bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Land-use systems affect Archaeal community structure and functional diversity in western Amazon soils
Authors: Navarrete Acácio Aparecido , Taketani Rodrigo Gouvêa , Mendes Lucas William , Cannavan Fabiana de Souza , Moreira Fatima Maria de Souza , Tsai Siu Mui
Published: June 2014

The study of the ecology of soil microbial communities at relevant spatial scales is primordial in the wide Amazon region due to the current land use changes. In this study, the diversity of the Archaea domain (community structure) and ammonia-oxidizing Archaea (richness and community composition) were investigated using molecular biology-based techniques in different land-use systems in western Amazonia, Brazil. Soil samples were collected in two periods with high precipitation (March 2008 and January 2009) from Inceptisols under primary tropical rainforest, secondary forest (5-20 year old), agricultural systems of indigenous people and cattle pasture. Denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis of polymerase chain reaction-amplified DNA (PCR-DGGE) using the 16S rRNA gene as a biomarker showed that archaeal community structures in crops and pasture soils are different from those in primary forest soil, which is more similar to the community structure in secondary forest soil. Sequence analysis of excised DGGE bands indicated the presence of crenarchaeal and euryarchaeal organisms. Based on clone library analysis of the gene coding the subunit of the enzyme ammonia monooxygenase (amoA) of Archaea (306 sequences), the Shannon-Wiener function and Simpson's index showed a greater ammonia-oxidizing archaeal diversity in primary forest soils (H' = 2.1486; D = 0.1366), followed by a lower diversity in soils under pasture (H' = 1.9629; D = 0.1715), crops (H' = 1.4613; D = 0.3309) and secondary forest (H' = 0.8633; D = 0.5405). All cloned inserts were similar to the Crenarchaeota amoA gene clones (identity > 95 %) previously found in soils and sediments and distributed primarily in three major phylogenetic clusters. The findings indicate that agricultural systems of indigenous people and cattle pasture affect the archaeal community structure and diversity of ammonia-oxidizing Archaea in western Amazon soils.
Evaluation of mesoporous SBA-15 for the controlled delivery of ciprofloxacin hydrochloride
Authors: Ghaith El-Sayed , Connolly Stephen
Published: June 2014

Controlled drug release of ciprofloxacin hydrochloride monohydrate has been investigated by loading into the channels of SBA-15 mesoporous silica. Three categories of SBA-15 were prepared by a sol-gel process according to blank SBA-15, calcined SBA-15 and SBA-15 functionalised with 3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane (APTS) in a 1:1 ratio prior to drug loading. The carrier and drug samples were characterised by small-angle X-ray diffraction (SAXRD), N2 adsorption–desorption isotherm measurements, fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) and ultraviolet (UV) spectrophotometry. Controlled drug release was conducted in buffered neutral conditions at room temperature for 24, 48 and 120 h. Maximum desorption was observed in the case of the amino-functionalised SBA-15 after 120 h corresponding to 72·16%, whereas for calcined SBA-15 this amounted to 71·35% and in the case of blank SBA-15 48·34% of the total amount of loaded drug was liberated demonstrating the slow release effect of mesoporous silica.
Ecological recovery in an Arctic delta following widespread saline incursion
Authors: Lantz Trevor C. , Kokelj Steve V. , Fraser Robert H.
Published: June 2014

Arctic ecosystems are vulnerable to the combined effects of climate change and a range of other anthropogenic perturbations. Predicting the cumulative impact of these stressors requires an improved understanding of the factors affecting ecological resilience. In September of 1999, a severe storm surge in the Mackenzie Delta flooded alluvial surfaces up to 30 km inland from the coast with saline waters, driving environmental impacts unprecedented in the last millennium. In this study we combined field monitoring of permanent sampling plots with an analysis of the Landsat archive (1986–2011) to explore the factors affecting the recovery of ecosystems to this disturbance. Soil salinization following the 1999 storm caused the abrupt dieback of more than 30 000 ha of tundra vegetation. Vegetation cover and soil chemistry show that recovery is occurring, but the rate and spatial extent are strongly dependent on vegetation type, with graminoid‐ and upright shrub‐dominated areas showing recovery after a decade, but dwarf shrub tundra exhibiting little to no recovery over this period. Our analyses suggest that recovery from salinization has been strongly influenced by vegetation type and the frequency of freshwater flooding following the storm. With increased ocean storm activity, rising sea levels, and reduced sea ice cover, Arctic coastal ecosystems will be more likely to experience similar disturbances in the future, highlighting the importance of combining field sampling with regional‐scale remote sensing in efforts to detect, understand, and anticipate environmental change.
Biogeochemical Interface Formation: Wettability Affected by Organic Matter Sorption and Microbial Activity
Authors: Lamparter Axel , Bachmann Joerg , Woche Susanne K , Goebel Marc-O.
Published: June 2014

Batch incubation and column percolation experiments with dissolved organic matter solution at different pH values were performed to investigate the effect of organic matter sorption and microbial activity on the wettability of clean quartz sand particles. Sodium azide was used as a biocide to control microbial activity. Changes in wettability were evaluated by contact angle measurements. Wettability of the quartz sand was found to significantly decrease after sorption of organic matter. An adsorbed C content of <0.1 g C kg−1 turned out to be effective in increasing the contact angle from initially 30 to >70°. Results of the percolation experiments revealed that the change in contact angle was depth dependent, with the greatest increase in the upper part of the columns. The low C/N ratio (<10) of the organic matter adsorbed in the upper part of the sand columns percolated without biocide addition suggested that the depth dependency was caused not only by sorption of organic matter but also was affected by microbial activity. This finding was supported by an increasing contact angle for sand columns percolated with a solution close to neutral pH (6.7), where more favorable living conditions for bacteria could be assumed. We also observed a trend of a linear inverse relationship between C/N ratio and contact angle, i.e., increasing contact angle with decreasing C/N ratio. Overall, the results indicated that the formation of biogeochemical interfaces can strongly change the original wetting properties of mineral particle surfaces.
Identifying the Transport Pathways of Dissolved Organic Carbon in Contrasting Catchments
Authors: Van Gaelen Nele , Verheyen Dries , Ronchi Benedicta , Struyf Eric , Govers Gerard , Vanderborght Jan , Diels Jan
Published: June 2014

Dissolved organic C (DOC) plays an important role in the cycling and distribution of energy and nutrients. However, factors controlling the transport of DOC both within and between ecosystems are not clear. The aim of this work was to identify the contributing pathways for transport of DOC to surface water in catchments contrasting in land use and hydrogeology and during different flow regimes. Stream water was sampled to observe temporal variation of DOC concentrations and quality both seasonally and at the time scale of a rain event. Major cation and silica concentrations in stream water, groundwater, soil pore water, precipitation/throughfall, and riparian zone water samples were combined in an end‐member mixing analysis to determine the contributing end‐members for DOC delivery at the catchment outlet. Results show that the change in DOC concentrations and quality observed in the stream water during a rain event can be explained by a change in contribution of the different end‐members. In the forested catchments with deep groundwater tables, the main pathway for DOC transport from the soil to the surface water during base flow was via the groundwater. Rising stream DOC concentrations during rainfall events were attributed to additional throughfall and riparian zone transport pathways. In the grassland catchments with shallow groundwater tables, DOC in the stream mainly originated from seeps. During rain events, contributions from a surficial transport pathway and riparian zone water gained importance. The importance of contributing pathways changed seasonally and highly depended on the degree of saturation of the vadose zone.
Distribution of Phosphorus‐Containing Fine Colloids and Nanoparticles in Stream Water of a Forest Catchment
Authors: Gottselig Nina , Bol Roland , Nischwitz Volker , Vereecken Harry , Amelung Wulf , Klumpp Erwin
Published: June 2014

Natural fine colloids and nanoparticles have the potential to encapsulate and bind nutrients. Their size and composition is therefore relevant to understand the transport of essential nutrients like phosphorus in an aquatic ecosystem. The aim of this study was to characterize fine colloidal and nanoparticulate bound P of distinct hydromorphological areas in stream water from a forested test site in a small headwater catchment. Asymmetric flow field flow fractionation coupled online to inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry was applied for size‐resolved detection of P, Fe, and Al in the fractions. Online P detection was a challenge due to the low concentrations (in this study down to 0.1 μg/L) in many natural waters. Additionally, the “dissolved” organic matter (DOM) content was derived from the online UV signal. The colloidal P occurred in two size fractions (2–20 and 21–300 nm), which constituted up to 100% of the total river P discharge depending on hydromorphology. For the small size fraction, variations in P concentrations correlated with Al variations; in addition, a high Fe presence in both fractions was accompanied by high P concentrations. Moreover, DOM was detected with P in the presence of Fe and Al, suggesting that Fe and Al are carriers of P and associated with organic matter. The developed methodology enables the inputs and source regions of fine colloidal and nanoparticulate fractions within a small river of a headwater catchment to be traced and conceptually defined for the first time.
Detection of Tear Biomarkers for Future Prostate Cancer Diagnosis
Authors: Li Yong
Published: June 2014

Prostate cancer (CaP) continues to be the second leading cause of cancer-specific death in men in Western
countries. The marker currently used for CaP detection is an increase in serum prostate specific antigen (PSA). However,
the PSA test may give false positive or negative information and does not allow the differentiation of benign prostate hyperplasia
(BPH), non-aggressive CaP and aggressive CaP. Tears are a unique source of body fluid and contain proteins,
peptides, mucins and lipids, which is useful for studying clinical proteomics. Advances in the field of proteomics have
greatly enhanced the study of tears, with a greater number of proteins now being identified in tears. Identification of novel
biomarkers in tear is a new area of development. Modern advances in the field of proteomic techniques hold the promise
of providing the clinical oncologists with new tools to find novel CaP biomarkers for early diagnosis and prognosis.
Performance Evaluation of a Dual‐Flow Recharge Filter for Improving Groundwater Quality
Authors: Samuel Manoj P. , Senthilvel S. , Mathew Abraham C.
Published: June 2014

A dual‐flow multimedia stormwater filter integrated with a groundwater recharge system was developed and tested for hydraulic efficiency and pollutant removal efficiency. The influent stormwater first flows horizontally through the circular layers of planted grass and biofibers. Subsequently, the flow direction changes to a vertical direction so that water moves through layers of pebbles and sand and finally gets recharged to the deep aquifers. The media in the sequence of vegetative medium:biofiber to pebble:sand were filled in nine proportions and tested for the best performing combination. Three grass species, viz., Typha (Typha angustifolia), Vetiver (Chrysopogon zizanioides), and St. Augustine grass (Stenotaphrum secundatum), were tested as the best performing vegetative medium. The adsorption behavior of Coconut (Cocos nucifera) fiber, which was filled in the middle layer, was determined by a series of column and batch studies.

The dual‐flow filter showed an increasing trend in hydraulic efficiency with an increase in flowrate. The chemical removal efficiency of the recharge dual‐flow filter was found to be very high in case of K+ (81.6%) and Na+ (77.55%). The pH normalizing efficiency and electrical conductivity reduction efficiency were also recorded as high. The average removal percentage of Ca2+ was moderate, while that of Mg2+ was very low. The filter proportions of 1:1 to 1:2 (plant:fiber to pebble:sand) showed a superior performance compared to all other proportions. Based on the estimated annual costs and returns, all the financial viability criteria (internal rate of return, net present value, and benefit‐cost ratio) were found to be favorable and affordable to farmers in terms of investing in the developed filtration system.
Electrocoagulation Treatment of Metal Finishing Wastewater
Authors: Odongo Isabel E. , McFarland Michael J.
Published: June 2014

Electrocoagulation has been found to be a consistent and reliable industrial wastewater treatment process capable of removing heavy metals to levels well below pretreatment discharge standards. Results from the testing of a 113 L/min pilot scale electrocoagulation unit indicated that electrocoagulation was capable of decreasing the cadmium, chromium, and nickel concentrations from 0.14, 18.1, and 0.06 parts per million (ppm) to 0.029, 0.039, and 0.020 ppm respectively, at a 1‐min hydraulic retention time.

In the presence of a strong chelating substance, electrocoagulation performance was found to be effective in reducing both chromium and nickel concentrations to levels well below discharge limits. At a pH of 8.0, chromium and nickel influent concentrations of 0.328 and 0.062 ppm, respectively, were reduced to 0.005 and 0.04 ppm. The electrocoagulation removal efficiency for chromium remained high at over 98% and appeared to be unaffected by the presence of chelating substances.

Utilizing aluminum as the sacrificial anode improved the removal efficiency of targeted heavy metals when the industrial wastewater was treated under acidic conditions. At a pH of 5.6, the influent concentrations of the regulated heavy metals cadmium, chromium, and nickel were reduced from 0.55, 49.7, and 13.7 ppm, respectively, to 0.013, 2.7, and 0.8 ppm at a 1‐min hydraulic retention time. The results of these tests suggest that the formation of ferric hydroxide and aluminum hydroxide through the electrocoagulation process may be an effective approach for treating metal finishing wastewaters.
Monitoring and Remediation of Organochlorine Residues in Water
Authors: Derbalah Aly , Ismail Ahmed , Hamza Amany , Shaheen Sabry
Published: June 2014

This study monitored the presence of organochlorines in drinking water in Kafr‐El‐Sheikh, Ebshan, Elhamoul, Mehalt Aboali, Fowa, Balteem, and Metobess in the Kafr‐El‐Sheikh Governorate, Egypt, to evaluate the efficiencies of different remediation techniques (advanced oxidation processes [AOPs] and bioremediation) for removing the most frequently detected compound (i.e., lindane) in drinking water. The results showed the presence of several organochlorine residues at all water sampling sites. Lindane was detected with high frequency relative to other detected organochlorines in water. Nano photo‐Fenton‐like reagent was the most effective treatment for lindane removal in drinking water. Bioremediation of lindane by effective microorganisms removed 100% of the initial concentration of lindane after 23 days of treatment. The study found that there is no remaining toxicity of lindane‐contaminated water after remediation on treated rats relative to the control with respect to histopathological changes in the liver and kidneys. Therefore, AOPs, particularly those with nanomaterials and bioremediation, can be regarded as safe and effective remediation technologies for lindane in water.
Partial Nitrification in Sequencing Batch Reactors Treating Low Ammonia Strength Synthetic Wastewater
Authors: Yin Jun , Xu Hengjuan , Shen Dongsheng
Published: June 2014

Sequencing batch reactors fed with low ammonium strength synthetic wastewater under C/N ratios of 0.5, 1.5, and 3.0 were used to investigate the transition from full to partial nitrification. Two strategies for establishing partial nitrification, aeration duration control and process parameter control, were compared. The effect of C/N ratio on nitrite accumulation was also evaluated. Results showed that partial nitrification established by controlling aeration duration presented better performance with higher nitrite accumulation. An increase of C/N ratio helped nitrite accumulation; however, non‐filamentous bulking of sludge happened at high C/N ratio. Based on mass balances for nitrogen, results for nitrogen during full and partial nitrification were distinct from one another. For low C/N ratio, during full nitrification, almost 100% of NH4+‐N was oxidized to NO3−‐N without nitrogen loss; however, nitrogen loss increased obviously during partial nitrification, which indicated that dissolved oxygen concentration and C/N ratio influenced nitrogen loss significantly during nitrification.
Hydrogen Production and Wastewater Treatment in a Microbial Electrolysis Cell with a Biocathode
Authors: Xu Yuan , Jiang Yangyue , Chen Yingwen , Zhu Shemin , Shen Shubao
Published: June 2014

The broad application of microbial electrolysis cells (MECs) requires a system characterized by low cost and high operational sustainability. Biocathode MECs, which only require bacteria as the cathode catalysts, can satisfy these demands and have attracted considerable attention in recent years. In this study, we have examined biocathode alternatives to the typical platinum cathode in a single‐chamber, membrane‐free MEC. This biocathode MEC has been used for simultaneous hydrogen production and wastewater treatment. The results showed that hydrogen production rates increased in response to an increase in voltage. At an applied voltage of 0.9 V, the biocathode MEC achieved a hydrogen production rate of 0.39 m3 m−3 d−1, with a current density of 134 Am−3, chemical oxygen demand (COD) removal of 90%, a coulombic efficiency of 63%, a cathodic hydrogen recovery of 37%, and an energy efficiency based on an electricity input of 67%. The biocathode demonstrated sufficient electrocatalytic activity and achieved a performance level comparable to that of the platinum cathode. Moreover, the substrate that was used to simulate wastewater in this study was efficiently treated by the MEC.
Individual Management and Counseling as Moderators in Achieving Career Competencies and Success
Authors: Chang Huo-Tsan , Feng Chia-Yi , Shyu Chi-Lih
Published: June 2014

We adopted the perspectives of organizational support and self-regulation to examine how counseling and individual management, respectively, moderate career competencies to predict career success. Hierarchical linear modelling was conducted with 604 employees and 217 managers of 26
manufacturing companies in Taiwan. As we predicted, our results showed that career competencies were positively related to career success. Also, career counseling and individual career management were found to have a moderating effect on the relationship between career competencies and subjective
career success. Implications and limitations of the findings are discussed.
Complicating ‘Victim’ Narratives: Childhood Agency within Violent Circumstances
Authors: Pérez Michelle Salazar
Published: June 2014

Modernist assumptions have created universal notions of childhood that have given more power to adults and have made what has been defined as ‘children’ as one of the most subjugated and marginalized groups in societies globally. As such, many younger human beings have been forced to live with the everyday realities of abuse for which they are often situated as victims. In order to problematize victim discourses, using Black feminist thought as a theoretical lens, this article juxtapositions lived experiences of childhood sexual abuse with moments of resistance and empowerment, experiences that that the author argues cannot be separated. The article concludes with critical questions we might consider to resist reifying dominant views of children as those without agency and ways that we might rethink social and institutional structures that uphold power for adults and allow for the continued exploitation of younger human beings.
Investigating Tween Children's Capacity to Conceptualise the Complex Issue of Wellbeing
Authors: Gillett-Swan Jenna K.
Published: June 2014

Wellbeing is an area that has gained increased global focus, particularly when considering children's lives. With the growing focus on children's wellbeing, it is apparent that this is an important aspect that is being considered in the policy and provision designed for children. The decision-making surrounding wellbeing provision for children typically occurs without the direct input of the children that these services are designed to benefit. With children's capacities being variably considered in wider society, opportunities for children to participate in decision-making on matters that affect them are often limited. The absence of children's perspectives on matters that affect their lives, such as wellbeing, reveal that adults may be missing a key perspective when seeking to understand and cater for children's wellbeing needs. This article outlines the results of a study that investigated how children aged 8 to 12 years of age (tweens) defined and conceptualised wellbeing. This article proposes that children can be included in the conceptualisation and development of policy and provision designed to benefit them and argues for increased presence of the voice and participation of children in wider societal initiatives.
Citizens at Play: Children's Participation through Community-Based Opportunities for Child-Directed Play
Authors: Juster Anna Housley , Leichter-Saxby Morgan
Published: June 2014

Play is widely discussed within the context of children's education and development. However, play (specifically child-directed play) should also be understood in the context of children's participation. With an argument grounded in theory and research from multiple perspectives, this article encourages readers to consider play as not only a means to an end, but as an essential element of children's current engagement within cultural contexts and the creation of social capital and personal voice. Recognizing the limits of theoretical discussion alone, the authors have developed a practice-based community engagement and training model to support child-directed play across various contexts. Pop-Up Adventure Playgrounds support and celebrate child-directed play in public spaces and help to reframe discussions about children's right to play as part of an ongoing and collective issue of human rights, citizenship, and participation.
Glycemic Goals in Diabetes: Trade-off Between Glycemic Control and Iatrogenic Hypoglycemia
Authors: Cryer Philip E.
Published: June 2014

The selection of a glycemic goal in a person with diabetes is a compromise between the documented upside of glycemic control—the partial prevention or delay of microvascular complications—and the documented downside of glycemic control—the recurrent morbidity and potential mortality of iatrogenic hypoglycemia. The latter is not an issue if glycemic control is accomplished with drugs that do not cause hypoglycemia or with substantial weight loss. However, hypoglycemia becomes an issue if glycemic control is accomplished with a sulfonylurea, a glinide, or insulin, particularly in the setting of absolute endogenous insulin deficiency with loss of the normal decrease in circulating insulin and increase in glucagon secretion and attenuation of the sympathoadrenal response as plasma glucose concentrations fall. Then the selection of a glycemic goal should be linked to the risk of hypoglycemia. A reasonable individualized glycemic goal is the lowest A1C that does not cause severe hypoglycemia and preserves awareness of hypoglycemia, preferably with little or no symptomatic or even asymptomatic hypoglycemia, at a given stage in the evolution of the individual’s diabetes.
Exposure to Persistent Organic Pollutants: Relationship With Abnormal Glucose Metabolism and Visceral Adiposity
Authors: Dirinck Eveline L. , Dirtu Alin C. , Govindan Malarvannan , Covaci Adrian , Van Gaal Luc F. , Jorens Philippe G.
Published: June 2014

OBJECTIVE

The contribution of persistent organic pollutants (POPs) to the pandemic of type 2 diabetes mellitus and obesity has been assumed but remains speculative. Our study aimed at investigating the relationship of POP levels with detailed markers of glucose metabolism and body composition.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

Glucose tolerance was determined in a group of normal-weight and obese individuals. Fat distribution was assessed with abdominal computed tomography (CT) scanning, determining subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT) and visceral adipose tissue (VAT). Selected POPs (28 polychlorinated biphenyls [PCBs] and the pesticide p,p’-dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylene [p,p’-DDE]) were measured in serum. In a subset of obese individuals undergoing bariatric surgery, POPs were also measured in adipose tissue.

RESULTS

Among obese participants, serum and adipose tissue levels of POPs were significantly correlated to glucose levels during an oral glucose tolerance test. Logistic regression using a model including age, age2, sex, family history of diabetes, BMI, CT-VAT, smoking behavior, physical activity level score, and a POP level identified serum levels of PCB153, the sum of PCBs and p,p’-DDE as significant predictors of abnormal glucose tolerance (odds ratio 4.6, 4.8, and 3.4, respectively; P < 0.05). Adipose tissue levels of p,p’-DDE were also significant predictors (odds ratio 81.6; P < 0.05). Serum levels of PCBs were inversely related to BMI, while serum and adipose tissue levels of all POPs were positively related to the CT-VAT/SAT ratio, suggesting an important role for the visceral fat compartment in POP dynamics.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings further sustain the theory that exposure to environmentally relevant levels of POPs may exert both a diabetogenic and obesogenic effect.
Effect of region of interest and slice thickness on vertebral bone mineral density measured by use of quantitative computed tomography in dogs
Authors: Bae Yeonho , Park Seungjo , Jeon Sunghoon , Lee Gahyun , Choi Jihye
Published: June 2014

Objective—To determine the effect of region of interest (ROI) setting and slice thickness on trabecular bone mineral density (BMD) measured with quantitative CT in dogs.

Animals—14 healthy Beagles.

Procedures—CT of the lumbar vertebrae and a quantitative CT phantom was performed. The BMD of trabecular bone was measured from L1 to L7 in 2 ways in all dogs. First, sequential 9.6-mm-thick CT images were acquired and then CT images were reconstructed into transverse CT images with slice thicknesses of 2.4, 4.8, and 9.6 mm. The obtained images were analyzed by circular ROI and trace ROI methods. Second, lumbar vertebrae were scanned with the installed quantitative CT protocol with a slice thickness of 10 mm and then the CT images were analyzed by installed automatic BMD software.

Results—Interclass correlation coefficients of the automatic software (0.975 to 1.0) and the circular method (0.871 to 0.996) were high, compared with those of the trace method (0.582 to 0.996). The BMD measured with the automatic software was not significantly different from that measured with circular ROI and a slice thickness of 9.6 mm. The BMD measured by use of the circular method was not different according to slice thickness.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Results obtained by use of automatic software were similar to those obtained by use of more manual methods. The CT images with thinner slice thickness (2.4 and 4.8 mm) could be used in dogs of toy and small breeds to measure lumbar vertebrae BMD to reduce the limitations of the standard 10-mm slice thickness.
Evaluation of a topical gel containing a novel combination of essential oils and antioxidants for reducing oral malodor in dogs
Authors: Low Samuel B. , Peak R. Michael , Smithson Christopher W. , Perrone Jeanne , Gaddis Bert , Kontogiorgos Elias
Published: June 2014

Objective—To evaluate the effectiveness of a topically applied gel containing essential oils (menthol and thymol) and polyphenolic antioxidants (phloretin and ferulic acid) for reducing halitosis in dogs.

Animals—20 dogs.

Procedures—A blinded crossover clinical trial was conducted. Dogs received a dental cleaning and examination (periodontal examination including periodontal probing and assessments of plaque, calculus, and gingivitis). Owners then applied a gel (active or placebo) to oral soft tissues twice daily for a 4-week period. Teeth of the dogs were cleaned again, and owners applied the other gel for a 4-week period. Clinicians scored halitosis immediately after the initial cleaning and at 4 and 8 weeks, and owners scored halitosis weekly.

Results—Halitosis assessment by clinicians revealed that both groups had improvement in halitosis scores. Two dogs were removed because of owner noncompliance. In the active-to-placebo group (n = 9), halitosis was significantly reduced during application of the active gel but increased during application of the placebo. Seven of 9 owners reported increased halitosis when treatment was changed from the active gel to the placebo. In the placebo-to-active group (n = 9), halitosis decreased during application of the placebo and continued to decrease during application of the active gel. Seven of 9 owners reported a decrease in halitosis with the active gel.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—An oral topically applied gel with essential oils and polyphenolic antioxidants applied daily after an initial professional dental cleaning decreased oral malodor in dogs.
Whole-body phenylalanine kinetics and skeletal muscle protein signaling in horses with pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction
Authors: Mastro Laurel M. , Adams Amanda A. , Urschel Kristine L.
Published: June 2014

Objective—To compare whole-body phenylalanine kinetics and the abundance of factors in signaling pathways associated with skeletal muscle protein synthesis and protein breakdown between horses with pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction (PPID) and age-matched control horses without PPID.

Animals—12 aged horses (6 horses with PPID and 6 control horses; mean age, 25.0 and 25.7 years, respectively).

Procedures—Plasma glucose, insulin, and amino acids concentrations were determined before and 90 minutes after feeding. Gluteal muscle biopsy samples were obtained from horses 90 minutes after feeding, and the abundance and activation of factors involved in signaling pathways of muscle protein synthesis and breakdown were determined. The next day, horses received a priming dose and 2 hours of a constant rate infusion of 13C sodium bicarbonate followed by a priming dose and 4 hours of a constant rate infusion of 1-13C phenylalanine IV; whole-body protein synthesis was determined.

Results—Plasma glucose and insulin concentrations were higher after feeding than they were before feeding for both groups of horses; however, no significant postprandial increase in plasma amino acids concentrations was detected for either group. Phenylalanine flux, oxidation, release from protein breakdown, and nonoxidative disposal were not significantly different between groups. No significant effect of PPID status was detected on the abundance or activation of positive or negative regulators of protein synthesis or positive regulators of protein breakdown.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Results of this study suggested that whole-body phenylalanine kinetics and the postprandial activation of signaling pathways that regulate protein synthesis and breakdown in muscles were not affected by PPID status alone in aged horses.
Optimization Of Thermo-Electric Coolers Using Hybrid Genetic Algorithm And Simulated Annealing
Authors: Khanh Doan V.K. , Vasant Pandian , Elamvazuthi Irraivan , Dieu Vo N.
Published: June 2014

Thermo-electric Coolers (TECs) nowadays are applied in a wide range of thermal energy systems. This is due to their superior features where no refrigerant and dynamic parts are needed. TECs generate no electrical or acoustical noise and are environmentally friendly. Over the past decades, many researches were employed to improve the efficiency of TECs by enhancing the material parameters and design parameters. The material parameters are restricted by currently available materials and module fabricating technologies. Therefore, the main objective of TECs design is to determine a set of design parameters such as leg area, leg length and the number of legs. Two elements that play an important role when considering the suitability of TECs in applications are rated of refrigeration (ROR) and coefficient of performance (COP). In this paper, the review of some previous researches will be conducted to see the diversity of optimization in the design of TECs in enhancing the performance and efficiency. After that, single-objective optimization problems (SOP) will be tested first by using Genetic Algorithm (GA) and Simulated Annealing (SA) to optimize geometry properties so that TECs will operate at near optimal conditions. Equality constraint and inequality constraint were taken into consideration.
Prediction of correlation between two-phase natural circulation flows in heated and unheated channels of a parallel channel system – based on electrical analogy
Authors: Vyas H. P. , Raj V. Venkat , Nayak A. K.
Published: June 2014

A common characteristic of many industrial two-phase natural circulation systems is the presence of a large number of parallel boiling channels. Sensitivity of the steady state behavior of such a two-phase natural circulation system to different system parameters has many implications vis-à-vis performance of the system as per the design intent under various operating conditions. Experimental studies were carried out, to study the characteristics of a low pressure two-phase natural circulation system having ten transparent parallel channels with their individual heat sources. In view of its particular significance in nuclear industry, a special system condition with zero power in one of the parallel channels was also studied. The flow in the unheated channel and that in the heated channels were observed to be strongly interdependent in their sensitivity to downcomer resistance. A simple theory based on electrical analogy has been developed to predict the hydraulic behavior in such a system. Agreement between the theoretical predictions and the experimental observations has been found to be good. This article describes the experimentally observed phenomenon, the electrical analogy and the comparison between the experimental data and the analogical predictions.
Measurement of velocity profiles of nanofluids in laminar channel flow using Particle Image Velocimetry
Authors: Nayak A. K. , Kulkarni P. P. , Singh R. K. , Verma P. , Gandhi M.
Published: June 2014

The objective of the paper is to measure the velocity profiles of water based nanofluids for flow through channels in order to understand whether the nanofluids behave Newtonian. For this purpose, experiments were carried for flow through a rectangular channel in laminar regime. Four different nanofluids were used, i. e. Al2O3, CuO, TiO2 and SiO2 with base fluid as water. Experiments were conducted at low concentration of these particles. The velocity profiles were measured using Particle Image Velocimetry. The results indicate that the velocity profiles are similar for all the fluids indicating the flows to be Newtonian.
In-pile modelling of nuclear fuel element for the MTR type reactors – Part 2
Authors: Farhadi K.
Published: June 2014

In part two of the present paper, neutronic properties of the pool-type research reactor core are used to assess the similitude laws derived for out-of-pile modelling of the fuel element. The benchmark reactor used for this purpose is an IAEA 5 MW thermal pool-type research reactor currently in operation. The neutronic properties analysis are based on typical 2 200 m/sec and neutrons having 0.025 eV energy. The non-leakage capability of the system is estimated in terms of diffusion length. Also the slowing down power and the moderating ratio of the modelled methanol coolant are calculated in terms of lethargy of the diffusing medium. It is shown that the Iron which is substituted for Aluminium cladding is a relatively low absorber of neutrons but has a high neutron leakage. Methanol which replaced ordinary water as coolant is not a suitable coolant due to high neutrons absorbing substance. It is concluded that although Iron as a cladding material and methanol as a coolant meet the modelling out-of-pile criteria but are not satisfying neutronic properties. Therefore, use of them as a model clad and coolant are not suggested for research reactors.
Investigation of (n,γ) reactions in fissionable fluids in a hybrid reactor system
Authors: Günay M.
Published: June 2014

In this study, the effect of (n,γ) reactions in spent fuel-grade (SFG)-PuO2, UO2, NpO2 and UCO contents was investigated in a designed hybrid reactor system. In this system, the molten salt-heavy metal mixtures 93 – 85 % Li20Sn80 + 5 % SFG-PuO2 and 2 – 10 % UO2, 93 – 85 % Li20Sn80 + 5 % SFG-PuO2 and 2 – 10 % NpO2, 93 – 85 % Li20Sn80 + 5 % SFG-PuO2 and 2 – 10 % UCO were used as fluids. Beryllium (Be) is used as neutron multiplier by (n,2n) reactions. Thence, a Be zone with a width of 3 cm was used in order to contribute on fissile fuel breeding between the liquid first wall and blanket. (n,γ) reactions were calculated in the liquid first wall, blanket and shield zones, which SFG-PuO2, UO2, NpO2 and UCO contents. 9Cr2WVTa ferritic steel with the width of 4 cm was used as the structural material. Three-dimensional nucleonic calculations were performed using the most recent version MCNPX-2.7.0 the Monte Carlo code and nuclear data library ENDF/B-VII.0.
One-step synthesis of Pt-reduced graphene oxide composites based on high-energy radiation technique
Authors: Liu Xuqiang , Jiang Shubin , Huang Wei , Song Hongtao
Published: June 2014

In this paper, we introduce a novel 60Co-ray-irradiation-based one-step synthesis method of Pt-reduced graphene oxide composites (Pt-RGO) in acid aqueous solution. The compositional distribution of the particles in the samples was characterized by transmission electron microscopy. The structure and composition of the nanocomposite has been determined with a scanning electron microscope (SEM) equipped with an energy dispersion X-ray (EDS) analyzer. Surface enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) of graphene deposited by the Pt nanoparticles were investigated with the 514.5 nm excitation. It was found that small-sized and highly-dispersed Pt nanoparticles could easily grow on the RGO surface under acidic conditions. In addition, the obtained homogeneous dispersions exhibit long-term stability, which will facilitate the production of homogeneous composites.
The effect of burn up on the kinetic parameters for a pressurized water reactor fueled by MOX using MCNPX code
Authors: Louis H. K.
Published: June 2014

Reactor kinetic parameters are very important for safety analysis in power reactors. This paper focused on calculations of kinetic parameters such as the effective delayed neutron fraction (βeff), the neutron generation time (Λ) and the prompt neutron lifetime lp for PWR. In this paper the burn-up calculations were performed to calculate kinetic parameters as a function of burn-up for a PWR when fueled with standard UO2 fuel and MOX (Mixed-Oxide) fuel in order to study the impact of burn-up on these parameters. The calculations were performed using the Monte Carlo code MCNPX. The core chosen for the simulation is based on a 4-loop Westinghouse PWR power plant. The calculations were performed from beginning of the life to the end of life 210 days and compared with safety values taken from the design control document of an AP1000 PWR. The results are in agreement for UO2 but not for MOX until end of cycle (EOC).
Diffusion length calculations for one-speed neutrons in a slab with backward, forward and linear anisotropic scattering
Authors: Yıldırım S. , Öztürk H.
Published: June 2014

The diffusion lengths for one-speed neutrons spreading in a uniform homogeneous slab with backward, forward and linear anisotropic scattering are calculated by using first order approximation of the Chebyshev polynomials of first kind, i. e. T1 method. The method is applied to neutron transport equation by expanding first the neutron angular flux in terms of the Chebyshev polynomials of first kind, and then diffusion lengths for one-speed neutrons are determined for various values of the collision and anisotropy parameters. Numerical results obtained from the present method are tabulated in tables together with the ones already presented in literature.
Hamming generalized corrector for reactivity calculation
Authors: Suescún-Díaz D. , Ibarguen-Gonzalez M. C. , Figueroa-Jiménez J. H.
Published: June 2014

This work presents the Hamming method generalized corrector for numerically resolving the differential equation of delayed neutron precursor concentration from the point kinetics equations for reactivity calculation, without using the nuclear power history or the Laplace transform. A study was carried out of several correctors with their respective modifiers with different time step calculations, to offer stability and greater precision. Better results are obtained for some correctors than with other existing methods. Reactivity can be calculated with precision of the order h5, where h is the time step.
Age-dependent effective doses for radionuclides uniformly distributed in air
Authors: Van Hung Tran
Published: June 2014

Age-dependent effective doses for external exposure to photons emitted by radionuclides uniformly distributed in air are reported. The calculations were performed for 160 radionuclides, which are important for safety assessment of nuclear facilities. The energies and intensities of photons emitted from radionuclides were taken from the decay data DECDC used for dose calculations. The results are tabulated in the form of effective dose per unit concentration and time (Sv per Bq s m−3) for 6 age groups: newborn, 1, 5, 10 and 15 years-old and adult. The effective doses for the adult are also compared to values given in the literature.
Endocrine Disorders in Childhood Cancer Survivors Treated with Haemopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation
Authors: Wei Christina , Albanese Assunta
Published: June 2014

The increasing number of haemopoietic stem cell transplantations (HSCT) taking place worldwide has offered a cure to many high risk childhood malignancies with an otherwise very poor prognosis. However, HSCT is associated with an increased risk of morbidity and premature death, and patients who have survived the acute complications continue to face lifelong health sequelae as a result of the treatment. Endocrine dysfunction is well described in childhood HSCT survivors treated for malignancies. The endocrine system is highly susceptible to damage from the conditioning therapy, such as, alkylating agents and total body irradiation, which is given prior stem cell infusion. Although not immediately life-threatening, the impact of these abnormalities on the long term health and quality of life in these patients may be considerable. The prevalence, risk factors, clinical approaches to investigations and treatments, as well as the implications of ongoing surveillance of endocrine disorders in childhood HSCT survivors, are discussed in this review.
Application of the Generalized Work Relation for an N-level Quantum System
Authors: Ishikawa Junichi , Takara Kazuma , Hasegawa Hiroshi-H. , Driebe Dean
Published: June 2014

An efficient periodic operation to obtain the maximum work from a nonequilibrium initial state in an N–level quantum system is shown. Each cycle consists of a stabilization process followed by an isentropic restoration process. The instantaneous time limit can be taken in the stabilization process from the nonequilibrium initial state to a stable passive state. In the restoration process that preserves the passive state a minimum period is needed to satisfy the uncertainty relation between energy and time. An efficient quantum feedback control in a symmetric two–level quantum system connected to an energy source is proposed.
Remote Sensing and GIS Contribution to the Investigation of Karst Landscapes in NW-Morocco
Authors: Theilen-Willige Barbara , Malek Halima , Charif Abdessamad , El Bchari Fatima , Chaïbi Mohamed
Published: June 2014

Remote sensing and geographic information system (GIS) methods were used for karst research in the coastal area of Northwest Morocco near the city of Safi in order to identify karst landscapes, to describe karst features and to detect geological structures relevant to karst development. The aim of this study was to investigate the use of different satellite data, such as Landsat, RapidEye and IKONOS imagery, as well as ASTER- and SRTM-derived digital elevation models (DEMs) for the analysis of karst features. Dolines were identified by visual interpretations based on high resolution satellite imagery and aerial photographs. Digital image processing of the satellite data, such as deriving vegetation and water index images, helped to identify regions with relatively higher surface water input, where karstification processes might be more intense than in surrounding areas. ArcGIS-integrated weighted overlay tools were used for this purpose as well by aggregating of morphometric, causal factors (lowest and flattest areas) influencing the susceptibility to higher surface water input. Lineament analysis based on the different satellite data contributed to the detection of near-surface fault and fracture zones with potential influence on dissolution processes in sub-terrain waterways.
The Role of Open Space in Urban Neighbourhoods for Health-Related Lifestyle
Authors: Lestan Katarina , Eržen Ivan , Golobič Mojca
Published: June 2014

The research reported in this paper addresses the relationship between quality of open space and health related lifestyle in urban residential areas. The research was performed in the residential developments in Ljubljana, Slovenia, dating from the time of political and economic changes in the early nineties. Compared to the older neighborhoods, these are typically single-use residential areas, with small open spaces and poor landscape design. The research is concerned with the quality of life in these areas, especially from the perspective of the vulnerable users, like the elderly and children. Both depend on easily accessible green areas in close proximity to their homes. The hypothesis is that the poor open space quality affects their health-related behavior and their perceived health status. The research has three methodological phases: (1) a comparison between urban residential areas by criteria describing their physical characteristics; (2) behavior observation and mapping and (3) a resident opinion survey. The results confirm differences between open spaces of the selected residential areas as well as their relation with outdoor activities: a lack of outdoor programs correlates with poor variety of outdoor activities, limited to transition type, less time spent outdoors and lower satisfaction with their home environment. The survey also disclosed a strong influence of a set of socio-economic variables such as education and economic status on physical activity and self-perceived health status of people. The results therefore confirm the hypothesis especially for less affluent and educated; i.e., vulnerable groups.