bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Seismic Performance of Single-Column RC Bridges with Shear Failure
Authors: Chomchuen Prakit , Boonyapinyo Virote
Published: July 2015

This study chooses the typical configuration of the single-column RC bridge in Bangkok with three different column heights such as 4,5 meter, 6,3 meter, and 15 meter to be the case studies for bridge with short, medium, and tall column height, respectively. The damage states of the studied bridges were evaluated which considered shear failure. Three artificial ground motions generated corresponding to the design spectrum for the inner area of Bangkok were applied to the analytical model of the studied bridges to perform the IDA. The results were found that, when the shear failure was considered together with the flexural failure, the studied bridges collapse as brittle, semi-ductile, and ductile for the bridge with short, medium, and tall column height, respectively. In

other words, without consideration of shear failure lead to over capacity of the bridge with short and medium column height.
Analysis of Bracing Type and Full Web Type of Cross Frame at Girder End
Authors: Ariyama Daichi , Matsumura Masahide , Nakanishi Yasuyuki , Yamaguchi Takashi
Published: July 2015

Cross frame or cross beam as girder end structure plays an important role during earthquake and is to be designed not to damage for damage prevention of main girders. However, some cross frames with diagonal bracings in inverted V-shape, one of conventional types of the cross frames used in Japan, had buckling damage of the bracing due to the lateral seismic force. The cross beam with stiffened full web is recommended now in the latest version of the Specifications for Highway Bridges in Japan. In this paper, load carrying capacity of the cross frame and the cross beam is in the direction perpendicular to the bridge axis clarified through pushover analysis and seismic response analysis.
Seismic Performance of Assembled Precast High-Strength Concrete Beams
Authors: Ousalem Hassane , Ishikawa Yuji , Kimura Hideki , Okamoto Keijirou
Published: July 2015

The seismic performance of assembled precast high-strength concrete beams in high-rise buildings is discussed. The proposed various connections, located at beam's mid-span zone, are suitable for precast frames and intended to reduce the amount of cast-in-place concrete as well as construction time. Four half-scale precast beam-specimens are presented. Two beams use transversal bolts. One beam uses sleeved parallel bars and another beam uses sleeved crossed bars. The gap between the assembled precast parts and other voids are grouted with very high-strength cement mortar. Seismic tests, carried out on these assemblies, confirmed their adequacy. They proved to be ductile and failure occurred outside the connection zone similarly to monolithic ordinary beams. Assumed mechanisms were also pictured for the evaluation of the strength of the different connections.
An extended sandwich theory for prestressed concrete bridges with corrugated steel web(s)
Authors: Chen Xiachun , Au Francis T. K. , Bai Zhizhou , Zeng Yu
Published: July 2015

Prestressed concrete bridges with corrugated steel web(s) have emerged as a promising bridge form. In view of the negligible axial stiffness and large shear deformation of the webs, the common assumption that plane sections remain plane may no longer be valid. The diaphragms may have significant effects by constraining the web shear deformation in its vicinity. The behaviour of this type of bridges is similar to that of a sandwich beam with thick facings and core with negligible axial stiffness. This paper extends the sandwich beam theory to predict the elastic bending behaviour of this type of bridges. In addition, the effects of diaphragm are considered by imposing additional boundary or continuity conditions at the locations of diaphragms. A dimensionless parameter is proposed to quantify the diaphragm effects. A C1 three-node beam finite element based on the extended sandwich beam theory is developed. An example is given to illustrate the theory proposed and the diaphragm effects. The results agree well with those obtained by 3-dimensional finite element method. Some tests have been carried out for verification. It is found that (a) the extended sandwich beam theory is applicable to this type of bridges; (b) the diaphragms have significant effects on deflection, stress distribution and resultants; and (c) the effects of interaction and diaphragm may cause local failure of flanges.
Strength of Bearing-type Multi-row Bolted Connections of FRP Composite Members with Varying Cover Plate Stiffness
Authors: Kader Mohammad Abdul , Kitane Yasuo , Itoh Yoshito
Published: July 2015

This paper is to examine the ultimate strength of bearing-type multi-row bolted connections of fiber reinforced polymer (FRP) composite structures with varying cover plate stiffness. Connections of a double-lap configuration with one to four rows of bolts subjected to tensile loads have been studied to understand the effects of cover plate stiffness on ultimate strength as well as failure mode of the connections. A three dimensional progressive damage model of FRP composite material is developed and implemented in a commercial finite element analysis software, with failure criteria and degradation rules of material properties to simulate the connection failure. Failure modes and ultimate strengths of the connections predicted by the numerical analysis are in good agreement with experimental results. The results show that the cover plate stiffness affects the ultimate strength of connections, and that the ultimate strength of a connection with FRP cover plates is larger than that with steel cover plates, which implies that cover plate stiffness should be taken into consideration when a bearing-type multi-row bolted connection is designed.
System Ddentification of a Five-Storied Steel-Frame Structure Based on Natural Frequency Deviation with Known Mass Loading
Authors: Hatakeyama Naoki , Matsushima Shinichi , Nagashima Fumiaki , Kawase Hiroshi
Published: July 2015

In this study, we observe microtremors on each story of a five-storied steel-frame structure, and obtain the natural frequencies up to 5th modes. By loading an added mass of pre-determined amount (2% of the total mass) to each story of the structure one by one, we observe significant changes of natural frequencies as independent information. Using these six cases of natural frequencies we identified physical parameters of each story. As a result we obtained reasonable parameters that can reproduce observed natural frequencies and modes quite well.
New load monitoring method for pretensioned Structures
Authors: Prang Thomas
Published: July 2015

Cable structures are very sensitive regarding design, calculation, manufacturing and installation methods. All elements have to work together to receive a proper result at the end. To eliminate one more point of inaccuracy in this chain, a new method for measuring and monitoring of the Cable forces was developed. The ultrasonic load monitoring method with a pin equipped with ultrasonic sensors and an unique id chip. Accuracy of measuring the cable forces raise to an exactness of +/- 1.5%.
TMCP-type 590N/mm² Grade Steel for Seismic-resistant Buildings
Authors: Nakagawa Kei , Hirota Minoru , Shimokawa Hiroumi , Ohmori Akio
Published: July 2015

"HBLTM440" TMCP-type 590 N/mm2 grade steel for seismic-resistant buildings was developed by JFE Steel Corp. and certified by Japan’s Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism in August 2013 for the plate thickness range of 19-100mm. This paper introduces its mechanical properties and discusses its behavior in columns. In conclusion, columns made of HBLTM440 showed sufficient plastic deformability for seismic-resistant buildings.
Ultra-long Span Bridge System using CFRP Cables
Authors: Qiang Shizhong
Published: July 2015

Applying carbon fiber-reinforced plastic (CFRP) materials for long span bridge, especially for earth anchored stay-cabled bridge (PEA bridge) has been proposed in this paper. The influence of tower heights on the static responses of the PEA bridge had been investigated. It was shown that PEA bridge with lower tower which has less stiffness resulted in larger horizontal forces on the anchorage. The PEA bridge can avoid challenges of the application of CFRP to the main cable of the suspension bridge, such as, bending, shear and lateral compression at suspender connections and tower saddles. Compared with the other suspension bridge, the PEA bridge shows slightly higher vertical stiffness. The limit span of the PEA bridge was inferred the same as the suspension bridge.
Advanced Technologies Applied in Obayashi Technical Research Institute
Authors: Endo Fumiaki , Yamanaka Masayuki , Nakatsuka Koichi , Katsumata Hideo , Yoshida Osamu , Suzui Yasumasa
Published: July 2015

Towards further development of the seismic engineering, two new buildings were constructed at the Obayashi Co. Technical Research Institute located in a suburb of Tokyo. The buildings incorporate the following three advanced seismic technologies.

First, an active base isolation system using an absolute vibration control technology is applied to the real full scale building for the first time in the world.

Secondly, ultra high strength steels (780 MPa and 1000 MPa) are utilized for the main columns. Section of the columns is reduced accordingly. It leads to free open space.

Finally, special dampers (friction slip damper “FSD” and friction slip damper with two levels of slip force “FSD2”) are utilized to improve seismic energy absorption.

These technologies provide superior seismic performance without losing freedom of planning.
Evaluation of rust friction surface of bolted joint by a colorimeter
Authors: Kuwahara Susumu
Published: July 2015

The purpose of this study is to establish a management method and digitized color index of appropriate rust friction surface to ensure the slip coefficient of high strength bolted friction joints more stable and higher. The rust generation were measured using a colorimeter under various conditions (removal method of mill-scale, temperature, humidity, strength of the steel, surface treatment, interval time of spraying water, type of water, chemical treatment and so on). From these measurements, we suggested that the chroma of digitized color is appropriate for an index for evaluating the rust friction surface. Therefore, from the results of slip test of high strength bolted friction joint, we obtained a conclusion that the slip coefficients can be evaluated by the chroma of rust friction surface, regardless of the rust generating process.
Shear-type damper using a low-yield-strength circular hollow section
Authors: Kim Jinwoo , Kuwvahara Susumu , Miyagawa Kazuaki , Kinoshita Tomohiro , Kitamura Wataru
Published: July 2015

The present study investigates the mechanical behavior of a shear-type damper using a low-yield- strength circular hollow section (LYCHSD). When using a LYCHSD as a seismic energy absorbing device, the hysteresis characteristics and deformation capacity of the LYCHSD should be evaluated accurately. Thus, monotonic and cyclic loading tests were carried out on a LYCHSD, taking the aspect ratio and diameter as variable parameters. The test results were used to establish a method of calculating the full plastic shear strength and initial stiffness. In addition, it was found that the deformation capacity was inversely proportional to the aspect ratio and diameter. The monotonic loading test was also simulated using the finite element method (FEM) in order to verify the experimental results, and to evaluate the local strain around the weld toe due to the crack.
Cyclic Behavior of Replaceable Steel Coupling Beams
Authors: Ji Xiaodong , Wang Yandong , Ma Qifeng , Qian Jiaru
Published: July 2015

For improving the resilience capacity, a replaceable steel coupling beam is developed, which comprises a central "fuse" shear link connected to normal steel segments at its two ends. This paper presents a series of quasi-static tests used to examine seismic behavior of the replaceable steel coupling beams with various types of connections between shear link and normal segments. The end plate connection with shear key and high-strength bolts showed advantages. The inelastic deformation was found to concentrate in the shear link, while the normal segments remained intact. The replacement of shear link was also demonstrated after the coupling beams experienced the deformation corresponding to the maximum considered earthquake (MCE). The coupling beams reached the inelastic rotation of 0.06 to 0.08 rad, and the fuse shear links underwent the inelastic rotation of 0.15 rad. The overstength factor of very short shear links could reach a value of 2.0.
Local Damage Control of Unconstrained Gusset Connections for Buckling Restrained Braces in RC Frames
Authors: Maegawa Toshio , Qu Zhe , Kishiki Shoichi , Maida Yusuke , Hamada Makoto , Sakada Hiroyasu
Published: July 2015

An unconstrained gusset connection for buckling restrained braces in reinforced concrete frame structures is proposed and tested as an effort to mitigate the complicated and harmful interactions between the steel gusset plate and the adjoining reinforced concrete components. A local damage control scheme is also proposed to enhance the gusset connection performance by moving the potential plastic hinge at the beam end away from the connection region. Two different connecting methods, one with post-tensioned steel rods and the other embedded stud group, were tested. The results of the cyclic loading tests on the gusset connection subassemblies confirmed that the proposed damage control scheme is effective in controlling the locations of the beam hinges and thus preventing the BRBs from being dislocated from the entire structural system as a result of the beam end failure at extreme earthquake scenarios.
A Multicultural Stage
Authors: Tindyebwa Mumbi
Published: July 2015

Abstract:

A vision of a culturally diverse future for Canadian theatre is not simply about a fight for equal representation. It is not simply about making the existing institutions more “colourful.” Radical diversity in content and performance styles is an absolute necessity for theatre in this country to survive.
2030: Indigenous and Culturally Diverse Stories and Their Value to Society
Authors: Payette Corey
Published: July 2015

Abstract:

In fifteen years, society will place a personal value on Indigenous and culturally diverse stories, and these stories will benefit not only these communities but all of society. Change is already in motion, and seeds have been planted in companies across the country that will lead to this new perspective being honoured.
Affective Theatres
Authors: Larrue Jean-Marc
Published: July 2015

Abstract:

With her new anthology Theatres of Affect Erin Hurley brings together seventeen contributors who each address various aspects of the “affective turn” in Canadian theatre and performance. Split into four main sections—“Affective Training and Emotion Management (or Acting),” “Feeling (Too) Close,” “Awkward Feeling,” and “Empathy”—the anthology combines theoretical and historical approaches to affect with incursions into current practice in the form of five “Artistic Statements” from working artists.
Fixed Points of Local Actions of Lie Groups on Real and Complex 2-Manifolds
Authors: Hirsch Morris
Published: July 2015

I discuss old and new results on fixed points of local actions by Lie groups G on real and complex 2-manifolds, and zero sets of Lie algebras of vector fields. Results of E. Lima, J. Plante and C. Bonatti are reviewed.
Misdelivery at the Nuclear Pore Complex—Stopping a Virus Dead in Its Tracks
Authors: Flatt Justin , Greber Urs
Published: July 2015

Many viruses deliver their genomes into the host cell’s nucleus before they replicate. While onco-retroviruses and papillomaviruses tether their genomes to host chromatin upon mitotic breakdown of the nuclear envelope, lentiviruses, such as human immunodeficiency virus, adenoviruses, herpesviruses, parvoviruses, influenza viruses, hepatitis B virus, polyomaviruses, and baculoviruses deliver their genomes into the nucleus of post-mitotic cells. This poses the significant challenge of slipping a DNA or RNA genome past the nuclear pore complex (NPC) embedded in the nuclear envelope. Quantitative fluorescence imaging is shedding new light on this process, with recent data implicating misdelivery of viral genomes at nuclear pores as a bottleneck to virus replication. Here, we infer NPC functions for nuclear import of viral genomes from cell biology experiments and explore potential causes of misdelivery, including improper virus docking at NPCs, incomplete translocation, virus-induced stress and innate immunity reactions. We conclude by discussing consequences of viral genome misdelivery for viruses and host cells, and lay out future questions to enhance our understanding of this phenomenon. Further studies into viral genome misdelivery may reveal unexpected aspects about NPC structure and function, as well as aid in developing strategies for controlling viral infections to improve human health.
A Pilot Directional Protection for HVDC Transmission Line Based on Relative Entropy of Wavelet Energy
Authors: Lin Sheng , Gao Shan , He Zhengyou , Deng Yujia
Published: July 2015

On the basis of analyzing high-voltage direct current (HVDC) transmission system and its fault superimposed circuit, the direction of the fault components of the voltage and the current measured at one end of transmission line is certified to be different for internal faults and external faults. As an estimate of the differences between two signals, relative entropy is an effective parameter for recognizing transient signals in HVDC transmission lines. In this paper, the relative entropy of wavelet energy is applied to distinguish internal fault from external fault. For internal faults, the directions of fault components of voltage and current are opposite at the two ends of the transmission line, indicating a huge difference of wavelet energy relative entropy; for external faults, the directions are identical, indicating a small difference. The simulation results based on PSCAD/EMTDC show that the proposed pilot protection system acts accurately for faults under different conditions, and its performance is not affected by fault type, fault location, fault resistance and noise.
Who Is Behaving? Consequences for Energy Policy of Concept Confusion
Authors: Ellegård Kajsa , Palm Jenny
Published: July 2015

Policies to reduce household energy use usually target the individual customer. This is probably one explanation to the limited effect of many information policies, because two concepts with different meanings are confused: individual and household. In most contexts, an individual stands for what s/he does, but in the policy context, an individual is taken to represent the entire household. This is not problematic for a single-person household, but, in a multi-person household, activities performed by different household members influence the whole household’s energy use. This paper illuminates problems arising from confusing the concepts of household and individual when developing policies to reduce household energy use. Examples relate to indoor space heating and energy-intensive home-based activities. The results indicate that it is analytically simple to consider individuals at home, as well as their activities using electrical appliances contributing to heating, but much more complicated to take the whole household into consideration. Our model provides a basis for better-targeted information actions to reduce energy use. Also, empirically based models capturing variations between households with different activity patterns are important for developing policies resulting in reduced energy use for space heating in multi-person households.
A Multi-Function Conversion Technique for Vehicle-to-Grid Applications
Authors: Fan Ying , Zhu Weixia , Xue Zhongbing , Zhang Li , Zou Zhixiang
Published: July 2015

This paper presents a new multi-function conversion technique for vehicle-to-grid (V2G) applications. The proposed bi-directional charger can achieve three functions, including EV battery charging, grid-connection and reactive compensation, which are keys for energy management of the grid. With the proposed multi-function technology, the bi-directional charger will benefit both the grid and electricity customers. A hybrid regulation of energy bi-directional transfer for V2G systems is proposed in this paper, which consists of the battery-side controller and the grid-side controller. This proposed multi-function conversion technique improves the whole system performance with proportional-resonant (PR) control and achieves reactive power compensation with instantaneous reactive theory and a deadbeat control scheme. Simulation and experimental results demonstrate the validity of this new multi-function technique in a V2G system.
Comparative Drought Responses of Quercus ilex L. and Pinus sylvestris L. in a Montane Forest Undergoing a Vegetation Shift
Authors: Aguadé David , Poyatos Rafael , Rosas Teresa , Martínez-Vilalta Jordi
Published: July 2015

Different functional and structural strategies to cope with water shortage exist both within and across plant communities. The current trend towards increasing drought in many regions could drive some species to their physiological limits of drought tolerance, potentially leading to mortality episodes and vegetation shifts. In this paper, we study the drought responses of Quercus ilex and Pinus sylvestris in a montane Mediterranean forest where the former species is replacing the latter in association with recent episodes of drought-induced mortality. Our aim was to compare the physiological responses to variations in soil water content (SWC) and vapor pressure deficit (VPD) of the two species when living together in a mixed stand or separately in pure stands, where the canopies of both species are completely exposed to high radiation and VPD. P. sylvestris showed typical isohydric behavior, with greater losses of stomatal conductance with declining SWC and greater reductions of stored non-structural carbohydrates during drought, consistent with carbon starvation being an important factor in the mortality of this species. On the other hand, Q. ilex trees showed a more anisohydric behavior, experiencing more negative water potentials and higher levels of xylem embolism under extreme drought, presumably putting them at higher risk of hydraulic failure. In addition, our results show relatively small changes in the physiological responses of Q. ilex in mixed vs. pure stands, suggesting that the current replacement of P. sylvestris by Q. ilex will continue.
Modeling Potential Impacts of Planting Palms or Tree in Small Holder Fruit Plantations on Ecohydrological Processes in the Central Amazon
Authors: Kunert Norbert , Aparecido Luiza , Barros Priscila , Higuchi Niro
Published: July 2015

Native fruiting plants are widely cultivated in the Amazon, but little information on their water use characteristics can be found in the literature. To explore the potential impacts of plantations on local to regional water balance, we studied plant water use characteristics of two native fruit plants commonly occurring in the Amazon region. The study was conducted in a mixed fruit plantation containing a dicot tree species (Cupuaçu, Theobroma grandiflorum) and a monocot palm species (Açai, Euterpe oleracea) close to the city of Manaus, in the Central Amazon. Scaling from sap flux measurements, palms had a 3.5-fold higher water consumption compared to trees with a similar diameter. Despite the high transpiration rates of the palms, our plantation had only one third of the potential water recycling capacity of natural forests in the area. Converting natural forest into such plantations will thus result in significantly higher runoff rates.
Contribution of Topological Domains and Loop Formation to 3D Chromatin Organization
Authors: Ea Vuthy , Baudement Marie-Odile , Lesne Annick , Forné Thierry
Published: July 2015

Recent investigations on 3D chromatin folding revealed that the eukaryote genomes are both highly compartmentalized and extremely dynamic. This review presents the most recent advances in topological domains’ organization of the eukaryote genomes and discusses the relationship to chromatin loop formation. CTCF protein appears as a central factor of these two organization levels having either a strong insulating role at TAD borders, or a weaker architectural role in chromatin loop formation. TAD borders directly impact on chromatin dynamics by restricting contacts within specific genomic portions thus confining chromatin loop formation within TADs. We discuss how sub-TAD chromatin dynamics, constrained into a recently described statistical helix conformation, can produce functional interactions by contact stabilization.
Do Nanoparticle Physico-Chemical Properties and Developmental Exposure Window Influence Nano ZnO Embryotoxicity in Xenopus laevis?
Authors: Bonfanti Patrizia , Moschini Elisa , Saibene Melissa , Bacchetta Renato , Rettighieri Leonardo , Calabri Lorenzo , Colombo Anita , Mantecca Paride
Published: July 2015

The growing global production of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnONPs) suggests a realistic increase in the environmental exposure to such a nanomaterial, making the knowledge of its biological reactivity and its safe-by-design synthesis mandatory. In this study, the embryotoxicity of ZnONPs (1–100 mg/L) specifically synthesized for industrial purposes with different sizes, shapes (round, rod) and surface coatings (PEG, PVP) was tested using the frog embryo teratogenesis assay-Xenopus (FETAX) to identify potential target tissues and the most sensitive developmental stages. The ZnONPs did not cause embryolethality, but induced a high incidence of malformations, in particular misfolded gut and abdominal edema. Smaller, round NPs were more effective than the bigger, rod ones, and PEGylation determined a reduction in embryotoxicity. Ingestion appeared to be the most relevant exposure route. Only the embryos exposed from the stomodeum opening showed anatomical and histological lesions to the intestine, mainly referable to a swelling of paracellular spaces among enterocytes. In conclusion, ZnONPs differing in shape and surface coating displayed similar toxicity in X. laevis embryos and shared the same target organ. Nevertheless, we cannot exclude that the physico-chemical characteristics may influence the severity of such effects. Further research efforts are mandatory to ensure the synthesis of safer nano-ZnO-containing products.
A Progressive Buffering Method for Road Map Update Using OpenStreetMap Data
Authors: Liu Changyong , Xiong Lian , Hu Xiangyun , Shan Jie
Published: July 2015

Web 2.0 enables a two-way interaction between servers and clients. GPS receivers become available to more citizens and are commonly found in vehicles and smart phones, enabling individuals to record and share their trajectory data on the Internet and edit them online. OpenStreetMap (OSM) makes it possible for citizens to contribute to the acquisition of geographic information. This paper studies the use of OSM data to find newly mapped or built roads that do not exist in a reference road map and create its updated version. For this purpose, we propose a progressive buffering method for determining an optimal buffer radius to detect the new roads in the OSM data. In the next step, the detected new roads are merged into the reference road maps geometrically, topologically, and semantically. Experiments with OSM data and reference road maps over an area of 8494 km2 in the city of Wuhan, China and five of its 5 km × 5 km areas are conducted to demonstrate the feasibility and effectiveness of the method. It is shown that the OSM data can add 11.96% or a total of 2008.6 km of new roads to the reference road maps with an average precision of 96.49% and an average recall of 97.63%.
Application of Geo-Information Techniques in Land Use and Land Cover Change Analysis in a Peri-Urban District of Ghana
Authors: Appiah Divine , Schröder Dietrich , Forkuo Eric , Bugri John
Published: July 2015

Using Satellite Remote Sensing and Geographic Information System, this paper analyzes the land use and land cover change dynamics in the Bosomtwe District of Ghana, for 1986, 2010 thematic mapper and enhanced thematic Mapper+ (TM/ETM+) images, and 2014 Landsat 8 Operational Land Imager and Thermal Infrared Sensor (OLI/TIS) image. The three images were geo-referenced and processed for classification, using the maximum likelihood classifier algorithm. A Jeffries-Matusita’s separability check was used in confirming the degree of spectral separation acceptability of the bands used for each of the land use and land cover classes. The best Kappa hat statistic of classification accuracy was 83%. Land Use and Land Cover (LULC) transition analysis in Environmental Systems Research Institute ESRI’s ArcMap was performed. The results of the classification over the three periods showed that built up, bare land and concrete surfaces increased from 1201 in 1986 to 5454 ha in 2010. Dense forest decreased by 2253 ha over the same period and increased by 873 ha by the 2014. Low forest also decreased by 1043 ha in 2010; however, it increased by 13% in 2014. Our findings showed some of the important changes in the land use and land cover patterns in the District. After the urbanization process, coupled with farmland abandonment, between 1986 and 2010, substantial increments in urban land and clear increments in farmland coverage between 1986 and 2014were found to be the reason for vegetation cover decreases. This suggests that major changes in the socio-ecological driving forces affecting landscape dynamics have occurred in the last few decades.
The Role of CzcRS Two-Component Systems in the Heavy Metal Resistance of Pseudomonas putida X4
Authors: Liu Pulin , Chen Xi , Huang Qiaoyun , Chen Wenli
Published: July 2015

The role of different czcRS genes in metal resistance and the cross-link between czcRS and czcCBA in Pseudomonas putida X4 were studied to advance understanding of the mechanisms by which P. putida copes with metal stress. Similar to P. putida KT2440, two complete czcRS1 and czcRS2 two-component systems, as well as a czcR3 without the corresponding sensing component were amplified in P. putida X4. The histidine kinase genes czcS1 and czcS2 were inactivated and fused to lacZ by homologous recombination. The lacZ fusion assay revealed that Cd2+ and Zn2+ caused a decrease in the transcription of czcRS1, whereas Cd2+ treatment enhanced the transcription of czcRS2. The mutation of different czcRSs showed that all czcRSs are necessary to facilitate full metal resistance in P. putida X4. A putative gene just downstream of czcR3 is related to metal ion resistance, and its transcription was activated by Zn2+. Data from quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) strongly suggested that czcRSs regulate the expression of czcCBA, and a cross-link exists between different czcRSs.
The Photoprotective Effect of S-Methylmethionine Sulfonium in Skin
Authors: Kim Won-Serk , Seo Hyun-Min , Kim Wang-Kyun , Choi Joon-Seok , Kim Ikyon , Sung Jong-Hyuk
Published: July 2015

S-Methylmethionine sulfonium (SMMS) was reported to have wound-healing effects; we therefore have investigated the photoprotective effect of SMMS in the present study. SMMS increased the viability of keratinocyte progenitor cells (KPCs) and human dermal fibroblasts (hDFs) following ultraviolet B (UVB) irradiation, and reduced the UVB-induced apoptosis in these cells. SMMS increased the phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated kinases (ERK), and the inhibitor of the mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway significantly decreased the SMMS-induced viability of KPCs and hDFs. In addition, SMMS attenuated the UVB-induced reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation in KPCs and hDFs. SMMS induced the collagen synthesis and reduced the matrix metalloproteinase-1 expression in UVB-irradiated hDFs. In animal studies, application of 5% and 10% SMMS before and after UVB-irradiation significantly decreased the UVB-induced erythema index and depletion of Langerhans cells. In summary, SMMS protects KPCs and hDFs from UVB irradiation, and reduces UVB-induced skin erythema and immune suppression. Therefore, SMMS can be used as a cosmetic raw material, and protect skin from UVB.
Treatment Strategies that Enhance the Efficacy and Selectivity of Mitochondria-Targeted Anticancer Agents
Authors: Modica-Napolitano Josephine , Weissig Volkmar
Published: July 2015

Nearly a century has passed since Otto Warburg first observed high rates of aerobic glycolysis in a variety of tumor cell types and suggested that this phenomenon might be due to an impaired mitochondrial respiratory capacity in these cells. Subsequently, much has been written about the role of mitochondria in the initiation and/or progression of various forms of cancer, and the possibility of exploiting differences in mitochondrial structure and function between normal and malignant cells as targets for cancer chemotherapy. A number of mitochondria-targeted compounds have shown efficacy in selective cancer cell killing in pre-clinical and early clinical testing, including those that induce mitochondria permeability transition and apoptosis, metabolic inhibitors, and ROS regulators. To date, however, none has exhibited the standards for high selectivity and efficacy and low toxicity necessary to progress beyond phase III clinical trials and be used as a viable, single modality treatment option for human cancers. This review explores alternative treatment strategies that have been shown to enhance the efficacy and selectivity of mitochondria-targeted anticancer agents in vitro and in vivo, and may yet fulfill the clinical promise of exploiting the mitochondrion as a target for cancer chemotherapy.
A Numerical Modelling Study on the Potential Role of Tsunamis in the Biblical Exodus
Authors: Abril José , Periáñez Raúl
Published: July 2015

The reliability of the narrative of the Biblical Exodus has been subject of heated debate for decades. Recent archaeological studies seem to provide new insight of the exodus path, and although with a still controversial chronology, the effects of the Minoan Santorini eruption have been proposed as a likely explanation of the biblical plagues. Particularly, it has been suggested that flooding by the associated tsunamis could explain the first plague and the sea parting. Recent modelling studies have shown that Santorini’s tsunami effects were negligible in the eastern Nile Delta, but the released tectonic stress could have triggered local tsunamigenic sources in sequence. This paper is aimed to a quantitative assessment of the potential role of tsunamis in the biblical parting of the sea. Several “best case” scenarios are tested through the application of a numerical model for tsunami propagation that has been previously validated. The former paleogeographic conditions of the eastern Nile Delta have been implemented based upon recent geological studies; and several feasible local sources for tsunamis are proposed. Tsunamis triggered by submarine landslides of 10–30 km3 could have severely impacted the northern Sinai and southern Levantine coasts but with weak effects in the eastern Nile Delta coastline. The lack of noticeable flooding in this area under the most favorable conditions for tsunamis, along with the time sequence of water elevations, make difficult to accept them as a plausible and literally explanation of the first plague and of the drowning of the Egyptian army in the surroundings of the former Shi-Hor Lagoon.
Effective Single Photodynamic Treatment of ex Vivo Onychomycosis Using a Multifunctional Porphyrin Photosensitizer and Green Light
Authors: Hollander Chelsea , Visser Jasper , De Haas Ellen , Incrocci Luca , Smijs Threes
Published: July 2015

Onychomycosis is predominantly caused by the dermatophytes Trichophyton rubrum, Trichophyton mentagrophytes and Trichophyton tonsurans. The main treatment obstacle concerns low nail-plate drug permeability. In vitro antifungal photodynamic treatment (PDT) and nail penetration enhancing effectiveness have been proven for multifunctional photosensitizer 5,10,15-tris(4-N-methylpyridinium)-20-(4-(butyramido-methylcysteinyl)-hydroxyphenyl)-[21H,23H]-porphine trichloride (PORTHE). This study investigates single PORTHE green laser/LED PDT of varying degrees of ex vivo onychomycoses in a human nail model. T. mentagrophytes, T. rubrum, T. tonsurans onychomycoses were ex vivo induced on nail pieces at 28 °C (normal air) and 37 °C (6.4% CO2) during 3 to 35 days and PDTs applied to the 37 °C infections. All dermatophytes showed increasingly nail plate invasion at 37 °C between 7 and 35 days; arthroconidia were observed after 35 days for T. mentagrophytes and T. tonsurans. Using 81 J/cm2 (532 nm) 7-day T. mentagrophytes onychomycoses were cured (92%) with 80 µM PORTHE (pH 8) after 24 h propylene glycol (PG, 40%) pre-treatment and 35-day onychomycoses (52%–67%) with 24 h PORTHE (40–80 µM)/40% PG treatment (pH 5). 28 J/cm2 LED light (525 ± 37 nm) improved cure rates to 72%, 83% and 73% for, respectively, T. mentagrophytus, T. rubrum and T. tonsurans 35-day onychomycoses and to 100% after double PDT. Data indicate PDT relevance for onychomycosis.
Effects of Different pH-Values on the Nanomechanical Surface Properties of PEEK and CFR-PEEK Compared to Dental Resin-Based Materials
Authors: Gao Shuai , Gao Shanshan , Xu Baohua , Yu Haiyang
Published: July 2015

The study determines the stability and durability of polyetheretherketone (PEEK) and a carbon fiber-reinforced PEEK (CFR-PEEK) with 30% short carbon fibers, a dental composite based on Bis-GMA and polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) under the influence of different pH-values of the oral environment in vitro. Nanomechanical properties were investigated by nanoindentation and nanoscratch tests before and after incubation of the specimens at 37 °C for 30 days in artificial saliva with pH-values of 3, 7 and 10, respectively. Nanoindentation and nanoscratching tests were performed using the Hysitron TI950 TriboIndenter to evaluate the reduced elastic moduli, nanohardness, viscoelasticity, friction coefficient and residual scratch profiles. After treatment, the nanomechanical properties of unfilled PEEK did not change. The reduced elastic moduli and nanohardness of the carbon fiber-reinforced PEEK increased significantly. The reduced elastic moduli and nanohardness of CHARISMA decreased. The plasticity of all materials except that of the unfilled PEEK increased. This indicates that different pH-values of the artificial saliva solutions had no obvious influences on the nanomechanical properties of the PEEK matrix. Therefore, the aging resistance of the unfilled PEEK was higher than those of other materials. It can be deduced that the PEEK matrix without filler was more stable than with filler in the nanoscale.
Evaluation and Description of Friction between an Electro-Deposited Coating and a Ceramic Ball under Fretting Condition
Authors: Kim Kyungmok
Published: July 2015

This article describes fretting behavior of zirconia and silicon nitride balls on an electro-deposited coating. Fretting tests are performed using a ball-on-flat configuration. The evolution of the kinetic friction coefficient is determined, along with slip ratio. Experimental results show that the steady-state friction coefficient between ceramic balls (Si3N4 and ZrO2) and an electro-deposited coating is about 0.06, lower than the value between AISI 52100 ball and the coating. After a steady-state sliding, the transition of the friction coefficient is varied with a ball. The friction coefficient for ZrO2 balls became a critical value after higher fretting cycles than those for Si3N4 and AISI 52100 balls. In addition, it is identified that two parameters can describe the transition of the friction coefficient. Finally, the evolution of the friction coefficient is expressed as an exponential or a power-law form.
Crambescin C1 Exerts a Cytoprotective Effect on HepG2 Cells through Metallothionein Induction
Authors: Roel María , Rubiolo Juan , Ternon Eva , Thomas Olivier , Vieytes Mercedes , Botana Luis
Published: July 2015

The Mediterranean marine sponge Crambe crambe is the source of two families of guanidine alkaloids known as crambescins and crambescidins. Some of the biological effects of crambescidins have been previously reported while crambescins have undergone little study. Taking this into account, we performed comparative transcriptome analysis to examine the effect of crambescin-C1 (CC1) on human tumor hepatocarcinoma cells HepG2 followed by validation experiments to confirm its predicted biological activities. We report herein that, while crambescin-A1 has a minor effect on these cells, CC1 protects them against oxidative injury by means of metallothionein induction even at low concentrations. Additionally, at high doses, CC1 arrests the HepG2 cell cycle in G0/G1 and thus inhibits tumor cell proliferation. The findings presented here provide the first detailed approach regarding the different effects of crambescins on tumor cells and provide a basis for future studies on other possible cellular mechanisms related to these bioactivities.
The Bright Side of Gelatinous Blooms: Nutraceutical Value and Antioxidant Properties of Three Mediterranean Jellyfish (Scyphozoa)
Authors: Leone Antonella , Lecci Raffaella , Durante Miriana , Meli Federica , Piraino Stefano
Published: July 2015

Jellyfish are recorded with increasing frequency and magnitude in many coastal areas and several species display biological features comparable to the most popular Asiatic edible jellyfish. The biochemical and antioxidant properties of wild gelatinous biomasses, in terms of nutritional and nutraceutical values, are still largely unexplored. In this paper, three of the most abundant and commonly recorded jellyfish species (Aurelia sp.1, Cotylorhiza tuberculata and Rhizostoma pulmo) in the Mediterranean Sea were subject to investigation. A sequential enzymatic hydrolysis of jellyfish proteins was set up by pepsin and collagenase treatments of jellyfish samples after aqueous or hydroalcoholic protein extraction. The content and composition of proteins, amino acids, phenolics, and fatty acids of the three species were recorded and compared. Protein content (mainly represented by collagen) up to 40% of jellyfish dry weight were found in two of the three jellyfish species (C. tuberculata and R. pulmo), whereas the presence of ω-3 and ω-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) was significantly higher in the zooxanthellate jellyfish C. tuberculata only. Remarkable antioxidant ability was also recorded from both proteinaceous and non proteinaceous extracts and the hydrolyzed protein fractions in all the three species. The abundance of collagen, peptides and other bioactive molecules make these Mediterranean gelatinous biomasses a largely untapped source of natural compounds of nutraceutical, cosmeceutical and pharmacological interest.
Analysis of Medications Returned During a Medication Take-Back Event
Authors: Yang Christina , Doshi Mitesh , Mason Nancy
Published: July 2015

A medication take-back event was held in Lansing, MI, USA, for four hours in September 2013. The objective was to quantify medication waste by determining the ratio of medication units remaining versus dispensed and to identify therapeutic classes with greater ratios of remaining medication units. Drug name, strength, quantity remaining, quantity dispensed, dispensary source, and brand or generic were recorded from the label of each medication container returned. Out of the over 3600 medication containers collected, this study analyzed 2459 containers, which included 304 controlled substances. On average, 66 percent of the medications dispensed in these containers were unused, and therefore wasted. Immunologic medications had the lowest quantity of waste at 54%, while geriatrics/miscellaneous therapeutic class yielded the highest quantity of waste at 79%. The most common therapeutic classes collected were pain/spasm, cardiovascular, and mental health. Greater emphasis on patient education regarding medication adherence and health care professionals’ judicious prescribing habits is warranted to reduce the frequency of unused medications. The increased accessibility to medication return sites may alleviate the prevalence of medication accumulation, environmental damage, and medication misuse.
Multisensoral Topsoil Mapping in the Semiarid Lake Manyara Region, Northern Tanzania
Authors: Bachofer Felix , Quénéhervé Geraldine , Hochschild Volker , Maerker Michael
Published: July 2015

This study pursues the mapping of the distribution of topsoils and surface substrates of the Lake Manyara area of northern Tanzania. The nine soil and lithological target classes were selected through fieldwork and laboratory analysis of soil samples. High-resolution WorldView-2 data, TerraSAR-X intensity data, medium-resolution ASTER spectral bands and indices, as well as ENVISAT ASAR intensity and SRTM-X-derived topographic parameters served as input features. Objects were derived from image segmentation. The classification of the image objects was conducted applying a nonlinear support vector machine approach. With the recursive feature elimination approach, the most input-relevant features for separating the target classes were selected. Despite multiple target classes, an overall accuracy of 71.9% was achieved. Inaccuracies occurred between classes with high CaCO3 content and between classes of silica-rich substrates. The incorporation of different input feature datasets improved the classification accuracy. An in-depth interpretation of the classification result was conducted with three soil profile transects.
In-Situ Cure Monitoring of Wind Turbine Blades by Using Fiber Bragg Grating Sensors and Fresnel Reflection Measurement
Authors: Sampath Umesh , Kim Hyunjin , Kim Dae-gil , Kim Young-Chon , Song Minho
Published: July 2015

A fiber-optic cure monitoring system is proposed to measure curing status of composite structure such as a large scale wind turbine blade. The monitoring is based on the measurement of Fresnel reflectivity at the optical fiber/epoxy resin interface. The refractive index of epoxy resin varies throughout curing stages, changing the Fresnel reflectivity. The curing status is decided by monitoring the reflected intensity variation. The usage of fiber Bragg grating (FBG) sensor helps to separate the temperature-induced cross effects. A Gaussian curve fitting algorithm was applied to FBG spectra which were distorted in curing procedure. The substantial measurement errors could be minimized by locating the centroids of the Gaussian curve-fitted spectra. From the experiments performed in various isothermal conditions, the proposed system successfully identified the onset of gelation and the completion of curing of epoxy resins.