bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Atacicept in combination with MMF and corticosteroids in lupus nephritis: results of a prematurely terminated trial
Authors: Ginzler Ellen M , Wax Stephen , Rajeswaran Anand , Copt Samuel , Hillson Jan , Ramos Eleanor , Singer Nora G
Published: February 2012

Introduction

Atacicept is a soluble, fully human, recombinant fusion protein that inhibits B cell-stimulating factors APRIL (a proliferation-inducing ligand) and BLyS (B-lymphocyte stimulator). The APRIL- LN study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of atacicept in patients with active lupus nephritis (LN), receiving newly initiated corticosteroids (CS) and mycophenolate mofetil (MMF).

Methods

This was a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled Phase II/III, 52-week study. At screening (Day -14), patients initiated high-dose CS (the lesser of 0.8 mg/kg/day or 60 mg/day prednisone) and MMF (1 g daily, increased by 1 g/day each week to 3 g daily). From Day 1, atacicept (150 mg, subcutaneously, twice weekly for 4 weeks, then weekly) was initiated with MMF along with a tapered dose of CS.

Results

The trial was terminated after the enrollment of six patients, due to an unexpected decline in serum immunoglobulin G (IgG) and the occurrence of serious infections. Efficacy was thus not evaluated. By Day 1, serum IgG levels had declined substantially in patients then randomized to atacicept (n = 4) compared with placebo (n = 2). Patients receiving atacicept also had more severe proteinuria on Day -14 than those on placebo. Lymphocyte counts were low at screening in all patients. IgG decline continued following initiation (Day 1) of atacicept. Three atacicept-treated patients developed serum IgG below the protocol-defined discontinuation threshold of 3 g/l, two of whom developed serious pneumonia.

Conclusions

Future studies are needed to characterize the safety, efficacy, and pharmacodynamic response of atacicept in LN patients.

Trial Registration

ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT00573157
Comparison of corrosion behavior of different prestressing strand types
Authors: Kalina R. , Wheat H. , MacLean S. , Breen J.
Published: February 2012

In order to complement a large-scale long-term investigation of prestressing strand types for post-tensionsing of bridges, passive and active electrochemical tests were carried out on bare and grouted specimens exposed to salt water conditions as a function of time. The materials tested included seven-wire strands made of hot dip galvanized or zinc coated steel, stainless steel, stainless clad steel, copper clad steel, flow-filled epoxy coated steel and conventional steel as control. Based on corrosion potentials, polarization resistance tests, potentiodynamic tests, weight loss, and visual observations, epoxy coated strands, stainless and stainless clad strands were identified as possible alternatives to conventional steel that might help to minimize corrosion.
Whatever happened to local democracy?
Authors: Sweeting David , Copus Colin
Published: February 2012

This article explores change in local democracy through analysis of the views of councillors in Britain. It is argued that within an overarching representative process, local democracy takes representative, participatory, market and network forms. Using data gathered by questionnaire and interview, the article analyses the views of councillors on these different forms. It finds that there are differences between councillors in their attitudes to the different versions of democracy, although in the main councillors demonstrate most support for a traditional local representative democratic system. The article concludes that councillors continue to act in a manner that is out of step with the thrust of reform.
KCNJ5 mutations in the National Institutes of Health cohort of patients with primary hyperaldosteronism: an infrequent genetic cause of Conn's syndrome
Authors: Xekouki Paraskevi , Hatch Michael M , Lin Lin , Rodrigo De Alexandre , Azevedo Monalisa , de la Luz Sierra Maria , Levy Isaac , Saloustros Emmanouil , Moraitis Andreas , Horvath Anelia , Kebebew E , Hoffman Dax A , Stratakis Constantine A
Published: February 2012

KCNJ5 mutations were recently described in primary hyperaldosteronism (PH or Conn's syndrome). The frequency of these mutations in PH and the way KCNJ5 defects cause disease remain unknown. A total of 53 patients with PH have been seen at the National Institutes of Health over the last 12 years. Their peripheral and tumor DNAs (the latter from 16 that were operated) were screened for KCNJ5 mutations; functional studies on the identified defects were performed after transient transfection. Only two mutations were identified, and both in the tumor DNA only. There were no germline sequencing defects in any of the patients except for known synonymous variants of the KCNJ5 gene. One mutation was the previously described c.G451C alteration; the other was a novel one in the same codon: c.G451A; both lead to the same amino acid substitution (G151R) in the KCNJ5 protein. Functional studies confirmed previous findings that both mutations caused loss of channel selectivity and a positive shift in the reversal potential. In conclusion, the KCNJ5 protein was strongly expressed in the zona glomerulosa of normal adrenal glands but showed variable expression in the aldosterone-producing adenomas with and without mutation. The rate of KCNJ5 mutations among patients with PH and/or their tumors is substantially lower than what was previously reported. The G151R amino acid substitution appears to be the most frequent one so far detected in PH, despite additional nucleotide changes. The mutation causes loss of this potassium channel's selectivity and may assist in the design of new therapies for PH.
Hydrolysis of Hydroxamic Acid Complexants in the Presence of Non-Oxidizing Metal Ions
Authors: Edwards Scott , Andrieux Fabrice , Boxall Colin , Taylor Robin , Woodhead David
Published: February 2012

Simple Hydroxamic acids (XHAs) are salt free, organic compounds with affinities for hard cations such as Fe3+, Np4+, Pu4+ and have been identified as suitable reagents for the control of Pu and Np in advanced nuclear fuel reprocessing. Building upon previous work on the neptunium(IV)-formohydroxamic(FHA) acid system [1], a model that describes the hydrolysis of the acetohydroxamate moiety has been extended to include hydrolysis of bishydroxamatoneptunium(IV) complex. The model has been used to determine the rate constants for hydrolysis of mono- and bis-acetohydroxamatoneptunium(IV) at 25 °C, which were found to be 1.0×10-5 dm3 mol-1 s-1 and 5.0×10-5 dm3 mol-1 s-1, respectively.
An Atomistic Semiclassical Interpretation of Effective Charge in Electromigration
Authors: Bevan Kirk H.
Published: February 2012

Electromigration has gained increased prominence in recent years, as semiconductor device scaling has given way to higher current and power densities in computing interconnects and devices. The conventional understanding of electromigration has remained at an uneasy juncture between the mesoscopic semiclassical and atomistic quantum mechanical regimes. Herein, an “atomistic semiclassical” interpretation of electromigration is presented in an attempt to bridge these two perspectives at the nanoscale.
Dislocation Dynamics Simulations of Junctions in Hexagonal Close-Packed Crystals
Authors: Wu Chi-Chin , Aubry Sylvie , Chung Peter W. , Arsenlis Athanasios
Published: February 2012

The formation and strength of dislocations in the hexagonal closed-packed material are studied through dislocation junctions and the critical stress required to completely break them. Dislocation dynamics calculations of junctions are compared to an analytical line tension approximation in order to verify the simulations. Results show agreements between the models. Also the critical shear stress necessary to break a short and a long dislocation junction is computed numerically. Unzipping envelopes are mapped out for these junctions to describe their stability regions as functions of resolved shear stresses on the glide planes. The example of two non-coplanar binary dislocation junctions with slip systems [2 -1 -1 0] (0 1 -1 0) and [-1 2 -1 0] (0 0 0 1) corresponding to a prismatic and basal slip respectively is chosen to verify and validate our implementation.
Eating habits and psychopathology: translation, adaptation, reliability of the Nutrition Behavior Inventory to Portuguese and relation to psychopathology
Authors: Benko Cássia Roberta , Farias Antonio Carlos de , Cordeiro Mara L.
Published: February 2012

Objective: The Nutrition-Behavior Inventory (NBI) is a self-administered instrument that allows eating habits to be correlated with psychopathological symptoms. The objective was to translate and adapt the NBI to Portuguese, and test the Portuguese NBI’s reliability. The second aim was to verify its sensitivity for identification of risk factors in terms of behavior/eating habits in children and adolescents. Methods: The NBI was translated, adapted, and back-translated. The Portuguese version of the NBI was then applied (N = 96; 9-12 years). In order to verify the internal consistency, Cronbach’s alpha was used. The psychopathological indicators of the participants were accessed using the Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL). The mean CBCL scores were analyzed in relation to the NBI data (cutoff point: ≥ 30 with indicators, and < 30 without). Results: Internal consistency was high (Cronbach’s alpha = 0.89) for the NBI. The CBCL scores correlated significantly with NBI (> 30) on the following: anxiety and depression (p = 0.041), social difficulties (p = 0.028), attention problems (p = 0.001), aggressive behavior (p = 0.015); ADHD (p < 0.001), and conduct problems (p = 0.032). Conclusion: The present results indicate that the NBI is a reliable instrument. The NBI can be useful for evaluating psychopathological symptoms related to the eating habits and behaviors of children and adolescents.
Condutividade elétrica em função do teor de água inicial de sementes de amendoim
Authors: Barbosa Rafael Marani , Silva Clíssia Barboza da , Medeiros Maria Aparecida de , Centurion Maria Aparecida Pessôa da Cruz , Vieira Roberval Daiton
Published: February 2012

O vigor de sementes de amendoim (Arachis hypogaea L.) avaliado pelo teste de condutividade elétrica demonstra estreita relação com o desempenho no campo, mas alguns fatores podem afetar o resultado da condutividade elétrica, sendo um destes o teor de água inicial das sementes. Assim, o objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar o teor de água ou faixa de umidade da semente mais adequado para a avaliação da condutividade elétrica em sementes de amendoim. Quatro lotes de sementes da cultivar 'IAC Tatu ST' e quatro da cultivar 'IAC Runner 886' foram avaliados quanto ao seu potencial fisiológico e posteriormente o teor de água foi ajustado para 5, 7, 9, 11, 13 e 15%, pelo método da atmosfera úmida. O delineamento foi inteiramente casualizado em esquema fatorial 4×6 (lotes × teores de água) para as sementes de cada cultivar, em quatro repetições e os resultados para o fator teor de água foram submetidos à análise de regressão. A maior relação da condutividade elétrica com vigor das sementes ocorreu naquelas com teor de água entre 9 a 15%, de forma que sementes com 5 a 7% de umidade não devem ser submetidas ao teste de condutividade elétrica, porque os lotes expressam alto padrão de germinação e vigor. A condutividade elétrica de sementes de amendoim é influenciada pelo teor de água e a estabilização dos resultados ocorre quando elas estão com teor de água entre 10 e 14%.
Compressibilidade de um Argissolo Vermelho-Amarelo trafegado e escarificado
Authors: Vogelmann Eduardo Saldanha , Mentges Marcelo Ivan , Reichert José Miguel , Rosa David Peres da , Barros Cláudia Alessandra Peixoto de , Reinert Dalvan José
Published: February 2012

O tráfego de máquinas agrícolas é considerado uma das principais fontes da compactação do solo. Uma prática utilizada para minimizar os efeitos da compactação é a escarificação, porém a haste escarificadora pode causar compactação subsuperficial. O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar a influência do tráfego de máquinas na compressibilidade de um Argissolo Vermelho-Amarelo distrófico arênico, de textura franco arenosa e avaliar o comportamento mecânico desse solo abaixo da linha de atuação da haste escarificadora. Os tratamentos investigados foram: semeadura direta há 13 anos, semeadura direta há 13 anos com tráfego adicional (intensidade de tráfego de 24,67Mg km ha-1), cultivo mínimo recém implantado e cultivo mínimo recém implantado com tráfego adicional. Para a determinação da densidade do solo, de índice de vazios, da pressão de preconsolidação e do coeficiente de compressão, foram coletadas amostras nas camadas de 0,0-0,10m, 0,10-0,20m, 0,20-0,30m e 0,30-0,40m. O tratamento semeadura direta há 13 anos apresentou a menor capacidade de suporte e maior suscetibilidade à compactação. A intensidade de tráfego de 24,67Mg km ha-1 aumentou a densidade do solo e reduziu o índice de vazios até 0,20m. A escarificação não afetou a pressão de preconsolidação e o coeficiente de compressão do solo na camada abaixo da linha de atuação da ponteira do escarificador.
Direct solutions for design of grass-lined channels
Authors: Easa Said M. , Vatankhah Ali R.
Published: February 2012

For grass-lined channels, the Manning roughness coefficient varies with the hydraulic radius and the functional relationship is highly non-linear. For this reason, a trial procedure is required in the traditional design process to solve the Manning formula to determine the bottom width and flow depth of the channel cross-section. To eliminate the trial procedure, direct graphical solutions have been developed for side slope z = 2. This paper presents direct graphical and analytical solutions for bottom width and flow depth for any value of side slope in the practical range of z = 2–8. The solutions are based on new dimensionless forms of the Manning formula. The graphical and analytical solutions for bottom width and flow depth are either exact or nearly exact. Application of the proposed solutions is demonstrated using a practical example. The proposed solutions, which make the design of grass-lined channels easier and more efficient, should be of interest to the hydraulic engineering community.
Catchment characteristics for index flood regionalisation
Authors: Jaafar Wan Zurina Wan , Han Dawei
Published: February 2012

Flood frequency regionalisation for ungauged catchments depends on relevant catchment characteristics. In this study, alternative catchment characteristics for south-west England were derived using the data freely downloadable from the internet. It was found that the alternative catchment characteristics were more heterogeneous than the Flood Estimation Handbook (FEH) catchment descriptors. Therefore, they suffered less in information redundancy and had a potential to produce more reliable regression models. The results have demonstrated that the model from the alternative catchment characteristics had a better performance than the FEH model and FEH local model. It is also useful to note that a recalibrated FEH local model had a poorer performance than the original FEH model. This indicates that a national model should not simply be recalibrated using a regional data set. The methodology and catchment characteristics used in the present study are more applicable to other parts of the world than the catchment descriptors in the FEH due to the easier data access used in the present study.
Laboratory‐scale investigation of foaming in anaerobic digesters
Authors: Ross Robert D. , Ellis Lee‐Ann M.
Published: February 2012

ABSTRACT:  A test was conducted to induce foaming by varying the waste activated sludge (WAS) content in the feed sludge at increasingly higher organic loading rates and shorter detention times. Foam was produced; however, it differed physically and chemically from foam observed in full‐scale digesters. It was thickest in test digesters receiving feed sludge with a high primary sludge and low WAS content. A n unsuccessful attempt was made to quantify, measure, or predict foaming by measuring surface tension in digesting sludge and measuring foam height and stability using foam generation techniques. Limited testing of defoamant chemicals showed no difference in foam height between a control foaming digester and a foaming test digester treated with 500 and 1000 µg/L of defoamant.
Activated carbon and synthetic resins as support material for methanogenic phenol‐degrading consortia—comparison of surface characteristics and initial colonization
Authors: Kindzierski Warren B. , Gray Murray R. , Fedorak Phillip M. , Hrudey Steve E.
Published: February 2012

ABSTRACT:  Experiments were conducted to investigate the roles that activated carbon and synthetic ion‐exchange resins perform as support material for methanogenic phenol‐degrading consortia. The most important features of a support material, among those studied, were the availability of accessible pore volume and associated surface area for the colonization of microorganisms. The support material with the largest accessible surface area and pore volume, an anion‐exchange resin, possessed the highest adsorption capacity for l4C‐labeled Pseudomonas aeruginosa cells and supported the greatest number of methanogenic phenol‐degrading consortia on its surface, as observed by scanning electron microscopy. Activated carbon had a higher total surface area than the anion‐exchange resin but a smaller fraction was accessible to bacteria. The anion‐exchange resin exhibited a negligible capacity for phenol adsorption. A substantial decrease in the apparent rate of phenol adsorption by activated carbon coincided with substantial colonization of the activated carbon pores by bacteria. The capacity for phenol adsorption was also reduced over the duration of substrate draw and feed experiments. No substantial benefit to bacterial colonization was observed to arise from the phenol adsorption capability of activated carbon in comparison with the anion‐exchange resin.
Characterization of enzyme activity in activated sludge using rapid analyses for specific hydrolases
Authors: Boczar Barbara A. , Begley William M. , Larson Robert J.
Published: February 2012

ABSTRACT:  The biodegradation activity of activated sludge was characterized by the API‐ZYM and LRA‐ZYM Esterase test systems. These systems provide rapid, semiquantitative information on the activity of hydrolytic enzymes associated with the biodegradation of lipids, proteins, carbohydrates, nucleic acids, and xenobiotic chemicals. Activated sludge was collected from several municipal wastewater treatment plants (WTPs) which varied with respect to their operating parameters and influent wastewater composition. Sludge samples were separated into various fractions (mixed liquor, sonicated mixed liquor, freeze‐thaw, and extracellular fractions) and then assayed for enzyme activity relative to inactivated controls. Mixed liquor and freeze‐thaw preparations from all sludge samples displayed a wide range of enzyme activities, with phosphatase and aminopeptidase activities dominating. Hydrolytic activity was not observed in inactivated mixed liquor fractions, or in extracellular fractions prepared from any of the sludge samples collected. Sonicated mixed liquor samples displayed a wider range of enzyme activities than intact samples. A specific set of esterase (protein, lipid) and aminopeptidase (protein) activities found in mixed liquor fractions was also localized in freeze‐thaw preparations. In general, patterns of hydrolase activity were similar in sludges collected from the different WTPs, and decreased sharply in sludge samples incubated without aeration or nutrients for a 48‐hour period. Our results indicate that the API systems provide rapid, semiquantitative information concerning the hydrolytic enzyme profiles of activated sludge. This information is reproducible across different WTPs and can be useful in characterization of the physiological condition and biodegradation activity of activated sludge.
Estimation of the removal of organic priority pollutants by the powdered activated carbon treatment process
Authors: O'Brien Gerald J.
Published: February 2012

ABSTRACT:  Federal guidelines have been issued that regulate the aqueous discharge concentrations of priority pollutants for the organic chemicals, plastics, and synthetic fibers industries. Insufficient data existed in the literature to allow estimations of the removal of priority pollutants by a wastewater treatment plant (WWTP). The removals of 18 problem organic priority pollutants were measured in five parallel, aerated, continuous, mixed reactors. The influent to the laboratory pilot plants was primary effluent from an industrial 1.75 m3/s (40 Mg/d) WWTP at Du Pont's Chambers Works in Deepwater, N. J. This plant utilizes powdered activated carbon in combination with activated sludge (PACT® Process) in the aeration tanks. The kinetic coefficients that characterize removal by biodegradation, powdered activated carbon adsorption, and air‐stripping were obtained from the pilot‐plant data, and a steady‐state model was used to predict priority pollutant removals. Good agreement was obtained,”with the exception of three compounds that were batch discharged from the process sources, which invalidated the steady‐state assumption. The model was used to design a second stage PACT unit and to determine source control requirements. The model also can be used to estimate the relative importance of the three removal mechanisms in order to adjust WWTP operating conditions to enhance the removal of specific compounds.
Wet air oxidation of trinitrotoluene manufacturing red water
Authors: Hao Oliver J. , Phull Kotu K. , Davis Allen P. , Chen Jin M. , Maloney Stephen W.
Published: February 2012

ABSTRACT:  An effective use of the wet air oxidation (WAO) process at a temperature of 340°C and 0.8 MPa PO2(25°C) to treat diluted trinitrotoluene (TNT) red water was previously demonstrated. This study presents the results of a 1‐hour WAO of red water at temperatures ranging from 200° to 320°C, and PO2 from 0.13 to 1.31 MPa, in terms of contaminant reduction and intermediate appearance. Also, comparison is made between the toxicity of the raw and the WAO‐treated red water on two biological systems. Results show the WAO removal efficiency to be a function primarily of temperature and, to a lesser extent, of PO2. Acetic acid and 1,3‐dinitrobenzene (DNB) accumulated at lower temperatures. For example, total organic carbon (TOC) and chemical oxygen demand (COD) removals at 260°C and 0.62 MPa PO2 were 77 and 91%, respectively. Acetic acid and DNB concentrations were 60 and 21 mg/L, respectively. At 320°C and 0.62 MPa, however, the acetic acid and DNB levels were 38 and 6 mg/L, respectively. The corresponding TOC and COD reductions were 94 and 99%. Organic products formed during the WAO of red water appear to be responsible for adverse effects on nitrite production rates of enriched, unacclimated Nitrosomonas, as compared with raw red water. The WAOtreated water, however, had no effect on the heterotrophic activated sludge capability in degrading glucose.
Photocatalytic decolorization of wastewater dyes
Authors: Davis Robert J. , Gainer John L. , O'Neal Gilbert , Wu I‐Wen
Published: February 2012

ABSTRACT:  The photocatalytic decolorization of municipal waste‐water contaminated with textile dyes was studied using a batch reactor. Degussa P25 titanium dioxide was used as the photocatalyst and proved to be effective for dye degradation when irradiated with UV light in the presence of air. In addition to removing the color from the wastewater, the photocatalytic reaction simultaneously reduced the COD which suggests that the dissolved organics had been oxidized. The activation energy for the photocatalytic decolorization reaction was only about 3 to 6 kJ/mole indicating a weak temperature dependence of the rate. These results suggest that the photocatalytic degradation of textile dyes may be a viable method for decolorizing and oxidizing organics in wastewater.
Thermal regeneration of spent and acidwashed GAC from the Upper Occoquan Sewage Authority
Authors: Sebastiani Enio G. , Snoeyink Vernon L. , Angelotti Robert W.
Published: February 2012

ABSTRACT:  The thermal regeneration of spent granular activated carbon (GAC) at the Upper Occoquan Sewage Authority (UOSA) was investigated as a function of time, temperature, and the amount of applied oxidants. The GAC was also acid‐washed to remove metals and then regenerated to study acid‐washing's effect on adsorption. The regenerations were conducted with a batch‐feed, fluidized‐bed furnace. GAC quality was evaluated by measuring apparent density, pore size distribution, surface area, and adsorption capacity. Spent and regenerated GAC from UOSA's system and virgin carbon of the same type were studied. Isotherms for system GAC regenerated to various apparent densities showed little difference in dissolved organic carbon (DOC) capacity. Regeneration of acid‐washed GAC resulted in lower mass and volume losses without sacrificing adsorption capacity, but a longer regeneration time was necessary to achieve a desired apparent density. Based on DOC adsorption behavior, recovering the virgin GAC apparent density does not appear to be a beneficial regeneration strategy for UOSA.
The relationship between ethnocentric attitudes and avoidance behavior among Belgian students
Authors: Dejaeghere Yves , Hooghe Marc
Published: February 2012

Measurements of ethnocentric attitudes are routinely included in survey research but are often criticized because they lack external validity. In a European context there is almost no research in which the focus is on the relationship between ethnocentric attitudes and actual behavior.
Most of the existing research has been conducted in North America, where the pattern of interethnic relations is different from the pattern in Europe. Therefore, in this study we investigated whether or not a survey measure for ethnocentric attitudes accurately reflects avoidance behavior
toward ethnic minorities in a European context. Among a study sample of Belgian students we found that ethnocentric attitudes had a strong predictive effect on independently observed avoidance behavior. This provides support for the ethnocentrism scale as a measure that has external validity.
The Relationship between Radial Bone Properties and Disease Activity and Physical Function in Individuals with Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: MacIntyre Norma J. , Muller Monique E. , Webber Colin E. , Adachi Jonathan D.
Published: February 2012

Purpose: People with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) are at increased risk for osteoporosis. This study explored the relationships between compartment-specific (cortical and trabecular) bone properties in the distal radius, a common site for osteoporotic fracture, and RA-related pain, upper-limb disease activity, and hand function in adults diagnosed within the previous 8 years. Methods: Cortical and trabecular bone properties (mass, density, and apparent trabecular structure) were assessed at the 4% site of the radius in 21 adults with RA using peripheral quantitative computed tomography (pQCT). Clinical measures included upper-limb active joint count; self-reported pain (AIMS-2 Arthritis Pain scale) and physical function (AIMS-2 Hand and Finger Function scale); and grip strength (modified sphygmomanometer). Associations were characterized using correlations (Pearson correlation coefficients or Spearman's rho). Results: Cortical and trabecular bone mass and trabecular bone density were negatively associated with the number of active joints (r=−0.47, −0.54, and −0.47, respectively). Cortical bone density and mass were associated with grip strength (r=0.61 and 0.51, respectively). Cortical and trabecular bone density and cortical bone mass were negatively associated with scores on the Hand and Finger Function scale (r=−0.49, −0.45 and −0.56, respectively). Conclusions: Although the patterns differed slightly for cortical and trabecular bone, better bone health in both compartments was associated with fewer active joints and lower self-reported hand disability in adults with RA.
Surface morphology, electrical and optical properties n-type doped MOCVD grown GaSb using dimethyltellurium
Authors: Ramelan Ari Handono , Arifin Pepen , Goldys Ewa
Published: February 2012

Dimethyltelluride has been used as a dopant source for GaSb epilayers grown via atmospheric pressure metalorganic chemical vapour deposition (MOCVD). It has been observed that the electron concentration (n) is proportional to the Te partial pressure in the vapour phase, until n saturates at high Te partial pressure. Electron concentrations as high as 1.36 × 1018 cm– 3 have been measured with imperfect morphology, and as high as 1.22 × 1018 cm– 3 with excellent, mirror like, morphology. These appear to be the highest electron concentrations reported to date for any MOCVD-growth epitaxial n-type GaSb doped with DMTe and grown at 540 °C with a V/III ratio of 1.4. The absorption spectra of GaSb doped with DMTe show that the heavily doped samples have a less abrupt edge. The absorption coefficient (α) strongly depends on the free carrier concentration. PL spectra of the epilayers are also reported.
ZnO Nanoparticles: Efficient and Versatile Reagents for Synthesis of 1,4-disubstituted 1,2,3-triazoles
Authors: Sadeghi Bahareh , Hassanabadi Alireza , Kamali Mohammad
Published: February 2012

Reaction between azides and acetylenes catalysed by ZnO nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) in solvent EtOH at room temperature provide a simple and efficient one-pot route for the synthesis of 1,4-disubstituted 1,2,3-triazoles in excellent yields. 1,2,3-Triazoles are used in various agricultural, industrial and medical fields.
A New Flavone from the Melicope Patulinervia (Merr. & Chun) Huang
Authors: Liu Ting , Liao Haibing , Yuan Ke , Zhang Yanbing
Published: February 2012

A phytochemical study of Melicope patulinervia gave a new flavone 7-(3-methyl-but-2-enyloxy)-5-hydroxy-3,6,8-trimethoxy-3’,4'-methylenedioxyflavone and three known flavones, melibentin, 5-hydroxy-3,7,8-trimethoxy-3’,4'-methylenedioxyflavone, 5-hydroxy-3,6,7,8-tetrameth-oxy-3’,4'-methylenedioxyflavone. Their structures were elucidated on the basis of spectroscopic analysis combined with chemical methods. The antifungal activities of the isolated compounds were evaluated against four plant pathogenic fungi species.
New Polyhydroxypregnane Glycosides from Cynanchum Otophyllum
Authors: Shan Wei-Guang , Liu Xiao , Ma Lie-Feng , Zhan Zha-Jun
Published: February 2012

Two new polyhydroxypregnane glycosides, namely cynotophyllosides G-H (1-2), were isolated from the roots of Cynanchum otophyllum, together with three known steroids. Their structures were established by spectroscopic methods and acid-catalysed hydrolysis. Cynanchum otophyllum also known as “ Qingyangshen“ in traditional Chinese medicine, is a perennial weed which has been used locally to treat epilepsy, rheumatic pain, kidney weakness, and muscle injuries.
Basic Magnetic Nanoparticles as Efficient Catalysts for the Preparation of Naphthopyrane Derivatives
Authors: Yarahmadi Hossein , Shaterian Hamid Reza
Published: February 2012

Aminosilane-functionalised spinel ferrite oxide (Fe2O3) magnetic nanoparticles have been synthesised and used as efficient heterogeneous base catalysts for the condensation of aromatic aldehydes with malonitrile and α (or β) naphthole via a three-component reaction under solvent-free conditions at 80°C. Quantitative conversion of the reactants is achieved under mild conditions. Recovery of the catalyst is easily achieved by magnetic decantation. The supported catalyst is reused four times without significant degradation in catalytic activity. Naphthopyrans are polyfunctionalised benzopyran derivatives that have many biological and pharmacological properties.
Phylogenetic Analysis of Fusarium solani Associated with the Asian Longhorned Beetle, Anoplophora glabripennis
Authors: Geib Scott M. , Scully Erin D. , Jimenez-Gasco Maria del Mar , Carlson John E. , Tien Ming , Hoover Kelli
Published: February 2012

Culture-independent analysis of the gut of a wood-boring insect, Anoplophora glabripennis (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae), revealed a consistent association between members of the fungal Fusarium solani species complex and the larval stage of both colony-derived and wild A. glabripennis populations. Using the translation elongation factor 1-alpha region for culture-independent phylogenetic and operational taxonomic unit (OTU)-based analyses, only two OTUs were detected, suggesting that genetic variance at this locus was low among A. glabripennis-associated isolates. To better survey the genetic variation of F. solani associated with A. glabripennis, and establish its phylogenetic relationship with other members of the F. solani species complex, single spore isolates were created from different populations and multi-locus phylogenetic analysis was performed using a combination of the translation elongation factor alpha-1, internal transcribed spacer, and large subunit rDNA regions. These analyses revealed that colony-derived larvae reared in three different tree species or on artificial diet, as well as larvae from wild populations collected from three additional tree species in New York City and from a single tree species in Worcester, MA, consistently harbored F. solani within their guts. While there is some genetic variation in the F. solani carried between populations, within-population variation is low. We speculate that F. solani is able to fill a broad niche in the A. glabripennis gut, providing it with fungal lignocellulases to allow the larvae to grow and develop on woody tissue. However, it is likely that many F. solani genotypes could potentially fill this niche, so the relationship may not be limited to a single member of the F. solani species complex. While little is known about the role of filamentous fungi and their symbiotic associations with insects, this report suggests that larval A. glabripennis has developed an intimate relationship with F. solani that is not limited by geographic location or host tree.
Two New Tryptamine Derivatives, Leptoclinidamide and (-)-Leptoclinidamine B, from an Indonesian Ascidian Leptoclinides dubius
Authors: Yamazaki Hiroyuki , Wewengkang Defny S. , Nishikawa Teruaki , Rotinsulu Henki , Mangindaan Remy E. P. , Namikoshi Michio
Published: February 2012

Two new tryptamine-derived alkaloids, named as leptoclinidamide (1) and (-)-leptoclinidamine B (2), were isolated from an Indonesian ascidian Leptoclinides dubius together with C2-α-D-mannosylpyranosyl-L-tryptophan (3). The structure of 1 was assigned on the basis of spectroscopic data for 1 and its N-acetyl derivative (4). Compound 1 was an amide of tryptamine with two β-alanine units. Although the planar structure of 2 is identical to that of the known compound (+)-leptoclinidamine B (5), compound 2 was determined to be the enantiomer of 5 based on amino acid analysis using HPLC methods. Compounds 1 to 4 were evaluated for cytotoxicity against two human cancer cell lines, HCT-15 (colon) and Jurkat (T-cell lymphoma) cells, but none of the compounds showed activity.
ACRONYM
Authors: Monaghan Fergal , Handschuh Siegfried , O’Sullivan David
Published: February 2012

With the advent of online social networks and User-Generated Content (UGC), the social Web is experiencing an explosion of audio-visual data. However, the usefulness of the collected data is in doubt, given that the means of retrieval are limited by the semantic gap between them and people’s perceived understanding of the memories they represent. Whereas machines interpret UGC media as series of binary audio-visual data, humans perceive the context under which the content is captured and the people, places, and events represented. The Annotation CReatiON for Your Media (ACRONYM) framework addresses the semantic gap by supporting the creation of a layer of explicit machine-interpretable meaning describing UGC context. This paper presents an overview of a use case of ACRONYM for semantic annotation of personal photographs. The authors define a set of recommendation algorithms employed by ACRONYM to support the annotation of generic UGC multimedia. This paper introduces the context metrics and combination methods that form the recommendation algorithms used by ACRONYM to determine the people represented in multimedia resources. For the photograph annotation use case, these result in an increase in recommendation accuracy. Context-based algorithms provide a cheap and robust means of UGC media annotation that is compatible with and complimentary to content-recognition techniques.
Design of a Dual Stop-Band Filter Based on Coplanar Waveguide
Authors: Deng Zhong Liang , Shu Chang , Zhang Nai Bo
Published: February 2012

This letter presents a dual stop-band filer based on coplanar waveguide (CPW), which consists of two spiral-shaped defected ground structure (DGS). The model of the equivalent circuit, discussing the influence of the spiral shape size, and simulated performances are presented. Finally, a dual stop-band filter is presented and verified by simulations, which is operated from 11.5 to 14 GHz and 23 to 28 GHz.
A Novel MEMS CPW Structure
Authors: Deng Zhong Liang , Qu Hong Lai , Chen Yuan Zhi
Published: February 2012

This paper presents a novel MEMS coplanar microwave waveguide (CPW) structure. The high-resistivity silicon is chosen as the material of substrate and the aluminum is as the metal transmission line because of its high conductivity ,Removing the silicon between the signal line and ground line, underneath the edge of both line,these can effectly reduce the loss.A layer of polyimide is added between the metal and silicon substrates continued to reduce the loss. The simulation results from HFSS show and demonstrate the insert loss is less than the results of traditional CPW.
Preparation of EPDM Flame-Resistant Cable Materials
Authors: Wu Wei Li , Tian Lei
Published: February 2012

EPDM cable materials were prepared, in which EPDM was used as raw materials, silica as a reinforcement, sulfur and dicumyl peroxide (DCP) as the curing agent, aluminum hydroxide (ATH) and magnesium hydroxide (MH) as the flame retardants. The best content and cure parameters of EPDM cable materials were determined by testing hardness, tensile strength, elongation at break, thermal properties and oxygen index, as well as analyzing SEM. The results showed that the properties of EPDM cable materials with DCP were better than those with sulfur or sulfur / DCP blend. The flame retardance of EPDM cable materials with ATH / MH blend was better than that with ATH or MH. The ideal formula of EPDM flame-resistant cable material was EPDM 100 phr, silica 45 phr, DCP 3.5 phr, ATH 90 phr and MH 10 phr. The best curing conditions were at 170 °C under 1.2 MPa for 10 min.
The Fault Diagnosis Method Based on Wavelet Packet Characteristic Entropy and Relevance Vector Machine
Authors: Zhao Shu Yan , Wang Qi
Published: February 2012

The sensor fault diagnosis method based on wavelet packet characteristic entropy and relevance vector machine are researched, which is used on engine test bed . In detail, the wavelet packet characteristic entropy is applied for feature extraction to get the feature matrix which denote all kinds of known working status of sensor, and the feature matrix are encoded; The feature matrix as inputs and feature codes as outputs are proposed for training the relevance vector machine classifier to get the optimum parameters. In the fault diagnosis unit, it uses the wavelet packet characteristic entropy to acquire the on-line feature matrix of sensor. The on-line feature matrix is supplied to the trained relevance vector machine classifier as inputs to validate the working status of sensor. An application of the method in engine test bed system is introduced. Finally, the applicability and effectiveness of the method is illustrated by experiments
Polyaniline/Fluorocarbon Composite Emulsion Coatings for Anticorrosion to Mild Steel
Authors: Li Yu Feng , Zeng Zhao Po , Wang Di , Wu Xi Ge , Qiang Liang Sheng
Published: February 2012

Water-based Polyaniline(PANI) emulsion and Fluorocarbon(FC) emulsion were synthesized by emulsion polymerization method. The doped polyanline were characterized by Transmission electron microscope(TEM) and X-ray diffraction(XRD). The results showed the PANI has bar-like shape and local crystallinity. The composite anticorrosion coatings of PANI emulsion and FC emulsion were prepared by mixture in aqueous medium and used for corrosion protection of mild steel. The corrosion protection property of PANI/FC coatings on mild steel was investigated by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy(EIS) and open circuit potential(OCP) technique in 3.5wt%NaCl aqueous solution. The results indicated that the water-based PANI/FC coatings could offer high protection because the impedance values and corrosion potential remained at higher. Scanning electron microscope(SEM) showed that the oxidation film formed on the metal surface and prevent corrosion effectively due to the passive effect of PANI pigment. The anticorrosion coatings are environmental friendly because of water dispersion medium.
Hot Deformation Behavior and Microstructure Evolution of a DC Cast Hypereutectic Al-Si Alloy
Authors: He Ke Zhun , Yu Fu Xiao , Zhao Da Zhi , Zuo Liang
Published: February 2012

The hot deformation behavior and microstructure evolution of a DC cast hypereutectic Al-Si alloy was studied in the temperature range of 400-500 °C and strain rate range of 0.001-1 s-1. The results show that the as-cast microstructure of the alloy consists of polygonal primary Si particles and α-aluminum dendritic halos with Al-Si eutectics and intermetallic compounds segregated into the interdendritic regions. The flow stress of the alloy is a strong function of temperature and strain rate, and the peak stress is increased with the decrease of deformation temperature and the increase of strain rate. All the true stress-true stain curves in the experiments exhibit dynamic softening. The fracture frequency of primary Si particle is decreased with the increase of deformation temperature and the decrease of strain rate. The dynamic flow softening is mainly as a result of dynamic recrystallization.
High Ethanol Gas Sensitivity of Nano γ-Fe2O3/ZnO Double-Layer Films Prepared by the Screen Printing Technology and the Hydrothermal Method
Authors: Huang Kai Jin , Ma Shou Wei , Yuan Fang Li
Published: February 2012

The gas sensor with high ethanol gas sensitivity made of nano γ-Fe2O3/ZnO double-layer films was fabricated by the screen printing technology and the hydrothermal process with addition of citric acid (CA) surfactant based on Zn(NO3)2·6H2O and HMTA. XRD and SEM techniques were used to characterize the phases and morphologies of the films. The gas sensing properties of the gas sensor to ethanol were investigated. The result shows that the gas sensitivity of the nano γ-Fe2O3/ZnO double-layer films is higher than that of the nano γ-Fe2O3 single-layer film fabricated by the screen printing technology and the nano ZnO single-layer film fabricated by the hydrothermal process with addition of citric acid (CA) surfactant based on Zn(NO3)2·6H2O and HMTA, respectively. The high ethanol gas sensitivity of the nano γ-Fe2O3/ZnO double-layer films was caused by the nano effect and the special energy band structure
Synthesis and Characterization of Polyacrylate Latex Containing Fluorine and Silicon
Authors: Gao Xiao Hui , Li Yu Feng , Wang Hong Chao
Published: February 2012

Polyacrylate latex containing fluorine and silicon was successfully synthesized by semi-continuous seed emulsion polymerization, using organic silicon(OSi) monomer, fluorocarbon(FC), methacrylic acid(MAA), and butyl acrylate(BA) as raw materials. Transmission electron microscope(TEM) characterization indicated that the latex particles were form uniform analogous core-shell structure. Dynamic light scattering(DLS) show a narrow size distribution. The results of X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy(XPS) revealed the fluorine and silicon transfer to the film-air interface. The reaction was evaluated using fourier transform infrared(FT-IR) spectrum. The thermal stability of the latex films which analysed by thermogravimetric(TG) was improved due to the join of OSi and FC.
Study on the Eddy Current Loss Characteristic of the Coaxial Cylinder Style Magnetic Coupler
Authors: Zhang Hong Jun , Du Xian Feng , Li Bao
Published: February 2012

This paper analyzed the eddy characteristics of the coaxial cylindrical magnetic coupler by using the finite element method, and simulated the impact of eddy currents on magnetic field. These effects mainly reflected in: weakening the magnetic coupling of the magnetic field intensity, and reducing the magnetic coupling torque. In addition, this paper calculated eddy current power loss, and proposed specific programs to reduce the eddy current power loss.
Robust Object Tracking by Particle Filter with Scale Invariant Features
Authors: Xin Ming , Li Sheng Wei , Zhang Miao Hui
Published: February 2012

Few literatures employ SIFT (scale-invariant feature transform) for tracking because it is time-consuming. However, we found that SIFT can be adapted to real-time tracking by employing it on a subarea of the whole image. In this paper the particle filter based method exploits SIFT features to handle challenging scenarios such as partial occlusions, scale variations and moderate deformations. As proposed in our method, not a brute-force feature extraction in the whole image, we firstly extract SIFT keypoints in the object search region only for once, through matching SIFT features between object search region and object template, the number of matched keypoints is obtained, which is utilized to compute the particle weights. Finally, we can obtain an optimal estimate to object location by the particle filter framework. Comparative experiments with quantitative evaluations are provided, which indicate that the proposed method is both robust and faster.
Relation between Residual Stresses in TBCs Interface Area with TGO Interface Morphology
Authors: Han Zhi Yong , Zhang Hua
Published: February 2012

Considering the thermally-growth oxide (TGO) that grows between top ceramic coating (TCC)and bond coat (BC) interface and surface morphology of bond coat in a TBC system, the effect of residual stresses distribution by actual and assuming interface morphology in TGO area was calculated with ABAQUS. The calculating result shows that the residual stress of TCC/TGO and TGO/TCC interface are affected by interface morphology obviously, σyy is tensile at peaks and compressive at valleys for both with maximum stress beside the symmetrical center and at the symmetrical center respectively. σyy stress in TCC is bigger than that of BC for both. σxx stress of actual TGO in the three layers remains the same, the interim area change dramatically with TCC layer compressive stress, TGO layer smaller compressive stress, BC layer tensile stress.
Modeling and Simulation for the Articulated Robotic Arm Test System of the Combination Drive
Authors: Long Ze Ming , Guo S.Q. , Chen G.J. , Yin B.L.
Published: February 2012

At present, the great efforts Robot or the robotic arm of the smaller volume urgently needs to be researched and developed. Designed a new smaller volume heavy articulated Robotic arm test system of combination servo drive, created the mathematical models of the system, done the numerical simulation and PID optimulition of the system based on the MATLAB software platform. Simulation results show that, according to the synchronized control and PID optimization, this system has the advantages both of high positioning accuracy for motor drive system and of strong driving capability for hydraulic drive system， it showed high tracking accuracy and high speed of response for the input signal of large load, and has realized a combination servo drive of a smaller volume heavy articulated robotic arm of fast high-precision.