bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
ISTORIYa RAZVITIYa PREDPRIYaTIY MUKOMOL'NOY PROMYShLENNOSTI V SAMARE V KONTsE XIX - NAChALE XX VEKA
Authors: BAL'ZANNIKOVA E. M
Published: April 2015

The paper deals with the history of the flour-milling industry in the city of Samara at the end of XIX beginning of the XX centuries. It is underlined that the flour milling industry was one of the priorities in the industrial development of the city. The data on establishing and developing the first enterprises of the flour-milling industry in Samara, details of their placement and architectural design according to town-planning are given. The archival records on change of main city mills owners are provided. The paper also reviews the current state and use of main flour-milling enterprises in Samara.
Progressive Land Reclamation as the Design-and-Operational Basis for the Kearl Oil-Sands Mine
Authors: Neufeld Lori
Published: April 2015

Development of the oil sands in northeastern Alberta is an important contributor to the economies of both Alberta and Canada, but this type of hydrocarbon resource is often perceived by some as representing daunting environmental challenges. One particular area of stakeholder focus is the nature of the surface-land footprint associated with mineable oil-sands developments. This paper provides the facts and context of progressive reclamation in Canada's mineable oil-sands industry with a focus on the Kearl Oil-Sands Mine (Kearl) operated by Imperial Oil Resources Ventures Limited (Imperial). It demonstrates how progressive land reclamation has been integrated into the mine-planning process for Kearl from the outset of project planning and how the soil, overburden, groundwater, surface water, vegetation, and wildlife resources are considered throughout the life of the mine from a reclamation perspective. Nearly 22 000 ha of land will be disturbed during 40+ years of operation of the Kearl. Imperial is committed to progressive reclamation of the disturbed land throughout the life of the mine. As part of Kearl's long-term vision for reclamation success, Imperial is currently salvaging, segregating, and storing soil, and collecting and banking native seeds so that these valuable reclamation materials are readily available in the future. Ongoing mine-closure planning and the integration of progressive reclamation from the outset of the mine-planning process have identified opportunities, vulnerabilities, and technical constraints to mine closure.
A Mechanistic Model for Wettability Alteration by Chemically Tuned Waterflooding in Carbonate Reservoirs
Authors: Qiao C.. , Li L.. , Johns R.T.. T. , Xu J..
Published: April 2015

Injection of chemically tuned brines into carbonate reservoirs has been reported to enhance oil recovery by 5–30% original oil in place (OOIP) in coreflooding experiments and field tests. One proposed mechanism for this improved oil recovery (IOR) is wettability alteration of rock from oil-wet or mixed-wet to more-water-wet conditions. Modeling of wettability-alteration experiments, however, is challenging because of the complex interactions among ions in the brine and crude oil on the solid surface. In this research, we developed a multiphase and multicomponent reactive transport model that explicitly takes into account wettability alteration from these geochemical interactions in carbonate reservoirs.

Published experimental data suggest that desorption of acidic-oil components from rock surfaces make carbonate rocks more water-wet. One widely accepted mechanism is that sulfate (SO42−) replaces the adsorbed carboxylic group from the rock surface, whereas cations (Ca2+, Mg2+) decrease the oil-surface potential. In the proposed mechanistic model, we used a reaction network that captures the competitive surface reactions among carboxylic groups, cations, and sulfate. These reactions control the wetting fractions and contact angles, which subsequently determine the capillary pressure, relative permeabilities, and residual oil saturations.

The developed model was first tuned with experimental data from the Stevns Klint chalk and then used to predict oil recovery for additional untuned experiments under a variety of conditions where IOR increased by as much as 30% OOIP, depending on salinity and oil acidity. The numerical results showed that an increase in sulfate concentration can lead to an IOR of more than 40% OOIP, whereas cations such as Ca2+ have a relatively minor effect on recovery (approximately 5% OOIP). Physical parameters, including the total surface area of the rock and the diffusion coefficients, control the rate of recovery, but not the final oil recovery. The simulation results further demonstrate that the optimum brine formulations for chalk are those with relatively abundant SO42− (0.096 mol/kg water), moderate concentrations of cations, and low salinity (total ionic strength of less than 0.2 mol/kg water). These findings are consistent with the experimental data reported in the literature. The new model provides a powerful tool to predict the IOR potential of chemically tuned waterflooding in carbonate reservoirs under different scenarios. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first model that explicitly and mechanistically couples multiphase flow and multicomponent surface complexation with wettability alteration and oil recovery for carbonate rocks specifically.
Pore-Size Distributions for Organic-Shale-Reservoir Rocks From Nuclear-Magnetic-Resonance Spectra Combined With Adsorption Measurements
Authors: Sigal Richard F.
Published: April 2015

The behavior of fluids in nanometer-scale pores can have a strong functional dependence on the pore size. In mature organic-shale reservoirs, the nuclear-magnetic-resonance (NMR) signal from methane decays by surface relaxation. The methane NMR spectrum provides an uncalibrated pore-size distribution for the pores that store methane. The distribution can be calibrated by calculating a pore-wall-surface area from a methane-Langmuir-adsorption isotherm. When this method was applied to samples from a reservoir in the dry-gas window, the pores containing methane had pore sizes that ranged from 1 to approximately 100 nm. Approximately 20–40% of the pore volume was in pores smaller than 10 nm, where deviation from bulk-fluid behavior can be significant. The samples came from two wells. The surface relaxivity for the sample from Well 2 was somewhat different from the relaxivity for the two samples from Well 1. Samples that adsorbed more methane had smaller pore sizes. This methodology to obtain pore-size distributions should be extendable to more-general organic-shale reservoirs.
Variability in Cornhusk Traits of Landraces from the State of Puebla, Mexico
Authors: del Carmen Flores‐Rosales Martha , Arahón Hernández‐Guzmán J. , Gil‐Muñoz Abel , Antonio López Pedro , Parra‐Inzunza Filemón , Valerio González‐Cossío Félix
Published: April 2015

Maize (Zea mays L.) germplasm accessions in Mexico have been studied for grain yield and other traits. The cornhusk, or totomoxtle, is more important than the grain for Mexican peasant farmers because it generates increased income. However, limited information is available on the level of phenotypic variation in cornhusk traits, and few studies have been performed on the potential of maize landraces for the production of cornhusk. This study assessed maize landraces from three regions in Mexico. These landraces (as well as checks) were evaluated at multiple locations using lattice designs. The measured variables included the per‐plant grain yield, cornhusk length and width, ear coverage, and cornhusk, peduncle and ear weight. A cluster analysis of the data from the three regions grouped populations according to their region of origin. Morphological diversity within the cornhusk traits among maize landraces was found in the three regions, and landraces from Tehuacan had the greatest potential for cornhusk production. The measured cornhusk traits were superior in the maize landraces compared with those of the improved hybrids. The cornhusk weight, length and width, and ear coverage were the most effective traits for grouping according to population origin and discriminating among the populations. Thus, these traits are proposed as phenotypic selection criteria for identifying promising maize populations and initiating breeding programs for improved cornhusk production.
Water Use in Camelina–Soybean Dual Cropping Systems
Authors: Gesch Russ W. , Johnson Jane M.‐F.
Published: April 2015

Global population growth is increasing the demand for food, feed, fiber, and fuel. Recently, we reported that winter camelina (Camelina sativa L.) can be feasibly double‐ (DC) and relay‐cropped with soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] in the northern Corn Belt region as an option for sustainably intensified crop production. However, water availability can be a limiting factor for dual crop systems. Therefore, the present study determined seasonal water use in various winter camelina–soybean dual crop systems that included two sequential DC and two relay‐crop treatments compared with a full‐season monocropped soybean (Mono‐Soy). The rooting characteristics of camelina were also evaluated. The study was conducted on a Barnes loam soil (fine‐loamy, mixed, superactive, frigid Calcic Hapludoll) in west central Minnesota over two growing seasons in 2010 and 2011. Camelina had a meager root system with 82% of its root density found in the top 0.3 m of soil. Although both DC and relay‐crop treatments used more seasonal water than a sole soybean crop, on average it was only 26 and 50 mm greater in 2010 and 2011, respectively. Camelina is a low water user compared with soybean. Total cropping system water use efficiency for relay‐cropping was comparable to the sole soybean crop, but for the DC treatments was less. This cropping strategy is a way to sustainably integrate food and fuel production to meet societal needs of a growing population. Moreover, our results indicate that it may be amenable to most rainfed‐farming areas in the upper Midwest where soybean is grown.
A Kind of Effective Method to Improve the Conversion Efficiency of the
Solar Cell
Authors: Jiang Xing-Fang , Kong Xiang-Min , Li Xin-Lu , Jiang Hong , Chen Dong-Dong
Published: April 2015

For the bottleneck problem of the conversion efficiency in silicon-based solar cell, the Metallization Wrap–
through (MWT) technology is one of the effective methods based on the analysis of factors affecting the solar cell
conversion efficiency. The MWT technology is based on laser perforation and that the bus grid lines in the front surface of
the solar cell are moved to the back surface. The effective area on the front surface increases and the conversion efficiency
is improved. One of the most important processes in MWT technology is laser perforation and a new perforation scheme
using two-dimensional laser array is designed. The high power laser is divided into a number of beams then those beams
are arranged in a two-dimensional array. The silicon wafer is placed in a predetermined position by suction cup and is
moved by stepper motor. The light barriers are opened by triggering switch and the silicon wafer is exposed. After a series
of light, machine, and electric processes a rapid one-time two-dimensional array laser perforation on silicon wafer is
formed. This patent is expected to be used in solar cell production department soon.
Bio-hydrogen Production from Beer Wastewater in an Internal Circulation
(IC) Reactor
Authors: Caili Su , baojie Ji , Qun Wang , Lingfeng Zhu
Published: April 2015

An internal circulation (IC) using hydrogen-producing anaerobic granular sludge as seed sludge and beer
wastewater as substrate was employed to evaluate the effect of hydrogen production and the performance of reactor. Running
at the temperature of 35±1 °C, the pH value of influent controlled is 5.5 and organic loading rate (OLR) from 30 kg
COD/(m3●d) to 42 kg COD/(m3●d), the IC reactor presents a high hydrogen production ability as the hydrogen production
rate (HPR) maximized at 6.0-6.83 m3/(m3●d). Hydrogen volume content was estimated to be 42-46% of the total biogas
and the biogas was free of methane throughout the study. COD removal efficiency could reach 20-30% and the dissolved
fermentation products were predominated by ethanol with the concentration of 900-950 mg/L, which accounts for 45%-
56% of the total liquid products. These values may imply that the IC reactor is a kind of feasible fermentative hydrogen
production equipment.
Prioritization of Free-Text Clinical Documents: A Novel Use of a Bayesian Classifier
Authors: Singh Mark , Murthy Akansh , Singh Shridhar
Published: April 2015

Background

The amount of incoming data into physicians’ offices is increasing, thereby making it difficult to process information efficiently and accurately to maximize positive patient outcomes. Current manual processes of screening for individual terms within long free-text documents are tedious and error-prone. This paper explores the use of statistical methods and computer systems to assist clinical data management.

Objective

The objective of this study was to verify and validate the use of a naive Bayesian classifier as a means of properly prioritizing important clinical data, specifically that of free-text radiology reports.

Methods

There were one hundred reports that were first used to train the algorithm based on physicians’ categorization of clinical reports as high-priority or low-priority. Then, the algorithm was used to evaluate 354 reports. Additional beautification procedures such as section extraction, text
preprocessing, and negation detection were performed.

Results

The algorithm evaluated the 354 reports with discrimination between high-priority and low-priority reports, resulting in a bimodal probability distribution. In all scenarios tested, the false negative rates were below 1.1% and the recall rates ranged from 95.65% to 98.91%. In the case of 50% prior probability and 80% threshold probability, the accuracy of this Bayesian classifier was 93.50%, with a positive predictive value (precision) of 80.54%. It also showed a sensitivity (recall) of 98.91% and a F-measure of 88.78%.

Conclusions

The results showed that the algorithm could be trained to detect abnormal radiology results by accurately screening clinical reports. Such a technique can potentially be used to enable automatic flagging of critical results. In addition to accuracy, the algorithm was able to minimize false negatives, which is important for clinical applications. We conclude that a Bayesian statistical classifier, by flagging reports with abnormal findings, can assist a physician in reviewing radiology reports more efficiently. This higher level of prioritization allows physicians to address important radiologic findings in a timelier manner and may also aid in minimizing errors of omission.
Spreading the Word: Price Discovery and Newswire Dissemination of Management Earnings Guidance
Authors: Twedt Brady
Published: April 2015

This study investigates the impact of dissemination on the efficiency of the price discovery process with respect to management earnings guidance disclosures. I first identify firm and guidance characteristics associated with the likelihood that guidance receives coverage in the Dow Jones Newswires. Using propensity score, within-firm, and returns-based matched control samples of guidance, I find that newswire dissemination is associated with larger initial price reactions and, more importantly, an increase in the speed with which guidance information is incorporated into price. I also find that newswire coverage affects the market's reaction to stand-alone versus bundled guidance and good versus bad news guidance. This study is the first to provide evidence of systematic variation, both across and within firms, in the breadth of guidance dissemination, and it shows that this variation has a substantial effect on how investors respond to guidance.

JEL Classifications: G14; M41; L82.
GLP-1(32-36)amide Pentapeptide Increases Basal Energy Expenditure and Inhibits Weight Gain in Obese Mice
Authors: Tomas Eva , Stanojevic Violeta , McManus Karen , Khatri Ashok , Everill Paul , Bachovchin William W. , Habener Joel F.
Published: April 2015

The prevalence of obesity-related diabetes is increasing worldwide. Here we report the identification of a pentapeptide, GLP-1(32-36)amide (LVKGRamide), derived from the glucoincretin hormone GLP-1, that increases basal energy expenditure and curtails the development of obesity, insulin resistance, diabetes, and hepatic steatosis in diet-induced obese mice. The pentapeptide inhibited weight gain, reduced fat mass without change in energy intake, and increased basal energy expenditure independent of physical activity. Analyses of tissues from peptide-treated mice reveal increased expression of UCP-1 and UCP-3 in brown adipose tissue and increased UCP-3 and inhibition of acetyl-CoA carboxylase in skeletal muscle, findings consistent with increased fatty acid oxidation and thermogenesis. In palmitate-treated C2C12 skeletal myotubes, GLP-1(32-36)amide activated AMPK and inhibited acetyl-CoA carboxylase, suggesting activation of fat metabolism in response to energy depletion. By mass spectroscopy, the pentapeptide is rapidly formed from GLP-1(9-36)amide, the major form of GLP-1 in the circulation of mice. These findings suggest that the reported insulin-like actions of GLP-1 receptor agonists that occur independently of the GLP-1 receptor might be mediated by the pentapeptide, and the previously reported nonapeptide (FIAWLVKGRamide). We propose that by increasing basal energy expenditure, GLP-1(32-36)amide might be a useful treatment for human obesity and associated metabolic disorders.
Enhancing Cardiac Triacylglycerol Metabolism Improves Recovery From Ischemic Stress
Authors: Kolwicz Stephen C. , Liu Li , Goldberg Ira J. , Tian Rong
Published: April 2015

Elevated cardiac triacylglycerol (TAG) content is traditionally equated with cardiolipotoxicity and suggested to be a culprit in cardiac dysfunction. However, previous work demonstrated that myosin heavy-chain–mediated cardiac-specific overexpression of diacylglycerol transferase 1 (MHC-DGAT1), the primary enzyme for TAG synthesis, preserved cardiac function in two lipotoxic mouse models despite maintaining high TAG content. Therefore, we examined whether increased cardiomyocyte TAG levels due to DGAT1 overexpression led to changes in cardiac TAG turnover rates under normoxia and ischemia-reperfusion conditions. MHC-DGAT1 mice had elevated TAG content and synthesis rates, which did not alter cardiac function, substrate oxidation, or myocardial energetics. MHC-DGAT1 hearts had ischemia-induced lipolysis; however, when a physiologic mixture of long-chain fatty acids was provided, enhanced TAG turnover rates were associated with improved functional recovery from low-flow ischemia. Conversely, exogenous supply of palmitate during reperfusion suppressed elevated TAG turnover rates and impaired recovery from ischemia in MHC-DGAT1 hearts. Collectively, this study shows that elevated TAG content, accompanied by enhanced turnover, does not adversely affect cardiac function and, in fact, provides cardioprotection from ischemic stress. In addition, the results highlight the importance of exogenous supply of fatty acids when assessing cardiac lipid metabolism and its relationship with cardiac function.
AMPK Suppresses Vascular Inflammation In Vivo by Inhibiting Signal Transducer and Activator of Transcription-1
Authors: He Chaoyong , Li Hongliang , Viollet Benoit , Zou Ming-Hui , Xie Zhonglin
Published: April 2015

Activation of AMPK suppresses inflammation, but the underlying mechanisms remain poorly understood. This study was designed to characterize the molecular mechanisms by which AMPK suppresses vascular inflammation. In cultured human aortic smooth muscle cells, pharmacologic or genetic activation of AMPK inhibited the signal transducer and activator of transcription-1 (STAT1), while inhibition of AMPK had opposite effects. Deletion of AMPKα1 or AMPKα2 resulted in activation of STAT1 and in increases in proinflammatory mediators, both of which were attenuated by administration of STAT1 small interfering RNA or fludarabine, a selective STAT1 inhibitor. Moreover, AMPK activation attenuated the proinflammatory actions induced by STAT1 activators such as interferon-γ and angiotensin II (AngII). Mechanistically, we found that AMPK activation increased, whereas AMPK inhibition decreased, the levels of mitogen-activated protein kinase phosphatase-1 (MKP-1), an inducible nuclear phosphatase, by regulating proteasome-dependent degradation of MKP-1. Gene silencing of MKP-1 increased STAT1 phosphorylation and prevented 5-aminoimidazole-4-carboxyamide ribonucleoside–reduced STAT1 phosphorylation. Finally, we found that infusion of AngII caused a more severe inflammatory response in AMPKα2 knockout mouse aortas, all of which were suppressed by chronic administration of fludarabine. We conclude that AMPK activation suppresses STAT1 signaling and inhibits vascular inflammation through the upregulation of MKP-1.
Relationship Between Skin Intrinsic Fluorescence—an Indicator of Advanced Glycation End Products—and Upper Extremity Impairments in Individuals With Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Shah Kshamata M. , Clark B. Ruth , McGill Janet B. , Lang Catherine E. , Maynard John , Mueller Michael J.
Published: April 2015

Background

Accumulation of advanced glycation end products (AGEs) is thought to contribute to limited joint mobility in people with diabetes mellitus (DM), but the relationships among AGEs, shoulder structural changes, movement, and disability are not understood.

Objective

The purpose of this study was to determine the differences and relationships among skin intrinsic fluorescence (SIF), a proxy measure of AGEs, biceps and supraspinatus tendon thickness, upper extremity movement, and disability in groups with and without DM.

Design

This was a cross-sectional, case-control study.

Methods

Fifty-two individuals participated: 26 with type 2 DM and 26 controls matched for sex, age, and body mass index. The main outcome measures were: SIF; biceps and supraspinatus tendon thickness; 3-dimensional peak shoulder motion; and Disability of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) questionnaire scores.

Results

Mean SIF measurements were 19% higher in the DM group compared with the control group (P<.05). Biceps tendons (mean and 95% confidence interval [CI]) (4.7 mm [4.4, 5.0] versus 3.2 mm [2.9, 3.5]) and supraspinatus tendons (6.4 mm [5.9, 6.8] versus 4.9 mm [4.4, 5.3]) were thicker and peak humerothoracic elevation (139° [135°, 146°] versus 150° [146°, 155°]) and glenohumeral external rotation (35° [26°, 46°] versus 51° [41°, 58°]) were reduced in the DM group compared with the control group (P<.05). In the DM group, SIF was correlated to biceps tendon thickness, DASH score, and shoulder motion (r=.44–.51, P<.05). The SIF score and shoulder strength explained 64% of the DASH scores (P<.01).

Limitations

Because this was a cross-sectional study design, a cause-effect relationship could not be established.

Conclusions

Accumulation of AGEs in the connective tissues of individuals with DM appears to be associated with increased tendon thickness and decreased shoulder joint mobility and upper extremity function. Physical therapists should be aware of these possible metabolic effects on structure, movement, and disability when treating people with diabetes.
Pragmatic Implementation of a Stratified Primary Care Model for Low Back Pain Management in Outpatient Physical Therapy Settings: Two-Phase, Sequential Preliminary Study
Authors: Beneciuk Jason M. , George Steven Z.
Published: April 2015

Background

The effectiveness of risk stratification for low back pain (LBP) management has not been demonstrated in outpatient physical therapy settings.

Objective

The purposes of this study were: (1) to assess implementation of a stratified care approach for LBP management by evaluating short-term treatment effects and (2) to determine feasibility of conducting a larger-scale study.

Design

This was a 2-phase, preliminary study.

Methods

In phase 1, clinicians were randomly assigned to receive standard (n=6) or stratified care (n=6) training. Stratified care training included 8 hours of content focusing on psychologically informed practice. Changes in LBP attitudes and beliefs were assessed using the Pain Attitudes and Beliefs Scale for Physiotherapists (PABS-PT) and the Health Care Providers Pain and Impairment Relationship Scale (HC-PAIRS). In phase 2, clinicians receiving the stratified care training were instructed to incorporate those strategies in their practice and 4-week patient outcomes were collected using a numerical pain rating scale (NPRS), and the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI). Study feasibility was assessed to identify potential barriers for completion of a larger-scale study.

Results

In phase 1, minimal changes were observed for PABS-PT and HC-PAIRS scores for standard care clinicians (Cohen d=0.00–0.28). Decreased biomedical (−4.5±2.5 points, d=1.08) and increased biopsychosocial (+5.5±2.0 points, d=2.86) treatment orientations were observed for stratified care clinicians, with these changes sustained 6 months later on the PABS-PT. In phase 2, patients receiving stratified care (n=67) had greater between-group improvements in NPRS (0.8 points; 95% confidence interval=0.1, 1.5; d=0.40) and ODI (8.9% points; 95% confidence interval=4.1, 13.6; d=0.76) scores compared with patients receiving standard physical therapy care (n=33).

Limitations

In phase 2, treatment was not randomly assigned, and therapist adherence to treatment recommendations was not monitored. This study was not adequately powered to conduct subgroup analyses.

Conclusions

In physical therapy settings, biomedical orientation can be modified, and risk-stratified care for LBP can be effectively implemented. Findings from this study can be used for planning of larger studies.
The Impact of an Intensive Supervision Program on High-Risk Offenders: Manitoba’s COHROU Program
Authors: Weinrath Michael , Doerksen Mark , Watts Joshua
Published: April 2015

Intensive supervision programs (ISP) have a long history in the United States but only a relatively short existence in Canada. Manitoba’s Criminal Organization High Risk Offender Unit (COHROU) program combines intensive supervision, support, and program placement with rapid police response in the event of non-compliance with supervision conditions. COHROU attempts to use evidence-based programs to address criminogenic needs and supplement surveillance. This quantitative retrospective study assesses program clients admitted over 8 years (N = 409), following up on new convictions for violent, property, breach of probation, and other offences both during the program and for a 2-year period following supervision. Days in custody are also tracked 3 years pre- and post-program. Findings indicate that reoffending was substantial but that a large number of convictions were technical violations. Using benchmark comparisons pre- and post-program, reductions were observed in violent reoffence, days in custody, and overall crime severity. While the downward trends in offence seriousness and incarceration are promising, the evaluation’s claims of ISP efficacy are limited by the lack of a comparison group. Future researchers may also wish to investigate more qualitative aspects of COHROU program operation and probation officer supervision to understand what features of the program affect participants.
Debating Britain in Seventeenth-Century Scotland: Multiple Monarchy and Scottish Sovereignty
Authors: Mason Roger A.
Published: April 2015

This article deploys the concept of multiple monarchy as a means of reassessing the constitutional relationship between Scotland and England from the union of the crowns in 1603 to the union of parliaments in 1707. It argues that the Scots’ belief in their kingdom's historic independence, symbolised by the Stuart dynasty itself, led them to conceive of the union with England as one of equals, but that such parity of status and esteem was rendered unsustainable by inequalities of population and resources that became more marked as the century progressed. Reviewing the implications of a century of religious and constitutional upheaval, it argues that the Revolution of 1689-90 created an unworkable constitutional settlement founded on the sovereignty of the crown in two parliaments rather than one and that this was resolved in 1707 by the creation of a unitary British state, built on the illusion of equality and partnership, but enshrining English dominance.
Characteristics of Trailer Thermal Environment during Commercial Swine Transport Managed under U.S. Industry Guidelines
Authors: Xiong Yijie , Green Angela , Gates Richard
Published: April 2015

Transport is a critical factor in modern pork production and can seriously affect swine welfare. While previous research has explored thermal conditions during transport, the impact of extreme weather conditions on the trailer thermal environment under industry practices has not been well documented; and the critical factors impacting microclimate are not well understood. To assess the trailer microclimate during transport events, an instrumentation system was designed and installed at the central ceiling level, pig level and floor-level in each of six zones inside a commercial swine trailer. Transport environmental data from 34 monitoring trips (approximately 1–4 h in duration each) were collected from May, 2012, to February, 2013, with trailer management corresponding to the National Pork Board Transport Quality Assurance (TQA) guidelines in 31 of these trips. According to the TQA guidelines, for outdoor temperature ranging from 5 °C (40 °F) to 27 °C (80 °F), acceptable thermal conditions were observed based on the criteria that no more than 10% of the trip duration was above 35 °C (95 °F) or below 0 °C (32 °F). Recommended bedding, boarding and water application were sufficient in this range. Measurements support relaxing boarding guidelines for moderate outdoor conditions, as this did not result in less desirable conditions. Pigs experienced extended undesirable thermal conditions for outdoor temperatures above 27 °C (80 °F) or below 5 °C (40 °F), meriting a recommendation for further assessment of bedding, boarding and water application guidelines for extreme outdoor temperatures. An Emergency Livestock Weather Safety Index (LWSI) condition was observed inside the trailer when outdoor temperature exceeded 10 °C (50 °F); although the validity of LWSI to indicate heat stress for pigs during transport is not well established. Extreme pig surface temperatures in the rear and middle zones of the trailer were more frequently experienced than in the front zones, and the few observations of pigs dead or down upon arrival were noted in these zones. Observations indicate that arranging boarding placement may alter the ventilation patterns inside the trailer.
PP2A: The Wolf in Sheep’s Clothing?
Authors: Kiely Maeve , Kiely Patrick
Published: April 2015

Protein Phosphatase 2A (PP2A) is a major serine/threonine phosphatase in cells. It consists of a catalytic subunit (C), a structural subunit (A), and a regulatory/variable B-type subunit. PP2A has a critical role to play in homeostasis where its predominant function is as a phosphatase that regulates the major cell signaling pathways in cells. Changes in the assembly, activity and substrate specificity of the PP2A holoenzyme have a direct role in disease and are a major contributor to the maintenance of the transformed phenotype in cancer. We have learned a lot about how PP2A functions from specific mutations that disrupt the core assembly of PP2A and from viral proteins that target PP2A and inhibit its effect as a phosphatase. This prompted various studies revealing that restoration of PP2A activity benefits some cancer patients. However, our understanding of the mechanism of action of this is limited because of the complex nature of PP2A holoenzyme assembly and because it acts through a wide variety of signaling pathways. Information on PP2A is also conflicting as there are situations whereby inactivation of PP2A induces apoptosis in many cancer cells. In this review we discuss this relationship and we also address many of the pertinent and topical questions that relate to novel therapeutic strategies aimed at altering PP2A activity.
High Step-Up 3-Phase Rectifier with Fly-Back Cells and Switched Capacitors for Small-Scaled Wind Generation Systems
Authors: Wang Yi-Feng , Yang Liang , Wang Cheng-Shan , Li Wei , Qie Wei , Tu Shi-Jie
Published: April 2015

This paper proposes and discusses a novel AC/DC converter suitable for small-scaled wind power generation system applications. By introducing flyback cells into the three-phase single-switch Boost circuit, the proposed converter is designed as single-stage and has both rectification and high step-up power conversion functions. It is able to obtain high voltage gain at low input voltage level, and high efficiency, low total harmonic distortion (THD) at rated power. The inherent power factor correction (PFC) is also determined, and can reach 0.99. Besides, since no electrolytic capacitor is employed and high voltage gain is achieved, the converter can also collect weak power at low input voltage in combination with energy storage devices, and contribute to a better low-wind-speed/low-power performance. Finally, a 400 W prototype is built to verify the theoretical analysis, and its efficiency is 87.6%, while THD is 7.4% at rated power.
Characterization of Fibrin and Collagen Gels for Engineering Wound Healing Models
Authors: Moreno-Arotzena Oihana , Meier Johann , Del Amo Cristina , García-Aznar José
Published: April 2015

Hydrogels are used for 3D in vitro assays and tissue engineering and regeneration purposes. For a thorough interpretation of this technology, an integral biomechanical characterization of the materials is required. In this work, we characterize the mechanical and functional behavior of two specific hydrogels that play critical roles in wound healing, collagen and fibrin. A coherent and complementary characterization was performed using a generalized and standard composition of each hydrogel and a combination of techniques. Microstructural analysis was performed by scanning electron microscopy and confocal reflection imaging. Permeability was measured using a microfluidic-based experimental set-up, and mechanical responses were analyzed by rheology. We measured a pore size of 2.84 and 1.69 μm for collagen and fibrin, respectively. Correspondingly, the permeability of the gels was 1.00·10−12 and 5.73·10−13 m2. The shear modulus in the linear viscoelastic regime was 15 Pa for collagen and 300 Pa for fibrin. The gels exhibited strain-hardening behavior at ca. 10% and 50% strain for fibrin and collagen, respectively. This consistent biomechanical characterization provides a detailed and robust starting point for different 3D in vitro bioapplications, such as collagen and/or fibrin gels. These features may have major implications for 3D cellular behavior by inducing divergent microenvironmental cues.
Tuning the Pore Geometry of Ordered Mesoporous Carbons for Enhanced Adsorption of Bisphenol-A
Authors: Libbrecht Wannes , Vandaele Koen , De Buysser Klaartje , Verberckmoes An , Thybaut Joris , Poelman Hilde , De Clercq Jeriffa , Van Der Voort Pascal
Published: April 2015

Mesoporous carbons were synthesized via both soft and hard template methods and compared to a commercial powder activated carbon (PAC) for the adsorption ability of bisphenol-A (BPA) from an aqueous solution. The commercial PAC had a BET-surface of 1027 m2/g with fine pores of 3 nm and less. The hard templated carbon (CMK-3) material had an even higher BET-surface of 1420 m2/g with an average pore size of 4 nm. The soft templated carbon (SMC) reached a BET-surface of 476 m2/g and a pore size of 7 nm. The maximum observed adsorption capacity (qmax) of CMK-3 was the highest with 474 mg/g, compared to 290 mg/g for PAC and 154 mg/g for SMC. The difference in adsorption capacities was attributed to the specific surface area and hydrophobicity of the adsorbent. The microporous PAC showed the slowest adsorption, while the ordered mesopores of SMC and CMK-3 enhanced the BPA diffusion into the adsorbent. This difference in adsorption kinetics is caused by the increase in pore diameter. However, CMK-3 with an open geometry consisting of interlinked nanorods allows for even faster intraparticle diffusion.
Fatigue Behavior of an Ultrafine-Grained Al-Mg-Si Alloy Processed by High-Pressure Torsion
Authors: Murashkin Maxim , Sabirov Ilchat , Prosvirnin Dmitriy , Ovid'ko Ilya , Terentiev Vladimir , Valiev Ruslan , Dobatkin Sergey
Published: April 2015

The paper presents the evaluation of the mechanical and fatigue properties of an ultrafine-grained (UFG) Al 6061 alloy processed by high-pressure torsion (HPT) at room temperature (RT). A comparison is made between the UFG state and the coarse-grained (CG) one subjected to the conventional aging treatment Т6. It is shown that HPT processing leads to the formation of the UFG microstructure with an average grain size of 170 nm. It is found that yield strength (σ0.2), ultimate tensile strength (σUTS) and the endurance limit (σf) in the UFG Al 6061 alloy are higher by a factor of 2.2, 1.8 and 2.0 compared to the CG counterpart subjected to the conventional aging treatment Т6. Fatigue fracture surfaces are analyzed, and the fatigue behavior of the material in the high cycle and low cycle regimes is discussed.
Insights into the Antimicrobial Properties of Hepcidins: Advantages and Drawbacks as Potential Therapeutic Agents
Authors: Lombardi Lisa , Maisetta Giuseppantonio , Batoni Giovanna , Tavanti Arianna
Published: April 2015

The increasing frequency of multi-drug resistant microorganisms has driven research into alternative therapeutic strategies. In this respect, natural antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) hold much promise as candidates for the development of novel antibiotics. However, AMPs have some intrinsic drawbacks, such as partial degradation by host proteases or inhibition by host body fluid composition, potential toxicity, and high production costs. This review focuses on the hepcidins, which are peptides produced by the human liver with a known role in iron homeostasis, as well by numerous other organisms (including fish, reptiles, other mammals), and their potential as antibacterial and antifungal agents. Interestingly, the antimicrobial properties of human hepcidins are enhanced at acidic pH, rendering these peptides appealing for the design of new drugs targeting infections that occur in body areas with acidic physiological pH. This review not only considers current research on the direct killing activity of these peptides, but evaluates the potential application of these molecules as coating agents preventing biofilm formation and critically assesses technical obstacles preventing their therapeutic application.
Isolation, Identification and Cytotoxicity of a New Noroleanane-Type Triterpene Saponin from Salicornia bigelovii Torr.
Authors: Guan Fuqin , Wang Qizhi , Wang Ming , Shan Yu , Chen Yu , Yin Min , Zhao Youyi , Feng Xu , Liu Fei , Zhang Jianhua
Published: April 2015

Salicornia bigelovii Torr. has been consumed not only as a popular kind of vegetable, but also as a medicinal plant to treat hypertension, cephalalgia, scurvy and cancer. The present study was designed to investigate its chemical components and cytotoxic activity. A new noroleanane-type triterpene saponin, bigelovii C (1), was separated and purified from Salicornia bigelovii Torr., along with four known triterpene saponins 2–5. The structure of bigelovii C was elucidated as 3-O-(6-O-butyl ester)-β-D-glucuropyranosyl-23-aldehyde-30-norolean-12, 20 (29)-dien-28-oic acid-28-O-β-D-glucopyranoside, according to various spectroscopic analysis and chemical characteristics. Besides Compounds 3 and 5, bigelovii C had potent cytotoxicity against three human cancer cell lines, MCF7 (breast cancer), Lovo (colon cancer) and LN229 (glioblastoma), especially MCF7. Bigelovii C inhibited the growth of MCF7 cells in dose- and time-dependent manners. Flow cytometry analysis revealed that the percentage of apoptotic cells significantly increased upon bigelovii C treatment. Rh123 staining assay indicated that bigelovii C reduced the mitochondrial membrane potential. The mechanism of cell death by bigelovii C may be attributed to the downregulation of Bcl-2 and upregulation of Bax, cleaved caspase-9, caspase-7 and PARP. These results suggested that bigelovii C may impart health benefits when consumed and should be regarded as a potential chemopreventative agent for cancer.
Novel Microsatellite Markers Acquired from Rubus coreanus Miq. and Cross-Amplification in Other Rubus Species
Authors: Lee Gi-An , Song Jae , Choi Heh-Ran , Chung Jong-Wook , Jeon Young-Ah , Lee Jung-Ro , Ma Kyung-Ho , Lee Myung-Chul
Published: April 2015

The Rubus genus consists of more than 600 species that are distributed globally. Only a few Rubus species, including raspberries and blueberries, have been domesticated. Genetic diversity within and between Rubus species is an important resource for breeding programs. We developed genomic microsatellite markers using an SSR-enriched R. coreanus library to study the diversity of the Rubus species. Microsatellite motifs were discovered in 546 of 646 unique clones, and a dinucleotide repeat was the most frequent (75.3%) type of repeat. From 97 microsatellite loci with reproducible amplicons, we acquired 29 polymorphic microsatellite markers in the Rubus coreanus collection. The transferability values ranged from 59.8% to 84% across six Rubus species, and Rubus parvifolius had the highest transferability value (84%). The average number of alleles and the polymorphism information content were 5.7 and 0.541, respectively, in the R. coreanus collection. The diversity index of R. coreanus was similar to the values reported for other Rubus species. A phylogenetic dendrogram based on SSR profiles revealed that seven Rubus species could be allocated to three groups, and that R. coreanus was genetically close to Rubus crataegifolius (mountain berry). These new microsatellite markers might prove useful in studies of the genetic diversity, population structure, and evolutionary relationships among Rubus species.
An Ultra-High Performance Liquid Chromatographic-Tandem Mass Spectrometric Method for the Determination of Sinomenine in Human Plasma after Transdermal Delivery of the Zhengqing Fengtongning Injection
Authors: Chen Tingbo , Xiang Zheng , Dong Gengting , Luo Pei , Qiu Ping , Wang Shenzhi , Huang Baoming , Wen Yingyi , Wu Feichi , Liu Liang , Zhou Hua
Published: April 2015

A sensitive, precise and selective ultra-high performance liquid chromatography method coupled with triple-quadrupole mass spectrometry was developed and validated for the determination of trace amounts of sinomenine (ng/mL) in minute volumes of human plasma. Fifty microliter plasma samples were precipitated using methanol to extract sinomenine. Separation was carried out on a C18 column with a water and acetonitrile mobile phase gradient with formic acid as an additive. The mass spectrometry data were obtained in the positive ion mode, and the transition of multiple reactions was monitored at m/z 330.2→181.0 for sinomenine quantification. The working assay range for sinomenine was linear from 0.1173 to 15.02 ng/mL with the lower limit of quantification of 0.1173 ng/mL. The precision and accuracy of the method was less than 15% in intra-day and inter-day experiments with a matrix effect of less than 6.5%. After validation, the quantitative method was applied to analyze sinomenine levels in human plasma after transdermal delivery of the Zhengqing Fengtongning Injection. The results showed that some samples contained sinomenine within the concentration range 0.4131–4.407 ng/mL.
Assessing the Association between Natural Food Folate Intake and Blood Folate Concentrations: A Systematic Review and Bayesian Meta-Analysis of Trials and Observational Studies
Authors: Marchetta Claire , Devine Owen , Crider Krista , Tsang Becky , Cordero Amy , Qi Yan , Guo Jing , Berry Robert , Rosenthal Jorge , Mulinare Joseph , Mersereau Patricia , Hamner Heather
Published: April 2015

Folate is found naturally in foods or as synthetic folic acid in dietary supplements and fortified foods. Adequate periconceptional folic acid intake can prevent neural tube defects. Folate intake impacts blood folate concentration; however, the dose-response between natural food folate and blood folate concentrations has not been well described. We estimated this association among healthy females. A systematic literature review identified studies (1 1992–3 2014) with both natural food folate intake alone and blood folate concentration among females aged 12–49 years. Bayesian methods were used to estimate regression model parameters describing the association between natural food folate intake and subsequent blood folate concentration. Seven controlled trials and 29 observational studies met the inclusion criteria. For the six studies using microbiologic assay (MA) included in the meta-analysis, we estimate that a 6% (95% Credible Interval (CrI): 4%, 9%) increase in red blood cell (RBC) folate concentration and a 7% (95% CrI: 1%, 12%) increase in serum/plasma folate concentration can occur for every 10% increase in natural food folate intake. Using modeled results, we estimate that a natural food folate intake of ≥450 μg dietary folate equivalents (DFE)/day could achieve the lower bound of an RBC folate concentration (~1050 nmol/L) associated with the lowest risk of a neural tube defect. Natural food folate intake affects blood folate concentration and adequate intakes could help women achieve a RBC folate concentration associated with a risk of 6 neural tube defects/10,000 live births.
Genuine Savings as an Indicator for “Weak” Sustainability: Critical Survey and Possible Ways forward in Practical Measuring
Authors: Boos Adrian
Published: April 2015

Published by the World Bank (as “Adjusted Net Savings”) for around 160 countries, Genuine Savings (GS) presents the most respected but also the most debated indicator for “weak” sustainability. It originates from the so-called “Hartwick rule” for the re-investment of rents from the depletion of natural in reproducible forms of capital. Coming from the theoretical reasoning behind GS, this paper discusses possible extensions either not yet discussed or underrepresented in current research. Mainly, I suggest a discussion of additional items that could be included in GS and show that both the global average and individual country levels of GS would change immensely by including these recommendations.
Estimating Energy Consumption of Transport Modes in China Using DEA
Authors: Lin Weibin , Chen Bin , Xie Lina , Pan Haoran
Published: April 2015

The rapid growth of transport requirements in China will incur increasing transport energy demands and associated environmental pressures. In this paper, we employ a generalized data envelopment analysis (DEA) to evaluate the relative energy efficiency of rail, road, aviation and water transport from 1971 to 2011 by considering the energy input and passenger-kilometers (PKM) and freight ton-kilometers (TKM) outputs. The results show that the optimal energy efficiencies observed in 2011 are for rail and water transport, with the opposite observed for the energy efficiencies of aviation and road transport. In addition, we extend the DEA model to estimate future transport energy consumption in China. If each transport mode in 2020 is optimized throughout the observed period, the national transport energy consumption in 2020 will reach 497,701 kilotons coal equivalent (ktce), whereas the annual growth rate from 2011 to 2020 will be 5.7%. Assuming that efficiency improvements occur in this period, the estimated national transport energy consumption in 2020 will be 443,126 ktce, whereas the annual growth rate from 2011 to 2020 will be 4.4%, which is still higher than that of the national total energy consumption (3.8%).