bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A misalignment detection methodology by measuring rate of temperature rise of shaft coupling using thermal imaging
Authors: Fatima Shahab , Mohanty Amiya R , Naikan VN Achutha
Published: March 2015

Couplings used for connecting shafts allow for small amounts of misalignment between them. However, these misalignments give rise to additional vibrations at the bearing locations. And traditionally, misalignments in shafting systems have been determined by a vibration signature analysis. These misalignments are also responsible for temperature rise at the bearings and couplings. In this article, an experimental study has been made to detect early the presence of misalignment in systems, by measuring the temperature of the shaft couplings using a thermal imaging camera. The effects of load, speed and misalignment on the types of couplings and their temperature rise have been studied. It has been found that by monitoring the rate of temperature rise within the time constant of a coupling system, a misalignment in a system can be detected. In this study, the experimentally measured time constant is found to be in the range of estimated time constant of the system from one-dimensional heat transfer models. An approximate idea of the estimated thermal time constant of a system can be obtained by the theory reviewed in this article. In order to detect the misalignment in the system, the temperature measurement of the coupling has to be done before it reaches its steady-state value. Vibration measurements using both accelerometers and single-point laser vibrometer at the bearing locations under different load and speed conditions have also been done to correlate with the thermal imaging. It has been found that the measured transient spatial temperature distribution on the couplings also indicates the presence of misalignment in the shafting system. The methodology proposed in this article can be used in automated detection systems using thermography to detect misalignments from remote locations.
Estimation of reliability of structures subject to fatigue loading using plastic strain energy and thermodynamic entropy generation
Authors: Ontiveros Victor Luis , Modarres Mohammad , Amiri Mehdi
Published: March 2015

Plastic strain energy dissipation and thermodynamic entropy generation are explored as means of estimating the likelihood of fatigue crack initiation in reliability assessment of structures. A set of experimental data for aluminum alloy 7075-T651 used in airframe structures are presented to determine the correlation between plastic strain energy dissipation and the thermodynamic entropy generation versus fatigue crack initiation. Cumulative plastic strain energy and thermodynamic entropy generation measured from hysteresis energy and temperature rise proved to be valid physical indices for estimation of the probability of crack initiation. Crack initiation is considered as evidence of fatigue damage and loss of structural integrity. A Bayesian estimation and validation approach is used to determine systematic errors in the developed models as well as other model uncertainties. It was shown that the results from both methods are good predictors of crack initiation and comparable, but the entropy generation method was associated with fewer uncertainties than the plastic strain energy method. Comparisons of the energy-based and entropy-based models are presented and advantages of using one over the other are discussed.
Age-related macular degeneration
Authors: Hill Darran
Published: March 2015

Age-related macular degeneration is a progressive degenerative eye condition that causes painless loss of central vision in those aged 55 years or over. It is a disease normally associated with the elderly, and is therefore a growing problem worldwide due to our ageing population. The cause is suspected to be multi-factorial and no cure has been found. However, there are novel treatments available that can help delay its progression.
Awareness regarding oral cancer and oral precancerous lesions among rural population of Belgaum district, India
Authors: Sankeshwari Roopali , Ankola Anil , Hebbal Mamata , Muttagi Sidramesh , Rawal Nilam
Published: March 2015

Belgaum district of Karnataka state is well known for high production and consumption of tobacco in Southern India. This study aimed to investigate the rural population’s awareness of oral cancer, precancerous lesions and their risk factors. Data were collected via face to face interviews using a pretested and validated questionnaire. The questionnaire comprised two parts: part one had questions concerning socio-demographic data and part two consisted of 25 questions pertaining to people’s attitudes to and awareness of risk factors for oral cancer and precancerous lesions. One researcher interviewed participants and recorded the responses verbatim. Of the participants, 17% identified all the symptoms of oral cancer and 27.8% identified all the symptoms of oral precancerous lesions. Approximately 90% of the participants had never noticed statutory warnings on tobacco and alcohol products. Awareness was especially poor in people of lower socio-economic status. This study highlights a need for education concerning the risk factors for oral cancer, its clinical manifestations and the impact of adverse habits on long term health. Health education campaigns emphasizing oral cancer need to be integrated with broader public health messages.
Pharmacokinetic Model of the Transport of Fast-Acting Insulin From the Subcutaneous and Intradermal Spaces to Blood
Authors: Lv Dayu , Kulkarni Sandip D. , Chan Alice , Keith Stephen , Pettis Ron , Kovatchev Boris P. , Farhi Leon S. , Breton Marc D.
Published: March 2015

Pharmacokinetic (PK) models describing the transport of insulin from the injection site to blood assist clinical decision making and are part of in silico platforms for developing and testing of insulin delivery strategies for treatment of patients with diabetes. The ability of these models to accurately describe all facets of the in vivo insulin transport is therefore critical for their application. Here, we propose a new model of fast-acting insulin analogs transport from the subcutaneous and intradermal spaces to blood that can accommodate clinically observed biphasic appearance and delayed clearance of injected insulin, 2 phenomena that are not captured by existing PK models. To develop the model we compare 9 insulin transport PK models which describe hypothetical insulin delivery pathways potentially capable of approximating biphasic appearance of exogenous insulin. The models are tested with respect to their ability to describe clinical data from 10 healthy volunteers which received 1 subcutaneous and 2 intradermal insulin injections on 3 different occasions. The optimal model, selected based on information and posterior identifiability criteria, assumes that insulin is delivered at the administrative site and is then transported to the bloodstream via 2 independent routes (1) diffusion-like process to the blood and (2) combination of diffusion-like processes followed by an additional compartment before entering the blood. This optimal model accounts for biphasic appearance and delayed clearance of exogenous insulin. It agrees better with the clinical data as compared to commonly used models and is expected to improve the in silico development and testing of insulin treatment strategies, including artificial pancreas systems.
HypoDE
Authors: Heinemann Lutz , Deiss Dorothee , Hermanns Norbert , Graham Claudia , Kaltheuner Matthias , Liebl Andreas , Price David
Published: March 2015

Systems for continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) have been available for a number of years, and numerous clinical studies have been performed with them. Interestingly, in many of these studies patients with an increased risk of hypoglycemic events were excluded. In addition, in most studies subjects were using a pump for insulin delivery. Therefore our knowledge about the benefit of CGM in patients employing multiple daily injections (MDI) of insulin is limited, especially when it comes to a reduction in the risk of low glucose events in high-risk individuals. We are planning to run a 26-week randomized controlled study in Germany (HypoDE, Hypoglycemia in Deutschland) that is focused on evaluating if such a reduction can be observed in patients on MDI with an increased risk of low glucose events. In all, 160 patients will participate in the study, randomized into the intervention group and control group. Ideally one would study if the frequency of severe hypoglycemic events is different between both groups. However, this would require such a large sample size and study duration, so for pragmatic reasons we will use low glucose levels <55 mg/dl (measured by CGM) for at least 20 minutes as a risk marker for severe hypoglycemic events. The results from the HypoDE study shall help determine the advantage of using CGM in subjects with type 1 diabetes with an increased risk of low glucose events treated with MDI.
Evaluation of the Dual-Chamber Pen Design for the Injection of Exenatide Once Weekly for the Treatment of Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: LaRue Susan , Malloy Jaret
Published: March 2015

Background:

Exenatide once weekly, an injectable glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist, has been shown to reduce A1C, fasting glucose, and body weight in patients with type 2 diabetes. Exenatide 2.0 mg is dispersed in poly-(D,L-lactide-co-glycolide) polymer microspheres, which require resuspension in aqueous diluent before subcutaneous injection. A single-use, dual-chamber pen was developed to improve the convenience of exenatide once weekly delivery and tested following Food and Drug Administration (FDA) guidance.

Methods:

Design development goals were established, and validation tests (dose accuracy, torque/force requirements, usability, and ease-of-use) were performed. Dose accuracy was tested under a variety of conditions. After 10 exploratory studies in 329 patients, the final design’s usability and ease-of-use were tested in untrained health care practitioners (HCPs; n = 16) and untrained/trained patients (n = 30/17). Usability testing evaluated completion of multiple setup, dose preparation, and injection steps. Ease-of-use impression was assessed using a scale of 1−7 (1 = very difficult, 7 = very easy).

Results:

The dual-chamber pen successfully met development goals and delivered target volume (650 µL ± 10%) under tested conditions (mean 644.7–649.3 µL), with torque and force requirements below prespecified maximum values. In the final user study, most participants (≥87%) correctly completed pen setup, dose preparation, and injection steps. Mean ease-of-use scores were 5.8, 6.3, and 6.5 out of 7 in untrained HCPs, untrained patients, and trained patients, respectively.

Conclusion:

With self-education or minimal training, participants accurately and precisely suspended, mixed, and delivered exenatide-containing microspheres using the dual-chamber pen with high ease-of-use scores. The dual-chamber pen was FDA-approved in February 2014.
Control and the “Good Life”
Authors: Helzer Erik G. , Jayawickreme Eranda
Published: March 2015

How does a sense of control relate to well-being? We consider two distinguishable control strategies, primary and secondary control, and their relationships with two facets of subjective well-being, daily positive/negative affective experience and global life satisfaction. Using undergraduate and online samples, the results suggest that these different control strategies are associated uniquely with distinct facets of well-being. After controlling for shared variance among constructs, primary control (the tendency to achieve mastery over circumstances via goal striving) was associated more consistently with daily affective experience than was secondary control, and secondary control (the tendency to achieve mastery over circumstances via sense-making) was associated more strongly with life satisfaction than primary control, but only within the student sample and community members not in a committed relationship. The results highlight the importance of both control strategies to everyday health and provide insights into the mechanisms underlying the relationship between control and well-being.
Experiencing interactive voice response (IVR) as a participatory medium: The case of CGNet Swara in India
Authors: Mudliar Preeti , Donner Jonathan
Published: March 2015

With the widespread use of mobile phones in the developing world, interactive voice response (IVR) systems are increasingly accessible to people with low literacy and/or limited financial resources. Interest in using IVR systems as a means to increase citizen participation in society has increased. Yet, research exploring the potential of IVRs—with particular affordances, constraints, and norms—to facilitate citizen participation in society remains limited. Drawing on field data gathered as part of a study of CGNet Swara, an IVR-based citizen journalism platform in rural India, we introduce the concept of a “participatory IVR” and undertake a phenomenological inquiry to account for user interactions with the system.
“Post-Feminist” Era of Social Investment and Territorial Welfare? Exploring the Issue Salience and Policy Framing of Child Care in U.K. Elections 1983-2011
Authors: Chaney Paul
Published: March 2015

Earlier work has tended to overlook the formative origins of child care policy in liberal democracies. Accordingly, this study examines mandate-seeking and parties’ envisioning of child care with reference to issue salience and policy framing in party manifestos in U.K. Westminster and regional elections. It reveals a significant increase in issue salience following its emergence as a manifesto issue in the 1980s, thereby confirming it as part of the wider rise of “valence politics.” The framing data reveal that a “post-feminist” discourse of “social investment” has generally displaced the political framing of child care as a gender equality issue. It is argued that this is inherently problematic and reflects parties’ failure to address ongoing gender inequality in the labor market. Notably, the data also illustrate the way devolution is leading to the territorialization of child care in the United Kingdom—no longer solely mandated in Westminster elections, policy is now contingent on the discursive practices of regional party politics and shaped by local socio-economic factors.
“Ball Don’t Lie!” Rasheed Wallace and the Politics of Protest in the National Basketball Association
Authors: Colás Yago
Published: March 2015

This analysis offers a contextualized close reading of the phrase “Ball don’t lie!” used by former National Basketball Association (NBA) player Rasheed Wallace to protest foul calls. The analysis first explains how “Ball don’t lie” counters what can be called “basketball common sense” by analyzing the official language of the NBA concerning fouls, referees, and disputes over foul calls, which it is argued functions as an authoritarian speech act that obscures its own nature. In view of this, it is argued that “Ball don’t lie!” counters with a pragmatic intervention in a material and discursive contest between a player and a referee. It is shown how this intervention serves to situate and contextualize the racial politics of basketball in American society. Through this analysis, a sketch of a history of race in the NBA may be seen that focuses on what may be called the “the White basketball unconscious,” and the analysis aims to illuminate how “Ball don’t lie” intervenes as a disruptive form of political affirmation, one that, metonymically, resonates beyond the court and into American society more broadly.
From Emerging to Established
Authors: Eisenberg Marla E. , Spry Elizabeth , Patton George C.
Published: March 2015

The timing and sequencing of completing education, leaving home, beginning full-time work, forming intimate relationships, and parenting are evolving rapidly worldwide. This study describes patterns of transition in a population-based longitudinal study of Australians at ages 20 and 29 ( N = 1,366). Latent class analysis and latent transition analysis identified four categories of emerging adulthood in both age-groups. At age 20, 41.8% were in the category of students living in their parents’ home; at age 29, most were categorized as “established young adults” with (25.7%) or without children (51.1%). A majority of “young independents” at age 20 went on to become “established parents” at 29, and most students living independently at age 20 were “established young adults without children” at 29. Findings suggest that the directions of emerging adulthood are largely set in place by age 20. Programs and policies may be needed to support transitions into stable life partnerships and parenthood.
Class, Race, and the Incorporation of Latinos/as
Authors: Bohrt Marcelo A. , Itzigsohn José
Published: March 2015

This paper analyzes the patterns of incorporation of Latino/a immigrant generations into the American class structure. For that purpose, we use Current Population Survey data to construct a model of the American class structure and analyze the position of different Latino/a generations within that class structure. Our analysis reveals a complex picture that combines some intergenerational improvement and pervasive inequality. We find that the children of immigrants enter a racialized class system that features stable patterns of between- and within-ethnoracial-group inequality. Our study points to the centrality of the racial and class structures for the immigrant experience.
Formula Narratives and the Making of Social Stratification and Inequality
Authors: Kusow Abdi M. , Eno Mohamed A.
Published: March 2015

Sociological research on inequality has increasingly moved beyond the examination of inequalities as they presumably exist to explore the generic narrative processes that perpetuate that inequality. Unfortunately, however, this research remains concentrated on either individual or ideological grand narratives and ignores the fact that the work narratives do, including the production and structuring of inequality, occurs at multiple levels: cultural, structural, organizational, and personal, and never exclusively at just one of these. In this study, we use Somali origin narratives to describe conceptually the ways in which narratives produced at different personal and societal levels—cultural, institutional, organizational—dialectically structure the generic processes that produce and perpetuate social inequality.
Results of a phase 2 study of pacritinib (SB1518), a JAK2/JAK2(V617F) inhibitor, in patients with myelofibrosis
Authors: Komrokji Rami S. , Seymour John F. , Roberts Andrew W. , Wadleigh Martha , To L. Bik , Scherber Robyn , Turba Elyce , Dorr Andrew , Zhu Joy , Wang Lixia , Granston Tanya , Campbell Mary S. , Mesa Ruben A.
Published: March 2015

Key Points

Pacritinib reduced myelofibrosis-related splenomegaly and patient symptoms without causing clinically significant myelosuppression. Pacritinib had activity and was well tolerated in patients with preexisting anemia and thrombocytopenia.
Regulatory network control of blood stem cells
Authors: Göttgens Berthold
Published: March 2015

Hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) are characterized by their ability to execute a wide range of cell fate choices, including self-renewal, quiescence, and differentiation into the many different mature blood lineages. Cell fate decision making in HSCs, as indeed in other cell types, is driven by the interplay of external stimuli and intracellular regulatory programs. Given the pivotal nature of HSC decision making for both normal and aberrant hematopoiesis, substantial research efforts have been invested over the last few decades into deciphering some of the underlying mechanisms. Central to the intracellular decision making processes are transcription factor proteins and their interactions within gene regulatory networks. More than 50 transcription factors have been shown to affect the functionality of HSCs. However, much remains to be learned about the way in which individual factors are connected within wider regulatory networks, and how the topology of HSC regulatory networks might affect HSC function. Nevertheless, important progress has been made in recent years, and new emerging technologies suggest that the pace of progress is likely to accelerate. This review will introduce key concepts, provide an integrated view of selected recent studies, and conclude with an outlook on possible future directions for this field.
The Absence of the Leukotriene B4 Receptor BLT1 Attenuates Peripheral Inflammation and Spinal Nociceptive Processing Following Intraplantar Formalin Injury
Authors: Asahara Miho , Ito Nobuko , Yokomizo Takehiko , Nakamura Motonao , Shimizu Takao , Yamada Yoshitsugu
Published: March 2015

Background

Leukotriene B4 (LTB4) is a potent lipid mediator of inflammation, and its biological effects are mediated primarily through the high affinity LTB4 receptor BLT1. Although numerous studies have reported that LTB4-BLT1 signaling is involved in inflammatory diseases, the role of BLT1 signaling in pain remains undefined. To clarify the role of LTB4-BLT1 signaling in acute inflammatory pain induced by tissue injury, we performed pain behavioral analysis and assessment of local inflammation induced by peripheral formalin injections in BLT1 knockout mice. We examined the phosphorylation of cAMP response element-binding protein (CREB) in the spinal cord both in wild-type and BLT1 knockout mice because phosphorylation of CREB in spinal cord neurons is important for nociceptive sensitization following peripheral injury. We also examined the effect of a BLT1 antagonist on formalin-induced pain responses in mice.

Results

BLT1 knockout mice exhibited markedly attenuated nociceptive responses induced by intraplantar formalin injections. Edema formation and neutrophil infiltration in the paw were significantly decreased in BLT1 knockout mice compared with wild-type mice. Phosphorylation of CREB in the spinal cord after the intraplantar formalin injection was decreased in BLT1 knockout mice. In addition, mice pretreated with a BLT1 antagonist showed reduced nociception and attenuated CREB phosphorylation in the spinal cord after the formalin injection.

Conclusions

Our data suggest that LTB4-BLT1 axis contributes not only to the peripheral inflammation but also to the neuronal activation in the spinal cord induced by intraplantar formalin injections. Thus, LTB4-BLT1 signaling is a potential target for therapeutic intervention of acute and persistent pain induced by tissue injury.
Average genome size estimation improves comparative metagenomics and sheds light on the functional ecology of the human microbiome
Authors: Nayfach Stephen , Pollard Katherine S
Published: March 2015

Average genome size is an important, yet often overlooked, property of microbial communities. We developed MicrobeCensus to rapidly and accurately estimate average genome size from shotgun metagenomic data and applied our tool to 1,352 human microbiome samples. We found that average genome size differs significantly within and between body sites and tracks with major functional and taxonomic differences. In the gut, average genome size is positively correlated with the abundance of Bacteroides and genes related to carbohydrate metabolism. Importantly, we found that average genome size variation can bias comparative analyses, and that normalization improves detection of differentially abundant genes.
Recombinant glucagon: a differential biological activity
Authors: Basso Angelina M M , Pelegrini Patrícia B , Mulinari Fernanda , Costa Michelle C , Viana Antonio B , Silva Luciano P , Grossi-de-Sa Maria Fatima
Published: March 2015

In Brazil, there is a growing demand for specialised pharmaceuticals, and the high cost of their importation results in increasing costs, reaching US$ 1.34 billion in 2012 and US$ 1.61 billion in 2013. Worldwide expenses related to drugs could reach US$ 1.3 trillion in 2018, especially due to new treatments for hepatitis C and cancer. Specialised or high-cost pharmaceutical drugs used for the treatment of viral hepatitis, multiple sclerosis, HIV and diabetes are distributed free of charge by the Brazilian government. The glucagon peptide was included in this group of high-cost biopharmaceuticals in 2008. Although its main application is the treatment of hypoglycaemia in diabetic patients, it can also be used with patients in an alcoholic coma, for those patients with biliary tract pain, and as a bronchodilator. Therefore, in order to reduce biopharmaceutical production costs, the Brazilian government passed laws focusing on the development and increase of a National Pharmaceutical Industrial Centre, including the demand for the national production of glucagon. For that reason and given the importance and high cost of recombinant glucagon, the purpose of this study was to develop methods to improve production, purification and performance of the biological activity of recombinant glucagon. Glucagon was recombined into a plasmid vector containing a Glutathione S-transferase tag, and the peptide was expressed in a heterologous Escherichia coli system. After purification procedures and molecular analyses, the biological activity of this recombinant glucagon was examined using in vivo assays and showed a highly significant (p < 0.00001) and prolonged effect on glucose levels when compared with the standard glucagon. The experimental procedure described here facilitates the high level production of recombinant glucagon with an extended biological activity.
Improving accuracy of students’ final grade prediction model using optimal equal width binning and synthetic minority over-sampling technique
Authors: Jishan Syed Tanveer , Rashu Raisul Islam , Haque Naheena , Rahman Rashedur M
Published: March 2015

There is a perpetual elevation in demand for higher education in the last decade all over the world; therefore, the need for improving the education system is imminent. Educational data mining is a newly-visible area in the field of data mining and it can be applied to better understanding the educational systems in Bangladesh. In this research, we present how data can be preprocessed using a discretization method called the Optimal Equal Width Binning and an over-sampling technique known as the Synthetic Minority Over-Sampling (SMOTE) to improve the accuracy of the students’ final grade prediction model for a particular course. In order to validate our method we have used data from a course offered at North South University, Bangladesh. The result obtained from the experiment gives a clear indication that the accuracy of the prediction model improves significantly when the discretization and over-sampling methods are applied.
Thyroid Fine-needle aspiration biopsy: An evaluation of its utility in a community setting
Authors: Le Andre R , Thompson Gregory W , Hoyt Benjamin John A
Published: March 2015

Background

Thyroid cancer rates are on the rise worldwide with over 5000 new cases estimated in Canada in 2012. The American Thyroid Association recommends the use of fine-needle aspiration biopsy (FNA) in the workup of thyroid nodules. Studies show that thyroid FNA accuracy may vary based on interpretation by cytopathologists in academic versus community centres. To date, there has been no literature published addressing the accuracy or utility of preoperative FNA in a Canadian community center. Our goals were to demonstrate the accuracy of thyroid FNA at our centre, and to compare our results to those published in the literature.

Methods

Medical records for patients who underwent thyroidectomy performed by two otolaryngologists in Fredericton, NB, between September 2008 and February 2013 were reviewed. 125 patients with 197 FNAs were analyzed. Fisher's Exact test was used to compare the malignancy rates in each FNA category, and Chi-Square test was used for FNA distribution comparison.

Results

The distribution of all FNA diagnoses at our centre was as follows: 38 (19%) benign, 100 (51%) inconclusive, 8 (4%) suspicious for malignancy, 2 (1%) malignant, and 49 (25%) unsatisfactory. FNA distribution was significantly different between our centre and comparison centres (Chi-Square p < 0.05). Our malignancy rates within each category using each FNA sample as a data point were 26.3%, 29.0%, 75%, 100% and 12.2% respectively. Comparison to other community studies revealed that we have significantly higher malignancy rates with benign FNAs (Fisher's exact p = <0.05). Analysis using our most malignant FNA data yielded similar results.

Conclusion

Thyroid FNA accuracy varies between institutions, and this may affect its utility in the workup of a thyroid nodule at some centres. Expert cytopathology opinions may be an asset in interpreting FNA samples in small community centres where volumes are relatively low, however our data do not support this assertion. It is essential that physicians continue to use clinical judgment first and foremost when evaluating thyroid nodules.
Superhydrophilic self-cleaning surfaces based on TiO2 and TiO2/SiO2 composite films for photovoltaic module cover glass
Authors: Jesus Magnum Augusto Moraes Lopes de , Neto João Trajano da Silva , Timò Gianluca , Paiva Paulo Renato Perdigão , Dantas Maria Sylvia S , Ferreira Angela de Mello
Published: March 2015

Self-cleaning surfaces have excelled in recent years in energy and environmental fields. In particular, in solar energy area, these surfaces are used to avoid soiling accumulation on photovoltaic (PV) modules. So far TiO2 has been widely used due to its photocatalytic activity and photo-induced superhydrophilicity. However, this oxide has some limitations since it reduces the glass transmittance and it rapidly reestablish the water contact angle in dark environments. In order to circumvent these limitations, composites TiO2/SiO2 have been proposed. For photovoltaic application, besides a good transparency in the wavelength region 300–1800 nm and self-cleaning properties, the coating should also present long durability and adequate adhesion to endure the outdoor conditions. Aiming at developing a coating with these properties, in this work, TiO2/SiO2 composites containing different titanium content have been synthesized and compared with pure TiO2 films in relation to adhesion, transparency and hydrophilicity. Both films have been deposited over low iron float glass substrates by sol–gel dip-coating technique and different calcination temperatures (400, 500, 600°C) and Si/Ti molar rates (Si86Ti14, Si40Ti60) have been considered. TiO2/SiO2 films showed higher transmittance in visible range compared with pure TiO2. TiO2/SiO2 films showed superhydrophilic character before and after ultraviolet irradiation, with water contact angles near to 0°. Furthermore, as predicted, TiO2/SiO2 films could keep the superhydrophilic character in dark environments, in contrast with pure TiO2 films. Both TiO2 and TiO2/SiO2 films exhibited good adherence and it is shown that higher calcination temperatures and higher titanium content enhance such property. All films presented abrasion resistant property in contact with sponge and detergent. It has been demonstrated that high transmittance, self-cleaning and adherent composite has been obtained by a simple sol–gel route presenting good potential to be applied on photovoltaics systems.
Value of nonstationary wavelet spectral balancing in mapping a faulted fluvial system, Bohai Gulf, China
Authors: Zhou Huailai , Wang Yuanjun , Lin Tengfei , Li Fangyu , Marfurt Kurt J.
Published: March 2015

Seismic data with enhanced resolution allow interpreters to effectively delineate and interpret architectural components of stratigraphically thin geologic features. We used a recently developed time-frequency domain deconvolution method to spectrally balance nonstationary seismic data. The method was based on polynomial fitting of seismic wavelet magnitude spectra. The deconvolution increased the spectral bandwidth but did not amplify random noise. We compared our new spectral modeling algorithm with existing time-variant spectral-whitening and inverse [Formula: see text]-filtering algorithms using a 3D offshore survey acquired over Bohai Gulf, China. We mapped these improvements spatially using a suite of 3D volumetric coherence, energy, curvature, and frequency attributes. The resulting images displayed improved lateral resolution of channel edges and fault edges with few, if any artifacts associated with amplification of random noise.
Geophysical imaging of Silurian carbonates by use of ground and airborne electromagnetic and radiometric methods on the island of Gotland, Sweden
Authors: Persson Lena , Erlström Mikael
Published: March 2015

The island of Gotland in the Baltic Sea exhibits rock types dominated by limestone and marlstone, deposited in a Silurian carbonate platform environment. The strata are extensively exposed in outcrops, quarries, and coastal cliff sections. Low-lying marlstone-dominated areas are separated by highs dominated by limestone. The surface bedrock is well known, but the subsurface composition down to a 100-m depth has, until recent deployment of modern geophysical measurements, been largely unknown. Our geophysical surveys and methods were performed with the aim to evaluate their usefulness in characterizing the upper 100 m of the bedrock in a carbonate-dominated bedrock setting. The surveys were performed in connection to a bedrock mapping project including geologic and geophysical investigations. The airborne techniques complemented by ground measurements and correlation with outcrops and boreholes resulted in a definition of bedrock boundaries and especially subsurface characterization of bedding sequences. The airborne electromagnetic (very low frequency) survey was accompanied by radio magnetotelluric (RMT) measurement on the ground along several profiles. The difference in resistivity between high-resistive limestone overlaying a more conductive marlstone gave favorable conditions for this type of survey. The results have so far given new and valuable information on the thickness of the limestone as well as the distinction of lateral changes of the bedrock related to the depositional setting. The RMT measurements have made it possible in a new way to remotely map out bedding sequences in carbonates and to detect saline groundwater and fracture zones. In addition, a recently performed airborne transient electromagnetic survey contributed to the interpretation of the RMT measurements that we evaluated. The applied geophysical methodology and correlation with outcrops revealed carbonate bedrock with geophysical properties, enabling a better understanding concerning the groundwater conditions, limestone resources, and radon situation on the island of Gotland.
CO2-induced seismic time shifts at Sleipner
Authors: Furre Anne-Kari , Kiær Anders , Eiken Ola
Published: March 2015

Since 1996, [Formula: see text] has been injected into the Utsira Formation above the Sleipner Øst field in the North Sea. During the injection period, the [Formula: see text] distribution in the reservoir has been monitored using eight repeated time-lapse seismic surveys. This seismic monitoring has shown that the [Formula: see text] is visible as thin bright reflectors within the Utsira Formation, interpreted to represent [Formula: see text] flooded layers. We show a detailed analysis of the thin [Formula: see text] layers, with respect to amplitude and time shift development. For a fixed location that becomes [Formula: see text] flooded, the amplitude first increased strongly and a small pull-up of the trough amplitude timing was observed. This response is attributed to interference between top and base of the layer, as long as layer thickness is beneath tuning thickness. This pull-up is an effect induced by wavelet distortion and not related to [Formula: see text] in overlying layers. With time the amplitude decreases and the pull-up is reduced to zero. This is attributed to the layer being thick enough for top and base to be separately resolved. Using our time-lapse observations we have estimated this wavelet distortion effect as a function of time of first flood, which has enabled us to correct for it, and estimate time shifts caused by [Formula: see text] in overlying layers. Thickness estimates derived from these time shifts complement previous amplitude derived estimates of [Formula: see text] thickness.
Natural-hydraulic fracture interaction: Microseismic observations and geomechanical predictions
Authors: Huang Jian , Safari Reza , Mutlu Uno , Burns Kevin , Geldmacher Ingo , McClure Mark , Jackson Stuart
Published: March 2015

Natural fractures can reactivate during hydraulic stimulation and interact with hydraulic fractures producing a complex and highly productive natural-hydraulic fracture network. This phenomenon and the quality of the resulting conductive reservoir area are primarily functions of the natural fracture network characteristics (e.g., spacing, height, length, number of fracture sets, orientation, and frictional properties); in situ stress state (e.g., stress anisotropy and magnitude); stimulation design parameters (e.g., pumping schedule, the type/volume of fluid[s], and proppant); well architecture (number and spacing of stages, perforation length, well orientation); and the physics of the natural-hydraulic fracture interaction (e.g., crossover, arrest, reactivation). Geomechanical models can quantify the impact of key parameters that control the extent and complexity of the conductive reservoir area, with implications to stimulation design and well optimization in the field. We have developed a series of geomechanical simulations to predict natural-hydraulic fracture interaction and the resulting fracture network in complex settings. A geomechanics-based sensitivity analysis was performed that integrated key reservoir-geomechanical parameters to forward model complex fracture network generation, synthetic microseismic (MS) response, and associated conductivity paths as they evolve during stimulation operations. The simulations tested two different natural-hydraulic fracture interaction scenarios and could generate synthetic MS events. The sensitivity analysis revealed that geomechanical models that involve complex fracture networks can be calibrated against MS data and can help to predict the reservoir response to stimulation and optimize the conductive reservoir area. We analyzed a field data set (obtained from two hydraulically fractured wells in the Barnett Formation, Tarrant County, Texas) and established a coupling between the geomechanics and MS within the framework of a 3D geologic model. This coupling provides a mechanics-based approach to (1) verify MS trends and anomalies in the field, (2) optimize conductive reservoir area for reservoir simulations, and (3) improve stimulation design on the current well in near-real-time and well design/stimulation for future wells.
Axonal wrapping in theDrosophilaPNS is controlled by glia-derived neuregulin homolog Vein
Authors: Matzat Till , Sieglitz Florian , Kottmeier Rita , Babatz Felix , Engelen Daniel , Klämbt Christian
Published: March 2015

Efficient neuronal conductance requires that axons are insulated by glial cells. For this, glial membranes need to wrap around axons. Invertebrates show a relatively simple extension of glial membranes around the axons, resembling Remak fibers formed by Schwann cells in the mammalian peripheral nervous system. To unravel the molecular pathways underlying differentiation of glial cells that provide axonal wrapping, we are using the genetically amenable Drosophila model. At the end of larval life, the wrapping glia differentiates into very large cells, spanning more than 1 mm of axonal length. The extension around axonal membranes is not influenced by the caliber of the axon or its modality. Using cell type-specific gene knockdown we show that the extension of glial membranes around the axons is regulated by an autocrine activation of the EGF receptor through the neuregulin homolog Vein. This resembles the molecular mechanism employed during cell-autonomous reactivation of glial differentiation after injury in mammals. We further demonstrate that Vein, produced by the wrapping glia, also regulates the formation of septate junctions in the abutting subperineurial glia. Moreover, the wrapping glia indirectly controls the proliferation of the perineurial glia. Thus, the wrapping glia appears center stage to orchestrate the development of the different glial cell layers in a peripheral nerve.
Accumulation of the Drosophila Torso-like protein at the blastoderm plasma membrane suggests that it translocates from the eggshell
Authors: Mineo Alessandro , Furriols Marc , Casanova Jordi
Published: March 2015

The eggshell serves as a depository for proteins that play an important role in early embryonic development. In particular, the Drosophila eggshell is responsible for transferring asymmetries from the egg chamber to specify the regions at both ends of the embryo through the uneven activation of the Torso (Tor) receptor in its membrane. This process relies on the restricted expression of the gene torso-like (tsl) in subpopulations of follicle cells during oogenesis and its protein accumulation at both poles of the eggshell, but it is not known how this signal is transmitted to the embryo. Here, we show that Tsl accumulates at the embryonic plasma membrane, even in the absence of the Tor receptor. However, during oogenesis, we detected Tsl accumulation only at the eggshell. These results suggest that there is a two-step mechanism to transfer the asymmetric positional cues from the egg chamber into the early embryo: initial anchoring of Tsl at the eggshell as it is secreted, followed by its later translocation to the egg plasma membrane, where it enables Tor receptor activation. Translocation of anchored determinants from the eggshell might then regulate the spatial and temporal control of early embryonic developmental processes.
Application of a Flow-injection Spin-trapping ESR Method for Evaluating the Alkoxy Radical Elimination Capacity (AREC) of Selected Antioxidants
Authors: Nakajima Akira , Yamashita Tomoyuki , Yamaguchi Tomoko , Kawai Kiyoshi , Miyake Yusuke , Kanaori Kenji , Tajima Kunihiko
Published: March 2015

A flow-injection spin-trapping ESR system using DMPO (5,5-dimethyl-1-pyrroline N-oxide) was developed for quantitative detection of the alkoxy radicals (•OR, R = C(CH3)2-C(+NH2Cl−)NH2) formed by thermal decomposition of AAPH (2,2′-azobis(2,4-amidinopropane) dihydrochloride). This system was applied to estimate the alkoxy radical elimination capacity of selected antioxidants by using Trolox (6-hydroxy-2,5,7,8-tetramethylchroman-2-carboxylic acid), as a standard.
Stability of Copper Nitride Nanoparticles under High Humidity and in Solutions with Different Acidity
Authors: Nakamura Takashi , Katayama Misaki , Watanabe Toshiki , Inada Yasuhiro , Ebina Takeo , Yamaguchi Aritomo
Published: March 2015

Stability of copper nitride nanoparticles under high humidity and in acidic and alkaline solutions was investigated. The copper nitride was exposed to the humid condition (RH 85%, 358 K) for three weeks, which resulted in decomposition to copper oxide as revealed by XRD and XAFS analyses. However, the copper nitride nanoparticles were stable in acidic and alkaline solutions even for 11 days. We established conservation conditions for the copper nitride nanoparticles.
Ring-opening Fluorination of Cyclobutanols and Cyclopropanols Catalyzed by Silver
Authors: Ishida Naoki , Okumura Shintaro , Nakanishi Yuuta , Murakami Masahiro
Published: March 2015

Cyclobutanols and cyclopropanols underwent ring-opening fluorination upon treatment with Selectfluor in the presence of a substoichiometric amount of a silver salt. The reaction provides an efficient method to synthesize γ- and β-fluoroalkyl ketones.
Voix des peuples et idée de nation chez Herder
Authors: Longo Mario
Published: March 2015

L'idée de nation se manifeste dans le contexte de la pensée herderienne du langage, en polémique avec les idéaux cosmopolites du siècle des Lumières. En niant une nature humaine toujours égale et sans différences qualitatives, Herder soutient l'originalité de chaque moment du développement historique, compte tenu de la nature linguistique, et donc historique, de l'homme. En utilisant une métaphore suggérée par Herder, l'humanité est un concert polyphonique, d'autant plus majestueux et harmonique que son orchestration est riche et nombreuse. Écouter la voix des peuples pour comprendre l'homme dans son expression la plus étendue: ceci est l'objectif des recherches linguistiques et historico-littéraires du jeune Herder aboutissant dans l'imposant tableau historique de Auch eine Philosophie der Geschichte. Cette vision de l'histoire, qui tend à mettre en valeur le fragment et les parties, ne conduit pas toutefois au relativisme historique, à la négation du sens universel de l'histoire, mais vise à critiquer un modèle de cosmopolitisme à la Voltaire, froid et abstrait, qui ne sait comprendre et aimer que soi-même, ayant glorifié à tel point le principe de sa propre culture qu'il reste indifférent à toutes les autres manifestations de la vie des peuples. Il en ressort, d'un côté, une vive appréciation pour l'âme de chaque peuple, âme qui par la magie du langage vit dans ses expressions les plus authentiques dans la poésie, dans les mythes et dans la religion, et, d'autre part, la primauté attribuée à ces facteurs spirituels de la vie des peuples par rapport à l'organisation politique de l'état. L'idée de nation pour Herder ne se résout donc pas dans la négation du cosmopolitisme, mais plutôt dans le refus de ce cosmopolitisme basé sur la politique, propre du siècle des Lumières, qui avait fait de la création de l'État-machine un modèle que l'on aurait voulu imposer à tous les peuples de la terre.
The History of a Sixteenth-century Greek Type Revised
Authors: Layton Evro
Published: March 2015

This article attempts to study the history of a sixteenth-century Greek type in Italy. The type was produced under the auspices of Cardinal Marcello Cervini who wished to publish some of the manuscripts from the Vatican Collections. Cervini commissioned the Roman printer Antonio Blado to be in charge of the project. Since Blado did not own Greek type and had no experience with Greek he invited Stefano Nicolini da Sabbio, the noted printer of Greek in Venice, to come to Rome and take charge of the cardinal's project. The scholar-scribe Nikolaos Sophianos also joined the project along with Benedetto Giunta, a bookseller in Rome who represented the cardinal. The Greek font designed and cut for this project appeared in several works in Rome and was designated by scholars as Greek 1. To this day nobody has been able to match Greek 1 with the handwriting of any of the scribes working in Italy during this period. When the association of Sophianos with the cardinal's project came to an end, Greek 1 became very much in demand and was used by a number of well-known printers in Rome, Florence and Venice. It required a series of legal actions to prove that Greek 1 belonged to Sophianos who finally took possession of his type and other equipment. He used it to print a number of publications. The type later passed into the hands of Vasileios and Hippolitos Valeris and later to some other minor publishers of Greek liturgical books. It was still in use as late as the mid-1580s.