for preference and intention to engage in recreation activities were examined in a sample of forestry and social science students in Sweden. Results showed that forestry students displayed an almost equally strong preference for natural-looking scenes as for scenes with traces of recreation (e.g., paths), whereas social science students preferred recreational scenes the most. Least preferred were scenes with traces of forest management. Different forest settings were furthermore preferred for different recreation activities. Recreational settings were favored for walking and going on outings, and natural-looking settings were more appreciated for picking berries or mushrooms. Respondents displayed a stronger intention to study plants and animals in high biodiversity settings and the intention to exercise was stronger in low biodiversity settings. Implications for future land use planning and forest management are discussed.
Illuminating Our World: An Essay on the Unraveling of the Species Problem, with Assistance from a Barnacle and a Goose
Authors: Buckeridge John , Watts Rob
Published: October 2012

In order to plan for the future, we must understand the past. This paper investigates the manner in which both naturalists and the wider community view one of the most intriguing of all questions: what makes a species special? Consideration is given to the essentialist view—a rigid perspective and ancient, Aristotelian perspective—that all organisms are fixed in form and nature. In the middle of the 19th century, Charles Darwin changed this by showing that species are indeed mutable, even humans. Advances in genetics have reinforced the unbroken continuum between taxa, a feature long understood by palaeontologists; but irrespective of this, we have persisted in utilizing the ‘species concept’—a mechanism employed primarily to understand and to manipulate the world around us. The vehicles used to illustrate this journey in perception are the barnacle goose (a bird), and the goose barnacle (a crustacean). The journey of these two has been entwined since antiquity—in folklore, religion, diet and even science.
Implementation of BMP Strategies for Adaptation to Climate Change and Land Use Change in a Pasture-Dominated Watershed
Authors: Chiang Li-Chi , Chaubey Indrajeet , Hong Nien-Ming , Lin Yu-Pin , Huang Tao
Published: October 2012

Implementing a suite of best management practices (BMPs) can reduce non-point source (NPS) pollutants from various land use activities. Watershed models are generally used to evaluate the effectiveness of BMP performance in improving water quality as the basis for watershed management recommendations. This study evaluates 171 management practice combinations that incorporate nutrient management, vegetated filter strips (VFS) and grazing management for their performances in improving water quality in a pasture-dominated watershed with dynamic land use changes during 1992–2007 by using the Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT). These selected BMPs were further examined with future climate conditions (2010–2069) downscaled from three general circulation models (GCMs) for understanding how climate change may impact BMP performance. Simulation results indicate that total nitrogen (TN) and total phosphorus (TP) losses increase with increasing litter application rates. Alum-treated litter applications resulted in greater TN losses, and fewer TP losses than the losses from untreated poultry litter applications. For the same litter application rates, sediment and TP losses are greater for summer applications than fall and spring applications, while TN losses are greater for fall applications. Overgrazing management resulted in the greatest sediment and phosphorus losses, and VFS is the most influential management practice in reducing pollutant losses. Simulations also indicate that climate change impacts TSS losses the most, resulting in a larger magnitude of TSS losses. However, the performance of selected BMPs in reducing TN and TP losses was more stable in future climate change conditions than in the BMP performance in the historical climate condition. We recommend that selection of BMPs to reduce TSS losses should be a priority concern when multiple uses of BMPs that benefit nutrient reductions are considered in a watershed. Therefore, the BMP combination of spring litter application, optimum grazing management and filter strip with a VFS ratio of 42 could be a promising alternative for use in mitigating future climate change.
Altered DNA Binding and Amplification of Human Breast Cancer Suppressor Gene BRCA1 Induced by a Novel Antitumor Compound, [Ru(η6-p-phenylethacrynate)Cl2(pta)]
Authors: Chakree Korawan , Ovatlarnporn Chitchamai , Dyson Paul , Ratanaphan Adisorn
Published: October 2012

The ruthenium-based complex [Ru(η6-p-phenylethacrynate)Cl2(pta)] (pta = 1,3,5-triaza-7-phosphatricyclo-[3.3.1.1]decane), termed ethaRAPTA, is an interesting antitumor compound. The elucidation of the molecular mechanism of drug activity is central to the drug development program. To this end, we have characterized the ethaRAPTA interaction with DNA, including probing the sequence specific modified DNA structural stability and DNA amplification using the breast cancer suppressor gene 1 (BRCA1) of human breast and colon adenocarcinoma cell lines as models. The preference of ethaRAPTA base binding is in the order A > G > T > C. Once modified, the ethaRAPTA-induced BRCA1 structure has higher thermal stability than the modified equivalents of its related compound, RAPTA-C. EthaRAPTA exhibits a higher efficiency than RAPTA-C in inhibiting BRCA1 amplification. With respect to both compounds, the inhibition of BRCA1 amplification is more effective in an isolated system than in cell lines. These data provide evidence that will help to understand the process of elucidating the pathways involved in the response induced by ethaRAPTA.
Theory-Guided Materials Design of Multi-Phase Ti-Nb Alloys with Bone-Matching Elastic Properties
Authors: Friák Martin , Counts William Art , Ma Duancheng , Sander Benedikt , Holec David , Raabe Dierk , Neugebauer Jörg
Published: October 2012

We present a scale-bridging approach for modeling the integral elasticresponse of polycrystalline composite that is based on a multi-disciplinary combination of(i) parameter-free first-principles calculations of thermodynamic phase stability andsingle-crystal elastic stiffness; and (ii) homogenization schemes developed forpolycrystalline aggregates and composites. The modeling is used as a theory-guidedbottom-up materials design strategy and applied to Ti-Nb alloys as promising candidatesfor biomedical implant applications. The theoretical results (i) show an excellent agreementwith experimental data and (ii) reveal a decisive influence of the multi-phase character ofthe polycrystalline composites on their integral elastic properties. The study shows thatthe results based on the density functional theory calculations at the atomistic level canbe directly used for predictions at the macroscopic scale, effectively scale-jumping severalorders of magnitude without using any empirical parameters.
In Vivo Toxicity of Intravenously Administered Silica and Silicon Nanoparticles
Authors: Ivanov Sergey , Zhuravsky Sergey , Yukina Galina , Tomson Vladimir , Korolev Dmitry , Galagudza Michael
Published: October 2012

Both silicon and silica nanoparticles (SiNPs and SiO2NPs, respectively) are currently considered to be promising carriers for targeted drug delivery. However, the available data on their in vivo toxicity are limited. The present study was aimed at investigation of SiNP and SiO2NP (mean diameter 10 and 13 nm, respectively) toxicity using both morphological and functional criteria. Hematological and biochemical parameters were assessed in Sprague-Dawley rats 5, 21 and 60 days after administration of NPs. Inner ear function was determined using otoacoustic emission testing at 21 and 60 days after infusion of NPs. Furthermore, the histological structure of liver, spleen and kidney samples was analyzed. Intravenous infusion of SiNPs or SiO2NPs (7 mg/kg) was not associated with significant changes in hemodynamic parameters. Hearing function remained unchanged over the entire observation period. Both inter- and intragroup changes in blood counts and biochemical markers were non-significant. Histological findings included the appearance of foreign body-type granulomas in the liver and spleen as well as microgranulation in the liver after administration of NPs. The number of granulomas was significantly lower after administration of SiNPs compared with SiO2NPs. In conclusion, both tested types of NPs are relatively biocompatible nanomaterials, at least when considering acute toxicity.
Cytotoxic Activity of Semi-Synthetic Derivatives of Elatol and Isoobtusol
Authors: Lang Karen L. , Silva Izabella T. , Zimmermann Lara A. , Lhullier Cíntia , Mañalich Arana Maria V. , Palermo Jorge A. , Falkenberg Miriam , Simões Cláudia M. O. , Schenkel Eloir P. , Durán Fernando J.
Published: October 2012

In the present study, the in vitro cytotoxic effects of six semi-synthetic derivatives of elatol (1) and isoobtusol (2) were investigated. Chemical modifications were performed on the hydroxyl groups aiming to get derivatives of different polarity, namely the hemisuccinate, carbamate and sulfamate. The structural elucidation of the new derivatives was based on detailed NMR and MS spectroscopic analyses. The in vitro cytotoxicity of compounds 1 to 8 was evaluated against A459 and RD tumor cell lines with CC50 values ranging from 4.93 to 41.53 µM. These results suggest that the structural modifications performed on both compounds could be considered a good strategy to obtain more active derivatives.
Digital Marine Bioprospecting: Mining New Neurotoxin Drug Candidates from the Transcriptomes of Cold-Water Sea Anemones
Authors: Urbarova Ilona , Karlsen Bård Ove , Okkenhaug Siri , Seternes Ole Morten , Johansen Steinar D. , Emblem Åse
Published: October 2012

Marine bioprospecting is the search for new marine bioactive compounds and large-scale screening in extracts represents the traditional approach. Here, we report an alternative complementary protocol, called digital marine bioprospecting, based on deep sequencing of transcriptomes. We sequenced the transcriptomes from the adult polyp stage of two cold-water sea anemones, Bolocera tuediae and Hormathia digitata. We generated approximately 1.1 million quality-filtered sequencing reads by 454 pyrosequencing, which were assembled into approximately 120,000 contigs and 220,000 single reads. Based on annotation and gene ontology analysis we profiled the expressed mRNA transcripts according to known biological processes. As a proof-of-concept we identified polypeptide toxins with a potential blocking activity on sodium and potassium voltage-gated channels from digital transcriptome libraries.
EDEEP—An Innovative Process for Improving the Safety of Mining Equipment
Authors: Burgess-Limerick Robin , Joy Jim , Cooke Tristan , Horberry Tim
Published: October 2012

Fifteen multi-national mining companies are currently members of the Earth Moving Equipment Safety Round Table (EMESRT). Formed in 2006, EMESRT engages with mining equipment manufacturers with the aim of accelerating improvements in the safe design of mining equipment. An initial stage in this process was to communicate industry understanding of the risks in the form of “design philosophies” that describe potential unwanted events in eight hazard categories. A technique for analysing risks associated with operation and maintenance tasks, the Operability and Maintainability Analysis Technique (OMAT), was subsequently developed and trialed. The next step is the EMESRT Design Evaluation for Equipment Procurement (EDEEP) process. The aims of requesting manufacturers to follow this process are to provide equipment purchasers with a common way of assessing how well the issues in the EMESRT Design Philosophies are addressed in the equipment design; and to provide manufacturers with additional information for use during equipment design. The process involves identifying priority tasks based on frequency and severity of the consequences of potential unwanted events identified in the EMESRT Design Philosophies; undertaking a task-based risk assessment of priority tasks in conjunction with site-based personnel; evaluating the effectiveness of control measures; and providing information about safe design features in a standardised format.
Synthesis and Photophysical Study of 2′-Deoxyuridines Labeled with Fluorene Derivatives
Authors: Cho Hyun Yi , Woo Sang Keun , Hwang Gil Tae
Published: October 2012

We examined microenvironment-sensitive fluorescent 2′-deoxyuridines labeled with fluorene derivatives that exhibited solvent-dependent photophysical properties. The high sensitivity of the fluorescence shift and the nucleoside intensity dependence on solvent polarity provided information useful for estimating the polarity of the environment surrounding the fluorescent nucleoside.
Solvent-Free Synthesis of Modified Pectin Compounds Promoted by Microwave Irradiation
Authors: Calce Enrica , Bugatti Valeria , Vittoria Vittoria , De Luca Stefania
Published: October 2012

Microwave-assisted solvent-free modification of pectin was successfully accomplished, consisting in the esterification of several fatty acids by pectin alcoholic functions. The reaction was performed by simply mixing the reagents with a catalytic amount of the inorganic base (potassium carbonate) and irradiating the obtained mixture with microwaves for a short time (3–6 min). The replacement of the traditional heating with a microwave source allowed the development of a new synthetic protocol which provided increased yield of the final products, since it eliminates the small amount of degraded polysaccharide produced during traditional oil bath heating. The desired esters were fully characterized by FT-IR spectroscopy and thermogravimetric analysis.
Identification of Fungicidal 2,6-Disubstituted Quinolines with Activity against Candida Biofilms
Authors: Delattin Nicolas , Bardiot Dorothée , Marchand Arnaud , Chaltin Patrick , De Brucker Katrijn , Cammue Bruno P. A. , Thevissen Karin
Published: October 2012

We have identified two subseries of 2,6-disubstituted quinolines, consisting of 6-amide and 6-urea derivatives, which are characterized by fungicidal activity against Candida albicans with minimal fungicidal concentration (MFC) values < 15 µM. The 6-amide derivatives displayed the highest fungicidal activity against C. albicans, in particular compounds 1, 5 and 6 characterized by MFC values of 6.25–12.5 µM. Compounds 1 and 5 of this series displayed fungicidal activity against the emerging pathogen Candida glabrata (MFC < 50 µM). The 6-amide derivatives 1, 2, 5, and 6 and the 6-urea derivatives 10, 12, 13 and 15 could also eradicate C. albicans biofilms. We found that the 6-urea derivatives 10, 13, and 15 induced accumulation of endogenous reactive oxygen species in Candida albicans biofilms.
Simultaneous Patterning of Independent Metal/Metal Oxide Multi-Layer Films Using Two-Tone Photo-Acid Generating Compound Systems
Authors: Cordonier Christopher , Honma Hideo
Published: October 2012

(1) The photo-induced solubility and positive-tone direct photo-patterning of iron, copper and lanthanides chelated with 4-(2-nitrobenzyloxycarbonyl)catechol (NBOC) or 4-(6-nitroveratryloxycarbonyl)catechol (NVOC) was investigated. Photo-patterning of iron, copper, cerium, samarium, europium, terbium, dysprosium, holmium, erbium and lutetium complexes was accomplished. Continuous films were formed by the pyrolysis of metal complex films at 500 °C. (2) Based on the difference in the photo-reaction excitation wavelength profile of NBOC and NVOC complexes, a short and simple method for simultaneous micro-patterning of two independent films on each side of a transparent glass substrate was developed. Using the developed procedure, indium tin oxide and/or titanium oxide films were formed on each side of a quartz substrate without use of resist or etching.
Food Variety at 2 Years of Age is Related to Duration of Breastfeeding
Authors: Scott Jane , Chih Tsz , Oddy Wendy
Published: October 2012

The aim of this study was to investigate the association of breastfeeding duration and food variety at 2 years of age. A secondary data analysis was undertaken of the Western Australian Pregnancy Cohort (Raine) Study, an ongoing longitudinal study. Data collected from a single 24 h dietary recall of 1905, 2 year-old children were used to calculate two food variety scores; a core food variety score (CFVS) and a fruit and vegetable variety score (FVVS). Multivariate linear regression analysis was used to identify those factors independently associated with the CFVS and FVVS. The mean CFVS was 7.52 (range 1–18) of a possible 34 food items or groups and the mean FVVS was 2.84 (range 0–10) of a possible 16 food items or groups. Breastfeeding duration was independently directly associated with the CFVS (p < 0.001) and FVVS (p < 0.001). In addition, maternal age was independently directly associated with the CFVS (p < 0.001) and FVVS (p = 0.001) as was maternal education (CFVS p < 0.001 and FVVS p = 0.043). The presence of older siblings was independently inversely associated with the CFVS (p = 0.003) and FVVS (p = 0.001). This study demonstrated a direct modest association between breastfeeding duration and food variety in 2 year-old children, independent of maternal demographic characteristics known to predict food variety in children. This finding supports the hypothesis that flavours transferred in breast milk provide repeated early exposure to different tastes and positively shape children’s food preferences and food variety.
Risk of Parenteral Nutrition in Neonates—An Overview
Authors: Zingg Walter , Tomaske Maren , Martin Maria
Published: October 2012

Healthcare-associated infections (HAI) in preterm infants are a challenge to the care of these fragile patients. HAI-incidence rates range from 6 to 27 infections per 1000 patient-days. Most nosocomial infections are bloodstream infections and of these, the majority is associated with the use of central venous catheters. Many studies identified parenteral nutrition as an independent risk factor for HAI, catheter-associated bloodstream infection, and clinical sepsis. This fact and various published outbreaks due to contaminated parenteral nutrition preparations highlight the importance of appropriate standards in the preparation and handling of intravenous solutions and parenteral nutrition. Ready-to-use parenteral nutrition formulations may provide additional safety in this context. However, there is concern that such formulations may result in overfeeding and necrotizing enterocolitis. Given the risk for catheter-associated infection, handling with parenteral nutrition should be minimized and the duration shortened. Further research is required about this topic.
Mitochondria-Targeted Antioxidant SS31 Prevents Amyloid Beta-Induced Mitochondrial Abnormalities and Synaptic Degeneration in Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Calkins Marcus , Manczak Maria , Reddy P.
Published: October 2012

In neuronal systems, the health and activity of mitochondria and synapses are tightly coupled. For this reason, it has been postulated that mitochondrial abnormalities may, at least in part, drive neurodegeneration in conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Mounting evidence from multiple Alzheimer’s disease cell and mouse models and postmortem brains suggest that loss of mitochondrial integrity may be a key factor that mediates synaptic loss. Therefore, the prevention or rescue of mitochondrial dysfunction may help delay or altogether prevent AD-associated neurodegeneration. Since mitochondrial health is heavily dependent on antioxidant defenses, researchers have begun to explore the use of mitochondria-targeted antioxidants as therapeutic tools to prevent neurodegenerative diseases. This review will highlight advances made using a model mitochondria-targeted antioxidant peptide, SS31, as a potential treatment for AD.
Characteristics of Decomposition Powers of L-Band Multi-Polarimetric SAR in Assessing Tree Growth of Industrial Plantation Forests in the Tropics
Authors: Kobayashi Shoko , Omura Yoshiharu , Sanga-Ngoie Kazadi , Widyorini Ragil , Kawai Shuichi , Supriadi Bambang , Yamaguchi Yoshio
Published: October 2012

A decomposition scheme was applied to ALOS/PALSAR data obtained from a fast-growing tree plantation in Sumatra, Indonesia to extract tree stem information and then estimate the forest stand volume. The scattering power decomposition of the polarimetric SAR data was performed both with and without a rotation matrix and compared to the following field-measured forest biometric parameters: tree diameter, tree height and stand volume. The analytical results involving the rotation matrix correlated better than those without the rotation matrix even for natural scattering surfaces within the forests. Our primary finding was that all of the decomposition powers from the rotated matrix correlated significantly to the forest biometric parameters when divided by the total power. The surface scattering ratio of the total power markedly decreased with the forest growth, whereas the canopy and double-bounce scattering ratios increased. The observations of the decomposition powers were consistent with the tree growth characteristics. Consequently, we found a significant logarithmic relationship between the decomposition powers and the forest biometric parameters that can potentially be used to estimate the forest stand volume.
Decision Tree and Texture Analysis for Mapping Debris-Covered Glaciers in the Kangchenjunga Area, Eastern Himalaya
Authors: Racoviteanu Adina , Williams Mark W.
Published: October 2012

In this study we use visible, short-wave infrared and thermal Advanced Spaceborne Thermal Emission and Reflection Radiometer (ASTER) data validated with high-resolution Quickbird (QB) and Worldview2 (WV2) for mapping debris cover in the eastern Himalaya using two independent approaches: (a) a decision tree algorithm, and (b) texture analysis. The decision tree algorithm was based on multi-spectral and topographic variables, such as band ratios, surface reflectance, kinetic temperature from ASTER bands 10 and 12, slope angle, and elevation. The decision tree algorithm resulted in 64 km2 classified as debris-covered ice, which represents 11% of the glacierized area. Overall, for ten glacier tongues in the Kangchenjunga area, there was an area difference of 16.2 km2 (25%) between the ASTER and the QB areas, with mapping errors mainly due to clouds and shadows. Texture analysis techniques included co-occurrence measures, geostatistics and filtering in spatial/frequency domain. Debris cover had the highest variance of all terrain classes, highest entropy and lowest homogeneity compared to the other classes, for example a mean variance of 15.27 compared to 0 for clouds and 0.06 for clean ice. Results of the texture image for debris-covered areas were comparable with those from the decision tree algorithm, with 8% area difference between the two techniques.
Exploiting the Classification Performance of Support Vector Machines with Multi-Temporal Moderate-Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) Data in Areas of Agreement and Disagreement of Existing Land Cover Products
Authors: Vuolo Francesco , Atzberger Clement
Published: October 2012

Several studies have focused in the past on global land cover (LC) datasets harmonization and inter-comparison and have found significant inconsistencies. Despite the known discrepancies between existing products derived from medium resolution satellite sensor data, little emphasis has been placed on examining these disagreements to improve the overall classification accuracy of future land cover maps. This work evaluates the classification performance of a least square support vector machine (LS-SVM) algorithm with respect to areas of agreement and disagreement between two existing land cover maps. The approach involves the use of time series of Moderate-resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) 250-m Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) (16-day composites) and gridded climatic indicators. LS-SVM is trained on reference samples obtained through visual interpretation of Google Earth (GE) high resolution imagery. The core of the training process is based on repeated random splits of the training dataset to select a small set of suitable support vectors optimizing class separability. A large number of independent validation samples spread over three contrasting regions in Europe (Eastern Austria, Macedonia and Southern France) are used to calculate classification accuracies for the LS-SVM NDVI-derived LC map and for two (globally available) LC products: GLC2000 and GlobCover. The LS-SVM LC map reported an overall accuracy of 70%. Classification accuracies ranged from 71% where GlobCover and GLC2000 agreed to 68% for areas of disagreement. Results indicate that existing LC products are as accurate as the LS-SVM LC map in areas of agreement (with little margin for improvements), while classification accuracy is substantially better for the LS-SVM LC map in areas of disagreement. On average, the LS-SVM LC map was 14% and 18% more accurate compared to GlobCover and GLC2000, respectively.
Two Proximal Skin Electrodes — A Respiration Rate Body Sensor
Authors: Trobec Roman , Rashkovska Aleksandra , Avbelj Viktor
Published: October 2012

We propose a new body sensor for extracting the respiration rate based on the amplitude changes in the body surface potential differences between two proximal body electrodes. The sensor could be designed as a plaster-like reusable unit that can be easily fixed onto the surface of the body. It could be equipped either with a sufficiently large memory for storing the measured data or with a low-power radio system that can transmit the measured data to a gateway for further processing. We explore the influence of the sensor’s position on the quality of the extracted results using multi-channel ECG measurements and considering all the pairs of two neighboring electrodes as potential respiration-rate sensors. The analysis of the clinical measurements, which also include reference thermistor-based respiration signals, shows that the proposed approach is a viable option for monitoring the respiration frequency and for a rough classification of breathing types. The obtained results were evaluated on a wireless prototype of a respiration body sensor. We indicate the best positions for the respiration body sensor and prove that a single sensor for body surface potential difference on proximal skin electrodes can be used for combined measurements of respiratory and cardiac activities.
Organic Electroluminescent Sensor for Pressure Measurement
Authors: Matsuda Yu , Ueno Kaori , Yamaguchi Hiroki , Egami Yasuhiro , Niimi Tomohide
Published: October 2012

We have proposed a novel concept of a pressure sensor called electroluminescent pressure sensor (ELPS) based on oxygen quenching of electroluminescence. The sensor was fabricated as an organic light-emitting device (OLED) with phosphorescent dyes whose phosphorescence can be quenched by oxygenmolecules, and with a polymer electrode which permeates oxygen molecules. The sensor was a single-layer OLED with Platinum (II) octaethylporphine (PtOEP) doped into poly(vinylcarbazole) (PVK) as an oxygen sensitive emissive layer and poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) mixed with poly(styrenesulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS) as an oxygen permeating polymer anode. The pressure sensitivity of the fabricated ELPS sample was equivalent to that of the sensor excited by an illumination light source. Moreover, the pressure sensitivity of the sensor is equivalent to that of conventional pressure-sensitive paint (PSP), which is an optical pressure sensor based on photoluminescence.
Sustainable Technology Research and Demonstration Center for Earth Structures
Authors: Ueda Judy , Ueda Minoru
Published: October 2012

This is a discussion paper that the authors presented at the International Workshop on Rammed Earth Materials and Sustainable Structures and Hakka Tulou Forum 2011: Structures of Sustainability, 28–31 October 2011, Xiamen University, China. A Sustainable Technology Research and Demonstration Center for Earth Structures is proposed to study, preserve, advance, promote, and implement rammed earth structures. The Center concept including the objectives, scope of activities and benefits of the proposed center are outlined. The Center for Alternative Technology in Wales, UK has been examined as a good base model along with a few successful environmental sustainability initiatives in China. The funding options to establish the proposed center have been discussed. The breadth of activities ultimately depends on funding capability. It is believed that the proposed center development will require significant government support at the initial stage but once corporate sponsorships are in place, the proposed center will potentially become self-supporting. The strategies, for the establishment of the proposed center are also addressed.
Influence of Arabic and Chinese Rammed Earth Techniques in the Himalayan Region
Authors: Jaquin Paul
Published: October 2012

This paper discusses different rammed earth construction technique in Asia. Rammed earth construction techniques from China, Indian, Nepal and Bhutan are examined. It is shown that these techniques are demonstrably different from each other, and argued that the techniques may have developed independently. Case study structures are discussed and it is shown that with care it is possible to chart the development of both techniques both chronologically and geographically.
A Characterization of Aerosolized Sudan Virus Infection in African Green Monkeys, Cynomolgus Macaques, and Rhesus Macaques
Authors: Zumbrun Elizabeth , Bloomfield Holly , Dye John , Hunter Ty , Dabisch Paul , Garza Nicole , Bramel Nicholas , Baker Reese , Williams Roger , Nichols Donald , Nalca Aysegul
Published: October 2012

Filoviruses are members of the genera Ebolavirus, Marburgvirus, and “Cuevavirus”. Because they cause human disease with high lethality and could potentially be used as a bioweapon, these viruses are classified as CDC Category A Bioterrorism Agents. Filoviruses are relatively stable in aerosols, retain virulence after lyophilization, and can be present on contaminated surfaces for extended periods of time. This study explores the characteristics of aerosolized Sudan virus (SUDV) Boniface in non-human primates (NHP) belonging to three different species. Groups of cynomolgus macaques (cyno), rhesus macaques (rhesus), and African green monkeys (AGM) were challenged with target doses of 50 or 500 plaque-forming units (pfu) of aerosolized SUDV. Exposure to either viral dose resulted in increased body temperatures in all three NHP species beginning on days 4–5 post-exposure. Other clinical findings for all three NHP species included leukocytosis, thrombocytopenia, anorexia, dehydration, and lymphadenopathy. Disease in all of the NHPs was severe beginning on day 6 post-exposure, and all animals except one surviving rhesus macaque were euthanized by day 14. Serum alanine transaminase (ALT) and aspartate transaminase (AST) concentrations were elevated during the course of disease in all three species; however, AGMs had significantly higher ALT and AST concentrations than cynos and rhesus. While all three species had detectable viral load by days 3-4 post exposure, Rhesus had lower average peak viral load than cynos or AGMs. Overall, the results indicate that the disease course after exposure to aerosolized SUDV is similar for all three species of NHP.
The Recovery of Two Polluted Subarctic Lakes—Towards Nutrient Management or a Pristine State?
Authors: Grönlund Erik
Published: October 2012

Two small subarctic lakes were eutrophicated due to wastewater discharge from 1964. In 1975, a wastewater treatment plant was built and a recovery process started. This paper will: (1) compile the 1972–1974, 1978–1980 and 1985–1988 investigation data regarding phosphorous and microalgae for one of the lakes; (2) complement with unpublished data from 1985 and 2003; and (3) introduce a discussion regarding three alternatives for future development of the lakes in their last phase of recovery. In the latest investigation, 2003, the lakes were assessed as almost recovered. They had returned to an oligotrophic state, but not fully to a pre-sewage situation. In the upper lake, more heavily polluted, the total phosphorous levels had decreased from an average of 168 µg P/L in 1972–1974 to an average of 12 µg P/L in 2003. The phytoplankton biomass had decreased twentyfold during the same period, from 11.2 mg/L to 0.6 mg/L. The Secchi depth had increased from 1.3 m to 2.8 m. The low oxygen level in late winter was still not recovered, thereby profoundly affecting residential organisms in the lakes. The low winter oxygen is assumed to remain so for a long time due to phosphorus release from sediments in the lakes.
Characterization of the Water Quality Status on a Stretch of River Lérez around a Small Hydroelectric Power Station
Authors: Valero Enrique
Published: October 2012

The renewable energy emerged as a solution to the environmental problems caused by the conventional sources of energy. Small hydropower (SHP) is claimed to cause negligible effects on the ecosystem, although some environmental values are threatened and maintenance of an adequate water quality should be ensured. This work provides a characterization of the water quality status in a river stretch around a SHP plant on river Lérez, northwest Spain, for four years after its construction. The ecological and chemical status of the water as well as the ecological quality of the riparian habitat, were used as measures of quality. Data were compared with the water quality requirements. The variations in the quality parameters were analyzed over time and over the river sections with respect to the SHP plant elements. Two years after construction, the temperature and dissolved oxygen values achieved conditions for salmonid water and close to the reference condition, while pH values were low. The Iberian Biological Monitoring Working Party (IBMWP) index showed a positive trend from two years after the construction and stabilized at “unpolluted or not considerably altered water”. Quality parameters did not present significant differences between sampling points. The SHP plant construction momentarily altered the quality characteristics of the water.
Interferon-β Delivery via Human Neural Stem Cell Abates Glial Scar Formation in Spinal Cord Injury
Authors: Nishimura Yusuke , Natsume Atsushi , Ito Motokazu , Hara Masahito , Motomura Kazuya , Fukuyama Ryuichi , Sumiyoshi Naoyuki , Aoki Ichio , Saga Tsuneo , Lee Hong J. , Wakabayashi Toshihiko , Kim Seung U.
Published: October 2012

Glial scar formation is the major impedance to axonal regrowth after spinal cord injury (SCI), and scar-modulating treatments have become a leading therapeutic goal for SCI treatment. In this study, human neural stem cells (NSCs) encoding interferon-β (INF-β) gene were administered intravenously to mice 1 week after SCI. Animals receiving NSCs encoding IFN-β exhibited significant neurobehavioral improvement, electrophysiological recovery, suppressed glial scar formation, and preservation of nerve fibers in lesioned spinal cord. Systemic evaluation of SCI gliosis lesion site with lesion-specific microdissection, genome-wide microarray, and MetaCore pathway analysis identified upregulation of toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) in SCI gliosis lesion site, and this led us to focus on TLR4 signaling in reactive astrocytes. Examination of primary astrocytes from TLR4 knockout mice, and in vivo inhibition of TLR4, revealed that the effect of IFN-β on the suppression of glial scar formation in SCI requires TLR4 stimulation. These results suggest that IFN-β delivery via intravenous injection of NSCs following SCI inhibits glial scar formation in spinal cord through stimulation of TLR4 signaling.
Iridium-catalyzed intramolecular [4 + 2] cycloadditions of alkynyl halides
Authors: Tigchelaar Andrew , Tam William
Published: October 2012

Iridium-catalyzed intramolecular [4 + 2] cycloadditions of diene-tethered alkynyl halides were investigated by using [IrCl(cod)]2 as catalyst, and dppe was found to be the most suitable phosphine ligand for the reaction. No oxidative insertion of the iridium into the carbon–halide bond was observed, and the reactions proceeded to provide the halogenated cycloadducts in good yield (75–94%). These results are the first examples of cycloadditions of alkynyl halides using an iridium catalyst.
Copper-catalyzed CuAAC/intramolecular C–H arylation sequence: Synthesis of annulated 1,2,3-triazoles
Authors: Jeyachandran Rajkumar , Potukuchi Harish Kumar , Ackermann Lutz
Published: October 2012

Step-economical syntheses of annulated 1,2,3-triazoles were accomplished through copper-catalyzed intramolecular direct arylations in sustainable one-pot reactions. Thus, catalyzed cascade reactions involving [3 + 2]-azide–alkyne cycloadditions (CuAAC) and C–H bond functionalizations provided direct access to fully substituted 1,2,3-triazoles with excellent chemo- and regioselectivities. Likewise, the optimized catalytic system proved applicable to the direct preparation of 1,2-diarylated azoles through a one-pot C–H/N–H arylation reaction.
Discovertebral Erosions in Patients with Enteropathic Spondyloarthritis
Authors: PELUSO ROSARIO , DI MINNO MATTEO NICOLA DARIO , BRUNER VINCENZO , SOSCIA ERNESTO , CASTIGLIONE FABIANA , MANGUSO FRANCESCO , IERVOLINO SALVATORE , SCARPA RAFFAELE
Published: October 2012

Objective.

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is considered the modality of choice for the diagnosis of spondyloarthropathy (SpA)-related spondylodiscitis, or discovertebral erosions (DE). Our aim was to analyze the prevalence and the clinical features of DE in patients with enteropathic SpA (EA) using MRI.

Methods.

We evaluated 72 patients with EA and 43 controls for the study. All patients and controls underwent rheumatological and gastroenterological clinical examinations, and demographic features were recorded. For each patient, these factors were also recorded: duration of inflammatory bowel disease and arthritis from onset to enrollment, history of viral and bacterial infections, and occurrence of previous major trauma to the spine. These scores were taken: Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Metrology Index (BASMI), Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Functional Index (BASFI), Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index (BASDAI), Harvey-Bradshaw Index, and the Simple Clinical Colitis Activity Index. All subjects had MRI of the spine.

Results.

On the basis of inclusion criteria, 43 patients with EA were included in the study. Twenty-three had axial EA (axEA) and 20 had axial and peripheral subset EA (overlap subset or peripheral type 3; axphEA). Twenty-two patients with EA (15/7 axEA/axphEA) showed DE (30.55%; p < 0.001). DE was significantly more prevalent in axEA subjects than in the overlap subset (p < 0.001). In axEA, DE had a significant direct correlation with arthritis duration (r = 0.546, p = 0.007). Patients with DE showed BASDAI, BASMI, and BASFI scores significantly higher than patients without DE (p < 0.001).

Conclusion.

We found a high prevalence of DE among patients with EA (30.55%), confirming that DE is an important characteristic aspect of SpA. We found a high prevalence in patients in the axphEA subset (31.82%), suggesting that DE could be a characterizing feature of the overlap subset.
Effect of Rheumatologist Education on Systematic Measurements and Treatment Decisions in Rheumatoid Arthritis: The Metrix Study
Authors: POPE JANET , THORNE CARTER , CIVIDINO ALFRED , LUCAS KURT
Published: October 2012

Objective.

To determine whether an educational intervention could result in changes in physicians’ practice behavior.

Methods.

Twenty rheumatologists performed a prospective chart audit of 50 consecutive patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and again after 6 months. Ten were randomized to the educational intervention: monthly Web-based conferences on the value of systematic assessments in RA, recent evidence-based information, practice efficiency, and other topics; this group also read articles on targeting care in RA. The others were randomized to no intervention.

Results.

One thousand serial RA charts were audited at baseline and 1000 at 6 months, with no between-group differences in patient characteristics: mean disease duration of 10 years; 77% women; 74% rheumatoid factor– positive; mean Disease Activity Score (DAS) 3.7; and 68% taking methotrexate, 14% taking steroids, and 27% taking biologics. At 6 months the intervention group collected more global assessments (patient global 53% preintervention vs 66% postintervention, and MD global 51% vs 60%; p < 0.05) and Health Assessment Questionnaires (37% vs 42%; p > 0.05; p = nonsignificant), whereas controls had no change in outcomes collected. For the intervention group there was a 32% increase in calculable composite scores [such as DAS, Simplified Disease Activity Index (SDAI), Clinical Disease Activity Index; p < 0.05] but no change in the controls. There was more targeting to a low disease state. For those with SDAI between 3.3 and 11, the percentage of patients receiving a change in therapy was 66% in the intervention group and 36% in controls (p < 0.05). When DAS was between 2.4 and 3.6, 57% of the intervention group and 38% of controls made changes to treatment (p < 0.05).

Conclusion.

Small-group learning with feedback from practice audits is an inexpensive way to improve outcomes in RA.
Repères économiques des secteurs culturels marchands en 2010
Authors: Deroin Valérie
Published: October 2012

Résumé Les vingt-neuf secteurs statistiques qui forment le champ des entreprises marchandes de la culture regroupent environ 157 000 unités en 2010. Ces entreprises culturelles participent pour 5 % du nombre total des entreprises de l’économie marchande française et pour près de 3 % de la valeur ajoutée. Alors que ces secteurs d’activités sont essentiellement formés de petites entreprises de moins de 10 salariés, leurs résultats comptables affichent un poids prépondérant des entreprises moyennes ou grandes. La marge moyenne dégagée par l’ensemble des secteurs culturels est comparable à celle de tous les autres services marchands. Cependant, ces résultats dévoilent une variété de situations sectorielles, tant au niveau des structures que de leurs résultats commerciaux. Ainsi, les performances économiques des secteurs se traduisent très différemment selon la part des subventions ou celle des frais de personnel sur la valeur ajoutée dégagée.
Le voyage de Maximilien, empereur du Mexique, vers le Mexique en 1864, vu par le peintre Henri Zuber
Authors: Pétry François
Published: October 2012

Pratiquant le dessin dès son jeune âge et formé de plus, à partir de l’âge de 18 ans, par un peintre de marine, le peintre Henri Zuber (1844-1909) vient occuper une place tout à fait singulière parmi les peintres d’histoire de l’actualité directe. Aspirant de vaisseau, il s’est trouvé sur la frégate « La Thémis » qui fut désignée par Napoléon III pour assurer l’escorte, depuis Trieste jusqu’à Veracruz, de Maximilien, archiduc d’Autriche devenu empereur du Mexique. Un ensemble de 27 dessins, récemment découverts, montre que Zuber a fourni un témoignage exceptionnel – unique en ce qui concerne l’illustration dessinée – de ce voyage maritime du couple impérial vers le Mexique. À bord de la « Novara », bateau impérial de Maximilien, il y a un autre témoin essentiel, Paula Gräfin Kollonitz : cette comtesse, dame de cour de l’impératrice Carlotta, tient de son côté un journal du voyage. Les deux témoignages, celui, littéraire, de la comtesse autrichienne, et le témoignage par le dessin d’Henri Zuber se complètent superbement et constituent une extraordinaire relation à deux voix
Dihydrolipoamide Dehydrogenase of Pseudomonas aeruginosa Is a Surface-Exposed Immune Evasion Protein That Binds Three Members of the Factor H Family and Plasminogen
Authors: Hallström Teresia , Mörgelin Matthias , Barthel Diana , Raguse Marina , Kunert Anja , Hoffmann Ralf , Skerka Christine , Zipfel Peter F.
Published: October 2012

The opportunistic human pathogen Pseudomonas aeruginosa causes a wide range of diseases. To cross host innate immune barriers, P. aeruginosa has developed efficient strategies to escape host complement attack. In this study, we identify the 57-kDa dihydrolipoamide dehydrogenase (Lpd) as a surface-exposed protein of P. aeruginosa that binds the four human plasma proteins, Factor H, Factor H-like protein-1 (FHL-1), complement Factor H-related protein 1 (CFHR1), and plasminogen. Factor H contacts Lpd via short consensus repeats 7 and 18–20. Factor H, FHL-1, and plasminogen when bound to Lpd were functionally active. Factor H and FHL-1 displayed complement-regulatory activity, and bound plasminogen, when converted to the active protease plasmin, cleaved the chromogenic substrate S-2251 and the natural substrate fibrinogen. The lpd of P. aeruginosa is a rather conserved gene; a total of 22 synonymous and 3 nonsynonymous mutations was identified in the lpd gene of the 5 laboratory strains and 13 clinical isolates. Lpd is surface exposed and contributes to survival of P. aeruginosa in human serum. Bacterial survival was reduced when Lpd was blocked on the surface prior to challenge with human serum. Similarly, bacterial survival was reduced up to 84% when the bacteria was challenged with complement active serum depleted of Factor H, FHL-1, and CFHR1, demonstrating a protective role of the attached human regulators from complement attack. In summary, Lpd is a novel surface-exposed virulence factor of P. aeruginosa that binds Factor H, FHL-1, CFHR1, and plasminogen, and the Lpd-attached regulators are relevant for innate immune escape and most likely contribute to tissue invasion.
p27Kip1 Negatively Regulates the Magnitude and Persistence of CD4 T Cell Memory
Authors: Jatzek Anna , Tejera Melba Marie , Singh Anju , Sullivan Jeremy A. , Plisch Erin H. , Suresh M.
Published: October 2012

Much is known about the differentiation of naive T cells into distinct lineages of effector cells, but the molecular mechanisms underlying the generation and maintenance of CD4 T cell memory are poorly characterized. Our studies ascribe a novel role for the cell cycle regulator p27Kip1 as a prominent negative regulator of the establishment and long-term maintenance of Th1 CD4 T cell memory. We demonstrate that p27Kip1 might restrict the differentiation and survival of memory precursors by increasing the T-bet/Bcl-6 ratio in effector CD4 T cells. By promoting apoptosis and contraction of effector CD4 T cells by mechanisms that are at least in part T cell intrinsic, p27Kip1 markedly limits the abundance of memory CD4 T cells. Furthermore, we causally link p27Kip1-dependent apoptosis to the decay of CD4 T cell memory, possibly by repressing the expression of γ-chain receptors and the downstream effector of the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway, Tcf-1. We extend these findings by showing that the antagonistic effects of p27Kip1 on CD4 T cell memory require its cyclin-dependent kinase-binding domain. Collectively, these findings provide key insights into the mechanisms underlying the governance of peripheral CD4 T cell homeostasis and identify p27Kip1 as a target to enhance vaccine-induced CD4 T cell memory.