bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Salsalate Activates Brown Adipose Tissue in Mice
Authors: van Dam Andrea D. , Nahon Kimberly J. , Kooijman Sander , van den Berg Susan M. , Kanhai Anish A. , Kikuchi Takuya , Heemskerk Mattijs M. , van Harmelen Vanessa , Lombès Marc , van den Hoek Anita M. , de Winther Menno P.J. , Lutgens Esther , Guigas Bruno , Rensen Patrick C.N. , Boon Mariëtte R.
Published: December 2014

Salsalate improves glucose intolerance and dyslipidemia in type 2 diabetes patients, but the mechanism is still unknown. The aim of the current study was to unravel the molecular mechanisms involved in these beneficial metabolic effects of salsalate by treating mice with salsalate during and after development of high-fat diet–induced obesity. We found that salsalate attenuated and reversed high-fat diet–induced weight gain, in particular fat mass accumulation, improved glucose tolerance, and lowered plasma triglyceride levels. Mechanistically, salsalate selectively promoted the uptake of fatty acids from glycerol tri[3H]oleate-labeled lipoprotein-like emulsion particles by brown adipose tissue (BAT), decreased the intracellular lipid content in BAT, and increased rectal temperature, all pointing to more active BAT. The treatment of differentiated T37i brown adipocytes with salsalate increased uncoupled respiration. Moreover, salsalate upregulated Ucp1 expression and enhanced glycerol release, a dual effect that was abolished by the inhibition of cAMP-dependent protein kinase (PKA). In conclusion, salsalate activates BAT, presumably by directly activating brown adipocytes via the PKA pathway, suggesting a novel mechanism that may explain its beneficial metabolic effects in type 2 diabetes patients.
High-performance laser cladding with combined energy sources
Authors: Nowotny Steffen , Brueckner Frank , Thieme Sebastian , Leyens Christoph , Beyer Eckhard
Published: December 2014

In the field of laser additive manufacturing, modern hybrid technologies offer advantageous solutions for combining the high quality level of laser surface claddings with the industry's economical requirements regarding productivity and energy efficiency. The technical approach is to supply energy sources in two fundamentally different ways. First, welding material in the form of wire is directly heated, i.e., by electrical resistance, almost to its melting point and is fed to the process region simultaneously with the laser beam. A newly developed coaxial wire head allows for omni-directional welding operation and, thus, the use of wire even for complex surface claddings as well as layer-by-layer fabrication of metallic parts. Second, an additional energy source is used to heat the substrate in order to compensate for the heat conduction losses. This technical variant is suitable for use with both wire and powder as deposition materials. Additionally, heating and cooling gradients can be precisely adjusted, thus improving the build-up of structures of hard and brittle metallic super-alloys. Currently, deposition rates up to 18 kg/h of metal alloys and metal matrix composites have been demonstrated using these laser hybrid techniques. Industrial applications are, among others, large hydraulic cylinders and tools of the oil and mining industries.
Thermal Stress of Surface of Mold Cavities and Parting Line of Silicone Molds
Authors: Bajčičák Martin , Šuba Roland
Published: December 2014

The paper is focused on the study of thermal stress of surface of mold cavities and parting line of silicone molds after pouring. The silicone mold White SD - THT was thermally stressed by pouring of ZnAl4Cu3 zinc alloy with pouring cycle 20, 30 and 40 seconds. The most thermally stressed part of surface at each pouring cycle is gating system and mold cavities. It could be further concluded that linear increase of the pouring cycle time leads to the exponential increasing of the maximum temperature of mold surface after its cooling. The elongated pouring cycle increases the temperature accumulated on the surface of cavities and the ability of silicone mold to conduct the heat on its surface decreases, because the low thermal conductivity of silicone molds enables the conduction of larger amount of heat into ambient environment.
Grip Force Modulation Characteristics as a Marker for Clinical Disease Progression in Individuals With Parkinson Disease: Case-Control Study
Authors: Pradhan Sujata , Scherer Reinhold , Matsuoka Yoky , Kelly Valerie E.
Published: December 2014

Background

Upper extremity deficits are prevalent in individuals with Parkinson disease (PD). In the early stages of PD, such deficits can be subtle and challenging to document on clinical examination.

Objective

The purpose of this study was to use a novel force sensor system to characterize grip force modulation, including force, temporal, and movement quality parameters, during a fine motor control task in individuals with early stage PD.

Design

A case-control study was conducted.

Methods

Fourteen individuals with early stage PD were compared with a control group of 14 healthy older adults. The relationship of force modulation parameters with motor symptom severity and disease chronicity also was assessed in people with PD. Force was measured during both precision and power grasp tasks using an instrumented twist-cap device capable of rotating in either direction.

Results

Compared with the control group, the PD group demonstrated more movement arrests during both precision and power grasp and longer total movement times during the power grasp. These deficits persisted when a concurrent cognitive task was added, with some evidence of force control deficits in the PD group, including lower rates of force production during the precision grasp task and higher peak forces during the power grasp task. For precision grasp, a higher number of movement arrests in single- and dual-task conditions as well as longer total movement times in the dual-task condition were associated with more severe motor symptoms.

Limitations

The sample was small and consisted of individuals in the early stages of PD with mild motor deficits. The group with PD was predominantly male, whereas the control group was predominantly female.

Conclusion

The results suggest that assessing grip force modulation deficits during fine motor tasks is possible with instrumented devices, and such sensitive measures may be important for detecting and tracking change early in the progression of PD.
Campus Repsol. Construction of Structure
Authors: Ortiz Fco. Javier R. , Sánchez Angel , Sánchez Ramón
Published: December 2014

This communication describes the construction process of a really complex structure, with multiple linkages between elements of very distinct individuality (both structural and architectural), which have an inherent and strong interrelationship; particularly between the structure and the facade (the first is part of the last). This defines structural forms taken to the extreme, which cause difficulties and a huge work to take the step from the projected to the construction structure.
Structural Innovations Inspired by Growth, Genetics, and Emergence Theory
Authors: Sarkisian Mark , Shook David
Published: December 2014

Understanding the process and greater context in which elements in nature are produced enables considerations for integrated solutions that can be mathematically described and applied to the built environment. These ideas are based on applying fundamental engineering principles to complex problems. Specific building examples will be used to illustrate the correlations of aesthetics, function, design, and efficiency by considering these methods in design.
Load Combination Related to Wind Load for the Design of Long-span Bridges
Authors: Yoo Chul-Hwan , Kim Ho-Kyung
Published: December 2014

Korean researchers and engineers are launching design guidelines of cable-supported bridges targeting a 200-year lifetime. The guidelines are based on reliability analysis and the wind load factor is also proposed by utilizing long-term wind speed data collected from 61 weather stations. This paper introduces the probability models and proposed load factors for the design of cable- supported bridges particularly for wind loads.
Investigation and Study of Prestressed Continuous Beam Arch Bridge in China's High-speed Railway
Authors: Liu Yao
Published: December 2014

To reduce the use of farm land, protect the ecological balance and avoid bad foundation, the bridge applied to China High-speed railway is in larger proportion. The spanning capacity of bridge is crucial when across rivers and other obstacles, as a result, long-span continuous arch bridge becomes one of the feasible schemes.

Continuous composite arch bridge as a new structure is composed of different type of structures such as continuous beam bridge, arch bridge and composite structure. The beam-arch combined structure possess the advantages of bearing load, the good stiffness of the structure, less height of architecture and mature construction methods, and this type of bridge will become one of the most competitive bridges in the future. This paper reviews the application of continuous beam arch composite bridge and explains the designing characteristics of China High-speed Railway, including design parameters, Mechanics, aesthetics and traffic. In addition, taking the continuous beam-arch combined structure of the Songhua River Bridge and Sandy Bay Waterway Bridge as the research background, the introduces were done in detail on the beam-arch combined structure, including the design parameters, structure styles, construction technology and key technology of high speed railway continuous beam arch bridge for providing the reference to the similar works.
Evaluation of expansion joints in Austria
Authors: Lachinger Stefan , Strauss Alfred , Kwapisz Maciej , Zimmermann Thomas , Kleiser Michael , Hoffmann Simon
Published: December 2014

Road expansion joints on motorway bridges are heavily loaded structural elements. Due to ageing of infrastructure, rising traffic loads and structural deficits of older expansion joints, many joints are subject to regular maintenance and do not reach their design service life.

The project EVAF (“Development of wear-resistant expansion joints for bridges”) was set up to develop robust and low-maintenance designs of expansion joints, based on investigations on motorway bridges in Austria. This paper presents results from the first part of the project, where an inspection survey was carried out using manual inspection and data from a routine monitoring device. Expansion joints were assessed based on a damage catalogue, and common damage types were identified. A numerical analysis based on idealized as well as on measured road surface levels shows the dynamic load amplification occurring on expansion joints to give general rules on installation with respect to level differences in the road surface.
M48 Severn Crossing, UK. Wye Bridge / Beachley Viaduct Rocker Replacement
Authors: Murphy Chris , Mulcahy Aogan , Cutter Jeremy
Published: December 2014

The original design of the Wye Bridge and Beachley Viaduct accommodated thermal movements with an expansion joint – located at approximately the mid-point of the structure. This paper describes the development and execution of a scheme to address the material wear at the bearing surfaces and to improve the ride-quality over the joint by replacing the two rocker arm units which link the box girders either side of the expansion joint.
Wireless control of intraspinal microstimulation in a rodent model of paralysis
Authors: Grahn Peter J. , Lee Kendall H. , Kasasbeh Aimen , Mallory Grant W. , Hachmann Jan T. , Dube John R. , Kimble Christopher J. , Lobel Darlene A. , Bieber Allan , Jeong Ju Ho , Bennet Kevin E. , Lujan J. Luis
Published: December 2014

OBJECT

Despite a promising outlook, existing intraspinal microstimulation (ISMS) techniques for restoring functional motor control after spinal cord injury are not yet suitable for use outside a controlled laboratory environment. Thus, successful application of ISMS therapy in humans will require the use of versatile chronic neurostimulation systems. The objective of this study was to establish proof of principle for wireless control of ISMS to evoke controlled motor function in a rodent model of complete spinal cord injury.

METHODS

The lumbar spinal cord in each of 17 fully anesthetized Sprague-Dawley rats was stimulated via ISMS electrodes to evoke hindlimb function. Nine subjects underwent complete surgical transection of the spinal cord at the T-4 level 7 days before stimulation. Targeting for both groups (spinalized and control) was performed under visual inspection via dorsal spinal cord landmarks such as the dorsal root entry zone and the dorsal median fissure. Teflon-insulated stimulating platinum-iridium microwire electrodes (50 μm in diameter, with a 30- to 60-μm exposed tip) were implanted within the ventral gray matter to an approximate depth of 1.8 mm. Electrode implantation was performed using a free-hand delivery technique (n = 12) or a Kopf spinal frame system (n = 5) to compare the efficacy of these 2 commonly used targeting techniques. Stimulation was controlled remotely using a wireless neurostimulation control system. Hindlimb movements evoked by stimulation were tracked via kinematic markers placed on the hips, knees, ankles, and paws. Postmortem fixation and staining of the spinal cord tissue were conducted to determine the final positions of the stimulating electrodes within the spinal cord tissue.

RESULTS

The results show that wireless ISMS was capable of evoking controlled and sustained activation of ankle, knee, and hip muscles in 90% of the spinalized rats (n = 9) and 100% of the healthy control rats (n = 8). No functional differences between movements evoked by either of the 2 targeting techniques were revealed. However, frame-based targeting required fewer electrode penetrations to evoke target movements.

CONCLUSIONS

Clinical restoration of functional movement via ISMS remains a distant goal. However, the technology presented herein represents the first step toward restoring functional independence for individuals with chronic spinal cord injury.
Stereotactic radiosurgery for intracranial dural arteriovenous fistulas: a systematic review
Authors: Chen Ching-Jen , Lee Cheng-Chia , Ding Dale , Starke Robert M. , Chivukula Srinivas , Yen Chun-Po , Moosa Shayan , Xu Zhiyuan , Pan David Hung-Chi , Sheehan Jason P.
Published: December 2014

OBJECT

The goal of this study was to evaluate the obliteration rate of intracranial dural arteriovenous fistulas (DAVFs) in patients treated with stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS), and to compare obliteration rates between cavernous sinus (CS) and noncavernous sinus (NCS) DAVFs, and between DAVFs with and without cortical venous drainage (CVD).

METHODS

A systematic literature review was performed using PubMed. The CS DAVFs and the NCS DAVFs were categorized using the Barrow and Borden classification systems, respectively. The DAVFs were also categorized by location and by the presence of CVD. Statistical analyses of pooled data were conducted to assess complete obliteration rates in CS and NCS DAVFs, and in DAVFs with and without CVD.

RESULTS

Nineteen studies were included, comprising 729 patients harboring 743 DAVFs treated with SRS. The mean obliteration rate was 63% (95% CI 52.4%–73.6%). Complete obliteration for CS and NCS DAVFs was achieved in 73% and 58% of patients, respectively. No significant difference in obliteration rates between CS and NCS DAVFs was found (OR 1.72, 95% CI 0.66–4.46; p = 0.27). Complete obliteration in DAVFs with and without CVD was observed in 56% and 75% of patients, respectively. A significantly higher obliteration rate was observed in DAVFs without CVD compared with DAVFs with CVD (OR 2.37, 95% CI 1.07–5.28; p = 0.03).

CONCLUSIONS

Treatment with SRS offers favorable rates of DAVF obliteration with low complication rates. Patients harboring DAVFs that are refractory or not amenable to endovascular or surgical therapy may be safely and effectively treated using SRS.
High-resolution18F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography and magnetic resonance imaging for pituitary adenoma detection in Cushing disease
Authors: Chittiboina Prashant , Montgomery Blake K. , Millo Corina , Herscovitch Peter , Lonser Russell R.
Published: December 2014

OBJECT

High-resolution PET (hrPET) performed using a high-resolution research tomograph is reported as having a resolution of 2 mm and could be used to detect corticotroph adenomas through uptake of18F-fluorodeoxyglucose (18F-FDG). To determine the sensitivity of this imaging modality, the authors compared18F-FDG hrPET and MRI detection of pituitary adenomas in Cushing disease (CD).

METHODS

Consecutive patients with CD who underwent preoperative18F-FDG hrPET and MRI (spin echo [SE] and spoiled gradient recalled [SPGR] sequences) were prospectively analyzed. Standardized uptake values (SUVs) were calculated from hrPET and were compared with MRI findings. Imaging findings were correlated to operative and histological findings.

RESULTS

Ten patients (7 females and 3 males) were included (mean age 30.8 ± 19.3 years; range 11–59 years). MRI revealed a pituitary adenoma in 4 patients (40% of patients) on SE and 7 patients (70%) on SPGR sequences.18F-FDG hrPET demonstrated increased18F-FDG uptake consistent with an adenoma in 4 patients (40%; adenoma size range 3–14 mm). Maximum SUV was significantly higher for18F-FDG hrPET–positive tumors (difference = 5.1, 95% CI 2.1–8.1; p = 0.004) than for18F-FDG hrPET–negative tumors.18F-FDG hrPET positivity was not associated with tumor volume (p = 0.2) or dural invasion (p = 0.5). Midnight and morning ACTH levels were associated with18F-FDG hrPET positivity (p = 0.01 and 0.04, respectively) and correlated with the maximum SUV (R = 0.9; p = 0.001) and average SUV (R = 0.8; p = 0.01). All18F-FDG hrPET–positive adenomas had a less than a 180% ACTH increase and18F-FDG hrPET–negative adenomas had a greater than 180% ACTH increase after CRH stimulation (p = 0.03). Three adenomas were detected on SPGR MRI sequences that were not detected by18F-FDG hrPET imaging. Two adenomas not detected on SE (but no adenomas not detected on SPGR) were detected on18F-FDG hrPET.

CONCLUSIONS

While18F-FDG hrPET imaging can detect small functioning corticotroph adenomas and is more sensitive than SE MRI, SPGR MRI is more sensitive than18F-FDG hrPET and SE MRI in the detection of CD-associated pituitary adenomas. Response to CRH stimulation can predict18F-FDG hrPET–positive adenomas in CD.
Evolution of a chronic dissecting aneurysm on magnetic resonance imaging in a pediatric patient
Authors: Chen Long , Yau Ivanna , deVeber Gabrielle , Dirks Peter , Armstrong Derek , Krings Timo
Published: December 2014

Clinical and imaging manifestations of the so-called partially thrombosed aneurysm (PTA) are different from those of the classic intracranial saccular aneurysm. Given some of their peculiar imaging features, it had been hypothesized that some PTAs occur due to repeated intramural hemorrhages. The authors present a case of PTA that evolved from an acute dissecting aneurysm as shown by serial imaging. A previously healthy 5-year-old boy had a sudden onset of left hemiparesis. Initial MRI sequences showed a perforating vessel infarction in the right basal ganglia area secondary to an acute distal middle cerebral artery (MCA) dissection as demonstrated on conventional angiography. Conservative management with close observation of this dissection was chosen, and serial MRI studies revealed layering of blood of various ages within the wall of an aneurysmal outpouching of the MCA, thereby leading to the imaging appearance of a PTA. The findings in this case indicate that some PTAs may be caused by repeated or chronic dissections, with blood entering the wall through an endothelial defect. Understanding the pathological mechanism underlying the formation of these aneurysms will help inform appropriate treatment strategies.
Evaluating the relationship of the pB–C2 line to clinical outcomes in a 15-year single-center cohort of pediatric Chiari I malformation
Authors: Ladner Travis R. , Dewan Michael C. , Day Matthew A. , Shannon Chevis N. , Tomycz Luke , Tulipan Noel , Wellons John C.
Published: December 2014

OBJECT

The clinical significance of radiological measurements of the craniocervical junction in pediatric Chiari I malformation (CM-I) is yet to be fully established across the field. The authors examined their institutional experience with the pB–C2 line (drawn perpendicular to a line drawn between the basion and the posterior aspect of the C-2 vertebral body, at the most posterior extent of the odontoid process at the dural interface). The pB–C2 line is a measure of ventral canal encroachment, and its relationship with symptomatology and syringomyelia in pediatric CM-I was assessed.

METHODS

The authors performed a retrospective review of 119 patients at the Monroe Carell Jr. Children's Hospital at Vanderbilt University who underwent posterior fossa decompression with duraplasty, 78 of whom had imaging for review. A neuroradiologist retrospectively evaluated preoperative and postoperative MRI examinations performed in these 78 patients, measuring the pB–C2 line length and documenting syringomyelia. The pB–C2 line length was divided into Grade 0 (< 3 mm) and Grade I (≥ 3 mm). Statistical analysis was performed using the t-test for continuous variables and Fisher's exact test analysis for categorical variables. Multivariate logistic and linear regression analyses were performed to assess the relationship between pB–C2 line grade and clinical variables found significant on univariate analysis, controlling for age and sex.

RESULTS

The mean patient age was 8.5 years, and the mean follow-up duration was 2.4 years. The mean pB–C2 line length was 3.5 mm (SD 2 mm), ranging from 0 to 10 mm. Overall, 65.4% of patients had a Grade I pB–C2 line. Patients with Grade I pB–C2 lines were 51% more likely to have a syrinx than those with Grade 0 pB–C2 lines (RR 1.513 [95% CI 1.024–2.90], p = 0.021) and, when present, had greater syrinx reduction (3.6 mm vs 0.2 mm, p = 0.002). Although there was no preoperative difference in headache incidence, postoperatively patients with Grade I pB–C2 lines were 69% more likely to have headache reduction than those with Grade 0 pB–C2 lines (RR 1.686 [95% CI 1.035–2.747], p = 0.009). After controlling for age and sex, pB–C2 line grade remained an independent correlate of headache improvement and syrinx reduction.

CONCLUSIONS

Ventral canal encroachment may explain the symptomatology of select patients with CM-I. The clinical findings presented suggest that patients with Grade I pB–C lines2, with increased ventral canal obstruction, may experience a higher likelihood of syrinx reduction and headache resolution from decompressive surgery with duraplasty than those with Grade 0 pB–C2 lines.
Estimation of Black Carbon Emissions from Dry Dipterocarp Forest Fires in Thailand
Authors: Chaiyo Ubonwan , Garivait Savitri
Published: December 2014

This study focused on the estimation of black carbon emissions from dry dipterocarp forest fires in Thailand. Field experiments were set up at the natural forest, Mae Nam Phachi wildlife sanctuary, Ratchaburi Province, Thailand. The dead leaves were the main component consumed of the surface biomass with coverage higher than 90% in volume and mass. The dead leaves load was 342 ± 190 g∙m−2 and followed by a little mass load of twig, 100 g∙m−2. The chemical analysis of the dead leaves showed that the carbon content in the experimental biomass fuel was 45.81 ± 0.04%. From the field experiments, it was found that 88.38 ± 2.02% of the carbon input was converted to carbon released to the atmosphere, while less than 10% were left in the form of residues, and returned to soil. The quantity of dead leaves consumed to produce each gram of carbon released was 2.40 ± 0.02 gdry biomass burned. From the study, the emissions factor of carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, particulate matter (PM2.5) and black carbon amounted 1329, 90, 26.19 and 2.83 g∙kg−1dry biomass burned, respectively. In Thailand, the amount of black carbon emissions from dry dipterocarp forest fires amounted 17.43 tonnes∙y−1.
Analysis of Intensity-Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT), Proton and 3D Conformal Radiotherapy (3D-CRT) for Reducing Perioperative Cardiopulmonary Complications in Esophageal Cancer Patients
Authors: Ling Ted , Slater Jerry , Nookala Prashanth , Mifflin Rachel , Grove Roger , Ly Anh , Patyal Baldev , Slater Jerry , Yang Gary
Published: December 2014

Background. While neoadjuvant concurrent chemoradiotherapy has improved outcomes for esophageal cancer patients, surgical complication rates remain high. The most frequent perioperative complications after trimodality therapy were cardiopulmonary in nature. The radiation modality utilized can be a strong mitigating factor of perioperative complications given the location of the esophagus and its proximity to the heart and lungs. The purpose of this study is to make a dosimetric comparison of Intensity-Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT), proton and 3D conformal radiotherapy (3D-CRT) with regard to reducing perioperative cardiopulmonary complications in esophageal cancer patients. Materials. Ten patients with esophageal cancer treated between 2010 and 2013 were evaluated in this study. All patients were simulated with contrast-enhanced CT imaging. Separate treatment plans using proton radiotherapy, IMRT, and 3D-CRT modalities were created for each patient. Dose-volume histograms were calculated and analyzed to compare plans between the three modalities. The organs at risk (OAR) being evaluated in this study are the heart, lungs, and spinal cord. To determine statistical significance, ANOVA and two-tailed paired t-tests were performed for all data parameters. Results. The proton plans showed decreased dose to various volumes of the heart and lungs in comparison to both the IMRT and 3D-CRT plans. There was no difference between the IMRT and 3D-CRT plans in dose delivered to the lung or heart. This finding was seen consistently across the parameters analyzed in this study. Conclusions. In patients receiving radiation therapy for esophageal cancer, proton plans are technically feasible while achieving adequate coverage with lower doses delivered to the lungs and cardiac structures. This may result in decreased cardiopulmonary toxicity and less morbidity to esophageal cancer patients.
Oronasal Fistula and Complete Edentulism: What to Do?
Authors: Kaur Pushappreet , Kaur Jaspinder
Published: December 2014

Oronasal fistula is an internal fistula which represents an abnormal epitheliazed tract between oral and nasal cavity, thus impairing associated functions of deglutition and speech by nasal regurgitation of fluid and nasal speech respectively, besides risk of nasal infection resulting from food lodgement. This paper provides a brief yet definitive insight on the etiology, diagnosis and surgical closure of oronasal fistula along with a case report and discussion on prosthodontic rehabilitation of a 65 year old female with an iatrogenic oronasal fistula developed as a result of maxillary molar extraction using a complete metal based denture.
Detecting Chaos from Agricultural Product Price Time Series
Authors: Su Xin , Wang Yi , Duan Shengsen , Ma Junhai
Published: December 2014

Analysis of the characteristics of agricultural product price volatility and trend forecasting are necessary to formulate and implement agricultural price control policies. Taking wholesale cabbage prices as an example, a multiple test methodology has been adopted to identify the nonlinearity, fractality, and chaos of the data. The approaches used include the R/S analysis, the BDS test, the power spectra, the recurrence plot, the largest Lyapunov exponent, the Kolmogorov entropy, and the correlation dimension. The results show that there is chaos in agricultural wholesale price data, which provides a good theoretical basis for selecting reasonable forecasting models as prediction techniques based on chaos theory can be applied to forecasting agricultural prices.
Current Challenges and Perspectives for Governing Forest Restoration
Authors: Guariguata Manuel , Brancalion Pedro
Published: December 2014

Negotiation, reconciliation of multiple scales through both ecological and social dimensions and minimization of power imbalances are considered critical challenges to overcome for effective governance of forest restoration. Finding the right mix of “command and control” in forest restoration vs. “environmental governance”, which includes non-state actors, regulatory flexibility, and market based instruments is at the heart of these challenges. This Special Issue attempts at shedding light on these challenges with case studies from South and Central America, Africa, and Asia. Some provide within-country as well as cross-country comparisons. A few others present case studies at the household level. Both policy and legal constraints towards implementing forest restoration are also discussed as a function of top down vs. bottom up approaches. The effectiveness of payments for environmental services is examined as catalyzers of forest restoration initiatives. Finally, two papers deal with the legal and policy constraints in making restoration through natural regeneration a viable and cost-effective tool. In the face of renewed perspectives for expanding forest restoration programs globally, governance issues will likely play a key role in eventually determining success. As many of the papers in this Special Issue suggest, the fate of forest restoration outcomes is, more often than not, associated with overall governance challenges, some of which are often overlooked particularly across multiple scales.
The Association between Road Traffic Noise Exposure, Annoyance and Health-Related Quality of Life (HRQOL)
Authors: Héritier Harris , Vienneau Danielle , Frei Patrizia , Eze Ikenna , Brink Mark , Probst-Hensch Nicole , Röösli Martin
Published: December 2014

The aim of this study is to investigate the relationships between road traffic noise exposure, annoyance caused by different noise sources and validated health indicators in a cohort of 1375 adults from the region of Basel, Switzerland. Road traffic noise exposure for each study participant was determined using modelling, and annoyance from various noise sources was inquired by means of a four-point Likert scale. Regression parameters from multivariable regression models for the von Zerssen score of somatic symptoms (point symptom score increase per annoyance category) showed strongest associations with annoyance from industry noise (2.36, 95% CI: 1.54, 3.17), neighbour noise (1.62, 95% CI: 1.17, 2.06) and road traffic noise (1.53, 95% CI: 1.09, 1.96). Increase in modelled noise exposure by 10 dB(A) resulted in a von Zerssen symptom score increase of 0.47 (95% CI: −0.01, 0.95) units. Subsequent structural equation modelling revealed that the association between physical noise exposure and health-related quality of life (HRQOL) is strongly mediated by annoyance and sleep disturbance. This study elucidates the complex interplay of different factors for the association between physical noise exposure and HRQOL.
The RichWPS Environment for Orchestration
Authors: Bensmann Felix , Alcacer-Labrador Dorian , Ziegenhagen Dennis , Roosmann Rainer
Published: December 2014

Web service (WS) orchestration can be considered as a fundamental concept in service-oriented architectures (SOA), as well as in spatial data infrastructures (SDI). In recent years in SOA, advanced solutions were developed, such as realizing orchestrated web services on the basis of already existing more fine-granular web services by using standardized notations and existing orchestration engines. Even if the concepts can be mapped to the field of SDI, on a conceptual level the implementations target different goals. As a specialized form of a common web service, an Open Geospatial Consortium (OGC) web service (OWS) is optimized for a specific purpose. On the technological level, web services depend on standards like the Web Service Description Language (WSDL) or the Simple Object Access Protocol (SOAP). However OWS are different. Consequently, a new concept for OWS orchestration is needed that works on the interface provided by OWS. Such a concept is presented in this work. The major component is an orchestration engine integrated in a Web Processing Service (WPS) server that uses a domain specific language (DSL) for workflow description. The developed concept is the base for the realization of new functionality, such as workflow testing, and workflow optimization.
Comprehensive Analysis of Neonatal versus Adult Unilateral Decortication in a Mouse Model Using Behavioral, Neuroanatomical, and DNA Microarray Approaches
Authors: Yoshikawa Akira , Nakamachi Tomoya , Shibato Junko , Rakwal Randeep , Shioda Seiji
Published: December 2014

Previously, studying the development, especially of corticospinal neurons, it was concluded that the main compensatory mechanism after unilateral brain injury in rat at the neonatal stage was due in part to non-lesioned ipsilateral corticospinal neurons that escaped selection by axonal elimination or neuronal apoptosis. However, previous results suggesting compensatory mechanism in neonate brain were not correlated with high functional recovery. Therefore, what is the difference among neonate and adult in the context of functional recovery and potential mechanism(s) therein? Here, we utilized a brain unilateral decortication mouse model and compared motor functional recovery mechanism post-neonatal brain hemisuction (NBH) with adult brain hemisuction (ABH). Three analyses were performed: (1) Quantitative behavioral analysis of forelimb movements using ladder walking test; (2) neuroanatomical retrograde tracing analysis of unlesioned side corticospinal neurons; and (3) differential global gene expressions profiling in unlesioned-side neocortex (rostral from bregma) in NBH and ABH on a 8 × 60 K mouse whole genome Agilent DNA chip. Behavioral data confirmed higher recovery ability in NBH over ABH is related to non-lesional frontal neocortex including rostral caudal forelimb area. A first inventory of differentially expressed genes genome-wide in the NBH and ABH mouse model is provided as a resource for the scientific community.
Effect of Temperature on the Growth of Silver Nanoparticles Using Plasmon-Mediated Method under the Irradiation of Green LEDs
Authors: Lee Shan-Wei , Chang Shi-Hise , Lai Yen-Shang , Lin Chang-Cheng , Tsai Chin-Min , Lee Yao-Chang , Chen Jui-Chang , Huang Cheng-Liang
Published: December 2014

Plasmon-mediated shape conversion of spherical silver nanoparticles (NPs) to nanostructures with other shapes under the irradiation of green LEDs (520 ± 20 nm, 35 mw/cm2) at various temperatures (60, 40, 20, 10, 5, and 0 °C) was performed in this study. It was found that the bath temperature used in the reaction can influence the reaction rates, i.e., the times needed for the shape transformation process were 5, 11.5, 25, 45, 72, and 100 h at 60, 40, 20, 10, 5, and 0 °C, respectively. In addition, the bath temperature can also alter the morphologies of the final products. The major products are silver nanoplates at 60, 40 and 20 °C. However, they became decahedral silver NPs at 5 and 0 °C. The percentages of decahedral silver NPs synthesized at 60, 40, 20, 10, 5, and 0 °C are 0%, 1%, 5%, 45%, 73%, and 89%, respectively. Measuring the surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) spectra of the probe molecule R6G in the presence of KBr showed that both silver nanoplate colloids synthesized at 60 °C and decahedral silver NP colloids synthesized at 0 °C in the absence of PVP had good SERS activities.
Stress Corrosion Cracking of an Austenitic Stainless Steel in Nitrite-Containing Chloride Solutions
Authors: Raman R. , Siew Wai
Published: December 2014

This article describes the susceptibility of 316L stainless steel to stress corrosion cracking (SCC) in a nitrite-containing chloride solution. Slow strain rate testing (SSRT) in 30 wt. % MgCl2 solution established SCC susceptibility, as evidenced by post-SSRT fractography. Addition of nitrite to the chloride solution, which is reported to have inhibitive influence on corrosion of stainless steels, was found to increase SCC susceptibility. The susceptibility was also found to increase with nitrite concentration. This behaviour is explained on the basis of the passivation and pitting characteristics of 316L steel in chloride solution.
On the Utilization of Pozzolanic Wastes as an Alternative Resource of Cement
Authors: Karim Md. , Hossain Md. , Khan Mohammad , Zain Muhammad , Jamil Maslina , Lai Fook
Published: December 2014

Recently, as a supplement of cement, the utilization of pozzolanic materials in cement and concrete manufacturing has increased significantly. This study investigates the scope to use pozzolanic wastes (slag, palm oil fuel ash and rice husk ash) as an alkali activated binder (AAB) that can be used as an alternative to cement. To activate these materials, sodium hydroxide solution was used at 1.0, 2.5 and 5.0 molar concentration added into the mortar, separately. The required solution was used to maintain the flow of mortar at 110% ± 5%. The consistency and setting time of the AAB-paste were determined. Mortar was tested for its flow, compressive strength, porosity, water absorption and thermal resistance (heating at 700 °C) and investigated by scanning electron microscopy. The experimental results reveal that AAB-mortar exhibits less flow than that of ordinary Portland cement (OPC). Surprisingly, AAB-mortars (with 2.5 molar solution) achieved a compressive strength of 34.3 MPa at 28 days, while OPC shows that of 43.9 MPa under the same conditions. Although water absorption and porosity of the AAB-mortar are slightly high, it shows excellent thermal resistance compared to OPC. Therefore, based on the test results, it can be concluded that in the presence of a chemical activator, the aforementioned pozzolans can be used as an alternative material for cement.
Combustion Synthesis and Photoluminescence Properties of Red-Emitting CaAlSiN3:Eu2+ Phosphor for White-LEDs
Authors: Chung Shyan-Lung , Huang Shu-Chi
Published: December 2014

A combustion synthesis method has been developed for synthesis of Eu2+ doped CaAlSiN3 phosphor and its photoluminescence properties were investigated. Ca, Al, Si, and Eu2O3 powders were used as the Ca, Al, Si and Eu sources. The addition of NaN3, NH4Cl and Si3N4 powders was found to increase significantly the product yield. These powders were mixed and pressed into a compact, which was then wrapped up with an igniting agent (i.e., Mg+Fe3O4). The compact was ignited by electrical heating under a N2 pressure of ≤1.0 MPa. Effects of these experimental parameters on the product yield were investigated and a reaction mechanism was proposed. The synthesized CaAlSiN3:Eu2+ phosphor absorbs light in the region of 200–600 nm and shows a broad band emission in the region of 500–800 nm due to the 4f65d1 → 4f7 transition of Eu2+. The sample doped with Eu2+ at the optimized molar ratio of 0.04 is efficiently excited by the blue light (460 nm) and generates emission peaking at ~650 nm with peak emission intensity ~106% of a commercially available phosphor, YAG:Ce3+(P46-Y3).The internal quantum efficiency of the synthesized phosphor was measured to be 71%, compared to 69% of the YAG:Ce3+ (P46-Y3).
Chemical Constituents and Bioactivities of Clinacanthus nutans Aerial Parts
Authors: Tu Shu-Fen , Liu Rosa , Cheng Yuan-Bin , Hsu Yu-Ming , Du Ying-Chi , El-Shazly Mohamed , Wu Yang-Chang , Chang Fang-Rong
Published: December 2014

Four new sulfur-containing compounds, named clinamides A-C (1–3), and 2-cis-entadamide A (4), were isolated together with three known compounds from the bioactive ethanol extract of the aerial parts of Clinacanthus nutans. These secondary metabolites possess sulfur atoms and acrylamide functionalities. The structures of the isolated components were established by interpretation of their spectroscopic data, especially 1D and 2D NMR.
Alkaloids from Marine Invertebrates as Important Leads for Anticancer Drugs Discovery and Development
Authors: Imperatore Concetta , Aiello Anna , D'Aniello Filomena , Senese Maria , Menna Marialuisa
Published: December 2014

The present review describes research on novel natural antitumor alkaloids isolated from marine invertebrates. The structure, origin, and confirmed cytotoxic activity of more than 130 novel alkaloids belonging to several structural families (indoles, pyrroles, pyrazines, quinolines, and pyridoacridines), together with some of their synthetic analogs, are illustrated. Recent discoveries concerning the current state of the potential and/or development of some of them as new drugs, as well as the current knowledge regarding their modes of action, are also summarized. A special emphasis is given to the role of marine invertebrate alkaloids as an important source of leads for anticancer drug discovery.
The Economics of Mitigation of Water Pollution Externalities from Biomass Production for Energy
Authors: Adusumilli Naveen , Lee Taesoo , Rister M. , Lacewell Ronald
Published: December 2014

To fulfill the national bioenergy goals of the United States, conversion of marginal lands to intensive biomass crop production and/or application of greater amounts of nutrients to existing cropland could be expected. Such change in agricultural practices could produce unintended environmental consequences such as water quality degradation. Select Best Management Practices (BMPs) are evaluated for water quality mitigation effectiveness as well as for their relative cost-effectiveness, issues that are often ignored in evaluation of biofuels as a sustainable solution for energy demand. The water quality impacts of converting pastureland to intensive biomass production for biofuel, evaluated using the Soil Water Assessment Tool (SWAT), indicate significant increases in erosion and nutrient loadings to water bodies. Hydrologic and economic evaluation of the BMPs indicate their implementation produced effective water pollution mitigation but at substantial costs, accentuating the sustainability issue related to the economics of renewable fuels. U.S. national energy policy designed around achieving energy independence should also consider environmental and economic trade-offs for biofuels to be an economically and environmentally sustainable alternative to fossil fuels.
Application of In-Segment Multiple Sampling in Object-Based Classification
Authors: Đurić Nataša , Pehani Peter , Oštir Krištof
Published: December 2014

When object-based analysis is applied to very high-resolution imagery, pixels within the segments reveal large spectral inhomogeneity; their distribution can be considered complex rather than normal. When normality is violated, the classification methods that rely on the assumption of normally distributed data are not as successful or accurate. It is hard to detect normality violations in small samples. The segmentation process produces segments that vary highly in size; samples can be very big or very small. This paper investigates whether the complexity within the segment can be addressed using multiple random sampling of segment pixels and multiple calculations of similarity measures. In order to analyze the effect sampling has on classification results, statistics and probability value equations of non-parametric two-sample Kolmogorov-Smirnov test and parametric Student’s t-test are selected as similarity measures in the classification process. The performance of both classifiers was assessed on a WorldView-2 image for four land cover classes (roads, buildings, grass and trees) and compared to two commonly used object-based classifiers—k-Nearest Neighbor (k-NN) and Support Vector Machine (SVM). Both proposed classifiers showed a slight improvement in the overall classification accuracies and produced more accurate classification maps when compared to the ground truth image.
Efficient Lossy Compression for Compressive Sensing Acquisition of Images in Compressive Sensing Imaging Systems
Authors: Li Xiangwei , Lan Xuguang , Yang Meng , Xue Jianru , Zheng Nanning
Published: December 2014

Compressive Sensing Imaging (CSI) is a new framework for image acquisition, which enables the simultaneous acquisition and compression of a scene. Since the characteristics of Compressive Sensing (CS) acquisition are very different from traditional image acquisition, the general image compression solution may not work well. In this paper, we propose an efficient lossy compression solution for CS acquisition of images by considering the distinctive features of the CSI. First, we design an adaptive compressive sensing acquisition method for images according to the sampling rate, which could achieve better CS reconstruction quality for the acquired image. Second, we develop a universal quantization for the obtained CS measurements from CS acquisition without knowing any a priori information about the captured image. Finally, we apply these two methods in the CSI system for efficient lossy compression of CS acquisition. Simulation results demonstrate that the proposed solution improves the rate-distortion performance by 0.4~2 dB comparing with current state-of-the-art, while maintaining a low computational complexity.
A Monetary Measure of Inclusive Goods: The Concept of Deliberative Appraisal in the Context of Urban Agriculture
Authors: Miccoli Saverio , Finucci Fabrizio , Murro Rocco
Published: December 2014

In the major U.S. and European cities (e.g., Detroit, Seattle, San Francisco, London, Paris, etc.) that since 2007 have been feeling the effects of the international economic crisis, regeneration processes have been set up thanks, among other things, to the synergic impact generated by urban agriculture (UA). There are numerous and greatly varied effects, linked to localization, that are consistent with the paradigm of sustainable development, although the sporadic, spontaneous, and discontinued nature of UA conditions its capacity to strongly influence an entire community. With a view to enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of urban agriculture, and to facilitating its planning, this study puts forward the implementation of an organized and multifunctional agro-urban system. The consent of the population involved is vital for the creation and implementation of the system, therefore ascertaining not only the existence but also the level of social appreciation of this resource is of paramount importance. With the aim of providing a suitable methodology for ascertaining the social appreciation of the stakeholders in the agro-urban system, the paper puts forward a deliberative monetary appraisal that combines an economic valuation based on hypothetic scenarios with direct, inclusive, and dialogic approaches. In this paper we present: (1) a general overview of the main characteristics of urban agriculture and related problems; (2) the principal methodological elements for defining and planning an agro-urban system; and (3) guidelines for a deliberative appraisal procedure related to an agro-urban system.
Comment on Warrick, B.J., Boyer, L.V., Seifert, S.A. Non-Native (Exotic) Snake Envenomations in the U.S., 2005–2011. Toxins 2014, 6, 2899–2911
Authors: Valenta Jiri , Michalek Pavel , Stach Zdenek
Published: December 2014

We have read with interest the article by Warrick et al., which was recently published in this journal [1]. The authors provided in their discussion reference and some comments to our article published in the journal “Clinical Toxicology” earlier this year [2]. We appreciate their interest in our work, however, we would like to correct some information provided by Warrick et al.[...]