bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Design, Synthesis, and Biological Activity of Oxime Ether Strobilurin Derivatives Containing Indole Moiety as Novel Fungicide
Authors: Xie Ya‐Qiang , Huang Zi‐Long , Yan Hui‐Dong , Li Jun , Ye Li‐Yi , Che Li‐Ming , Tu Song
Published: October 2014

Twenty‐one novel oxime ether strobilurins containing indole moiety, which employed an indole group to stabilize the E‐styryl group in Enoxastrobin, were designed and synthesized. The biological assay indicated that most compounds exhibited potent fungicidal activities. The structure–activity relationship study demonstrated that the synthesized methyl 3‐methoxypropenoate oxime ethers 7b–e exhibited remarkably high activities among all the synthesized oxime ether compounds 7. Moreover, the fungicidal activities of methyl α‐(methoxyimino)benzeneacetate oxime ethers compounds 7f–i and N‐methoxy‐carbamic acid methyl esters compounds 7j–m showed significant differences compared to the corresponding products of ammonolysis.
Trajectories of Ethnic‐Racial Discrimination Among Ethnically Diverse Early Adolescents: Associations With Psychological and Social Adjustment
Authors: Niwa Erika Y. , Way Niobe , Hughes Diane L.
Published: October 2014

Using longitudinal data, the authors assessed 585 Dominican, Chinese, and African American adolescents (Grades 6–8, Mage at W1 = 11.83) to determine patterns over time of perceived ethnic‐racial discrimination from adults and peers; if these patterns varied by gender, ethnicity, and immigrant status; and whether they are associated with psychological (self‐esteem, depressive symptoms) and social (friend and teacher relationship quality, school belonging) adjustment. Two longitudinal patterns for adult discrimination and three longitudinal patterns for peer discrimination were identified using a semiparametric mixture model. These trajectories were distinct with regard to the initial level, shape, and changes in discrimination. Trajectories varied by gender and ethnicity and were significantly linked to psychological and social adjustment. Directions for future research and practice are discussed.
Effect of rituximab on B cell phenotype and serum B cell-activating factor levels in patients with thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura
Authors: Becerra E , Scully M A , Leandro M J , Heelas E O , Westwood J-P , De La Torre I , Cambridge G
Published: October 2014

Autoantibodies inhibiting the activity of the metalloproteinase, ADAMTS13 (a disintegrin and metalloproteinase with a thrombospondin type 1 motif, member 13), underlie the pathogenesis of thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP). Rituximab (RTX) combined with plasma-exchange (PEX) is an effective treatment in TTP. Patients can remain in remission for extended periods following PEX/RTX, and this is associated with continuing reduction in antibodies to ADAMTS13. Factors controlling B cell differentiation to autoantibody production, including stimulation through the B cell receptor and interactions with the B cell-activating factor (BAFF), may thus impact length of remission. In this cross-sectional study, we measured naive and memory B cell phenotypes [using CD19/immunoglobulin (Ig)D/CD27] following PEX/RTX treatment in TTP patients at B cell return (n = 6) and in 12 patients in remission 10–68 months post-RTX. We also investigated relationships among serum BAFF, soluble CD23 (sCD23– a surrogate measure of acquiring B memory (CD27+) phenotype) and BAFF receptor (BAFF-R) expression. At B cell return after PEX/RTX, naive B cells predominated and BAFF-R expression was reduced compared to healthy controls (P < 0·001). In the remission group, despite numbers of CD19+ B cells within normal limits in most patients, the percentage and absolute numbers of pre-switch and memory B cells remained low, with sCD23 levels at the lower end of the normal range. BAFF levels were correlated inversely with BAFF-R expression and time after therapy. In conclusion, the long-term effects of RTX therapy in patients with TTP included slow regeneration of memory B cell subsets and persistently reduced BAFF-R expression across all B cell subpopulations. This may reflect the delay in selection and differentiation of potentially autoreactive (ADAMTS13-specific) B cells, resulting in relatively long periods of low disease activity after therapy.
Unequal Access to Payments for Ecosystem Services: The Case of Costa Rica
Authors: Lansing David M.
Published: October 2014

Using Costa Rica's experience with its payments for ecosystem services (PES) programme, this article examines how and why some groups come to be excluded from participating in the programme. It demonstrates that Costa Rica's PES programme results in payments that generally go to larger landowners and tend to exclude certain kinds of smallholders, and that these patterns occur despite concerted state efforts to include the rural poor. The author argues that access exclusions found in PES are the result of historical patterns of agrarian settlement interacting with the state's inability to recognize certain forms of property claims in the context of PES, with the latter condition emerging through ongoing efforts to transform the administration of the nation's property regime in ways that will render it more legible to markets. This case study shows the importance of understanding how access restrictions emerge from the complex relations between multiple state institutions and agrarian producers in the implementation of PES.
Screening tools for clinical high risk for psychosis
Authors: Addington Jean , Stowkowy Jacqueline , Weiser Mark
Published: October 2014

Aim

The purpose of this article was to review existing screening instruments that could be used to identify individuals who may be at increased risk for psychosis and to determine the suitability of these instruments.

Methods

Medline (Ovid) and PubMed were searched for peer‐reviewed articles published in English, which reported performance evaluation of screening instruments for symptoms of high risk for psychosis. The articles' titles, abstracts and, when necessary, full texts were read to filter them against the selection criteria. Citations within relevant articles were hand searched for other potentially eligible studies.

Results

This selection strategy resulted in identifying 56 articles (including three articles available only in an abstract format) that reported performance evaluation of 17 screening instruments.

Conclusions

The sensitivity of these scales ranged from 67% to 100% and the specificity ranged from 39% to 100%. The positive predictive value was less precise with scores ranging from 24% to 100%, and the negative predictive value ranging from 58% to 100%. There were several scales that might be useful for screening for individuals who are at increased risk for developing psychosis; however, the majority of measures are underexplored with poor validation.
Biostabilization of cohesive sediments: revisiting the role of abiotic conditions, physiology and diversity of microbes, polymeric secretion, and biofilm architecture
Authors: Gerbersdorf S. U. , Wieprecht S.
Published: October 2014

In aquatic habitats, micro‐organisms successfully adhere to and mediate particles, thus changing the erosive response of fine sediments to hydrodynamic forcing by secreting glue‐like extracellular polymeric substances (EPS). Because sediment dynamics is vital for many ecological and economic aspects of watersheds and coastal regions, biostabilization of cohesive sediments is one of the important ecosystem services provided by biofilms. Although the research on biostabilization has gained momentum over the last 20 years, we still have limited insights principally due to the complex nature of this topic, the varying spatial, temporal, and community scales examined, oversimplified ecohydraulic experiments with little natural relevance, and the often partial views of the disciplines involved. This review highlights the current state of our knowledge on biostabilization and identifies important areas for future research on: (A) the influence of abiotic conditions on initial colonization and subsequent biofilm growth, focusing on hydrodynamics, substratum, salinity, nutrition, and light climate; (B) the response of microbes in terms of physiological activity and species diversity to environmental settings as well as biotic conditions such as competition and grazing; and (C) the effects of the former on the EPS matrix, its main constituents, their composition, functional groups/substitutes, and structures/linkages. The review focuses specifically on how the numerous mutual feedback mechanisms between abiotic and biotic conditions influence microbial stabilization capacity, and thus cohesive sediment dynamics.
Prevalence of Primary Headaches in an Urban Slum in Enugu South East Nigeria: A Door‐to‐Door Survey
Authors: Ezeala‐Adikaibe Birinus A. , Onyekonwu Chinwe , Okudo Grace , Onodugo Obinna , Ekenze Stella , Orjioke Casmir , Chime Peter , Ezeanosike Obum , Mbadiwe Nkiru , Chikani Mark , Okwara Celestine , Ulasi Ifeoma , Ijoma Uchenna
Published: October 2014

Objective/Background

This study aims to determine the prevalence of primary headache disorders using the second edition of international classification of headache disorders among urban slum dwellers. Headache is a common neurological disorder and one of the most common reasons for visiting the neurology clinics in Nigeria. Low socioeconomic status has been linked with primary headaches. Factors that may precipitate and sustain headaches are common in Africa especially in urban slums. There are limited population based data on the prevalence of headache from Nigeria and other African countries.

Methods

A 3 phase cross‐sectional descriptive study was done to survey at least 40% of the adult population (Igbos) living in an urban slum using the International Classification of Headache Disorders 2nd Edition (ICHD‐I) criteria using a validated Igbo language adaptation (translation and back‐translation into Igbo language) of a World Health Organization protocol for screening neurological disorders in the community.

Results

The lifetime prevalence of headache of any type was 66.7% (95% confidence interval [CI] 64.2‐69.2), significantly higher in females (70.2% [95% CI 67.0‐73.4]) than in males (62.3% [95% CI 58.5‐66.1]; P = .0.002). The prevalence of primary headaches was also significantly lower in males than in females (44.9% [95% CI 45.5‐53.3] vs 53.2% (95% CI 49.3‐57.1), P = .002). Female (52.1%) drinkers had a statistically higher prevalence of primary headaches than male drinkers (43.6%; P = .004). The prevalence of migraine was 6.4% (95% CI 5.1‐7.7); 7.5% (95% CI 5.6‐9.4) in females and 5% (95% CI 3.3‐6.7) in males (P = .058). Migraine with aura was similar in both males and females. Migraine without aura was significantly higher in females (5.7%) than males (3.1%) (P = .022). Tension‐type headache (TTH) had an overall prevalence of 13.8% (95% CI 11.3‐16.3), males 12.2% (95% CI 9.7‐14.7), and females 15.1% (95% CI 12.6‐17.6; P = .118.) The peak decade for all primary headaches was 20‐29 years for males (49.8%) and 60‐69 years for females (57.5%).

Conclusion

Headache is a common health problem in an urban slum in Enugu south east Nigeria where 66.7% of participants had experienced headache in their lifetime, and 49.4% had experienced primary headaches. The prevalence of migraine and TTH were 6.4% (5% in males and 7.5% in females) and 13.8% (12.2% in males and 15.1% in females), respectively. The peak ages of migraine and tension‐type headache were 30‐39 and 60‐69 years, respectively. The prevalence of primary headaches was significantly higher among subjects who used alcohol significantly.
“A More Meaningful Democracy than We Ourselves Possess”: Charles S. Johnson and the Education Mission to Japan, 1945–1952
Authors: Noble Kenneth
Published: October 2014

“Recommendations in the report,” stated Charles S. Johnson, “have implications for our own educational system, and perhaps for our own society.” Johnson, a sociologist and Fisk University's first African-American president, addressed the 1948 South Central Forum in Chicago discussing the fundamental inconsistencies existing between democracy recommended in occupied Japan's education system and the democracy practiced in America's education system. The report Johnson's speech refers to was the product of the Education Mission to Japan: a twenty-seven-member American committee selected for their expertise as educators and scholars. Charged with an advisory role to the Supreme Commander of the Allied Powers (SCAP) and the Japanese Ministry of Education (JME), the committee's primary objective extended from SCAP's overall mission: to democratize and mollify postwar Japan. Johnson, a civil rights advocate and race relations scholar, was the sole African American and only nonwhite member of this committee.
An evaluation of the implementation of Advanced Nurse Practitioner (ANP) roles in an acute hospital setting
Authors: McDonnell Ann , Goodwin Emma , Kennedy Fiona , Hawley Kay , Gerrish Kate , Smith Christine
Published: October 2014

Aim

To evaluate the impact of implementing Advanced Nurse Practitioner roles on patients, staff members and organizational outcomes in an acute hospital.

Background

The worldwide development of advanced practice roles in nursing has been influenced by increasing demands and costs of health care. A key issue in the UK has been the reduction in hours junior doctors can work.

While there is evidence these roles can have a positive impact in a variety of clinical specialties, little is known about the impact advanced nurses substituting for junior doctors can have on patients, staff members and organizational outcomes in general hospital care settings.

Design

Collective case study.

Methods

A collective case study in a district general hospital in England was undertaken in 2011–2012. Interviews with strategic stakeholders (n = 13) were followed by three individual case studies. Each case study represented the clinical area in which the roles had been introduced: medicine, surgery and orthopaedics and included interviews (n = 32) and non‐participant observation of practice.

Findings

The ANPs had a positive impact on patient experience, outcomes and safety. They improved staff knowledge, skills and competence and enhanced quality of working life, distribution of workload and team‐working. ANPs contributed to the achievement of organizational priorities and targets and development of policy.

Conclusion

ANPs undertaking duties traditionally performed by junior doctors in acute hospital settings can have a positive impact on a range of indicators relating to patients, staff members and organizational outcomes which are highly relevant to nursing.
Development of the lateral plate mesoderm in medaka Oryzias latipes and Nile tilapia Oreochromis niloticus: insight into the diversification of pelvic fin position
Authors: Kaneko Hiroki , Nakatani Yuki , Fujimura Koji , Tanaka Mikiko
Published: October 2014

The position of the pelvic fins among teleost fishes has tended to shift rostrally during evolution. This positional shift seems to have led to the diversification of feeding behavior and allowed adaptation to new environments. To understand the developmental basis of this shift in pelvic fin position among teleosts, we investigated the embryonic development of the lateral plate mesoderm, which gives rise to the pelvic fins, at histological levels in the medaka Oryzias latipes (abdominal pelvic fins) and Nile tilapia Oreochromis niloticus (thoracic pelvic fins). Our histological analyses revealed that the lateral plate mesodermal cells expand not only ventrally but also rostrally to cover the yolk during embryogenesis of both medaka and Nile tilapia. In medaka, we also found that the lateral plate mesoderm completely covered the yolk prior to the initiation of the pelvic fin buds, whereas in Nile tilapia the pelvic fin buds appeared in the body wall from the lateral plate mesoderm at the thoracic level when the lateral plate mesodermal cells only covered one‐third of the yolk. We discuss the relevance of such differences in the rate of the lateral plate mesoderm expansion on the yolk surface and the position of the pelvic fins.
An epidemiological perspective of personalized medicine: the Estonian experience
Authors: Milani L. , Leitsalu L. , Metspalu A.
Published: October 2014

The Estonian Biobank and several other biobanks established over a decade ago are now starting to yield valuable longitudinal follow‐up data for large numbers of individuals. These samples have been used in hundreds of different genome‐wide association studies, resulting in the identification of reliable disease‐associated variants. The focus of genomic research has started to shift from identifying genetic and nongenetic risk factors associated with common complex diseases to understanding the underlying mechanisms of the diseases and suggesting novel targets for therapy. However, translation of findings from genomic research into medical practice is still lagging, mainly due to insufficient evidence of clinical validity and utility. In this review, we examine the different elements required for the implementation of personalized medicine based on genomic information. First, biobanks and genome centres are required and have been established for the high‐throughput genomic screening of large numbers of samples. Secondly, the combination of susceptibility alleles into polygenic risk scores has improved risk prediction of cardiovascular disease, breast cancer and several other diseases. Finally, national health information systems are being developed internationally, to combine data from electronic medical records from different sources, and also to gradually incorporate genomic information. We focus on the experience in Estonia, one of several countries with national goals towards more personalized health care based on genomic information, where the unique combination of elements required to accomplish this goal are already in place.
The unique contribution of elements of smile aesthetics to psychosocial well‐being
Authors: Lukez A. , Pavlic A. , Trinajstic Zrinski M. , Spalj S.
Published: October 2014

Pleasant smile aesthetics is an important contributory factor to psychosocial well‐being. The aim of this study was to determine the psychosocial influence of smile aesthetics. The study was cross‐sectional on a convenient sample that included patients, pupils, students and faculty staff. A total of 155 subjects (36% male) aged 12–39 (mean age 21, interquartile range 19–23) were included. Occlusal characteristics were recorded by the Index of Complexity, Outcome and Need, and smiling frontal view photographs were obtained. Fourteen variables were measured using photogrammetric analysis: smile width, visibility of buccal corridors, maximum teeth exposure, total gingival display, lip thickness, degree of occlusal cant and deviation from golden proportion of the teeth in maxillary intercanine sector. Psychometric instruments included the Psychosocial Impact of Dental Aesthetics Questionnaire and the Rosenberg Self‐Esteem Scale. Statistical analysis comprised multiple linear regressions. Malocclusion severity is the most important predictor of psychosocial influence of smile aesthetics and self‐esteem, the unique contribution of which accounts for a total of 4–27% of variability. Female gender is associated with higher psychological influence of dental aesthetics while male gender and older age with self‐esteem. Malocclusions have higher psychosocial impact than parameters of mini‐ and micro‐aesthetics of smile related to visibility of buccal corridors, amount of teeth exposure, gingival display, lip thickness, presence of occlusal cant and deviation from golden proportion of the teeth. It appears that people are not as focused on details of their smile as they are on distinctive malposition of teeth.
Communication, defamation and liability of intermediaries
Authors: Oster Jan
Published: October 2014

The legal framework concerning liability of communication intermediaries for defamation is under-conceptualised. The paper thus develops a holistic doctrinal approach to liability of speech intermediaries, such as Internet service providers (ISPs), booksellers and newspaper vendors, for defamation. It views intermediary liability for defamatory speech against the backdrop of communication theory and freedom of expression doctrine. If properly conceptualised, as suggested in this paper, the law of defamation can accommodate the cyberspace-specific legislation in Arts 12–15 of the e-commerce Directive and s 5 of the Defamation Act 2013, as well as the innocent dissemination defence in s 1 of the Defamation Act 1996, now to be read together with s 10 of the Defamation Act 2013. The paper establishes six tenets of intermediary liability for defamatory content. In particular, it argues that ‘publication’ is to be conceptualised as a merely factual requirement for defamation, whereas the defence of ‘innocent publication’, also known as ‘innocent dissemination’, is a fault-based concept. Communication intermediaries are thus to be considered ‘publishers’, even if they have a merely automatic role in the publication process, but they may avail themselves of the defence of ‘innocent publication’. This defence has to be applied in compliance with the human rights of the parties involved.
An antimicrobial protein of the gut symbiont Bacteroides fragilis with a MACPF domain of host immune proteins
Authors: Chatzidaki‐Livanis Maria , Coyne Michael J. , Comstock Laurie E.
Published: October 2014

Bacteroidales are the most abundant Gram‐negative bacteria of the human intestinal microbiota comprising more than half of the bacteria in many individuals. Some of the factors that these bacteria use to establish and maintain themselves in this ecosystem are beginning to be identified. However, ecological competition, especially interference competition where one organism directly harms another, is largely unexplored. To begin to understand the relevance of this ecological principle as it applies to these abundant gut bacteria and factors that may promote such competition, we screened Bacteroides fragilis for the production of antimicrobial molecules. We found that the production of extracellularly secreted antimicrobial molecules is widespread in this species. The first identified molecule, described in this manuscript, contains a membrane attack complex/perforin (MACPF) domain present in host immune molecules that kill bacteria and virally infected cells by pore formation, and mutations affecting key residues of this domain abrogated its activity. This antimicrobial molecule, termed BSAP‐1, is secreted from the cell in outer membrane vesicles and no additional proteins are required for its secretion, processing or immunity of the producing cell. This study provides the first insight into secreted molecules that promote competitive interference among Bacteroidales strains of the human gut.
The velamen protects photosynthetic orchid roots against UV‐B damage, and a large dated phylogeny implies multiple gains and losses of this function during the Cenozoic
Authors: Chomicki Guillaume , Bidel Luc P. R. , Ming Feng , Coiro Mario , Zhang Xuan , Wang Yaofeng , Baissac Yves , Jay‐Allemand Christian , Renner Susanne S.
Published: October 2014

UV‐B radiation damage in leaves is prevented by epidermal UV‐screening compounds that can be modulated throughout ontogeny. In epiphytic orchids, roots need to be protected against UV‐B because they photosynthesize, sometimes even replacing the leaves. How orchid roots, which are covered by a dead tissue called velamen, avoid UV‐B radiation is currently unknown.

We tested for a UV‐B protective function of the velamen using gene expression analyses, mass spectrometry, histochemistry, and chlorophyll fluorescence in Phalaenopsis × hybrida roots. We also investigated its evolution using comparative phylogenetic methods.

Our data show that two paralogues of the chalcone synthase (CHS) gene family are UV‐B‐induced in orchid root tips, triggering the accumulation of two UV‐B‐absorbing flavonoids and resulting in effective protection of the photosynthetic root cortex. Phylogenetic and dating analyses imply that the two CHS lineages duplicated c. 100 million yr before the rise of epiphytic orchids.

These findings indicate an additional role for the epiphytic orchid velamen previously thought to function solely in absorbing water and nutrients. This new function, which fundamentally differs from the mechanism of UV‐B avoidance in leaves, arose following an ancient duplication of CHS, and has probably contributed to the family's expansion into the canopy during the Cenozoic.
Peritoneal Dialysis Catheter Implantation: Avoiding Problems and Optimizing Outcomes
Authors: Crabtree John H.
Published: October 2014

The success of peritoneal dialysis (PD) as renal replacement therapy is dependent upon the patient having a functional long‐term peritoneal access. There are a number of identified best practices that must be adhered to during PD catheter placement to achieve a durable and infection‐resistant access. The clinical setting, available resources, and the employed catheter insertion method may not always permit complete adherence to these practices; however, an attempt should be made to comply with them as closely as possible. Although omission of any one of the practices can lead to catheter loss, departures from some are committed more frequently, manifesting as commonly occurring clinical problems, such as drain pain, catheter tip migration, omental entrapment, pericatheter leaks and hernias, and poor exit‐site location. Understanding the technical pitfalls in PD catheter placement that lead to these problems, enable the provider to modify practice habits to avoid them and optimize outcomes.
Policy mobilities in the race for talent: competitive state strategies in international student mobility
Authors: Geddie Kate
Published: October 2014

In the first decade of the 21st century, several countries introduced a series of strikingly similar international student mobility policies and initiatives. Driven by a desire to expand their international student market share and to benefit from the potential contributions that international students can make to national innovation agendas, comparable policy tools were introduced in multiple states across the fields of international trade, higher education and immigration. This paper challenges depictions of these changes as a natural evolution of economic globalisation and draws on the policy mobility literature to interrogate the why and the how of the policymaking process. Drawing on research with policymakers, the paper comparatively examines the introduction of international student policies and initiatives in Canada and the UK from 2000 to 2010, and illustrates that the policy development path is the result of a competitive process wherein certain policy ideas become popular and travel, or become mobile. In so doing, I draw attention to the relationship between international student mobility, changing geographies of higher education and global knowledge economy discourses, highlighting the interconnected nature of the policy sphere as competitor jurisdictions seek to outdo each other in their attempt to attract and retain international students.
KV10.1 opposes activity‐dependent increase in Ca2+ influx into the presynaptic terminal of the parallel fibre–Purkinje cell synapse
Authors: Mortensen Lena Sünke , Schmidt Hartmut , Farsi Zohreh , Barrantes‐Freer Alonso , Rubio María E. , Ufartes Roser , Eilers Jens , Sakaba Takeshi , Stühmer Walter , Pardo Luis A.
Published: October 2014

Key points

Voltage‐gated KV10.1 potassium channels are widely expressed in the mammalian brain but their function remains poorly understood.

We report that KV10.1 is enriched in the presynaptic terminals and does not take part in somatic action potentials.

In parallel fibre synapses in the cerebellar cortex, we find that KV10.1 regulates Ca2+ influx and neurotransmitter release during repetitive high‐frequency activity.

Our results describe the physiological role of mammalian KV10.1 for the first time and help understand the fine‐tuning of synaptic transmission.

The voltage‐gated potassium channel KV10.1 (Eag1) is widely expressed in the mammalian brain, but its physiological function is not yet understood. Previous studies revealed highest expression levels in hippocampus and cerebellum and suggested a synaptic localization of the channel. The distinct activation kinetics of KV10.1 indicate a role during repetitive activity of the cell. Here, we confirm the synaptic localization of KV10.1 both biochemically and functionally and that the channel is sufficiently fast at physiological temperature to take part in repolarization of the action potential (AP). We studied the role of the channel in cerebellar physiology using patch clamp and two‐photon Ca2+ imaging in KV10.1‐deficient and wild‐type mice. The excitability and action potential waveform recorded at granule cell somata was unchanged, while Ca2+ influx into axonal boutons was enhanced in mutants in response to stimulation with three APs, but not after a single AP. Furthermore, mutants exhibited a frequency‐dependent increase in facilitation at the parallel fibre–Purkinje cell synapse at high firing rates. We propose that KV10.1 acts as a modulator of local AP shape specifically during high‐frequency burst firing when other potassium channels suffer cumulative inactivation.
New and notable ion‐channels in the sarcoplasmic/endoplasmic reticulum: do they support the process of intracellular Ca2+ release?
Authors: Takeshima Hiroshi , Venturi Elisa , Sitsapesan Rebecca
Published: October 2014

Intracellular Ca2+ release through ryanodine receptor (RyR) and inositol trisphosphate receptor (IP3R) channels is supported by a complex network of additional proteins that are located in or near the Ca2+ release sites. In this review, we focus, not on RyR/IP3R, but on other ion‐channels that are known to be present in the sarcoplasmic/endoplasmic reticulum (ER/SR) membranes. We review their putative physiological roles and the evidence suggesting that they may support the process of intracellular Ca2+ release, either indirectly by manipulating ionic fluxes across the ER/SR membrane or by directly interacting with a Ca2+‐release channel. These channels rarely receive scientific attention because of the general lack of information regarding their biochemical and/or electrophysiological characteristics makes it difficult to predict their physiological roles and their impact on SR Ca2+ fluxes. We discuss the possible role of SR K+ channels and, in parallel, detail the known biochemical and biophysical properties of the trimeric intracellular cation (TRIC) proteins and their possible biological and pathophysiological roles in ER/SR Ca2+ release. We summarise what is known regarding Cl− channels in the ER/SR and the non‐selective cation channels or putative ‘Ca2+ leak channels’, including mitsugumin23 (MG23), pannexins, presenilins and the transient receptor potential (TRP) channels that are distributed across ER/SR membranes but which have not yet been fully characterised functionally.
Sensitivity-Based, Multi-Objective Design of Vehicle Suspension Systems
Authors: Callejo Alfonso , García de Jalón Javier , Luque Pablo , Mántaras Daniel A.
Published: October 2014

This article deals with the dynamic response optimization of mechanical systems, based on the computation of independent state sensitivities. Specifically, the dynamic behavior of a coach is analyzed in detail so as to improve its response in terms of handling and ride comfort behaviors. To that end, the coach is modeled as an 18DOF multibody system, whose equations of motion are posed using an efficient dynamic formulation based on Maggi's equations. Next, a direct-automatic differentiation approach for the computation of independent state sensitivities is applied. This allows one to quantify the effect of 19 design parameters on the vehicle dynamic response and to compute the design sensitivities or objective function gradients. Finally, handling and ride comfort objective functions are defined and are used to carry out a multi-objective suspension design optimization process, improving the vehicle response by 70% in an effective yet automatic way.
Support Flexibility and Natural Frequencies of Pipe Mounted Thermowells
Authors: Bartran David S.
Published: October 2014

A simplified model of a pipe mounted thermowell provides a measure of insight into the design and application of intrusive pipe fittings. A combination of Fourier and Green’s function methods together with a distributed load model of the thermowell/pipe wall interface are used to calculate the support compliance and subsequently the natural frequencies of the thermowell. These are compared with limited though independent calculations. This comparison confirms a profound reduction in natural frequencies for commonly encountered thermowell installations, reductions that should not be ignored where the risk of flow-induced resonance is high.
Trapped Unburned Fuel Estimation and Robustness Analysis for a Turbocharged Diesel Engine With Negative Valve Overlap Strategy
Authors: Chen Song , Yan Fengjun
Published: October 2014

Turbocharger and negative valve overlap (NVO) strategy are widely used among advanced combustion modes for internal combustion engines. In order to achieve well emission performance, the NVO can be as large as 100 crank angle (CA) degrees, such that the residual gas fraction can be up to 40%. With such amount of residual gas in the cylinder, the trapped unburned fuel is not trivial. It has a significant impact on the combustion process. However, the trapped unburned fuel mass is hard to be measured directly. In this paper, a novel method based on the signals of oxygen fraction is proposed to estimate it. By analyzing the combustion process, dynamic equations for the intake/exhaust manifolds and in-cylinder oxygen fractions, as well as actual fuel mass in the cylinder are constructed. A smooth variable structure filter (SVSF) was designed to estimate oxygen fractions and further the trapped unburned fuel. As a comparison, Kalman filter (KF) and linear matrix inequality (LMI) based linear parameter-varying (LPV) filter were also applied. Robustness properties of the three observers are analyzed based on the theory of input-to-state (ISS) stability. The proposed models and methods and theoretical analysis are validated and compared through a set of simulations in high-fidelity GT-Power environment. The simulation results match well with theoretical analysis that the SVSF has good properties of strong robustness (with a root mean square error (RMSE) of 0.24, comparing with 0.4 of LPV filter and 0.49 of KF, for the unburned fuel estimation).
A Low-Cost and High-Resolution Micromachine Tool With Toggle-Based Mechanism
Authors: Wang Shih-Ming , Ye Zhe-Zhi , Yang Chih-Peng , Yen Chuntai
Published: October 2014

The products of 3C, bioscience, medical industry, and aerospace industry are becoming smaller and smaller. The components of the products are made of various materials with complex 3D shapes requiring high accuracy in their dimensions and contours. An accurate micro-/mesoscale computer numerical control (CNC) machine tool is an essential part of this technology. A new type of CNC micromachine tool with a togglelike mechanism having the characteristics of low-cost and fine-resolution was developed. With geometric reduction principle, the machine can provide finer feed resolution and better positioning accuracy without using high-end driving components and controller. The kinematics model and characteristics of the machine were derived and analyzed. Modal analysis and dynamic compliance analysis were employed to design a light-weight structure with good stiffness. The accuracy calibration results showed the machine can reach a positioning accuracy of 500 nm. Prototype of the machine was built, and furthermore, some micromachining examples were demonstrated in this paper.
The Model Test of Deep Water S-Lay Stinger Using Dynamical Substructure Method
Authors: Zhang Xiangfeng , Yue Qianjin , Zhang Wenshou
Published: October 2014

Deep water pipeline installations by S-lay present many challenges, especially in the overbend section. The S-lay requires a long curved and stiff stinger to support the pipeline weight. The interaction between the overbend pipe and stinger is complicated such that the numerical structure analysis could not sufficiently predict the mechanical behavior of the installing process. A dynamic substructure model test method with 1:20 length scale for 2000 m water depth is addressed in this paper, where the large scale model structure can be tested to simulate the vessel movements during installation. The roller forces influenced by the stinger stiffness and vessel movements are discussed based on the test platform.
An Autonomous Controller for Ductless Mini-Split Heat Pumps, Residential Solar Thermal Collection, and Hydronic Floor Heating
Authors: Cross Andrew , Hammer Kimberly , Hurt Rick , Boehm Robert F.
Published: October 2014

A unique autonomous control system was developed to manage the HVAC components of a residence built specifically for an ultra-efficient home competition. Some of the home’s HVAC components that contribute to its ultra-efficiency (and necessitate such an autonomous controller) include multiple ductless mini-split heat pumps, multiple hydronic heated floor loops, multiple circulating ceiling fans, and a closed-loop solar thermal collection and storage system that not only provides hot water to the hydronic heated floors, but also supplies the home with domestic hot water.

The autonomous controller integrates all this equipment with a mixture of technology that includes power-line communications, both wired and wireless TCP/IP network signals, low-voltage wiring, and infrared signals. By utilizing these many different methods to communicate with equipment around the home, the controller is able to simultaneously regulate components and systems that are often considered “stand alone” or impractical to implement in residential buildings due to their need for constant manual operation. The result is an HVAC system that consumes very little energy while still providing an expected level of comfort.
Case Study on Cost Saving and GHG Emission Reduction From Coupling Air Source Heat Pump With Photovoltaic/Thermal Collector
Authors: Kamel Raghad S. , Fung Alan S.
Published: October 2014

TRNSYS simulation software was used to modify a validated Air Source Heat Pump (ASHP) model in an Archetype Sustainable House (ASH) in Toronto. In this model, a Building Integrated Photovoltaic-Thermal Collector (BIPV/T) was coupled with ASHP. The PV/T system arrangement was considered as a part of the south-oriented roof of the house. The warm air generated in the BIPV/T collector was considered the source of the heat pump for heat production. The coupling of BIPV/T and ASHP enables a highly efficient heating system in harsh winter conditions. The developed TRNSYS model of the house along with integrated PV/T system with ASHP was simulated for the whole year to predict the hourly outlet air temperature, thermal energy and electricity obtained from the PV/T array. The results from the simulation were used to estimate the saving in energy and cost as well as to predict the electricity related GHG emission reduction potential from the PV panels. Monthly greenhouse gas (GHG) emission credit from PV production based on hourly GHG emission factor was obtained; the results showed that annual GHG emission due to electricity demand by the ASHP was reduced by 225 kg CO2 (19.3%) when the heat pump was integrated with the PV/T array. Also, in this study, the annual electricity cost credit from PV production based on Time-of-Use (TOU) and the reduction in electricity cost of the heat pump when connected with PV/T systems was calculated and compared with the cost of working the heat pump alone. The results show that there is a saving of $500 in annual electricity bills and GHG emission credit of 862.6 kg CO2 from renewable electricity generation.
Advancing Toward Sustainability Goals at the University of California, Irvine
Authors: Shaffer Brendan , Tarroja Brian , Samuelsen Scott
Published: October 2014

The carbon reduction and sustainability goals of the University of California, Irvine require increased penetrations of intermittent renewables on the campus microgrid. These increased intermittent renewables create operational challenges related to conventional energy resources. To study these operational challenges, a holistic campus resource dispatch model was developed. The campus energy resources consist of a microgrid with ten 12 kV circuits emanating from one substation, 4 MW of solar photovoltaic, a central combined heat and power plant (19 MW), a district heating and cooling system, and an electric chiller-thermal energy storage system that provide electricity, heat, and cooling. The holistic model includes dynamic models of the combined heat and power (CHP) plant, the electric chiller-thermal energy storage system, and various renewable resources. In addition, models for complimentary technologies were also created to investigate their potential to increase renewable penetration on the campus microgrid. These include battery energy storage, demand response, and energy efficiency. Simulations with the holistic campus resource model revealed several important conclusions: (1) Regardless of renewable resource type, impacts on the CHP plant remains the same, i.e., increased renewable penetrations create reduced CHP plant capacity factors; (2) Local two axis CPV provides lower costs of electricity than local fixed PV at renewable penetrations below 23% after which local fixed PV provides a lower cost of electricity (3) Introduction of a battery into the campus microgrid achieves higher renewable penetrations and improves the operation of CHP plant; and (4) Electric energy storage does not always prove cost effective (i.e., At low renewable penetrations, electric energy storage is not cost effective; At 17% renewable penetration, electric energy storage begins to become cost effective).
Mathematical Modelling of Stack-Driven Natural Ventilation in Buildings
Authors: Subudhi Sudhakar
Published: October 2014

In this paper, mathematical modeling of stack-driven natural ventilation in buildings is performed. Stack-driven natural ventilation is due to only buoyancy forces generated by the presence of heat sources at the bottom of the room. There are two cases have been taken: (1) Transient natural ventilation in fully insulated buildings and (2) Transient natural ventilation in partially insulated buildings. In first case, it is assumed that there is no heat transfer through walls and roof and only heat transfer through openings of door and window. Also there is a distributed heat source at the floor. Since the convection is at a high Rayleigh number, the room can be assumed to have a well-mixed interior. The complex heat balance equations are solved analytically for the internal temperature.
Solar Heating Systems as a Viable Solution Towards Nearly Zero Energy Buildings
Authors: Martinopoulos Georgios
Published: October 2014

Currently the building sector accounts for almost 40% of total energy consumption in the European Union (EU) making, the reduction in energy consumption and the increased penetration of renewable energy resources important measures in the EU’s effort to reduce its energy dependency and GHG emissions. To that end, 2018 was set as the year that all new buildings occupied or owned by public authorities ought to be Nearly Zero Energy Buildings (NZEB), while from the end of 2020 all buildings must be NZEB.

In the present work, a feasibility analysis is performed concerning a typical (12 m2/ 0.65 m3) solar space and water heating system, utilized in a representative 100 m2 “reference house” designed according to the latest national Regulation on the Energy Performance which is in accordance with Directive 2010/31/EC and located in Thessaloniki in the northern part of Greece, as well as variations of the same building with different average Um values representing different options towards NZEB.

For the energy calculations regarding the proposed solar systems and for the buildings heating loads, TRANSOL, a transient simulation software based on TRNSYS was used. Finally, for all cases a financial analysis was performed and the Net Present Value (NPV) and Discounted Pay Back Period (DPBP) were calculated.

From the analysis it was apparent that a typical solar space and water heating system can provide a viable solution towards NZEB, with solar coverage and DPBP being influenced strongly by the type of construction of the building and the fuel substituted. In all cases the proposed system covers at least 50% of the total needs.
Design of an Experimental Test Facility for Supercritical CO2 Brayton Cycle
Authors: Garg Pardeep , Kumar Pramod , Dutta Pradip , Conboy Thomas , Ho Clifford
Published: October 2014

A supercritical CO2 test facility is currently being developed at Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, India to analyze the performance of a closed loop Brayton cycle for concentrated solar power (CSP) generation. The loop has been designed for an external heat input of 20 kW, a pressure range of 75–135 bar, flow rate of 11 kg/min, and a maximum cycle temperature of 525 °C. The operation of the loop and the various parametric tests planned to be performed are discussed in this paper. The paper addresses various aspects of the loop design with emphasis on design of various components such as regenerator and expansion device. The regenerator design is critical due to sharp property variations in CO2 occurring during the heat exchange process between the hot and cold streams. Two types of heat exchanger configurations 1) tube-in-tube (TITHE) and 2) printed circuit heat exchanger (PCHE) are analyzed and compared. A PCHE is found to be ∼5 times compact compared to a TITHE for identical heat transfer and pressure drops. The expansion device is being custom designed to achieve the desired pressure drop for a range of operating temperatures. It is found that capillary of 5.5 mm inner diameter and ∼2 meter length is sufficient to achieve a pressure drop from 130 to 75 bar at a maximum cycle temperature of 525 °C.
Continuous Monitoring, Modeling, and Evaluation of Actual Building Energy Systems
Authors: Sankey Maxim L. , Jeter Sheldon M. , Wolf Trevor D. , Alexander Donald P. , Spiro Gregory M. , Mason Ben
Published: October 2014

Residential and commercial buildings account for more than 40% of U.S. energy consumption, most of which is related to heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC). Consequently, energy conservation is important to building owners and to the economy generally. In this paper we describe a process under development to continuously evaluate a building’s heating and cooling energy performance in near real-time with a procedure we call Continuous Monitoring, Modeling, and Evaluation (CMME). The concept of CMME is to model the expected operation of a building energy system with actual weather and internal load data and then compare modeled energy consumption with actual energy consumption. For this paper we modeled two buildings on the Georgia Institute of Technology campus. After creating our building models, internal lighting loads and equipment plug-loads were collected through electrical sub-metering, while the building occupancy load was recorded using doorway mounted people counters. We also collected on site weather and solar radiation data. All internal loads were input into the models and simulated with the actual weather data. We evaluated the building’s overall performance by comparing the modeled heating and cooling energy consumption with the building’s actual heating and cooling energy consumption. Our results demonstrated generally acceptable energy performance for both buildings; nevertheless, certain specific energy inefficiencies were discovered and corrective actions are being taken. This experience shows that CMME is a practical procedure for improving the performance of actual well performing buildings. With improved techniques, we believe the CMME procedure could be fully automated and notify building owners in real-time of sub-optimal building performance.