bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Performance improvement of a 330MWe power plant by flue gas heat recovery system
Authors: Xu Changchun , Xu Min , Zhao Ming , Liang Junyu , Sai Juncong , Qiu Yalin , Xiang Wenguo
Published: September 2014

In a utility boiler, the most heat loss is from the exhaust flue gas. In
order to reduce the exhaust flue gas temperature and further boost the plant
efficiency, an improved indirect flue gas heat recovery system and an
additional economizer system are proposed. The waste heat of flue gas is used
for high-pressure condensate regeneration heating. This reduces high pressure
steam extraction from steam turbine and more power is generated. The waste
heat recovery of flue gas decreases coal consumption. Other approaches for
heat recovery of flue gas, direct utilization of flue gas energy and indirect
flue gas heat recovery system, are also considered in this work. The proposed
systems coupled with a reference 330MWe power plant are simulated using
equivalent enthalpy drop method. The results show that the additional
economizer scheme has the best performance. When the exhaust flue gas
temperature decreases from 153? to 123?, power output increases by 6.37MWe
and increment in plant efficiency is about 1.89%. For the improved indirect
flue gas heat recovery system, power output increases by 5.68MWe and the
increment in plant efficiency is 1.69%.
Energy performance modelling and heat recovery unit efficiency assessment of an office building
Authors: Harmati Norbert , Folic Radomir , Magyar Zoltán
Published: September 2014

This paper investigates and analyzes a typical multi-zone office building?s
annual energy performance for the location and climate data of central
Belgrade. The aim is to evaluate the HVAC system?s and HR unit?s performance
in order to conduct the most preferable heating and cooling solution for the
typical climate of Belgrade city. The energy performance of four HVAC system
types (heat pump - air to air, gas-electricity, electrical and fan coil
system) was analyzed, compared and evaluated on a virtual office building
model in order to assess the total annual energy performance and to determine
the efficiency of the HR unit?s application. Further, the parameters of an
energy efficient building envelope, HVAC system, internal loads, building
operation schedules and occupancy intervals were implemented into the
multi-zone analysis model. The investigation was conducted in EnergyPlus
simulation engine using system thermodynamic algorithms and surface/air heat
balance modules. The comparison and evaluation of the obtained results was
achieved through the conversion of the calculated total energy demand into
primary energy. The goal is conduct the most preferable heating and cooling
solution (Best Case Scenario) for the climate of Belgrade city and outline
major criteria in qualitative enhancement.
Tickhonov based well-condition asymptotic waveform evaluation for dual-phase-lag heat conduction
Authors: Rana Sohel , Kanesan Jeevan , Reza Ahmed , Ramiah Harikrishnan
Published: September 2014

The Tickhonov based well condition asymptotic waveform evaluation (TWCAWE) is
presented here to study the non-Fourier heat conduction problems with various
boundary conditions. In this paper, a novel TWCAWE method is proposed to
overwhelm ill-conditioning of the asymptotic waveform evaluation (AWE)
technique for thermal analysis and also presented for time-reliant problems.
The TWCAWE method is capable to evade the instability of AWE and also
efficaciously approximates the initial high frequency and delay similar as
well-established numerical method, such as Runge-Kutta (R-K). Furthermore,
TWCAWE method is found 1.2 times faster than the AWE and also 4 times faster
than the traditional R-K method.
Numerical research of heat and mass transfer during low-temperature ignition of a coal particle
Authors: Glushkov Dmitrii , Strizhak Pavel , Vysokomornaya Olga
Published: September 2014

Numerical researches have been carried out to study the influence of air flow
temperature and a fossil fuel particle rate on sufficient conditions of
ignition in a ?coal particle - air? system. Developed mathematical model
takes into account interconnected processes of heat transfer in a coal
particle and gas area, thermal decomposition of organic material, diffusion
and gas-phase oxidation of volatiles, heating of a coke (carbon) and its
heterogeneous ignition. The effect of low-temperature (about 600 K) ignition
for a single coal particle is impossible even at variation of its rate
(radius) from 0.05 mm to 0.5 mm. Nevertheless this process is possible for
group of particles (two, three, et al.) situated at close-range from each
other. The physical aspects of the problem are discussed.
Approximation of Bounded Continuous Functions by Linear Combinations of Phillips Operators
Authors: Tachev Gancho
Published: September 2014

We study the approximation properties of linear combinations of the so-called Phillips operators, which can be considered as genuine Szász-Mirakjan-Durrmeyer operators. As main result, we prove a direct estimate for the rate of approximation of bounded continuous functions f E C[0,x), measured in C|\[0,x)-norm and thus generalizing the results, proved earlier by Gupta, Agrawal, and Gairola in [3]. Our estimates rely on the recent results, obtained in the joint works of M. Heilmann and the author-[10, 11]
Vapour permeation and sorption in fluoropolymer gel membrane based on ionic liquid 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium bis(trifluoromethylsulphonyl)imide
Authors: Morávková Lenka , Vopička Ondřej , Vejražka Jiří , Vychodilová Hana , Sedláková Zuzana , Friess Karel , Izák Pavel
Published: September 2014

The emissions of hydrocarbons from fossil fuels into atmosphere entail both an economic loss and an environmental pollution. Membrane separations can be used for vapour recovery and/or vapour removal from the permanent gas stream, given that the appropriate membrane is identified. A neat poly(vinylidene fluoride-co-hexafluoropropylene) membrane is impermeable to both the representatives of aliphatic hydrocarbons and branched hydrocarbons, namely hexane and isooctane, whereas the permeation flux is enhanced by the presence of 80 mass % of the ionic liquid 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium bis(trifluoromethylsulphonyl)imide in the membrane, as detailed in this work. The permeabilities of hydrocarbon vapours were determined from the binary mixture containing hydrocarbon and nitrogen to simulate the real input of an air stream containing a condensable hydrocarbon. The diffusion coefficient determined from sorption measurements was higher for hexane, as would be expected for a smaller molecule, whereas both the sorption isotherms and permeabilities of the hydrocarbons studied were found to be almost identical. It is possible that the sorption effect predominates in the transport mechanism for VOCs/N2 separations.
Ethanol extracts of Hemidesmus indicus leaves as eco-friendly inhibitor of mild steel corrosion in H2SO4 medium
Authors: Patel Niketan , Šnita Dalimil
Published: September 2014

The inhibitory action of an extract of Hemidesmus indicus leaves as a potential corrosion inhibitor for steel in H2SO4 solutions was examined using conventional mass loss, gasometric techniques, electrochemical polarisations and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. The results revealed that the extract of Hemidesmus indicus leaves performed well as an inhibitor for the corrosion of the metal employed in an accelerating medium. The inhibition efficiencies for all the experimental techniques employed increased with increasing the concentration of the plant extract but decreased with a rise in temperature. Both the cathodic hydrogen evolution and the anodic dissolution of mild steel were inhibited, hence the active molecule of the extract studied acted as a mixed-type corrosion inhibitor.
Stable carbon isotope analysis of subfossil wood from Austrian Alps
Authors: Kłusek Marzena , Pawełczyk Sławomira
Published: September 2014

The presented studies were carried out in order to check the usefulness of subfossil wood for stable isotope analysis. The aim of research was also to define the optimal method of subfossil samples preparation. Subfossil samples used during the presented studies are a part of the multicentury dendrochronological scale. This chronology originates in an area situated around a small mountain lake — Schwarzersee, in Austria.

The obtained results of stable carbon isotope measurements confirmed that the method of α-cellulose extraction by the application of acidic sodium chlorite and sodium hydroxide solutions removes resins and other mobile compounds from wood. Therefore, in the case of the analysed samples, the additional chemical process of extractives removing was found to be unnecessary. Studied wood samples contained an adequate proportion of α-cellulose similar to the values characteristic for the contemporary trees. This proved an adequate wood preservation which is essential for the conduction of isotopic research.
Correlation between structural and electrical properties in highly porous (Y,Sr)(Ti,Nb)O3−δ
SOFC anodes
Authors: Miruszewski T. , Trawiński B. , Gałka M. , Morzy J. , Bochentyn B. , Karczewski J. , Gdaniec P. , Gazda M. , Kusz B.
Published: September 2014

In order to find a relationship between structural and electrical properties, niobium and yttrium doped SrTiO3 ceramics were prepared via solid-state reaction. The samples were sintered in hydrogen and air conditions. The samples were also fabricated with a pore-former to obtain highly porous specimens. The electrical properties of Nb-doped SrTiO3 samples and yttrium and niobium co-doped SrTiO3 were compared. The comparable electrical properties were observed and discussed according to previous literature reports. It was noticed that the synthesis in a reducing hydrogen atmosphere can increase the solubility of dopants. Moreover, the samples sintered in air presented lower conductivity level and worse structural properties than the samples sintered in hydrogen. The explanation of obtained results was also suggested and discussed.
Cerone’s Generalizations of Steffensen’s Inequality
Authors: Pečarić Josip , Perušić Anamarija , Smoljak Ksenija
Published: September 2014

In this paper, generalizations of Steffensen’s inequality with bounds involving any two subintervals motivated by Cerone’s generalizations are given. Furthermore, weaker conditions for Cerone’s generalization as well as for new generalizations obtained in this paper are given. Moreover, functionals defined as the difference between the left-hand and the right-hand side of these generalizations are studied and new Stolarsky type means related to them are obtained.
Notes on Modifications of A wQN-Space
Authors: Šupina Jaroslav
Published: September 2014

We continue to investigate the generalizations of the notion of wQN-space introduced by [L. Bukovský-J. Šupina: Modifications of sequence selection principles, Topology Appl. 160 (2013), 2356-2370] and by [J. Šupina: On Ohta-Sakai’s properties of a topological space (to appear)]. We present covering characterizations, slightly different formulations, and some new relations among them
A Note on the Set of Discontinuity Points of Multifunctions of two Variables
Authors: Kwiecińka Grażyna
Published: September 2014

In this paper, we consider some problem connected with separate properties of a multifunction of two variables which ensure that the set of its joint discontinuity points is a meager set.
Additional small-scale boundary effects on free vibration of carbon nanotubes and their macroscopic energy meaning
Authors: Li Ming , Zheng Huiming , Luo Xia
Published: September 2014

In this paper, additional small-scale boundary effects on the free vibration of single-walled carbon nanotubes under various boundary conditions are investigated using an analytical nonlocal Euler-beam model. From the numerical results, it seems that the various beam boundary conditions due to local and nonlocal elasticity are equivalent. For simplicity, local boundary conditions can still be used even for the free end. It is convenient to analyze the vibration of single-walled carbon nanotubes under various types of boundary conditions. In addition, Hamilton's energy function, which can be explicitly expressed by transverse displacement, has also been derived to explain the boundary equivalence of nonlocal and local beams.
Synthesis and characterization of zirconium nitride coatings by cathodic arc sputtering technique
Authors: Sarwar M. N. , Awan M. S. , Akbar S.
Published: September 2014

Polycrystalline zirconium nitride films (560 nm) were deposited on stainless steel (SS-316) substrates using the multi-target cathodic arc sputtering technique. Deposition was carried out under N2 reactive atmosphere (4 × 10−3 mbar) at two different temperatures, 150 and 200 °C. X-ray diffraction studies show that reflections from planes changed from (111) to (200) for deposition temperatures of 150 °C and 200 °C, respectively. Films deposited at 150 °C and 200 °C bear a critical load of 6.4 N and 6.8 N respectively, showing better adherence at higher temperature. This may be the result of film–substrate diffusion at the interface.
Regulation of mRNA Trafficking by Nuclear Pore Complexes
Authors: Bonnet Amandine , Palancade Benoit
Published: September 2014

Over the last two decades, multiple studies have explored the mechanisms governing mRNA export out of the nucleus, a crucial step in eukaryotic gene expression. During transcription and processing, mRNAs are assembled into messenger ribonucleoparticles (mRNPs). mRNPs are then exported through nuclear pore complexes (NPCs), which are large multiprotein assemblies made of several copies of a limited number of nucleoporins. A considerable effort has been put into the dissection of mRNA export through NPCs at both cellular and molecular levels, revealing the conserved contributions of a subset of nucleoporins in this process, from yeast to vertebrates. Several reports have also demonstrated the ability of NPCs to sort out properly-processed mRNPs for entry into the nuclear export pathway. Importantly, changes in mRNA export have been associated with post-translational modifications of nucleoporins or changes in NPC composition, depending on cell cycle progression, development or exposure to stress. How NPC modifications also impact on cellular mRNA export in disease situations, notably upon viral infection, is discussed.
Fast Inverse Distance Weighting-Based Spatiotemporal Interpolation: A Web-Based Application of Interpolating Daily Fine Particulate Matter PM2.5 in the Contiguous U.S. Using Parallel Programming and k-d Tree
Authors: Li Lixin , Losser Travis , Yorke Charles , Piltner Reinhard
Published: September 2014

Epidemiological studies have identified associations between mortality and changes in concentration of particulate matter. These studies have highlighted the public concerns about health effects of particulate air pollution. Modeling fine particulate matter PM2.5 exposure risk and monitoring day-to-day changes in PM2.5 concentration is a critical step for understanding the pollution problem and embarking on the necessary remedy. This research designs, implements and compares two inverse distance weighting (IDW)-based spatiotemporal interpolation methods, in order to assess the trend of daily PM2.5 concentration for the contiguous United States over the year of 2009, at both the census block group level and county level. Traditionally, when handling spatiotemporal interpolation, researchers tend to treat space and time separately and reduce the spatiotemporal interpolation problems to a sequence of snapshots of spatial interpolations. In this paper, PM2.5 data interpolation is conducted in the continuous space-time domain by integrating space and time simultaneously, using the so-called extension approach. Time values are calculated with the help of a factor under the assumption that spatial and temporal dimensions are equally important when interpolating a continuous changing phenomenon in the space-time domain. Various IDW-based spatiotemporal interpolation methods with different parameter configurations are evaluated by cross-validation. In addition, this study explores computational issues (computer processing speed) faced during implementation of spatiotemporal interpolation for huge data sets. Parallel programming techniques and an advanced data structure, named k-d tree, are adapted in this paper to address the computational challenges. Significant computational improvement has been achieved. Finally, a web-based spatiotemporal IDW-based interpolation application is designed and implemented where users can visualize and animate spatiotemporal interpolation results.
Structures and Functions of Qβ Replicase: Translation Factors beyond Protein Synthesis
Authors: Tomita Kozo
Published: September 2014

Qβ replicase is a unique RNA polymerase complex, comprising Qβ virus-encoded RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (the catalytic β-subunit) and three host-derived factors: translational elongation factor (EF) -Tu, EF-Ts and ribosomal protein S1. For almost fifty years, since the isolation of Qβ replicase, there have been several unsolved, important questions about the mechanism of RNA polymerization by Qβ replicase. Especially, the detailed functions of the host factors, EF-Tu, EF-Ts, and S1, in Qβ replicase, which are all essential in the Escherichia coli (E. coli) host for protein synthesis, had remained enigmatic, due to the absence of structural information about Qβ replicase. In the last five years, the crystal structures of the core Qβ replicase, consisting of the β-subunit, EF-Tu and Ts, and those of the core Qβ replicase representing RNA polymerization, have been reported. Recently, the structure of Qβ replicase comprising the β-subunit, EF-Tu, EF-Ts and the N-terminal half of S1, which is capable of initiating Qβ RNA replication, has also been reported. In this review, based on the structures of Qβ replicase, we describe our current understanding of the alternative functions of the host translational elongation factors and ribosomal protein S1 in Qβ replicase as replication factors, beyond their established functions in protein synthesis.
Design, Use and Evaluation of E-Learning Platforms: Experiences and Perspectives of a Practitioner from the Developing World Studying in the Developed World
Authors: Adzobu Nesba
Published: September 2014

Electronic learning platforms are evolving and their evaluation is becoming more complex and challenging with time. Yet, the evaluation of electronic learning services is intrinsically linked to improving the performance of documentation services. In this paper, I describe my perspectives on the design, use and evaluation of an electronic learning platform using a lens of a practitioner from a third world country. I further delineate the challenges and constraints I encountered as a student learning about e-learning platforms and using e-learning platform services at an institution of higher learning in Sweden. In particular, the Ping Pong system at the University of Boras, Sweden, and the electronic print in the Library and Information Science (E-LIS), one of the services from the bulletin board for libraries (BUBL) Link information gateway, will be evaluated. It is anticipated that this experiential evaluation will provide designers of e-learning platforms with insights and strategies for refining the e-learning platform to facilitate teaching activities and promote students’ learning efficiency and satisfaction.
A Model of Filamentous Cyanobacteria Leading to Reticulate Pattern Formation
Authors: Tamulonis Carlos , Kaandorp Jaap
Published: September 2014

The filamentous cyanobacterium, Pseudanabaena, has been shown to produce reticulate patterns that are thought to be the result of its gliding motility. Similar fossilized structures found in the geological record constitute some of the earliest signs of life on Earth. It is difficult to tie these fossils, which are billions of years old, directly to the specific microorganisms that built them. Identifying the physicochemical conditions and microorganism properties that lead microbial mats to form macroscopic structures can lead to a better understanding of the conditions on Earth at the dawn of life. In this article, a cell-based model is used to simulate the formation of reticulate patterns in cultures of Pseudanabaena. A minimal system of long and flexible trichomes capable of gliding motility is shown to be sufficient to produce stable patterns consisting of a network of streams. Varying model parameters indicate that systems with little to no cohesion, high trichome density and persistent movement are conducive to reticulate pattern formation, in conformance with experimental observations.
Growth Control of Microbial in Miscible Cutting Fluids Using Ultraviolet Radiation
Authors: Bianchi Eduardo , Aguiar Paulo , De Arruda Olavo , Piubeli Francine
Published: September 2014

Considering the issues involved in industrial cutting and machining systems, and, in particular, the problems arising from the use of cutting fluids in these systems, this study presents the results of an analysis that points to a safe and efficient way to reduce contaminated microbial cutting fluids using ultraviolet radiation. The study proposes a transmitter system of simple ultraviolet radiation, safe and easy to obtain. The results of this study showed that the action of ultraviolet radiation on microorganisms in metalworking fluids is very effective and leads to a significant reduction of the load of microorganisms. In addition, no changes were observed during the experimental period that would lead to impairments in the performance of the activities of the cutting fluid used. Given the results, we can conclude that the use of ultraviolet radiation in the prevention and control of contamination is an important contribution to the durability of cutting fluids in machining and grinding operations.
Natural Insect and Plant Micro-/Nanostructsured Surfaces: An Excellent Selection of Valuable Templates with Superhydrophobic and Self-Cleaning Properties
Authors: Nguyen Song , Webb Hayden , Mahon Peter , Crawford Russell , Ivanova Elena
Published: September 2014

Insects and plants are two types of organisms that are widely separated on the evolutionary tree; for example, plants are mostly phototrophic organisms whilst insects are heterotrophic organisms. In order to cope with environmental stresses, their surfaces have developed cuticular layers that consist of highly sophisticated structures. These structures serve a number of purposes, and impart useful properties to these surfaces. These two groups of organisms are the only ones identified thus far that possess truly superhydrophobic and self-cleaning properties. These properties result from their micro- and nano-scale structures, comprised of three-dimensional wax formations. This review analyzes the surface topologies and surface chemistry of insects and plants in order to identify the features common to both organisms, with particular reference to their superhydrophobic and self-cleaning properties. This information will be valuable when determining the potential application of these surfaces in the design and manufacture of superhydrophobic and self-cleaning devices, including those that can be used in the manufacture of biomedical implants.
Synthesis and Anti-Yeast Evaluation of Novel 2-Alkylthio-4-chloro-5-methyl-N-[imino-(1-oxo-(1H)-phthalazin-2-yl)methyl]benzenesulfonamide Derivatives
Authors: Sławiński Jarosław , Pogorzelska Aneta , Żołnowska Beata , Kędzia Anna , Ziółkowska-Klinkosz Marta , Kwapisz Ewa
Published: September 2014

Pathogenic fungi are one of the main causes of hospital-related infections. Since conventional antifungals have become less effective because of the increasing fungal resistance to the standard drugs, the need for new agents is becoming urgent. Herein we report a synthesis of a series of novel N-[imino-(1-oxo-(1H)-phthalazin-2-yl)methyl]-benzenesulfonamide derivatives with in vitro activity against yeast-like fungi isolated from the oral cavity and respiratory tract of patients with candidiasis. These compounds were synthesized by the one-step or two-step reactions of 1-(2-alkylthiobenzensulfonyl)-2-aminoguanidines with the appropriate ortho-carbonyl benzoic acids. The biological study revealed that new derivatives have shown significant growth-inhibitory activity, superior or comparable, than those of the reference drug fluconazole. The most promising activities were observed against Candida albicans, with inhibition at least 1–3 (12.5%–37.5%) of the eight tested strains at the low MIC level of ≤6.2–25 µg/mL.
A Lightweight Hierarchical Activity Recognition Framework Using Smartphone Sensors
Authors: Han Manhyung , Bang Jae , Nugent Chris , McClean Sally , Lee Sungyoung
Published: September 2014

Activity recognition for the purposes of recognizing a user’s intentions using multimodal sensors is becoming a widely researched topic largely based on the prevalence of the smartphone. Previous studies have reported the difficulty in recognizing life-logs by only using a smartphone due to the challenges with activity modeling and real-time recognition. In addition, recognizing life-logs is difficult due to the absence of an established framework which enables the use of different sources of sensor data. In this paper, we propose a smartphone-based Hierarchical Activity Recognition Framework which extends the Naïve Bayes approach for the processing of activity modeling and real-time activity recognition. The proposed algorithm demonstrates higher accuracy than the Naïve Bayes approach and also enables the recognition of a user’s activities within a mobile environment. The proposed algorithm has the ability to classify fifteen activities with an average classification accuracy of 92.96%.
Energy-Efficient Privacy Protection for Smart Home Environments Using Behavioral Semantics
Authors: Park Homin , Basaran Can , Park Taejoon , Son Sang
Published: September 2014

Research on smart environments saturated with ubiquitous computing devices is rapidly advancing while raising serious privacy issues. According to recent studies, privacy concerns significantly hinder widespread adoption of smart home technologies. Previous work has shown that it is possible to infer the activities of daily living within environments equipped with wireless sensors by monitoring radio fingerprints and traffic patterns. Since data encryption cannot prevent privacy invasions exploiting transmission pattern analysis and statistical inference, various methods based on fake data generation for concealing traffic patterns have been studied. In this paper, we describe an energy-efficient, light-weight, low-latency algorithm for creating dummy activities that are semantically similar to the observed phenomena. By using these cloaking activities, the amount of fake data transmissions can be flexibly controlled to support a trade-off between energy efficiency and privacy protection. According to the experiments using real data collected from a smart home environment, our proposed method can extend the lifetime of the network by more than 2× compared to the previous methods in the literature. Furthermore, the activity cloaking method supports low latency transmission of real data while also significantly reducing the accuracy of the wireless snooping attacks.
Agriculture and Eutrophication: Where Do We Go from Here?
Authors: Withers Paul , Neal Colin , Jarvie Helen , Doody Donnacha
Published: September 2014

The eutrophication of surface waters has become an endemic global problem. Nutrient loadings from agriculture are a major driver, but it remains very unclear what level of on-farm controls are necessary or can be justified to achieve water quality improvements. In this review article, we use the UK as an example of societies’ multiple stressors on water quality to explore the uncertainties and challenges in achieving a sustainable balance between useable water resources, diverse aquatic ecosystems and a viable agriculture. Our analysis shows that nutrient loss from agriculture is a challenging issue if farm productivity and profitability is to be maintained and increased. Legacy stores of nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) in catchments may be sufficient to sustain algal blooms and murky waters for decades to come and more innovation is needed to drawdown and recover these nutrients. Agriculture’s impact on eutrophication risk may also be overestimated in many catchments, and more accurate accounting of sources, their bioavailabilities and lag times is needed to direct proportioned mitigation efforts more effectively. Best practice farms may still be leaky and incompatible with good water quality in high-risk areas requiring some prioritization of society goals. All sectors of society must clearly use N and P more efficiently to develop long-term sustainable solutions to this complex issue and nutrient reduction strategies should take account of the whole catchment-to-coast continuum. However, the right balance of local interventions (including additional biophysical controls) will need to be highly site specific and better informed by research that unravels the linkages between sustainable farming practices, patterns of nutrient delivery, biological response and recovery trajectories in different types of waterbodies.
The cell-type specific uptake of polymer-coated or micelle-embedded QDs and SPIOs does not provoke an acute pro-inflammatory response in the liver
Authors: Heine Markus , Bartelt Alexander , Bruns Oliver T , Bargheer Denise , Giemsa Artur , Freund Barbara , Scheja Ludger , Waurisch Christian , Eychmüller Alexander , Reimer Rudolph , Weller Horst , Nielsen Peter , Heeren Joerg
Published: September 2014

Semiconductor quantum dots (QD) and superparamagnetic iron oxide nanocrystals (SPIO) have exceptional physical properties that are well suited for biomedical applications in vitro and in vivo. For future applications, the direct injection of nanocrystals for imaging and therapy represents an important entry route into the human body. Therefore, it is crucial to investigate biological responses of the body to nanocrystals to avoid harmful side effects. In recent years, we established a system to embed nanocrystals with a hydrophobic oleic acid shell either by lipid micelles or by the amphiphilic polymer poly(maleic anhydride-alt-1-octadecene) (PMAOD). The goal of the current study is to investigate the uptake processes as well as pro-inflammatory responses in the liver after the injection of these encapsulated nanocrystals. By immunofluorescence and electron microscopy studies using wild type mice, we show that 30 min after injection polymer-coated nanocrystals are primarily taken up by liver sinusoidal endothelial cells. In contrast, by using wild type, Ldlr-/- as well as Apoe-/- mice we show that nanocrystals embedded within lipid micelles are internalized by Kupffer cells and, in a process that is dependent on the LDL receptor and apolipoprotein E, by hepatocytes. Gene expression analysis of pro-inflammatory markers such as tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFα) or chemokine (C-X-C motif) ligand 10 (Cxcl10) indicated that 48 h after injection internalized nanocrystals did not provoke pro-inflammatory pathways. In conclusion, internalized nanocrystals at least in mouse liver cells, namely endothelial cells, Kupffer cells and hepatocytes are at least not acutely associated with potential adverse side effects, underlining their potential for biomedical applications.
Synthesis of α-amino amidines through molecular iodine-catalyzed three-component coupling of isocyanides, aldehydes and amines
Authors: Adiyala Praveen Reddy , Chandrasekhar D , Kapure Jeevak Sopanrao , Reddy Chada Narsimha , Maurya Ram Awatar
Published: September 2014

A facile and efficient synthetic protocol for the synthesis of α-amino amidines has been developed using a molecular iodine-catalyzed three-component coupling reaction of isocyanides, amines, and aldehydes. The presented strategy offers the advantages of mild reaction conditions, low environmental impact, clean and simple methodology, high atom economy, wide substrate scope and high yields.
Development and Validation of a New Instrument to Measure Health-related Quality of Life in Patients with Psoriatic Arthritis: The VITACORA-19
Authors: Torre-Alonso Juan Carlos , Gratacós Jordi , Rey-Rey José Santos , Valdazo de Diego Juan Pablo , Urriticoechea-Arana Ana , Daudén Esteban , Moreno Mireia , Zarco-Montejo Pedro , Collantes-Estévez Eduardo , Fernández-López Juan Antonio
Published: September 2014

Objective.

To develop/validate an instrument to measure health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in patients with psoriatic arthritis (PsA), for use in clinical studies.

Methods.

An item pool of 35 items was generated following standardized procedures. Item reduction was performed using clinimetric and psychometric approaches after administration to 66 patients with PsA. The resulting instrument, the VITACORA-19, consists of 19 items. Its validity content, internal consistency, test-retest reliability, known groups/convergent validity, and sensitivity to change were tested in a longitudinal and multicenter study conducted in 10 hospitals in Spain, with 323 patients who also completed the EuroQol 5-dimensional questionnaire (EQ-5D) and a health status transition item. There were 3 study groups: group A (n = 209, patients with PsA), group B (n = 71, patients with arthritis without psoriatic aspect, patients with arthrosis, and patients with dermatitis), and group C (n = 43, healthy controls).

Results.

The questionnaire was considered easy/very easy to answer by 94.7% of the patients with PsA. The factorial analysis clearly identified only 1 factor. Cronbach’s alpha coefficient and interclass correlation coefficients exceeded 0.90. Statistically significant differences (p < 0.001) were observed between groups: subjects from group C had better HRQoL, followed by group B, and finally group A had the worst HRQoL. The VITACORA-19 scores showed significant correlations (p < 0.001) to PsA disease activity, EQ-5D, and perceived health state, scoring the patients with better health state higher. The minimum important difference was established as an 8-point change in the global score.

Conclusion.

The Spanish-developed VITACORA-19, designed to measure HRQoL in patients with PsA, has good validity, reliability, and sensitivity to change.
Extension Study of Participants from the Trial of Early Aggressive Therapy in Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis
Authors: Wallace Carol A. , Ringold Sarah , Bohnsack John , Spalding Steven J. , Brunner Hermine I. , Milojevic Diana , Schanberg Laura E. , Higgins Gloria C. , O’Neil Kathleen M. , Gottlieb Beth S. , Hsu Joyce , Punaro Marilynn G. , Kimura Yukiko , Hendrickson Audrey
Published: September 2014

Objective.

To follow children with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) who had completed at least 6 months of the TRial of Early Aggressive Therapy (TREAT) clinical study for an additional 2 years, describing safety of early aggressive treatment, disease activity, function, and duration of clinical inactive disease (CID) during followup.

Methods.

Children were treated as per provider’s discretion. Physician, patient/parent, and laboratory measures of disease status as well as safety information were collected at clinic visits every 3 months for up to 2 years.

Results.

Forty-eight children were followed for a mean of 28 months (range 12–42) beyond the end of the TREAT study. Half of patients were in CID for > 50% of their followup time. Overall, 88% of patients achieved CID at > 1 study visit and 54% achieved clinical remission while taking medication. Six patients were in CID for the duration of the study, and, of those, 2 achieved a full year of clinical remission while not taking medication. Active disease was mild: mean physician’s global assessment 2.4, active joint count 3.5, parent global evaluation 2.4, Childhood Health Assessment Questionnaire 0.32, erythrocyte sedimentation rate 19 mm/h, and morning stiffness 23 min. There were no serious adverse events or adverse events reported at grade 3 or higher of Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events.

Conclusion.

Early aggressive therapy in this cohort of patients with polyarticular JIA who had high initial disease activity was associated with prolonged periods of CID in the majority of patients during followup. Those not in CID had low levels of disease activity.
Mandalas des émotions et traumatismes
Authors: Duc Marwood Alessandra , Regamey Véronique
Published: September 2014

Comment dans notre travail thérapeutique, aborder le vécu douloureux de nos patients gravement traumatisés, sans s’y enfermer ni blesser une fois de plus la victime ? C’est avec cette préoccupation et face à bon nombre de nos patients qui se retrouvent enfermés dans un seul ressenti qui envahit tout, jusqu’à leur identité même, que nous avons eu l’idée de travailler avec le Mandala des émotions, fait de sables colorés. Nous présenterons cette technique, utilisée comme un objet flottant, au travers de deux vignettes cliniques de suivi individuel : l’une avec un enfant et la seconde avec un adulte. Nous exposerons comment cet outil permet la création d’un espace intersubjectif où thérapeutes et patients se rencontrent autour de l’exploration du vécu intérieur post-traumatique et de l’élaboration d’une renarration du récit de vie de la victime.
Adolescents traumatisés, intervenants en crise : isomorphismes au travail
Authors: Marquebreucq Anne-Pascale , Nyssens Grégoire
Published: September 2014

La prise en charge d’adolescents ayant souffert de traumatismes comporte des risques de répétitions transgénérationnelles mais aussi institutionnelles non seulement par contamination des émotions qui entrent en résonance dans l’ambiance mais aussi sous forme d’isomorphismes quand des interactions se rejouent en scénarios destructeurs par escalades symétriques ou par différents clivages. Ce risque de répétitions est encore amplifié quand le mythe institutionnel est attaqué ou qu’il se rigidifie. Cet article expose le travail d’une équipe d’intervenants dans la traversée d’une crise, avec son effort pour penser la pratique et pour dépasser les isomorphismes.
Computer-Assisted Character Learning Using Animation and Visual Chunking
Authors: Xu Yi , Chang Li-Yun
Published: September 2014

This chapter examines the effects of computerized stroke order animation and visual chunking on character recognition and production. Through two experiments, the authors found that both computer-assisted presentation methods were effective, and their impact was comparable to or surpassed the traditional way of character learning through reading and writing. Specifically, animation was comparable to writing and more effective than reading in facilitating form recognition. Visual chunking produced better results in character production than writing when characters were presented in radical-based groups.
Offline Peer Dialogue in Asynchronous Computer-Mediated Communication Activities for L2 Teacher Development
Authors: Kitade Keiko
Published: September 2014

Recent studies in second language (L2) teacher education (L2TE) emphasize the sociohistorical and contextual dimensions of teachers' professional development. In practice, however, teaching practice opportunities, which can help pre-service teachers experience these dimensions, are limited. Innovative technological applications can help address this issue. This chapter proposes a combination of offline and online activities in which pre-service language teachers can engage L2 learners online while augmenting their own learning through offline peer dialogues. Rooted in the sociocultural approach to learning, this chapter presents a case study analyzing the Critical Learning Episodes (CLEs; Kiely & Davis, 2010) found in the peer dialogues of pre-service teachers during their online engagement with L2 learners abroad. The findings suggest that offline peer dialogue serves as an advanced type of reflection-in-practice (Schön, 1983, 1987), utilizing text mediation, a method that assists student teachers to co-construct the situated knowledge and skills that are holistic in nature (thus requiring multiple perspectives) and purportedly crucial for L2 teaching.
(Dis)Engagement in Internet Linguistic Practices among Sojourners in China
Authors: Diao Wenhao
Published: September 2014

This chapter reports on a longitudinal study that investigates two American students' engagement in a local Social-Networking Site (SNS), Weibo, at a study abroad program in China. SNSs are often thought to hold great potential for L2 teaching. However, engagement in SNS activities not only requires cultural orientation towards social media but also knowledge about how to communicate on SNSs. Drawing from language socialization and community of practice frameworks, this chapter examines how two American students participated in networking activities on Weibo and to what extent they engaged in the use of Chinese Internet Language (CIL). The findings show that the incorporation of the local SNS in instruction seemed to help the students become aware of CIL, but their participation in Weibo remained peripheral. In addition, compared to the student who did home stay, the student living in the dorm seemed to have more opportunities to be socialized into CIL.
Teachers' Perceptions and Use of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) in Chinese Language Education
Authors: Zhang Dongbo , Zhao Shouhui , Li Li
Published: September 2014

This chapter reports on a mixed-methods study that examined how factors intrinsic and extrinsic to teachers influence their pedagogical use of modern Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) in Chinese Language (CL) education. Three-hundred-eleven primary school CL teachers in Singapore participated in an online questionnaire survey that addressed four ICT-related variables: competence to use ICT, availability of resources and support, perceived usefulness of ICT, and pedagogical use of ICT. The results show that the four variables were significantly correlated, and teachers' pedagogical use of ICT was predicted significantly by all the other three variables. To supplement the questionnaire survey, Focus Group Discussions (FGD) were conducted on a randomly selected sample of the teachers who participated in the survey. Teachers reported local (e.g., ICT facilities and resources) as well as global (e.g., national high-stake examinations) factors that determined how ICT-mediated pedagogy was strategically blended with non-ICT-mediated traditional pedagogies. In conclusion, the authors argue that achieving the desired effects of learning through ICT integration necessitates consideration of factors intrinsic to teachers as well as those extrinsic to them that often shape the teacher-intrinsic factors.
Vocabulary CALL for Young ESL/EFL Learners
Authors: Handley Zöe
Published: September 2014

This chapter presents a systematic review of empirical research on vocabulary CALL for primary and secondary learners of English as a foreign or second language published between 2004 and 2013. Twenty-two studies were identified, the majority of which focused on the use of multimedia to communicate the meaning of lexical items and mobile devices to provide “anytime anywhere” vocabulary training, and found a beneficial impact of the use of technology on vocabulary learning. However, while some of the studies provided a theoretically grounded rationale for their choice of technology, the design of some of the studies was found to limit their usefulness in terms of furthering our understanding of Second Language Acquisition (SLA) and building up an evidence base to inform the design of future vocabulary CALL. The chapter concludes by highlighting examples of studies that were found to contribute to furthering our understanding of CALL and SLA.
From App Attack to Goal-Oriented Tablet Use
Authors: Mentor Dominic
Published: September 2014

There is a need to move from the hype of tablets and apps to the usefulness and functionality of tablets' hypermedia capabilities to engage K – 12 students and teachers. Tablets are dynamic devices allowing students and teachers to construct knowledge multimodally, individually, and collaboratively. With so many different types of tablet devices, it is important to make well-informed decisions around goals and educational objectives. A hybrid theoretical approach is offered in this chapter that offers guiding markers. Considering the “four Cs” of context, curriculum, content, and collaboration as foundational guidance, this chapter offers insights and support when integrating educational technology. Considering these elements offers clarity for which theories and practical pedagogy would be applicable and how they should be applied for successful tablet educational engagement. The need exists to theoretically and practically plot and plan how to use tablets and apps, making the educational teaching and learning practice a rich interactive experience.
mLearning to Enhance Disaster Preparedness Education in K-12 Schools
Authors: Chandler Thomas , Beedasy Jaishree
Published: September 2014

Several of the most disconcerting and compelling news events of the 21st century pertain to natural and human-caused disasters. However, these themes are generally absent in the social studies, civics, science, or mathematics curricula of most U.S. K-12 schools. Similarly, discussions about ways to incorporate new digital tools, such as mobile tablet computers and apps into such discussions are also overlooked. This chapter provides a roadmap for considering disaster-oriented themes in the K-12 curriculum and then provides several examples of apps that can be included in classroom lessons along with guidelines for incorporating these digital tools into pedagogical practices. The authors have framed their analysis within the context of mLearning as a way to address cross-disciplinary themes via mobile technologies.
Teaching Mathematics with Tablet PCs
Authors: Meletiou-Mavrotheris Maria , Mavrou Katerina , Stylianou George , Mavromoustakos Stephanos , Christou George
Published: September 2014

Declining interest in mathematics and the need to raise the educational standards of youth in this discipline set a critical agenda for the revision of pedagogical practices. Tablet PCs and other mobile devices hold a lot of promise as tools for improving education at all levels. The research discussed in this chapter comes from an ongoing, multifaceted program designed to explore the potential of tablet technologies for enhancing mathematics teaching and learning at the primary school level. The program is taking place within a private primary school in Cyprus and aims at the effective integration of one-to-one tablet technologies (iPads) into the mathematics school curriculum. It has adopted a systemic approach to the introduction of iPads in the school setting that focuses on the broad preparation and on-going engagement of all key stakeholders involved in the educational process. In the chapter, the authors report on the main experiences gained from Phase 1 of the program, which involved the design and organization of a professional development workshop targeting the school teachers. The authors describe the content and structure of the workshop and discuss its impact on teachers' knowledge, skills, and confidence in incorporating tablet technologies within the mathematics curriculum.
Integrated Experiences
Authors: Carruthers Carol , Martinovic Dragana , Pearce Kyle
Published: September 2014

This chapter discusses the integrated experiences of a group of instructors who are using tablets to teach mathematics to adolescents and young adults. iPad technology offers learners in different educational streams and with different knowledge bases an environment that fosters the growth of a community of learners engaged in mathematical concepts and processes. The authors present an in-depth examination of the design of a tablet-based mathematics education environment and provide a statistical analysis to highlight the full richness of their classroom-based experiments. The results are presented using the five foundational aspects of a conceptual framework for the successful implementation of technology in a K-12 environment.