bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pulsating Gas Dosage in the Moulding Sands Hardening Process in the Cold-Box Technology
Authors: Zych J.
Published: September 2013

The results of investigations of the moulding sands hardening process in the cold-box technology - with an application of two ways of gas dosage - are presented in the paper. A new, ultrasound method of testing the kinetics of hardening of moulding sands with chemical binders was applied. Moulding sands with phenol-formaldehyde resin and moulding sands with water-glass hardened by CO2:, were subjected to investigations. A continuous gas dosage was substituted by the pulsating one. It was shown, that the change of the dosage mode could lead to decreasing the gas consumption (even several times). In addition, it was found that the pulsating way of dosage provides improvements of moulding sands technological properties, mainly strength. Investigations concerned the cold-box processes, in which one or two technological gases were used.
Modified Low Cycle Method as a New Criterion for a Life Fatigue Assessment in Foundry Industry
Authors: Maj M. , Pietrzak K. , Piekło J.
Published: September 2013

The study describes the investigations of fatigue life carried out on selected grades of the G20Mn5 cast steel by two methods, i.e. the standard low-cycle fatigue test (LCF test) and modified low-cycle fatigue test (MLCF). The aim of these investigations was to verify the reliability of tests conducted by the novel method of MLCF [1, 2, 3].

Table 1 shows the results of mechanical tests carried out in accordance with the MLCF methodology on the G20Mn5 cast steel, while Figures 1a-b and 2 show the selected σ = f (ε) curves. Similar studies were carried out for the Mn-Ni cast steel [4].

Low-cycle fatigue tests (LCF) were carried out on an MTS 810 testing machine with control of force exerted on specimens whose dimensions were specified in [2].
Advanced Methods of Foundry Processes Control
Authors: Perzyk M. , Kozlowski J. , Wislocki M.
Published: September 2013

The paper discusses two main approaches utilized in contemporary industry to control of discrete and continuous manufacturing processes: Statistical Process Control and Engineering Process Control as well as applications of learning systems and time-series analysis in the control systems. The use of time-series techniques for anticipated control of selected foundry processes is presented and positively evaluated using industry data obtained from the green molding sand processing.
Crystallizer’s Desks Surface Diagnostics with Usage of Robotic System
Authors: David J. , Jančíiková Z. , Frischer R. , Vrožina M.
Published: September 2013

Discussed problems are solved in Arcelor Mittal Ostrava a.s. company. VSB-TU Ostrava has its share on this solution in the frame of grant project TIP. The project has several goals, which relate with primary cooling system area in CSCD (Continuous Steel Casting Device). One target is concerned about surface quality of crystallizer’s desks, also from point of view of its quality evaluation.in terms of project solution was solved a crystallizer’s desks defects catalogue and methodology of their evaluation. Also was made methodology for quality evaluation of narrow crystallizer’s desks, which are dismantled in maintenance area. There were proposed a laser scanning of the crystallizer’s desks surface with usage of Laser sensor. In cooperation with DASFOS CZ, s.r.o. was proposed new method of inner crystallizer’s chamber measuring. In this paper are presented partial results of this solution, including first results from prototyped measuring device.
Reclamation of Spent Moulding Sands with Inorganic Binders in the Vibratory Reclaimer Regmas
Authors: Dańko J. , Kamińska J. , Skrzyńsk M.
Published: September 2013

The results of the reclamation of spent moulding sands with inorganic binder in the prototype vibratory reclaimer REGMAS - are presented in the paper. Spent moulding sands with modified water-glass, burned as well as not burned, present in a form of agglomerates (lumps), were subjected to the reclamation processes.

During individual reclamation cycles the reclaimer efficiency and vibrations amplitudes were determined and physicalchemical and strength investigations were performed for the obtained reclaim materials. The obtained reclaim was used as a component of the matrix of moulding sands with water-glass in the Floster S technology, in which the reclaim constituted 100%, 80% and 50% of the sand matrix - respectively.
Morphology of the terminal aorta
Authors: Butoi G. , Iliescu D.M. , Baz R. , Bordei P.
Published: September 2013

We evaluated the termination of the abdominal aorta in relation with the vertebral column in 142 cases, finding it between middle 1/3 of the L3 vertebra and L5-S1 intervertebral disc. At the level of the L4 vertebra the abdominal aorta ends in 71 of the cases, following, in the order of the frequency, the L4-L5 intervertebral disk with 40 cases, the L5 vertebra with 14 cases, the L3-L4 intervertebral disc with 10 cases, the L3 vertebra with 6 cases and only in one case at the L5-S1 intervertebral disc. The aortic termination above the L4 vertebra was considered a high termination, 11.27% of cases, and the origin below the L4-L5 intervertebral disc was considered a low termination, 10.56% of cases. The bifurcation of the aorta in relation to mid-vertebral line was assessed on 138 cases, with 79 cases on the left, 38 on the midline and in 21 cases the aortic bifurcation was right to the midline. The distance between the aortic bifurcation and the sacro-vertebral joint (promontory) was between 40 - 82 mm. The aortic bifurcation related to the origin of the inferior vena cava was assessed on 38 cases, finding that most frequently, in 27 cases, the bifurcation was above the level of origin of the inferior vena cava, with a distance of between 2 - 3 mm and up to 45 mm. In 7 cases it was located below the origin of the inferior vena cava and in 4 cases the aortic bifurcation was located at the same level with the origin of the inferior vena cava.
Characteristics of some anatomical landmarks on the anterior face of the maxilla
Authors: Stan M.Cr. , Bordei P. , Dina C. , Iliescu D.M.
Published: September 2013

The canine bossa (not listed in TA) was clearly visible in 80% of cases, less prominent in 12% of cases or even absent in 8% of cases. The most commonly is oval in shape with the long axis oriented vertically or slightly oblique infero-medially. In 60% of cases the two fossae showed approximately equal sizes. For the rest of the 40% of the cases, the left one was larger (24 cases) than the right one. In 12% of cases we found a dehiscent anterior wall of the canine fossa for more than half of its height. The myrtiform fossa (also not mentioned in the TA) was oval, with the long axis oriented vertically and with same dimensions bilaterally in 60% of cases. In 2/3 of cases was evident (deeper) on the right. In 28% of cases we found it rounded, more frequently also on the right and in 12% of cases we found it as having an irregular shape. In about 10% of cases have it was almost flat. The canine fossa (Fossa canina) has various shapes, more frequently rounded with an average diameter of 0.8-0.9 cm. In 30% of cases was oval, with vertical long axis of 1 cm in and 0.7 cm width. The cases of rounded canine fossa, well circumscribed and deeper, were more prevalent on the left. The infraorbital foramen (Foramen infraorbitale) was circular in equal proportions (in half of the cases), with a diameter of 2.5-5 mm, or oval, with 3-5 mm vertical axis and 1.5-3 mm horizontal axis. Note the difference in shape in the same skull: circular on the left and oval on the right (most frequent case) or vice versa. The distance from the infraorbital border is variable, being lower on the left in 65% of cases. Compared to the piriform aperture, the infraorbital foramen is located at 0.9 to 1.7 cm on the right and at 1.2-1.7 cm on the left. We encountered five cases with double infraorbital foramen. The intermaxillary suture is vertical in only 35% of cases. In other cases it is deviated to the left in 40% of cases, and in 25% of the cases is oriented to the right. The degree of inclination is variable, making with the horizontal an angle between 95 to 1100. The alveolar process (Procesus alveolaris) is wider posteriorly. There is a difference in width right-to-left, being wider on the right side in 40% of cases (6-13 mm), are the same size on both sides in 30% of cases, the other 30% of cases being thicker on the left.

The zygomatic process (Procesus zygomaticus) may be sharp or, more frequently, with a serrated or rounded edge and with a small tubercle in almost 50% of cases
Financial management within the health system
Authors: Popa M.F. , Parlica Ionut
Published: September 2013

The financial management within the medical management plays a very important role considering the fact that health care costs a lot of money. The health care system is greatly influenced by the allocated funds so that there are types of health care systems depending on the allocation and collection of funds and depending on the payments of the services providers. There are several mechanisms for financing the health care system of which the most important are represented by the state budget funding and voluntary health insurance. In terms of financial management, is a reform within the Romanian health care system mainly focused on reducing the number of hospitals and restructuring the County Health Houses
The evolution of pain in knee osteoarthiritis treatment with sodium hyaluronate
Authors: Ciobotaru Camelia , Iliescu Madalina , Arghir Oana
Published: September 2013

Although the knee osteoarthritis is often benign, severe degenerative modifications can determine serious malfunction. In joints affected by arthritic processes, Sodium hyaluronate is found in reduced concentrations, the normal articular cartilage being replaced by fibrocartilage [6].

The present concepts suggest that osteoarthritis is not a predictable stage in ageing and prophylactic and therapeutic approaches could be taken in the future
Physical and Technical Energy Problems: Testing of the Prototype for State Estimation of Large-Scale Power Systems / Lielo Energosistēmu Stāvokļa Novērtēšanas Prototipa Testēšana
Authors: Kochukov O. , Briņķis K. , Mutule A.
Published: September 2013

The paper describes the algorithm for distributed state estimation (SE) and is focused on its testing and validation. For this purpose, different events in the modeled power system of the 330-750 kV electrical ring Latvia - Lithuania - Belarus - Smolensk - Moscow - St. Petersburg - Estonia - Latvia were considered. The methods for testing the Inter-TSO SE prototype and dynamic network monitoring & modeling are based on comparison of the available SCADA data about real events with those of SE calculation. In total, four operational states were studied, including initial, accident and two post-accident operational states
Design of Current Source Dc/Dc Converter for Interfacing a 5 Kw Pem Fuel Cell / Paaugstinošā Strāvas Avota Līdzsprieguma Pārveidotāja Izstrāde 5 Kw Ūdeņraža Degvielas Elementam
Authors: Andreičiks A. , Steiks I. , Krievs O.
Published: September 2013

In domestic applications the low DC output voltage of a hydrogen fuel cell used as the main power supply or a backup power source has to be matched to the level and frequency of the AC voltage of utility grid. The interfacing power converter system usually consists of a DC/DC converter and an inverter. In this work, a DC/DC step-up converter stage is designed for interfacing a 5kW proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cell. The losses of DC/DC conversion are estimated and, basing on the relevant analysis, the most appropriate configuration of converter modules is selected for a DC/DC converter stage of increased efficiency. The authors present the results of experimental analysis and simulation for the selected configuration of four double inductor step-up push-pull converter modules
Structure, Composition and Magnetic Properties of Ferrofluid Nanoparticles after Separation / Feromagnētisko Šķidrumu Nanodaļiņu Struktūras, Sastāva un Magnētisko Īpašību Izmaiņas Pēc Separācijas
Authors: Kronkalns G. , Kodols M. , Maiorov M.M.
Published: September 2013

The structure, composition and magnetic properties of iron oxide nanoparticles are studied as dependent on the synthesis technology and method of separation in ferrofluids. The goal of the present study is to improve the magnetic properties of wet-synthesized nanoparticles and achieve a narrow nanoparticle size distribution. The results of measurements show that by varying the conditions of the chemical coprecipitation method, different compositions and structures of the nanoparticles could be obtained. The separation of ferrite nanoparticles of a polydisperse colloid by centrifugation as well as by HGMS provides the possibility to obtain a nanoparticle set with narrow size distribution
Determination of Two-Liquid Mixture Composition by Assessing Dielectric Parameters 1. Precise Measuring System / Divu Šķidrumu Maisījuma Sastāva Noteikšana, Izvērtējot to Dielektriskos Parametrus 1. Precīza Mērīšanas Sistēma
Authors: Vilitis O. , Shipkovs P. , Merkulovs D.
Published: September 2013

Concentration measurements are important in bioethanol industries, in the R&D areas, for chemical, medical and microbiological analyses and processing as well as for diagnostics, manufacturing, etc. The overview shows development of the structural design of a system for measuring the concentration of solutions and mixtures consisting of two dielectric liquids. The basic principles of the system's design are given along with relevant equations. The concentration of dielectric liquids is measured using devices with capacitive sensors (1-300 pF). The operational frequency of the developed measuring system is 100.000 kHz. Configuration of the system excludes some errors usually arising at measurements, and broadens its applicability. For testing, the system was calibrated for measuring the concentration of anhydrous ethanol + de-ionized water mixture. Experimental results have shown a stable resolution of ±0.005 pF at measuring the sensor capacitance and a reproducible resolution better than ±0.01% at measuring the ethanol volume concentration
Effect of two-stage thermal disintegration on particle size distribution in sewage sludge
Authors: Karczmarek Anna M. , Gaca Jerzy
Published: September 2013

The effect of two-stage thermal disintegration of sewage sludge on the particle size distribution using laser diffraction method has been studied. The sludge was sampled from municipal sewage treatment plant after each stage of disintegration. The first stage of disintegration known as homogenization proceeds at temperature of 70-90°C and pressure of 3 bar, the second stage called thermal hydrolysis was performed at temperature of 160-170°C and pressure of 6 bar. It was found that the first stage of disintegration has the strongest impact on the reduction of the sludge particle size and changes in chemical properties. The maximum size of the particles from raw sewage before disintegration was 310 μm. After first stage of the process average size of the particles was 250 μm, and during the second stage it was reduced to 226 μm. Sludge disintegration degree (DDCOD) of 59% confirms high effectiveness of the process. We established that the redox potential (Eh) of sludge effluents was changed after each step of the studied process. Furthermore, chemical oxygen demand (COD) increases which leads to the conclusion that resizing of floccules is accompanied by hydrolysis.
Indications and practical application of strategies in the endovascular management of intracranial aneurysms
Authors: Zenteno Marco Antonio , Santos-Franco Jorge Arturo , Lee Ángel , Vinuela Fernando , Freitas Jose-Maria Modenesi , Moscote-Salazar Luis Rafael
Published: September 2013

The occlusion of intracranial aneurysms is more successful and stable by properly planning the approach and application of endovascular techniques. The next step is a relentless analysis of the different indications of endovascular treatment, tailoring a strategy suitable for the specific case, and making more rational choices for the management of aneurysms. Indications and strategies according to the analysis of the aneurysmal complex are given, as well as pros and cons of the endovascular technique according to different anatomical locations
Normal pressure hydrocephalus - active and passive pathogenic mechanisms
Authors: Iencean St.M. , Tascu Al. , Iencean A.St. , Poeata I. , Gorgan M.R.
Published: September 2013

Normal pressure hydrocephalus (NPH) is characterized by normal CSF pressure, less than 18 cm H2O, classical clinical triad: gait disturbance, dementia and incontinence in patients with communicating hydrocephalus on CT or MRI.

We analyzed retrospectively the NPH hospitalized patients in three neurosurgical departments between July 2007 and December 2012. Only the cases who met all diagnostic criteria were selected for this study. There were 47 selected cases of patients with NPH, including 24 patients with secondary NPH and 23 patients with idiopathic NPH. Ventriculo-peritoneal shunt was performed in all 24 patients with secondary NPH and at 11 patients with IdNPH. The short-term and long-term results were good and very good for cases of secondary NPH and good in 60% and poor in 40% in cases of IdNPH.

The MR imaging showed the absence of CSF passage through the ventricular wall and the ventricular wall in cases of IdNPH with poor results after shunting: ependyma and glia limitans interna represents a fluid - parenchymal barrier between the brain parenchyma and the ventricles as a glialependymal barrier.

We can consider that secondary NPH and some cases of idiopathic NPH with repeated small increases of ICP, with transependymal migration of CSF and hydrocephalus causing clinical triad because of the open glial-ependymal barrier, as an Active Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus and the shunt has good results. Other cases of IdNPH have not increases of intracranial pressure, no transependymal migration of CSF and there are periventricular deep lesions, without brain atrophy, causing clinical triad, as a passive hydrocephalus, it is a Passive Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus.
Endovascular remodeling of tortuous cervical segments of the internal carotid artery that hinder the management of complex intracranial aneurysms
Authors: Zenteno Marco Antonio , Santos-Franco Jorge Arturo , Moscote-Salazar Luis Rafael , Lee Ángel
Published: September 2013

Introduction: Severe tortuosity of the cervical segment of the internal carotid artery (ICA) may hamper the navigation of intravascular devices for the management of complex intracranial aneurysms and even conventional techniques of ICA access can fail. In a group of selected cases, we analyzed the efficacy and safety of carotid stenting to straighten the Severe tortuosity for direct navigation of the devices. Methods: A case series of 16 patients harboring 18 intracranial aneurysms with a difficult endovascular approach because of a cervical ICA with Severe tortuosity were prospectively recruited at our institution from January 2005 to December 2007. When traditional means of correction could not surmount this obstacle, an overlap stenting with a distal-to-proximal technique was used to overcome the Severe tortuosity. The efficacy of the procedure was defined as the ability to reach and be able to treat the target lesion with a smooth navigation of the endovascular devices. Safety was documented by procedure-related complications. Results: The straightening of the vessel by the stent helped to overcome pitfalls, making possible an obstacle-free navigation of the endovascular devices to the target lesion in all cases. In 5 cases with severe or double kinking, a distal transfer of the curve beyond the stent was observed, without impact on the efficacy of the procedure. One case of periprocedural related technical complication occurred with a permanent stroke. During the follow-up period (22.7 ± 8.4 months) no case of stent-related stroke or severe hyperplasia was observed. Conclusions: Carotid stenting is an available option when a cervical ICA with Severe tortuosity hampers a smooth catheterization of the intracranial circulation, in carefully selected cases. It allows a relatively safe and free navigation and/or deployment of additional endovascular devices needed for the treatment of complex intracranial aneurysms.
Ventriculoperitoneal shunt related meningioma: a case report
Authors: Cruz-Ortiz G.A. , Samano-Osuna A. , Jimenez-Jimenez M. , Alvis-Miranda H.R. , Lee A. , Moscote-Salazar L.R.
Published: September 2013

Meningiomas are the most common primary, non-glial tumours of the brain and spine, and represent the most common extra-axial lesions. The typical meningioma is a dural-based, markedly enhancing extraaxial mass; they exhibit cortical buckling with trapped cerebrospinal fluid clefts or cortical vessels. There are factors strongly associated with risk of developing meningioma, as in the case of exposure to ionizing radiation, or exogenous or endogenous hormones, as in this case, the presence of shunt material as a foreign body may have contributed to oncogenesis on the basis of a chronic inflammatory reaction. The aim of this report is to present the clinical case of a meningioma, which enveloped the proximal catheter of ventriculoperitoneal shunt valve
Erratum to Central European Journal of Biology, Volume 8, Issue 11
Authors: Li Li , Wu Huijuan , Qian Jialin , Li Mingzhen , Li Yue , Li Baoming
Published: September 2013

Paper by Li Li Huijuan Wu, Jialin Qian, Mingzhen Li, Yue Li, Baoming Li et al. “Decreased Na+/K+ ATPase α1 (ATP1A1) gene expression in major depression patients’ peripheral blood” in Voulme 8, Issue 11, 1077-1082 / November 2013; DOI: 10.2478/s11535-013-0207-8 contains incorrect units in Figure 3. The correct Figure 3, together with its caption is presented below.
Semiconductor detectors and focal plane arrays for far-infrared imaging
Authors: Rogalski A.
Published: September 2013

The detection of far-infrared (far-IR) and sub-mm-wave radiation is resistant to the commonly employed techniques in the neighbouring microwave and IR frequency bands. In this wavelength detection range the use of solid state detectors has been hampered for the reasons of transit time of charge carriers being larger than the time of one oscillation period of radiation. Also the energy of radiation quanta is substantially smaller than the thermal energy at room temperature and even liquid nitrogen temperature. The realization of terahertz (THz) emitters and receivers is a challenge because the frequencies are too high for conventional electronics and the photon energies are too small for classical optics.

Development of semiconductor focal plane arrays started in seventies last century and has revolutionized imaging systems in the next decades. This paper presents progress in far-IR and sub-mm-wave semiconductor detector technology of focal plane arrays during the past twenty years. Special attention is given on recent progress in the detector technologies for real-time uncooled THz focal plane arrays such as Schottky barrier arrays, field-effect transistor detectors, and microbolometers. Also cryogenically cooled silicon and germanium extrinsic photoconductor arrays, and semiconductor bolometer arrays are considered.
Effect of dural detachment on long-term tumor control for meningiomas treated using Simpson Grade IV resection
Authors: Fukushima Yuta , Oya Soichi , Nakatomi Hirofumi , Shibahara Junji , Hanakita Shunya , Tanaka Shota , Shin Masahiro , Kawai Kensuke , Fukayama Masashi , Saito Nobuhito
Published: September 2013

Object

Meningiomas treated by subtotal or partial resection are associated with significantly shorter recurrence-free survival than those treated by gross-total resection. The Simpson grading system classifies incomplete resections into a single category, namely Simpson Grade IV, with wide variations in the volume and location of residual tumors, making it complicated to evaluate the achievement of surgical goals and predict the prognosis of these tumors. Authors of the present study investigated the factors related to necessity of retreatment and tried to identify any surgical nuances achievable with the aid of modern neurosurgical techniques for meningiomas treated using Simpson Grade IV resection.

Methods

This retrospective analysis included patients with WHO Grade I meningiomas treated using Simpson Grade IV resection as the initial therapy at the University of Tokyo Hospital between January 1995 and April 2010. Retreatment was defined as reresection or stereotactic radiosurgery due to postoperative tumor growth.

Results

A total of 38 patients were included in this study. Regrowth of residual tumor was observed in 22 patients with a mean follow-up period of 6.1 years. Retreatment was performed for 20 of these 22 tumors with regrowth. Risk factors related to significantly shorter retreatment-free survival were age younger than 50 years (p = 0.006), postresection tumor volume of 4 cm3 or more (p = 0.016), no dural detachment (p = 0.001), and skull base location (p = 0.016). Multivariate analysis revealed that no dural detachment (hazard ratio [HR] 6.42, 95% CI 1.41–45.0; p = 0.02) and skull base location (HR 11.6, 95% CI 2.18–218; p = 0.002) were independent risk factors for the necessity of early retreatment, whereas postresection tumor volume of 4 cm3 or more was not a statistically significant risk factor.

Conclusions

Compared with Simpson Grade I, II, and III resections, Simpson Grade IV resection includes highly heterogeneous tumors in terms of resection rate and location of the residual mass. Despite the difficulty in analyzing such diverse data, these results draw attention to the favorable effect of dural detachment (instead of maximizing the resection rate) on long-term tumor control. Surgical strategy with an emphasis on detaching the tumor from the affected dura might be another important option in resection of high-risk meningiomas not amenable to gross-total resection.
A Content Analysis of Media Coverage of the Introduction of a Smoke-Free Bylaw in Vancouver Parks and Beaches
Authors: Moshrefzadeh Arezu , Rice Wendy , Pederson Ann , Okoli Chizimuzo
Published: September 2013

The Board of Parks and Recreation in Vancouver, BC approved a smoke-free bylaw in the city’s parks, beaches and recreational facilities, effective 1 September 2010. We analyzed local news coverage and portrayal of the bylaw to understand the potential influence of news media on public perception of the bylaw in order to inform the media advocacy work of public health interest groups. We compiled a data set of newspaper articles (n = 90) and conducted a quantitative content analysis to examine content related to the outdoor smoke-free policy, including article slant, topics related to smoking and tobacco control, and any equity-related concerns raised. Newspaper coverage in Vancouver was largely supportive of the outdoor smoke-free bylaw. However, concerns over rights were frequently discussed in letters to the editor. Such equity concerns were rarely discussed in news articles, showing a potential disconnect between the concerns expressed in the media by members of the public and the coverage provided by print media.
Cinnamomum cassia Essential Oil Inhibits α-MSH-Induced Melanin Production and Oxidative Stress in Murine B16 Melanoma Cells
Authors: Chou Su-Tze , Chang Wen-Lun , Chang Chen-Tien , Hsu Shih-Lan , Lin Yu-Che , Shih Ying
Published: September 2013

Essential oils extracted from aromatic plants exhibit important biological activities and have become increasingly important for the development of aromatherapy for complementary and alternative medicine. The essential oil extracted from Cinnamomum cassia Presl (CC-EO) has various functional properties; however, little information is available regarding its anti-tyrosinase and anti-melanogenic activities. In this study, 16 compounds in the CC-EO have been identified; the major components of this oil are cis-2-methoxycinnamic acid (43.06%) and cinnamaldehyde (42.37%). CC-EO and cinnamaldehyde exhibited anti-tyrosinase activities; however, cis-2-methoxycinnamic acid did not demonstrate tyrosinase inhibitory activity. In murine B16 melanoma cells stimulated with α-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH), CC-EO and cinnamaldehyde not only reduced the melanin content and tyrosinase activity of the cells but also down-regulated tyrosinase expression without exhibiting cytotoxicity. Moreover, CC-EO and cinnamaldehyde decreased thiobarbituric acid-reactive substance (TBARS) levels and restored glutathione (GSH) and catalase activity in the α-MSH-stimulated B16 cells. These results demonstrate that CC-EO and its major component, cinnamaldehyde, possess potent anti-tyrosinase and anti-melanogenic activities that are coupled with antioxidant properties. Therefore, CC-EO may be a good source of skin-whitening agents and may have potential as an antioxidant in the future development of complementary and alternative medicine-based aromatherapy.
Posttranscriptional Regulation of Insulin Family Ligands and Receptors
Authors: Panda Amaresh , Grammatikakis Ioannis , Yoon Je-Hyun , Abdelmohsen Kotb
Published: September 2013

Insulin system including ligands (insulin and IGFs) and their shared receptors (IR and IGFR) are critical regulators of insulin signaling and glucose homeostasis. Altered insulin system is associated with major pathological conditions like diabetes and cancer. The mRNAs encoding for these ligands and their receptors are posttranscriptionally controlled by three major groups of regulators; (i) alternative splicing regulatory factors; (ii) turnover and translation regulator RNA-binding proteins (TTR-RBPs); and (iii) non-coding RNAs including miRNAs and long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs). In this review, we discuss the influence of these regulators on alternative splicing, mRNA stability and translation. Due to the pathological impacts of insulin system, we also discussed the possibilities of discovering new potential regulators which will improve understanding of insulin system and associated diseases.
Analysis of Gln223Agr Polymorphism of Leptin Receptor Gene in Type II Diabetic Mellitus Subjects among Malaysians
Authors: Etemad Ali , Ramachandran Vasudevan , Pishva Seyyed , Heidari Farzad , Aziz Ahmad , Yusof Ahmad , Pei Chong , Ismail Patimah
Published: September 2013

Leptin is known as the adipose peptide hormone. It plays an important role in the regulation of body fat and inhibits food intake by its action. Moreover, it is believed that leptin level deductions might be the cause of obesity and may play an important role in the development of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM), as well as in cardiovascular diseases (CVD). The Leptin Receptor (LEPR) gene and its polymorphisms have not been extensively studied in relation to the T2DM and its complications in various populations. In this study, we have determined the association of Gln223Agr loci of LEPR gene in three ethnic groups of Malaysia, namely: Malays, Chinese and Indians. A total of 284 T2DM subjects and 281 healthy individuals were recruited based on International Diabetes Federation (IDF) criteria. Genomic DNA was extracted from the buccal specimens of the subjects. The commercial polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method was carried out by proper restriction enzyme MSP I to both amplify and digest the Gln223Agr polymorphism. The p-value among the three studied races was 0.057, 0.011 and 0.095, respectively. The values such as age, WHR, FPG, HbA1C, LDL, HDL, Chol and Family History were significantly different among the subjects with Gln223Agr polymorphism of LEPR (p < 0.05).
Solution Properties and in Vitro Anti-Tumor Activities of Polysaccharides from Longan Pulp
Authors: Yi Yang , Huang Fei , Zhang Ming-Wei , Zhang Rui-Fen , Deng Yuan-Yuan , Wei Zhen-Cheng , He Jing-Ren
Published: September 2013

The solution properties of four fractions (LPI–IV) from crude longan pulp polysaccharides (LP3) were analyzed by size-exclusion chromatography combined with laser light scattering, viscometry, complex formation with Congo red, and atomic force microscopy. Their radii of gyration (z1/2) were 43.3, 62.6, 43.2 and 77.3 nm, exponents of z1/2 = k Mwv were 0.04, 0.50, 0.52 and 0.02, and intrinsic viscosities ([η]) were 9.945, 25.38, 308.2 and 452.1 mL/g, respectively. Moreover, the dependence of [η] on Mw was established to be [η] = 5.3 × 10−2Mw0.61 (mL/g). LPI had both a sphere-like conformation and a triple-helix structure, and LPII–IV existed as flexible chains. LP3, LPI, LPII and LPIII all exhibited direct inhibitory effects on A549, HeLa and HepG2 cells in a positive dose-dependent manner in the range of 50–400 µg/mL. The activities of LPIII, especially the inhibition of HepG2 cell proliferation, were stronger than those of others, which may be partly related to its flexible conformation. The present results support the cancer therapeutic potential of longan polysaccharides.
Experimental Investigation on Centrifugal Compressor Blade Crack Classification Using the Squared Envelope Spectrum
Authors: Li Hongkun , Zhang Xuefeng , Xu Fujian
Published: September 2013

Centrifugal compressors are a key piece of equipment for modern production. Among the components of the centrifugal compressor, the impeller is a pivotal part as it is used to transform kinetic energy into pressure energy. Blade crack condition monitoring and classification has been broadly investigated in the industrial and academic area. In this research, a pressure pulsation (PP) sensor arranged in close vicinity to the crack area and the corresponding casing vibration signals are used to monitor blade crack information. As these signals cannot directly demonstrate the blade crack, the method employed in this research is based on the extraction of weak signal characteristics that are induced by blade cracking. A method for blade crack classification based on the signals monitored by using a squared envelope spectrum (SES) is presented. Experimental investigations on blade crack classification are carried out to verify the effectiveness of this method. The results show that it is an effective tool for blade crack classification in centrifugal compressors.
Analysis and Design of a 3rd Order Velocity-Controlled Closed-Loop for MEMS Vibratory Gyroscopes
Authors: Wu Huan-ming , Yang Hai-gang , Yin Tao , Jiao Ji-wei
Published: September 2013

The time-average method currently available is limited to analyzing the specific performance of the automatic gain control-proportional and integral (AGC-PI) based velocity-controlled closed-loop in a micro-electro-mechanical systems (MEMS) vibratory gyroscope, since it is hard to solve nonlinear functions in the time domain when the control loop reaches to 3rd order. In this paper, we propose a linearization design approach to overcome this limitation by establishing a 3rd order linear model of the control loop and transferring the analysis to the frequency domain. Order reduction is applied on the built linear model’s transfer function by constructing a zero-pole doublet, and therefore mathematical expression of each control loop’s performance specification is obtained. Then an optimization methodology is summarized, which reveals that a robust, stable and swift control loop can be achieved by carefully selecting the system parameters following a priority order. Closed-loop drive circuits are designed and implemented using 0.35 μm complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) process, and experiments carried out on a gyroscope prototype verify the optimization methodology that an optimized stability of the control loop can be achieved by constructing the zero-pole doublet, and disturbance rejection capability (D.R.C) of the control loop can be improved by increasing the integral term.
Laser Doppler Blood Flow Imaging Using a CMOS Imaging Sensor with On-Chip Signal Processing
Authors: He Diwei , Nguyen Hoang , Hayes-Gill Barrie , Zhu Yiqun , Crowe John , Gill Cally , Clough Geraldine , Morgan Stephen
Published: September 2013

The first fully integrated 2D CMOS imaging sensor with on-chip signal processing for applications in laser Doppler blood flow (LDBF) imaging has been designed and tested. To obtain a space efficient design over 64 × 64 pixels means that standard processing electronics used off-chip cannot be implemented. Therefore the analog signal processing at each pixel is a tailored design for LDBF signals with balanced optimization for signal-to-noise ratio and silicon area. This custom made sensor offers key advantages over conventional sensors, viz. the analog signal processing at the pixel level carries out signal normalization; the AC amplification in combination with an anti-aliasing filter allows analog-to-digital conversion with a low number of bits; low resource implementation of the digital processor enables on-chip processing and the data bottleneck that exists between the detector and processing electronics has been overcome. The sensor demonstrates good agreement with simulation at each design stage. The measured optical performance of the sensor is demonstrated using modulated light signals and in vivo blood flow experiments. Images showing blood flow changes with arterial occlusion and an inflammatory response to a histamine skin-prick demonstrate that the sensor array is capable of detecting blood flow signals from tissue.
Camera Arriving at the Station: Cinematic Memory as Cultural Memory
Authors: Kilbourn Russell
Published: September 2013

This paper explores the modern metropolis as an ironically concrete metaphor for the collective memory and the mourning of cinema’s passing, as it—the “city”—is digitally constructed in two recent, auteur-directed, special effects-driven blockbuster films, Inception and Hugo. The modern city, and mass media, such as the cinema, as well as modes of mass transport, especially the train, all originate in the 19th century, but come into their own in the early 20th century in their address to a subject as the mobilised citizen-consumer who, as Anne Friedberg makes clear, is also always a viewer. Additionally, as Barbara Mennel has recently shown, the advent in Europe of trains and time zones, in their transformation of modern time and space, paved the way for cinema’s comparably cataclysmic impact upon modern subjectivity in its iconic reproduction of movement within illusory 3D space. Both films, thus, in their different ways employ cinematic remediation as a form of cultural memory whose nostalgia for cinema’s past is rendered with the latest digital effects, hidden in plain sight in the form of subjective memories (as flashback) and dreams. While a version of this reading has been advanced before (at least for Hugo), this paper goes further by connecting each film’s status as remediated dream-memory to its respective dependence upon the city as a post-cinematic three-dimensional framework within which locative and locomotive desires alike determine a subject whose psyche is indistinguishable from the cityscape that surrounds him.
Groundwater Risk Assessment Model (GRAM): Groundwater Risk Assessment Model for Wellfield Protection
Authors: Somaratne Nara , Zulfic Hajrudin , Ashman Glyn , Vial Hayley , Swaffer Brooke , Frizenschaf Jacqueline
Published: September 2013

A groundwater risk assessment was carried out for 30 potable water supply systems under a framework of protecting drinking water quality across South Australia. A semi-quantitative Groundwater Risk Assessment Model (GRAM) was developed based on a “multi-barrier” approach using likelihood of release, contaminant pathway and consequence equation. Groundwater vulnerability and well integrity have been incorporated to the pathway component of the risk equation. The land use of the study basins varies from protected water reserves to heavily stocked grazing lands. Based on the risk assessment, 15 systems were considered as low risk, four as medium and 11 systems as at high risk. The GRAM risk levels were comparable with indicator bacteria—total coliform—detection. Most high risk systems were the result of poor well construction and casing corrosion rather than the land use. We carried out risk management actions, including changes to well designs and well operational practices, design to increase time of residence and setting the production zone below identified low permeable zones to provide additional barriers to contaminants. The highlight of the risk management element is the well integrity testing using down hole geophysical methods and camera views of the casing condition.
Ilusas y alumbradas : ¿ discurso místico o erótico ?
Authors: Méndez María Águeda
Published: September 2013

Les illuminées et les illusionnées ont constitué dans la société du Mexique colonial à la fin du XVIIIe siècle et au début du XIXe une frange importante des déviances pseudo-mystiques persécutées par l'Inquisition. Etude détaillée de quelques cas exemplaires d'illuminisme et d'illusionisme qui débouchaient sur des conduites et des discours fortement teintés d'érotisme parmi les béates hétérodoxes de Nouvelle Espagne.
Los principios pragmáticos en la producción de un Epew ( « cuento ») mapuche : un abordaje etnolingüístico
Authors: Golluscio de Garaño Lucía
Published: September 2013

Se analizan algunos principios de la Pragmática — propues-tos como válidos para el análisis de la interacción conversacional occidental — y su aplicación a un epew (« cuento ») mapuche recogido en lengua original y dentro de su contexto cultural y lingüístico propio. El relato aquí transcripto y comentado fue recogido personalmente por la autora en lengua original en la Agrupación Aucatruz (pcia de Neuquén Argentina) y de boca del anciano mapuche don Raúl Epullán.
Una aproximación a Francisco López de Gómara
Authors: Valcárcel Martínez Simón
Published: September 2013

Approche biographique et bibliographique du chroniqueur de la conquête du Mexique, chapelain de Cortés et parmi les plus remarquables figures de la Renaissance espagnole. Un essai, sur l'humanisme au service de l'historiographie et sur l'idéologie de Gomara à travers son œuvre, ainsi qu'une analyse des aspects stylistiques de cette production historique.
Le trône, les fleurs, le char et la puissance d'Aphrodite. (Sappho Ι, ν. 1, 11, 19 et 22). Remarques sur le texte, sur les composés en -θρονος et sur les homérismes de Sappho.
Authors: Jouanna Jacques
Published: September 2013

The present paper offers a new examination of the text and meaning of four verses in Sappho's poem n° I, especially in the light of Dionysius of Halicarnassus' De compositione verborum manuscripts and of their relationship (v. 1 : choice between ποικιλόθρον' and ποικιλόφρον ; ν. 11 : sense of πύκνα ; ν. 19 : reading of βαΐσ' at the beginning of the verse ; v. 22 : choice between ἀλλα and ἄλλα). Moreover, it meets the much discussed problem of the meaning of ποί,κιλόθρον' and of the greek compounds in -θρόνος (do they derive from θρόνος, «throne», or from θρόνα «plants», «flowers» ?), which leads to the subtle way in which Sappho uses and renovates homeric expressions (θρόνα ποικίλ' at ν. 1 and πτερά πυκνά at ν. 11).
Les jugements de goût dans le traité Du Sublime.
Authors: Billault Alain
Published: September 2013

Les nombreux jugements de goût contenus dans le traité Du sublime montrent que l'auteur conçoit l'histoire de la littérature grecque comme un déclin de l'épopée au roman et donne la première place aux écrivains des époques archaïque et classique qui ont célébré la grandeur du monde conformément au dessein que la nature a formé pour l'homme. Pour formuler ces jugements, il recourt à une rhétorique véhémente et passionnée qui vise plus à entraîner le lecteur qu'à le persuader. Ce style donne aussi un indice sur sa personnalité et constitue l'originalité du traité comme œuvre critique.
Une polémique tragique : le second volet de l'Ajax de Sophocle
Authors: Blaise Fabienne
Published: September 2013

Loin d'être, comme on l'a souvent pensé, une discussion mal venue dans une tragédie qui aurait pu se clore sur le suicide d'Ajax, le conflit soulevé par l'ensevelissement du héros redouble le tragique de la pièce. Le drame individuel se double d'un drame collectif en révélant une société dont le discours ne parvient pas à intégrer de manière adéquate la nature du héros qu'elle va pourtant honorer. Les propos inefficaces des Atrides montrent que l'autorité traditionnelle, qu'elle repose sur la peur ou sur une justice toute apparente, ne peut rendre compte d'une individualité hors norme mais bien réelle, et digne d'être reconnue. Leur identité de chefs est elle-même sérieusement entamée par cet échec. Ulysse résout l'aporie au prix d'une relativisation de toutes les valeurs qui n'apporte au problème particulier posé par Ajax qu'une solution formelle. Ajax, lui, meurt une seconde fois, car l'honneur qui lui est concédé nie tout ce pour quoi il est mort. Cette gloire n'est pas le fruit d'un consensus naturel, et elle lui est accordée par son pire ennemi, qui la fonde sur l'acceptation de l'altérabilité et de la légèreté humaine : or Ajax s'était suicidé précisément parce qu'il refusait une telle conception du monde. L'apparent apaisement final parvient donc mal à cacher que le désastre est complet.
L'identité grecque devant Rome et l'empereur
Authors: Veyne Paul
Published: September 2013

La conservation de l'identité, l'hostilité à Rome et la nostalgie de l'indépendance durant cinq siècles. La pax Romana est « paix et esclavage » (Dion de Pruse). 1° Attitudes et langages pendant la Conquête ; Poseidonios, Pérégrinos Proteus. 2° Les Hellènes (comme les Juifs) sont un cas différent du reste de l'Empire : « nous, Grecs, vous, Romains » encore chez Libanios. « Nationalité impériale » des seuls Grecs au service de l'Empire (Lucien, Arrien). Par un interdit tacite, aucun empereur n'est d'origine grecque. Dédain, ignorance, blâme et xénophobie envers Rome. Plutarque nostalgique de l'indépendance. Elien, Origène, Apollodore, les romans, Philostrate. Toute civilisation étant grecque, la romanisation a « multiplié les Hellades » à l'ouest ! (Philon). En revanche, l'archéomanie, l'atticisme ou la Seconde Sophistique ne sont pas des réactions identitaires. L'historiographie : réinterprétation du passé grec (notre « Grèce classique » remonte à cette époque). Les Graeculi n'avaient pas dégénéré : autodéfense des Grecs (comme « alliés » de l'empereur !) contre les raids barbares. L'attitude populaire : Rome est à la mode (gladiateurs), mais on « fait cocorico » (Plutarque) au rappel de Marathon et Salamine. Un rêve identitaire : le Borysthénique de Dion. 3° Un violent manifeste antiromain : le Discours rhodien de Dion. Cynisme de Rome. Contre la servilité envers les autorités romaines, contre Athènes qui a trahi l'hellénisme. Malgré l'esclavage, conserver son identité et sa dignité. 4° Que faire ? A : plus de querelles entre cités, mais la concorde, pour éviter l'intervention du gouverneur (Dion, Conseils politiques de Plutarque). Β : les Grecs, irréductibles à Rome, sont par ailleurs fidèles à l'empereur (cf. Empire austro-hongrois). Dion et l'ordre établi ; son rôle officiel d'amicus Caesaris. Ses Discours royaux : le Bon Roi n'a pas de nationalité, étant pur sujet éthique qui gouverne seulement par l'exemple de ses vertus. L'amour pour le basileus dans les masses. Aelius Aristide : le point de vue d'un notable ; ses vrais sentiments. Sous la menace des invasions, débuts d'un patriotisme d'Empire. Vers Byzance.
Enantioselective synthesis of planar chiral ferrocenes via palladium-catalyzed annulation with diarylethynes
Authors: Shi Yan-Chao , Yang Rong-Fei , Gao De-Wei , You Shu-Li
Published: September 2013

When Boc-L-Val-OH was used as a ligand for the enantioselective Pd(II)-catalyzed annulation of N,N-substituted aminomethyl ferrocene derivatives with diarylethynes, ferrocenes with planar chirality could be achieved with excellent enantioselectivity (up to 99% ee).