Construction Engineering Research Laboratory

Many approaches to Bayesian image segmentation have used maximum a posteriori (MAP) estimation in conjunction with Markov random fields (MRF). Although this approach performs well, it has a number of disadvantages. In particular, exact MAP estimates cannot be computed, approximate MAP estimates are computationally expensive to compute, and unsupervised parameter estimation of the MRF is difficult. The authors propose a new approach to Bayesian image segmentation that directly addresses these problems. The new method replaces the MRF model with a novel multiscale random field (MSRF) and replaces the MAP estimator with a sequential MAP (SMAP) estimator derived from a novel estimation criteria. Together, the proposed estimator and model result in a segmentation algorithm that is not iterative and can be computed in time proportional to MN where M is the number of classes and N is the number of pixels. The also develop a computationally efficient method for unsupervised estimation of model parameters. Simulations on synthetic images indicate that the new algorithm performs better and requires much less computation than MAP estimation using simulated annealing. The algorithm is also found to improve classification accuracy when applied to the segmentation of multispectral remotely sensed images with ground truth data.

High-quality, in vitro screening tools are essential in identifying promising compounds during drug development. Tests with currently used cell-based assays provide an indication of a compound's potential therapeutic benefits to the target tissue, but not to the whole body. Data obtained with animal models often cannot be extrapolated to humans. Multicompartment microfluidic-based devices, particularly those that are physical representations of physiologically based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) models, may contribute to improving the drug development process. These scaled-down devices, termed micro cell culture analogs (μCCAs) or body-on-a-chip devices, can simulate multitissue interactions under near-physiological fluid flow conditions and with realistic tissue-to-tissue size ratios. Because the device can be used with both animal and human cells, it can facilitate cross-species extrapolation. Used in conjunction with PBPK models, the devices permit an estimation of effective concentrations that can be used for studies with animal models or predict the human response. The devices also provide a means for relatively high-throughput screening of drug combinations and, when utilized with a patient's tissue sample, an opportunity for individualized medicine. Here we review efforts made toward the development of microfabricated cell culture systems and give examples that demonstrate their potential use in drug development, such as identifying synergistic drug interactions as well as simulating multiorgan metabolic interactions. In addition to their use in drug development, the devices also can be used to estimate the toxicity of chemicals as occupational hazards and environmental contaminants.

Extrusion-based 3D Concrete Printing (3DCP) is rapidly gaining popularity in the construction industry. Trial projects are now being realized at an increasing rate around the world to test the viability of the technology against real-world requirements. This step, from the ‘simple’ deposition of filaments of self-stable concrete to its application in buildings and structures, with all associated requirements and interfaces, comes with challenges. These range from matching the design intent to the manufacturing capabilities (through structural analysis and approval, and reinforcement) to quality consistency (robustness) on large scale, and compatibility with other materials. In many of these areas, much simply remains unknown due to a lack of experimental data or information from projects where 3DCP has been applied. This paper aims at reducing this knowledge gap by presenting a systematic discussion, based on the analyses of eight realized 3DCP projects from around the world. It was found that the structural application of printed concrete is limited, due to a lack of regulatory framework for expedient approval, as well as limited reinforcement options which require to resort to unreinforced masonry analogies. The application of the technology features a host of practical issues that relate to the print process, material, site conditions, building integration and design – or to the 3DCP technology in general. Although some potential risks, such as shrinkage cracking and quality consistency are generally recognized, the measures taken to mitigate them vary considerably, and are largely based on individual expertise. The actual effectiveness is generally unknown. Finally, it was observed that, while the printing itself is fast, the preparation time is generally considerable. This is partially due to a lack of knowledge amongst professionals. In the practical production of a 3DCP project, three expertise areas are crucial: one for the digital part, one for the machine side, and one for the material side. Thus there is a strong need for educational institutions to develop dedicated training courses and incorporate relevant topics into their curricula.

Thirty‐one strains of Microcoleus were isolated from desert soils in the United States. Although all these taxa fit the broad definition of Microcoleus vaginatus (Vaucher) Gomont in common usage by soil algal researchers, sequence data for the 16S rRNA gene and 16S–23S internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region indicated that more than one species was represented. Combined sequence and morphological data revealed the presence of two morphologically similar taxa, M. vaginatus and Microcoleus steenstrupii Boye‐Petersen. The rRNA operons of these taxa were sufficiently dissimilar that we suspect the two taxa belong in separate genera. The M. vaginatus clade was most similar to published sequences from Trichodesmium and Arthrospira. When 16S sequences from the isolates we identified as M. steenstrupii were compared with published sequences, our strains grouped with M. chthonoplastes (Mertens) Zanardini ex Gomont and may have closest relatives among several genera in the Phormidiaceae. Organization within the 16S–23S ITS regions was variable between the two taxa. Microcoleus vaginatus had either two tRNA genes (tRNA Ile and tRNA Ala ) or a fragment of the tRNA Ile gene in its ITS regions, whereas M. steenstrupii had rRNA operons with either the tRNA Ile gene or no tRNA genes in its ITS regions. Microcoleus vaginatus showed no subspecific variation within the combined morphological and molecular characterizations, with 16S similarities ranging from 97.1% to 99.9%. Microcoleus steenstrupii showed considerable genetic variability, with 16S similarities ranging from 91.5% to 99.4%. In phylogenetic analyses, we found that this variability was not congruent with geography, and we suspect that our M. steenstrupii strains represent several cryptic species.

Abstract The concept of GRASS (Geographic Resources Analysis Support System) as an open system has created a favourable environment for integration of process based modelling and GIS. To support this integration a new generation of tools is being developed in the following areas: (a) interpolation from multidimensional scattered point data, (b) analysis of surfaces and hypersurfaces, (c) modelling of spatial processes and, (d) 3D dynamic visualization. Examples of two applications are given-spatial and temporal modelling of erosion and deposition, and multivariate interpolation and visualization of nitrogen concentrations in the Chesapeake Bay.

Limitations in data transfer between maintenance workers and a central facility management (FM) system result in lower data quality, longer service process times, and ineffective capturing of component maintenance history. Radio frequency identification (RFID) technology provides an opportunity to meet the current needs for uniquely identifying facility components, storing some maintenance history information on the component, and accessing this information on-demand within a facility. There have not been any research studies that tested the performance of active ultrahigh frequency RFID technology on facility components during operations and maintenance phase repetitively over an extended period of time. The objectives of this study were to identify how RFID technology can improve current FM processes and to determine technological feasibility of using RFID within a facility repetitively on a daily basis. The writers tagged fire valves in a facility with RFID tags and conducted a longevity test for sixty consecutive days by simulating tag identification, data access, and entry in real-life conditions. The results demonstrate that current commercially available active RFID technology performs well in a building environment where metallic objects and different obstructions are present. The observed reading distances were approximately half of the reading range expected in open air provided that there are not any massive obstructions between the reader and the tag.

We report on a novel type of triblock copolymer polymersomes with temperature-controlled permeability within the physiologically relevant temperature range of 37–42 °C for sustained delivery of anticancer drugs. These polymersomes combine characteristics of liposomes, such as biocompatibility, biodegradability, monodispersity, and stability at room temperature, with tunable size and thermal responsiveness provided by amphiphilic triblock copolymers. The temperature-sensitive poly(N-vinylcaprolactam)n-poly(dimethylsiloxane)65-poly(N-vinylcaprolactam)n (PVCLn-PDMS65-PVCLn) copolymers with n = 10, 15, 19, 29, and 50 and polydispersity indexes less than 1.17 are synthesized by controlled RAFT polymerization. The copolymers are assembled into stable vesicles at room temperature when the ratio of PVCL to the total polymer mass is 0.36 < f < 0.52 with the polymersome diameter decreasing from 530 to 40 nm as the length of PVCL is increased from 10 to 19 monomer units. Importantly, the permeability of polymersomes loaded with the anticancer drug doxorubicin can be precisely controlled by PVCL length in the temperature range of 37–42 °C. Increasing the temperature above the lower critical solution temperature of PVCL results in either gradual vesicle shrinkage (n = 10 and n = 15) or reversible formation of beadlike aggregates with no size change (n = 19), both leading to sustained drug release. All temperature-triggered morphological changes are reversible and do not compromise the structural stability of the vesicles. Finally, concentration- and time-dependent cytotoxicity of drug-loaded polymersomes to human alveolar adenocarcinoma cells is demonstrated. Considering the high loading capacity (∼40%) and temperature responsiveness in the physiological range, these polymer vesicles have considerable potential as novel types of stimuli-responsive drug nanocarriers.

A wide-angle parabolic equation (PE) model is presented that is applicable to sound propagation in a steady (nonturbulent) atmosphere overlying a flat, locally reacting ground surface. The numerical accuracy of the PE model is shown by comparing PE calculations to calculations from a ‘‘fast-field program’’ (FFP). For upward refraction, the PE and FFP solutions agree to within 1 dB out to ranges where the sound-pressure levels drop below the accuracy limits of both models. For downward refraction, the PE and FFP agree to within 1 dB except at deep interference minima. Parabolic equation calculations are also compared to measured values of excess attenuation for 15 different combinations of frequencies and ranges. In general, the PE model gives good agreement with the average experimental values. For upward refraction at the highest frequency (630 Hz), however, the PE predicts a strong shadow zone that is not observed in the data.

The research areas of tissue engineering and drug development have displayed increased interest in organ-on-a-chip studies, in which physiologically or pathologically relevant tissues can be engineered to test pharmaceutical candidates. Microfluidic technologies enable the control of the cellular microenvironment for these applications through the topography, size, and elastic properties of the microscale cell culture environment, while delivering nutrients and chemical cues to the cells through continuous media perfusion. Traditional materials used in the fabrication of microfluidic devices, such as poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS), offer high fidelity and high feature resolution, but do not facilitate cell attachment. To overcome this challenge, we have developed a method for coating microfluidic channels inside a closed PDMS device with a cell-compatible hydrogel layer. We have synthesized photocrosslinkable gelatin and tropoelastin-based hydrogel solutions that were used to coat the surfaces under continuous flow inside 50 μm wide, straight microfluidic channels to generate a hydrogel layer on the channel walls. Our observation of primary cardiomyocytes seeded on these hydrogel layers showed preferred attachment as well as higher spontaneous beating rates on tropoelastin coatings compared to gelatin. In addition, cellular attachment, alignment and beating were stronger on 5% (w/v) than on 10% (w/v) hydrogel-coated channels. Our results demonstrate that cardiomyocytes respond favorably to the elastic, soft tropoelastin culture substrates, indicating that tropoelastin-based hydrogels may be a suitable coating choice for some organ-on-a-chip applications. We anticipate that the proposed hydrogel coating method and tropoelastin as a cell culture substrate may be useful for the generation of elastic tissues, e.g. blood vessels, using microfluidic approaches.

The computational tools available for prediction of sound propagation through the atmosphere have increased dramatically during the past decade. The numerical techniques include analytical solutions for selected index of refraction profiles, ray trace techniques which include interaction with a complex impedance boundary, a Gaussian beam ray trace algorithm, and more sophisticated approximate solutions to the full wave equation; the fast field program (FFP) and the parabolic equation (PE) solutions. This large array of computational approaches raises questions concerning under what conditions the various approaches are reliable and concerns about possible errors in specific implementations. This paper presents comparisons of predictions from the several models assuming a complex impedance ground and four atmospheric conditions. For the cases studied, it was found that the FFP and PE algorithms agree to within numerical accuracy over the full range of conditions and agree with the analytical solutions where available. Comparisons to ray solutions define regimes where ray approaches can be used. There is no attempt to compare calculated transmission losses to measurements.

3D microfluidic networks are fabricated in a gelatin hydrogel using sacrificial melt-spun microfibers made from a material with pH-dependent solubility. The fibers, after being embedded within the gel, can be removed by changing the gel pH to induce dissolution. This process is performed in an entirely aqueous environment, avoiding extreme temperatures, low pressures, and toxic organic solvents. Detailed facts of importance to specialist readers are published as ”Supporting Information”. Such documents are peer-reviewed, but not copy-edited or typeset. They are made available as submitted by the authors. Please note: The publisher is not responsible for the content or functionality of any supporting information supplied by the authors. Any queries (other than missing content) should be directed to the corresponding author for the article.

Although biofiltration is a firmly established technology for the control of emissions of volatile organic compound (VOCs), more fundamental research is still needed. This work uses a mathematical model describing the dynamic physical and biological processes occurring in a packed trickle-bed air biofilter to analyze the relationship between biofilter performance, biomass accumulation in the reactor, and mathematical description of the packed bed porous media. In this study a biofilter packed with pelletized support media was used to treat toluene achieving removal efficiencies over 99% and 97% for 4.1 and 6.2 kg COD/m3 day toluene loading, respectively. Experimental results showed that as biomass accumulates in the reactor, the available area for the contaminant to diffuse into the biofilm decreases causing a drop in removal efficiency. This effect is specially important for biofilters where there is a high degree of biomass accumulation that significantly affects biofilter performance. In response to these observations, a new approach for the calculation of the biofilm specific surface area of the reactor as a function of biomass growth was developed. Three models of the reactor porous medium were analyzed. The medium was represented as a bed of equivalent spheres in the first model, as an equivalent set of parallel pipes in the second model, and as an equivalent set of flat parallel plates in the third model. The first two models, spheres and pipes, were proven superior in their ability to explain the system performance. The effect of contaminant solubility on biofilter performance was also analyzed.

Landscape genetic approaches offer the promise of increasing our understanding of the influence of habitat features on genetic structure. We assessed the genetic diversity of the endangered golden-cheeked warbler (Dendroica chrysoparia) across their breeding range in central Texas and evaluated the role of habitat loss and fragmentation in shaping the population structure of the species. We determined genotypes across nine microsatellite loci of 109 individuals from seven sites representing the major breeding concentrations of the species. No evidence of a recent population bottleneck was found. Differences in allele frequencies were highly significant among sites. The sampled sites do not appear to represent isolated lineages requiring protection as separate management units, although the amount of current gene flow is insufficient to prevent genetic differentiation. Measures of genetic differentiation were negatively associated with habitat connectivity and the percentage of forest cover between sites, and positively associated with geographic distance and the percentage of agricultural land between sites. The northernmost site was the most genetically differentiated and was isolated from other sites by agricultural lands. Fragmentation of breeding habitat may represent barriers to dispersal of birds which would pose no barrier to movement during other activities such as migration.

Ferrate [Fe(VI); FeO(4)(2-)] is an emerging oxidizing agent capable of controlling chemical and microbial water contaminants. Here, inactivation of MS2 coliphage by Fe(VI) was examined. The inactivation kinetics observed in individual batch experiments was well described by a Chick-Watson model with first-order dependences on disinfectant and infective phage concentrations. The inactivation rate constant k(i) at a Fe(VI) dose of 1.23 mgFe/L (pH 7.0, 25 °C) was 2.27(±0.05) L/(mgFe × min), corresponding to 99.99% inactivation at a Ct of ~4 (mgFe × min)/L. Measured k(i) values were found to increase with increasing applied Fe(VI) dose (0.56-2.24 mgFe/L), increasing temperature (5-30 °C), and decreasing pH conditions (pH 6-11). The Fe(VI) dose effect suggested that an unidentified Fe byproduct also contributed to inactivation. Temperature dependence was characterized by an activation energy of 39(±6) kJ mol(-1), and k(i) increased >50-fold when pH decreased from 11 to 6. The pH effect was quantitatively described by parallel reactions with HFeO(4)(-) and FeO(4)(2-). Mass spectrometry and qRT-PCR analyses demonstrated that both capsid protein and genome damage increased with the extent of inactivation, suggesting that both may contribute to phage inactivation. Capsid protein damage, localized in the two regions containing oxidant-sensitive cysteine residues, and protein cleavage in one of the two regions may facilitate genome damage by increasing Fe(VI) access to the interior of the virion.

Sorption and degradation are the primary processes controlling the efficacy and runoff contamination risk of agrochemicals. Considering the longevity of biochar in agroecosystems, biochar soil amendment must be carefully evaluated on the basis of the target agrochemical and soil types to achieve agricultural (minimum impact on efficacy) and environmental (minimum runoff contamination) benefits. In this study, sorption-desorption isotherms and kinetics of triazine (deisopropylatrazine) and organophosphorus (malathion, parathion, and diazinon) pesticides were first investigated on various soil types ranging from clayey, acidic Puerto Rican forest soil (PR) to heavy metal contaminated small arms range (SAR) soils of sandy and peaty nature. On PR, malathion sorption did not reach equilibrium during the 3 week study. Comparison of solution-phase molar phosphorus and agrochemical concentrations suggested that degradation products of organophosphorus pesticides were bound on soil surfaces. The degree of sorption on different soils showed the following increasing trend: deisopropylatrazine < malathion < diazinon < parathion. While sorption of deisopropylatrazine on SAR soils was not affected by diazinon or malathion, deisopropylatrazine suppressed the sorption of diazinon and malathion. Deisopropylatrazine irreversibly sorbed on biochars, and greater sorption was observed with higher Brunauer-Emmett-Teller surface area of biochar (4.7-2061 mg g(-1)). The results suggested the utility of biochar for remediation of sites where concentrations of highly stable and mobile agrochemicals exceed the water-quality benchmarks.

A portable and cost-effective real-time cardiotoxicity biosensor was developed using a CMOS imaging module extracted from a commercially available webcam. The detection system consists of a CMOS imaging module, a white LED and a pinhole. Real-time image processing was conducted by comparing reference and live frame images. To evaluate the engineered system, the effects of two different drugs, isoprenaline and doxorubicin, on the beating rate and beat-to-beat variations of ESC-derived cardiomyocytes were measured. The detection system was used to conclude that the beat-to-beat variability increased under treatment with both isoprenaline and doxorubicin. However, the beating rates increased upon the addition of isoprenaline but decreased for cultures supplemented with doxorubicin. Moreover, the response time for both the beating rates and the beat-to-beat variability of ESC-derived cardiomyocytes under treatment of isoprenaline was shorter than for doxorubicin, although the amount of isoprenaline used in the measurement was three orders of magnitude lower than that of doxorubicin. Given its ability to perform real-time cell monitoring in a simple and inexpensive manner, the proposed system may be useful for a range of cell-based biosensing applications.

Determination of the adsorption properties of novel activated carbons is important to develop new air quality control technologies that can solve air quality problems in a more environmentally sustainable manner. Equilibrium adsorption capacities and heats of adsorption are important parameters for process analysis and design. Experimental adsorption isotherms were thus obtained for relevant organic vapors with activated carbon fiber cloth (ACFC) and coal-derived activated carbon adsorbents (CDAC). The Dubinin-Astakhov (DA) equation was used to describe the adsorption isotherms. The DA parameters were analytically and experimentally shown to be temperature independent. The resulting DA equations were used with the Clausius-Clapeyron equation to analytically determine the isosteric heat of adsorption (deltaHS) of the adsorbate-adsorbent systems studied here. ACFC showed higher adsorption capacities for organic vapors than CDAC. DeltaHS values for the adsorbates were independent of the temperature for the conditions evaluated. DeltaHS values for acetone and benzene obtained in this study are comparable with values reported in the literature. This is the first time that deltaHS values for organic vapors and these adsorbents are evaluated with an expression based on the Polanyi adsorption potential and the Clausius-Clapeyron equation.

Abstract A composite chitosan biosorbent (CCB) was prepared by coating chitosan on to ceramic alumina. The adsorption characteristics of the sorbent for copper and nickel ions were studied under batch equilibrium and dynamic flow conditions at pH 4.0. The equilibrium adsorption data were correlated with Langmuir, Freundlich, and Redlich‐Peterson models. The ultimate monolayer capacities, obtained from Langmuir isotherm, were 86.2 and 78.1 mg/g of chitosan for Cu(II) and Ni(II), respectively. In addition, dynamic column adsorption studies were conducted to obtain breakthrough curves. After the column was saturated with metal ions, it was regenerated with 0.1 M sodium hydroxide. The regenerated column was used for a second adsorption cycle.

Chitosan‐coated perlite beads were prepared by drop‐wise addition of a liquid slurry containing chitosan and perlite to an alkaline bath. The beads were characterized by SEM and EDS x‐ray microanalysis. The chitosan content of the beads was 23%, as determined by a pyrolysis method. Adsorption of hexavalent chromium from aqueous solutions on chitosan‐coated perlite beads was studied under both equilibrium and dynamic conditions. The effect of pH on adsorption was also investigated. The data were fitted to the Langmuir adsorption isotherm. The adsorption capacity of chitosan‐coated perlite was found to be 104 mg/g of adsorbent from a solution containing 5000 ppm of Cr(VI). On the basis of chitosan, the capacity was 452 mg/g of chitosan. The capacity was considerably higher than that of chitosan in its natural and modified forms, which was in the range of 11.3 to 78 mg/g of chitosan. The beads loaded with chromium were regenerated with sodium hydroxide solution of different concentrations. A limited number of adsorption‐desorption cycles indicated that the chitosan‐coated beads could be regenerated and reused to remove Cr(VI) from waste streams.

The ability to rapidly generate concentration gradients of diffusible molecules has important applications in many chemical and biological studies. Here we established spatially and temporally controllable concentration gradients of molecules (i.e. proteins or toxins) in a portable microfluidic device in an easy and rapid manner. The formation of the concentration gradients was initiated by a passive-pump-induced forward flow and further optimized during an evaporation-induced backward flow. The centimeter-long gradients along the microfluidic channel were shown to be spatially and temporally controlled by the backward flow. The gradient profile was stabilized by stopping the flow. Computational simulations of this dynamic process illustrated the combined effects of convection and diffusion on the gradient generation, and fit well with the experimental data. To demonstrate the applications of this methodology, a stabilized concentration gradient of a cardiac toxin, alpha-cypermethrin, along the microchannel was used to test the response of HL-1 cardiac cells in the micro-device, which correlated with toxicity data obtained from multi-well plates. The approach presented here may be useful for many biological and chemical processes that require rapid generation of long-range gradients in a portable microfluidic device.