bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Rheology, Mechanical and Thermal Properties of C18-CNT/LDPE Nanocomposites
Authors: Abbasi S. H. , Adesina A. A. , Atieh M. A. , Ul-Hamid U. , Hussein I. A.
Published: March 2013

Nanocomposites of low density polyethylene (LDPE)/C18modified multi wall carbon nanotubes (C18-CNT) were prepared by melt blending. The effect of C18-CNT loading and compatibilizer (maleic anhydride modified polyethylene, MAPE) on the morphology, mechanical, thermal and rheological properties of LDPE was studied. FE-SEM images of nanocomposites show reduced agglomeration of the in LDPE/C18-CNT in comparison with uncompatibilized C18-CNT. For uncompatibilized nanocomposites, yield strength and Young's modulus increased with loading of C18-CNT. Ultimate strength, show improvement up to 2 wt% loading. However, percent elongation and toughness were reduced for C18-CNT at all loadings. Apart from elongation and toughness, addition of compatibilizer improved all mechanical properties as compared to pure LDPE and nanocomposites without compatibilizer. Percent crystallinity shows a correlation with Young's modulus. Both, Young's modulus and total crystallinity increased with C18-CNT loading and further increase with the incorporation of compatibilizer was observed. Results of phase angle suggest no presence of network. Also, addition of C18-CNT did not increase strain hardening, maintained extensional viscosity and time of break up to 1.5 s−1Hencky rate. The C18modifier is viewed to act similar to a long chain branching on linear polymers. The C18modification of CNT resulted in reduced viscous and elastic properties of the composites. In turn, this is expected to lead to enhancement in the processing of these composites. Overall, compatibilized C18-CNT resulted in improved mechanical properties and better processing behavior.
Influence of Extrusion Conditions on Fiber Breakage along the Screw Profile during Twin Screw Compounding of Glass Fiber-reinforced PA
Authors: Ville J. , Inceoglu F. , Ghamri N. , Pradel J. L. , Durin A. , Valette R. , Vergnes B.
Published: March 2013

In the present study, Polyamide 12 was compounded with glass fibers in both laboratory and industrial twin screw extruders using various processing conditions (screw speed and feed rate). Dead-stop experiments were performed and samples were collected at different locations along the screws in order to determine the fiber length distribution and the extent of fiber breakage. Results show that significant fiber break-up occurs right after the addition of glass fibers to the molten matrix. Similarly fiber length distribution changes drastically at the first sampling location, near the glass fiber feeder. Processing conditions also influence the extent of degradation: it increases with screw speed and decreases with feed rate, which controls the residence time. Flow modelling has been used to calculate the flow conditions along the screw profile. It is shown that the modified Shon-Liu-White model previously proposed to describe the average fiber length evolution as function of specific energy is not able to correctly predict the evolution along the screw profile. In similar processing conditions, the large industrial extruder appears as less severe than the small laboratory one.
The Bible Says! Neo-Prophetic Hermeneutics in Africa
Authors: Omenyo Cephas N. , Arthur Wonderful Adjei
Published: March 2013

The neo-prophetic churches, the most recent expression of Pentecostalism, currently experiencing stupendous growth, do more contextual or inculturation hermeneutics than did earlier Pentecostal movements. They have, as their pillars, African biblical hermeneutics (shaped by elements in the African context) and global Pentecostal hermeneutical paradigms (also shaped by Pentecostal beliefs). In relying on these two pillars, they have appropriated western biblical hermeneutical tools, categories and methods in the African milieu; hence their appeal to a large number of contemporary African Christians.
Origin, Migration, Globalisation and the Missionary Encounter of Britain's Black Majority Churches
Authors: Adedibu Babatunde
Published: March 2013

Britain's Christian landscape has a definitive imprint of African and Caribbean Christianities. The growth and proliferation of Black Majority Churches in Britain in the last one hundred years attest to the tenacity and gradual acceptance of the Pentecostal stream within Britain's chequered church history. Religion is now a major motor in migration as most migrants now sacralise their migration and place minimal emphasis on economic motivations. In spite of their religious subscriptions, African and Caribbean Christians also carry their socio-cultural backpacks to the West. This has resulted in the emergence of Christianities that are reflective of African and Caribbean cosmologies. This article gives an overview of the origin of Black Majority Churches in Britain and the role of globalisation and migration in identity formation within these churches whilst also examining the distinctive socio-religious praxis of the amazing Black church movement in Britain.
Can Coronary Artery Involvement in Kawasaki Disease be Predicted?
Authors: Ghelani Sunil , Kwatra Neha , Spurney Christopher
Published: March 2013

Background: Coronary artery involvement is seen in approximately 15–20% of children with Kawasaki disease. There is conflicting literature regarding the clinical and laboratory findings associated with coronary artery involvement. In this retrospective study, we attempt identification of predictive factors for coronary artery involvement at our institute and review the existing literature. Methods and results: A review of 203 patients (65% males) with Kawasaki disease was performed, of whom 33 (16.3%) had coronary artery involvement. High erythrocyte sedimentation rate, high platelet count, low hematocrit, low albumin levels, and refractory Kawasaki disease showed significant association with coronary artery involvement. High erythrocyte sedimentation rate and refractory Kawasaki disease were found to be independent predictors of coronary artery involvement. Review of literature suggested a wide range of coronary involvement (<5% to >60%), and highly conflicting clinical and laboratory associations. Conclusion: It remains difficult to accurately determine risk of coronary artery involvement, although some laboratory markers may provide information that is helpful for parental counseling and clinical follow up. Future identification of novel biomarkers and host predispositions may further our understanding of coronary artery risks and help personalize therapy for Kawasaki disease.
The Role of Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase-Activated Protein Kinases (MAPKAPKs) in Inflammation
Authors: Moens Ugo , Kostenko Sergiy , Sveinbjørnsson Baldur
Published: March 2013

Mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathways are implicated in several cellular processes including proliferation, differentiation, apoptosis, cell survival, cell motility, metabolism, stress response and inflammation. MAPK pathways transmit and convert a plethora of extracellular signals by three consecutive phosphorylation events involving a MAPK kinase kinase, a MAPK kinase, and a MAPK. In turn MAPKs phosphorylate substrates, including other protein kinases referred to as MAPK-activated protein kinases (MAPKAPKs). Eleven mammalian MAPKAPKs have been identified: ribosomal-S6-kinases (RSK1-4), mitogen- and stress-activated kinases (MSK1-2), MAPK-interacting kinases (MNK1-2), MAPKAPK-2 (MK2), MAPKAPK-3 (MK3), and MAPKAPK-5 (MK5). The role of these MAPKAPKs in inflammation will be reviewed.
A Novel Function for the Conserved Glutamate Residue in the Walker B Motif of Replication Factor C
Authors: Chiraniya Ankita , Finkelstein Jeff , O'Donnell Mike , Bloom Linda
Published: March 2013

In all domains of life, sliding clamps tether DNA polymerases to DNA to increase the processivity of synthesis. Clamp loaders load clamps onto DNA in a multi-step process that requires ATP binding and hydrolysis. Like other AAA+ proteins, clamp loaders contain conserved Walker A and Walker B sequence motifs, which participate in ATP binding and hydrolysis, respectively. Mutation of the glutamate residue in Walker B motifs (or DExx-boxes) in AAA+ proteins typically reduces ATP hydrolysis by as much as a couple orders of magnitude, but has no effect on ATP binding. Here, the Walker B Glu in each of the four active ATP sites of the eukaryotic clamp loader, RFC, was mutated to Gln and Ala separately, and ATP binding- and hydrolysis-dependent activities of the quadruple mutant clamp loaders were characterized. Fluorescence-based assays were used to measure individual reaction steps required for clamp loading including clamp binding, clamp opening, DNA binding and ATP hydrolysis. Our results show that the Walker B mutations affect ATP-binding-dependent interactions of RFC with the clamp and DNA in addition to reducing ligand-dependent ATP hydrolysis activity. Here, we show that the Walker B glutamate is required for ATP-dependent ligand binding activity, a previously unknown function for this conserved Glu residue in RFC.
Beneficial Effects of the RESMENA Dietary Pattern on Oxidative Stress in Patients Suffering from Metabolic Syndrome with Hyperglycemia Are Associated to Dietary TAC and Fruit Consumption
Authors: De la Iglesia Rocio , Lopez-Legarrea Patricia , Celada Paloma , Sánchez-Muniz Francisco , Martinez J. , Zulet M.
Published: March 2013

Hyperglycemia and oxidative stress are conditions directly related to the metabolic syndrome (MetS), whose prevalence is increasing worldwide. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of a new weight-loss dietary pattern on improving the oxidative stress status on patients suffering MetS with hyperglycemia. Seventy-nine volunteers were randomly assigned to two low-calorie diets (−30% Energy): the control diet based on the American Health Association criteria and the RESMENA diet based on a different macronutrient distribution (30% proteins, 30% lipids, 40% carbohydrates), which was characterized by an increase of the meal frequency (seven-times/day), low glycemic load, high antioxidant capacity (TAC) and high n-3 fatty acids content. Dietary records, anthropometrical measurements, biochemical parameters and oxidative stress biomarkers were analyzed before and after the six-month-long study. The RESMENA (Metabolic Syndrome Reduction in Navarra) diet specifically reduced the android fat mass and demonstrated more effectiveness on improving general oxidative stress through a greater decrease of oxidized LDL (oxLDL) values and protection against arylesterase depletion. Interestingly, oxLDL values were associated with dietary TAC and fruit consumption and with changes on body mass index (BMI), waist circumference, fat mass and triacilglyceride (TG) levels. In conclusion, the antioxidant properties of the RESMENA diet provide further benefits to those attributable to weight loss on patients suffering Mets with hyperglycemia.
Impact of Cell Wall Composition on Maize Resistance to Pests and Diseases
Authors: Santiago Rogelio , Barros-Rios Jaime , Malvar Rosa
Published: March 2013

In cereals, the primary cell wall is built of a skeleton of cellulosic microfibrils embedded in a matrix of hemicelluloses and smaller amounts of pectins, glycoproteins and hydroxycinnamates. Later, during secondary wall development, p-coumaryl, coniferyl and sinapyl alcohols are copolymerized to form mixed lignins. Several of these cell wall components show a determinative role in maize resistance to pest and diseases. However, defense mechanisms are very complex and vary among the same plant species, different tissues or even the same tissue at different developmental stages. Thus, it is important to highlight that the role of the cell wall components needs to be tested in diverse genotypes and specific tissues where the feeding or attacking by the pathogen takes place. Understanding the role of cell wall constituents as defense mechanisms may allow modifications of crops to withstand pests and diseases.
Land Change in the Greater Antilles between 2001 and 2010
Authors: Álvarez-Berríos Nora , Redo Daniel , Aide T. , Clark Matthew , Grau Ricardo
Published: March 2013

Land change in the Greater Antilles differs markedly among countries because of varying socioeconomic histories and global influences. We assessed land change between 2001 and 2010 in municipalities (second administrative units) of Cuba, Dominican Republic, Haiti, Jamaica, and Puerto Rico. Our analysis used annual land-use/land-cover maps derived from MODIS satellite imagery to model linear change in woody vegetation, mixed-woody/plantations and agriculture/herbaceous vegetation. Using this approach, we focused on municipalities with significant change (p ≤ 0.05). Between 2001 and 2010, the Greater Antilles gained 801 km2 of woody vegetation. This increase was mainly due to the return of woody vegetation in Cuba, and smaller increases in Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic. Despite relatively similar environments, the factors associated with these changes varied greatly between countries. In Puerto Rico, Dominican Republic, and Jamaica, agriculture declined while mixed-woody vegetation increased, mostly in montane regions. In contrast, Cuba experienced an extensive decline in sugarcane plantations, which resulted in the spread of an invasive woody shrub species and the increase in woody vegetation in areas of high agricultural value. In Haiti, the growing population, fuelwood consumption, and increase in agriculture contributed to woody vegetation loss; however, woody vegetation loss was accompanied with a significant increase in the mixed woody and plantations class. Most regional analyses often treated the Greater Antilles as a homogeneous unit; our results suggest that historical and socio-economic differences among countries are crucial for understanding the variation in present day land change dynamics.
A Survey of Marine Natural Compounds and Their Derivatives with Anti-Cancer Activity Reported in 2011
Authors: Sawadogo Wamtinga , Schumacher Marc , Teiten Marie-Hélène , Cerella Claudia , Dicato Mario , Diederich Marc
Published: March 2013

Cancer continues to be a major public health problem despite the efforts that have been made in the search for novel drugs and treatments. The current sources sought for the discovery of new molecules are plants, animals and minerals. During the past decade, the search for anticancer agents of marine origin to fight chemo-resistance has increased greatly. Each year, several novel anticancer molecules are isolated from marine organisms and represent a renewed hope for cancer therapy. The study of structure-function relationships has allowed synthesis of analogues with increased efficacy and less toxicity. In this report, we aim to review 42 compounds of marine origin and their derivatives that were published in 2011 as promising anticancer compounds.
Antibacterial Activity of Salicylanilide 4-(Trifluoromethyl)-benzoates
Authors: Krátký Martin , Vinšová Jarmila , Novotná Eva , Mandíková Jana , Trejtnar František , Stolaříková Jiřina
Published: March 2013

The development of novel antimicrobial agents represents a timely research topic. Eighteen salicylanilide 4-(trifluoromethyl)benzoates were evaluated against Mycobacterium tuberculosis, M. avium and M. kansasii, eight bacterial strains including methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and for the inhibition of mycobacterial isocitrate lyase. Some compounds were further screened against drug-resistant M. tuberculosis and for their cytotoxicity. Minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) for all mycobacterial strains were within 0.5–32 μmol/L, with 4-chloro-2-[4-(trifluoromethyl)phenylcarbamoyl]phenyl 4-(trifluoromethyl)benzoate superiority. Gram-positive bacteria including MRSA were inhibited with MICs ³ 0.49 μmol/L, while Gram-negative ones were much less susceptible. Salicylanilide 4-(trifluoromethyl)benzoates showed significant antibacterial properties, for many strains being comparable to standard drugs (isoniazid, benzylpenicillin) with no cross-resistance. All esters showed mild inhibition of mycobacterial isocitrate lyase and four compounds were comparable to 3-nitropropionic acid without a direct correlation between in vitro MICs and enzyme inhibition.
RETRACTED: Grace-Lynn et al. Evaluation of the Hepatoprotective Effects of Lantadene A, a Pentacyclic Triterpenoid of Lantana Plants against Acetaminophen-induced Liver Damage. Molecules 2012, 17, 13937–13947
Authors: Sasidharan Sreenivasan
Published: March 2013

A recent Comment by M. Sharma published in the journal Molecules [1] raises issues with our previously published paper [2]. After reviewing its content, and although we respectfully stand by our experimental description whereby we were able to prepare stock and working solutions of the substance being tested, the arguments presented do raise concerns about the true identity of the compound actually used and hence the results and conclusions of our paper.
Phenylmethimazole Suppresses dsRNA-Induced Cytotoxicity and Inflammatory Cytokines in Murine Pancreatic Beta Cells and Blocks Viral Acceleration of Type 1 Diabetes in NOD Mice
Authors: McCall Kelly , Schmerr Martin , Thuma Jean , James Calvin , Courreges Maria , Benencia Fabian , Malgor Ramiro , Schwartz Frank
Published: March 2013

Accumulating evidence supports a role for viruses in the pathogenesis of type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM). Activation of dsRNA-sensing pathways by viral dsRNA induces the production of inflammatory cytokines and chemokines that trigger beta cell apoptosis, insulitis, and autoimmune-mediated beta cell destruction. This study was designed to evaluate and describe potential protective effects of phenylmethimazole (C10), a small molecule which blocks dsRNA-mediated signaling, on preventing dsRNA activation of beta cell apoptosis and the inflammatory pathways important in the pathogenesis of T1DM. We first investigated the biological effects of C10, on dsRNA-treated pancreatic beta cells in culture. Cell viability assays, quantitative real-time PCR, and ELISAs were utilized to evaluate the effects of C10 on dsRNA-induced beta cell cytotoxicity and cytokine/chemokine production in murine pancreatic beta cells in culture. We found that C10 significantly impairs dsRNA-induced beta cell cytotoxicity and up-regulation of cytokines and chemokines involved in the pathogenesis of T1DM, which prompted us to evaluate C10 effects on viral acceleration of T1DM in NOD mice. C10 significantly inhibited viral acceleration of T1DM in NOD mice. These findings demonstrate that C10 (1) possesses novel beta cell protective activity which may have potential clinical relevance in T1DM and (2) may be a useful tool in achieving a better understanding of the role that dsRNA-mediated responses play in the pathogenesis of T1DM.
Estimating the Above-Ground Biomass in Miombo Savanna Woodlands (Mozambique, East Africa) Using L-Band Synthetic Aperture Radar Data
Authors: Carreiras João , Melo Joana , Vasconcelos Maria
Published: March 2013

The quantification of forest above-ground biomass (AGB) is important for such broader applications as decision making, forest management, carbon (C) stock change assessment and scientific applications, such as C cycle modeling. However, there is a great uncertainty related to the estimation of forest AGB, especially in the tropics. The main goal of this study was to test a combination of field data and Advanced Land Observing Satellite (ALOS) Phased Array L-band Synthetic Aperture Radar (PALSAR) backscatter intensity data to reduce the uncertainty in the estimation of forest AGB in the Miombo savanna woodlands of Mozambique (East Africa). A machine learning algorithm, based on bagging stochastic gradient boosting (BagSGB), was used to model forest AGB as a function of ALOS PALSAR Fine Beam Dual (FBD) backscatter intensity metrics. The application of this method resulted in a coefficient of correlation (R) between observed and predicted (10-fold cross-validation) forest AGB values of 0.95 and a root mean square error of 5.03 Mg·ha−1. However, as a consequence of using bootstrap samples in combination with a cross validation procedure, some bias may have been introduced, and the reported cross validation statistics could be overoptimistic. Therefore and as a consequence of the BagSGB model, a measure of prediction variability (coefficient of variation) on a pixel-by-pixel basis was also produced, with values ranging from 10 to 119% (mean = 25%) across the study area. It provides additional and complementary information regarding the spatial distribution of the error resulting from the application of the fitted model to new observations.
A Support-Based Reconstruction for SENSE MRI
Authors: Zhang Yudong , Peterson Bradley , Dong Zhengchao
Published: March 2013

A novel, rapid algorithm to speed up and improve the reconstruction of sensitivity encoding (SENSE) MRI was proposed in this paper. The essence of the algorithm was that it iteratively solved the model of simple SENSE on a pixel-by-pixel basis in the region of support (ROS). The ROS was obtained from scout images of eight channels by morphological operations such as opening and filling. All the pixels in the FOV were paired and classified into four types, according to their spatial locations with respect to the ROS, and each with corresponding procedures of solving the inverse problem for image reconstruction. The sensitivity maps, used for the image reconstruction and covering only the ROS, were obtained by a polynomial regression model without extrapolation to keep the estimation errors small. The experiments demonstrate that the proposed method improves the reconstruction of SENSE in terms of speed and accuracy. The mean square errors (MSE) of our reconstruction is reduced by 16.05% for a 2D brain MR image and the mean MSE over the whole slices in a 3D brain MRI is reduced by 30.44% compared to those of the traditional methods. The computation time is only 25%, 45%, and 70% of the traditional method for images with numbers of pixels in the orders of 103, 104, and 105–107, respectively.
Evaluation of Moisture-Related Attenuation Coefficient and Water Diffusion Velocity in Human Skin Using Optical Coherence Tomography
Authors: Lee Cheng-Kuang , Tsai Meng-Tsan , Chang Feng-Yu , Yang Chih-Hsun , Shen Su-Chin , Yuan Ouyang , Yang Chih-He
Published: March 2013

In this study, time-resolved optical coherence tomography (OCT) scanning images of the process of water diffusion in the skin that illustrate the enhancement in the backscattered intensities due to the increased water concentration are presented. In our experiments, the water concentration in the skin was increased by soaking the hand in water, and the same region of the skin was scanned and measured with the OCT system and a commercial moisture monitor every three minutes. To quantitatively analyze the moisture-related optical properties and the velocity of water diffusion in human skin, the attenuation coefficients of the skin, including the epidermis and dermis layers, were evaluated. Furthermore, the evaluated attenuation coefficients were compared with the measurements made using the commercial moisture monitor. The results demonstrate that the attenuation coefficient increases as the water concentration increases. Furthermore, by evaluating the positions of center-of mass of the backscattered intensities from OCT images, the diffusion velocity can be estimated. In contrast to the commercial moisture monitor, OCT can provide three-dimensional structural images of the skin and characterize its optical property, which together can be used to observe morphological changes and quantitatively evaluate the moisture-related attenuation coefficients in different skin layers.
Multi-Sensor Fusion with Interacting Multiple Model Filter for Improved Aircraft Position Accuracy
Authors: Cho Taehwan , Lee Changho , Choi Sangbang
Published: March 2013

The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) has decided to adopt Communications, Navigation, and Surveillance/Air Traffic Management (CNS/ATM) as the 21st century standard for navigation. Accordingly, ICAO members have provided an impetus to develop related technology and build sufficient infrastructure. For aviation surveillance with CNS/ATM, Ground-Based Augmentation System (GBAS), Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B), multilateration (MLAT) and wide-area multilateration (WAM) systems are being established. These sensors can track aircraft positions more accurately than existing radar and can compensate for the blind spots in aircraft surveillance. In this paper, we applied a novel sensor fusion method with Interacting Multiple Model (IMM) filter to GBAS, ADS-B, MLAT, and WAM data in order to improve the reliability of the aircraft position. Results of performance analysis show that the position accuracy is improved by the proposed sensor fusion method with the IMM filter.
Flexibility of Scope, Type and Temporality in Mustang, Nepal. Opportunities for Adaptation in a Farming System Facing Climatic and Market Uncertainty
Authors: Holmelin Nina , Aase Tor
Published: March 2013

Climate change is projected to increase the seasonality in river flows in the great river systems of Himalaya and impose challenges to regional food production. Since climate change increases the uncertainty in local weather patterns, people’s ability to maintain local agricultural production will probably depend on how flexible the local farming systems are to adjust to unpredictable changes. The objective of this paper is to investigate the flexibility of one such farming system which is located in Mustang, Nepal, Himalaya. Defining flexibility as “uncommitted potentialities for change” following Gregory Bateson, the paper identifies opportunities for change in the farming system, as well as factors that constrain flexibility. Further developing the concept of flexibility, it is suggested that flexibility may be analyzed in terms of scope, type and temporal flexibility. Although there are several underexploited resources in the studied farming system, the present situation is not regarded as one of irrational and suboptimal exploitation of resources. Instead, unexploited resources imply opportunities for change, which provide the system with flexibility to rapidly adjust agricultural production to varying and uncertain conditions of production.
Enhancing Relationships in Long-Term Care: Through Story Sharing
Authors: Heliker Diane
Published: March 2013

Relationships between staff and residents in long-term care (LTC) are foundational to quality of life and high standards of care. Although nurse aides (NAs) provide more than 80% of personal care to nursing home residents, little research has focused on the NA-resident relationship or how NAs come to know and connect with their residents. This interpretive phenomenological study explored how a Story Sharing intervention initiates and enhances this relationship. Following the Story Sharing intervention, 84 volunteer NAs and 54 residents in six nursing homes were interviewed over a 6-month period. Analysis of these interviews revealed 9 patterns and 25 themes that describe how NAs and residents interact every day, along with innovative NA best practices. One theme, exemplifying a best practice, Restoring the Reciprocity of Care, is given. The findings have been incorporated into an extended Story Sharing Program for all LTC staff.
Quality of Life of Korean and Korean American Older Adults: A Comparison
Authors: Kim Sook-Young , Jeon Eun-Young , Sok Sohyune R. , Oh Hye Kyung , Kim Kwuy-Bun
Published: March 2013

This study compared the quality of life (QOL) between Korean and Korean American older adults. The participants included 306 older adults (155 Korean, 151 Korean American) age 65 and older who met eligibility criteria and agreed to participate in the study. No significant difference was found in QOL between Korean and Korean American older adults. Differences in the subcategories of QOL between the two groups included higher scores for the Korean older adults in physical functioning, social functioning, and body pain. Scores for the subcategories of role limitations due to physical problems and vitality were higher for the Korean American older adults. Multiple regression analysis revealed that the powerful predictors of QOL for both groups were self-esteem and activities of daily living (ADLs)/instrumental ADLs (IADLs). It is recommended that nursing interventions to increase self-esteem and performance of ADLs/IADLs be developed to enhance QOL among older adults.
Update on Ecstasy
Authors: Fogger Susanne A.
Published: March 2013

After years of declining use in the United States, youth consumption of ecstasy has increased significantly. Although ecstasy (3, 4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine) is known to be a drug with detrimental effects, users view the drug as a safe and attractive social lubricant. To update and clarify misperceptions, this article reviews current evidence regarding ecstasy’s side effects and risks and encourages honest discussion focusing on risk-reduction behaviors.
Intriga cómica versus intriga trágica en Tesmoforiantes de Aristófanes
Authors: Quijada Sagredo Milagros
Published: March 2013

Tesmoforiantes es una comedia con una amplia presencia de elementos paródicos tomados de las tragedias de salvación de Eurípides. En el presente artículo analizamos la forma en la que Aristófanes, a la hora de configurar la acción en esta comedia, recrea la secuencia típica de una intriga de salvación trágica, en particular de Eurípides. Sostenemos que los elementos que siguen a la parábasis en Tesmoforiantes tienen un valor orgánico y no interrumpen la acción cómica al continuar presentándonos al héroe en la persecución de sus metas, de modo que la paratragedia abarca la configuración de la acción cómica de principio a fin.
Cércidas y la Antíope de Eurípides
Authors: López Cruces Juan Luis
Published: March 2013

Análisis de las reminiscencias de la Antíope de Eurípides detectables en los restos del meliambo III de Cércidas: primero, la caza musical (cf. E., frs. 187, 198 Kn); segundo, el vínculo entre música y filosofía, y tercero, quizá, el contraste entre el filósofo y el atleta (cf. E., fr. 201 Kn). Cércidas puede haber reconocido en el Anfión euripideo un precursor mítico de su propia actividad política y musical.
«Y busqué su alma como a mi otro yo»: comentarios a Himerio 10.86-90
Authors: Muñoz Llamosas Virginia
Published: March 2013

En su discurso 10, un discurso propémptico de intencionada inspiración platónica, Himerio describe su reacción al conocer al alumno que ahora despide y afirma que, viéndose reflejado en él como en un espejo, buscó su alma como a su «otro yo». A partir de ahí analizamos las diferentes expresiones del griego para esta idea, que pasará a la tradición posterior bajo el latinismo alter ego, y que aparece fundamentalmente vinculada al tema de la amistad. Por su contenido el «otro yo» enlaza con el motivo literario del doble, que puede ser aprovechado negativa o positivamente (que es donde se situaría el amigo como «otro yo»). Teniendo en cuenta las diferentes expresiones para este concepto y las distintas reflexiones sobre la amistad, encontramos en este pasaje de Himerio, junto a la influencia de Platón, que él mismo pretendía, un eco, hasta ahora inadvertido, de Aristóteles y los proverbios acerca del amigo.
El canto de Quirón y el ethos de la música. A propósito de Silio Itálico XI 453-458
Authors: Río Torres-Murciano Antonio
Published: March 2013

A pesar de las transposiciones propuestas por varios editores, los versos XI 453-458 de las Púnicas de Silio Itálico, que atribuyen al centauro Quirón un canto de tema cosmológico, tienen sentido si se los entiende como una estilización literaria de ciertas doctrinas antiguas acerca de los efectos morales y el valor pedagógico de la música.
Influence of rotating speed on the coupled bending and torsional vibrations of turbo-generator unit with rub-impact
Authors: Chengbing He , Li Yang
Published: March 2013

Rub-impact fault causes complicated vibration to the rotor system and is one of the main reasons for the system instability. The increment transfer matrix method is used to analyze the dynamic response of the coupled bending and torsional vibrations of turbo-generator shafts with rub-impact in this work. Aimed at a turbo-generator unit with different rotating speed, the vibration character of rub-impact fault is analyzed. The research results show that the influence of rotating speed on vibration amplitude is obvious. When the speed is lower than the first order inherent frequency, rubbing will cause bending and torsional vibration amplitudes of each shaft segment increase largely. When the speed is higher than the first order inherent frequency, vibration amplitudes slightly change by rubbing. The sensitive to rubbing position is different for increased vibration amplitude of each shaft segment. The shaft segment is more near to the rubbing position, the increased vibration amplitude is more obvious.
The Motion Analysis on Lunge Material Mechanism in Sewing Machine
Authors: Yang Jia Hui , Liu Ben Dong
Published: March 2013

In this paper, the dynamic characteristics of lunge material mechanism in household sewing machine are simulated with the MATLAB software and the dynamics simulation software ADAMS. The displacement, velocity, acceleration of lunge needle is calculated with MATLAB and simulated with ADAMS. Then the curves of displacement, velocity, acceleration of lunge needle VS time are plotted with the two different softwares respectively. The angular acceleration and drive torque of crank is calculated and simulated either. Then, the contrast and discussion about the calculation and simulation is carried on. This research has some reference value for design and simulation of lunge material mechanism in sewing machine and other machines.
Improvement and Simulation Analysis of Threshold Denoising Algorithm
Authors: Liu Yan Xia , Li Yan , Dong Bei Bei , Cao Yan Yan , Ma Yan Li
Published: March 2013

According to the characteristics of image wavelet decomposition and statistical characteristics of high frequency wavelet coefficients after wavelet decomposition, this article improves the traditional threshold function de-noising algorithm. Improved threshold function not only overcomes wavelet coefficient discontinuity caused by hard threshold function de-noising and certain deviation witch always exists between wavelet coefficients caused by soft threshold function de-noising and its real value. The experimental results show that, the improved threshold function de-noising results are better than traditional soft and hard threshold method either in the visual effects, or the PSNR gain.
BCNO: Preparation and Microwave Absorbing Properties
Authors: Kang Yue , Chu Zeng Yong , Cheng Hai Feng
Published: March 2013

BCNO nanomaterials were obtained by mixing charcoal with boric acid and urea, and then heat treated at high temperatures. Their microstructures and electromagnetic parameters were characterized and discussed. TEM analysis revealed the analogues of few-layered graphenes after doption. Aditional ammonia treatment was also studied, which could lower the real part of the permittivity and adjust the reflectivity peaks.
Evidence of Phase Transition of Indium Doped Zinc Phthalocyanine
Authors: Rojanasuwan Sunit , Prajuabwan Pakorn , Chanhom Annop , Jaruvanawat Anuchit , Rangkasikorn Adirek , Nukeaw Jiti
Published: March 2013

A new intercalation of Indium and Zinc Phthalocyanine(ZnPc) thin films is developed by using thermal co-evaporation method. Optical characteristics of In-doped ZnPc are studied in comparison with pristine ZnPc, which shows improvement on optical absorption at the visible spectrum. The presence of a new phase transition upon Indium doping is examined and consequently support the idea of the intercalated phase upon doping. A Schottky diode made of Indium doped ZnPc is fabricated in order to measure its electrical properties, its photo-current spectrum confirms the existence of phase transition.
Stress Analysis for Electric Stop Valve of Nuclear Power Plant Considering Action of Preload and Stem Force
Authors: Wang Ji , Zheng Jian Hua
Published: March 2013

The finite element model of electric stop valve with flange bolts preload and valve stem force was established to improve the valve stress calculation method which was based only on action of fluid pressure, thermal stresses and pipe reaction forces. The principle and application of pretension load elements were expounded. By ANSYS, the stresses of this valve with preload and valve stem force were calculated, and the Mises equivalent stresses contour and some values of key position of whole valve were obtained. The results indicate the influence of the stresses on the valve caused by preload of bolt mounted on the flange and valve stem force can not be ignored.
Distribution Network Restoration Reconfiguration Based on an PSO-ACO Hybrid Approach
Authors: Zhang Ming Guang , Lu Yun Yun
Published: March 2013

This paper introduces the particle swarm Optimization (PSO) algorithm and the ant colony optimization (ASO) algorithm to solve the optimal problem of distribution network restoration reconfiguration. In the solving process, propose a multi objective function which contains the minimize line losses and minimize number of switching operations. In the time, simplify distribution and received the feasible searching strategy improved the searching speed. Because parameters has an important influence on ACO algorithm, this method use the PSO optimizate the parameters α and β of ACO. Take the parameters as the position of PSO. This method overcomed the parameters on the influence of the ACO and improved the global searching capability. Simulation on a typical 33 node case is conducted, the results show this method has a good performance of global searching.
Numerical Simulation of Mold Filling and Solidification Behavior in Permanente Casting Process
Authors: Chang Qing Ming , Yang Yin Kai , Yuan Jing , Chen Xia
Published: March 2013

Melt flow and casting solidification are essential parts of the permanent mold casting process and affect significantly the quality of castings．For this reason, accurate prediction of mold filling pattern and temperature field in permanent mold castings plays on an important role in producing sound castings. In this paper, the model filling and solidification of a box casting produced from an aluminum alloy is studied. Different casting processes are employed, simulated and optimized to obtain sound castings. Simulation results reveal that with appropriate gating system, pouring rate, cooling line, a smooth mold filling, reduced shrinkages and other defects are available and desired sound castings can be produced.
Copper Nanowires on NaCl (110) Template
Authors: Locharoenrat Kitsakorn
Published: March 2013

We studied optical properties of copper nanowires fabricated by a shadow deposition method. We found that the optical absorption spectra of thinner nanowires exhibited stronger anisotropic absorption than thickner nanowires. Absorption maxima are located at lower photon energy when incident field is parallel to the wire axes than they are perpendicular to each other. They also shift to lower energy when the widths of nanowires are increased.
A Novel Design of Traveling Wave Protection Device in EHV Transmission Lines Based-On ARM and FPGA
Authors: Wang Hui Zhong , Sun Chen Yu
Published: March 2013

As it is difficult to realize the traveling wave protection principle based on wavelet analysis in microcomputer protection device, a new microcomputer protection architecture based on FPGA+ARM is put forward in this paper This architecture make full use of ARM to complete relay protection principle, communication and the realization of the man-machine interface for the powerful transaction processing ability, and make use of FPGA to complete complex real-time wavelet analysis by a logic circuit for the characteristics of FPGA in high speed real-time parallel computation. It proves in experiment that this scheme is a good solution for the realization of travelling wave protection.
Circuit Design and Implementation for a Class of Hysteretic Systems
Authors: Pan Cun Zhi , Liu Ya Qian , Xue Jin Juan
Published: March 2013

Bouc-Wen model is a kind of more representative differential hysteretic model, which has the advantages of strong universality and parameters easily identification and that can better approximate the hysteresis curve. By using nonlinear system dynamics circuit theory, Bouc-Wen mathematical model is transformed into circuit model, the simulation results test the validity of the designed circuit and a physical circuit board is finally made. An experimental setup is established with the data acquisition card and related software. Circuit debugging and signal output under typical excitation of the circuit board are performed, the results show that the circuit board is be feasible to demonstrate the Bouc-Wen model.
Isolated High Step-Up DC-DC Converter with Zero-Voltage-Switching
Authors: Do Hyun Lark
Published: March 2013

A high step-up DC-DCconverter is proposed in this paper. The proposed converter has two transformers.The primary sides of them are paralleled virtually and the secondary sides haveseries connection to increase the voltage gain. An active clamp circuit isemployed to suppress the switch voltage stresses and obtainzero-voltage-switching (ZVS) operation of the switches. Voltage doubler isselected as an output rectifier to increase the voltage gain and confine thevoltage across the output diodes to the output voltage. Since the output diodecurrents are controlled by the total leakage inductance of the transformers,the reverse-recovery problem of the output diodes is significantly alleviated.Due to the ZVS operation and the alleviated reverse-recovery problem, theswitching losses of the proposed converter are significantly reduced and theefficiency is improved. Steady-state analysis is performed. Experimentalresults based on a prototype are also provided to verify the effectiveness andfeasibility of the proposed converter.
Modal Analysis of Stator and Rotor in Large Capacity Permanent Magnet Motor
Authors: Yu Shen Bo , Li Lei , Cao Shen
Published: March 2013

This paper presents the modal analysis of stator and rotor in large capacity permanent magnet motor with exterior rotor. Modal analysis of motor has vital significant to suppress vibration and noise of the motor in operating. Models of stator and rotor in motor with exterior rotor are analyzed by finite element method. Calculation results of different models indicate that the laminations and windings in large capacity permanent magnet motor have substantial effect on natural frequencies and vibration shapes of stator of the motor. Magnets on interior surface in the exterior rotor have some influence on the modal of the rotor.
Effect of Reference Height Control System on CPG Networks for Quadruped Hopping Robot
Authors: Kassim A.M. , Rashid M.Z.A. , Yaacob M.R. , Abas N. , Yasuno T.
Published: March 2013

In this paper, the collaboration of CPG networks with the feedback control system which are composed with the maximum hopping height detector and the Proportional Integral (PI) controller as an engineering application for the CPG network is proposed with the developed control systems. By adding the feedback loop through the feedback controller, the developed quadruped hopping robot not only can generate the continuous hopping performances but also can control the desired hopping height. As the result, the effectiveness of CPG networks to keep the stability of the developed quadruped hopping robot besides of confirming the validity of using reference height control system to generate hopping capability at different reference height, respectively.
Gravity Pendulum Tilting Monitor
Authors: Wei Hong , Yi Jun
Published: March 2013

With China's rapid economic development,there are more and more buildings in cities, and the building deformation has become more and more serious. An instrument which cans real-time monitor housing deformation becomes particularly important. In this paper, taking the invented gravity pendulum tilting monitor for example, described its working principle and the characteristic of easy to use, accurate measurement and practical.
New Industrial Shape Detecting Equipment of Cold Strip
Authors: Yu Bing Qiang , Yang Li Po
Published: March 2013

Shape has a significant impact on the good quality of follow-up deep-processed steel products. But it is difficult to detect, so a shape detecting equipment of cold rolling strip is developed to meet industrial application, which mainly consist of the shape detecting roller, the collecting ring, the DSP shape signal processing board and the shape control model. The shape detecting system was successfully used in 1250 mm HC 6-high reversible cold rolling mill. The precision of shape detecting is 0.2 I.
Study on Design and Application of a Manufacturing Process Management System of Large Sized Structure Components in Construction Machinery
Authors: Zhou Ke , Li Xiao Dong
Published: March 2013

In order to realize precise management and improve quality of construction machinery, a manufacturing process management system of large sized structure components was designed and applied. Firstly manufacturing process of large sized structure components in construction machinery was analyzed. Secondly manufacturing resources of large sized structure components was analyzed. Thirdly the architecture, function structure and database were designed. Then the application steps of the system were discussed. Feasibility and effectiveness of the system were verified by a case of enterprise application.
Dynamics Analysis of Break Disc Based on FEA and Modal Experiment
Authors: Zhang Li , Kai Chen , Tian Ye
Published: March 2013

The brake disc is one of the most important components of the braking system, so studying its dynamic characteristics is particularly important. In this paper, based on the 3D model, the theory modal analysis of break disc is conducted with ANSYS software and the modal experiment analysis is carried out through LMS(Lab Impact Testing system). The experimental results are in good consistency, which shows that the finite element model built in the paper is reasonable. This paper provides theoretical reference for vibration and noise reduction of the brake disc.
Maximum Wind Power Tracking Strategy of Wind Power Generation System
Authors: Huang Yue Hua , Li Huan Huan , Li Guang Xu
Published: March 2013

Aiming at maximum wind power tracking control problem of wind power generation system below the rated wind speed, this paper presents an improved MPPT control strategy by using turbulent part of the wind speed as a search signal to find the maximum power point. By using the Matlab/Simulink simulation of the wind power generation system below the rated wind speed, this paper proves the effectiveness of this control strategy. The simulation results show that improved MPPT control strategy can well control the wind turbine speed to track the wind speed changes to maintain optimum tip speed ratio and the maximum power coefficient.
Rapid Structure Analysis Method of Multi-Segment & Variable Taper Conical Wind Turbine Tower
Authors: Ma Tie Qiang , Wang Shi Rong , Xu Cheng Yin
Published: March 2013

To promote the structure analysis efficiency of multi-section & variable taper wind turbine tower, a novel method is proposed. The effective factors are analyzed for the performances of wind turbine tower, and the main parameters of it are found out. Resolution on rapid structure analysis is presented according to standardized FEA flows. The parameterized modeling method of towers vertical section profiles and optimal FEM meshing method are described. Finally, a rapid structure analysis software is completed to check the method, and the SUT 77-1500 wind turbine is taken as the example to verify the feasibility of the method