bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of Roadway Contaminants on Titanium Dioxide Photodegradation of Nitrogen Oxides
Authors: Dylla Heather , Hassan Marwa M. , Schmitt Marion , Rupnow Tyson , Mohammad Louay N. , Wright Earle
Published: December 2011

Nitrogen oxides (NOx) emitted from vehicle exhaust are associated with negative health impacts and are a precursor to ozone production. Self-cleaning, air-purifying concrete pavement is a rapidly emerging technology that can degrade pollutants such as NOx through heterogeneous photocatalysis. Photocatalytic layers include titanium dioxide nanoparticles that can trap and degrade organic and inorganic particles in the air and thus remove harmful gases from the air in the presence of ultraviolet light (sunlight). In addition, their superhydrophilic properties allow them to self-clean in the presence of rain. Although this technology has the potential to support environmentally friendly road infrastructure, the impacts of a number of design and operational parameters on the technology's effectiveness need to be evaluated before full-scale implementation. The objective of this study was to measure the impact of common roadway contaminants on the effectiveness of the ability of photocatalytic roadways to remove NOx from the atmosphere. Three common roadway contaminants were tested—dirt, deicing salt, and motor oil—at two contrasting coverage levels. Results of the experimental program showed that the three contaminant types had a strong negative impact on the photocatalytic NOx removal efficiency. The impact of the coverage of contaminants largely depended on the soilure type, with oil having the largest negative impact. An increase in the flow rate and air relative humidity also resulted in lower NOx efficiencies.
Efforts to Improve Quality Assurance and Quality Control of Concrete in Virginia
Authors: Ozyildirim Celik
Published: December 2011

Some efforts undertaken by the Virginia Department of Transportation (DOT) to improve the quality assurance and quality control of concrete are described. Such improvements lead to safe, cost-effective structures that require minimal maintenance and minimal inconvenience to travelers. Virginia DOT's primary effort in this regard is to develop end-result specifications for hydraulic cement concrete that include concrete parameters or characteristics that are expected to lead to satisfactory performance. End-result specifications address the certification of personnel and equipment that ensures proper equipment is used and that workers are knowledgeable and capable of conducting the tests or inspections. The concrete produced is within the authority and responsibility of the contractor or producer. Concrete is prequalified before delivery to the job site. The contactor conducts the prequalification tests on fresh and hardened concretes and performs part of the acceptance tests related to the fresh concrete. Virginia DOT is responsible for acceptance tests on hardened concrete only. Record keeping of data is required for the prequalification and during construction. Data are collected not only for future reference but also to apply necessary corrections during the project. Any discrepancies or unsatisfactory responses are immediately addressed.
Effect of Fiber Addition, Heat Treatment, and Preset Pressure on Mechanical Properties of Ultra-High-Strength Mortars
Authors: Harish K. V. , Dattatreya J. K. , Neelamegam M.
Published: December 2011

In this study, efforts were undertaken to produce ultra-high-strength mortars (UHSM) from conventionally available materials. Selection of mixtures and optimization of mixtures were achieved by adopting the basic principles of UHSM and through trial studies. A preliminary investigation was carried out to assess the effects of different curing regimes on the strength development of UHSM. Effects of fiber addition, heat treatment, and preset pressure on the rate of strength development of UHSM mixtures were individually assessed to better understand their benefits in the production of UHSM. Mechanical properties of the heat-treated UHSM were then investigated to determine the performance of the UHSM developed from conventional materials. Results from this study suggested that for the production of UHSM, a multiple curing regime was best suited and was then used for further studies. Data on strength development indicated that heat treatment increased the strengths by 57% to 75%. With application of preset pressure, the compressive strengths of UHSM were increased significantly by 15% to 18%. The optimum quantity of fibers to produce UHSM was found to be 2% to 3%. Effectiveness of fibers in increasing the strength of UHSM was found to be higher for heat-cured specimens than for normal water-cured specimens. The maximum target strengths obtained from the UHSM were 194 MPa, 24 MPa, and 31 MPa for compression, split tension, and flexure, respectively. The UHSM also showed improved energy absorption and toughness characteristics, especially at higher-fiber dosages.
Optimizing Aggregates to Reduce Cement in Concrete without Reducing Quality
Authors: Fowler David W. , Rached Marc M.
Published: December 2011

Of the constituents of concrete, cement is the most expensive and has the largest carbon footprint. High cement content in concrete affects the durability of concrete. Shrinkage in concrete generally increases with increase in cement content; however, increasing the aggregate content provides more volume stability. Cement content can be reduced with the proper selection of aggregates and use of admixtures. Two approaches are considered: (a) optimizing aggregate gradation by varying aggregate and paste content and (b) replacing cement with mineral fillers (microfines). For each mixture, the high-range water-reducing admixture dosage was adjusted to maintain a constant slump (workability). The effects on slump, compressive strength, drying shrinkage, permeability, and abrasion were measured. Results show that both methods can be used to reduce cement content, maintain or improve performance, and reduce cost, with a more sustainable concrete as the end result.
Thermophysical Optimization of Specialized Concrete Pavement Materials for Collection of Surface Heat Energy and Applications for Shallow Heat Storage
Authors: Dehdezi Pejman Keikhaei , Hall Matthew R. , Dawson Andrew
Published: December 2011

Great potential exists to use pavement structures to collect or store solar energy for heating and cooling of adjacent buildings, for example, airport terminals and shopping malls. Therefore, pavement materials comprising both conventional and unconventional concrete mixtures with a wide range of densities, thermal conductivities, specific heat capacities, and thermal diffusivities were investigated. The thermophysical properties were then used as inputs to a one-dimensional transient heat transport model to evaluate temperature changes at various depths at which heat might be abstracted or stored. Results indicated that a high diffusivity pavement (e.g., one that incorporated high conductive aggregates or metallic fibers, or both) could significantly enhance heat transfer as well as reduce thermal stresses across the concrete slab. However, a low diffusivity concrete could induce a more stable temperature at shallower depths and enable easier heat storage in the pavement, which would help to reduce the risk of damage caused by freeze–thaw cycling in cold regions.
Key Factors Affecting the Accuracy of Reidentification of Trucks over Long Distances Based on Axle Measurement Data
Authors: Cetin Mecit , Monsere Christopher M. , Nichols Andrew P. , Ustun Ilyas
Published: December 2011

Vehicle reidentification methods can be used to anonymously match vehicles crossing two locations based on vehicle attribute data. This paper investigates key factors that affect the accuracy of vehicle reidentification algorithms. The analyses are performed with reidentification algorithms to match commercial vehicles that cross upstream and downstream pairs of weigh-in-motion (WIM) sites that are separated by long distances, ranging from 70 to 214 mi. The data to support this research come from 17 fixed WIM sites in Oregon. Data from 14 pairs of WIM sites are used to evaluate how various factors affect matching accuracy; factors include the distance between two sites, travel time variability, truck volumes, and sensor accuracy or consistency of measurements. After the vehicle reidentification algorithm is run for each of these 14 pairs of sites, the matching error rates are reported. The results from the testing data sets show a large variation in terms of accuracy. Sensor accuracy and volumes have the greatest impacts on matching accuracy; distance alone does not have a significant effect.
Vehicle-to-Infrastructure Traffic Information System for the Work Zone Based on Dedicated Short-Range Communication
Authors: Maitipe Buddhika R. , Hayee M. I. , Kwon Eil
Published: December 2011

This paper describes the architecture, functionality, and field demonstration of a newly developed dedicated short-range communication (DSRC)–based vehicle-to-infrastructure communication system for improving traffic efficiency and safety in work-zone-related congestion buildup on U.S. roadways. The goal was to develop a portable system that could be easily deployed at a work-zone site to acquire and communicate important travel information, such as the start of congestion (SoC) and travel time (TT) of the driver. With this information, drivers could make informed decisions about route choice and be prepared for upcoming congestion. The system is composed of a portable roadside unit, which can engage the onboard units (OBUs) of traveling vehicles with DSRC technology to acquire necessary traffic data (speed, time, and location). With the acquired data, the roadside unit periodically estimates the SoC and the TT, which are broadcast to all vehicles in the coverage range. An OBU receiving the broadcast message calculates the distance to the SoC. The distance to the SoC and the TT are then relayed to the driver, who can make smart decisions about whether to seek an alternate route and when to expect a sudden speed reduction. Results from the field demonstration have shown that the developed system can adapt to a changing work-zone environment smoothly under various congestion patterns on the road.
Information Impacts on Route Choice and Learning Behavior in a Congested Network
Authors: Lu Xuan , Gao Song , Ben-Elia Eran
Published: December 2011

Every traveler makes route choices in an uncertain environment that includes random disruptions to the traffic system such as incidents, bad weather, and random behavior of fellow travelers. The premise underlying the development of advanced traveler information systems—that better-informed travelers make better route choices—should be tested. This paper studies en route real-time information about the occurrence of an incident and ex post information on forgone payoffs (FPs) (i.e., travel times on nonchosen routes). Data were collected from an interactive experiment in which subjects made multiple rounds of route choices on a hypothetical network subject to random capacity reductions, and travel times were determined by performance functions of route flows from the previous round. En route real-time information increased the network's travel-time savings and reliability under the experimental setting, yet FP information had the opposite effect. The most efficient information structure in terms of travel-time savings is a combination of real-time information and no FP information. Real-time information at downstream nodes encourages participants’ strategic behavior at the origin. FP information appears to increase risk-seeking behavior; it encourages route switching without real-time information and suppresses it with real-time information. These results could be valuable for policy evaluations of further developments of advanced traveler information systems.
How Do Level of Experience, Purpose for Riding, and Preference for Facilities Affect Location of Riding?
Authors: Haworth Narelle , Schramm Amy
Published: December 2011

Characteristics of the road infrastructure affect both the popularity of bicycling and its safety, but comparisons of the safety performance of infrastructure may be confounded by differences in the profiles of cyclists who use them. Data from a survey of 2,532 adult bicycle riders in Queensland, Australia, demonstrated that many riders rode reluctantly in particular locations and that preference for riding location was influenced by degree of experience and riding purpose. Most riders rode most often and furthest per week on urban roads, but approximately one-third of all riders (and more new riders) rode there reluctantly. Almost two-thirds of riders rode on bicycle paths, most by choice, not reluctantly. New riders rode proportionally more on bicycle paths, but continuing riders rode further in absolute terms. Utilitarian riders were more likely to ride on bicycle paths than social and fitness riders and almost all of this riding was by choice. Fitness riders were more reluctant in their use of bicycle paths, but still most of their use was by choice. One-third of the respondents reported riding on the sidewalk (legal in Queensland), with approximately two-thirds doing so reluctantly. The frequency and distance ridden on the sidewalk was less than for urban roads and bicycle paths. Sidewalks and bicycle paths were important facilities for both inexperienced and experienced riders and for utilitarian riding, especially when urban roads were considered a poor choice for cycling.
Wound Healing Activity of Elaeis guineensis Leaf Extract Ointment
Authors: Sasidharan Sreenivasan , Logeswaran Selvarasoo , Latha Lachimanan Yoga
Published: December 2011

Elaeis guineensis of the Arecaceae family is widely used in the traditional medicine of societies in West Africa for treating various ailments. To validate the ethnotherapeutic claims of the plant in skin diseases, wound healing activity was studied. The results showed that E. guineensis leaf extract had potent wound healing capacity as evident from the better wound closure (P < 0.05), improved tissue regeneration at the wound site, and supporting histopathological parameters pertaining to wound healing. Matrix metalloproteinases expression correlated well with the results thus confirming efficacy of E. guineensis in the treatment of the wound. E. guineensis accelerated wound healing in rats, thus supporting its traditional use. The result of this study suggested that, used efficiently, oil palm leaf extract is a renewable resource with wound healing properties.
Microsatellite markers derived from Calophyllum inophyllum (Clusiaceae) expressed sequence tags
Authors: Setsuko Suzuki , Uchiyama Kentaro , Sugai Kyoko , Hanaoka So , Yoshimaru Hiroshi
Published: December 2011

• Premise of the study: Robust markers are required (inter alia) for assessing origins of Calophyllum inophyllum populations on the Bonin Islands, Japan. Therefore, informative expressed sequence tag (EST)–based microsatellite or simple sequence repeat (SSRs) markers in the species were sought.

• Methods and Results: Using 135378 ESTs derived from de novo pyrosequencing, primers for 475 EST‐SSRs were developed, 48 of which were tested for PCR amplification. Thirty‐six of the 48 primers showed clear amplification, with 23 displaying polymorphism in sampled populations. Expected heterozygosity in the samples from the Bonin Islands and Ryukyu Islands populations ranged from 0.041 to 0.697 and from 0.041 to 0.773, respectively.

• Conclusions: As EST‐SSRs are potentially tightly linked with functional genes, and reportedly more transferable to related species than anonymous genomic SSRs, the developed primers have utility for future studies of the origins, genetic structure, and conservation of C. inophyllum and related species.
Effect of gender, pregnancy and exposure conditions on metabolism and distribution of zearalenone in rats
Authors: Videmann B. , Koraichi F. , Mazallon M. , Lecoeur S.
Published: December 2011

The mycotoxin zearalenone (ZEA) is produced by a variety of Fusarium fungi and contaminates numerous
cereals, fruits and vegetables. Interacting with the oestrogen receptors, ZEA and reduced metabolites zearalenols
(ZOLs) cause hormonal effects in animals, such as abnormalities in the development of the reproductive tract
and mammary gland in female offspring. Limited information is available on the pharmacokinetics of ZEA and its
metabolites, particularly in pregnant females, foetuses and newborns. Our study was conducted to characterise the
tissue distribution and metabolism of ZEA in male and female rats in various physiological states (virgin female,
pregnant female) and exposure conditions (subcutaneous versus oral exposure, single versus repeated exposure to
1 mg/kg ZEA). Respective placental and mammary transfer to foetuses and newborns was evaluated. In all states and
exposure conditions, α-ZOL and the glucuronides of ZEA and α-ZOL were the predominant metabolites, mostly
concentrated in the intestine, the liver and the urine. Toxins were very low or undetectable in most of the tissues
24 h after ZEA exposure, except in foetal livers. Absorption and intestinal glucuronidation of ZEA were higher in
males than females. α-ZOL concentration was significantly higher in the intestine and liver of males and pregnant
females, compared to virgin females. ZEA and all its metabolites easily crossed the placental barrier and transferred
into the milk. ZEA was metabolised in the foetal and neonatal stages, glucuronides being the main form detected
in all organs. Metabolite elimination was slower in foetal tissues than in maternal tissues. All toxin concentrations
in the foetal and neonatal tissues strongly increased in cases of repeated maternal exposure. A better knowledge
of the metabolism and transfer of ZEA in foetuses and newborns will help to evaluate the health risk that such
endocrine disruptors represent in these stages.
Advancing Local E-Government
Authors: Streib Greg
Published: December 2011

E-government developments suggest positive changes are unfolding for local government, but hopes for a technology-driven future have outpaced knowledge of how e-government opportunities can be translated into action. This chapter argues that the existing gap between the e-government rhetoric and reality is due in-part to ineffective leadership and that the CFO is an underutilized resource. Remedies are sought by examining the dynamics of local government implementation and considering ways the CFO role could be reengineered while respecting local government needs and realities. The result is a look at a largely undiscovered e-government landscape offering new opportunities for improved leadership and more desirable e-government outcomes. Recommendations are offered for improving both practice and the academic research knowledge base.
Improving E-Government Project Management
Authors: Aikins Stephen K.
Published: December 2011

E-government is becoming an enabler for better government through cost-effective and efficient service delivery, and can become a useful tool for effective governance, public administration, and public sector transformation. However, e-government projects are noted for many failures due to several reasons. These include inadequate planning, poor project management, lack of top management support, lack of stakeholder involvement, scope creep, etc. Dwelling on the project management literature as well as reviews of award winning e-government project and portfolio management best practices in a state government and a local utility district, this chapter concludes that e-government initiatives should adopt a more concrete project management methodology, align e-government goals with organizational strategic goals, develop project management competences, as well as understand and apply critical success factors to ensure the successful planning and implementation of e-government projects.
Identifying and Managing Risks Inherent in e-Government Project Implementation
Authors: Hamner Marvine , Negrón Martin A. , Taha Doaa , Brahimi Salah
Published: December 2011

e-Government implementation in developing countries is usually very different than it is in developed countries, with different strategy, different challenges, and different risks. One thing developed and developing countries have in common with regard to e-Government is that it involves very large, complex systems with numerous internal and external entities and interfaces resulting in very dynamic non-linear behavior. There are many tools and techniques for use in examining and understanding systems, even large, complex ones. More and more research on e-Government systems is completed every year. Even so, the majority of e-Government projects partially or totally fail. For developing countries, these failures are extremely costly. More is needed. This chapter explores the use of system dynamics modeling to drill down into an e-Government system’s behavior and illustrate its depth and non-linear nature, i.e. how foreign direct investment flows through finance, technology, and strategy to impact risk.
Open Innovation in the E-Government Strategy Planning
Authors: Juntunen A.T.
Published: December 2011

This chapter seeks to identify the current trends of the government transformation to e-Goverment, and combine them with the changes in the new information and communication technologies. Furthermore, the purpose of the study is to understand the evolution towards openness strategy and e-governance as well as assessing its challenges and implications. It seeks to identify the path towards the openness strategy at the ministry of the interior in Finland. It also discusses what kind of capabilities were created or needed in the development process.
Usefulness of Sensor Fusion for Security Incident Analysis
Authors: Thomas Ciza , Balakrishnan N.
Published: December 2011

Intrusion Detection Systems form an important component of network defense. Because of the heterogeneity of the attacks, it has not been possible to make a single Intrusion Detection System that is capable of detecting all types of attacks with acceptable levels of accuracy. In this chapter, the distinct advantage of sensor fusion over individual IDSs is proved. The detection rate and the false positive rate quantify the performance benefit obtained through the fixing of threshold bounds. Also, the more independent and distinct the attack space is for the individual IDSs, the better the fusion of Intrusion Detection Systems performs. A simple theoretical model is initially illustrated and later supplemented with experimental evaluation. The chapter demonstrates that the proposed fusion technique is more flexible and also outperforms other existing fusion techniques such as OR, AND, SVM, and ANN, using the real-world network traffic embedded with attacks.
Attack Graphs and Scenario Driven Wireless Computer Network Defense
Authors: Hawrylak Peter J. , Louthan George , Daily Jeremy , Hal John , Papa Mauricio
Published: December 2011

This chapter describes how to use attack graphs to evaluate the security vulnerabilities of an embedded computer network and provides example cases of this technique. Attack graphs are powerful tools available to system administrators to identify and manage vulnerabilities. Attack graphs describe the steps an adversary could take to reach a desired goal and can be analyzed to quantify risk. The systems investigated in this chapter are embedded systems that span hardware, software, and network communication. The example cases studied will be (1) radio frequency identification (RFID), (2) vehicle networks, and (3) the Smart Grid (the next generation power and distribution network in the USA).
Advanced Security Incident Analysis with Sensor Correlation
Authors: Thomas Ciza , Balakrishnan N.
Published: December 2011

This chapter explores the general problem of the poorly detected attacks with Intrusion Detection Systems. The poorly detected attacks reveal the fact that they are characterized by features that do not discriminate them much. The poor performance of the detectors has been improved by discriminative training of anomaly detectors and incorporating additional rules into the misuse detector. This chapter proposes a new approach of machine learning method where corresponding learning problem is characterized by a number of features. This chapter discusses the improved performance of multiple Intrusion Detection Systems using Data-dependent Decision fusion. The Data-dependent Decision fusion approach gathers an in-depth understanding about the input traffic and also the behavior of the individual Intrusion Detection Systems by means of a neural network learner unit. This information is used to fine-tune the fusion unit since the fusion depends on the input feature vector. Thus fusion implements a function that is local to each region in the feature space. It is well-known that the effectiveness of sensor fusion improves when the individual IDSs are uncorrelated. The training methodology adopted in this work takes note of this fact. For illustrative purposes, the DARPA 1999 data set as has been used. The Data-dependent Decision fusion shows a significantly better performance with respect to the performance of individual Intrusion Detection Systems.
Heart Smart: A Multifaceted Cardiovascular Risk Reduction Program for Grade School Students
Authors: Hunter Saundra MacD. , Johnson Carolyn C. , Little-Christian Sharon , Nicklas Theresa A. , Harsha David , Arbeit Marian L. , Webber Larry S. , Berenson Gerald S.
Published: December 2011

Heart Smart Program is a health education intervention for grades kindergarten through six which encourages the acquisition and maintenance of health-enhancing behaviors. These include nutritious eating habits; physical fitness and exercise; saying “no” to cigarette smoking, alcohol, and drugs; and control of stress. Social Cognitive Theory is used to derive the necessary training concepts for children with reinforcement of these concepts occurring in six areas: the curriculum, school lunch, staff development, physical activity, environment, and parental support. The necessary training mechanisms provide mastery experiences, knowledge transfer, role modeling, and emotional and physiological feedback. The program incorporates the influence of the social environment on learning and builds support from parents, teachers and school staff.
Diphtheria, Tetanus, and Pertussis Immunity in Indian Adults and Immunogenicity of Td Vaccine
Authors: Kulkarni Prasad S. , Raut Sidram K. , Dhorje Sanjay P. , Barde Prajakt J. , Koli Girish , Jadhav Suresh S.
Published: December 2011

Rise of diphtheria cases in adults is a cause of concern worldwide. Pertussis is also now affecting adults. We assessed serum levels of tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis antibodies in 62 adults in Pune, India, who had missed their primary immunization. All adults were then given three doses of tetanus-diphtheria (Td) vaccine at 0, 1, and 6 months. All adults were immune to tetanus but 78% had long-term protection. For diphtheria, 88% were protected but only 9% had long term immunity. Only 60% were immune to pertussis. After three doses of the vaccine, long term immunity to both tetanus and diphtheria increased to 87% and 97%, respectively (P<0.05). Geometric mean titres (GMT) of both antibodies also increased significantly. The vaccine caused minor local reactions and mild fever in a few subjects. There is need of three doses of Td vaccination in those Indian adults, who missed their primary immunization. Susceptibility to pertussis also needs to be further explored.
Media Clips: Hoarding Subway Tokens: Does the Transit Commission's Math Add Up?; Voting Fractions
Authors: Wills Jean H. , Cibes Margaret , Greenwood James
Published: December 2011

Students analyze items from the media to answer mathematical questions related to the article. The first clip uses percents to dispute a claim by the Toronto Transit Commission about rising fares; the second questions what makes a two-thirds majority. The mathematics in both includes fractions, decimals, and percents.
Activities for Students: Ellipses and Orbits: Asteroids and Comets
Authors: Sinicrope Rose , Bellittiere Daniel V.
Published: December 2011

The orbits of planets about the sun and satellites about the earth are elliptical. The shape of the orbit can be described by its eccentricity and can be modeled algebraically and graphically. The exploration of orbits enriches our understanding of the mathematical representations, definitions, and connections for ellipses.
Statistical Reasoning over Lunch
Authors: Selmer Sarah J. , Bolyard Johnna J. , Rye James A.
Published: December 2011

An analysis of food choices becomes a rich data-driven lesson set in a real-world context.
Concise Synthesis of Highly Substituted Benzo[a]quinolizines by a Multicomponent Reaction/Allylation/Heck Reaction Sequence (Eur. J. Org. Chem. 2/2012)
Authors: den Heeten René , van der Boon Léon J. P. , Broere Daniël L. J. , Janssen Elwin , de Kanter Frans J. J. , Ruijter Eelco , Orru Romano V. A.
Published: December 2011

The cover picture shows a tree during sunset in Woerden (the Netherlands) with vibrant colors caused by the ash cloud resulting from the eruption of the Icelandic volcano Eyjafjallajökull in April 2010. An array of chemically diverse, fluorescent polycyclic compounds is generated by a multicomponent reaction/allylation/cross‐coupling sequence. This sequence allows systematic variation of substituents and ring systems in the polycyclic compounds, much like branches of a tree. These compounds not only bear resemblance to naturally occurring alkaloids, but also display bright blue fluorescence upon irradiation. Details are discussed in the article by E. Ruijter, R. V. A. Orru et al. on p. 275 ff.

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Numerical simulation of snow melting using geothermal energy assisted by heat storage during seasons
Authors: Nagai Niro , Miyamoto Shigenobu , Osawa Yoshikazu , Igarashi Syunsuke , Shibata Kazuo , Takeuchi Masanori
Published: December 2011

Numerical simulation programs were developed for estimating temperature field and snow depth on a snow‐melting system using geothermal energy assisted by heat storage during seasons. The system utilized a group of piles underground as a heat exchanger and heat dissipation pipes near the pavement surface, realizing underground solar heat storage from the surface through the seasons. Verification experiments for this system were conducted not only in a relatively mild snowy region, Fukui, but also in a frigid region, Sapporo. Numerical simulation results demonstrated the existence of an optimum space of a group of piles, where snow melting power becomes maximal. The obtained simulation results showed good agreement with the experimental data of both regions, demonstrating the utility and validity of the programs. Also shown was that the proposed system can melt snow well in a frigid region, Sapporo, without the help of a heat pump. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Heat Trans Asian Res, 42(8): 724–744, 2013; Published online in Wiley Online Library (wileyonlinelibrary.com/journal/htj). DOI 10.1002/htj.20393
Streptococcus mutans GS‐5 antigen I/II stimulates cell survival in serum deprived‐cultures through PI3K/Akt Pathways
Authors: Son Young‐Ok , Jeon Young‐Mi , Kim Yu‐Shin , Park Soon‐Sun , Park Seung‐Moon , Kim Ji‐Hae , Lee Jeong‐Chae
Published: December 2011

The antigen I/II (AgI/II) protein is a major surface protein that mediates the attachment of Streptococcus mutans (S. mutans) to the saliva‐coated pellicle. Numerous studies have investigated not only the mechanisms by which AgI/II signaling is transduced within cells, but have also attempted to use AgI/II‐specific antibodies to treat dental caries and host immune responses. However, little information is available about the effects of AgI/II on basic cellular events in bone cells. In this study, we examined the effects of the His‐tagged recombinant N‐terminal half of the AgI/II protein (rAgI/II‐N) generated from S. mutans GS‐5 on the viability, proliferation, and cell cycle progression of primary calvarial osteoblasts. We also investigated the mechanisms involved in the rAgI/II‐N‐mediated survival of serum‐starved osteoblasts. We found that rAgI/II treatment attenuated the serum deprivation‐induced decrease in cell viability and proliferation of osteoblasts. rAgI/II‐N also prevented the loss of mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), alterations in levels of two key mitochondrial Bcl‐2 family proteins, and the accumulation of numerous cells into the sub‐G1 phase that were observed in serum‐starved osteoblasts. Pharmacological inhibitors of phosphoinositide 3‐kinase (PI3K), but not of extracellular signal‐regulated kinase or Ras, blocked the rAgI/II‐N‐mediated protection against serum deprivation‐induced cell death. Additional experiments revealed that the integrin α5β1‐mediated PI3K pathway is required for rAgI/II‐N‐mediated Akt phosphorylation in osteoblasts. Collectively, these results suggest that rAgI/II‐N induces survival signals in serum‐starved osteoblasts through integrin‐induced PI3K/Akt signaling pathways. J. Cell. Biochem. 113: 1724–1732, 2012. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Nicotinic acetylcholine receptors in rat forebrain that bind 18F‐nifene: Relating PET imaging, autoradiography, and behavior
Authors: Bieszczad Kasia M. , Kant Ritu , Constantinescu Cristian C. , Pandey Suresh K. , Kawai Hideki D. , Metherate Raju , Weinberger Norman M. , Mukherjee Jogeshwar
Published: December 2011

Nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) in the brain are important for cognitive function; however, their specific role in relevant brain regions remains unclear. In this study, we used the novel compound 18F‐nifene to examine the distribution of nAChRs in the rat forebrain, and for individual animals related the results to behavioral performance on an auditory‐cognitive task. We first show negligible binding of 18F‐nifene in mice lacking the β2 nAChR subunit, consistent with previous findings that 18F‐nifene binds to α4β2* nAChRs. We then examined the distribution of 18F‐nifene in rat using three methods: in vivo PET, ex vivo PET and autoradiography. Generally, 18F‐nifene labeled forebrain regions known to contain nAChRs, and the three methods produced similar relative binding among regions. Importantly, 18F‐nifene also labeled some white matter (myelinated axon) tracts, most prominently in the temporal subcortical region that contains the auditory thalamocortical pathway. Finally, we related 18F‐nifene binding in several forebrain regions to each animal's performance on an auditory‐cued, active avoidance task. The strongest correlations with performance after 14 days training were found for 18F‐nifene binding in the temporal subcortical white matter, subiculum, and medial frontal cortex (correlation coefficients, r > 0.8); there was no correlation with binding in the auditory thalamus or auditory cortex. These findings suggest that individual performance is linked to nicotinic functions in specific brain regions, and further support a role for nAChRs in sensory‐cognitive function. Synapse, 2012. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Effects of the triple reuptake inhibitor amitifadine on extracellular levels of monoamines in rat brain regions and on locomotor activity
Authors: Golembiowska Krystyna , Kowalska Magdalena , Bymaster Frank P.
Published: December 2011

Major depressive disorder is a prevalent disease, and current pharmacotherapy is considered to be inadequate. It has been hypothesized that a triple reuptake inhibitor (TRI) that activates dopamine (DA) neurotransmission in addition to serotonin and norepinephrine (NE) circuitries may result in enhanced antidepressant effects. Here, we investigated the pharmacological effects of a serotonin‐preferring TRI‐amitifadine (EB‐1010, formerly DOV 21947). The effects of amitifadine (10 mg/kg ip.) on extracellular concentrations of monoamines and their metabolites in rat brain regions were investigated using the in vivo microdialysis technique. The effects of amitifadine on locomotor activity and stereotyped behavior were also evaluated. A major metabolite of amitifadine, the 2‐lactam compound, was investigated for inhibition of monoamine uptake processes. Amitifadine markedly and persistently increased extracellular concentrations of serotonin, NE, and DA in prefrontal cortex. The extracellular concentrations of DA were also increased in the DA‐rich areas striatum and nucleus accumbens. The extracellular concentrations of the metabolites of serotonin, 5‐hydroxyindoleacetic acid, and DA, 3,4‐dihydroxyphenylacetic and homovanillic acid, were also markedly decreased in brain regions. Amitifadine did not increase locomotor activity or stereotypical behaviors over a broad dose range. The lactam metabolite of amitifadine weakly inhibited monoamine uptake. Thus, amitifadine increased extracellular concentrations of serotonin, NE, and DA, consistent with TRI. Although amitifadine significantly increased DA in the nucleus accumbens, it did not induce locomotor hyperactivity or stereotypical behaviors. The enhancement of serotonin, NE, and DA in rat brain regions associated with depression suggest that amitifadine may have novel antidepressant activity. Synapse, 2012. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Low‐energy ions: A previously hidden solar system particle population
Authors: André M. , Cully C. M.
Published: December 2011

Ions with energies less than tens of eV originate from the Terrestrial ionosphere and from several planets and moons in the solar system. The low energy indicates the origin of the plasma but also severely complicates detection of the positive ions onboard sunlit spacecraft at higher altitudes, which often become positively charged to several tens of Volts. We discuss some methods to observe low‐energy ions, including a recently developed technique based on the detection of the wake behind a charged spacecraft in a supersonic flow. Recent results from this technique show that low‐energy ions typically dominate the density in large regions of the Terrestrial magnetosphere on the nightside and in the polar regions. These ions also often dominate in the dayside magnetosphere, and can change the dynamics of processes like magnetic reconnection. The loss of this low‐energy plasma to the solar wind is one of the primary pathways for atmospheric escape from planets in our solar system. We combine several observations to estimate how common low‐energy ions are in the Terrestrial magnetosphere and briefly compare with Mars, Venus and Titan.
AMP-activated protein kinase is physiologically regulated by inositol polyphosphate multikinase
Authors: Bang Sookhee , Kim Seyun , Dailey Megan J. , Chen Yong , Moran Timothy H. , Snyder Solomon H. , Kim Sangwon F.
Published: December 2011

The AMP-activated kinase (AMPK) senses the energy status of cells and regulates fuel availability, whereas hypothalamic AMPK regulates food intake. We report that inositol polyphosphate multikinase (IPMK) regulates glucose signaling to AMPK in a pathway whereby glucose activates phosphorylation of IPMK at tyrosine 174 enabling the enzyme to bind to AMPK and regulate its activation. Thus, refeeding fasted mice rapidly and markedly stimulates transcriptional enhancement of IPMK expression while down-regulating AMPK. Also, AMPK is up-regulated in mice with genetic depletion of hypothalamic IPMK. IPMK physiologically binds AMPK, with binding enhanced by glucose treatment. Regulation by glucose of phospho-AMPK in hypothalamic cell lines is prevented by blocking AMPK-IPMK binding. These findings imply that IPMK inhibitors will be beneficial in treating obesity and diabetes.
Perspectives on peritoneal dialysis at home: implications for the management of a chronic condition. A study protocol
Authors: Baillie Jessica , Lankshear Annette , Featherstone Katie
Published: December 2011

baillie j., lankshear a. & featherstone k. (2011) Perspectives on peritoneal dialysis at home: implications for the management of a chronic condition. A study protocol. Journal of Advanced Nursing68(6), 1847–1857.

Aim.  This article is a report of a study protocol designed to explore the experience of home peritoneal dialysis from the perspectives of individuals, their families and healthcare professionals in the United Kingdom.

Background.  Peritoneal dialysis is an established life‐saving treatment for end‐stage renal disease. This daily treatment is undertaken at home, and nurses play a key role in supporting people with their dialysis and monitoring their condition. Although peritoneal dialysis is known to have an impact on peoples’ quality of life, few studies have explored peoples’ experiences of undertaking this treatment at home, nor investigated their families’ and health professionals’ perspectives.

Design.  An ethnographic study is proposed, which will use in‐depth interviews and non‐participant observations with people who are undertaking peritoneal dialysis at home in the United Kingdom. Family members and healthcare professionals closely involved with these individuals will also be interviewed. The local ethics and governance committees approved this study in November 2010.

Discussion.  It is anticipated that the study’s findings will provide a detailed insight into the impact of peritoneal dialysis on individuals and their families. The findings will inform local strategies and/or interventions that could improve peoples’ experiences of undertaking this treatment. Furthermore, the appropriateness of ethnographic methodology to examine individuals’ and families’ experiences of home treatments will be considered.
Deaths and complications associated with respiratory endoscopy: A survey by the Japan Society for Respiratory Endoscopy in 2010
Authors: ASANO FUMIHIRO , AOE MOTOI , OHSAKI YOSHINOBU , OKADA YOSHINORI , SASADA SHINJI , SATO SHIGEKI , SUZUKI EIICHI , SENBA HIROSHI , FUJINO SHOZO , OHMORI KAZUMITSU
Published: December 2011

Background and objective:  In order to survey the current status of the use and complications associated with respiratory endoscopy, the Japan Society for Respiratory Endoscopy conducted a nationwide postal questionnaire survey.

Methods:  The survey was mailed to all 538 facilities certified by the society. The subjects were patients who underwent respiratory endoscopy in 2010. The numbers of procedures, and associated complications and deaths were investigated according to lesion and procedure using a specific inventory.

Results:  The inventory was completed by 483 facilities (89.8%). The total number of diagnostic flexible bronchoscopy procedures performed was 103 978, and four patients died (0.004%). The complication rate according to lesion ranged from 0.51% to 2.06%, with the highest rate being observed in patients with diffuse lesions. The complication rate according to procedure ranged from 0.17% to 1.93%, with the highest rate being observed in patients who underwent forceps biopsy. The complication rate after forceps biopsy of solitary peripheral pulmonary lesions was 1.79% (haemorrhage: 0.73%, pneumothorax: 0.63%), and that after endobronchial ultrasound‐guided transbronchial needle aspiration of hilar and/or mediastinal lymph node lesions was 0.46%. Therapeutic bronchoscopy was performed in 3020 patients; one patient (0.03%) died due to haemorrhage induced by insertion of an expandable metallic stent. The complication rate according to procedure was highest for foreign body removal (2.2%). Medical pleuroscopy was performed in 1563 patients. The highest complication rate was for biopsy without electrocautery (1.86%). A total of 228 facilities (47.2%) experienced breakage of bronchoscopes and/or devices.

Conclusions:  Respiratory endoscopy was performed safely, but education regarding complications caused by new techniques is necessary.
He Didn't Want Me to Feel Sad: Children's Reactions to Disappointment and Apology
Authors: Smith Craig E. , Harris Paul L.
Published: December 2011

Experimental studies of children's responses to apologies often present participants with hypothetical scenarios. This article reports on an experimental study of children's reactions to experiencing an actual disappointment and subsequent apology. Participants (ages four to seven) were told that another child was supposed to share some attractive stickers with them. In the two primary conditions, the other child kept the stickers for himself or herself. Some participants received an apology from the other child, whereas others did not. Compared with children who did not receive the apology, the apology recipients: (1) reported feeling better; (2) viewed the other child as more remorseful; and (3) rated the other child as nicer. Support was found for a mediation model of apology: the positive effects of the apology on children's emotions were accounted for by the effective signaling of remorse by the wrongdoer.
Double Bind: Governing the Economy in an ICT Era
Authors: ZYSMAN JOHN , BREZNITZ DAN
Published: December 2011

The recent financial debacle was preceded by a long complex evolution in the way firms created value and organized. The fragmentation of production, intense global competition, and the information and communication technology (ICT)‐enabled transformation of services are all part of a story that was framed by, and in turn further framed, ideologies of deregulation and self‐regulation. In the aftermath of the crisis political leaders worldwide find themselves in a heightened double bind. On one side, the demands for rules allowing experimentation and innovation are sharpened as growth and job creation are needed; on the other side, the demands are heightened for the state to act and regulate markets to prevent future crisis. The article focuses on the development of ICT, the main general‐purpose technology of our time, and how the the ways it allows value to be created interacted with the politics regulating uses and defining the winners and losers.
Experimental Adipocere Formation: Implications for Adipocere Formation on Buried Bone*,†
Authors: Moses Randolph J.
Published: December 2011

Abstract:  Adipocere, or grave wax (adipo = fat, cere = wax), is a distinctive decomposition product composed primarily of fatty acids (FA) and their alkali salts. FA result from the bacterial enzymatic hydrolysis of body fats. Reactions with ammonia and alkali metals originating from body fluids and pore waters of the depositional environment produce alkali salts of FA (soap). Adipocere formation is generally associated with burial of corpses with ample adipose tissue available. No indications that adipocere can form on defleshed remains have been presented in the literature. At the termination of a long‐term bone diagenesis experiment, several samples were found to possess growths of an unknown compound. Gas chromatography–mass spectrometry confirmed that the growths are adipocere. The results herein reveal that adipocere can indeed form on defleshed bones under the right conditions and that even residual adipose and lipids in defleshed bones are sufficient to produce adipocere growth on the surfaces of bone.