bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The importance of older people's participation in the financial services market
Authors: Czechowska Iwona Dorota
Published: August 2014

The article presents definitions on population aging, characterises the analysed group of population, and discusses selected aspects of its activity in the financial services market. Its purpose has been to determine the importance of the elderly as the users of financial services. As demonstrated, the activity of customers aged 60+ in the financial services market is of significance for various players in this market, as well as from the micro and macro perspective. The hypothesis that this subject area is neither sufficiently known nor recognized has been proved to be true. To improve the situation, financial institutions should analyse in detail the needs of elderly customers to develop targeted products and services, while older people should be more active and use them more often.
Traveling salesman problem: approach to optimality
Authors: Jadczak Radosław
Published: August 2014

Traveling Salesman Problem (TSP) is a basic and one of the most important transportation problems in operational logistics. It is also known in the literature as a Chinese postman problem or single vehicle routing problem. TSP can be shortly described as follows. Vehicle starting from the selected city must visit a set of another cities exactly once and return to the starting city in such a way that the total distance of the route is minimized.

In this paper first mathematical formulation of decision problem is presented. Then solution strategies of TSP are shown with selected algorithms as examples. In the last part of article, a computational results of selected methods are presented.
Effects of l-arginine supplementation on blood pressure reduction pre-, peri-, and post-cardiovascular stimulus in hypertensive subjects with different angiotensin-converting-enzyme genotypes
Authors: Malfatti Carlos Ricardo Maneck , Pavlak João Luiz Lang , Da Silva Luiz Augusto , Medeiros Thiago Emannuel , Alonso Katia Cristina , Artoni Roberto Ferreira , Nogaroto Viviane , Túrmina Janaína Angela , Osiecki Ana , Osiecki Raul
Published: August 2014

Purpose

The present study investigated whether L-arginine supplementation reduces blood pressure (BP) in hypertensive subjects with different ACE genotypes.

Methods

Eight male hypertensive patients received L-arginine (2 or 4 g/day) or a placebo for a period of 4 days prior an exercise test. Statistical analysis consisted of one-way analysis of variance.

Results

L-arginine supplementation induced a statistically significant (p > 0.05) reduction in systolic BP measured during rest (reductions of 7.8% and 12.3% with 2 and 4 g/day, respectively), exercise (reductions of 11.8% and 10.4% with 2 and 4 g/day, respectively), and recovery (reductions of 11.7% and 10.7% with 2 and 4 g/day, respectively). The observed magnitude of BP reduction suggests an association with ACE polymorphism; a larger effect was seen with the II and DI genotypes compared with the DD genotype (II: 121 mmHg and DI: 133 mmHg vs. DD: 144 mmHg).

Conclusions

The results showed that L-arginine supplementation at low doses was efficient in reducing BP and that vasodilator actions that occurred through the secretion of nitric oxide might be ACE genotype dependent.
Geometric Interpretation of a Non-Linear Beam Finite Element on The Lie Group SE(3)
Authors: Sonneville Valentin , Cardona Alberto , Brüls Olivier
Published: August 2014

Recently, the authors proposed a geometrically exact beam finite element formulation on the Lie group SE(3). Some important numerical and theoretical aspects leading to a computationally efficient strategy were obtained. For instance, the formulation leads to invariant equilibrium equations under rigid body motions and a locking free element. In this paper we discuss some important aspects of this formulation. The invariance property of the equilibrium equations under rigid body motions is discussed and brought out in simple analytical examples. The discretization method based on the exponential map is recalled and a geometric interpretation is given. Special attention is also dedicated to the consistent interpolation of the velocities.
The relationship between the alkaline phosphatase network and the haematopoiesis in mice subjected to whole-body irradiation
Authors: Almohamad Khaled M. , Alsheikh Fatima M.
Published: August 2014

Purpose: To investigate the relationship between the alkaline phosphatase (ALP) network of the marrow stroma and the haematopoietic regeneration after mice whole-body irradiation. Materials and methods: Three groups of mice were irradiated with a non-lethal ionising radiation dose: the fi rst one received an intraperitoneal injection of Levamisole, ALP inhibitor, 24 h before irradiation; the second one received an intraperitoneal injection of Lisinopril, haematopoiesis inhibitor, 24 h before irradiation; the third was left untreated, but irradiated. The fourth group, untreated and not irradiated, was the control. The total surface occupied by ALP positive processes, revealed by means of ALP cytochemistry in the marrow area, was evaluated semi-quantitively. Nucleated bone marrow cells were also counted. Results: ALP network began to increase 24 h after irradiation to reach a maximum after 72 h, when the bone marrow was almost become completely empty of the haematopoietic cells. This increase advances the haematopoietic recovery. This process was substantially delayed when the mice were injected with Levamisole 24 h before irradiation. On the contrary, ALP network increased strongly since the fi rst day after irradiation when the mice were injected with Lisinopril 24 h before irradiation. Conclusions: These data have indicated that the haematopoietic recovery and repopulation of the bone marrow were advanced by the ALP network recovery.
Use of Surface Wave Measurements to Characterize Surface-Breaking Cracks in Concrete Bridge Decks
Authors: Kee Seong-Hoon , Gucunski Nenad
Published: August 2014

The depths of surface-breaking cracks in concrete bridge decks are characterized through the use of an extended surface wave transmission (SWT) method. For practical applications to concrete plates, the authors propose a measurement model that includes an appropriate configuration of the source and receivers, as well as a transmission function for the given configuration. A three-dimensional finite element model was used to conduct a series of numerical simulations to obtain the transmission function. Afterward, a proposed model was applied to characterize surface-breaking cracks in simulated and actual reinforced concrete bridge decks. As demonstrated, the proposed method was effective at characterizing the depth of a surface-breaking crack in a concrete bridge deck with an average error of 10% to 15%. In addition, it was found that a fusion of the results from the SWT and the surface wave velocity measurement led to a more accurate estimation of crack depth.
Use of Ultrasonic Tomography to Detect Structural Impairment in Tunnel Linings
Authors: White Joshua , Hurlebaus Stefan , Shokouhi Parisa , Wimsatt Andrew
Published: August 2014

Tunnel inspection is a challenging problem because of high-volume traffic and routine operations in naturally aggressive environments. The need to keep tunnels open during inspection and minimize tunnel closures and user delays must be carefully balanced with the need to conduct in-depth lining inspections to ensure the safety of drivers. This paper describes the laboratory validation and field performance of a recently developed in-depth nondestructive testing technology for the detection of impairments in tunnel lining: linear array shear wave tomography, typically referred to as ultrasonic tomography (UST). Before this equipment is used in the field, the system is first evaluated through the use of laboratory specimens with artificial defects that mock common structural problems, such as air- and water-filled voids, delaminations, and other potential abnormalities. The device is also used to determine concrete thickness and reinforcement depth and spacing. The test results are discussed to determine the device's capabilities and limitations in locating defects in concrete structures. After the system is evaluated on the basis of its ability to detect these simulated defects, the system is taken to the field to inspect a public tunnel for natural structural defects. Potential regions of interest are first identified through high-speed air-coupled ground-penetrating radar (GPR) and visual inspection and subsequently inspected with UST. This paper shows that the combination of preliminary inspection procedures (GPR surveys and visual inspection) and an in-depth technique like UST is powerful for the assessment of the condition of tunnel linings and can detect potential anomalies, such as delamination, reinforcement depth and layout, and lining thickness.
Simplified Uniform Hazard Liquefaction Analysis for Bridges
Authors: Franke Kevin W. , Mayfield Roy T. , Wright Alexander D.
Published: August 2014

Many bridge designers currently rely on the design specifications provided by AASHTO to evaluate liquefaction hazards for foundations and embankments. These guide specifications recommend a pseudo-probabilistic approach (i.e., an approach in which probabilistic estimates of seismic loading are incorporated into a deterministic liquefaction hazard analysis) for most conventional projects. A more consistent approach for the assessment of liquefaction hazards would involve a performance-based or uniform hazard evaluation of liquefaction potential. However, a performance-based liquefaction analysis is complex and difficult to implement in practice. This paper describes a simplified procedure for uniform hazard liquefaction analysis that uses the standard penetration test to closely approximate the results of a performance-based liquefaction analysis at a desired uniform hazard level. The simplified procedure is compatible with current AASHTO load and resistance factor bridge design specifications and is intended for use on bridges and other transportation-related structures. The procedure is summarized and shown to produce more consistent results for liquefaction hazards across different seismic environments than the existing AASHTO pseudo-probabilistic procedure. An example application of the simplified procedure is presented and discussed, and limitations for the procedure's proper use are provided.
Testing of Full-Scale Inflatable Plug for Flood Mitigation in Tunnels
Authors: Sosa Eduardo M. , Thompson Gregory J. , Barbero Ever J.
Published: August 2014

The protection of high-risk underwater and underground assets, such as rail and road tunnels, is a high priority. Disasters and extraordinary events can significantly disrupt the functionality of such critical civil infrastructure. Events such as the 2012 flooding of New York City, when Hurricane Sandy caused seven subway tunnels and three vehicular tunnels to flood and remain inoperable for several days, have demonstrated the need for methods to mitigate vulnerabilities to or, at least, minimize the consequences of those events. Conventional emergency sealing systems are not always installed or operational during extraordinary events; this situation has prompted the investigation of alternative solutions, such as inflatable plugs capable of sealing off and protecting an underground system by stopping hazards. The development and testing of confined inflatable structures was performed at West Virginia University to verify the viability of flood containment with an inflatable plug in a tunnel section. The work was performed under the Resilient Tunnel project, which has progressed from the production of a proof of concept, air-inflated prototype to reduced and full-scale prototypes pressurized with water and subjected to back pressure for flooding simulations. This work summarizes the results of tests performed at full scale for the evaluation of the conformity of an inflatable plug to a typical tunnel section as well as the plug's ability to withstand simulated flooding and maintain axial stability. The tests comprised deployment, inflation, pressurization, and flooding simulation. The test results demonstrated that an inflatable plug could be installed and deployed and could seal a tunnel section by holding test pressures, while maintaining axial stability, with manageable levels of water leakage.
Hybrid Fiber-Reinforced Polymer Girders Topped with Segmental Precast Concrete Slabs for Accelerated Bridge Construction
Authors: Nguyen Hai , Zatar Wael , Mutsuyoshi Hiroshi
Published: August 2014

The behavior of composite girders made of hybrid fiber-reinforced polymer (HFRP) I-girders, topped with precast ultra-high-performance, fiber-reinforced concrete (UHPFRC) slabs is presented in this paper. HFRP I-girders were manufactured under the pultrusion process in which unidirectional carbon fibers and bidirectional fiberglass fabric or continuous strand mat were used. Four large-scale composite girders were tested under four-point flexural loading. In the first composite girder, the HFRP I-girder was topped with a full-length precast UHPFRC slab. Twelve precast UHPFRC segments were used in each slab of the other three composite girders. Either epoxy or mortar connections were used to connect the precast UHPFRC segments. The test results showed that the flexural stiffness of the composite girder with the epoxy-connected segmental precast slabs was similar to that of the full-length precast composite girder. The mortar-connected girder exhibited more ductile behavior than the epoxy-connected girder. All the composite girders exhibited significant improvements in strength and stiffness compared with the HFRP I-girder without the UHPFRC slab. The HFRP–UHPFRC composite girders were shown to provide a promising and sustainable solution for accelerated bridge construction.
Evolution of Data Creation, Management, Publication, and Curation in the Research Process
Authors: Zilinski Lisa D. , Scherer David Alan , Bullock Darcy M. , Horton Deborah , Matthews Courtney Earl
Published: August 2014

Sharing research data and scholarship is of national importance because of the increased focus on maximizing return on the U.S. government's investment in research programs. Recent government policy changes have directly affected the management and accessibility of publically funded research. On January 18, 2011, the National Science Foundation, a U.S. agency that supports research and education in nonmedical fields, required that data management plans be submitted with all grant proposals. On February 22, 2013, the U.S. President's Office of Science and Technology Policy extended a similar requirement for all federal agencies with research and development budgets of more than $100 million. These requirements illustrate the need for further coordination and management of data as scholarship with traditional publications. Purdue University Libraries and its Joint Transportation Research Program (JTRP) collaborated to develop a comprehensive work flow that links technical report production with the management and publication of associated data. This paper illustrates early initiatives to integrate discrete data publications with traditional scholarly publications by leveraging new and existing repository platforms and services. The authors review government policies, past data-sharing practices, early pilot initiatives, and work flow integration between Purdue's data repository, the traditional press, and institutional repository. Through the adoption of these work flows, the authors propose best practices for integrating data publishing and dissemination into the research process. The implementation of this model has the potential to assist researchers in meeting the requirements of federal funding agencies, while reducing redundancy, ensuring integrity, expanding accessibility, and increasing the return on research investment.
Evaluation of a Library E-Book Lending Platform for Department of Transportation Employees with Personal Reading Devices
Authors: Winter Ken
Published: August 2014

In 2012 the Virginia Department of Transportation (DOT) Research Library conducted a trial of the electronic book database of EBSCO Information Services (EBSCO). The goals of the trial were to determine the level of interest by Virginia DOT employees in accessing e-books, to observe usage patterns and preferences of users in accessing content (EBSCO offered three access options for viewing onscreen or downloading to a personal device), to observe and gather usage statistics during the trial, to survey users on their experience and preferences for e-book devices, and to learn whether patrons used the library's subscriptions to the Books24×7, Knovel, or ASCE databases, which contain onscreen-only e-books. Usage statistics revealed high levels of interest in the e-book database. During the trial, 959 user sessions occurred, with 2,702 searches taking place, 694 e-books read onscreen, and 130 e-books checked out and downloaded to Adobe Digital Editions. Of the 32 respondents to a user satisfaction survey, 93.75% indicated that they would use e-books for their work or professional development; 39% found them somewhat easy or very easy to use; 63% read e-books onscreen; and 37% read from a portable e-book reader. Ninety percent of respondents had used other library full-text databases; 69% had purchased or received an e-book as a gift; and 40% had borrowed an e-book from another library. Research indicates that the EBSCO e-books database is a viable resource for Virginia DOT, provided that the proper content can be licensed and that adequate user education is provided.
Traffic Signal System Misconceptions across three Cohorts
Authors: Hurwitz David S. , Brown Shane , Islam Mohammad , Daratha Kelvin , Kyte Michael
Published: August 2014

Both research evidence and theories of situated knowledge suggest that students are not prepared for the engineering workforce upon graduation from engineering programs. Concept inventory results from diverse fields also suggest that students do not understand fundamental concepts of engineering, mathematics, and science. These concerns may result from different knowledge deficiencies: one from a lack of conceptual understanding and the other from a lack of applied knowledge. In an attempt to explain the patterns in misconceptions across three cohorts, the research goals of this paper are to identify misconceptions (knowledge about phenomena that are persistent and incorrect) related to traffic signal operations and design across the cohorts of novice engineering students, expert engineering students, and practicing engineers. Results indicate three misconception patterns (decreasing, increasing, and no change) across the three cohorts. The pattern of decreasing misconception can be explained by a traditional model of learning that suggests improved understanding with additional instruction and student time on task. The pattern of increasing misconception appeared for concepts that are particularly complex and confounding; practicing engineers produce much more complex answers that are mostly correct but include leaps and speculations not yet proven in the literature. Misconception frequencies that stay the same tend to include topics that do not have required national standards or that are buried in automated processes. The process of identifying and documenting misconceptions that exist across these cohorts is a necessary step in the development of a data-driven curriculum. An example of a conceptual exercise developed from four misconceptions identified in this study is also demonstrated.
Comparing methods of measuring sea-ice density in the East Antarctic
Authors: Hutchings Jennifer K. , Heil Petra , Lecomte Oliver , Stevens Roger , Steer Adam , Lieser Jan L.
Published: August 2014

Remotely sensed derivation of sea-ice thickness requires sea·ice density. Sea-ice density was estimated with three techniques during the second Sea Ice Physics and Ecosystem eXperimett (SIPEX-II, September-November 2012, East Antarctica). The sea ice was first-year highly deformed, mean thicknsss 1.2 m with layers, consistent with rafting, and 6-7/10 columnar ice and 3/10 granular ice. Ice density was found to be lower than values (900-920 kg m−3 used previously to derive ice thickness,, with columnar ice mean density of 870 kg m− 3. At two different ice stations the mean density of the ice was 800 kg m–3, the lower density reflecting a high percentage of porous granular ice at the second station. Error estimates for mass/volume and liquid/solid water methods are presented. With 0.1 m long, 0.1 m core samples, the error on individual density estimates is 28 kg m-3. Errors are larger for smaller machined blocks. Errors increase to 46 kg m-3 if the liquid/solid volume method is used. The mass/vouume method has a low bias due to brine drainage of at least 5%. Bulk densities estimated from ice and snow measurements along 100 m transects were high, and likely unrealistic as the assumption of isostatcc balance is not suitable over these length scales in deformed ice.
No Longer a Distant Dream
Authors: Dokwal Chandra Prakash
Published: August 2014

Abstract not availableDOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/pulse.v5i1.20182 Pulse Vol.5 January 2011 p.4-5
Percutaneous Coronary Intervention (PCI) of Chronic Total Occlusion (CTO) lesion in Bangladeshi patient population: a single center experience- In hospital and 90 days outcome
Authors: Talukder Shahab Uddin , Islam AHM Waliul , Munwar Shams , Reza AQM , Ahmed Tamzeed , Bhuiyan Azfar H , Masud R , Siddique AB , Shohel SR , Alam MS , Miah A , Chakrabarty S , Karim A
Published: August 2014

Objectives Aim of the study was to evaluate the primary in-hospital success and 90 days outcome of PCI in patients with CTO lesions, using either Bare-metal stents (BMS) or Drug Eluting Stent (DES) like Sirolimus-eluting or Paclitaxel-eluting stent. Methods Total 71 patients were included in this non-randomized prospective cohort as per the definition of CTO, from a total of 875 patients who had PCI at our center in the quantifying period. Total 92 stents were deployed in 71 patients. After the guide wire crossing and the balloon dilation, measurement of the culprit lesion were done by using Siemens QCA measuring system. Among the patients, Male: 59 and Female: 12. Mean age were for Male: 53yrs, for Female: 65yrs. Associated CAD risk factors were Dyslipidemia, High Blood pressure, Diabetes Mellitus, Positive FH for CAD and Smoking (all male). Results Our study shows 71 patients (8.1%) had CTO lesion out of total 875 PCI procedures. Among the study group; 56 (79%) were Dyslipidemic, 50 (70%) were hypertensive: 40 (56%) patients were Diabetic, 25 (42%) were all male smoker. Female patients were more obese (BMI M 26: F 27) and developed CAD in advance age. We found that the incidences of CTO lesions were more in LAD territory 27 (38%) followed by RCA 26 (37%) and LCX 18 (25%). Average length and diameter of stented vessel was greater in RCA than LAD and LCX. Stents used: BMS 34 (36.9%), Sirolimus 25 (27.2%), Paclitaxel 18 (19.6%), Biolimus 10 (10.8%) and Everolimus 5 (5.4%). Post procedural, in-hospital and 90 days out come was 100% in our present study. Conclusion Our study has revealed that PCI in patients with CTO lesion has shown good success rate in our hospital with no procedural complication both in-hospital and 90 days after, either treated with BMS or DES. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/pulse.v5i1.20185 Pulse Vol.5 January 2011 p.19-26
Post-operative pain management
Authors: Aziz Lutful
Published: August 2014

Abstract not available DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/pulse.v5i1.20187 Pulse Vol.5 January 2011 p.30-34
A Case of Sub-acute Combined Degeneration of the Spinal Cord with Associated Pernicious Anaemia
Authors: Bhuiyan AA , Dash SK , Shahriar SMH , Nahid F , Arefin S
Published: August 2014

Aim and Objective Vitamin B12 deficiency disease, specially associated with pernicious anaemia is a relatively rare disease in the developing countries. Patients with B12 deficiency may present with hematological, gastro-intestinal and neuro-psychiatric manifestations. Here we discuss a case of a fifty five-year-old lady presented with sub-acute combined degeneration of the spinal cord. Case presentation A fifty five year old female was admitted in Neurology ward in Apollo Hospitals, Dhaka from OPD for progressive quadriparesis with tingling in the hands and feet. She had no associated visual, bulbar symptoms, sphincter incontinence or memory impairment. Investigation revealed mild anaemia, macrocytosis on peripheral blood picture, low Vitamin B12 level with megaloblastic changes in bone marrow examination. Anti-Intrinsic factor antibody and anti-parietal cell antibody was not done, as it is not available here. MRI of dorsal spine shows T2 hyper-intense lesions in the posterior cord. GI Endoscopic biopsy revealed chronic atrophic gastritis. Conclusion We presented this case because of its relatively uncommon occurrence in our country. Sub-acute combined degeneration of spinal cord associated with dietary deficiency is common in Indian sub-continent. High index of suspicion is needed for its early diagnosis as delay in treatment can lead to poor neurological recovery. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/pulse.v5i1.20193 Pulse Vol.5 January 2011 p.57-60
Melanotic Neuroectodermal Tumor of Infancy
Authors: Molla Motiur Rahman , Ferdousi Fahmida , Khaled Ahmed
Published: August 2014

Two babys, one was 6 months old and another was 2 months old presented with a rapidly progressing melanotic neuroectodermal tumor of infancy (MNTI) in the maxilla. The tumor extended from the midline to the retromolar area of the left maxilla. It was confirmed as a melanotic neuroectodermal tumor through, radiology, cytology and histopathological examinations. The encapsulated tumor was excised .No recurrence was seen in the initial follow up nearly one year. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/pulse.v5i1.20194 Pulse Vol.5 January 2011 p.61-65
Biosensors with Built-In Biomolecular Logic Gates for Practical Applications
Authors: Lai Yu-Hsuan , Sun Sin-Cih , Chuang Min-Chieh
Published: August 2014

Molecular logic gates, designs constructed with biological and chemical molecules, have emerged as an alternative computing approach to silicon-based logic operations. These molecular computers are capable of receiving and integrating multiple stimuli of biochemical significance to generate a definitive output, opening a new research avenue to advanced diagnostics and therapeutics which demand handling of complex factors and precise control. In molecularly gated devices, Boolean logic computations can be activated by specific inputs and accurately processed via bio-recognition, bio-catalysis, and selective chemical reactions. In this review, we survey recent advances of the molecular logic approaches to practical applications of biosensors, including designs constructed with proteins, enzymes, nucleic acids, nanomaterials, and organic compounds, as well as the research avenues for future development of digitally operating “sense and act” schemes that logically process biochemical signals through networked circuits to implement intelligent control systems.
Biogenicity and Syngeneity of Organic Matter in Ancient Sedimentary Rocks: Recent Advances in the Search for Evidence of Past Life
Authors: Oehler Dorothy , Cady Sherry
Published: August 2014

The past decade has seen an explosion of new technologies for assessment of biogenicity and syngeneity of carbonaceous material within sedimentary rocks. Advances have been made in techniques for analysis of in situ organic matter as well as for extracted bulk samples of soluble and insoluble (kerogen) organic fractions. The in situ techniques allow analysis of micrometer-to-sub-micrometer-scale organic residues within their host rocks and include Raman and fluorescence spectroscopy/imagery, confocal laser scanning microscopy, and forms of secondary ion/laser-based mass spectrometry, analytical transmission electron microscopy, and X-ray absorption microscopy/spectroscopy. Analyses can be made for chemical, molecular, and isotopic composition coupled with assessment of spatial relationships to surrounding minerals, veins, and fractures. The bulk analyses include improved methods for minimizing contamination and recognizing syngenetic constituents of soluble organic fractions as well as enhanced spectroscopic and pyrolytic techniques for unlocking syngenetic molecular signatures in kerogen. Together, these technologies provide vital tools for the study of some of the oldest and problematic carbonaceous residues and for advancing our understanding of the earliest stages of biological evolution on Earth and the search for evidence of life beyond Earth. We discuss each of these new technologies, emphasizing their advantages and disadvantages, applications, and likely future directions.
Risk Factors for E. coli O157 and Cryptosporidiosis Infection in Individuals in the Karst Valleys of East Tennessee, USA
Authors: Luffman Ingrid , Tran Liem
Published: August 2014

This research examines risk factors for sporadic cryptosporidiosis and Escherichia coli (E. coli) O157 infection in East Tennessee, using a case-control approach and spatial logistic regression models. The risk factors examined are animal density, land use, geology, surface water impairment, poverty rate and availability of private water supply. Proximity to karst geology, beef cow population density and a high percentage of both developed land and pasture land are positively associated with both diseases. The availability of private water supply is negatively associated with both diseases. Risk maps generated using the model coefficients show areas of elevated risk to identify the communities where background risk is highest, so that limited public health resources can be targeted to the risk factors and communities most at risk. These results can be used as the framework upon which to develop a comprehensive epidemiological study that focuses on risk factors important at the individual level.
A Comparison of the Human Buccal Cell Assay and the Pollen Abortion Assay in Assessing Genotoxicity in an Urban-Rural Gradient
Authors: Fleck Alan , Vieira Mariana , Amantéa Sergio , Rhoden Claudia
Published: August 2014

Air pollution is exacerbated near heavy traffic roads in cities. Air pollution concentration and composition vary by region and depend on urban-rural gradients. The aim of this study was to evaluate the distribution of air pollution in areas of varying population densities and to compare plant biomonitoring with an established biomarker of human exposure to traffic-related air pollution in children. The areas of study were selected near a major street in 3 different regions. Areas A, B and C represent high, intermediate and low population densities, respectively. Micronucleus assay, an established biomarker of human exposure, was performed in children from these areas. For a plant biomonitoring assay, the pollen abortion assay was performed on Bauhinia variegata in these areas. NO2 and O3 concentrations were determined by passive sampling. We report here that the pollen abortion frequency in Bauhinia variegata is correlated with NO2 concentration (P = 0.004) and is strongly associated with vehicular flow and population density in the studied areas. Micronuclei frequency in buccal cells of children was higher in the regions with more degree of urbanization (P < 0.001) following the same pattern of O3 concentrations (P = 0.030). In conclusion, our results demonstrate that high concentrations of air pollutants in Porto Alegre are related to both human and plant genotoxicity. Areas with different concentration of pollutants demonstrated to have an urbanization gradient dependent pattern which also reflected on genotoxic damage among these areas.
Development and Application of Loop-Mediated Isothermal Amplification Assays for Rapid Visual Detection of cry2Ab and cry3A Genes in Genetically-Modified Crops
Authors: Li Feiwu , Yan Wei , Long Likun , Qi Xing , Li Congcong , Zhang Shihong
Published: August 2014

The cry2Ab and cry3A genes are two of the most important insect-resistant exogenous genes and had been widely used in genetically-modified crops. To develop more effective alternatives for the quick identification of genetically-modified organisms (GMOs) containing these genes, a rapid and visual loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) method to detect the cry2Ab and cry3A genes is described in this study. The LAMP assay can be finished within 60 min at an isothermal condition of 63 °C. The derived LAMP products can be obtained by a real-time turbidimeter via monitoring the white turbidity or directly observed by the naked eye through adding SYBR Green I dye. The specificity of the LAMP assay was determined by analyzing thirteen insect-resistant genetically-modified (GM) crop events with different Bt genes. Furthermore, the sensitivity of the LAMP assay was evaluated by diluting the template genomic DNA. Results showed that the limit of detection of the established LAMP assays was approximately five copies of haploid genomic DNA, about five-fold greater than that of conventional PCR assays. All of the results indicated that this established rapid and visual LAMP assay was quick, accurate and cost effective, with high specificity and sensitivity. In addition, this method does not need specific expensive instruments or facilities, which can provide a simpler and quicker approach to detecting the cry2Ab and cry3A genes in GM crops, especially for on-site, large-scale test purposes in the field.
PL-PatchSurfer: A Novel Molecular Local Surface-Based Method for Exploring Protein-Ligand Interactions
Authors: Hu Bingjie , Zhu Xiaolei , Monroe Lyman , Bures Mark , Kihara Daisuke
Published: August 2014

Structure-based computational methods have been widely used in exploring protein-ligand interactions, including predicting the binding ligands of a given protein based on their structural complementarity. Compared to other protein and ligand representations, the advantages of a surface representation include reduced sensitivity to subtle changes in the pocket and ligand conformation and fast search speed. Here we developed a novel method named PL-PatchSurfer (Protein-Ligand PatchSurfer). PL-PatchSurfer represents the protein binding pocket and the ligand molecular surface as a combination of segmented surface patches. Each patch is characterized by its geometrical shape and the electrostatic potential, which are represented using the 3D Zernike descriptor (3DZD). We first tested PL-PatchSurfer on binding ligand prediction and found it outperformed the pocket-similarity based ligand prediction program. We then optimized the search algorithm of PL-PatchSurfer using the PDBbind dataset. Finally, we explored the utility of applying PL-PatchSurfer to a larger and more diverse dataset and showed that PL-PatchSurfer was able to provide a high early enrichment for most of the targets. To the best of our knowledge, PL-PatchSurfer is the first surface patch-based method that treats ligand complementarity at protein binding sites. We believe that using a surface patch approach to better understand protein-ligand interactions has the potential to significantly enhance the design of new ligands for a wide array of drug-targets.
The G-Protein-Coupled Estrogen Receptor (GPER/GPR30) in Ovarian Granulosa Cell Tumors
Authors: Heublein Sabine , Mayr Doris , Friese Klaus , Jarrin-Franco Maria , Lenhard Miriam , Mayerhofer Artur , Jeschke Udo
Published: August 2014

Ovarian granulosa cell tumors (GCTs) are thought to arise from cells of the ovarian follicle and comprise a rare entity of ovarian masses. We recently identified the G-protein-coupled estrogen receptor (GPER/GPR30) to be present in granulosa cells, to be regulated by gonadotropins in epithelial ovarian cancer and to be differentially expressed throughout folliculogenesis. Thus, supposing a possible role of GPER in GCTs, this study aimed to analyze GPER in GCTs. GPER immunoreactivity in GCTs (n = 26; n (primary diagnosis) = 15, n (recurrence) = 11) was studied and correlated with the main clinicopathological variables. Positive GPER staining was identified in 53.8% (14/26) of GCTs and there was no significant relation of GPER with tumor size or lymph node status. Those cases presenting with strong GPER intensity at primary diagnosis showed a significant reduced overall survival (p = 0.002). Due to the fact that GPER is regulated by estrogens, as well as gonadotropins, GPER may also be affected by endocrine therapies applied to GCT patients. Moreover, with our data supposing GPER to be associated with GCT prognosis, GPER might be considered as a possible confounder when assessing the efficacy of hormone-based therapeutic approaches in GCTs.
Effects of Functionalization of TiO2 Nanotube Array Sensors with Pd Nanoparticles on Their Selectivity
Authors: Park Sunghoon , Kim Soohyun , Park Suyoung , Lee Wan , Lee Chongmu
Published: August 2014

This study compared the responses of Pd-functionalized and pristine titanate (TiO2) nanotube arrays to ethanol with those to acetone to determine the effects of functionalization of TiO2 nanotubes with Pd nanoparticles on the sensitivity and selectivity. The responses of pristine and Pd-functionalized TiO2 nanotube arrays to ethanol gas at 200 °C were ~2877% and ~21,253%, respectively. On the other hand, the responses of pristine and Pd-functionalized TiO2 nanotube arrays to acetone gas at 250 °C were ~1636% and 8746% respectively. In the case of ethanol sensing, the response and recovery times of Pd-functionalized TiO2 nanotubes (10.2 and 7.1 s) were obviously shorter than those of pristine TiO2 nanotubes (14.3 and 8.8 s), respectively. In contrast, in the case of acetone sensing the response and recovery times of Pd-functionalized TiO2 nanotubes (42.5 and 19.7 s) were almost the same as those of pristine TiO2 nanotubes (47.2 and 17.9 s). TiO2 nanotube arrays showed the strongest response to ethanol and Pd functionalization was the most effective in improving the response of TiO2 nanotubes to ethanol among six different types of gases: ethanol, acetone, CO, H2, NH3 and NO2. The origin of the superior sensing properties of Pd-functionalized TiO2 nanotubes toward ethanol to acetone is also discussed.
Mapping Asbestos-Cement Roofing with Hyperspectral Remote Sensing over a Large Mountain Region of the Italian Western Alps
Authors: Frassy Federico , Candiani Gabriele , Rusmini Marco , Maianti Pieralberto , Marchesi Andrea , Nodari Francesco , Via Giorgio , Albonico Carlo , Gianinetto Marco
Published: August 2014

The World Health Organization estimates that 100 thousand people in the world die every year from asbestos-related cancers and more than 300 thousand European citizens are expected to die from asbestos-related mesothelioma by 2030. Both the European and the Italian legislations have banned the manufacture, importation, processing and distribution in commerce of asbestos-containing products and have recommended action plans for the safe removal of asbestos from public and private buildings. This paper describes the quantitative mapping of asbestos-cement covers over a large mountainous region of Italian Western Alps using the Multispectral Infrared and Visible Imaging Spectrometer sensor. A very large data set made up of 61 airborne transect strips covering 3263 km2 were processed to support the identification of buildings with asbestos-cement roofing, promoted by the Valle d’Aosta Autonomous Region with the support of the Regional Environmental Protection Agency. Results showed an overall mapping accuracy of 80%, in terms of asbestos-cement surface detected. The influence of topography on the classification’s accuracy suggested that even in high relief landscapes, the spatial resolution of data is the major source of errors and the smaller asbestos-cement covers were not detected or misclassified.
The Geopolitical Energy Security Evaluation Method and a China Case Application Based on Politics of Scale
Authors: Hu Zhiding , Ge Yuejing
Published: August 2014

Combining the theories of politics of scale from political geography, security theory from international relations, and energy security theory, and putting the scale conversion of energy contention, geographical relationship and geo-structure in geo-setting, and the three properties of safety in consideration, this paper rebuilds a geo-energy security evaluation model and uses the model to quantitatively evaluate China’s geo-oil energy security in the Russian Pacific oil pipeline construction from 1995 to 2010. Five results could be drawn as follows: (1) from the aspect of time, an up-surging Geo-oil Safety Index of China in the Russian Pacific oil pipeline construction indicated an increasingly disadvantage of China in the geo-oil contention by politics of scale. If the United States and South Korea are involved, the competition would be further intensified; (2) from the aspect of geopolitical relationship, a general decrease occurred in the Sino-Japan Energy Competition Index, but a specific increase appeared in the competition of energy imports from Russia, by China and Japan individually; (3) from the aspect of regional strategy of energy export, an obvious downward tendency in Energy Export Strategy Index showed that Russia has changed its export destination off of Europe; (4) from the aspect of geo-security, a relatively steady proportion of China’s oil consumption, and a friendly comprehensive strategic partnership of cooperation between China and Russia, reduced the worries of China’s geo-oil energy security to some extent; (5) from the aspect of geopolitical structure, the increasing comprehensive national power in China, driven by rapid economic growth, will intensify the geo-oil competition in Northeast Asia.
Riding the wave of BYOD: developing a framework for creative pedagogies
Authors: Cochrane Thomas , Antonczak Laurent , Keegan Helen , Narayan Vickel
Published: August 2014

Moving innovation in teaching and learning beyond isolated short-term projects is one of the holy grails of educational technology research, which is littered with the debris of a constant stream of comparative studies demonstrating no significant difference between innovative technologies and traditional pedagogical approaches. Meanwhile, the approaching giant wave of the bring your own device (BYOD) movement threatens to overwhelm education practitioners and researchers preoccupied with replicating current practice on mobile devices. A review of the literature indicates that there are yet few well-developed theoretical frameworks for supporting creative pedagogies via BYOD. In this paper, we overview the development of a framework for creative pedagogies that harness the unique affordances of BYOD. This framework has been used across multiple educational contexts and scale from short workshops through to full courses and international collaborative projects. Our key design principles for supporting creative pedagogies via BYOD include modelling collaborative practice via establishing teacher communities of practice to learn about the affordances of mobile devices in relation to new modes of student learning, collaborative curriculum redesign in response to shifts in conceptions of teaching and learning, and collaborating with ICT Services for infrastructure development across the campus.Keywords: Mobile Learning; augmented reality; creative pedagogies; communities of practice; social media(Published: 28 August 2014)Citation: Research in Learning Technology 2014, 22: 24637 - http://dx.doi.org/10.3402/rlt.v22.24637
À l’origine de Caunes-Minervois : Buffens
Authors: Baudreu Dominique , Rancoule Guy
Published: August 2014

Discovered by speleologists in a cave of the Argent-Double pass, in the north of the village of Caunes and at a small distance from the place called “ Roc de Buffens”, a series of Late Antiquity ceramics raises the problem of the occupation of natural cavities traditionally and wrongly interpreted as places of refuge in the context of the “ Great Invasions”.

The likely contemporaneousness between the ceramics and the period of formation of the place-name ” Buffens”, doubtless of Gothic origin, allows a modest historiographical evaluation on the ancient villa Buffinis. This name preceded that of the “ villa” of Caunes, the anteriority of the first name being clearly evoked in a text of the end of the VIIIth century which also mentions the Saint-Geniès church, the ancient parochial church of Caunes. Such a place of worship may be the heir to a former religious centre which would have existed before the villa during the early Christian period. As for the deserted habitat, evoked by erudite tradition in the vicinity of the Saint-Geniès church, or further North, habitat that would have preceded the creation of the village of Caunes, its very existence deserves to be discussed for the present.
L’intervention archéologique de 2004 dans les galeries nord et est du cloître de l’abbaye de Caunes-Minervois
Authors: Gaillard Arnaud
Published: August 2014

The existing cloister of the Caunes-Minervois abbey is a very sober work realised by the monks of the Congregation of St Maur at the end of the XVIIth century. The special nature of the site lies in the presence of remains of the medieval cloister, indicated by a paved stratum under the level of the Maurist cloister (-2,40 m approximately). Prior to alteration works, the excavations carried out in 20004 aimed at studying the remains of the medieval cloister. This operation brought to light a large part of the medieval north gallery and a consequent portion of the east one. Together with previous soundings, these include almost every part of the medieval cloister in the area of the existing cloister. However, certain questions still remain unanswered. We are unable to locate the medieval south gallery. At the very most, we can propose to place it under a modern béal crossing the convent according to a globally east-west axis. The discovery of a Romanesque semicircular arch in the alignment of the south arm of the transept seems to us a decisive element for the understanding of the building. This access associated with a fist threshold situated under the caladé level of circulation seems to indicate that an older (Romanesque) pavement may have been in use before the construction of the herringbone pavement. As a consequence, the age of the partly destroyed medieval small stone wall observed in the north gallery would be proved. As regards the relative chronology of the site, the evidences brought to light allow us to advance that the herringbone pavement (calade) belongs to the Gothic phase of reconstruction of the church nave.
L’abbatiale de Caunes-Minervois : l’oeuvre romane
Authors: Pradalier Henri
Published: August 2014

The analysis of the architecture and sculpture of the ancient abbey church of Caunes-Minervois reveals the main stages which allowed the constitution of this monument. Following a pre-Romanesque phase mainly represented by the remains of an apse of square plan, the Romanesque period bequeaths more important elements the construction of which spreads out over two centuries (XIth century, beginning of XIIth century) and testify of the high quality of construction on a regional scale. In the field of sculpture, the XIth century capitals are the most representative, but the vision of the whole sculptured production remains truncated because on account of the destruction of the Romanesque cloister.
La nef gothique de l’église abbatiale Saint-Pierre de Caunes-Minervois
Authors: Béa Adeline
Published: August 2014

The building of a Gothic carpentry-roofed nave in the abbey church Saint-Pierre de Caunes, in a building already finished after several campaigns of construction during the Romanesque period, gives the latter all its originality. The church enters the Gothic adventure benefiting from the latest progress in the evolution of taste and forms during this period.