bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Processing of Optimized Cements and Concretes Via Particle Packing
Authors: Roy D.M. , Scheetz B.E. , Silsbee M.R.
Published: November 2014

It has been well-recognized for many years that the particle-size distributions of the cement and the grading of the aggregates play an important role in determining the properties and characteristics of cement and concrete products. DSP (densified with small particles) type cements and concretes, to a certain extent, MDF (macro-defect-free) cements, and optimized concretes are recently recognized outstanding examples of the application of this principle. The preset characteristics of the cementitious slurry are also strongly influenced by these factors. Both the workability of the fresh material, and the microstructure development are controlled to a considerable extent by these geometric parameters.

Two seminal works in the areas of continuous particle size distributions and particle packing are those of Andreason and Furnas, respectively. Furnas deals mainly with discrete systems and Andreason with continuous distributions. As early as 1907, the concept of idealized particle packing was being used to optimize cements and concretes. Figure 1a shows an idealized cross section of a simple cubic packing of monodispersed spheres. This system has a maximum packing density of 0.65%. In an ideally packed system of discrete size ranges, the size of the next smallest particles would be such that they just fit in the gaps between the largest size particles, and so on for subsequent particle sizes; this system is represented schematically in Figure 1b. Not only the sizes but also the relative numbers of particles are important; Figures 1c and 1d show systems where some fraction of the smaller and larger particle sizes, respectively, are missing. Figure 1e shows a system where the size of the second largest particles is too large to fit into the gaps between the largest particles, resulting in a lower packing efficiency. Thus, both the particle size and fractions are important when considering packing efficiency.
Os conceitos de gene e DNA por alunos ingressantes na UNIFAL-MG e a efetividade da dramatização como estratégia de ensino de Biologia Molecular
Authors: Silva Marina Isidoro , Orlando Tereza Cristina , Cotulio Vanessa Roma Moreno , Gouvêa Cibele Marli Cação Paiva
Published: November 2014

A compreensão de conceitos de Biologia Molecular é importante para permitir o entendimento de processos biológicos, bem como para estabelecer correlações e inter-relações entre os diferentes processos celulares e a interação com o ambiente. O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar o conhecimento dos conceitos de gene e DNA por alunos ingressantes da Universidade Federal de Alfenas-MG (UNIFAL-MG), bem como avaliar a efetividade da dramatização como estratégia inovadora de ensino. A proposta foi avaliada pela determinação do ganho de conhecimento e do desempenho escolar. Os resultados demonstraram que os alunos ingressantes na UNIFAL-MG apresentam deficiência nos conceitos de gene e composição e estrutura do DNA, provavelmente, decorrentes de falhas no processo de ensino-aprendizagem prévios ao ingresso na universidade. A dramatização apresentou-se como estratégia eficiente para induzir ganho de conhecimento e melhora do desempenho escolar de turmas com bom nível de conhecimento inicial.Palavras-chave: Biologia Molecular, ganho de conhecimento, desempenho escolar.
Ações para divulgação da Neurociência: um relato de experiências vivenciadas no sul do Brasil
Authors: Martins Alexandre Dos Santos , Mello-Carpes Pâmela Billig
Published: November 2014

Recentemente a popularização e divulgação da ciência têm ganhado significativa expansão. As ciências relacionadas ao cérebro, tais como a neuroquímica e a neurofisiologia se destacam neste cenário. Uma iniciativa que têm auxiliado muito neste processo é a Semana Internacional do Cérebro, que contribui para a divulgação dos benefícios da investigação científica nesta área. Relatamos ações de divulgação e popularização da neurociência, realizadas na cidade de Uruguaiana/RS/Brasil durante a Semana Internacional do Cérebro em 2013. Foram realizadas ações variadas em diferentes contexto e ambientes da cidade. Os resultados desta proposta mostram a importância de ações para divulgação da neurociência e neuroquímica junto à população. As ações atenderam ao objetivo de popularizar conceitos científicos e foram muito bem aceitas pelo público participante, permitindo a aproximação da comunidade com a universidade e com os discursos e práticas da neurociência e suas áreas.
Avaliação das potencialidades de um curso prático de bioquímica como ferramenta auxiliar ao ensino teórico em cursos profissionalizantes
Authors: Regis Willian C.B. , Gonçalves Maria Lúcia , Santroro Marcelo M.
Published: November 2014

What we can observe currently about professional formation is the pure and simple fixation of protocols and procedures in a sequential and mechanical way. These procedures deny the students the knowledge of theoretical principles involved in the techniques used in their professional works. In this work we evaluate the idea of implementing small biochemistry modules in technical education in order to assist the formation of professionals with better capacity to take decisions. For such, a good theoretical knowledge is the base of the practical procedures to give the students enough security and independence to manipulate the techniques in their works. The model evaluated here, a practical course of purification and analysis of proteins that is offered to the whole community, was carried out in the Laboratory of Enzimology and Physico-Chemistry of Proteins of the Department of Biochemistry and Immunology, of the Institute of Biological Sciences of the Federal University of Minas Gerais. We have noticed that some constructivist features of this course indicates it as a good instrument for the enrichment of the proffesionnal formation of our students.
Revisão do Programa: Multimedia Methods in Molecular Biology; 2nd. Ed.
Authors: Okamoto Andre Kimura
Published: November 2014

During this past two decades, multimedia methods have been frequently highlighted as an alternative teaching solution, thus they must be constantly evaluated and corrected in order to avoid a banal use of these tools. This software review evaluated the level of agreement between the authors/editors proposals and its actual relevance and ease o use. Future corrections are expected due to major flaws found in its use.
O DNA: uma sinopse histórica
Authors: G. Oliveira Talles Henrique , Santos Neusa Fernandes dos , Beltramini Leila Maria
Published: November 2014

Este artigo tem o objetivo de relatar os fatos históricos científicos mais importantes quepermitiram o entendimento atual da estrutura e funcionalidade da molécula de DNA.Acreditamos que resgatar a história e divulgá-la integra culturalmente novas e velhas geraçõesà sociedade contemporânea a que pertencemos, facilitando o aprendizado e a compreensãosobre a nossa constituição e funcionalidade, assim como nos permite especular sobre o nossofuturo, nossa evolução, a vida no planeta, e o enfoque e direcionamento de novas pesquisasdesta área científica.
DETERMINAÇÃO DE CLORETO DE SÓDIO EM ATRIPLEX: UMA ATIVIDADE EXPERIMENTAL PARA OS CURSOS DE CIÊNCIAS BIOLÓGICAS
Authors: Campos Angela F. , Marcelino Jr. Cristiano De A. C. , Barbosa Rejane M. Novais , Tavares Andreza R.
Published: November 2014

Neste trabalho, uma atividade experimental com a planta Atriplex foi proposta. A prática consistiuna análise do cloreto de sódio presente em uma dada amostra de vegetal. Este experimento foiaplicado aos estudantes do Curso de Ciências Biológicas da disciplina Introdução a AnáliseQuímica e discutido por meio de um questionário. Os resultados obtidos mostraram que aaprendizagem dos estudantes com relação ao conceito de reações químicas e sua relação comoutros conceitos em Biologia foi satisfatória.Palavras-chave: Atriplex, atividade experimental, ciências biológicas
O QUE ALUNOS DE DIFERENTES CURSOS PROCURAM EM DISCIPLINAS EXTRACURRICULARES DE BIOQUÍMICA?
Authors: Yokaichiya Daniela K. , Galembeck Eduardo , Torres Bayardo Baptista
Published: November 2014

Ao mesmo tempo que a seleção detalhada dos conteúdos direciona as aulas de Bioquímica aosinteresses de cada curso de graduação, muitos assuntos são inevitavelmente excluídos. Aprocura por disciplinas não obrigatórias no currículo mínimo que abordem temas de Bioquímicanão contemplados nas disciplinas de Bioquímica Básica aponta para o grande interesse dosestudantes por complementação na sua formação [1]. Na ocasião do oferecimento de umcurso sobre Bioquímica da Nutrição a distância em 2001 e 2003, foi feito um levantamento deinteresse pelo curso, além de uma contínua avaliação da satisfação dos alunos frente àsatividades desenvolvidas. A análise detalhada dos interesses e das críticas e sugestões ajudoua verificar os anseios dos diferentes profissionais em relação aos conteúdos da Bioquímica esuas aplicações. Dessa análise conclui-se que apesar dos alunos entrarem com interesseespecífico de aprofundamento nos conteúdos de suas áreas, o que promove maior satisfação éa interação e troca de informações – ainda que relativamente superficiais - com alunos eprofissionais de outras formações. Cursos que visem aprofundamento específico dedeterminados assuntos devem, entretanto, ser oferecidos para públicos mais restritos,atendendo a pré-requisitos de conhecimento para que as discussões possam ser maisaprofundadas.
Estimating wind‐turbine‐caused bird and bat fatality when zero carcasses are observed
Authors: Huso Manuela M. P. , Dalthorp Dan , Dail David , Madsen Lisa
Published: November 2014

Many wind‐power facilities in the United States have established effective monitoring programs to determine turbine‐caused fatality rates of birds and bats, but estimating the number of fatalities of rare species poses special difficulties. The loss of even small numbers of individuals may adversely affect fragile populations, but typically, few (if any) carcasses are observed during monitoring. If monitoring design results in only a small proportion of carcasses detected, then finding zero carcasses may give little assurance that the number of actual fatalities is small. Fatality monitoring at wind‐power facilities commonly involves conducting experiments to estimate the probability (g) an individual will be observed, accounting for the possibilities that it falls in an unsearched area, is scavenged prior to detection, or remains undetected even when present. When g < 1, the total carcass count (X) underestimates the total number of fatalities (M). Total counts can be 0 when M is small or when M is large and g ≪1. Distinguishing these two cases is critical when estimating fatality of a rare species. Observing no individuals during searches may erroneously be interpreted as evidence of absence. We present an approach that uses Bayes' theorem to construct a posterior distribution for M, i.e., P(M | X, ĝ), reflecting the observed carcass count and previously estimated g. From this distribution, we calculate two values important to conservation: the probability that M is below a predetermined limit and the upper bound (M*) of the 100(1 − α)% credible interval for M. We investigate the dependence of M* on α, g, and the prior distribution of M, asking what value of g is required to attain a desired M* for a given α. We found that when g < −0.15, M* was clearly influenced by the mean and variance of ĝ and the choice of prior distribution for M, but the influence of these factors is minimal when g > −0.45. Further, we develop extensions for temporal replication that can inform prior distributions of M and methods for combining information across several areas or time periods. We apply the method to data collected at a wind‐power facility where scheduled searches yielded X = 0 raptor carcasses.
The role of wood hardness in limiting nest site selection in avian cavity excavators
Authors: Lorenz Teresa J. , Vierling Kerri T. , Johnson Timothy R. , Fischer Philip C.
Published: November 2014

Woodpeckers and other primary cavity excavators (PCEs) are important worldwide for excavating cavities in trees, and a large number of studies have examined their nesting preferences. However, quantitative measures of wood hardness have been omitted from most studies, and ecologists have focused on the effects of external tree‐ and habitat‐level features on nesting. Moreover, information is lacking on the role of wood hardness in limiting nesting opportunities for this important guild. Here, we used an information theoretic approach to examine the role of wood hardness in multi‐scale nest site selection and in limiting nesting opportunities for six species of North American PCEs. We found that interior wood hardness at nests (n= 259) differed from that at random sites, and all six species of PCE had nests with significantly softer interior wood than random trees (F1, 517= 106.15,P< 0.0001). Accordingly, interior wood hardness was the most influential factor in our models of nest site selection at both spatial scales that we examined: in the selection of trees within territories and in the selection of nest locations on trees. Moreover, regardless of hypothesized excavation abilities, all the species in our study appeared constrained by interior wood hardness, and only 4–14% of random sites were actually suitable for nesting. Our findings suggest that past studies that did not measure wood hardness counted many sites as available to PCEs when they were actually unsuitable, potentially biasing results. Moreover, by not accounting for nest site limitations in PCEs, managers may overestimate the amount of suitable habitat. We therefore urge ecologists to incorporate quantitative measures of wood hardness into PCE nest site selection studies, and to consider the limitations faced by avian cavity excavators in forest management decisions.
Lifetime aspects of wearable electronics
Authors: de Vries
Published: November 2014

In the course of two European projects the endurance behavior of stretchable
electronic substrates and of electronic textiles was investigated. The
results have to a large extent been published already. In this work new
analyses to the earlier results are presented. Straightforward analytical
approaches are used to describe fatigue under cyclic mechanical loading in
the two technologies. For stretchable substrates the actual plastic strain
upon stretching could be qualitatively evaluated to replace the engineering
strain. For the textile-based substrates the bending strain was estimated.
Additionally, there are sub-categories within each technology which perform
differently and apparently show percolation behavior.
Fuzzy model reference adaptive control of velocity servo system
Authors: Stankovic Momir , Naumovic Milica , Manojlovic Stojadin , Mitrovic Srdjan
Published: November 2014

The Implementation of fuzzy model reference adaptive control of a velocity
servo system is analysed in this paper. Designing the model reference
adaptive control (MRAC) and the problem of choosing adaptation gain is
considered. Tuning the adaptation gain by fuzzy logic subsystem and a simple
synthesis procedure of fuzzy MRAC are proposed. Several simulation runs show
the advantages of fuzzy MRAC approach. Experimental validation on laboratory
speed servo is realized by the acquisition system. The results confirm
benefits of the proposed controller in comparison with the standard MRAC.
Necrotizing meningoencephalitis in a large mixed-breed dog
Authors: Estey Chelsie M. , Scott Steven J. , Cerda-Gonzalez Sofia
Published: November 2014

Case Description—A 4-year-old 26-kg (57.2-lb) spayed female Staffordshire Bull Terrier mix was evaluated because of a 24-hour history of cluster seizures.

Clinical Findings—Neurologic examination revealed altered mentation and multifocal intracranial signs; MRI was performed. The MRI findings included multifocal, asymmetric forebrain lesions affecting both the gray and white matter, an area suggestive of focal necrosis, and loss of corticomedullary distinction. A midline shift and caudal transtentorial herniation were noted, suggestive of greater than normal intracranial pressure.

Treatment and Outcome—Because the dog's clinical signs worsened despite medical treatment and additional evidence of increased intracranial pressure, bilateral craniectomy and durectomy were performed. Histologic evaluation of a brain biopsy specimen revealed bilateral and asymmetric areas of necrosis in the subcortical white matter and adjacent gray matter. At the periphery of the necrotic areas, there was increased expression of glial fibrillary acidic protein and Virchow-Robin spaces were expanded by CD3+ lymphocytes. Results of immunohistochemical analysis of brain tissue were negative for canine distemper virus, Neospora canis, and Toxoplasma gondii. These clinical, imaging, and histopathologic findings were compatible with necrotizing meningoencephalitis. The dog's neurologic status continued to worsen following surgery. Repeated MRI revealed ongoing signs of increased intracranial pressure, despite the bilateral craniectomy. The owners elected euthanasia.

Clinical Relevance—To the author's knowledge, this is the first report of necrotizing meningoencephalitis in a large mixed-breed dog. Necrotizing meningoencephalitis should be considered as a differential diagnosis in dogs other than small or toy breeds that have signs suggestive of inflammatory disease.
Triphasic Contrast Agent Injection in 64-MDCT Coronary Artery Angiography
Authors: Missiroli C , Kim Y , Shankar S , Chun J , Shin H , Kandarpa K
Published: November 2014

Purpose: To evaluate image quality and cardiovascular enhancement after triphasic injection in 64-slice-CT coronary angiography (c-CTA). Methods: c-CTA of twenty-two asymptomatic patients following triphasic injection (65ml-contrast bolus + mixed 30ml-contrast and 20ml-saline bolus + 50ml-saline chaser) were retrospectively reviewed. Attenuation in the great vessels, cardiac chambers, and coronary arteries in 13 places were measured by region of interest. Also, differences in enhancement between the right coronary artery (RCA) and the right cardiac chambers (RCA versus right atrium or RA; RCA versus right ventricle or RV) were analyzed. Quality of images and contrast-related streak artifacts were subjectively assessed by 2 radiologists in consensus on a 4-point scale. Results: There was excellent enhancement in the coronary arteries (mean range 395.84-429.90 Hounsfield Units or HU), ascending aorta (mean 448.58 HU), descending aorta (mean 433.49 HU), and pulmonary artery (mean 385.45 HU). There was adequate difference in attenuation between RCA versus RA (mean range 126.12-148.43 HU) and RCA versus RV (mean range 50.34-72.66 HU). There was high and inhomogeneous attenuation in the superior vena cava (mean 509.23 HU). The quality of images was considered good (mean 1.6; 1 = excellent, 2 = good, 3 = moderate, 4 = low) and contrast-related streak artifacts were considered low (mean 2.9; 1 = severe, 2 = moderate, 3 = low, 4 = absent) by two radiologists. Conclusions: Our triphasic contrast injection provides excellent cardiovascular enhancement with minimal contrast-related streak artifacts, particularly in the right cardiac chambers while adequately differentiating the right coronary artery. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/njr.v4i1.11365 Nepalese Journal of Radiology, Vol.4(1) 2014: 12-22
Role of Dynamic Contrast Enhanced MRI in Characterization of Breast Lesions
Authors: Issar P , Issar SK
Published: November 2014

Purpose: To assess the role of Dynamic contrast enhanced magnetic resonance imaging in characterization of breast lesions and to differentiate benign from malignant lesions on the basis of their morphology and enhancement kinetics. Material and Methods: Sixty patients referred to the department of Radiodiagnosis for breast MRI over a period of twenty months were included. Dynamic contrast enhanced (DCE) Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) was performed to differentiate breast lesions on the basis of morphology and enhancement kinetics. The lesions were classified accordingly into type I (progressive enhancement) Type II (plateau) and Type III (washout) kinetics. Morphology and curves of benign and malignant lesions were compared. Result: fifty one benign lesions were detected in 32 patients and 29 malignant lesions were seen in 22 patients, whereas six patients showed normal MRI. It was found that benign lesion were round or oval in shape with well circumscribed margin and showed homogenous contrast enhancement whereas malignant lesions were irregular with spiculated margin and showed heterogenous contrast enhancement. The distribution curve types of benign lesion were Type I (81.25%-26cases), Type II (18.25%-6cases). For malignant lesions Type I (4.54%-1case), Type II (22.72%-5cases) and Type III (72.72%-16cases). Conclusion: The shape of the time- signal intensity curve were an important criteria in differentiating benign from malignant lesions in dynamic breast MR imaging. A type III time curve is a strong indicator of malignancy and is independent of other criteria. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/njr.v4i1.11366 Nepalese Journal of Radiology, Vol.4(1) 2014: 23-33
Clinico-radiological Features and Classification of Emphysematous Pyelonephritis: A prospective study
Authors: Singh A
Published: November 2014

Emphysematous pyelonephritis (EPN) is a rare, severe acute, necrotizing infection of the kidney characterized by presence of gas within the renal parenchyma, collecting system and perirenal tissues. It is commonly caused by ascending infection due to E.coli. Other gas forming organisms like Klebseilla, proteus etc. may spread by hematogenous route. A patient especially if a woman, with poorly managed diabetes, presents with urinary tract infection, sepsis and renal insufficiency. Ultrasound and CT plays an invaluable role in the diagnosis and management. In our study, nine patients of EPN were studied during the period of 2011-2013. All the patients were diabetics, invariably presented with fever, abdominal discomfort or pain at the time of presentation. Pus in urine with raised TLC with leukocytosis was seen in all of them. Urine culture showed bacterial growth in 5(55.5%) patients, with E. coli, the commonest organism. All patients had hyperglycemia with mean blood sugar level was 354mg/dl. Serum creatinine was raised with mean level of 3.7mg/dl suggesting renal dysfunction. The male to female ratio was 1:3.5 with age range of 42-65 years. Radiological investigations like plain X ray, Ultrasound and Computed tomography of abdomen showed pockets of air in the renal regions in all 9(100%)patients, bilateral in two(22.3%) and unilateral in 7(77.7%) patients. Mild hydronephrosis was seen in 1(11%) patient. Perinephric extension of gas with perinephric collection was noted in 4(44.5%) patients. After clinicoradiological investigations the diagnosis of EPN was made with 2(22.3%) cases of Type I EPN and 7(77.7%) cases of Type II EPN.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/njr.v4i1.11368 Nepalese Journal of Radiology, Vol.4(1) 2014: 38-46
Parry– Romberg Syndrome: A Case Report
Authors: Devani P , Lal Hira , Thakral A
Published: November 2014

The purpose of this report is to present radiological features of a rare entity called Parry-Romberg syndrome (also known as Progressive hemifacial atrophy). The authors report one rare case of a 18 year old female patient with Parry-Romberg syndrome, accompanied by a brief review of literature and various radiological features of this entity. Final diagnosis of a Parry-Romberg syndrome was made on clinical and radiological grounds. Radiologists should be familiar with various radiographic, CT and MRI findings observed in this disorder. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/njr.v4i1.11571 Nepalese Journal of Radiology, Vol.4(1) 2014: 67-70
Aesthetic Radicalism: Langston Hughes’s Lost Translation of Federico García Lorca’sBodas de sangre / Blood Wedding
Authors: Woods Michelle , Wyman Sarah
Published: November 2014

ABSTRACT:

Langston Hughes’s long-lost translation of Federico García Lorca’s play Bodas de sangre / Blood Wedding (1933) – Fate at the Wedding (1938) – demonstrates a synchronicity between two 1930s aesthetic radicals who shared a transnational perspective. Through his act of translation, Hughes not only perpetuates and amplifies Lorca’s concern with social issues but he uses his own version of Lorca’s total theatre, with its graphic and sound effects, to deploy a unique blend of avant-garde European and fringe modernist styles of the Latin American and Caribbean worlds he knew intimately. Hughes’s act of translation opens a politicized space in the play that reveals his own aesthetic project, wrought in terms of colour, vernacular discourse, and a hybrid notion of American musicality and culture. He thus melds his subversive message with Lorca’s own and highlights the latent radicalism of the Spanish playwright’s aesthetics and politics. At a time when he was intensely politicized and often didactic in his writings on race and class oppression, Hughes chooses to infuse the experimental style of Lorca’s play with political potentiality, reading it as an internationalist study of the mechanics of oppression, without reducing it to a single political or racial reading.
Difficult Decisions: The GAL and “Schwarz-Grün” in Hamburg
Authors: Cooper Alice
Published: November 2014

In 2008 the first state-level CDU-Green coalition was formed in Hamburg. Drawing on the literature on party goals (vote-, office-, policy, internal cohesion- and democracy-seeking), this article examines the GAL's decisions to join and to end the coalition. It examines the trade-offs between party goals as they evolved in different phases of “schwarz-grün,” with particular reference to the Greens' education reform agenda. While policy- and vote-seeking complemented each other during the election campaign, vote-, office- and party unity-seeking conflicted with each other in the Greens' decision to enter a coalition with the CDU. Later, policy- and democracy-seeking conflicted with each other when a referendum organized by a citizens' initiative defeated the Greens' education reform, a defeat that contributed significantly to the premature end of the CDU-Green coalition. New elections led to defeats for vote-, office-, and policy-seeking when the SPD achieved an absolute majority.
Volume measurements of Mittivakkat Gletscher, southeast Greenland
Authors: Yde Jacob C. , Gillespie Mette Kusk , Løland Ronny , Ruud Henry , Mernild Sebastian H. , Villiers Simon DE , Knudsen N. Tvis , Malmros Jeppe K.
Published: November 2014

Here we present ground-penetrating radar measurements of Mittivakkat Gletscher, southeast Greenland, to estimate an empirical volume–area scaling relationship at an individual glacier. Between a previous direct volume survey in 1994 and one in 2012, the glacier volume has decreased from 2.02 km3 to 1.44 km3 while the study area has decreased from 17.6 km2 to 15.8 km2. These results are in accordance with the cumulative mass loss observed by long-term mass-balance measurements (1995/96–2011/12) at Mittivakkat Gletscher and confirm that the glacier is in severe climatic disequilibrium (AAR = 0.17). The observed scaling exponent γ = 3.14 and coefficient c = 0.00025 km3–2γ are outside the range of global scaling parameters but sensitive to small uncertainties. Nevertheless, existing global volume-area scaling relationships estimate the volume of Mittivakkat Gletscher within 31% and 15% of the measured 1994 and 2011 volumes, respectively.
Entropy Generation during Turbulent Flow of Zirconia-water and Other Nanofluids in a Square Cross Section Tube with a Constant Heat Flux
Authors: Yarmand Hooman , Ahmadi Goodarz , Gharehkhani Samira , Kazi Salim , Safaei Mohammad , Alehashem Maryam , Mahat Abu
Published: November 2014

The entropy generation based on the second law of thermodynamics is investigated for turbulent forced convection flow of ZrO2-water nanofluid through a square pipe with constant wall heat flux. Effects of different particle concentrations, inlet conditions and particle sizes on entropy generation of ZrO2-water nanofluid are studied. Contributions from frictional and thermal entropy generations are investigated, and the optimal working condition is analyzed. The results show that the optimal volume concentration of nanoparticles to minimize the entropy generation increases when the Reynolds number decreases. It was also found that the thermal entropy generation increases with the increase of nanoparticle size whereas the frictional entropy generation decreases. Finally, the entropy generation of ZrO2-water was compared with that from other nanofluids (including Al2O3, SiO2 and CuO nanoparticles in water). The results showed that the SiO2 provided the highest entropy generation.
Application of Entropy and Fractal Dimension Analyses to the Pattern Recognition of Contaminated Fish Responses in Aquaculture
Authors: Eguiraun Harkaitz , López-de-Ipiña Karmele , Martinez Iciar
Published: November 2014

The objective of the work was to develop a non-invasive methodology for image acquisition, processing and nonlinear trajectory analysis of the collective fish response to a stochastic event. Object detection and motion estimation were performed by an optical flow algorithm in order to detect moving fish and simultaneously eliminate background, noise and artifacts. The Entropy and the Fractal Dimension (FD) of the trajectory followed by the centroids of the groups of fish were calculated using Shannon and permutation Entropy and the Katz, Higuchi and Katz-Castiglioni’s FD algorithms respectively. The methodology was tested on three case groups of European sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax), two of which were similar (C1 control and C2 tagged fish) and very different from the third (C3, tagged fish submerged in methylmercury contaminated water). The results indicate that Shannon entropy and Katz-Castiglioni were the most sensitive algorithms and proved to be promising tools for the non-invasive identification and quantification of differences in fish responses. In conclusion, we believe that this methodology has the potential to be embedded in online/real time architecture for contaminant monitoring programs in the aquaculture industry.
Improving the Authentication Scheme and Access Control Protocol for VANETs
Authors: Wu Wei-Chen , Chen Yi-Ming
Published: November 2014

Privacy and security are very important in vehicular ad hoc networks (VANETs). VANETs are negatively affected by any malicious user’s behaviors, such as bogus information and replay attacks on the disseminated messages. Among various security threats, privacy preservation is one of the new challenges of protecting users’ private information. Existing authentication protocols to secure VANETs raise challenges, such as certificate distribution and reduction of the strong reliance on tamper-proof devices. In 2011, Yeh et al. proposed a PAACP: a portable privacy-preserving authentication and access control protocol in vehicular ad hoc networks. However, PAACP in the authorization phase is breakable and cannot maintain privacy in VANETs. In this paper, we present a cryptanalysis of an attachable blind signature and demonstrate that the PAACP’s authorized credential (AC) is not secure and private, even if the AC is secretly stored in a tamper-proof device. An eavesdropper can construct an AC from an intercepted blind document. Any eavesdropper can determine who has which access privileges to access which service. For this reason, this paper copes with these challenges and proposes an efficient scheme. We conclude that an improving authentication scheme and access control protocol for VANETs not only resolves the problems that have appeared, but also is more secure and efficient.
Saturated Adaptive Output-Feedback Power-Level Control for Modular High Temperature Gas-Cooled Reactors
Authors: Dong Zhe
Published: November 2014

Small modular reactors (SMRs) are those nuclear fission reactors with electrical output powers of less than 300 MWe. Due to its inherent safety features, the modular high temperature gas-cooled reactor (MHTGR) has been seen as one of the best candidates for building SMR-based nuclear plants with high safety-level and economical competitive power. Power-level control is crucial in providing grid-appropriation for all types of SMRs. Usually, there exists nonlinearity, parameter uncertainty and control input saturation in the SMR-based plant dynamics. Motivated by this, a novel saturated adaptive output-feedback power-level control of the MHTGR is proposed in this paper. This newly-built control law has the virtues of having relatively neat form, of being strong adaptive to parameter uncertainty and of being able to compensate control input saturation, which are given by constructing Lyapunov functions based upon the shifted-ectropies of neutron kinetics and reactor thermal-hydraulics, giving an online tuning algorithm for the controller parameters and proposing a control input saturation compensator respectively. It is proved theoretically that input-to-state stability (ISS) can be guaranteed for the corresponding closed-loop system. In order to verify the theoretical results, this new control strategy is then applied to the large-range power maneuvering control for the MHTGR of the HTR-PM plant. Numerical simulation results show not only the relationship between regulating performance and control input saturation bound but also the feasibility of applying this saturated adaptive control law practically.
The Impact of the FIFA 11+ Training Program on Injury Prevention in Football Players: A Systematic Review
Authors: Barengo Noël , Meneses-Echávez José , Ramírez-Vélez Robinson , Cohen Daniel , Tovar Gustavo , Bautista Jorge
Published: November 2014

The FIFA 11+ is a simple, and easy to implement, sports injury prevention program comprising a warm up of 10 conditioning exercises. The aim of this systematic review was to evaluate the impact of the FIFA 11+ on injury incidence, compliance and cost effectiveness when implemented among football players. MEDLINE, EMBASE and Scopus databases were searched using the search terms “FIFA 11+”, “football”, “soccer”, “injury prevention”, and “The 11”. The titles and abstracts were screened by two independent reviewers and the data were filtered by one reviewer using a standardized extraction form and thereafter checked by another one. The risk of bias and the methodological quality of the studies were evaluated through the PEDro score and Critical Appraisal Skills Programme (CASP). A total of 911 studies were identified, of which 12 met the inclusion criteria of the review. The FIFA 11+ has demonstrated how a simple exercise program completed as part of warm-up can decrease the incidence of injuries in amateur football players. In general, considerable reductions in the number of injured players, ranging between 30% and 70%, have been observed among the teams that implemented the FIFA 11+. In addition, players with high compliance to the FIFA 11+ program had an estimated risk reduction of all injuries by 35% and show significant improvements in components of neuromuscular and motor performance when participating in structured warm-up sessions at least 1.5 times/week. Most studies had high methodological quality and a low risk of bias. Given the large number of people who play football at amateur level and the detrimental impact of sports injuries on a personal and societal level, the FIFA 11+ can be considered as a fundamental tool to minimize the risks of participation in a sport with substantial health benefits.
Antileishmanial Potential of Tropical Rainforest Plant Extracts
Authors: Monzote Lianet , Piñón Abel , Setzer William
Published: November 2014

A total of 115 different plant extracts from our collection, representing 96 plant species, have been evaluated for in vitro antileishmanial activity against L. amazonensis promastigotes. In addition, the extracts were screened for cytotoxic activity against BALB/c mouse macrophages in order to assess a selectivity index. Crude extracts that showed a selectivity index (CC50 for macrophage / IC50 for promastigotes) ³ 5 or with IC50 < 12.5 μg/mL against promastigotes, a total of 28 extracts, were further screened for anti-amastigote activity. A total of 25 extracts showed promising activity against L. amazonensis promastigotes with low cytotoxic activity. Ten of these extracts showed selectivity indices, (CC50 for macrophages / IC50 for amastigotes) greater than 10 and are considered “hits”, worthy candidates for further phytochemical exploration: Conostegia xalapensis methanol bark extract, Endiandra palmerstonii bark extract, Eugenia monteverdensis acetone bark extract, Eugenia sp. “fine leaf” acetone bark extract, Exothea paniculata chloroform bark extract, Mallotus paniculatus ethanol bark extract, Matelea pseudobarbata ethanol extract, Quercus insignis ethanol bark extract, Sassafras albidum dichloromethane bark extract, and Stemmadenia donnell-smithii acetone bark extract.
Femtosecond Laser Irradiation of Plasmonic Nanoparticles in Polymer Matrix: Implications for Photothermal and Photochemical Material Alteration
Authors: Smirnov Anton , Pikulin Alexander , Sapogova Natalia , Bityurin Nikita
Published: November 2014

We analyze the opportunities provided by the plasmonic nanoparticles inserted into the bulk of a transparent medium to modify the material by laser light irradiation. This study is provoked by the advent of photo-induced nano-composites consisting of a typical polymer matrix and metal nanoparticles located in the light-irradiated domains of the initially homogeneous material. The subsequent irradiation of these domains by femtosecond laser pulses promotes a further alteration of the material properties. We separately consider two different mechanisms of material alteration. First, we analyze a photochemical reaction initiated by the two-photon absorption of light near the plasmonic nanoparticle within the matrix. We show that the spatial distribution of the products of such a reaction changes the symmetry of the material, resulting in the appearance of anisotropy in the initially isotropic material or even in the loss of the center of symmetry. Second, we analyze the efficiency of a thermally-activated chemical reaction at the surface of a plasmonic particle and the distribution of the product of such a reaction just near the metal nanoparticle irradiated by an ultrashort laser pulse.
Composition and Antioxidant Activity of the Anthocyanins of the Fruit of Berberis heteropoda Schrenk
Authors: Sun Li-Li , Gao Wan , Zhang Meng-Meng , Li Cheng , Wang Ai-Guo , Su Ya-Lun , Ji Teng-Fei
Published: November 2014

In present study, the anthocyanin composition and content of the fruit of B. heteropoda Schrenk were determined for the first time. The total anthocyanins were extracted from the fruit of B. heteropoda Schrenk using 0.5% HCl in 80% methanol and were then purified using an AB-8 macroporous resin column. The purified anthocyanin extract (PAE) was evaluated by high-performance liquid chromatography with a diode array detector (HPLC-DAD) and HPLC-high resolution-electrospray ionization-mass spectrometry (HPLC-HR-ESI-MS) under the same experimental conditions. The results revealed the presence of seven different anthocyanins. The major anthocyanins purified by preparative HPLC were confirmed to be delphinidin-3-O-glucopyranoside (30.3%), cyanidin-3-O-glucopyranoside (33.5%), petunidin-3-Ο-glucopyranoside (10.5%), peonidin-3-O-glucopyranoside (8.5%) and malvidin-3-O-glucopyranoside (13.8%) using HPLC-HR-ESI-MS and NMR spectroscopy. The total anthocyanin content was 2036.6 ± 2.2 mg/100 g of the fresh weight of B. heteropoda Schrenk fruit. In terms of its total reducing capacity assay, DPPH radical-scavenging activity assay, ferric-reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assay and ABTS radical cation-scavenging activity assay, the PAE also showed potent antioxidant activity. The results are valuable for illuminating anthocyanins composition of B. heteropoda Schrenk and for further utilising them as a promising anthocyanin pigment source. This research enriched the chemical information of B. heteropoda Schrenk.
Aroma-Active Compounds in Jinhua Ham Produced With Different Fermentation Periods
Authors: Liu Xiao-Sheng , Liu Jian-Bin , Yang Zheng-Mao , Song Huan-Lu , Liu Ye , Zou Ting-Ting
Published: November 2014

The aroma-active compounds in Jinhua ham processed and stored for 9, 12, 15 and 18 months were extracted by dynamic headspace sampling (DHS) and solvent-assisted flavor evaporation (SAFE) and analyzed by gas chromatography-olfactometry-mass spectrometry (GC-O-MS). In GC-O-MS, volatile compounds were identified based on their mass spectrum, linear retention index (LRI), odor properties, or reference compound comparisons. The results showed that a total number of 81 aroma-active compounds were identified by GC-O-MS. Among them, acids (such as acetic acid, butanoic acid and 3-methylbutanoic acid), saturated aldehydes (such as hexanal, heptanal, octanal and 3-methylbutanal), benzene derivatives (such as benzeneacetic acid), ester and lactone (such as γ-nonalactone and γ-decalactone) were identified as critical compounds in Jinhua ham aroma. The results also indicated that the type and content of the odorants increased significantly with the duration of the fermentation period.
Discovery of Novel Small-Molecule Compounds with Selective Cytotoxicity for Burkitt’s Lymphoma Cells Using 3D Ligand-Based Virtual Screening
Authors: Gobec Martina , Sosič Izidor , Brus Boris , Obreza Aleš , Gobec Stanislav , Mlinarič-Raščan Irena
Published: November 2014

We describe a ligand-based approach towards compounds with more specific targeting for Burkitt’s lymphoma. Using three-dimensional ligand-based similarity searches and a previously described hit compound, we have identified six compounds that are chemically different but with similar spatial conformations. Biological evaluation revealed that one compound has better growth inhibition and improved selectivity towards Burkitt’s lymphoma cells than the query compound. However, initial mechanism-of-action studies show a different target profile in comparison with the previous hit compound, which does not involve the inhibition of the proteasome or the NFκB pathway. The data from this study provide a solid basis for further efforts in the search for selective agents against Burkitt’s lymphoma.
Anti-Inflammatory Activity of Fruit Fractions in Vitro, Mediated through Toll-Like Receptor 4 and 2 in the Context of Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Authors: Nasef Noha , Mehta Sunali , Murray Pamela , Marlow Gareth , Ferguson Lynnette
Published: November 2014

Pattern recognition receptors such as Toll-Like Receptor 2 (TLR2) and 4 (TLR4) are important in detecting and responding to stress and bacterial stimuli. Defect or damage in the TLR2 and TLR4 pathways can lead to sustained inflammation, characteristic of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). The goal of this study was to identify fruit fractions that can be tested further to develop them as complementary therapies for IBD. In order to do this, we identified fruit fractions that mediate their anti-inflammatory response through the TLR4 and TLR2 pathway. Human Embryonic Kidney (HEK)-hTLR4 and hTLR2 cells were stimulated with their respective ligands to induce inflammation. These cells were treated with one of the 12 fractionated fruits and the inflammatory effect measured. 10 of the fruits came up as anti-inflammatory in the hTLR4 assay and nine in the hTLR2 assays. Many of the fruit fractions mediated their anti-inflammatory actions either mainly in their hydrophobic fractions (such as elderberry) or hydrophilic fractions (such as red raspberry), or both. The strongest anti-inflammatory effects were seen for feijoa and blackberry. This study shows that fruits can have multiple fractions eliciting anti-inflammatory effects in a pathway specific manner. This suggests that the compounds found in fruits can act together to produce health benefits by way of reducing inflammation. Exploiting this property of fruits can help develop complimentary therapies for inflammatory diseases.
Evidence and Mechanisms of Fat Depletion in Cancer
Authors: Ebadi Maryam , Mazurak Vera
Published: November 2014

The majority of cancer patients experience wasting characterized by muscle loss with or without fat loss. In human and animal models of cancer, body composition assessment and morphological analysis reveals adipose atrophy and presence of smaller adipocytes. Fat loss is associated with reduced quality of life in cancer patients and shorter survival independent of body mass index. Fat loss occurs in both visceral and subcutaneous depots; however, the pattern of loss has been incompletely characterized. Increased lipolysis and fat oxidation, decreased lipogenesis, impaired lipid depositionand adipogenesis, as well as browning of white adipose tissue may underlie adipose atrophy in cancer. Inflammatory cytokines such as interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), and interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β) produced by the tumor or adipose tissue may also contribute to adipose depletion. Identifying the mechanisms and time course of fat mass changes in cancer may help identify individuals at risk of adipose depletion and define interventions to circumvent wasting. This review outlines current knowledge of fat mass in cancer and illustrates the need for further studies to assess alterations in visceral and subcutaneous adipose depots and possible mechanisms for loss of fat during cancer progression.
Evaluation of MODIS LST Products Using Longwave Radiation Ground Measurements in the Northern Arid Region of China
Authors: Yu Wenping , Ma Mingguo , Wang Xufeng , Geng Liying , Tan Junlei , Shi Jinan
Published: November 2014

This study presents preliminary results of the validation of the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) daily LST products (MOD/MYD11A1, Version 5) using longwave radiation ground measurements obtained at 12 stations in the North Arid and Semi-Arid Area Cooperative Experimental Observation Integrated Research program. In this evaluation process, the broadband emissivity at each station was obtained from the ASTER Spectral Library or estimated from the MODIS narrowband emissivity Collection 5. A comparison of the validation results based on those two methods shows that no significant differences occur in the short-term validation, and a sensitivity analysis of the broadband emissivity demonstrates that it has a limited effect on the evaluation results. In general, the results at the 12 stations indicate that the LST products have a lower accuracy in China’s arid and semi-arid areas than in other areas, with a mean absolute error of 2–3 K. Compared with the temporal mismatch, the spatial mismatch has a stronger effect on the validation results in this study, and the stations with homogeneous land cover have more comparable MODIS LST accuracies. Comparisons between the stations indicate that the spatial mismatch can increase the influence of the temporal mismatch.