bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Assessing the Needs to Incorporate Completion Details in a Petroleum
Reservoir Simulation Model
Authors: Ouyang Liang-Biao
Published: March 2015

Most of the current research and commercial reservoir simulators lack the capability to handle complex completion
details like perforation tunnels in a simulation study. In most common applications, the simplified handling of
completion complexity in reservoir simulations is not expected to introduce significant error in simulation results. However,
it has been found that under certain circumstances, especially in high rate wells that have become more and more
common in deepwater oil and profilic gas development, exclusion of the complex completion details in a reservoir simulation
model would lead to nontrivial errors. New equations have been proposed to assess the needs to incorporate completion
details in a reservoir simulation study based on the understanding of the fluid flow in a formation, the fluid flow
along a wellbore and the fluid flow through perforation tunnels if exist. A series of sensitivity studies with different completion
options under different flow and reservoir environments has been conducted to provide some guidance to improve
well performance prediction through reservoir simulation. Impacts of key parameters like perforation density, perforation
diameter, perforation length, wellbore length, borehole diameter, well completion configuration, well placement, reservoir
permeability, reservoir heterogeneity, pressure drawdown, etc, have also been investigated.
Power Generation Dispatch Considering Energy Value and Environmental Protection
Authors: Wang Yantao , Han Xueshan
Published: March 2015

Electric power industry should play a bigger role in energy conservation and emission reduction, while the
ecosystem degradation rises because of the shortage of energy, the greenhouse effect and the environmental pollution.
Power generation dispatch is the key practice in electric power industry. In this paper, the value based dispatch theory is
proposed, which assigns the value to the natural resources according to the social development as well as environmental
and economic reasons. The goal of this theory is to maximize the energy value through the market mechanism. The
implementation is discussed based on a real case.
Settling Efficiency of Urban Particulate Matter Transported by Stormwater Runoff
Authors: Carbone Marco , Penna Nadia , Piro Patrizia
Published: March 2015

The main purpose of control measures in urban areas is to retain particulate matter washed out by stormwater over impermeable surfaces. In stormwater control measures, particulate matter removal typically occurs via sedimentation. Settling column tests were performed to examine the settling efficiency of such units using monodisperse and heterodisperse particulate matter (for which the particle size distributions were measured and modelled by the cumulative gamma distribution). To investigate the dependence of settling efficiency from the particulate matter, a variant of the evolutionary polynomial regression (EPR), a Microsoft Excel function based on multi‐objective EPR technique (EPR‐MOGA), called EPR MOGA XL, was used as a data‐mining strategy. The results from this study have shown that settling efficiency is a function of the initial total suspended solids (TSS) concentration and of the median diameter (d50 index), obtained from the particle size distributions (PSDs) of the samples.
A Web-Based Intervention for Users of Amphetamine-Type Stimulants: 3-Month Outcomes of a Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Tait Robert J , McKetin Rebecca , Kay-Lambkin Frances , Carron-Arthur Bradley , Bennett Anthony , Bennett Kylie , Christensen Helen , Griffiths Kathleen M
Published: March 2015

Background

Among illicit drugs, the prevalence of amphetamine-type stimulant (ATS) use is second only to cannabis. Currently, there are no approved pharmacotherapies for ATS problems, but some face-to-face psychotherapies are effective. Web-based interventions have proven to be effective for some substance use problems, but none has specifically targeted ATS users.

Objective

The objective of the study was to evaluate the effectiveness of a Web-based intervention for ATS problems on a free-to-access site compared with a waitlist control group.

Methods

We used a randomized controlled trial design. The primary outcome measure was self-reported ATS use in the past three months assessed using the Alcohol, Smoking, Substance Involvement Screening Test (ASSIST). Other measures included quality of life (EUROHIS score), psychological distress (K-10 score), days out of role, poly-drug use, general help-seeking intentions, actual help-seeking, and “readiness to change”. The intervention consisted of three fully automated, self-guided modules based on cognitive behavioral therapy and motivation enhancement. The analysis was an intention-to-treat analysis using generalized estimating equation models, with a group by time interaction as the critical assessment.

Results

We randomized 160 people (intervention n=81, control n=79). At three months, 35/81 (43%) intervention and 45/79 (57%) control participants provided follow-up data. In the intervention group, 51/81 (63%) completed at least one module. The only significant group by time interaction was for days out of role. The pre/post change effect sizes showed small changes (range d=0.14 to 0.40) favoring the intervention group for poly-drug use, distress, actual help-seeking, and days out of role. In contrast, the control group was favored by reductions in ATS use, improvements in quality of life, and increases in help-seeking intentions (range d=0.09 to 0.16).

Conclusions

This Web-based intervention for ATS use produced few significant changes in outcome measures. There were moderate, but nonsignificant reductions in poly-drug use, distress, days partially out of role, and increases in help-seeking. However, high levels of participant attrition, plus low levels of engagement with the modules, preclude firm conclusions being drawn on the efficacy of the intervention and emphasize the problems of engaging this group of clients in a fully automated program.

Trial Registration

Australian and New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry: ACTRN 12611000947909; https://www.anzctr.org.au/Trial/Registration/TrialReview.aspx?ACTRN=12611000947909 (Archived by WebCite at http://www.webcitation.org/6SHTxEnzP).
Patient Smartphone Ownership and Interest in Mobile Apps to Monitor Symptoms of Mental Health Conditions: A Survey in Four Geographically Distinct Psychiatric Clinics
Authors: Torous John , Chan Steven Richard , Yee-Marie Tan Shih , Behrens Jacob , Mathew Ian , Conrad Erich J , Hinton Ladson , Yellowlees Peter , Keshavan Matcheri
Published: March 2015

Background

Despite growing interest in mobile mental health and utilization of smartphone technology to monitor psychiatric symptoms, there remains a lack of knowledge both regarding patient ownership of smartphones and their interest in using such to monitor their mental health.

Objective

To provide data on psychiatric outpatients’ prevalence of smartphone ownership and interest in using their smartphones to run applications to monitor their mental health.

Methods

We surveyed 320 psychiatric outpatients from four clinics around the United States in order to capture a geographically and socioeconomically diverse patient population. These comprised a state clinic in Massachusetts (n=108), a county clinic in California (n=56), a hybrid public and private clinic in Louisiana (n=50), and a private/university clinic in Wisconsin (n=106).

Results

Smartphone ownership and interest in utilizing such to monitor mental health varied by both clinic type and age with overall ownership of 62.5% (200/320), which is slightly higher than the average United States’ rate of ownership of 58% in January 2014. Overall patient interest in utilizing smartphones to monitor symptoms was 70.6% (226/320).

Conclusions

These results suggest that psychiatric outpatients are interested in using their smartphones to monitor their mental health and own the smartphones capable of running mental healthcare related mobile applications.
Feasibility and Perception of Using Text Messages as an Adjunct Therapy for Low-Income, Minority Mothers With Postpartum Depression
Authors: Broom Matthew A , Ladley Amy S , Rhyne Elizabeth A , Halloran Donna R
Published: March 2015

Background

Postpartum depression (PPD) is the most common medical problem among new mothers that can have a negative impact on infant health. Traditional treatments are often difficult for low-income mothers to complete, particularly given the numerous barriers families face.

Objective

Among low-income, primarily racial, and ethnic minority mothers with postpartum depression, our aim was to evaluate (1) the feasibility of sending supportive text messages, and (2) the perception of receiving private, supportive text messages for postpartum depression.

Methods

Mothers found to be at risk for postpartum depression received supportive text messages four times weekly for 6 months in addition to receiving access to traditional counseling services based within an academic pediatric office. Feasibility was evaluated along with cellular and text messaging use, access, and perception of the message protocol. Perception of the message protocol was evaluated at study completion via a Likert scale questionnaire and open-ended qualitative survey.

Results

In total, 4158/4790 (86.81%) text messages were successfully delivered to 54 mothers over a 6-month period at a low cost (US $777.60). Among the 96 scripted messages, 37 unique messages (38.54%) allowed for a response. Of all sent messages that allowed for responses, 7.30% (118/1616) were responded to, and 66.1% of those responses requested a call back; 46% (25/54) of mothers responded at least once to a text message. Mothers felt that messages were easily received and read (25/28, 89%) and relevant to them personally (23/28, 82%). Most shared texts with others (21/28, 75%).

Conclusions

Text messaging is feasible, well-accepted, and may serve as a simple, inexpensive adjunct therapy well-suited to cross socioeconomic boundaries and provide private support for at-risk mothers suffering from postpartum depression.
The adsorption behavior and mechanism investigation of Cr(VI) ions removal by poly(2-(dimethylamino)ethyl methacrylate)/poly(ethyleneimine) gels
Authors: Hou Zhengbo , Zhu Weixia , Song Hang , Chen Pengfei , Yao Shun
Published: March 2015

The composite hydrogels based on N,N?-dimethylamino ethyl methacrylate
(DMAEMA) and polyethyleneimine (PEI) were prepared by amino radical
polymerization and confirmed by Fourier Transform Infrared Spectra (FTIR) and
elemental analysis. Then adsorption behavior and mechanism of Cr(VI) ions on
the obtained materials were investigated with scanning electron microscope,
Zeta potential and thermal gravity analysis, etc. The adsorption process was
found to follow the pseudo-second order kinetics and Langmuir model, and the
maximum adsorption capacity of Cr(VI) ions reached 122.8 mg g-1. X-ray
photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and pH analysis revealed that the Cr(VI)
ions were adsorbed into the gels through electrostatic interaction mechanism,
and SO42- in the solution had a great effect on the adsorption process. In
addition, high pH and ionic strength could reduce the uptakes of adsorbate,
which could be used for desorption of Cr(VI) ions from the gels.
Analysis of alcohol dehydrogenase inhibitors from Desmodium styracifolium using centrifugal ultrafiltration coupled with HPLC-MS
Authors: Liu Liangliang , Chen Miao , Chen Xiaoqing
Published: March 2015

Alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH) inhibitors play an important role in the
treatment of human methanol or ethylene glycol poisoning and the suppression
of acetaldehyde accumulation in alcoholics. In this study, centrifugal
ultrafiltration coupled with high performance liquid chromatography-mass
spectrometry (HPLC-MS) was utilized to screen and identify ADH inhibitors
from ethyl acetate extract of Desmosium styracifolium (Osb.) Merr. The
experiment conditions of centrifugal ultrafiltration were optimized. At the
optimum conditions (ADH concentration: 37.5 ?g mL-1, incubation time: 90 min,
pH: 7.0 and temperature: 15?C), formononetin and aromadendrin were
successfully screened and identified from ethyl acetate extract of Desmodium
styracifolium. The screening result was verified by ADH inhibition assays.
The IC50 values of formononetin and aromadendrin were 70.8 and 84.7 ?g mL-1,
which were accorded with the binding degrees of them. Aromadendrin was first
reported to have inhibitory activity on ADH. This method provided an
effective way to screen active compounds from natural products.
An investigation of nucleophilic substitution reactions of 2,3-dichloro-1,4-naphthoquinone with various nucleophilic reagents
Authors: Ibis Cemil , Shntaif Hassen , Bahar Hakan , Ayla Sahinler
Published: March 2015

Novel N- , N,S- and N,O- substituted naphthoquinone compounds were prepared
by the reactions of 2,3-dichloro-1,4-naphthoquinone (1) and the corresponding
nucleophiles in the presence of chloroform and triethylamine or ethanol
solution of Na2CO3. The structures of the novel naphthoquinone compounds were
characterized by micro analysis, FT-IR, 1H NMR, 13C NMR, MS and cyclic
voltammetry.
An evaluation of self-esteem and quality of life in orthodontic patients: Effects of crowding and protrusion
Authors: Jung Min-Ho
Published: March 2015

Objective: 

To evaluate the effect of dental crowding and lip protrusion on self-esteem and quality of life (QOL) in female orthodontic patients with Class I malocclusion.

Materials and Methods: 

The study sample consisted of 201 patients (mean age 22.6 ± 3.0 years) who sought orthodontic treatment. All the patients were evaluated before treatment in terms of their degree of dental crowding and lip protrusion. Rosenberg's Self-Esteem Scale and the Orthognathic Quality of Life Questionnaire (OQLQ) were used to determine self-esteem and QOL and to evaluate whether these values were related to malocclusion severity.

Results: 

The results indicated that severe crowding and severe protrusion can result in lower self-esteem and poorer QOL (P < .05) than mild crowding and protrusion in Class I malocclusion. In the oral function component of the OQLQ, the severity of protrusion did not have significant effect.

Conclusions: 

In Class I malocclusion, patients with mild crowding or protrusion had significantly better self-esteem and QOL scores than severe crowding or protrusion patients.
Risk Diversification Between Stock Markets In Germany And Bosnia And Herzegovina
Authors: Zaimović Azra , Arnaut Berilo Almira
Published: March 2015

The integration of global equity markets has been a well-studied topic in the last few decades, particularly after stock market crashes. Most studies have focused on developed markets such as the US, Western Europe and Japan. The findings were that the degree of international co-movements among stock prices has substantially increased in the post-crash regime. In this paper we research the co-movements of German and Bosnian stock markets during and after the recent economic and financial crisis.

International market integration means that assets of equal risk provide the same expected returns across integrated markets. This means fewer opportunities for risk diversification if the markets are integrated. It is also believed that stock market indices of integrated markets move together over the long run with the possibility of short-run divergence. There is considerable academic research on the benefits of international diversification. Investors who buy stocks in domestic as well in foreign markets seek to reduce risk through international diversification. The risk reduction takes place if the various markets are not perfectly correlated. The increasing correlation among markets during and after the crises has restricted the scope for international diversification.

International stock market linkages are the subject of extensive research due to rapid capital flows between countries because of financial deregulation, lower transaction and information costs, and the potential benefits from international diversification. Most stock markets in the world tend to move together, in the same direction, implying positive correlation. In and after crises they tend to move together even more strongly. Thus, this paper aims to research if there are any diversification opportunities by spreading out investments across developed and underdeveloped capital markets.

This research attempts to examine the scope of international diversification between German and Bosnian equity markets during the 6-year period from 2006 to 2011. We test the hypothesis of whether there are any risk diversification possibilities by spreading out the investments between German and Bosnian equity markets. In order to determine the mean-variance efficiency of portfolios we use the method of convex (quadratic and linear) programming. The hypothesis is tested with the Markowitz portfolio optimization method using our own software.

The results of this research might enhance the efficiency of portfolio management for both types of capital market under analysis, and prove especially useful for institutional investors such as investment funds.
Fabrication and Test of an Air-Breathing Microfluidic Fuel Cell
Authors: Shyu Jin-Cherng , Wang Po-Yan , Lee Chien-Liang , Chang Sung-Chun , Sheu Tsung-Sheng , Kuo Chun-Hsien , Huang Kun-Lung , Yang Zi-Yi
Published: March 2015

An air-breathing direct formic acid microfluidic fuel cell, which had a self-made anode electrode of 10 mg/cm2 Pd loading and 6 mg/cm2 Nafion content, was fabricated and tested. The microfluidic fuel cell was achieved by bonding a PDMS microchannel that was fabricated by a soft-lithography process and a PMMA sheet that was machined by a CO2 laser for obtaining 50 through holes of 0.5 mm in diameter. Formic acid of 0.3 M, 0.5 M, and 1.0 M, mixed with 0.5-M H2SO4, was supplied at a flow rate ranging from 0.1 to 0.7 mL/min as fuel. The maximum power density of the fuel cell fed with 0.5-M HCOOH was approximately 31, 32.16, and 31 mW/cm2 at 0.5, 0.6, and 0.7 mL/min, respectively. The simultaneous recording of the flow in the microchannel and the current density of the fuel cell at 0.2 V, within a 100-s duration, showed that the period and amplitude of each unsteady current oscillation were associated with the bubble resident time and bubble dimension, respectively. The effect of bubble dimension included the longitudinal and transverse bubble dimension, and the distance between two in-line bubbles as well.
The Effects of Marine Carbohydrates and Glycosylated Compounds on Human Health
Authors: Kang Hee-Kyoung , Seo Chang , Park Yoonkyung
Published: March 2015

Marine organisms have been recognized as a valuable source of bioactive compounds with industrial and nutraceutical potential. Recently, marine-derived carbohydrates, including polysaccharides and low molecular weight glycosylated oligosaccharides, have attracted much attention because of their numerous health benefits. Moreover, several studies have reported that marine carbohydrates exhibit various biological activities, including antioxidant, anti-infection, anticoagulant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-diabetic effects. The present review discusses the potential industrial applications of bioactive marine carbohydrates for health maintenance and disease prevention. Furthermore, the use of marine carbohydrates in food, cosmetics, agriculture, and environmental protection is discussed.
Protease and Hemicellulase Assisted Extraction of Dietary Fiber from Wastes of Cynara cardunculus
Authors: Domingo Cinthia , Soria Marcelo , Rojas Ana , Fissore Eliana , Gerschenson Lía
Published: March 2015

The action of protease and hemicellulase for the extraction of fractions enriched in soluble fiber from bracts and stems of Cynara cardunculus was evaluated. Using a two-factor simplex design comprising protease amounts of 0–200 μL and hemicellulase amounts of 0–200 mg for 5 g of material, we explored the effect of a 5 h enzymatic treatment at 40 °C on the chemical composition and yield of the fractions isolated. The fractions contained inulin and pectin. In general, the protein, inulin, and polyphenol contents and also the yields were higher for fractions obtained from stems. The most marked effects were observed when enzymes were used at higher concentrations, especially for hemicellulase. The inclusion of a pre-heating step increased the yield and the inulin content for fractions isolated from bracts and stems and decreased the protein and polyphenol contents, and the galacturonic acid for bracts. These fractions, in general, contained the polyphenolic compounds monocaffeoylquinic acid, apigenin, and pinoresinol.
Cytotoxic and Antibacterial Angucycline- and Prodigiosin- Analogues from the Deep-Sea Derived Streptomyces sp. SCSIO 11594
Authors: Song Yongxiang , Liu Guangfu , Li Jie , Huang Hongbo , Zhang Xing , Zhang Hua , Ju Jianhua
Published: March 2015

Two new C-glycoside angucyclines, marangucycline A (1) and marangucycline B (2), along with three known compounds, dehydroxyaquayamycin (3), undecylprodigiosin (4) and metacycloprodigiosin (5), have been identified as products of the deep-sea sediment strain Streptomyces sp. SCSIO 11594. New structures were elucidated on the basis of HRESIMS, 1D and 2D NMR analyses and comparisons to previously reported datasets. Compounds 2 and 4 displayed in vitro cytotoxicity against four cancer cell lines A594, CNE2, HepG2, MCF-7 superior to those obtained with cisplatin, the positive control. Notably, compound 2 bearing a keto-sugar displayed significant cytotoxicity against cancer cell lines with IC50 values ranging from 0.24 to 0.56 μM; An IC50 value of 3.67 μM was found when using non-cancerous hepatic cell line HL7702, demonstrating the cancer cell selectivity of 2. Compounds 1–3 were proved to have weak antibacterial activities against Enterococcus faecalis ATCC29212 with an MIC value of 64.0 μg/mL. Moreover, 3 displayed selective antibacterial activity against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus epidermidis shhs-E1 with an MIC value of 16.0 μg/mL.
Inventory of Fatty Acid Desaturases in the Pennate Diatom Phaeodactylum tricornutum
Authors: Dolch Lina-Juana , Maréchal Eric
Published: March 2015

The diatom Phaeodactylum is rich in very long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs). Fatty acid (FA) synthesis, elongation, and desaturation have been studied in depth in plants including Arabidopsis, but for secondary endosymbionts the full picture remains unclear. FAs are synthesized up to a chain length of 18 carbons inside chloroplasts, where they can be incorporated into glycerolipids. They are also exported to the ER for phospho- and betaine lipid syntheses. Elongation of FAs up to 22 carbons occurs in the ER. PUFAs can be reimported into plastids to serve as precursors for glycerolipids. In both organelles, FA desaturases are present, introducing double bonds between carbon atoms and giving rise to a variety of molecular species. In addition to the four desaturases characterized in Phaeodactylum (FAD2, FAD6, PtD5, PtD6), we identified eight putative desaturase genes. Combining subcellular localization predictions and comparisons with desaturases from other organisms like Arabidopsis, we propose a scheme at the whole cell level, including features that are likely specific to secondary endosymbionts.
New Antimicrobial Bromotyrosine Analogues from the Sponge Pseudoceratina purpurea and Its Predator Tylodina corticalis
Authors: Gotsbacher Michael , Karuso Peter
Published: March 2015

Bioassay-guided fractionation of extracts from temperate Australian collections of the marine sponge Pseudoceratina purpurea resulted in the isolation and characterisation of two new and six known bromotyrosine-derived alkaloids with antibiotic activity. Surprisingly, a single specimen of the mollusc Tylodina corticalis, which was collected while feeding on P. purpurea, contained only a few of the compounds found in the sponge suggesting selective accumulation and chemical modification of sponge metabolites.
Solvent Separating Secondary Metabolites Directly from Biosynthetic Tissue for Surface-Assisted Laser Desorption Ionisation Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Rudd David , Benkendorff Kirsten , Voelcker Nicolas
Published: March 2015

Marine bioactive metabolites are often heterogeneously expressed in tissues both spatially and over time. Therefore, traditional solvent extraction methods benefit from an understanding of the in situ sites of biosynthesis and storage to deal with heterogeneity and maximize yield. Recently, surface-assisted mass spectrometry (MS) methods namely nanostructure-assisted laser desorption ionisation (NALDI) and desorption ionisation on porous silicon (DIOS) surfaces have been developed to enable the direct detection of low molecular weight metabolites. Since direct tissue NALDI-MS or DIOS-MS produce complex spectra due to the wide variety of other metabolites and fragments present in the low mass range, we report here the use of “on surface” solvent separation directly from mollusc tissue onto nanostructured surfaces for MS analysis, as a mechanism for simplifying data annotation and detecting possible artefacts from compound delocalization during the preparative steps. Water, ethanol, chloroform and hexane selectively extracted a range of choline esters, brominated indoles and lipids from Dicathais orbita hypobranchial tissue imprints. These compounds could be quantified on the nanostructured surfaces by comparison to standard curves generated from the pure compounds. Surface-assisted MS could have broad utility for detecting a broad range of secondary metabolites in complex marine tissue samples.
Experimental Investigation of the Equal Channel Forward Extrusion Process
Authors: Ebrahimi Mahmoud , Djavanroodi Faramarz , Tiji Sobhan , Gholipour Hamed , Gode Ceren
Published: March 2015

Among all recognized severe plastic deformation techniques, a new method, called the equal channel forward extrusion process, has been experimentally studied. It has been shown that this method has similar characteristics to other severe plastic deformation methods, and the potential of this new method was examined on the mechanical properties of commercial pure aluminum. The results indicate that approximate 121%, 56%, and 84% enhancements, at the yield strength, ultimate tensile strength, and Vickers micro-hardness measurement are, respectively, achieved after the fourth pass, in comparison with the annealed condition. The results of drop weight impact test showed that the increment of 26% at the impact force, and also decreases of 32%, 15%, and 4% at the deflection, impulse, and absorbed energy, are respectively attained for the fourth pass when compared to the annealed condition. Furthermore, the electron backscatter diffraction examination revealed that the average grain size of the final pass is about 480 nm.
In Vitro Neuroprotective Activities of Compounds from Angelica shikokiana Makino
Authors: Mira Amira , Yamashita Shuntaro , Katakura Yoshinori , Shimizu Kuniyoshi
Published: March 2015

Angelica shikokiana is widely marketed in Japan as a dietary food supplement. With a focus on neurodegenerative conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease, the aerial part was extracted and through bio-guided fractionation, fifteen compounds [α-glutinol, β-amyrin, kaempferol, luteolin, quercetin, kaempferol-3-O-glucoside, kaempferol-3-O-rutinoside, methyl chlorogenate, chlorogenic acid, hyuganin E, 5-(hydroxymethyl)-2-furaldehyde, β-sitosterol-3-O-glucoside, adenosine (isolated for the first time from A. shikokiana), isoepoxypteryxin and isopteryxin] were isolated. Isolated compounds were evaluated for in vitro neuroprotection using acetylcholine esterase inhibitory, protection against hydrogen peroxide and amyloid β peptide (Aβ25-35)-induced neurotoxicity in neuro-2A cells, scavenging of hydroxyl radicals and intracellular reactive oxygen species and thioflavin T assays. Quercetin showed the strongest AChE inhibition (IC50 value = 35.5 µM) through binding to His-440 and Tyr-70 residues at the catalytic and anionic sites of acetylcholine esterase, respectively. Chlorogenic acid, its methyl ester, quercetin and luteolin could significantly protect neuro-2A cells against H2O2-induced neurotoxicity and scavenge hydroxyl radical and intracellular reactive oxygen species. Kaempferol-3-O-rutinoiside, hyuganin E and isoepoxypteryxin significantly decreased Aβ25-35-induced neurotoxicity and Th-T fluorescence. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report about neuroprotection of hyuganin E and isoepoxypteryxin against Aβ25-35-induced neurotoxicity.
Automatic Boat Identification System for VIIRS Low Light Imaging Data
Authors: Elvidge Christopher , Zhizhin Mikhail , Baugh Kimberly , Hsu Feng-Chi
Published: March 2015

The ability for satellite sensors to detect lit fishing boats has been known since the 1970s. However, the use of the observations has been limited by the lack of an automatic algorithm for reporting the location and brightness of offshore lighting features arising from boats. An examination of lit fishing boat features in Visible Infrared Imaging Radiometer Suite (VIIRS) day/night band (DNB) data indicates that the features are essentially spikes. We have developed a set of algorithms for automatic detection of spikes and characterization of the sharpness of spike features. A spike detection algorithm generates a list of candidate boat detections. A second algorithm measures the height of the spikes for the discard of ionospheric energetic particle detections and to rate boat detections as either strong or weak. A sharpness index is used to label boat detections that appear blurry due to the scattering of light by clouds. The candidate spikes are then filtered to remove features on land and gas flares. A validation study conducted using analyst selected boat detections found the automatic algorithm detected 99.3% of the reference pixel set. VIIRS boat detection data can provide fishery agencies with up-to-date information of fishing boat activity and changes in this activity in response to new regulations and enforcement regimes. The data can provide indications of illegal fishing activity in restricted areas and incursions across Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) boundaries. VIIRS boat detections occur widely offshore from East and Southeast Asia, South America and several other regions.
Assessment of Human Respiration Patterns via Noncontact Sensing Using Doppler Multi-Radar System
Authors: Gu Changzhan , Li Changzhi
Published: March 2015

Human respiratory patterns at chest and abdomen are associated with both physical and emotional states. Accurate measurement of the respiratory patterns provides an approach to assess and analyze the physical and emotional states of the subject persons. Not many research efforts have been made to wirelessly assess different respiration patterns, largely due to the inaccuracy of the conventional continuous-wave radar sensor to track the original signal pattern of slow respiratory movements. This paper presents the accurate assessment of different respiratory patterns based on noncontact Doppler radar sensing. This paper evaluates the feasibility of accurately monitoring different human respiration patterns via noncontact radar sensing. A 2.4 GHz DC coupled multi-radar system was used for accurate measurement of the complete respiration patterns without any signal distortion. Experiments were carried out in the lab environment to measure the different respiration patterns when the subject person performed natural breathing, chest breathing and diaphragmatic breathing. The experimental results showed that accurate assessment of different respiration patterns is feasible using the proposed noncontact radar sensing technique.
Development and Evaluation of a Novel Taqman Real-Time PCR Assay for Rapid Detection of Mycoplasma bovis: Comparison of Assay Performance with a Conventional PCR Assay and Another Taqman Real-Time PCR Assay
Authors: Naikare Hemant , Bruno Daniela , Mahapatra Debabrata , Reinisch Alesia , Raleigh Russell , Sprowls Robert
Published: March 2015

The objective of this study was to develop and validate a Taqman real-time PCR assay for the detection of Mycoplasma bovis (M. bovis). Unique primers targeting the highly conserved house-keeping gene (uvrC) were designed and the probe sequence was derived from a previously published microarray study. There was 100% agreement in the outcome between our assay and the other two published assays for M. bovis detection. The analytical limit of detection of our assay is 83 copies of the uvrC gene. This assay was validated on a total of 214 bovine clinical specimens that were submitted to the Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory (TVMDL), Texas, USA. The specificity of the assay was assessed to be 100% since no cross-reactivity occurred with 22 other bacterial and other Mycoplasma species. We conclude that the uvrC gene serves as a good and reliable diagnostic marker for the accurate and rapid detection of M. bovis from a wider variety of specimen matrices.
Marker‐Assisted Backcrossing to Develop an Elite Cytoplasmic Male Sterility Line in Rice
Authors: Ahmadikhah Asadollah , Mirarab Mehdi , Pahlevani Mohammad Hadi , Nayyeripasand Leila
Published: March 2015

Cytoplasmic male sterility (CMS) is a cornerstone of hybrid production in many crops. In three‐line hybrid systems, use of CMS, maintainer, and fertility restorer lines is necessary for production of hybrid seeds. Limited resources of CMS and low variation of CMS lines cause genetic vulnerability to pathogens. Therefore, diversifying the CMS sources is indispensible for a sustainable production system of hybrid seed. In this study, we attempted for the first time to transfer CMS into maintainer line Yosen B in restricted generations using the marker‐assisted backcrossing (MABC) method. The resultant F1 hybrid of IR68897 A/Yosen B cross was backcrossed to Yosen B, and CMS plants in each backcross generation (from BC1F1 to BC3F1) were selected based on phenotyping test and MABC. Molecular assessment of backcross progenies was conducted using a mitochondrial CMS‐specific marker and 34 polymorphic nuclear simple‐sequence repeat (SSR) markers in early generations (from BC1F1 to BC2F1) and was continued using 9 additional SSRs and 82 inter‐simple sequence repeat (ISSR) markers in BC3F1. A MABC strategy could successfully recover the recurrent parent genome (RPG) in BC3F1 generation, and decreased heterozygosity of final CMS plants. Restorability test with known wild‐abortive restorer lines (viz. IR36 and IR24) showed that combination of Yosen A × IR24 could produce highly fertile F1 hybrid. Evaluation of some important agronomic traits of the final CMS line (BC4F1) at field condition showed that it was comparable to the original maintainer fertile counterpart. Phenotypic and marker‐assisted selections could considerably decrease the time needed for full recovery of RPG so that final CMS line could show a high similarity to original fertile counterpart.
RESEARCH OF PLASMA SPRAYING OF THE ZRO2 – Y2O3 ELECTROLYTE COATINGS / ZRO2 – Y2O3 ELEKTROLITINIŲ DANGŲ PLAZMINIO PURŠKIMO TYRIMAS
Authors: Devoino Oleg , Okovity Vasily
Published: March 2015

A quick cooling of coatings for the forming of the electrolyte layers with the given phase composition is widely used. In this work the preliminary heating of the specimens was applied instead of quick cooling technology. The influence of the substrate preliminary heating on the ZrO2 – Y2O3 coatings structure and properties was investigated. The optimal of the spraying of coatings from the Ni and ZrO2 – Y2O3 powders mechanical mix was determined. The research on the coating structure was carried out analysing the application of the optical metallography, scanning microscopy and X-ray method.
Greitas dangų aušinimas siekiant suformuoti tam tikros fazinės sudėties elektrolito sluoksnį yra plačiai taikoma technologija. Šiame darbe vietoj greito aušinimo technologijos buvo taikomas išankstinis substrato pakaitinimas. Nustatyta ZrO2 – Y2O3 dangų struktūros ir savybių priklausomybė nuo substrato pakaitinimo temperatūros ir parinkti optimalūs dangų iš Ni ir ZrO2 – Y2O3 miltelių mišinio purškimo parametrai. Taikant optinę metalo­grafiją, skenuojančią mikroskopiją ir rentgenografinę analizę atlikti užpurkštų dangų struktūros tyrimai.
RESEARCH ON TRANSVERSE ACETABULAR FRACTURE FIXATION USING DIFFERENT PLATE ATTACHMENT METHODS / GŪŽDUOBĖS SKERSINIO LŪŽIO FIKSAVIMO SKIRTINGAI IŠDĖSTYTOMIS PLOKŠTELĖMIS TYRIMAS
Authors: Gaidulis Gediminas , Griškevičius Julius , Uvarovas Valentinas , Šatkauskas Igoris
Published: March 2015

The article deals with the problem of transverse acetabular fracture fixation using different plate attachment methods. A 3D model of pelvis and hip joint structure was created and the design of three different fixation plates using SolidWorks was made. The plates were fixed at distances of 10, 20 and 30 mm from the acetabulum. The model was meshed into finite elements, a static external load of 2500 N was added and the analysis of stress distribution in plates and fracture displacement was performed. The obtained results showed that fracture displacement was quite similar in all fixation methods. However, the maximal stress in the nearest from the acetabulum plate was higher than yield strength. Thus, this placement is not eligible. The plate fixed at a distance of 30 mm from the acetabulum appeared the most suitable because of the smallest and symmetrical stress distribution in the plate.
Straipsnyje išnagrinėta gūžduobės skersinio lūžio fiksavimo skirtingai išdėstytomis plokštelėmis problema. Taikant kompiuterinį trimatį dubenkaulio modelį ir SolidWorks programų paketą, suprojektuotos 3 lūžiui fiksuoti reikalingos plokštelės, prie dubenkaulio tvirtinamos skirtingose vietose. Modelis suskirstytas į baigtinius elementus, pridėta statinė išorinė apkrova ir atlikta plokštelių įtempių bei lūžio vietos poslinkių analizė. Atsižvelgiant į gautus rezultatus, nustatytas tinkamiausias plokštelės tvirtinimo būdas.
COMPUTER-BASED MEASUREMENT KIT FOR WELDING DEFORMATIONS / SUVIRINIMO DEFORMACIJŲ MATAVIMO KOMPIUTERIZUOTAS KOMPLEKSAS
Authors: Dačkauskas Darius , Višniakov Nikolaj
Published: March 2015

Nowadays, complex and potentially dangerous structures are usually welded. Manufacturers need to measure welding deformations and residual stresses. Tensometric stations are widely used for control and monitoring of such deformations and stresses. The article discusses a low-cost computer-aided measurement system.
Sudėtingų ir potencialiai pavojingų pramoninių konstrukcijų gamyboje vienas iš svarbių technologinių procesų tapo suvirinimas. Todėl gamyboje atsirado poreikis matuoti šių konstrukcijų suvirinimo ir liekamąsias deformacijas. Deformacijų kontrolei ir monitoringui plačiai taikomi kontaktiniai ir bekontakčiai būdai. Vienas iš seniai žinomų patikimų matavimų metodų yra tenzomentrinis matavimas naudojant tenzojutiklius ir tenzomatavimo stoteles. Šio darbo tikslas – sukonstruoti nebrangią, kompiuterizuotą tenzometrinių matavimų sistemą ir pritaikyti ją metalinių konstrukcijų suvirinimo deformacijoms matuoti.
ANALYSIS OF SCAFFOLD MATERIALS OF IMPLANT AND TISSUE REGENERATION / IMPLANTŲ IR AUDINIŲ REGENERACIJOS KARKASŲ MEDŽIAGŲ ANALIZĖ
Authors: Mizeras Deividas , Valiulis Algirdas Vaclovas , Šešok Andžela , Griškevičius Julius
Published: March 2015

The article presents bioinert and bioactive materials used for manufacturing implants and describes the main features and characteristics of these materials. A thorough overview and analysis of scientific works related to the properties of scaffolds for tissue regeneration and problem applicability are provided.
Straipsnyje nagrinėjamos bioinertinės ir bioaktyviosios medžiagos, naudojamos medicininių implantų gamybai. Pateikiamos šių medžiagų savybės. Apžvelgiami ir analizuojami mokslo darbai, susiję su audinių regeneracijos karkasų savybėmis, naudojimo problemomis.
RESEARCH ON THE PLASMA SPRAY PROCESS APPLYING THE FINITE ELEMENT METHOD / PLAZMINIO PURŠKIMO PROCESŲ TYRIMAS BAIGTINIŲ ELEMENTŲ METODU
Authors: Lukauskaitė Raimonda , Garjonis Jonas , Černašėjus Olegas
Published: March 2015

The article investigates the physical processes of plasma spraying. The application of the finite element method has assisted in establishing the distribution of the voltage of the plasma arc and current density in the plasma stream during numerical simulation. With reference to the results of experimental data, the real location of an anode spot of the electric arc in the plasma spray process has been evaluated. The paper has calculated the values of electromagnetic Lorentz forces and established their influence on plasma flow. With the help of the two-layer model for the semi-molten nickel particle, contact between the particle and substrate during plasma spraying has been simulated.
Straipsnyje nagrinėjami fizikiniai procesai, vykstantys plazminio purškimo metu. Taikant baigtinių elementų metodą, skaitinio modeliavimo metu buvo nustatytas plazmos lanko įtampos ir srovės tankio pasiskirstymas plazmos sraute. Panaudojant eksperimentinių rezultatų duomenis, buvo įvertinta reali elektros lanko anodo dėmės padėtis plazminio purškimo procese. Buvo apskaičiuotos elektromagnetinių Lorenco jėgų reikšmės ir nustatyta jų įtaka plazmos srautui. Taikant dvisluoksnės aplydytos nikelio dalelės modelį, buvo imituojamas dalelės kontaktas su substratu purškiant.
Effect of Smoking on Remission Proportions Differs Between Male and Female Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Study Based on the IORRA Survey
Authors: Inoue Yasushi , Nakajima Ayako , Tanaka Eiichi , Inoue Eisuke , Kobayashi Akiko , Hoshi Daisuke , Sugimoto Naoki , Seto Yohei , Taniguchi Atsuo , Momohara Shigeki , Yamanaka Hisashi
Published: March 2015

Objective.

To analyze sex difference in the effect of smoking on remission proportions in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

Methods.

Subjects were Japanese patients with RA who participated in the IORRA survey conducted in April 2011 and reported smoking status. Clinical characteristics, treatment status, and the percentages achieving remission were compared between subjects stratified by sex and smoking status. To confirm the differential effects of sex and smoking status on remission, we used multivariate logistic regression models with the dependent variable as 28-joint Disease Activity Score (DAS28) remission.

Results.

Among 810 men and 4206 women, 162 (20.0%) and 3173 (75.4%), respectively, were never smokers; 208 (25.7%) and 314 (7.5%), respectively, were current smokers. In men, never smokers tended to have higher remission proportions than past and current smokers. In contrast, smoking status seemed not to affect remission in women. Except for lower corticosteroid dose in male never smokers, no significant differences were observed in comparing treatment status. By multivariate analyses, male past and current smokers were negatively associated with DAS28-erythrocyte sedimentation rate remission compared to male never smokers [OR 0.66 and 0.61, 95% CI (0.44–0.98) and (0.39–0.96), respectively]. However, female past and current smokers were not associated with remission compared to female never smokers [OR 1.04 and 1.19, 95% CI (0.86–1.25) and (0.91–1.54), respectively].

Conclusion.

We demonstrated that the effect of smoking on remission proportions differed between men and women. Our findings suggest that both sex and smoking status are important considerations when planning a treatment strategy for patients with RA.
Determination of Optimal Processing Conditions for the Production of Polyamide 11 Parts using the Laser Sintering Process
Authors: Wegner Andreas , Harder Ron , Witt Gerd , Drummer Dietmar
Published: March 2015

Due to the advancements during the last decade, the laser sintering process has achieved a high technical level, allowing for Rapid Manufacturing of parts in some applications. However, only few polymers are commercially available for the process. Polyamide 12 dominates the market with share of nearly 90 %. Other laser sintering materials differ in part properties from PA 12. Therefore, they are more suitable for some specific applications. Within these, Polyamide 11 has the highest distribution on the market. PA 11 offers some advantages like significant higher part ductility but also some disadvantages like more warpage or higher processing temperatures. However, literature provides in general only little information on the processing of PA 11 and how to achieve optimal processing conditions. A DOE approach using the response surface methodology was utilized to study the correlations between process parameters and part properties. Laser power, scan speed, hatch distance, layer thickness and outline energy density were varied in order to improve the part quality considering mechanical properties, surface roughness and part density. Additionally, results for process influences and part properties were compared with those found for Polyamide 12 in order to derive general correlations. Based on the performed study, optimized process parameter sets are established for PA 11 resulting in improved part properties.
Long-term Properties of Laser Sintered Parts of Polyamide 12 - Influence of Storage Time and Temperature on the Aging Behavior
Authors: Drummer Dietmar , Harder Ron Gustav , Witt Gerd , Wegner Andreas , Wudy Katrin , Drexler Maximilian
Published: March 2015

The key in selective laser sintering (SLS) of polyamide 12 for exceeding the cusp from a prototyping to a serial production technique poses the long-term behavior of such components. The improvement of additive manufacturing technologies is attended by the enlargement of the possible ranges of use. The crucial obstacle for their actual use is the ignorance of the long-term properties and the consequential fact of not given warranty. The aging behavior of polyamide 12 based injection molded parts and powder for the SLS process is largely probed and methods of analysis are well-established. On the basis of several build jobs consisting of vertically build tensile bars, oven storage experiments are realized. Storing for several time periods and temperatures allows a first calculation of the aging behavior in consideration of the building position and process parameters of each bar. First of all the adaptability of two methods of analysis, tensile test und solution viscosimetry, for determining the state of the aging of SLS parts is surveyed. It shows that depending on the used method of analysis the building position of the picked up sample could play a role. Furthermore the influence of the process parameters, the aging processes itself and the necessary storage conditions for the artificial aging of the parts are considered. All in all this article gives a review of the aging mechanisms of oven stored polyamide 12 parts, possible methods of analysis to determinate their state of aging and first results to qualify the adaptability to selective laser sintered parts. In Addition to that a first correlation between mechanical and chemical properties is made. The presented results form a first step for the future to be able to guarantee the requested product quality over its lifetime, but nevertheless other methods of analysis have to be qualified for the determination of the aging behavior of SLS parts.
Hoist Sheave Structure Optimization and Lightweight
Authors: Jia Xian Zhao , Wang Yong Fei
Published: March 2015

To ensure wheel body of the hoisting sheave strength and stability condition. For the purpose of wheel body lightweighting. There are two schemes to reduce body weight.Reduce the spokes at the same time increase the ring stiffened plate, and reduce the spokes at the same time change the spokes width and thickness.The wheel body was established based on Pro/E 3D geometric model. Import the mesh in the Workbench of ANSYS software for finite element model. Statics analysis to select the optimized scheme. Establish a hoisting sheave wheel body under the actual working condition of widening the width - deformation - wheel weight relational table. Analysis to lightweight at the same time ensure that stiffness of wheel,then it can obtaine the optimal result.