bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Polypyrrole-Covered MnO2 as Electrode Material for Hydrid Supercapacitor
Authors: Bahloul Ahmed , Nessark B , Briot Emmanuel , Groult Henri , Mauger Alain , Julien Christian M
Published: May 2013

MnO2 has been studied as hybrid electrode material in aqueous asymmetric supercapacitor. It possesses the advantages of low cost, sufficiently high specific capacitance, and environmentally friendly nature. We studied the blend formed by electrochemical polymerization of pyrrole monomer (Py) deposited onto MnO2 particles. The composite material (PPy/MnO2) has been characterized by different methods including cyclic voltammetry, chronoamperometry, X-ray diffractometry and BET measurements. At a constant current density 2 mA cm−2 the specific capacitance was calculated from galvanostatic charge-discharge cycling tests. It has been demonstrated that the asymmetric supercapacitor using (PPy/MnO2) composite material has high specific capacitance of 141.6 F g−1 compared with 73.7 F g−1 for MnO2.
EQCM Investigation on Electrodeposition and Charge Storage Behavior of Birnessite-Type MnO2
Authors: Shamoto Mitsuhiro , Tanimoto Takahiro , Tomono Kazuaki , Nakayama Masaharu
Published: May 2013

We have fabricated birnessite-type layered manganese oxide bycathodic reduction of aqueous permanganate ions (MnO4-) in thepresence of various alkaline metals. The electrodeposition andcharge storage processes were monitored by means ofelectrochemical quartz crystal microbalance (EQCM). Molarmasses acquired for the electrodeposition process revealed thatMnO2 grows concurrently with the incorporation of the coexistingcations and water molecules. The molar mass decreases in theorder of Li > Rb ~ K ~ Cs > Na, which is in good agreement withthe order of crystallinity. Clearly, the degree of crystallinity in theformation of birnessite depends on the incorporation amount of theguest ions and water. The birnessite-modified electrode increasesand decreases in mass during cathodic and anodic scans in Na2SO4electrolyte. The molar masses obtained were 21.6 and 24.9 g permole of electrons, respectively, both of which coincide with theatomic weight of Na (23.0 g).
Tuning Electrolytic Manganese Dioxide for a High-Voltage Aqueous Asymmetric Electrochemical Capacitor
Authors: Jafta Charl J. , Nkosi Funeka , LeRoux Lukas , Kebede Mesfin Abayneh , Makgopa Katlego , Mathe Mkhulu K. , Manyala Ncholu , Oyama Munetaka , Ozoemena Kenneth Ikechukwu
Published: May 2013

An aqueous asymmetric electrochemical capacitor was developed using manganese dioxide / multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MnO2/MWMWCNT) nanocomposites. The nanostructured MnO2 was generated from micron-sized commercial electrolytic manganese dioxide (EMD) via a hydrothermal reaction, with the addition of the surfactant sodium dodecylsulphate (SDS), and acid treatment. The capacitance of the nano-sized MnO2 was improved. The MnO2/MWCNT hybrid exhibited excellent specific capacitance (170 F g-1), energy density (18 Wh kg-1), power density (4 kW kg-1), satisfactory cycle life, and short response time.
Comparative Study of Electrode Stabilization Technique for Graphene-Polyaniline Nanocomposite Electrodes Using Dielectrics for Supercapacitor Applications
Authors: Ketkar Supriya , Ram Manoj K. , Kumar Ashok , Weller Thomas , Hoff Andrew M.
Published: May 2013

Carbon-material and in particular, graphene has attracted significant attention in the scientific community due to its superior electronic, physical and mechanical properties pertaining to high energy storage applications. For this report graphene (G)-polyaniline (PANI) was synthesized, and used as an electrode to study its electrochemical properties. A leakage current due to the Faradic reactions at the surface of electrodes hinders the effective use of G-PANI Electrodes in supercapacitor applications. Coating the surface of the electrodes with a thin film of a dielectric material generates a potential barrier, which reduces the reaction rate, with a slight drop in specific capacitance but increases the relative dielectric constant by increasing the capacitance of the supercapacitor and at the same time reducing the leakage current.
Electrochemical Capacitors Based on Nitrogen-Enriched Cobalt (II) Phthalocyanine/Multi-walled Carbon Nanotube Nanocomposites
Authors: Lekitima Joel , Ozoemena Kenneth Ikechukwu , Kobayashi Nagao
Published: May 2013

A nitrogen-enriched metallophthalocyanine, Cobalt (II) tetrapyrazinoporphyrazine (CoTPyzPz), modified with acid or phenylamine functionalized multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTaf and MWCNTPhNH2) have been studied for application as an electrochemical capacitor in H2SO4. Both MWCNTaf/CoTPyzPz and MWCNTPhNH2/CoTPyzPz gave superior specific capacitance of 1984 and 2028 F.g-1 respectively. This high capacitance is interpreted in terms of protonation and deprotonation of the porphyrazine macrocycle.
Development and Evaluation of an Asymmetric Capacitor with a Nickel/Carbon Foam Positive Electrode
Authors: Cornilsen Bahne C. , Wang Jinjin , Sasthan Kuttipillai Padmanaban , Rogers Tony N. , Yeo Wen Nee , Chye Matthew B. , Singh Bhatia Alamjeet
Published: May 2013

A lightweight, nickel hydroxide/carbon foam positive electrode has been demonstrated; its maximum cycle life is being optimized. A carbon negative was chosen, giving an asymmetric capacitor cell configuration. The binder content was varied (3, 5 and 10%/wt. PTFE) in the negative electrode (Ketjenblack). BET surface area and the effective resistance of the carbon electrodes have been measured to evaluate the affect of binder on the electrochemical properties. Electrochemical properties improved at 3%/wt PTFE; otherwise, the negative electrode has not been optimized for capacitance in this study. For asymmetric cells with 5%/wt PTFE, the optimum mass ratio (negative/positive) is 3.7. A life of 125,000 cycles with > 98 % coulombic efficiency and > 80 % capacity retention has been demonstrated at a 17 C rate (with a Swagelok type cell). Based on these encouraging results, it is believed that hermetically sealed cells will allow commercially competitive cell lives of 300,000 cycles, or more.
Electrolytic Characteristics of Tetramethylammonium Compounds and Performance of Electric Double-Layer Capacitors Evaluated by Using Transmission-Line Model
Authors: Nambu Noritoshi , Satoh Tomohiro
Published: May 2013

The use of oxalatoborate ions, difluoro(oxalato)borate (DFOB−) and bis(oxalato)borate (BOB−), improved the solubility of the tetramethylammonium compounds in propylene carbonate (PC) and increased the capacitances of electric double-layer capacitors (EDLCs). Ionic conductivities of tetramethylammonium difluoro(oxalato)borate (TMADFOB) solutions in PC were slightly lower than that of tetraethylammonium tetrafluoroborate (TEABF4) solutions. However, the conductivities were higher than those of tetramethylammonium bis(oxalato)borate (TMABOB) and tetraethylammonium bis(oxalato)borate (TEABOB) solutions. We have used a transmission-line network of finite length as the equivalent circuit of the average pore of an activated carbon electrode. The equation we derived has enough flexibility to show the effect of double-layer capacitance on the length and shape of a single pore. We evaluated the performance of EDLCs by comparing the theoretical and the experimental discharge curves. The TMADFOB solution in PC afforded the highest capacitance.
Advances in Solid Electrochemical Capacitors
Authors: Lian Keryn , Gao Han , Wu Haoran
Published: May 2013

A novel polymer electrolyte, comprised of a heteropoly acid (ionic conductor) and poly(vinyl-alcohol) (as polymer matrix), has been developed for all-solid electrochemical capacitors. The proton conductivity of this polymer electrolyte has reached 0.01 S/cm at room temperature and showed good stability. The solid ECs have demonstrated high rate performance (up to 100 V/s in cyclic voltammetry and a time constant of 10 ms), which exceeded their liquid-based counterpart. Material characterization revealed that crystallized water facilitates the proton conductivity of the polymer electrolyte.
Specific Performance of Electrical Double–Layer Capacitors Based on Different Separator Materials and Non–Aqueous Electrolytes
Authors: Tõnurist Kerli , Thomberg Thomas , Jänes Alar , Lust Enn
Published: May 2013

Influence of the separator material characteristics on the performance of electrical double–layer capacitors (EDLCs), based on the two identical ideally polarizable microporous titanium carbide–derived carbon electrodes in 1 M (C2H5)3CH3NBF4 acetonitrile solution or in room temperature ionic liquid (1–ethyl–3–methylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate), has been tested by cyclic voltammetry, constant power and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy methods. Self–made separator materials have been prepared from poly(vinylidene fluoride) solutions in N,N–dimethylacetamide or N,N–dimethylformamide and acetone mixture (8:2 mass ratio) by using the electrospinning method. Noticeable influence of the separator porosity and chemical composition on the limits of ideal polarizability, specific capacitance, equivalent series resistance, specific energy and power of the EDLCs has been obtained and discussed.
Electrochemical Capacitor Usable Power for Hybrid Electric Vehicle Applications as Determined from Transient Electrical Response
Authors: Corrigan Dennis A , Fortin Christopher , Zabik Andrew
Published: May 2013

Constant current pulse testing customarily used for characterization of electrochemicalenergy storage systems for hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) applications substantiallyunderestimates the power capability of electrochemical capacitors for full HEVapplications. Simple constant current testing of batteries provides a good estimate oftheir capability to meet HEV power targets usually given as constant power for the pulseduration usually given as 10 seconds. However, electrochemical capacitors providesignificantly more power in a constant power pulse than a constant current pulse.Further, the actual power-assist HEV application more typically requires ramped powerloads, increasing discharge power ramps for acceleration and decreasing charge powerramps for regenerative braking. The duration of these transients is typically 5 sec or lessrather than 10 seconds. Electrochemical capacitors can deliver several times more powerunder these more realistic conditions.
Thermodynamics in Porous Electrodes: A Monte Carlo Simulation Study
Authors: Kiyohara Kenji , Asaka Kinji
Published: May 2013

Thermodynamic behavior of porous electrodes is qualitatively different from that of planar electrodes when the pore size is comparable to the ion size. We performed Monte Carlo simulation and investigated the thermodynamics behavior of porous electrodes as functions of the pore size, the ion size, and the applied voltage. We found that thermodynamic properties such as surface charge density, ion density, and pressure exerted in the porous electrodes on applying voltage show quite nonlinear behaviors as functions of voltage. The mechanism of the thermodynamic behaviors is explained in terms of the balance between the electrostatic and volume exclusion interactions.
Development of Solid-State Photo-Supercapacitor by Coupling Dye-Sensitized Solar Cell Utilizing Conducting Polymer Charge Relay with Proton-Conducting Membrane Based Electrochemical Capacitor
Authors: Kulesza Pawel J. , Skunik-Nuckowska Magdalena , Grzejszczyk Katarzyna , Vlachopoulos Nick , Yang Lei , Häggman Leif , Hagfeldt Anders
Published: May 2013

An important issue in solar cell technology is the storage of generated electrical energy for later use. In this respect supercapacitors, as compared to batteries and electrolysis cells, offer the advantage of long-term stability and relatively low energy loss in the charge-discharge cycle. In this study, ruthenium oxide has been selected as charge storage material for coupled (integrated) dye-sensitized solar cell and supercapacitor system hereinafter called as three electrode configuration. Organic D35 dye was used to sensitize TiO2 photoanode and a conducting polymer, (poly-(3-hexylthiophene-2,5-diyl) served as hole conductor. The photovoltaic part was separated from charge storage material by utilizing a thin layer of vapour evaporated silver. The specific capacitance, power density, coulombic and energy conversion efficiency of the hybrid cell was analyzed. The system was compared to that of our previous reports, i.e. two electrode configuration built of N719 dye modified TiO2 and poly (3,4-ethylenodioxythiophene)/carbon nanotubes composite as charge storage material.
Influence of Yttrium Addition on the High Capacitance of ZrO2-SiO2 Nanocomposite Anodic Oxide Films
Authors: Ishizuka Masatoshi , Tsuji Etsushi , Aoki Yoshitaka , Hyono Atsushi , Ohtsuka Toshiaki , Sakaguchi Norifumi , Nagata Shinji , Habazaki Hiroki
Published: May 2013

The sputter-deposited Zr-Si-Y film was anodized to form a high capacitance composite anodic film, comprising a tetragonal ZrO2 nanocrystalline phase and a silicon-enriched amorphous phase. It was found that the nanocomposite anodic film, as well as the yttrium-free ZrO2-SiO2 anodic film, showed markedly increased capacitance compared with the anodic film ZrO2 film on zirconium. The incorporation of yttrium species to the anodic ZrO2-SiO2 film did not change the thickness and permittivity of the anodic oxide film, although a thicker anodic film was formed on zirconium by the incorporation of yttrium, which may introduce oxygen vacancies in the crystalline ZrO2. The findings suggest that in the composite ZrO2-SiO2 anodic films the film thickness is mainly controlled by the silicon-enriched amorphous phase.
A Study of Nickel-Substituted Lanthanum Cobaltite as Cathode Materials for SOFCs
Authors: Uzumaki Yuya , Hashimoto Shin-ichi , Amezawa Koji , Kawada Tatsuya
Published: May 2013

LaNi
x
Co1-x
O3-δ
(x = 0.2, 0.4, 0.6, 0.8) was prepared by Pechini method and electrochemical properties as cathode were evaluated under controlled temperature and p(O2) by AC impedance measurement. Electrode performance was increased with increasing nickel contents concerning area specific interfacial conductivity and capacitance. σ
E of LaNi0.6Co0.4O3-δ
(LNC64) was higher than that of LaNi0.6Fe0.4O3-δ
(LNF64). For the result of area specific interfacial capacitance, it was suggested that the variation of oxygen vacancies with p(O2) of LaNi
x
Co1-x
O3-δ
series was smaller than that of La0.6Sr0.4Co0.2Fe0.8O3-δ
(LSCF6428).
High Temperature Electrolysis for Liquid Iron Production
Authors: Kvalheim Eirin , Haarberg Geir Martin , Martinez Ana Maria , Rolseth Sverre , Osen Karen S , Gudbrandsen Henrik
Published: May 2013

Iron metal is traditionally produced by carbothermic reduction in a blast furnace; an effective, but capital and energy intensive method that produces large amounts of CO2, SO2 and a variety of other contaminating byproducts. An alternative route to produce iron might be electrolysis in aqueous, molten salts or oxide based electrolytes. This paper focuses on the behaviour of iron ions and electrowinning of iron at temperatures from 1400 - 1550 °C. Experiments were performed in molten oxide mixtures of SiO2, MgO, Al2O3 and CaO.Fe2O3 was the source of iron. Iron could be deposited on molybdenum cathodes from molten oxide electrolytes containing dissolved Fe2O3, although at very low current efficiency.
Multiscale Analysis on Gas Phase and Surface Chemistry of SiC-CVD Process from CH3SiCl3/H2
Authors: Fukushima Yasuyuki , Hotozuka Kozue , Funato Yuichi , Sato Noboru , Momose Takeshi , Shimogaki Yukihiro
Published: May 2013

A multi-scale analysis, which is a macro and a micro-scale analysis, was performed on the chemical vapor deposition (CVD) for the synthesis of silicon carbide (SiC) from mono-methyl tri-chlorosilane (MTS:CH3SiCl3) and H2 to elucidate the major reaction mechanism and kinetics. The multi-scale analysis provides two well-defined reaction fields, corresponding to centimeter and sub-micron characteristic length scales, respectively. From the macro-scale analysis, a detail of the kinetics on the SiC deposition was successfully investigated with different residence time. The microcavity method as a micro-scale analysis was utilized to study a chemical reaction path, and to estimate the sticking probability of growth species on the surface reaction. In order to guess a molecular of growth species on the surface reaction, a quadrupole mass spectrometry (QMS) and an elementary reaction simulation were used. These combinations of analyses revealed an overall picture of the reaction scheme of SiC-CVD.
Ceramic Dusting Corrosion of Yttria Stabilized Zirconia in Ultra-High Temperature Reverse-Flow Pyrolysis Reactors
Authors: Chun ChangMin , Desai Sanket , Hershkowitz Frank , Ramanarayanan Trikur A.
Published: May 2013

A reverse-flow reactor (RFR) enables the pyrolysis of hydrocarbons at temperatures up to 2000°C to high value petrochemical products through acetylene intermediate. Materials in the hottest regions of the reactor, exposed to such extreme temperatures, are subject to oxidative cycling over a period of several seconds between a regeneration (heat addition) step that is mildly oxidizing and a pyrolysis (cracking) step that is strongly reducing, accompanied by high carbon activity. Experimental results obtained from single crystal and polycrystalline yttria stabilized zirconia (YSZ) ceramics of different porosities show that the pyrolysis reaction triggers the carburization of YSZ by diffusion of carbon through the lattice, the grain boundaries, and the pores. Subsequently graphite deposition occurs on the carburized surface. During the regeneration step, some of the graphite and (oxy)carbide are reoxidized. Corrosion advances in subsequent cycles by a repetition of oxide-carbide inter-conversion, carbon precipitation, and reoxidation steps. Since degradation involves the breakup of the bulk ceramic structure into powder or “dust” and is reminiscent of metal dusting corrosion observed in metallic materials in carbon supersaturated environments, we name this corrosion “ceramic dusting”. Details of the corrosion mechanism and the steps leading to such degradation are discussed.
(Pro)renin receptor is required for prorenin-dependent and -independent regulation of vacuolar H+-ATPase activity in MDCK.C11 collecting duct cells
Authors: Lu Xifeng , Garrelds Ingrid M. , Wagner Carsten A. , Danser A. H. Jan , Meima Marcel E.
Published: May 2013

Prorenin binding to the prorenin receptor [(P)RR] results in nonproteolytic activation of prorenin but also directly (i.e., independent of angiotensin generation) activates signal transduction cascades that can lead to the upregulation of profibrotic factors. The (P)RR is an accessory protein of vacuolar-type H+-ATPase (V-ATPase) and is required for V-ATPase integrity. In addition, in collecting duct cells, prorenin-induced activation of Erk depends on V-ATPase activity. However, whether prorenin binding to the (P)RR directly regulates V-ATPase activity is as yet unknown. Here, we studied the effect of prorenin on plasma membrane V-ATPase activity in Madin-Darby canine kidney clone 11 (MDCK.C11) cells, which resemble intercalated cells of the collecting duct. Prorenin increased V-ATPase activity at low nanomolar concentrations, and the V-ATPase inhibitor bafilomycin A1, but not the angiotensin II type 1 and 2 receptor blockers irbesartan and PD-123319, prevented this. Increased, but not basal, V-ATPase activity was abolished by small interfering RNA depletion of the (P)RR. Unexpectedly, the putative peptidic (P)RR blocker handle region peptide also increasedV-ATPase activity in a (P)RR-dependent manner. Finally, [Arg8]-vasopressin-stimulated V-ATPase activity and cAMP production were also abolished by (P)RR depletion. Our results show that in MDCK.C11 cells, the (P)RR is required for prorenin-dependent and -independent regulation of V-ATPase activity.
Elevated polyamines in urothelial cells from OAB subjects mediate oxotremorine-evoked rapid intracellular calcium rise and delayed acetylcholine release
Authors: Li Mingkai , Sun Yan , Tomiya Noboru , Hsu Yuchao , Chai Toby C.
Published: May 2013

Increased polyamine signaling in bladder urothelial cells (BUC) may play a role in the pathophysiology of overactive bladder (OAB). We quantitated intracellular polyamine levels in cultured BUC from OAB and asymptomatic (NB) subjects. We assessed whether polyamines modulated rapid intracellular calcium ([Ca2+]i) changes and delayed acetylcholine (ACh) release evoked by oxotremorine (OXO, a muscarinic agonist). BUC were cultured from cystoscopic biopsies. High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) quantitated intracellular putrescine, spermidine, and spermine levels. Five-millimeter difluoromethylornithine (DFMO), and one-millimeter methylglyoxalbisguanylhydrazone (MGBG) treatments were used to deplete intracellular polyamines. Ten micrometers of OXO were used to increase [Ca2+]i levels (measured by fura 2 microfluorimetry) and trigger extracellular ACh release (measured by ELISA). Polyamine levels were elevated in OAB compared with NB BUC (0.5 ± 0.15 vs. 0.16 ± 0.03 nmol/mg for putrescine, 2.4 ± 0.21 vs. 1.01 ± 0.13 nmol/mg for spermidine, and 1.90 ± 0.27 vs. 0.86 ± 0.26 nmol/mg for spermine; P < 0.05 for all comparisons). OXO evoked greater [Ca2+]i rise in OAB (205.10 ± 18.82% increase over baseline) compared with in NB BUC (119.54 ± 13.01%; P < 0.05). After polyamine depletion, OXO evoked [Ca2+]i rise decreased in OAB and NB BUC to 43.40 ± 6.45 and 38.82 ± 3.5%, respectively. OXO tended to increase ACh release by OAB vs. NB BUC (9.02 ± 0.1 vs. 7.04 ± 0.09 μM, respectively; P < 0.05). Polyamine depletion reduced ACh release by both OAB and NB BUC. In conclusion, polyamine levels were elevated twofold in OAB BUC. OXO evoked greater increase in [Ca2+]i and ACh release in OAB BUC, although these two events may be unrelated. Depletion of polyamines caused OAB BUC to behave similarly to NB BUC.
Structural, Optical, and Electrochromic Properties of Pure and Mo-Doped WO3 Films by RF Magnetron Sputtering
Authors: Madhavi Vempuluri , Kondaiah Paruchuri , Hussain Obili Mahammad , Uthanna Suda
Published: May 2013

Pure and Mo-doped WO3 films were formed on ITO-coated glass substrate held at 473 K by RF magnetron sputtering technique. The structural, morphological, and optical properties of pure and Mo-doped WO3 thin films have been systematically studied. The structural properties revealed that the pure WO3 films exhibited a (020) reflection related to the orthorhombic phase of WO3, whereas Mo-doped films showed (200) reflection. The surface morphology revealed that pure WO3 films showed the dense surface and Mo-doped films contained agglomerated grains which were uniformly distributed on the surface of the substrate. The optical transmittance decreased from 85% to 75% for pure and Mo-doped WO3 films, respectively. The electrochromic properties of the films were measured by cyclic voltametry in 1 M Li2SO4 electrolyte solution. The optical modulation of pure WO3 films at near IR was 50%, and the calculated color efficiency was 33.8 cm2/C, while in Mo-doped WO3 the efficiency improved to 42.5 cm2/C.
Isolated Subclavian Vein Injury: A Rare and High Mortality Case
Authors: Iscan Sahin , Etli Mustafa , Gursu Ozgur , Eker Esra , El Kilic Helin
Published: May 2013

Isolated subclavian vein injuries are rarely seen without concomitant arterial injury, bone fracture, damage to brachial plexus, and thoracal traumas. Our case was brought to the emergency service 6 hours after he had been shot at the shoulder with a firearm. After detection of extravasation from the left axillary and subclavian vein on arteriographic and venographic examinations, he was operated on. An autogenous saphenous vein graft was interposed between subclavian and axillary veins. Cardiac arrest developed twice because of hypovolemia, which was resolved with medical therapy. Subclavian vein injuries have a more mortal course when compared with the injuries to the subclavian arteries. Its most important reason is excessive blood loss and air embolism because of delayed arrival to hospital. As is the case in all vascular injuries, angiography is the most important diagnostic examination. If the general health state of the patient permits, arteriography and venography should be performed in patients potentially exposed to vascular injuries. In patients with extreme blood loss and deteriorated health state, direct surgical exploration of the injury site, containment of the bleeding, and venous repair are life-saving approaches.
Adaptive Immunity, Inflammation, and Cardiovascular Complications in Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Pedicino Daniela , Liuzzo Giovanna , Trotta Francesco , Giglio Ada Francesca , Giubilato Simona , Martini Francesca , Zaccardi Francesco , Scavone Giuseppe , Previtero Marco , Massaro Gianluca , Cialdella Pio , Cardillo Maria Teresa , Pitocco Dario , Ghirlanda Giovanni , Crea Filippo
Published: May 2013

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a pandemics that affects more than 170 million people worldwide, associated with increased mortality and morbidity due to coronary artery disease (CAD). In type 1 (T1) DM, the main pathogenic mechanism seems to be the destruction of pancreaticβ-cells mediated by autoreactive T-cells resulting in chronic insulitis, while in type 2 (T2) DM primary insulin resistance, rather than defective insulin production due toβ-cell destruction, seems to be the triggering alteration. In our study, we investigated the role of systemic inflammation and T-cell subsets in T1- and T2DM and the possible mechanisms underlying the increased cardiovascular risk associated with these diseases.
Preparation and Electronic Property Investigation of Zinc(II)‐Schiff Base Complexes in the Confined Space
Authors: Shang Peng , Zhang Lei
Published: May 2013

Metal‐Schiff base complexes have attracted continued research interest regarding their intriguing and useful features, while the electronic properties of these complexes in the confined space have not been sufficiently addressed in previous studies. In this work, a new zinc(II)‐Schiff base complex bis(N‐dodecyl salicylideneiminato)Zn(II) (1) was synthesized and subsequently loaded in an inorganic solid host. A large red shift (~40 nm) of the absorption onset was recorded, when the microenvironment of 1 changed from the solvent ethanol to the inorganic solid medium, evidencing the confined space effect. The marked shift of the absorption onset was associated with a band‐gap reduction between the highest occupied molecular orbital (HOMO) and the lowest unoccupied molecular orbital (LUMO). Theoretical calculation results showed that the confined space effect is distance dependent and exerts a more profound influence on the HOMO than the LUMO within an effective distance range. An initial study implied that the confined space effect is also accompanied with the electron density variation.
Hybrid ACO Routing Protocol for Mobile Ad Hoc Networks
Authors: Rupérez Cañas D. , Sandoval Orozco A. L. , García Villalba L. J. , Hong P.-S.
Published: May 2013

Mobile ad hoc networks (MANETs) are formed by wireless mobile devices that do not require a predefined infrastructure and where all nodes are at the same level without the need of a central coordinator. The routing is an important task in this kind of networks because of highly dynamic environments and other characteristics. Routing consists of sending the information from sender nodes to destination nodes in a multihop manner. There are different techniques to solve the routing problem. We rely on bioinspired algorithms, those that take into account the behavior of certain animals to solve it. Specifically we design a novel routing algorithm based on Ant Colony Optimization (ACO) which uses the concepts of Swarm Intelligence and analyzes the behavior of ants at the time of obtaining the food. In this work, we present Hybrid ACO Routing (HACOR), a bio-inspired protocol based on ACO. In the simulation results, we observe how this protocol performs significantly better compared to a state-of-the-art routing protocol, according to the analyzed metrics.
Rapid Point-of-Care Testing for Detection of HIV and Clinical Monitoring
Authors: Arora D. R. , Maheshwari Megha , Arora B.
Published: May 2013

Reversing and arresting the epidemic of HIV are a challenge for any country. Early diagnosis and rapid initiation of treatment remain a key strategy in the control of HIV. Technological advances in the form of low-cost rapid point-of-care tests have completely transformed the diagnosis and management of HIV, especially in resource limited settings, where health infrastructure is poor and timely access to medical care is a challenge. Point-of-care devices have proven to be easy to transport, operate, and maintain, and also lower-skilled staff is equally able to perform these tests as compared to trained laboratory technicians. Point-of-care tests allow rapid detection of HIV allowing for rapid initiation of therapy, monitoring of antiretroviral therapy and drug toxicity, and detection of opportunistic infections and associated illnesses.
Indices to Assess the Integration of Renewable Energy Resources on Transmission Systems
Authors: Nikolaidis Alexandros I. , Gonzalez-Longatt Francisco M. , Charalambous C. A.
Published: May 2013

The continuous increase on the penetration levels of Renewable Energy Sources (RESs) in power systems has led to radical changes on the design, operation, and control of the electrical network. This paper investigates the influence of these changes on the operation of a transmission network by developing a set of indices, spanning from power losses to GHG emissions reduction. These indices are attempting to quantify any impacts therefore providing a tool for assessing the RES penetration in transmission networks, mainly for isolated systems. These individual indices are assigned an analogous weight and are mingled to provide a single multiobjective index that performs a final evaluation. These indices are used to evaluate the impact of the integration of RES into the classic WSCC 3-machine, 9-bus transmission network.
Comparison of Dried Plum Puree, Rosemary Extract, and BHA/BHT as Antioxidants in Irradiated Ground Beef Patties
Authors: Movileanu Iulia , Núñez de González Máryuri T. , Hafley Brian , Miller Rhonda K. , Keeton Jimmy T.
Published: May 2013

Fresh ground beef patties with (1) no antioxidant (control), (2) 0.02% butylated hydroxyanisole/butylated hydroxytoluene (BHA/BHT), (3) 3% dried plum puree, or (4) 0.25% rosemary extract were aerobically packaged, irradiated at target doses of 0, 1.5, or 2.0 kGy (1.7 and 2.3 kGy actual doses), and stored at C. The samples were evaluated for lipid oxidation on 0, 3, 7, 14, 21, and 28 days of storage after irradiation. When compared to the control, all antioxidant treatments were effective in retarding () irradiation-induced lipid oxidation during storage as determined by 2-thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARs) values. Rosemary extracts had the same antioxidant effect () as BHA/BHT in irradiated and nonirradiated beef patties, followed by the dried plum puree treatment. Irradiation increased TBARs values, but no differences were noted in oxidation between irradiation dose levels.
Variants of Insulin-Signaling Inhibitor Genes in Type 2 Diabetes and Related Metabolic Abnormalities
Authors: de Lorenzo Carlo , Greco Annalisa , Fiorentino Teresa Vanessa , Mannino Gaia Chiara , Hribal Marta Letizia
Published: May 2013

Insulin resistance has a central role in the pathogenesis of several metabolic diseases, including type 2 diabetes, obesity, glucose intolerance, metabolic syndrome, atherosclerosis, and cardiovascular diseases. Insulin resistance and related traits are likely to be caused by abnormalities in the genes encoding for proteins involved in the composite network of insulin-signaling; in this review we have focused our attention on genetic variants of insulin-signaling inhibitor molecules. These proteins interfere with different steps in insulin-signaling: ENPP1/PC-1 and the phosphatases PTP1B and PTPRF/LAR inhibit the insulin receptor activation; INPPL1/SHIP-2 hydrolyzes PI3-kinase products, hampering the phosphoinositide-mediated downstream signaling; and TRIB3 binds the serine-threonine kinase Akt, reducing its phosphorylation levels. While several variants have been described over the years for all these genes, solid evidence of an association with type 2 diabetes and related diseases seems to exist only for rs1044498 of theENPP1gene and for rs2295490 of theTRIB3gene. However, overall the data recapitulated in this Review article may supply useful elements to interpret the results of novel, more technically advanced genetic studies; indeed it is becoming increasingly evident that genetic information on metabolic diseases should be interpreted taking into account the complex biological pathways underlying their pathogenesis.
Report of the Pilot Study Done for the Proposed Investigation on the Possible Synergic Effect between High-Dose Ascorbic Acid Application and Oncothermia Treatment
Authors: Kovago Csaba , Meggyeshazi Nora , Andocs Gabor , Szasz Andras
Published: May 2013

According to recent investigations, the parenteral application of ascorbic acid (vitamin C) at high doses has significant antitumor activity in in vitro assays. The goal of our experiment was to determine the possible potentiating effect of application of high dose pH-neutralized ascorbic acid to the normal oncothermia treatment method. The NMRI mice were inoculated with C26 murine colon carcinoma cell line subcutaneously at both of their femoral regions and were kept till the tumors reached symmetrically 10 mm in diameter. We created four experimental groups, containing 5 male and 5 female animals in each. Both vitamin-C and oncothermia treatments were applied once; ascorbic acid was applied intra-peritoneally. Oncothermia treatment was applied only to the right limb tumor; the other side will be used as internal control. After the treatment, the animals were sacrificed, and all tumors were removed and analyzed histopathologically. Our main question centers on the comparison of the cell destruction ratio of the various applied treatment regimes, and studies the possible synergy or additive cross-potentiating of the methods. The results of this experiment turned out to be controversial, since the ascorbic acid did not change the remission rate of the allografts and showed no synergy with oncothermia.
Caustics as an Alternate of Ray Tracing to Evaluate Heliostat Mirrors
Authors: Georgiou Marios D. , Bonanos Aristides M. , Georgiadis John G.
Published: May 2013

Solar thermal power generation is based on the concept of concentrating solar radiation to provide high temperature
heat for electricity generation via conventional power cycles. The high relative cost of optical subsystems necessitates a careful study of their components. The capital cost of the heliostat field in central receiver power plants is significant, reaching up to 50% of the capital investment. Therefore, it is essential to maximize the energy yield from a heliostat with a given mirror area. Solar collector fields are typically modeled by ray-tracing or convolution methods; however, no general method is available for engineering analysis. We propose the use of caustics to predict the image of the sun reflected by an arbitrary mirror of focal length F and aperture a on a target. The method of caustics was validated against SolTRACE, a ray-tracing code developed by
the US National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL).
Isolated Duodenal Crohn's Disease: A Case Report and a Review of the Surgical Management
Authors: Karateke Faruk , Menekşe Ebru , Das Koray , Ozyazici Sefa , Demirtürk Pelin
Published: May 2013

Crohn's disease may affect any segment of the gastrointestinal tract; however, isolated duodenal involvement is rather rare. It still remains a complex clinical entity with a controversial management of the disease. Initially, patients with duodenal Crohn' s disease (DCD) are managed with a combination of antiacid and immunosuppressive therapy. However, medical treatment fails in the majority of DCD patients, and surgical intervention is required in case of complicated disease. Options for surgical management of complicated DCD include bypass, resection, or stricturoplasty procedures. In this paper, we reported a 33-year-old male patient, who was diagnosed with isolated duodenal Crohn’s diseases, and reviewed the surgical options in the literature.
Synthesis of Oligonucleotide Conjugates and Phosphorylated Nucleotide Analogues: An Improvement to a Solid Phase Synthetic Approach
Authors: Romanucci Valeria , Zarrelli Armando , De Napoli Lorenzo , Di Marino Cinzia , Di Fabio Giovanni
Published: May 2013

An improvement to our solid phase strategy to generate pharmacologically interesting molecule libraries is proposed here. The synthesis of new o‐chlorophenol‐functionalised solid supports with very high loading (0.18–0.22 meq/g for control pore glass (CPG) and 0.25–0.50 meq/g for TG) is reported. To test the efficiency of these supports, we prepared nucleotide and oligonucleotide models, and their coupling yields and the purity of the crude detached materials were comparable to previously available results. These supports allow the facile and high‐yield preparation of highly pure phosphodiester and phosphoramidate monoester nucleosides, conjugated oligonucleotides, and other yet unexplored classes of phosphodiester and phosphoramidate molecules.
Innate Immune Signaling in the Pathogenesis of Necrotizing Enterocolitis
Authors: Hackam David J. , Afrazi Amin , Good Misty , Sodhi Chhinder P.
Published: May 2013

Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is a challenging disease to treat, and caring for patients afflicted by it remains both frustrating and difficult. While NEC may develop quickly and without warning, it may also develop slowly, insidiously, and appear to take the caregiver by surprise. In seeking to understand the molecular and cellular processes that lead to NEC development, we have identified a critical role for the receptor for bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS) toll like receptor 4 (TLR4) in the pathogenesis of NEC, as its activation within the intestinal epithelium of the premature infant leads to mucosal injury and reduced epithelial repair. The expression and function of TLR4 were found to be particularly elevated within the intestinal mucosa of the premature as compared with the full-term infant, predisposing to NEC development. Importantly, factors within both the enterocyte itself, such as heat shock protein 70 (Hsp70), and in the extracellular environment, such as amniotic fluid, can curtail the extent of TLR4 signaling and reduce the propensity for NEC development. This review will highlight the critical TLR4-mediated steps that lead to NEC development, with a focus on the proinflammatory responses of TLR4 signaling that have such devastating consequences in the premature host.
Proximal Corpus Cavernosum Tear Presenting as Scrotal Hematoma
Authors: Darves-Bornoz A. , DeBartolo M. M. , Mishail A. M.
Published: May 2013

We present the case of a penile fracture involving the proximal corpus cavernosum, presenting as a hematoma extending into the scrotum. The presentation, diagnosis, and surgical approach, which differ from the more typical penile shaft fracture, are delineated.
A Novel Study of Comorbidity between Schizoaffective Disorder and Geschwind Syndrome
Authors: O'Connell Kara , Keaveney Joanne , Paul Raymond
Published: May 2013

Geschwind syndrome has been described in patients with temporal lobe epilepsy and is characterized by sexual behavioural disorders, hyperreligiosity, hypergraphia, and viscosity. Presented here is a case of a 53-year-old man with clinical findings consistent with Geschwind syndrome in the setting of a known diagnosis of schizoaffective disorder, with no identifiable comorbid illness of temporal lobe epilepsy or frontotemporal dementia. Brain MRI showed bilateral temporal lobe atrophy greater than would be expected for age and more prominent on the left side than the right. It is likely that these structural abnormalities may be related to this patient’s clinical presentation of Geschwind syndrome. To our knowledge, this is the first reporting of a case of Geschwind syndrome in the setting of schizoaffective disorder. These symptoms of Geschwind syndrome were present irrespective of mental state status. The report highlights the importance in correct identification of underlying cause and differentiation between Geschwind syndrome and schizoaffective disorder in order to avoid mistreatment and consequent iatrogenic adverse events.
Malariometric Survey of Ibeshe Community in Ikorodu, Lagos State: Dry Season
Authors: Aina Oluwagbemiga O. , Agomo Chimere O. , Olukosi Yetunde A. , Okoh Hilary I. , Iwalokun Bamidele A. , Egbuna Kathleen N. , Orok Akwaowo B. , Ajibaye Olusola , Enya Veronica N. V. , Akindele Samuel K. , Akinyele Margaret O. , Agomo Philip U.
Published: May 2013

Malariometric surveys generate data on malaria epidemiology and dynamics of transmission necessary for planning and monitoring of control activities. This study determined the prevalence of malaria and the knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) towards malaria infection in Ibeshe, a coastal community. The study took place during the dry season in 10 villages of Ibeshe. All the participants were screened for malaria. A semistructured questionnaire was used to capture sociodemographic data and KAP towards malaria. A total of 1489 participants with a mean age of 26.7±20.0 years took part in the study. Malaria prevalence was 14.7% (95% CI 13.0–16.6%) with geometric mean density of 285 parasites/μL. Over 97% of participants were asymptomatic. Only 40 (2.7%) of the participants were febrile, while 227 (18.1%) were anemic. Almost all the participants (95.8%) identified mosquito bite as a cause of malaria, although multiple agents were associated with the cause of malaria. The commonest symptoms associated with malaria were hot body (89.9%) and headache (84.9%). Window nets (77.0%) were preferred to LLIN (29.6%). Malaria is mesoendemic in Ibeshe during the dry season. The participants had good knowledge of symptoms of malaria; however, there were a lot of misconceptions on the cause of malaria.
Possibility to Use Low Temperature Pulsed RF Sputtered Indium Tin Oxide for the Fabrication of Organic Solar Cell
Authors: Middya Somnath , Layek Animesh , Ray Partha Pratim
Published: May 2013

In this work we have used pulsed RF sputtering method to deposit indium tin oxide (ITO) for the fabrication of P3HT:PCBM based bulk heterojunction polymer solar cell. We have deposited ITO at low substrate temperature (100°C) and for different pulse modes. Oxygen was used as an admixture to the sputtering gas argon, and the percentage was varied from 0 to 6%. During deposition, plasma was studied by optical emission spectroscopy (OES) method. For our present range of deposition conditions lowest resistivity of ITO is around 2 × 10−4 Ω-cm, and it is deposited in High-Low mode with 1% of oxygen added to argon. The effect of oxygen admixture on electrical and optical properties of ITO thin films has been studied for different pulse modes. ITO films have been optimised by measuring their resistivity, transparency, and X-ray diffraction. Finally we have applied the ITO film for the fabrication of P3HT:PCBM based solar cell.
Postmenopausal Osteoporosis: The Role of Immune System Cells
Authors: Faienza Maria Felicia , Ventura Annamaria , Marzano Flaviana , Cavallo Luciano
Published: May 2013

In the last years, new evidences of the relationship between immune system and bone have been accumulated both in animal models and in humans affected by bone disease, such as rheumatoid arthritis, bone metastasis, periodontitis, and osteoporosis. Osteoporosis is characterized by low bone mass and microarchitectural deterioration of bone tissue with a subsequent increase in bone fragility and susceptibility to fractures. The combined effects of estrogen deprivation and raising of FSH production occurring in menopause cause a marked stimulation of bone resorption and a rapid bone loss which is central for the onset of postmenopausal osteoporosis. This review focuses on the role of immune system in postmenopausal osteoporosis and on therapeutic strategies targeting osteoimmunology pathways.
Grey-Level Cooccurrence Matrix Performance Evaluation for Heading Angle Estimation of Moveable Vision System in Static Environment
Authors: Zainal Zairulazha , Ramli Rizauddin , Mustafa Mohd Marzuki
Published: May 2013

A method of extracting information in estimating heading angle of vision system is presented. Integration of grey-level cooccurrence matrix (GLCM) in an area of interest selection is carried out to choose a suitable region that is feasible for optical flow generation. The selected area is employed for optical flow generation by using Horn-Schunck method. From the generated optical flow, heading angle is estimated and enhanced via moving median filter (MMF). In order to ascertain the effectiveness of GLCM, we compared the result with a different estimation method of optical flow which is generated directly from untouched greyscale images. The performance of GLCM is compared to the true heading, and the error is evaluated through mean absolute deviation (MAE). The result ensured that GLCM can improve the estimation result of the heading angle of vision system significantly.
Resveratrol Inhibits Alpha-Melanocyte-Stimulating Hormone Signaling, Viability, and Invasiveness in Melanoma Cells
Authors: Chen Yu-Jen , Chen Ying-Yin , Lin Yi-Feng , Hu Hsuan-Yun , Liao Hui-Fen
Published: May 2013

Melanoma is a malignancy with high potential to invasion and treatment resistance. Theα-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH) signal transduction involving Wnt/β-catenin, c-Kit, and microphthalmia-associated transcription factor (MITF), a known pathway to produce melanin, has been demonstrated as one of cancer stem cell characteristics. This study was aimed to examine the effect of resveratrol, an abundant ingredient of grape and medicinal plants, onα-MSH signaling, viability, and invasiveness in melanoma cells. Byα-MSH treatment, the melanin production in B16 melanoma cells was augmented as a validation for activation ofα-MSH signaling. The upregulated expression ofα-MSH signaling-related moleculesβ-catenin, c-Kit, and MITF was suppressed by resveratrol and/or STI571 treatment. Nuclear translocation of MITF, a hallmark ofα-MSH signaling activation, was inhibited by combined treatment of resveratrol and STI571. At effective concentration, resveratrol and/or STI571 inhibited cell viability andα-MSH-activated matrix metalloproteinase- (MMP-)9 expression and invasion capacity of B16 melanoma cells. In conclusion, resveratrol enhances STI571 effect on suppressing theα-MSH signaling, viability, and invasiveness in melanoma cells. It implicates that resveratrol may have potential to modulate the cancer stem cell characteristics of melanoma.
Nonlinear Stability and Convergence of Two-Step Runge-Kutta Methods for Neutral Delay Differential Equations
Authors: Yuan Haiyan , Song Cheng , Wang Peichen
Published: May 2013

This paper is devoted to the stability and convergence analysis of the two-step Runge-Kutta (TSRK) methods with the Lagrange interpolation of the numerical solution for nonlinear neutral delay differential equations. Nonlinear stability and D-convergence are introduced and proved. We discuss theGR(l)-stability,GAR(l)-stability, and the weakGAR(l)-stability on the basis of(k,l)-algebraically stable of the TSRK methods; we also discuss the D-convergence properties of TSRK methods with a restricted type of interpolation procedure.