bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A New Protection System for Islanding Detection in LV Distribution Systems
Authors: Fazio Anna , Russo Mario , Valeri Sara
Published: April 2015

The growth of penetration of Distributed Generators (DGs) is increasing the risk of unwanted islanded operation in Low Voltage (LV) distribution systems. In this scenario, the existing anti-islanding protection systems, installed at the DG premises and based on classical voltage and frequency relays, are no longer effective, especially in the cases of islands characterized by a close match between generation and load. In this paper, a new protection system for islanding detection in LV distribution systems is proposed. The classical voltage and frequency relays in the DG interface protections are enriched with an innovative Smart Islanding Detector, which adopts a new passive islanding detection method. The aim is to keep the advantages of the classical relays while overcoming the problem of their limited sensitivity in detecting balanced islands. In the paper, to define the requirements of the anti-islanding protection system, the events causing the islanded operation of the LV distribution systems are firstly identified and classified. Then, referring to proposed protection system, its architecture and operation are described and, eventually, its performance is analyzed and validated by experimental laboratory tests, carried out with a hardware-in-the-loop technique.
Investors’ Perspectives on Barriers to the Deployment of Renewable Energy Sources in Chile
Authors: Nasirov Shahriyar , Silva Carlos , Agostini Claudio
Published: April 2015

In the last decade, the importance of exploiting Chile’s Renewable Energy Sources (RESs) has increased significantly, as fossil fuel prices have risen and concerns regarding climate change issues grown, posing an important threat to its economy. However, to date, the advancement of Renewable Energy Technologies (RETs) in the country has been very limited due to various barriers. For this reason, identifying and mitigating the main barriers that hamper the advancement of RETs is necessary to allow the successful deployment of these technologies. Based on data collected from a questionnaire survey and interviews conducted among the major renewable project developers, the authors identify and rank the major barriers to the adoption of renewable energy technologies in Chile. Our findings show that the most significant barriers include “grid connection constraints and lack of grid capacity”, “longer processing times for a large number of permits”, “land and/or water lease securement” and “limited access to financing”. Furthermore, we discuss the most critical barriers in detail together with policy recommendations to overcome them.
Multi-level Governance of Land Use Changes in the Brazilian Amazon: Lessons from Paragominas, State of Pará
Authors: Piketty Marie-Gabrielle , Poccard-Chapuis René , Drigo Isabel , Coudel Emilie , Plassin Sophie , Laurent François , Thâles Marcelo
Published: April 2015

Land use governance in the Brazilian Amazon has undergone significant changes in the last decade. At the national level, law enforcement capacity has increased and downstream industries linked to commodity chains responsible for deforestation have begun to monitor some of their suppliers’ impacts on forests. At the municipal level, local actors have launched a Green Municipality initiative, aimed at eliminating deforestation and supporting green supply chains at the territorial level. In this paper, we analyze the land use transition since 2001 in Paragominas—the first Green Municipality—and discuss the limits of the governance arrangements underpinning these changes. Our work draws on a spatially explicit analysis of biophysical variables and qualitative information collected in interviews with key private and public stakeholders of the main commodity chains operating in the region. We argue that, up to now, the emerging multi-level scheme of land governance has not succeeded in promoting large-scale land use intensification, reforestation and rehabilitation of degraded lands. Moreover, private governance mechanisms based on improved product standards, fail to benefit from potential successful partnerships between the public and private sector at the territorial level. We propose a governance approach that adopts a broader territorial focus as a way forward.
Where to Go from Here? An Exploratory Meta-Analysis of the Most Promising Approaches to Depression Prevention Programs for Children and Adolescents
Authors: Hetrick Sarah , Cox Georgina , Merry Sally
Published: April 2015

Objective: To examine the overall effect of individual depression prevention programs on future likelihood of depressive disorder and reduction in depressive symptoms. In addition, we have investigated whether Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Interpersonal Therapy (IPT) and other therapeutic techniques may modify this effectiveness. Methods: This study is based on and includes the trial data from meta-analyses conducted in the Cochrane systematic review of depression prevention programs for children and adolescents by Merry et al. (2011). All trials were published or unpublished English language randomized controlled trials (RCTs) or cluster RCTs of any psychological or educational intervention compared to no intervention to prevent depression in children and adolescents aged 5–19 years. Results: There is some evidence that the therapeutic approach used in prevention programs modifies the overall effect. CBT is the most studied type of intervention for depression prevention, and there is some evidence of its effectiveness in reducing the risk of developing a depressive disorder, particularly in targeted populations. Fewer studies employed IPT, however this approach appears promising. To our knowledge, this is the first study to have explored how differences in the approach taken in the prevention programs modify the overall treatment effects of prevention programs for children and adolescents. Conclusions: More research is needed to identify the specific components of CBT that are most effective or indeed if there are other approaches that are more effective in reducing the risk of future depressive episodes. It is imperative that prevention programs are suitable for large scale roll-out, and that emerging popular modes of delivery, such as online dissemination continue to be rigorously tested.
Structural Insights into tRNA Dynamics on the Ribosome
Authors: Agirrezabala Xabier , Valle Mikel
Published: April 2015

High-resolution structures at different stages, as well as biochemical, single molecule and computational approaches have highlighted the elasticity of tRNA molecules when bound to the ribosome. It is well acknowledged that the inherent structural flexibility of the tRNA lies at the heart of the protein synthesis process. Here, we review the recent advances and describe considerations that the conformational changes of the tRNA molecules offer about the mechanisms grounded in translation.
Aminolevulinic Acid-Mediated Photodynamic Therapy of Human Meningioma: An in Vitro Study on Primary Cell Lines
Authors: El-Khatib Mustafa , Tepe Carolin , Senger Brigitte , Dibué-Adjei Maxine , Riemenschneider Markus , Stummer Walter , Steiger Hans , Cornelius Jan
Published: April 2015

Objective: Five-aminolevulinic acid (5-ALA)-induced porphyrins in malignant gliomas are potent photosensitizers. Promising results of ALA-PDT (photodynamic therapy) in recurrent glioblastomas have been published. Recently, 5-ALA-induced fluorescence was studied in meningioma surgery. Here, we present an experimental study of ALA-PDT in an in vitro model of primary meningioma cell lines. Methods: We processed native tumor material obtained intra-operatively within 24 h for cell culture. Epithelial membrane antigen (EMA) immunohistochemistry was performed after the first passage to confirm that cells were meningioma cells. For 5-ALA-PDT treatment, about 5000 cells per well were seeded in 20 wells of a blank 96-well plate. Each block of 4 wells was inoculated with 150 µL of 0, 25, 50 and 100 µg/mL 5-ALA solutions; one block was used as negative control without 5-ALA and without PDT. Following incubation for 3 h PDT was performed using a laser (635 nm, 18.75 J/cm2). The therapeutic response was analyzed by the water soluble tetrazolium salt (WST-1) cell viability assay 90 min after PDT. Results: 5-ALA-PDT was performed in 14 primary meningioma cell lines. EMA expression was verified in 10 primary cell cultures. The remaining 4 were EMA negative and PDT was without any effect in these cultures. All 10 EMA-positive cell lines showed a significant and dose-dependent decrease in viability rate (p < 0.001). Cell survival at 5-ALA concentrations of 12.5, 25, 50 and 100 μg/mL was 96.5% ± 7.6%, 67.9% ± 29.9%, 24.0% ± 16.7% and 13.8% ± 7.5%, respectively. For the negative controls (no 5-ALA/PDT and ALA/no PDT), the viability rates were 101.72% ± 3.5% and 100.17% ± 3.6%, respectively. The LD50 for 5-ALA was estimated between 25 and 50 µg/mL. Conclusion: This study reveals dose-dependent cytotoxic effects of 5-ALA-PDT on primary cell lines of meningiomas. Either 5-ALA or PDT alone did not affect cell survival. Further efforts are necessary to study the potential therapeutic effects of 5-ALA-PDT in vivo.
How Properties of Kenaf Fibers from Burkina Faso Contribute to the Reinforcement of Earth Blocks
Authors: Millogo Younoussa , Aubert Jean-Emmanuel , Hamard Erwan , Morel Jean-Claude
Published: April 2015

Physicochemical characteristics of Hibiscus cannabinus (kenaf) fibers from Burkina Faso were studied using X-ray diffraction (XRD), infrared spectroscopy, thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA), chemical analysis and video microscopy. Kenaf fibers (3 cm long) were used to reinforce earth blocks, and the mechanical properties of reinforced blocks, with fiber contents ranging from 0.2 to 0.8 wt%, were investigated. The fibers were mainly composed of cellulose type I (70.4 wt%), hemicelluloses (18.9 wt%) and lignin (3 wt%) and were characterized by high tensile strength (1 ± 0.25 GPa) and Young’s modulus (136 ± 25 GPa), linked to their high cellulose content. The incorporation of short fibers of kenaf reduced the propagation of cracks in the blocks, through the good adherence of fibers to the clay matrix, and therefore improved their mechanical properties. Fiber incorporation was particularly beneficial for the bending strength of earth blocks because it reinforces these blocks after the failure of soil matrix observed for unreinforced blocks. Blocks reinforced with such fibers had a ductile tensile behavior that made them better building materials for masonry structures than unreinforced blocks.
Integral Steel Casting of Full Spade Rudder Trunk Carrier Housing for Supersized Container Vessels through Casting Process Engineering (Sekjin E&T)
Authors: Kim Tae , Jin Chul , Jeong Ill , Lim Sang , Mun Jea , Kang Chung , Seo Hyung , Kim Jong
Published: April 2015

In casting steel for offshore construction, integral casted structures are superior to welded structures in terms of preventing fatigue cracks in the stress raisers. In this study, mold design and casting analysis were conducted for integral carrier housing. Casting simulation was used for predicting molten metal flow and solidification during carrier housing casting, as well as the hot spots and porosity of the designed runner, risers, riser laggings, and the chiller. These predictions were used for deriving the final carrier housing casting plan, and a prototype was fabricated accordingly. A chemical composition analysis was conducted using a specimen sampled from a section of the prototype; the analytically obtained chemical composition agreed with the chemical composition of the existing carrier housing. Tensile and Charpy impact tests were conducted for determining the mechanical material properties. Carrier housing product after normalizing (920 °C/4.5 h, air-cooling) has 371 MPa of yield strength, 582 MPa of tensile strength, 33.4% of elongation as well as 64 J (0 °C) of impact energy.
Effect of Culture Conditions on Metabolite Production of Xylaria sp.
Authors: Zhang Hongqi , Deng Zhangshuang , Guo Zhiyong , Peng Yan , Huang Nianyu , He Haibo , Tu Xuan , Zou Kun
Published: April 2015

Seeking a strategy for triggering the cryptic natural product biosynthesis to yield novel compounds in the plant-associated fungus Xylaria sp., the effect of culture conditions on metabolite production was investigated. A shift in the production of five known cytochalasin-type analogues 1–5 to six new α-pyrone derivatives, xylapyrones A–F (compounds 6–11), from a solid to a liquid medium was observed. These compounds were identified by analysis of 1D and 2D NMR and HRMS data. Compounds 1–3 showed moderate cytotoxicity against HepG2 and Caski cancer cell lines with IC50 values ranging from 25 to 63 μM and compounds 4–11 were found to be inactive, with IC50 values >100 μM.
Consumption of a Polyphenol-Rich Grape-Wine Extract Lowers Ambulatory Blood Pressure in Mildly Hypertensive Subjects
Authors: Draijer Richard , De Graaf Young , Slettenaar Marieke , De Groot Eric , Wright Chris
Published: April 2015

Polyphenols in grape and wine have been suggested to contribute to the cardiovascular health benefits of the Mediterranean lifestyle. The reported effects of grape products on blood pressure (BP) remain, however, equivocal. In a double-blind placebo controlled crossover study, the effect of two grape extracts on BP and vascular function was assessed in 60 untreated, mildly hypertensive subjects after four weeks intervention. Both extracts (grape-red wine and grape alone) had high concentrations of anthocyanins and flavonols, but the grape alone was relatively poor in catechins and procyanidins. Parameters measured included ambulatory and office BP, flow-mediated vasodilation, arterial distensibility, platelet function and plasma lipoproteins. Results showed that 24-hour ambulatory systolic/diastolic BPs were significantly lower in the grape-wine extract intervention (135.9 ± 1.3/84.7 ± 0.8 mmHg; mean ± SEM) compared to placebo (138.9 ± 1.3/86.6 ± 1.2 mmHg), predominantly during daytime. Plasma concentrations of the vasoconstrictor endothelin-1 decreased by 10%, but other measures of vascular function were not affected. Grape juice extract alone had no effect on BP or any measures of vascular function. Polyphenol-rich food products, and may be specifically catechins and procyanidins, may thus help sustain a healthy BP and contribute to the healthy Mediterranean lifestyle.
Enteral Nutrition in Pancreaticoduodenectomy: A Literature Review
Authors: Buscemi Salvatore , Damiano Giuseppe , Palumbo Vincenzo , Spinelli Gabriele , Ficarella Silvia , Monte Giulia , Marrazzo Antonio , Monte Attilio
Published: April 2015

Pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD) is considered the gold standard treatment for periampullory carcinomas. This procedure presents 30%–40% of morbidity. Patients who have undergone pancreaticoduodenectomy often present perioperative malnutrition that is worse in the early postoperative days, affects the process of healing, the intestinal barrier function and the number of postoperative complications. Few studies focus on the relation between enteral nutrition (EN) and postoperative complications. Our aim was to perform a review, including only randomized controlled trial meta-analyses or well-designed studies, of evidence regarding the correlation between EN and main complications and outcomes after pancreaticoduodenectomy, as delayed gastric emptying (DGE), postoperative pancreatic fistula (POPF), postpancreatectomy hemorrhage (PPH), length of stay and infectious complications. Several studies, especially randomized controlled trial have shown that EN does not increase the rate of DGE. EN appeared safe and tolerated for patients after PD, even if it did not reveal any advantages in terms of POPF, PPH, length of stay and infectious complications.
Spatiotemporal Characteristics of Dry-Wet Abrupt Transition Based on Precipitation in Poyang Lake Basin, China
Authors: Li Xianghu , Ye Xuchun
Published: April 2015

The dry-wet abrupt transition (DWAT) is a typical anomaly of precipitation at the subseasonal scale and may result in a severer and greater hydro-meteorological hazard. This paper identified and examined the DWAT events in terms of precipitation in Poyang Lake basin, including both from dry to wet (DTW) and from wet to dry (WTD), during the period of 1960–2010 and analyzed its characteristics of temporal and spatial distribution and intra- and inter-annual tendencies based on the Mann–Kendall (M–K) test. The results revealed that the DTW was inclined to occur in March, but WTD in July and September; the inter-annual variation of the DWAT index showed a feeble long-term increasing trend in July and a decreasing trend in September with a Z-statistic of 1.81 and −1.44, respectively, although none of these trends achieved the statistical significance level (α = 0.05); the north parts of Poyang Lake basin experienced more DWAT events during the last 50 years in which the occurrence of WTD is more frequent than that of DTW. The outcomes of the study will help mitigate and regulate the flood and drought in Poyang Lake basin, as well as in other regions.
The Stability of Revegetated Ecosystems in Sandy Areas: An Assessment and Prediction Index
Authors: Huang Lei , Zhang Zhishan
Published: April 2015

The stability and sustainability of revegetated ecosystems is a central topic in ecological research. In this study, long-term monitoring and focused research on vegetation, soil and soil moisture from 2006 to 2012 were used to develop a model for evaluating indices of ecosystem stability using the analytical hierarchy process method. The results demonstrated that rainfall (R), vegetation coverage (C), and surface soil moisture (S) were the three most influential factors among the 14 indicators considered in a revegetated desert area in the Tengger Desert, China. A stability index (SI) was defined as SI = VAR (R) × VAR (C)/VAR (S), and a comparative study was conducted to examine the stability index of the natural vegetation community. The SI was divided into three regimes: SI < 0.006 was stable, 0.006 ≤ SI < 0.015 was semi-stable, and 0.015 ≤ SI was unstable. The stable, semi-stable and unstable periods of revegetated ecosystems in our simulations were 191, 17 and 11 years, respectively, within the total modeling period of 219 years. These results indicated that the revegetated desert ecosystem would be stable in most years during the vegetation succession, and this study presents new ideas for future artificial vegetation management in arid desert regions.
ADOPTION OF CASBEE BY JAPANESE HOUSE BUILDERS
Authors: Sasatani Daisuke , Bowers Tait , Ganguly Indroneil , Eastin Ivan L.
Published: April 2015

The Comprehensive Assessment of Systems for Built Environment Efficiency (CASBEE) for Home is the first national voluntary Green Building Program for residential structures in Japan. The effect of builder demographic factors on the adoption of the CASBEE for Home program were investigated since the success of CASBEE for Home will be heavily reliant on the usage of the program. In this study, the adoption of the CASBEE for Home program by home builders is modeled as a two-stage process with builder awareness preceding the actual use of CASBEE for Home. The results show that both firm size and the type of homes built influence Japanese builder's awareness of the CASBEE for Home program. In addition, respondents who had participated in the 200-Year House Program, another voluntary program, were significantly more likely to use CASBEE for Home. Finally, the number of years a builder has been in business both increased their awareness and usage of the CASBEE for Home program. Our results suggest that the likelihood of adopting the CASBEE for Home program was influenced by the internal resources available, the type of customers being served, and the business experience of the firm.
Research on Seebeck Coefficient of Thin-Film Thermocouple on Temperature-Testing Cutter
Authors: Cui Yun Xian , An Yang , Zhao Jia Hui , Sheng Xiao Xing
Published: April 2015

Performance of current temperature sensor is not satisfactory on monitoring transient temperature of cutting edge. A temperature-testing cutter is presented in this paper and analysis of Seebeck coefficient on thin film thermocouple is proposed with experiments. Thin film thermocouple is embedded into the cutting edge using magnetron sputtering technology. According to the fact that electrical conductivity can be replaced by the multiplication of electron mean free path λ and effective Fermi surface area A, a universal formula of thermoelectric power is given based on the diffuse thermoelectric power equation put forward by Mott and Jones. Using the expression of electron mean free path in gas model λ, the relationship of thermoelectric power between thin film and bulk material can be deduced. Result shows that the main influential factor of Seebeck coefficient is film thermal junction thickness. In addition, the Seebeck coefficient of different junction size and film thickness were tested by LabVIEW automatic calibration system. The experimental data indicates that Seebeck coefficient is determined by thermal junction thickness, and the sensor is found to be linear from room temperature up to 600°C while the Seebeck coefficient of thin film thermocouple becomes closer to standard thermocouple as the film thickness increments. However, junction size does not have a major influence on the Seebeck coefficient which is agreed by both theoretical analysis and test.
Design on Wireless Test Node for Shock Wave Field
Authors: Li Fan , Yang Wei Jun , Qin Fang
Published: April 2015

This paper introduces the wireless sensor network technology, explores a new method for explosion shock wave test, expounds the hardware and the key technology of wireless sensor network node. By out field test It shows that the node has the advantages of convenient installation, safe and reliable, high test precision, can implement the real-time acquisits transmiss and evaluats pressure signal. The design effectively solve the bottleneck of wave field test.
Analysis of High Pressure Gas Cylinder Preload of Screw Connection
Authors: Du Hai Xia , Yue Ying Juan , Xie Fang , Chen Fei
Published: April 2015

High pressure gas cylinder thread joint is the weak link in high pressure gas cylinders, The cylinders in use and the operating process, the main causes of cylinder screw thread failure is the improper preload. In this paper, cylindrical high-pressure cylinders threaded,connection for example,according to the bottleneck and the bottlevalve for high pressure gas cylinder structure, material and mechanical characteristics, establishing 3D solid model of the high-pressure cylinders connected by using the finite element software ANSYS, 3D model is applied to high pressure cylinders, thread connection analysis.
Influence of Screen Distance on Precision of Screen-Printing for Circuit Board
Authors: Wang Xin Feng , Xie Fang , Guo Jian Feng , Zhou Kai
Published: April 2015

Influence of screen distance on precision of screen-printing circuit is discussed in detail. This paper presents solution methods which improve precision of screen-printing for circuit board by derivation relationships of screen distance and precision of screen-printing
Structural Strength and Modal Analysis of a Certain Type of Heavy Vehicle Frame
Authors: Guo Zhi Qing , Li Yan Jiao , Liu Chang Jiang , Lv Qiu Juan , Qin Zhong Bao
Published: April 2015

This article make a research based on a certain type of heavy vehicle, In the research, we have made some analyses on structure reliability of the heavy truck with the assistance of some simulation platforms, such as computer aided design, finite element analysis, etc.. Based on the establishment of a correct finite element analysis model, analysis method is mainly about some research of the frame, such as typical working conditions of static analysis and modal analysis. Through these work, we can have a better understanding about the static and dynamic characteristic of the frame, so that we can find out the advantages and disadvantages of the car.
Wear Characteristic of Stainless Steel 304 Sliding against Cast Iron under Lubrication Environment of Palm Biodiesel Fuel
Authors: Muhammad Tadjuddin , Fuadi Zahrul , Fazmi Khalil , Husaini Husaini
Published: April 2015

The used of palm-biodiesel fuel in automotive industry is increasing rapidly nowadays. Among the reasons are high efficiency modern fuel injection system of diesel engines and the shortage of petroleum diesel fuel from fossil resources. Among the parts affected by the fuel switch are fuel pumps components, including the fuel injection needle. Those components, working under the lubrication environment of the fuel, have to be prevented from excessive wear to maintain their high performances. This paper discussed the wear characteristics of stainless steel 304 sliding against cast iron under the lubrication environment of palm-biodiesel fuel with the concentration of 7.5% palm methyl ester in the petroleum diesel fuel. The material pair is chosen because of their widely used as mechanical components. The tests were conducted using a ball on disk tribometer. The results show that wear of the stainless steel ball is smaller in the environment with the presence of palm methyl ester content in the diesel fuel compared to that in the environment without the presence of the palm methyl ester content. The results suggested that palm-biodiesel fuel is favorable in decreasing the wear of the material.
Steady-State Cornering Modeling and Analysis of Three-Wheel Narrow Vehicle
Authors: Wasiwitono Unggul , Sutantra I. Nyoman , Yohanes  , Triwinarno Yunarko
Published: April 2015

Electric mobility seems to be an innovative alternative to future urban transport. In this study, a steady-state cornering model of a three-wheel narrow electric vehicle is derived. The steady-state cornering analysis is conducted by varying the location of the vehicle center of gravity, speed and tilt angle. From this analysis, the center of gravity location and tilt angle that gives better cornering characteristics can be obtained. Therefore, this analysis helps and can be used as starting point to design the chassis and the tilting control system of the three-wheel narrow electric vehicle.
FEM Simulation of Machining AISI 1045 Steel Using Driven Rotary Tool
Authors: Burhannudin Yanuar , Harun Suryadiwansa , Ibrahim Gusri Akhyar
Published: April 2015

This study investigates the influences of driven rotary tool (DRT) on temperatures and forces when turning AISI 1045 steel. A set of cutting conditions was used in FE simulations to predict cutting force, stresses and temperatures developed at around the edge of tool. The material cutting speed ranges were set between 20 and 250 m min-1. The rotary tool speed were 0 and 100 rpm.. The feed rate and the depth of cut were set constant. Simulation results provided the predicted cutting distribution of temperatures and stresses at the chip and work piece.
Invariant NKT Cells Require Autophagy To Coordinate Proliferation and Survival Signals during Differentiation
Authors: Pei Bo , Zhao Meng , Miller Brian C. , Véla Jose Luis , Bruinsma Monique W. , Virgin Herbert W. , Kronenberg Mitchell
Published: April 2015

Autophagy regulates cell differentiation, proliferation, and survival in multiple cell types, including cells of the immune system. In this study, we examined the effects of a disruption of autophagy on the differentiation of invariant NKT (iNKT) cells. Using mice with a T lymphocyte–specific deletion of Atg5 or Atg7, two members of the macroautophagic pathway, we observed a profound decrease in the iNKT cell population. The deficit is cell-autonomous, and it acts predominantly to reduce the number of mature cells, as well as the function of peripheral iNKT cells. In the absence of autophagy, there is reduced progression of iNKT cells in the thymus through the cell cycle, as well as increased apoptosis of these cells. Importantly, the reduction in Th1-biased iNKT cells is most pronounced, leading to a selective reduction in iNKT cell–derived IFN-γ. Our findings highlight the unique metabolic and genetic requirements for the differentiation of iNKT cells.
An overview of the National Health Insurance and its possible impact on eye healthcare services in South Africa
Authors: Sithole H. Lawrence
Published: April 2015

The National Health Insurance (NHI) is an important development that underpins democracy in South Africa. It aims to redress the inequities of public healthcare delivery by implementing transformational policies towards establishing inclusive public healthcare coverage for the entire population of South Africa, with more emphasis on health promotion. The implementation of this initiative has created some hope amongst primary eye healthcare professionals, such as optometrists, that their profession may finally be given the recognition it deserves. Although the government is contemplating introducing a new directorate for eye healthcare and forming an advisory committee on eye healthcare reporting to the Minister of Health, the extent to which eye healthcare will be incorporated into the NHI is currently not clear. It is believed that the white paper on the NHI will shed some light on these issues. Unfortunately, current indications are that the initiative has serious challenges to overcome such as poor infrastructure, budgetary constraints and lack of interest from other healthcare professionals. Furthermore, corruption issues may also need to be addressed if the NHI is to be implemented successfully. Nevertheless, the NHI remains a positive proposition for universal health coverage for the people of South Africa, and there is hope that primary eye care providers, such as optometrists and other eye care professionals, will also play a greater role in the NHI than they currently do in the public healthcare system.
Parasites of pigs in two farms with poor husbandry practices in Bishoftu, Ethiopia
Authors: Jufare Alemnesh , Awol Nesibu , Tadesse Fanos , Tsegaye Yisehak , Hadush Birhanu
Published: April 2015

A cross-sectional study was conducted from November 2011 to April 2012 on a total of 384 pigs from two privately owned intensive farms in Bishoftu, Ethiopia. The objectives of the study were to identify and determine the prevalence of common parasites of pigs. For the determination of gastrointestinal (GIT) parasites, faecal samples were collected from the study animals and subjected to standard parasitological examination techniques. Physical examination was conducted for the presence of skin parasitic lesions and skin scrapings were collected to determine prevalence of ectoparasites. The overall prevalence of GIT parasites in the pigs was 25% (96/384). Examination of faecal samples revealed the ova or oocysts of four different gastrointestinal parasites, namely Coccidia (12%), Strongyles (5.2%), Ascaris suum (4.9%) and Trichuris suis (2.9%). Mixed infection by at least two parasite species was observed in 3.65% (14/384) of the pigs. The only ectoparasite species identified was Sarcoptes scabiei var. suis, with a prevalence of 2.6%. This study indicates that pig parasites are a major problem in the study area, hence implementation of strategic control measures and appropriate hygienic management systems are recommended to reduce the prevalence of parasites.
Hydronephrosis as an Unusual Cause of Acute Pancreatitis
Authors: Lugito Nata Pratama Hardjo , Gunawan Edy , Chandra Margaret , Kurniawan Andree
Published: April 2015

Acute pancreatitis is an inflammatory disease of the pancreas. The most common cause of acute pancreatitis is gallstone impacting the distal common bile–pancreatic duct (38%) and alcoholism (36%). There have been a few reports in the literature of acute pancreatitis associated with an obstructed urinary system. This case describes a 38-year-old male with acute pancreatitis occurring in the setting of hydronephrosis. A magnetic resonance cholangiopancreaticography (MRCP) showed right-sided severe hydronephrosis pushing the duodenum and head of pancreas anteriorly, thus obliterating distal segment of the common bile duct. There were also multiple right renal stones causing ureteral obstruction and hydronephrosis. Right nephrostomy was performed to release bile duct obstruction. However, sepsis and disseminated intravascular coagulation developed as a complication of acute pancreatitis, and the patient passed away. Although gallstone and alcoholism are the most common causes of acute pancreatitis, other causes should always be considered. Physicians should be aware of right hydronephrosis as one of the possible causes of acute pancreatitis in their workup of patients.
Cross-sectional Imaging Features of Primary Retroperitoneal Tumors and Their Subsequent Treatment
Authors: Acar Turker , Harman Mustafa , Guneyli Serkan , Gemici Kazim , Efe Duran , Guler Ibrahim , Yildiz Melda
Published: April 2015

Basically malignant tumors in the retroperitoneal region arise from a heterogeneous group of tissues: mesodermal, neurogenic, germ cell, and lymphoid. Although rare, benign tumors and cystic masses can be also encountered in retroperitoneal space. Developments in computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) have contributed to both diagnosis and staging of the retroperitoneal tumors. High spatial resolution and superiority in calcification make CT indispensable; on the other hand, MRI has a better soft-tissue contrast resolution which is essential for the assessment of vascular invasion and tissue characterization. The aim of this article is to review the CT and MRI features of retroperitoneal tumors and their subsequent management.
Effects of Reynolds and Prandtl Numbers on Heat Transfer Around a Circular Cylinder by the Simplified Thermal Lattice Boltzmann Model
Authors: Chen Qing , Zhang Xiaobing , Zhang Junfeng
Published: April 2015

In this paper, the fluid flow and heat transfer around a circular cylinder are studied under various conditions (Reynolds number 10 <Re< 200; Prandtl number, 0.1 ≤Pr≤ 2). To solve the governing equations, we use the simplified thermal lattice Boltzmann model based on double-distribution function approach, and present a corresponding boundary treatment for both velocity and temperature fields. Extensive numerical results have been obtained to the flow and heat transfer behaviors. The vortices and temperature evolution processes indicate that the flow and temperature fields change synchronously, and the vortex shedding plays a determinant role in the heat transfer. Furthermore, the effects of Reynolds and Prandtl number on the flow and isothermal patterns and local and averaged Nusselt numbers are discussed in detail. Our simulations show that the local and averaged Nusselt numbers increase with the Reynolds and Prandtl numbers, irrespective of the flow regime. However, the minimum value of the local Nusselt number can shift from the rear point at the back of the cylinder with higher Prandtl number even in the steady flow regime, and the distribution of the local Nusselt number is almost monotonous from front stagnation point to rear stagnation point with lower Prandtl number in the unsteady flow regime.
Efficient Stabilization of Advection Terms Involved in Separated Representations of Boltzmann and Fokker-Planck Equations
Authors: Chinesta F. , Abisset-Chavanne E. , Ammar A. , Cueto E.
Published: April 2015

The fine description of complex fluids can be carried out by describing the evolution of each individual constituent (e.g. each particle, each macromolecule, etc.). This procedure, despite its conceptual simplicity, involves many numerical issues, the most challenging one being that related to the computing time required to update the system configuration by describing all the interactions between the different individuals. Coarse grained approaches allow alleviating the just referred issue: the system is described by a distribution function providing the fraction of entities that at certain time and position have a particular conformation. Thus, mesoscale models involve many different coordinates, standard space and time, and different conformational coordinates whose number and nature depend on the particular system considered. Balance equation describing the evolution of such distribution function consists of an advection-diffusion partial differential equation defined in a high dimensional space. Standard mesh-based discretization techniques fail at solving high-dimensional models because of the curse of dimensionality. Recently the authors proposed an alternative route based on the use of separated representations. However, until now these approaches were unable to address the case of advection dominated models due to stabilization issues. In this paper this issue is revisited and efficient procedures for stabilizing the advection operators involved in the Boltzmann and Fokker-Planck equation within the PGD framework are proposed.
Why Do We Wait until People Die to Ask about Our Roots?
Authors: O'Donnell Michael P.
Published: April 2015

I never really knew my Grampa Bly. He died when I was 2 years old. I never really felt a connection to him, until a few years after my mother died, until I could not ask questions about him or the early years of her family. Now I realize that we have lot in common. Could my passion for health promotion, service, and travel have come from him? What I do know comes from diaries, newspaper clippings, and the rambling stories of my uncle who suffered from severe dementia. What I do not know fills my head. What questions would I ask if I could? Why did I wait?
La marca: señal, nombre, identidad y blasón
Authors: Chaves Norberto
Published: April 2015

La marca, en tanto signo identificador gráfico, hereda los atributos de la milenaria historia del acto de señalar, en cuyo derrotero acumula diversos planos de sentido que la asocian a la identidad de su usuario. El diseño de esos signos incrementa su calidad en la medida en que tales planos de sentido estén presentes en la labor del diseñador; pues le permiten desdeñar los preconceptos que postulan falsas funciones de la marca y ceñirse a los requisitos de la función identificadora.
Titanium Surface Roughing Treatments contribute to Higher Interaction with Salivary Proteins MG2 and Lactoferrin
Authors: Cavalcanti Yuri Wanderley , Soares Rodrigo Villamarim , Assis Marina Araújo Leite , Zenóbio Elton Gonçalves , da Silva Girundi Francisco Mauro
Published: April 2015

Some surface treatments performed on titanium can alter the composition of salivary pellicle formed on this abiotic surface. Such treatments modify the titanium's surface properties and can promote higher adsorption of proteins, which allow better integration of titanium to the biotic system.

Purpose

This study aimed to evaluate the interactions between salivary proteins and titanium disks with different surface treatments.

Materials and methods

Machined titanium disks (n = 48) were divided into four experimental groups (n = 12), according to their surface treatments: surface polishing (SP); acid etching (A); spot-blasting plus acid etching (SB-A); spot-blasting followed by acid etching and nano-functionalization (SB-A-NF). Titanium surfaces were characterized by surface roughness and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Specimens were incubated with human saliva extracted from submandibular and sublingual glands. Total salivary protein adsorbed to titanium was quantified and samples were submitted to western blotting for mucin glycoprotein 2 (MG2) and lactoferrin identification.

Results

Surface roughness was statistically higher for SB-A and SB-A-NF groups. Scanning electron microscopy images confirmed that titanium surface treatments increased surface roughness with higher number of porous and scratches for SB-A and SB-A-NF groups. Total protein adsorption was significantly higher for SB-A and SB-A-NF groups (p < 0.05), which also presented higher interactions with MG2 and lactoferrin proteins.

Conclusion

The roughing of titanium surface by spot-blasting plus acid etching treatments contribute to higher interaction with salivary proteins, such as MG2 and lactoferrin.

Clinical significance

Titanium surface roughing increases the interactions of the substratum with salivary proteins, which can influence the integration of dental implants and their components to the oral environment. However, those treatments should be used carefully intraorally, avoiding increase biofilm formation.

How to cite this article

Cavalcanti YW, Soares RV, Assis MAL, Zenóbio EG, da Silva Girundi FM. Titanium Surface Roughing Treatments contribute to Higher Interaction with Salivary Proteins MG2 and Lactoferrin. J Contemp Dent Pract 2015;16(2):141-146.
Physical processes of thermokarst lakes in the continuous permafrost zone of northern Siberia – observations and modeling (Lena River Delta, Siberia)
Authors: Boike J. , Georgi C. , Kirilin G. , Muster S. , Abramova K. , Fedorova I. , Chetverova A. , Grigoriev M. , Bornemann N. , Langer M.
Published: April 2015

Abstract. The thermal regimes of five lakes located within the continuous permafrost zone of northern Siberia (Lena River Delta) have been investigated using hourly water temperature and water level records covering a three year period (2009–2012), together with bathymetric survey data. The lakes included thermokarst lakes located on Holocene river terraces that may be connected to Lena River water during spring flooding, and a thermokarst lake located on deposits of the Pleistocene Ice Complex. The data were used for numerical modeling with FLake software, and also to determine the physical indices of the lakes. The lakes vary in area, depths and volumes. The winter thermal regime is characterized by an ice cover up to 2 m thick that survives for more than 7 months of the year, from October until about mid-June. Lake-bottom temperatures increase at the start of the ice-covered period due to upward-directed heat flux from the underlying thawed sediment. The effects of solar radiation return prior to ice break-up, effectively warming the water beneath the ice cover and inducing convective mixing. Ice break-up starts the beginning of June and takes until the middle or end of June for completion. Mixing occurs within the entire water column from the start of ice break-up and continues during the ice-free periods, as confirmed by the Wedderburn numbers. Some of the lakes located closest to the Lena River are subjected to varying levels of spring flooding with river water, on an annual basis. Numerical modeling using FLake software indicates that the vertical heat flux across the bottom sediment tends towards an annual mean of zero, with maximum downward fluxes of about 5 W m−2 in summer and with heat released back into the water column at a~rate of less than 1 W m−2 during the ice-covered period. The lakes are shown to be efficient heat absorbers and effectively distribute the heat through mixing. Monthly bottom water temperatures during the ice-free period range up to 15 °C and are therefore higher than the associated monthly air or ground temperatures in the surrounding frozen permafrost landscape. The investigated lakes remain unfrozen at depth, with mean annual lake-bottom temperatures of between 2.7 and 4 °C. The data are available in the Supplement for this paper and through the PANGAEA website (http://www.pangaea.de/).
Variability in snow cover phenology in China from 1952 to 2010
Authors: Ke C. Q. , Li X. C. , Xie H. , Liu X. , Kou C.
Published: April 2015

Abstract. Daily snow observation data from 672 stations, particularly the 352 stations with over ten annual mean snow cover days (SCD), during 1952–2010 in China, are used in this study. We first examine spatiotemporal variations and trends of SCD, snow cover onset date (SCOD), and snow cover end date (SCED). We then investigate SCD relationships with number of days with temperature below 0 °C (TBZD), mean air temperature (MAT), and Arctic Oscillation (AO) index, the latter two being constrained to the snow season of each snow year. The results indicate that the heavy-snow years for the entire country include 1955, 1957, 1964, and 2010, and light-snow years include 1953, 1965, 1999, 2002, and 2009. The reduced TBZD and increased MAT are the main reasons for the overall delay of SCOD and advance of SCED since 1952, although it is not necessary for one station to experience both significantly delayed SCOD and early SCED. This explains why only 15% of the stations show significant shortening of SCD, while 75% of the stations show no significant change in the SCD trends. This differs with the overall shortening of the snow period in the Northern Hemisphere previously reported. Our analyses indicate that the SCD distribution pattern and trends in China are very complex and are not controlled by any single climate variable examined (i.e. TBZD, MAT, or AO), but a combination of multiple variables. It is found that the AO index has the maximum impact on the SCD shortening trends in Shandong Peninsula, Changbai Mountains, and North Xinjiang, while the combined TBZD and MAT have the maximum impact on the SCD shortening trends in the Loess Plateau, Xiaoxingganling, and Sanjiang Plain.
MAPPING OF ALGAE RICHNESS USING SPATIAL DATA INTERPOLATION
Authors: Tapia-Silva F. O. , Hernández-Cervantes O. E. , Vilchis-Alfaro M. I. , Sentíes A. , Dreckmann K. M.
Published: April 2015

Abstract. This work describes the generation of a database of algal species richness at two spatial scales – regional (Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean) and global (coastal zones). As a first approach to the definition of the temporal variability, and to produce the corresponding maps, a previously published decision tree is used in order to select the best spatial interpolation technique according to the characteristics of the spatial data. The methods presented are ordinary Kriging (since no relationship exists with any environmental variable that could function as an external variable) and inverse distance squared, for comparative purposes. The methods to generate the spatial layers are evaluated using the leave-one-out cross validation technique. Although the evaluation did not find a large correspondence (in terms of linear regression) between the interpolated and measured values, it was possible to capture the spatial variability of the process and produce the cartography of this variable, with which future ecological analyses can be performed.
WATERLINE DETECTION AND MONITORING IN THE GERMAN WADDEN SEA USING HIGH RESOLUTION SATELLITE-BASED RADAR MEASUREMENTS
Authors: Wiehle S. , Lehner S. , Pleskachevsky A.
Published: April 2015

Abstract. High resolution TerraSAR-X/TanDEM-X as well as Sentinel-1 remote sensing Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) data are used to determine and monitor the waterline in the Wadden Sea. In this very unique and dynamic coastal region in the southeastern North Sea, tidal flats extend several kilometers away from the coast during low tide with features like tidal inlets and sand banks. Under the influence of tidal water currents transporting large amounts of eroded material, inlets and sand banks move over time; heavy storms can even cause large variations in their extensions in merely a few hours. Observation of these obstacles is crucial for maritime security as high ship traffic is caused by the ports of Hamburg, Bremerhaven, Wilhelmshaven and others. Conventional monitoring campaigns with ships or airplanes are economically expensive and can only provide limited coverage. We present an automatic algorithm with Near Real-Time capability for extracting the waterline at the time of recording from SAR images, which allows for a fast and large scale determination of changes in coastal outlines. The comparison of recent acquisitions of TerraSAR-X and Sentinel-1 to bathymetry data of the Elbe estuary obtained in 2010 reveals significant changes in tidal flat structures.