bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Papilionoideae (Leguminosae) na Mata Atlântica do Rio Grande do Norte, Brasil
Authors: São-Mateus Wallace Messias Barbosa , Cardoso Domingos , Jardim Jomar Gomes , Queiroz Luciano Paganucci de
Published: March 2014

This study presents a taxonomic account of the Papilionoideae (Leguminosae) from remnants of Atlantic Forest in the Brazilian state of Rio Grande do Norte. We recorded 68 species and 32 genera within the following tribes: Phaseoleae (11 genera/24 species), Dalbergieae (9/20), Swartzieae (3/3), Millettieae (2/4), Sophoreae (2/2), Abreae (1/1), Crotalarieae (1/3), Desmodieae (1/7), Indigofereae (1/3), and Sesbanieae (1/1). Ten genera and 32 species are newly recorded for the flora of Rio Grande do Norte. The most species-rich genera were Desmodium (7 species), Centrosema (5), Stylosanthes (5), Aeschynomene (4), and Macroptilium (4). Herbaceous and shrubby species have predominated with 60% (41 spp.) of the total species diversity, following by the vines and lianas with 28% (19 spp.) and the trees with only 12% (8 spp.). Identification key, descriptions, diagnostic morphological characters, geographic distribution, and illustrations are also provided.
First record of acari Arrenurus Dugès, 1834 as a parasite of Odonata species in Brazil
Authors: Rodrigues Marciel Elio , Carriço Cesar , Pinto Zeneida Teixeira , Mendonça Paloma Martins , Queiroz Margareth Maria de Carvalho
Published: March 2014

Water mites are common and widespread parasites of some aquatic insects in freshwater habitats. This is the first record of acari Arrenurus Dugès, 1834, as a parasite of Odonata in Brazil. Water mites were sampled from Miathyria marcella (Selys, 1857) and Ischnura fluviatilis (Selys, 1876).
Honeydew foraging by birds in an Atlantic Forest fragment of Minas Gerais State, Brazil
Authors: Teixeira Fagner Daniel , Azevedo Fernando Cesar Cascelli de
Published: March 2014

Honeydew foraging by birds has been extensively documented in recent years. However, this interaction has been poorly documented in Brazil, with predominance of few species of birds foraging only in Mimosa scabrella trees. With the objective of describing the behavior of birds interacting with scale insects associated with trees, we conducted a study at the Serra de São José, Tiradentes, in the State of Minas Gerais, Brazil. Observations were recorded from June to July 2012. We observed 13 species of birds feeding on honeydew scale insects, eight never previously recorded. We observed individuals using aerial and surface maneuvers to collect the honeydew on the branches or reaching the droppings below the branches. These species were observed foraging individually, in pairs and also in large groups. Our results suggest that honeydew excretion from scale insects associated with Pseudopiptadenia leptostachya trees represents an important energy source for local birds as observed in fragments of Atlantic Forest in the Minas Gerais State, southeast region of Brazil.
Optimization of frozen wild blueberry vacuum drying process
Authors: Sumic Zdravko , Tepic Aleksandra , Jokic Stela , Malbasa Radomir
Published: March 2014

The objective of this research was to optimize the vacuum drying of frozen
blueberries in order to preserve health benefits phytochemicals using
response surface methodology. The drying was performed in a new design of
vacuum dryer equipment. Investigated range of temperature was 46-74?C and of
pressure 38-464 mbar. Total solids, total phenolics, vitamin C, anthocyanin
content and total color change were used as quality indicators of dried
blueberries. Within the experimental range of studied variables, the optimum
conditions of 60 ?C and 100 mbar were established for vacuum drying of
blueberries. Separate validation experiments were conducted at optimum
conditions to verify predictions and adequacy of the second-order polynomial
models. Under these optimal conditions, the predicted amount of total
phenolics was 3.70 mgCAE/100dw, vitamin C 59.79 mg/100gdw, anthocyanin
content 2746.33 mg/100gdw, total solids 89.50% and total color change 88.83.
Glycidyl methacrylate macroporous copolymer grafted with diethylene triamine as sorbent for Reactive Black 5
Authors: Sandic Zvjezdana , Zunic Marija , Maksin Danijela , Milutinovic-Nikolic Aleksandra , Popovic Aleksandar , Jovanovic Dusan , Nastasovic Aleksandra
Published: March 2014

In this paper, macroporous glycidyl methacrylate and ethylene glycol
dimethacrylate copolymer functionalized with diethylene triamine [PGME-deta],
was evaluated as Reactive Black 5 (RB5) sorbent. Batch RB5 removal from
aqueous solution by PGME-deta was investigated by varying pH, contact time,
sorbent dosage, initial dye concentration and temperature. The sorption is pH
sensitive having maximum at pH 2 (dye removal of 85%), decreasing with the
increase of pH (dye removal of 24% at pH=11) after 60 min. Sorption kinetics
was fitted to chemical-reaction and particle-diffusion models
(pseudo-first-order, pseudo-second-order, intraparticle diffusion and Mckay
models). The pseudo-second-order kinetic model accurately predicted the RB5
amount sorbed under all investigated operating conditions, while the
intraparticle diffusion was the dominant rate-limiting mechanism. The
diffusion mechanism was more prevalent with the decrease in temperature and
the increase in concentration. The isotherm data was best fitted with the
Langmuir model, indicating homogeneous distribution of active sites on
PGME-deta and monolayer sorption, with the maximum sorption capacity of 353
mg g-1. The calculated sorption rates improved with increasing temperature
and an activation energy close to 40 kJ mol-1 was determined, suggesting that
chemisorption was also rate-controlling.
The effect of chlorsulfurone and MCPB-Na on the enzymatic activity of microorganisms
Authors: Filimon Marioara , Voia Sorin , Popescu Roxana , Bordean Despina-Maria , Vladoiu Diana , Mituletu Mihai , Ostafe Vasile
Published: March 2014

herbicides, have a broad spectrum effect on weeds, in relatively low doses
and with a much reduced toxicity on livestock. In this study were used two
herbicides: dacsulfuron with the active substance chlorsulfuron (0.005 -
0.035 ?g/g soil) and butoxone with the active substance MCPB-Na (0.005 -
0.035 mg/L/g soil). The samples were collected from a depth of 0-20 cm from
chernozem soil. The effect of herbicide was estimated by measuring the
activity of catalase, actual and potential dehydrogenase, urease and
cellulase activities. All samples being incubated for 10 days at 27?C using
Sapp medium for isolation and study of cellulosolytic bacteria. The
inhibitory effect of the tested herbicides was the most intense for the
urease and dehydrogenase enzymatic activities. The most resistant
cellulosolytic bacteria to the effects of dacsulfuron were Cellfalcicula
fusca, Cellfalcicula viridis, Cellvibrio fulvus and Fuseaux veris and for
butoxone Cellfalcicula mucosa, C. viridis and C. fulvus.
The Usefulness of Preoperative Biopsy in Unilateral Nasal Masses
Authors: Segal Nili , Gluck Ofer , Bavnik Yosef , Plakht Ygal , Yakirevitch Arkadi
Published: March 2014

Unilateral nasal masses are considered suspicious for proliferative diseases. Several tools are routinely used to investigate unilateral lesions such as imaging and nasal biopsy. This study investigated the usefulness of nasal biopsy in predicting the actual nature of unilateral lesions. Preoperative nasal biopsy pathological results were compared with the final pathology obtained during an operation. Forty-six patients with unilateral nasal masses were included in the study group. In 40 patients the final pathology was similar to the preoperative nasal biopsy. In three patients the biopsy specimen was a benign polyp and the final pathology was of an inverted papilloma in two patients and hemangiopericytoma in one patient. In two patients the biopsy specimen was suspicious for an inverted papilloma and the final pathology was a benign polyp. In one patient the biopsy specimen was chordoma and the final pathology was osteosarcoma. The total agreement was 86.9%. The kappa value was 81.2%. Preoperative nasal biopsy is important and useful in evaluating unilateral nasal masses.
CFD analysis of a hydraulic valve for cavitating flow
Authors: Dutta A. , Goyal P. , Singh R. K. , Ghosh A. K.
Published: March 2014

A successful design of high pressure hydraulic valves requires a thorough analysis of both velocity and pressure fields, with the aim of improving the geometry to avoid cavitation. Cavitation behavior prediction of hydraulic valves and its associated performance drop is of high interest for the manufacturers and for the users. The paper presents a CFD analysis of the flow inside a high pressure hydraulic valve. First, the analysis was carried out without using cavitation model (single phase). It was observed that absolute pressure was going below the vapor pressure. Hence, it was required to turn on the cavitation model. This model enables formation of vapor from liquid when the pressure drops below the vaporization pressure. Since the cavitation bubble grows in a liquid at low temperature, the latent heat of evaporation can be neglected and the system can be considered isothermal. Under these conditions the pressure inside the bubble remains practically constant and the growth of the bubble radius can be approximated by the simplified Rayleigh equation. For typical poppet valve geometry, ½ of computational domain is assumed, with pressure inlet and outlet boundary conditions, and a steady flow solution is computed. Because of the highly complex geometry of the hydraulic valve, the computational domain was meshed using unstructured grids using tetrahedral cells only. The paper presents a numerical investigation of the flow inside a hydraulic valve using commercial CFD code CFD-ACE. The aim of the study is to provide a good basis for future designing of the hydraulic valve. The result indicated the cavitation zones which in turn suggest needs of modification of present geometry.
Compressed Sensing-Based Distributed Image Compression
Authors: Baig Muhammad , Lai Edmund , Punchihewa Amal
Published: March 2014

In this paper, a new distributed block-based image compression method based on the principles of compressed sensing (CS) is introduced. The coding and decoding processes are performed entirely in the CS measurement domain. Image blocks are classified into key and non-key blocks and encoded at different rates. The encoder makes use of a new adaptive block classification scheme that is based on the mean square error of the CS measurements between blocks. At the decoder, a simple, but effective, side information generation method is used for the decoding of the non-key blocks. Experimental results show that our coding scheme achieves better results than existing CS-based image coding methods.
Shift-Peristrophic Multiplexing for High Density Holographic Data Storage
Authors: Ushiyama Zenta , Kurata Hiroyuki , Tsukamoto Yu , Yoshida Shuhei , Yamamoto Manabu
Published: March 2014

Holographic data storage is a promising technology that provides very large data storage capacity, and the multiplexing method plays a significant role in increasing this capacity. Various multiplexing methods have been previously researched. In the present study, we propose a shift-peristrophic multiplexing technique that uses spherical reference waves, and experimentally verify that this method efficiently increases the data capacity. In the proposed method, a series of holograms is recorded with shift multiplexing, in which the recording material is rotated with its axis perpendicular to the material’s surface. By iterating this procedure, multiplicity is shown to improve. This method achieves more than 1 Tbits/inch2 data density recording. Furthermore, a capacity increase of several TB per disk is expected by maximizing the recording medium performance.
Body Size Shifts in Philippine Reef Fishes: Interfamilial Variation in Responses to Protection
Authors: Fidler Robert , Maypa Aileen , Apistar Dean , White Alan , Turingan Ralph
Published: March 2014

As a consequence of intense fishing pressure, fished populations experience reduced population sizes and shifts in body size toward the predominance of smaller and early maturing individuals. Small, early-maturing fish exhibit significantly reduced reproductive output and, ultimately, reduced fitness. As part of resource management and biodiversity conservation programs worldwide, no-take marine protected areas (MPAs) are expected to ameliorate the adverse effects of fishing pressure. In an attempt to advance our understanding of how coral reef MPAs meet their long-term goals, this study used visual census data from 23 MPAs and fished reefs in the Philippines to address three questions: (1) Do MPAs promote shifts in fish body size frequency distribution towards larger body sizes when compared to fished reefs? (2) Do MPA size and (3) age contribute to the efficacy of MPAs in promoting such shifts? This study revealed that across all MPAs surveyed, the distribution of fishes between MPAs and fished reefs were similar; however, large-bodied fish were more abundant within MPAs, along with small, young-of-the-year individuals. Additionally, there was a significant shift in body size frequency distribution towards larger body sizes in 12 of 23 individual reef sites surveyed. Of 22 fish families, eleven demonstrated significantly different body size frequency distributions between MPAs and fished reefs, indicating that shifts in the size spectrum of fishes in response to protection are family-specific. Family-level shifts demonstrated a significant, positive correlation with MPA age, indicating that MPAs become more effective at increasing the density of large-bodied fish within their boundaries over time.
Isolation and Characterization of a Novel Rebaudioside M Isomer from a Bioconversion Reaction of Rebaudioside A and NMR Comparison Studies of Rebaudioside M Isolated from Stevia rebaudiana Bertoni and Stevia rebaudiana Morita
Authors: Prakash Indra , Bunders Cynthia , Devkota Krishna , Charan Romila , Ramirez Catherine , Priedemann Christopher , Markosyan Avetik
Published: March 2014

A minor product, rebaudioside M2 (2), from the bioconversion reaction of rebaudioside A (4) to rebaudioside D (3), was isolated and the complete structure of the novel steviol glycoside was determined. Rebaudioside M2 (2) is considered an isomer of rebaudioside M (1) and contains a relatively rare 1→6 sugar linkage. It was isolated and characterized with NMR (1H, 13C, COSY, HSQC-DEPT, HMBC, 1D-TOCSY, and NOESY) and mass spectral data. Additionally, we emphasize the importance of 1D and 2D NMR techniques when identifying complex steviol glycosides. Numerous NMR spectroscopy studies of rebaudioside M (1), rebaudioside D (3), and mixture of 1 and 3 led to the discovery that SG17 which was previously reported in literature, is a mixture of rebaudioside D (3), rebaudioside M (1), and possibly other related steviol glycosides.
LaNi0.3Co0.7O3-δ and SrFe0.2Co0.8O3-δ Ceramic Materials: Structural and Catalytic Reactivity under CO Stream
Authors: Dos Santos Andarair , Arab Madjid , Patout Loic , De Souza Carlson
Published: March 2014

In this study, we presented the synthesis of LaNi0.3Co0.7O3−δ (LNCO) and SrCo0.8Fe0.2O3−δ (SFCO) perovskites and their catalytic reactivity under CO gas flow. The synthesis method is based on the complexation method combining ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA)-citrate. The as-prepared materials were characterized using X-ray diffraction/Rietveld refinement and electron microscopy. The diffractograms and Rietveld refinement showed that the EDTA-citrate method allows us to obtain monophasic powders with submicronic size. The structural analyses revealed different morphologies linked to the crystallinity of LNCO and SFCO, and to the mean crystallite size. The catalytic performances of LNCO and SFCO were studied in situ by Fourier Transform InfraRed spectrometer as a function of time and temperature. The catalytic process gave rise to total oxidation with carbon dioxide and water production. LNCO and SFCO exhibit the same profile for catalytic activity with a conversion rate of twice as high for LNCO. Below 150 °C, the kinetic conversion is slow, but beyond this temperature they reach rapidly the complete transformation at 250 °C and 275 °C for LNCO and SFCO, respectively.
Changes in Acid Herbicide Concentrations in Urban Streams after a Cosmetic Pesticides Ban
Authors: Todd Aaron , Struger John
Published: March 2014

Surface water concentrations of the acid herbicides 2,4-D, dicamba and mecoprop were measured in ten urban Ontario streams before (2003–2008) and after (2009–2012) a ban on the sale and use of pesticides for cosmetic (non-essential) purposes. Frequencies of detection (2003–2012) were 98%, 96% and nearly 100%, respectively for 2,4-D, dicamba and mecoprop. Concentrations were typically in the ng L−1 range, although periodic spikes in the µg L−1 range were observed. Concentrations in a majority of the study streams decreased significantly following the cosmetic pesticides ban. Concentrations decreased from 16% to 92% depending on the stream and herbicide. The presence of these herbicides in urban streams was likely a result of urban applications. Concentrations were significantly related to population density or urban land cover, and the relative proportion of the three herbicides observed in urban stream water approximated the ratios found in pesticide products formulated for urban use. Longer-term trends indicate that decreases in stream water herbicide concentrations may have preceded the ban and may be related to increased public awareness of pesticide issues and voluntary reductions in urban pesticide use.
Microstructures and Photovoltaic Properties of Zn(Al)O/Cu2O-Based Solar Cells Prepared by Spin-Coating and Electrodeposition
Authors: Oku Takeo , Yamada Tetsuya , Fujimoto Kazuya , Akiyama Tsuyoshi
Published: March 2014

Copper oxide (Cu2O)-based heterojunction solar cells were fabricated by spin-coating and electrodeposition methods, and photovoltaic properties and microstructures were investigated. Zinc oxide (ZnO) and Cu2O were used as n- and p-type semiconductors, respectively, to fabricate photovoltaic devices based on In-doped tin oxide/ZnO/Cu2O/Au heterojunction structures. Short-circuit current and fill factor increased by aluminum (Al) doping in the ZnO layer, which resulted in the increase of the conversion efficiency. The efficiency was improved further by growing ZnO and Cu2O layers with larger crystallite sizes, and by optimizing the Al-doping by spin coating.
Terahertz Vibrations and Hydrogen-Bonded Networks in Crystals
Authors: Takahashi Masae
Published: March 2014

The development of terahertz technology in the last few decades has made it possible to obtain a clear terahertz (THz) spectrum. THz vibrations clearly show the formation of weak bonds in crystals. The simultaneous progress in the code of first-principles calculations treating noncovalent interactions has established the position of THz spectroscopy as a powerful tool for detecting the weak bonding in crystals. In this review, we are going to introduce, briefly, the contribution of weak bonds in the construction of molecular crystals first, and then, we will review THz spectroscopy as a powerful tool for detecting the formation of weak bonds and will show the significant contribution of advanced computational codes in treating noncovalent interactions. From the second section, following the Introduction, to the seventh section, before the conclusions, we describe: (1) the crystal packing forces, the hydrogen-bonded networks and their contribution to the construction of organic crystals; (2) the THz vibrations observed in hydrogen-bonded molecules; (3) the computational methods for analyzing the THz vibrations of hydrogen-bonded molecules; (4) the dispersion correction and anharmonicity incorporated into the first-principles calculations and their effect on the peak assignment of the THz spectrum (5) the temperature dependence; and (6) the polarization dependence of the THz spectrum.
Stochastic Modeling and Optimization in a Microgrid: A Survey
Authors: Liang Hao , Zhuang Weihua
Published: March 2014

The future smart grid is expected to be an interconnected network of small-scale and self-contained microgrids, in addition to a large-scale electric power backbone. By utilizing microsources, such as renewable energy sources and combined heat and power plants, microgrids can supply electrical and heat loads in local areas in an economic and environment friendly way. To better adopt the intermittent and weather-dependent renewable power generation, energy storage devices, such as batteries, heat buffers and plug-in electric vehicles (PEVs) with vehicle-to-grid systems can be integrated in microgrids. However, significant technical challenges arise in the planning, operation and control of microgrids, due to the randomness in renewable power generation, the buffering effect of energy storage devices and the high mobility of PEVs. The two-way communication functionalities of the future smart grid provide an opportunity to address these challenges, by offering the communication links for microgrid status information collection. However, how to utilize stochastic modeling and optimization tools for efficient, reliable and economic planning, operation and control of microgrids remains an open issue. In this paper, we investigate the key features of microgrids and provide a comprehensive literature survey on the stochastic modeling and optimization tools for a microgrid. Future research directions are also identified.
Use of a 3-D Dispersion Model for Calculation of Distribution of Horse Allergen and Odor around Horse Facilities
Authors: Haeger-Eugensson Marie , Ferm Martin , Elfman Lena
Published: March 2014

The interest in equestrian sports has increased substantially during the last decades, resulting in increased number of horse facilities around urban areas. In Sweden, new guidelines for safe distance have been decided based on the size of the horse facility (e.g., number of horses) and local conditions, such as topography and meteorology. There is therefore an increasing need to estimate dispersion of horse allergens to be used, for example, in the planning processes for new residential areas in the vicinity of horse facilities. The aim of this study was to develop a method for calculating short- and long-term emissions and dispersion of horse allergen and odor around horse facilities. First, a method was developed to estimate horse allergen and odor emissions at hourly resolution based on field measurements. Secondly, these emission factors were used to calculate concentrations of horse allergen and odor by using 3-D dispersion modeling. Results from these calculations showed that horse allergens spread up to about 200 m, after which concentration levels were very low (<2 U/m3). Approximately 10% of a study-group detected the smell of manure at 60m, while the majority—80%–90%—detected smell at 60 m or shorter distance from the manure heap. Modeling enabled horse allergen exposure concentrations to be determined with good time resolution.
Transgene IL-6 Enhances DC-Stimulated CTL Responses by Counteracting CD4+25+Foxp3+ Regulatory T Cell Suppression via IL-6-Induced Foxp3 Downregulation
Authors: Bhanumathy Kalpana , Zhang Bei , Ahmed Khawaja , Qureshi Mabood , Xie Yufeng , Tao Min , Tan Xin , Xiang Jim
Published: March 2014

Dendritic cells (DCs), the most potent antigen-presenting cells have been extensively applied in clinical trials for evaluation of antitumor immunity. However, the efficacy of DC-mediated cancer vaccines is still limited as they are unable to sufficiently break the immune tolerance. In this study, we constructed a recombinant adenoviral vector (AdVIL-6) expressing IL-6, and generated IL-6 transgene-engineered DC vaccine (DCOVA/IL-6) by transfection of murine bone marrow-derived ovalbumin (OVA)-pulsed DCs (DCOVA) with AdVIL-6. We then assessed DCOVA/IL-6-stimulated cytotoxic T-lymphocyte (CTL) responses and antitumor immunity in OVA-specific animal tumor model. We demonstrate that DCOVA/IL-6 vaccine up-regulates expression of DC maturation markers, secretes transgene-encoded IL-6, and more efficiently stimulates OVA-specific CTL responses and therapeutic immunity against OVA-expressing B16 melanoma BL6-10OVA in vivo than the control DCOVA/Null vaccine. Moreover, DCOVA/IL-6-stimulated CTL responses were relatively maintained in mice with transfer of CD4+25+Foxp3+ Tr-cells, but significantly reduced when treated with anti-IL-6 antibody. In addition, we demonstrate that IL-6 down-regulates Foxp3-expression of CD4+25+Foxp3+ Tr-cells in vitro. Taken together, our results demonstrate that AdV-mediated IL-6 transgene-engineered DC vaccine stimulates potent CTL responses and antitumor immunity by counteracting CD4+25+ Tr immunosuppression via IL-6-induced Foxp3 down-regulation. Thus, IL-6 may be a good candidate for engineering DCs for cancer immunotherapy.
Effect of Lowering Asymmetric Dimethylarginine (ADMA) on Vascular Pathology in Atherosclerotic ApoE-Deficient Mice with Reduced Renal Mass
Authors: Jacobi Johannes , Maas Renke , Arend Michaela , Cordasic Nada , Hilgers Karl
Published: March 2014

The purpose of the work was to study the impact of the endogenous nitric oxide synthase (NOS) inhibitor asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA) and its degrading enzyme, dimethylarginine dimethylaminohydrolase (DDAH1), on atherosclerosis in subtotally nephrectomized (SNX) ApoE-deficient mice. Male DDAH1 transgenic mice (TG, n = 39) and C57Bl/6J wild-type littermates (WT, n = 27) with or without the deletion of the ApoE gene underwent SNX at the age of eight weeks. Animals were sacrificed at 12 months of age, and blood chemistry, as well as the extent of atherosclerosis within the entire aorta were analyzed. Sham treated (no renal mass reduction) ApoE-competent DDAH1 transgenic and wild-type littermates (n = 11) served as a control group. Overexpression of DDAH1 was associated with significantly lower ADMA levels in all treatment groups. Surprisingly, SNX mice did not exhibit higher ADMA levels compared to sham treated control mice. Furthermore, the degree of atherosclerosis in ApoE-deficient mice with SNX was similar in mice with or without overexpression of DDAH1. Overexpression of the ADMA degrading enzyme, DDAH1, did not ameliorate atherosclerosis in ApoE-deficient SNX mice. Furthermore, SNX in mice had no impact on ADMA levels, suggesting a minor role of this molecule in chronic kidney disease (CKD) in this mouse model.
Lanthanum Gadolinium Oxide: A New Electronic Device Material for CMOS Logic and Memory Devices
Authors: Pavunny Shojan , Scott James , Katiyar Ram
Published: March 2014

A comprehensive study on the ternary dielectric, LaGdO3, synthesized and qualified in our laboratory as a novel high-k dielectric material for logic and memory device applications in terms of its excellent features that include a high linear dielectric constant (k) of ~22 and a large energy bandgap of ~5.6 eV, resulting in sufficient electron and hole band offsets of ~2.57 eV and ~1.91 eV, respectively, on silicon, good thermal stability with Si and lower gate leakage current densities within the International Technology Roadmap for Semiconductors (ITRS) specified limits at the sub-nanometer electrical functional thickness level, which are desirable for advanced complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS), bipolar (Bi) and BiCMOS chips applications, is presented in this review article.
Versatility of Evaporation-Induced Self-Assembly (EISA) Method for Preparation of Mesoporous TiO2 for Energy and Environmental Applications
Authors: Mahoney Luther , Koodali Ranjit
Published: March 2014

Evaporation-Induced Self-Assembly (EISA) method for the preparation of mesoporous titanium dioxide materials is reviewed. The versatility of EISA method for the rapid and facile synthesis of TiO2 thin films and powders is highlighted. Non-ionic surfactants such as Pluronic P123, F127 and cationic surfactants such as cetyltrimethylammonium bromide have been extensively employed for the preparation of mesoporous TiO2. In particular, EISA method allows for fabrication of highly uniform, robust, crack-free films with controllable thickness. Eleven characterization techniques for elucidating the structure of the EISA prepared mesoporous TiO2 are discussed in this paper. These many characterization methods provide a holistic picture of the structure of mesoporous TiO2. Mesoporous titanium dioxide materials have been employed in several applications that include Dye Sensitized Solar Cells (DSSCs), photocatalytic degradation of organics and splitting of water, and batteries.
Angelica sinensis Improves Exercise Performance and Protects against Physical Fatigue in Trained Mice
Authors: Yeh Tzu-Shao , Huang Chi-Chang , Chuang Hsiao-Li , Hsu Mei-Chich
Published: March 2014

Angelica sinensis (AS) is a well-known medicinal herb and food material with antioxidative and multifunctional pharmacological activities. However, we lack evidence of the effect of AS on exercise performance and physical fatigue. We aimed to evaluate the potential beneficial effect of AS on ergogenic and anti-fatigue functions after physiological challenge. Male ICR strain mice were randomly assigned to four groups (n = 10 per group) for treatment: (1) sedentary control and vehicle treatment (vehicle control); (2) exercise training with vehicle treatment (exercise control); (3) exercise training with AS treatment at 0.41 g/kg/day (Ex-AS1); and (4) 2.05 g/kg/day (Ex-AS5); both the vehicle and AS were orally administered for 6 weeks. Exercise performance and anti-fatigue function were evaluated by forelimb grip strength, exhaustive swimming time, and levels of serum lactate, ammonia, glucose, and creatine kinase (CK) after a 15-min swimming exercise. Trend analysis revealed that AS treatments significantly increased endurance swimming time and blood glucose level, and decreased serum lactate, ammonia and CK levels. Liver and muscle glycogen contents were higher for Ex-AS1 and Ex-AS5 groups than the exercise control. Therefore, AS supplementation improved exercise performance and had anti-fatigue properties in mice and may be an effective ergogenic aid in exercise training.
Analysis of the Influence of the Fiber Type in Polymer Matrix/Fiber Bond Using Natural Organic Polymer Stabilizer
Authors: Rivera-Gómez Carlos , Galán-Marín Carmen , Bradley Fiona
Published: March 2014

This research study compares the effect of polypropylene and wool fibers on the mechanical properties of natural polymer based stabilized soils. Biocomposites are becoming increasingly prevalent and this growth is expected to continue within a number of sectors including building materials. The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of different fiber reinforced natural polymer stabilized soils with regards to mechanical properties and fiber adhesion characteristics. The polymer includes alginate, which is used in a wide range of applications but has not been commonly used within engineering and construction applications. In recent years, natural fibers have started to be used as an ecological friendly alternative for soil reinforcement within a variety of construction applications. Test results in this study have compared the effects of adding natural and synthetic fibers to clay soils and discussed the importance of an optimum soil specification. A correlation between the micro structural analysis using scanning electron microscope (SEM), fiber typology, fiber–matrix bonds and the mechanical properties of the stabilized soils is also discussed.
Performance Evaluation of Machine Learning Algorithms for Urban Pattern Recognition from Multi-spectral Satellite Images
Authors: Wieland Marc , Pittore Massimiliano
Published: March 2014

In this study, a classification and performance evaluation framework for the recognition of urban patterns in medium (Landsat ETM, TM and MSS) and very high resolution (WorldView-2, Quickbird, Ikonos) multi-spectral satellite images is presented. The study aims at exploring the potential of machine learning algorithms in the context of an object-based image analysis and to thoroughly test the algorithm’s performance under varying conditions to optimize their usage for urban pattern recognition tasks. Four classification algorithms, Normal Bayes, K Nearest Neighbors, Random Trees and Support Vector Machines, which represent different concepts in machine learning (probabilistic, nearest neighbor, tree-based, function-based), have been selected and implemented on a free and open-source basis. Particular focus is given to assess the generalization ability of machine learning algorithms and the transferability of trained learning machines between different image types and image scenes. Moreover, the influence of the number and choice of training data, the influence of the size and composition of the feature vector and the effect of image segmentation on the classification accuracy is evaluated.
Airborne Hyperspectral Images and Ground-Level Optical Sensors As Assessment Tools for Maize Nitrogen Fertilization
Authors: Quemada Miguel , Gabriel Jose , Zarco-Tejada Pablo
Published: March 2014

Estimating crop nitrogen (N) status with sensors can be useful to adjust fertilizer levels to crop requirements, reducing farmers’ costs and N losses to the environment. In this study, we evaluated the potential of hyperspectral indices obtained from field data and airborne imagery for developing N fertilizer recommendations in maize (Zea mays L.). Measurements were taken in a randomized field experiment with six N fertilizer rates ranging from zero to 200 kg∙N∙ha−1 and four replications on two different dates (before the second fertilizer application and at flowering) in 2012. Readings at ground level were taken with SPAD®, Dualex® and Multiplex® sensors, and airborne data were acquired by flying a hyperspectral and a thermal sensor 300 m over the experimental site. The hyperspectral imagery was used to calculate greenness, chlorophyll and photochemical indices for each plot. The Pearson coefficient was used to quantify the correlation between sensor readings and agronomic measurements. A statistical procedure based on the N-sufficient index was used to determine the accuracy of each index at distinguishing between N-deficient and N-sufficient plots. Indices based on airborne measurements were found to be as reliable as measurements taken with ground-level equipment at assessing crop N status and predicting yield at flowering. At stem elongation, the reflectance ratio, R750/R710, and fluorescence retrieval (SIF760) were the only indices that yielded significant results when compared to crop yield. Field-level SPAD readings, the airborne R750/R710 index and SIF760 had the lowest error rates when distinguishing N-sufficient from N-deficient treatments, but error reduction is still recommended before commercial field application.
Extracellular Hb Enhances Cardiac Toxicity in Endotoxemic Guinea Pigs: Protective Role of Haptoglobin
Authors: Baek Jin , Zhang Xiaoyuan , Williams Matthew , Schaer Dominik , Buehler Paul , D'Agnillo Felice
Published: March 2014

Endotoxemia plays a major causative role in the myocardial injury and dysfunction associated with sepsis. Extracellular hemoglobin (Hb) has been shown to enhance the pathophysiology of endotoxemia. In the present study, we examined the myocardial pathophysiology in guinea pigs infused with lipopolysaccharide (LPS), a Gram-negative bacterial endotoxin, and purified Hb. We also examined whether the administration of the Hb scavenger haptoglobin (Hp) could protect against the effects observed. Here, we show that Hb infusion following LPS administration, but not either insult alone, increased myocardial iron deposition, heme oxygenase-1 expression, phagocyte activation and infiltration, as well as oxidative DNA damage and apoptosis assessed by 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) immunostaining, respectively. Co-administration of Hp significantly attenuated the myocardial events induced by the combination of LPS and Hb. These findings may have relevant therapeutic implications for the management of sepsis during concomitant disease or clinical interventions associated with the increased co-exposures to LPS and Hb, such as trauma, surgery or massive blood transfusions.
The Cyberspace Threats and Cyber Security Objectives in the Cyber Security Strategies
Authors: Lehto Martti
Published: March 2014

Threats in cyberspace can be classified in many ways. This is evident when you look at cyber security on a multinational level. One of the most common models is a threefold classification based on motivational factors. Most nations use this model as a foundation when creating a strategy to handle cyber security threats as it pertains to them. This paper will use the five level model: cyber activism, cybercrime, cyber espionage, cyber terrorism and cyber warfare. The National Cyber Security Strategy defines articulates the overall aim and objectives of the nation's cyber security policy and sets out the strategic priorities that the national government will pursue to achieve these objectives. The Cyber Security Strategy also describes the key objectives that will be undertaken through a comprehensive body of work across the nation to achieve these strategic priorities. Cyberspace underpins almost every facet of the national functions vital to society and provides critical support for areas like critical infrastructure, economy, public safety, and national security. National governments aim at making a substantial contribution to secure cyberspace and they have different focus areas in the cyber ecosystem. In this context the level of cyber security reached is the sum of all national and international measures taken to protect all activities in the cyber ecosystem. This paper will analyze the cyber security threats, vulnerabilities and cyber weaponry and the cyber security objectives of the Cyber Security Strategies made by Australia, Canada, Czech Republic, Estonia, Finland, Germany, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom and the United States.
Early ultrasound therapy for rehabilitation after zone II flexor tendon repair
Authors: Geetha Krishnamurthy , Hariharan Narayanan Chandramouli , Mohan Jagannathan
Published: March 2014

Background: In our Institute, most of the patients treated for hand injuries were industrial workers with poor compliance. For rehabilitation after zone II flexor tendon repair, we had tried various early mobilization protocols. As these protocols demanded a degree of commitment from the patients, our results were suboptimal. Hence, to improve the results, we implemented a new rehabilitation protocol by administering the pulsed ultrasound therapy during the early phase of tendon healing. Materials and Methods: This is a prospective study done over a period of five years from January 2008 to January 2013. A total of 100 patients and 139 digits with zone II flexor tendon injuries were studied. After randomization, we administered pulsed ultrasound therapy of different frequencies and intensities for a total of 72 patients and 99 digits and formulated three groups. The results of ultrasound treated cases were compared with each other and with the results of cases treated by immobilization protocol. The results were analyzed using ‘Original Strickland’ criteria. Results: 72% excellent-good results in ultrasound (Group 1) protocol, 75% excellent-good results in ultrasound (Group 2) protocol, and 77% excellent-good results in ultrasound (Group 3) protocol were achieved. There was no case of rupture in the first two groups. The rupture rate was 7% in ultrasound (Group 3) protocol. Only 25% excellent-good results were obtained in the immobilization protocol. Conclusion: After zone II flexor tendon repair, pulsed ultrasound therapy during the early rehabilitation phase is safe and effective. The results are comparable to early mobilization protocols.
Total upper eyelid reconstruction by single staged malar-cheek flap
Authors: Ahuja Rajeev B. , Chatterjee Pallab , Gupta Gaurav K. , Shrivastava Prabhat
Published: March 2014

We report a case of total upper eyelid reconstruction by a new technique after excision of an eyelid tumour. The eyelid was reconstructed by a horizontal, laterally based flap from just under the lower eyelid combined with a chondro-mucosal graft from the nasal septum. Surgical outcome was an excellent aesthetically reconstructed eyelid, which was mobile and properly gliding on the globe to achieve complete eye closure.
Resolution of concomitant Achromobacter xylosoxidans burn wound infection without adjustment of antimicrobial therapy
Authors: Ng Zhi Yang , Fang George , Leo Kah Woon
Published: March 2014

Achromobacter xylosoxidans is part of an emerging group of Gram negative bacterial infections with potentially severe sequelae, especially in the immunocompromised population such as burn patients. While antimicrobial therapy for patients with A. xylosoxidans bacteremia has been reported, the literature is scarce with regard to treatment in patients with positive tissue cultures only. Herein, we report our institution’s experience with such a case and a brief review of the current literature on this micro-organism in the setting of non-bacteremic infection.
TreSpEx–-Detection of Misleading Signal in Phylogenetic Reconstructions Based on Tree Information
Authors: Struck Torsten H.
Published: March 2014

Phylogenies of species or genes are commonplace nowadays in many areas of comparative biological studies. However, for phylogenetic reconstructions one must refer to artificial signals such as paralogy, long-branch attraction, saturation, or conflict between different datasets. These signals might eventually mislead the reconstruction even in phylogenomic studies employing hundreds of genes. Unfortunately, there has been no program allowing the detection of such effects in combination with an implementation into automatic process pipelines. TreSpEx (Tree Space Explorer) now combines different approaches (including statistical tests), which utilize tree-based information like nodal support or patristic distances (PDs) to identify misleading signals. The program enables the parallel analysis of hundreds of trees and/or predefined gene partitions, and being command-line driven, it can be integrated into automatic process pipelines. TreSpEx is implemented in Perl and supported on Linux, Mac OS X, and MS Windows. Source code, binaries, and additional material are freely available at http://www.annelida.de/research/bioinformatics/software.html .
comPARAFAC: a library and tools for rapid and quantitative comparison of dissolved organic matter components resolved by Parallel Factor Analysis
Authors: Parr Thomas B. , Ohno Tsutomu , Cronan Christopher S. , Simon Kevin S.
Published: March 2014

Parallel Factor Analysis (PARAFAC) is a well‐established method for characterizing dissolved organic matter (DOM). While methods for sample processing and PARAFAC analysis are well defined and robust, subsequent classification of DOM fluorescence components and comparisons of components among studies remain highly qualitative. Because these comparisons often guide the interpretation of subsequent data, it is important that quantitatively accurate comparisons be made. We developed a statistical tool, comPARAFAC, using a modified Tucker's Congruence Coefficient (mTCC), an established method of factor comparison, to provide a quantitative basis for comparing models. To develop and test this tool we used mTCC to compare factors from 35 DOM fluorescence studies using Parallel Factor Analysis (PARAFAC) in marine and freshwater environments. We compared mTCC‐guided component matching with qualitative comparisons made in the literature to describe the current perceptions of component equivalence. Based on our analysis, 21% of the direct comparisons made using the qualitative approach are potentially erroneous, whereas possible matches are missed 14% of the time using that same approach. The procedure and accompanying PARAFAC model library for performing quantitative mTCC‐guided comparisons are available as an R package (see Web Appendix A). This method simplifies and standardizes the process by which researchers identify and compare fluorescent DOM components across studies.
Extraction and quantification of microphytobenthic Chl a within calcareous reef sands
Authors: Hannides Angelos K. , Glazer Brian T. , Sansone Francis J.
Published: March 2014

Calcareous reef sands are characterized by high concentrations of photosynthetic pigments that extend well below the sediment surface, as well as by high variability in concentrations between study sites. An important contributor to the observed variability may be differences in extraction protocols, further complicated by variability in calcareous sand characteristics. We tested the effects of freeze‐drying, grinding, sonication, extraction temperature, and extraction time on quantification of Chl a content within calcareous sands. The resulting optimized extraction protocol consists of freeze‐drying, grinding with a mortar and pestle for 30 s, and extracting with 100% acetone at −20°C for at least 20 h, yielding a 39% increase in Chl a content over frozen, unground samples. Using this protocol, we measured and compared ten sedimentary Chl a profiles taken in close proximity to test for relationships between surface and sub‐surface concentrations. Sedimentary Chl a content at a back‐reef location on the south shore of O'ahu varied between 4.33‐14.25 µg g−1 dw, with distinctly higher values occurring in a relatively enriched surface layer (0–1 cm). Surface Chl a concentrations varied between 86‐307 mg m−2, depending on the depth of integration (0.5–2 cm), with 73% of the full‐core (0‐8 cm) Chl a concentration occurring below 2 cm. The concentrations of surface and subsurface layers were significantly correlated between cores, allowing for the use of plug sampling when profile generation is not feasible or necessary to determine the magnitude of the subsurface microphytobenthic biomass and its variability over scales of meters.
A comparison of sampling methods for larvae of medium and large epipelagic fish species during spring SEAMAP ichthyoplankton surveys in the Gulf of Mexico
Authors: Habtes Sennai , Muller‐Karger Frank E. , Roffer Mitchell A. , Lamkin John T. , Muhling Barbara A.
Published: March 2014

Annual ichthyoplankton surveys have been conducted in the Gulf of Mexico during spring since 1982 by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) Southeast Area Monitoring and Assessment Program (SEAMAP). Historically, ichthyoplankton has been assessed using bongo and surface neuston nets. A new sampling gear, the S‐10 net, was tested between 2009 and 2011. This is a 1 × 2 m frame fitted with a 0.505 mm mesh net, towed in a yo‐yo fashion between the surface and 10 m. Sampling effectiveness of the three gears was compared by examining the abundance and length of larvae of bluefin tuna (Thunnus thynnus) and seven co‐occurring pelagic taxa (Auxis spp., Euthynnus alleteratus, Coryphaena spp., Katsuwonus pelamis, other Thunnus spp., family Istiophoridae, and Xiphias gladius) and vertical distributions of scombrid taxa were examined using MOCNESS samples. Permutational multivariate analysis of variance (PERMANOVA) of net type and time of sampling (day/night) indicated that net type was a significant factor in assessing abundance and length for all taxa. Highest abundances for seven of eight taxa were in S‐10 samples, and MOCNESS samples confirm highest scombrid abundance between the surface and 20 m. Our results show sampling effectiveness strongly depends on the depth fished by the net and that the S‐10 net was more effective than standard SEAMAP bongo and neuston nets. Thus, future sampling with the S‐10 net may improve the annual index of larval abundance for the western population of Atlantic bluefin tuna, traditionally based on abundance from bongo samples.