bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Application of Biosorption in the Production of Innovative Feed Supplements: A Novel Method
Authors: Witkowska Zuzanna , Chojnacka Katarzyna , Michalak Izabela
Published: July 2013

A novel method of biosorption was used in the production of innovative feed supplements using microelements based on common feed ingredients (triticale, oat, barley, corn beans, soy beans, wheat and rye). A new insight into the application of biomasses as the biological carriers of microelements was proposed to reduce the production costs of new supplements. Chromium(III) ions were used as a model cation in kinetic and equilibrium studies. The experimental conditions were as follows: pH 5.0, temperature 25 °C, biomass concentration 1 g l−1. The reaction mixture attained the equilibrium point within minutes and all of the biomasses demonstrated good biosorption properties. Barley had the highest biosorption capacity (45.9 mg g−1), whereas wheat (19.1 mg g−1) had the lowest. Costs of the producing new supplements were related to the biosorption of microelement ions and drying of enriched biomass. However, no additional costs were associated with obtaining and preparing additional raw materials.
Statistical Analysis of Linear and Non-Linear Regression for the Estimation of Adsorption Isotherm Parameters
Authors: Osmari Taynara Andrea , Gallon Roger , Schwaab Marcio , Barbosa-Coutinho Elisa , Severo João Baptista , Pinto José Carlos
Published: July 2013

A very common practice during the parameter estimation of adsorption isotherms, including the well-known Langmuir and Freundlich isotherms, consists in manipulating the isotherm equation to obtain a linear equation and estimate the model parameters using a linear least squares method. This procedure is also usually used for estimating the thermodynamic adsorption parameters, despite the fact that personal computers and software are available for prompt implementation of non-linear solutions of the original parameter-estimation problem. For this reason, the main purpose of this work is to show that the use of linear least-squares methods for estimating adsorption isotherm parameters leads to some serious drawbacks, which can be readily avoided through proper use of non-linear procedures and posterior statistical analyses of the parameter-estimation results, enhancing the quality of the obtained results.
Zn12O12 Fullerene-like Cage as a Potential Sensor for SO2 Detection
Authors: Baei Mohammad T. , Tabar Mohammad Bigdeli , Hashemian Saeedeh
Published: July 2013

A computational study based on density functional theory calculations was performed to investigate the potential possibility of using Zn12O12 fullerene-like cage as an electronic sensor for SO2 detection. For adsorption of SO2 on the Zn12O12 nanocage, three stable configurations were identified. The energy gap of Zn12O12 nanocage is very sensitive to the presence of SO2 molecule. The energy gap decreases from 4.19 eV in the free nanocage to 1.88 eV in the SO2-adsorbed form. This phenomenon increases the electrical conductivity of the nanocage. Considerable changes in the highest occupied molecular orbital/lowest unoccupied molecular orbital energy gap, short recovery time, high sensitivity, high electrical conductivity and also energetic favourability of the Zn12O12 nanocage suggest that Zn12O12 may be a potential sensor for SO2 detection.
A Dynamic, Coupled Thermal Reservoir Approach to Atmospheric Energy Transfer Part Ii: Applications
Authors: Clark Roy
Published: July 2013

The coupled thermal reservoir approach described in Part I is demonstrated by analyzing flux and meteorological data covering a range of thermal reservoir conditions. These include mid latitude ocean thermal storage, the surface flux balance of the Pacific warm pool and the land surface flux balance in S. California. In addition to temperature data, the effects of thermal gradients, flux interaction lengths and the time delay or phase shift between the heating flux and the temperature response are considered. Long term climate trends in weather station minimum meteorological surface air temperature (MSAT) data are also analyzed. For selected California and UK weather stations these follow the regional trends in ocean surface temperature. This allows urban heat island effects and other weather station biases to be investigated. The effect of a 100 ppm increase in atmospheric CO2 concentration on these data sets is shown to be too small to be measured.
Climate Change and Carbon Dioxide: Geological Perspective
Authors: Priem Harry N.A.
Published: July 2013

The climate history of the Earth is a history of continuous change. Through geological time the average global temperature remained always within the constraints set by the presence of abundant liquid water, while the atmospheric CO2 concentration varied strongly. Its 30% rise since the beginning of the 20th century can, at least partly, be attributed to human activities. According to the ‘general circulation models’ (GCMs) used by the IPCC the ongoing rise in atmospheric CO2 concentration will lead to significant global warming. However, in these GCMs the (small) net CO2 forcing is amplified by strong positive feedbacks, particularly from water vapour and clouds. Real world observations and data of the geologic past do not support the role of CO2 as the principal climate regulator.
Meteosat Derived Planetary Temperature Trend 1982–2006
Authors: Rosema Andries , Foppes Steven , van der Woerd Joost
Published: July 2013

24 year of Meteosat hourly thermal infrared data have been used to study planetary surface temperature change. Thermal infrared radiation in the 10.5–12.5mm spectral window is not affected by CO2 and only slightly by atmospheric water vapor. Satellite thermal infrared data have been converted to brightness temperatures as prescribed by Eumetsat. Hourly brightness temperature images were then composed to corresponding noon and midnight temperature data fields. The resulting data fields were cloud filtered using 10, 20 and 30 day maximum temperature substitution. Filtered data were subsequently averaged for two 10 yearly periods: 1986–1995 and 1996–2005. Finally the change in brightness temperature was determined by subtraction. In addition nine locations were selected and data series were extracted and studied for the period 1982–2006. Our observations point to a decrease in planetary temperature over almost the entire hemisphere, most likely due to an increase of cloudiness. Two small areas are found where a considerable temperature increase has occurred. They are explained in terms of major human interventions in the hydrological balance at the earth surface.
Overcoming Chaotic Behavior of General Circulation Models (Gcms)
Authors: Singer S. Fred
Published: July 2013

General Circulation Climate Models are based on non-linear partial differential equations and therefore exhibit chaotic characteristics. Each run leads to a different temperature trend value, depending on the exact initial conditions. Modelers therefore constrain the trend value by producing an “ensemble-mean” of several runs. We show here that at least 16 runs of 25-year length are necessary to achieve convergence – and at least 4 runs of 100-year length. Contrary to expectations, we find that these numbers do not depend on the magnitude of radiative forcing of the GCM.
Inconsistency of Modeled and Observed Tropical Temperature Trends
Authors: Singer S. Fred
Published: July 2013

Consistency or lack thereof between observed temperature trends and those predicted by Global Circulation Models (GCMs) are a contentious though important issue. The lack of consistency between observed and modeled temperature trends has frequently been used to argue against a significant human contribution to global warming – and vice versa. We present here additional and independent evidence that there is no agreement between observed and modeled warming trends in the tropical troposphere during the last two decades of the 20th century. This finding is shown to put constraints on surface trend and Climate Sensitivity, limiting them to values close to zero.
Reconciling Observations of Global Temperature Change: 2013
Authors: Douglass David H. , Christy John R.
Published: July 2013

In 2000 a panel of the U.S. National Research Council in a report with the same title suggested, among other things, that a “substantial disparity remains” between the observed warming rates of the surface and troposphere. Also, in 2000, the climate models showed more warming of the tropical atmosphere than was observed. Many papers have been written since then. We discuss the most recent papers on this subject and using the latest data show that the differences remain unresolved.
Impact of Aerosols on Climate Sensitivity of Co2 as Implemented in Climate Models
Authors: Engelbeen Ferdinand
Published: July 2013

There are indications that the cooling effect of anthropogenic aerosols is overestimated. This has fundamental consequences for estimates of the climate sensitivity of CO2 and thus for temperature forecasts. Current climate models reflect this uncertainty by a wide range of “projections”. Apart from cloud feedback, the largest uncertainty in these models is the effect of anthropogenic aerosols. The way current climate models implement the effect of different forcings is analyzed. This analysis is qualitative only, as there are major uncertainties in the quantity and effect of aerosol emissions and for confounding factors, such as ocean currents, which influence global heat distribution.
Ipcc Underestimates the Sun's Role in Climate Change
Authors: van Geel Bas , Ziegler Peter A.
Published: July 2013

For the understanding of current and future climate change it is a basic pre requisite to properly understand the mechanisms, which controlled climate change after the Last Ice Age. According to the IPCC 5th assessment report (in prep.) the Sun has not been a major driver of climate change during the post-Little Ice Age slow warming, and particularly not during the last 40 years. This statement requires critical review as the IPCC neglects strong paleo-climatologic evidence for the high sensitivity of the climate system to changes in solar activity. This high climate sensitivity is not alone due to variations in total solar irradiance-related direct solar forcing, but also due to additional, so-called indirect solar forcings. These include solar-related chemical-based UV irradiance-related variations in stratospheric temperatures and galactic cosmic ray-related changes in cloud cover and surface temperatures, as well as ocean oscillations, such as the Pacific Decadal Oscillation and the North Atlantic Oscillation that significant affect the climate. As it is still difficult to quantify the relative contribution of combined direct and indirect solar forcing and of increased atmospheric CO2 concentrations to the slow warming of the last 40 years, predictions about future global warming based exclusively on anthropogenic CO2 emission scenarios are premature. Nevertheless, the cyclical temperature increase of the 20th century coincided with the buildup and culmination of the Grand Solar Maximum that commenced in 1924 and ended in 2008. The anticipated phase of declining solar activity of the coming decades will be a welcome ‘natural laboratory’ to clarify and quantify the present and future role of solar variation in climate change.
Solar and Planetary Oscillation Control on Climate Change: Hind-Cast, Forecast and a Comparison with the Cmip5 Gcms
Authors: Scafetta Nicola
Published: July 2013

Global surface temperature records (e.g. HadCRUT4) since 1850 are characterized by climatic oscillations synchronous with specific solar, planetary and lunar harmonics superimposed on a background warming modulation. The latter is related to a long millennial solar oscillation and to changes in the chemical composition of the atmosphere (e.g. aerosol and greenhouse gases). However, current general circulation climate models, e.g. the CMIP5 GCMs, to be used in the AR5 IPCC Report in 2013, fail to reconstruct the observed climatic oscillations. As an alternate, an empirical model is proposed that uses: (1) a specific set of decadal, multidecadal, secular and millennial astronomic harmonics to simulate the observed climatic oscillations; (2) a 0.45 attenuation of the GCM ensemble mean simulations to model the anthropogenic and volcano forcing effects. The proposed empirical model outperforms the GCMs by better hind-casting the observed 1850–2012 climatic patterns. It is found that: (1) about 50–60% of the warming observed since 1850 and since 1970 was induced by natural oscillations likely resulting from harmonic astronomical forcings that are not yet included in the GCMs; (2) a 2000–2040 approximately steady projected temperature; (3) a 2000–2100 projected warming ranging between 0.3°C and 1.6° C, which is significantly lower than the IPCC GCM ensemble mean projected warming of 1.1° C to 4.1° C; (4) an equilibrium climate sensitivity to CO2 doubling centered in 1.35°C and varying between 0.9°C and 2.0°C.
Are Global Mean Temperatures Significantly Affected by Long-Term Lunar Atmospheric Tides?
Authors: Wilson Ian R. G.
Published: July 2013

Wilson and Sidorenkov find that there are four extended pressure features in the summer (DJF) mean sea-level pressure (MSLP) anomaly maps that are centred between 30 and 50° S and separated from each other by approximately 90° in longitude. In addition, they show that, over the period from 1947 to 1994, these patterns drift westward in longitude at rates that produce circumnavigation times that match the 18.6 year lunar Draconic cycle. These type of pressure anomaly pattern naturally produce large extended regions of abnormal atmospheric pressure that pass over the semi-permanent South Pacific sub-tropical high roughly once every ∼ 4.5 years. These moving regions of higher/lower than normal atmospheric pressure increase/decrease the MSLP of the semi-permanent high pressure system, temporarily increasing/reducing the strength of the East-Pacific trade winds. This leads to conditions that preferentially favor the onset of La Niña /El Niño events that last for approximately 30 years. Wilson and Sidorenkov find that the pressure of the moving anomaly pattern changes in such a way as to favor La Niña over El Niño events between 1947 and 1970 and favor El Niño over La Niña events between 1971 and 1994. This is in agreement with the observed evolution of the El Niño/ La Niña events during the latter part of the 20th century. They speculate that the transition of the pattern from a positive to a negative pressure anomaly follows a 31/62/93/186 year lunar tidal cycle that results from the long-term interaction between the Perigee-Syzygy and Draconic lunar tidal cycles. Hence, the IPCC needs to take into consideration the possibility that long term Lunar atmospheric tides could be acting as a trigger to favor either El Niño or La Niña conditions and that these changes in the relative frequency of these two type of events could be responsible for much of the observed changes in the world mean temperature during the 20th century.
Sea Level Changes past Records and Future Expectations
Authors: Mörner Nils-Axel
Published: July 2013

The history and development of our understanding of sea level changes is reviewed. Sea level research is multi-fascetted and calls for integrated studies of a large number of parameters. Well established records indicate a post-LIA (1850–1950) sea level rise of 11 cm. During the same period of time, the Earth's rate of rotation experienced a slowing down (deceleration) equivalent to a sea level rise of about 10 cm. Sea level changes during the last 40–50 years are subjected to major controversies. The methodology applied and the views claimed by the IPCC are challenged. For the last 40–50 years strong observational facts indicate virtually stable sea level conditions. The Earth's rate of rotation records a mean acceleration from 1972 to 2012, contradicting all claims of a rapid global sea level rise, and instead suggests stable, to slightly falling, sea levels. Best estimates for future sea level changes up to the year 2100 are in the range of +5 cm ±15 cm.
Are Extreme Weather Events on the Rise?
Authors: Khandekar Madhav L
Published: July 2013

In recent years, media and scientific journals have given increasing attention to worldwide extreme weather (EW) events and their possible relation to climate change and specifically to recent warming of the earth's climate. This warming which has been linked to human CO2 emissions has been referred to by the IPCC as ‘Anthropogenic Global Warming’ (AGW). A brief overview of the ongoing debate is presented, synthesizing worldwide EW events of last decades and analysing the possible linkage between EW and AGW. It is concluded that the postulated AGW/EW link is a perception than reality, the perception being fostered by increased and uncritical media attention to recent EW events.
Why Scientists are ‘Sceptical’ about the AGW Concept
Authors: Rörsch Arthur , Ziegler Peter A.
Published: July 2013

The strong climate-forcing effect of rising atmospheric CO2 concentrations advocated by the IPCC, is at odds with climate developments during geological, historical and recent times. Although atmospheric CO2 concentrations continuously increased during industrial times, temperatures did not increase continuously to the present level but stagnated or even declined slightly during 1880 to 1900, 1945 to1977 and again since 1998. Total solar irradiation rose from a low in 1890 to a first peak in 1950 that was followed by a sharp decline ending in 1977, giving way to a period of rapidly increasing radiation peaking in 2002 when solar activity started to decrease, possibly declining to a new Little-Ice-Age type low. The Greenhouse Effect of increasing atmospheric CO2 concentrations, claimed and widely propagated by IPCC, is particularly vexing as it is widely over-estimated without adequate scientific justification. Large observed climate variations documented for geological and historical times, as well as the lack of insight into the behaviour of complex systems, seriously question the Anthropogenic Global Warming (AGW) concept propagated by the IPCC. The climate variability during industrial times was essentially governed by changes in solar activity with increasing atmospheric CO2 content playing a subordinate role. The climate controlling effect attributed by the IPCC to increasing atmospheric CO2 concentrations is rejected since supporting models are not compatible with observations. Lastly, the authors consider from a historical and philosophical science point of view why current mainstream climate change research and IPCC assessments may have been on an erring way for several decades.
Understanding and Interpreting Urban Space (in)formation
Authors: Verovsek Spela , Juvancic Matevz , Zupancic Tadeja
Published: July 2013

This paper introduces a novel approach to understanding the complex information and logics of urban spaces by the non-professional public. A model for Interpretation of Qualities in Urban Space (aMIQUS) is proposed. The objectives are threefold: first, to form common, valid and applicable measures to assess features of space design; second, to indicate the developmental trait that considerably affect users' spatial experience which - taken as a consequence - derives from either sustainable/prudent or poor design decisions; and third, to generically recreate and visually represent urban spaces for communicative purposes. The model represents an identification method, not a problem-solving mechanism and is intended as a pragmatic instrument for recognizing crucial information, narrative, embedded in spatial scene. Model is followed by the initial idea to extend it in terms of an educational digital interface for the general public, participating in the process of urban decision-making. The paper concisely summarizes both theoretical and applicative efforts.
Designing a Connected Sustainable Living Environment
Authors: Kotsopoulos Sotirios D. , Graybill Wesley , Casalegno Federico
Published: July 2013

This paper presents the design and development of a prototype, connected to a sustainable home project, which is at its final stage of implementation in Trento, N. Italy. The paper specifically focuses on the design ends and the technological means deployed in the process of implementing the prototype. Design ends outline the technical premises underpinning the development of the house systems. Technological means refer to the methods and technologies that had been deployed to satisfy the premises. Emphasis is given to the properties of the reconfigurable façade and the autonomous control system of the house, where variable transmittance materials, AI methods for building control and digital simulation are used in combination.
The Return of Nature as an Operative Model: Decoding of Material Properties as Generative Inputs to the Form-Making Process
Authors: Abondano David
Published: July 2013

The abandonment of nature as an architectural model and the redefinition of the relationship between form and material were two of the main consequences of industrialization for modern architecture. While nature was replaced by the machine as a model for architecture, industrial production suppressed the craftsman's knowledge of the material and the associated techniques once essential to the form-making process. Thus, the replacement of nature as a model implied that principles once related to natural processes started to be seen as industrial values, i.e., the economy of means stopped being recognized as a quality related to natural form-making processes and became a demand of industrial production. Nowadays, material properties and nature are being reintroduced into architecture with the help of digital technologies; that is, the return of nature though computation. As a result, nature has become an operational model as opposed to the visual or iconic one it used to be; its inner qualities and processes are being decoded in order to inform the form-making process and foster innovative digital ornamentation.
Positron lifetime and SEM studies of porous silica
Authors: Seetala Naidu , Fasheru Damilola , St.Luce Godwin , Subramanian Nachal , Spivey James , Gunasekaran Alfred
Published: July 2013

Porous silica has been used as support for catalysts used to convert renewable and fossil resources into useful energy sources. Understanding the pore structure of these materials is crucial for the design and synthesis of supported metal catalysts. Positron annihilation lifetime spectroscopy (PALS) can be used to characterize the nanoscale pore structure of these materials. Silica powders with two different porous structures were subjected to compressive pressure deformation using a hydraulic press. SEM images at 100K magnification show that the more-porous silica has larger granules compared to low-porous silica. A decrease in granular size due to deformation is clearly observed for more-porous silica and almost unchanged for low-porous silica. The positron third lifetime component in the more-porous silica showed 6.6 ns lifetime (pore size of ~ 11 Å) with 3.4% intensity, while these values after 20 kPSI pressure deformation were 2.9 ns (pore size of ~ 6.8 Å) with 12.4% intensity. This shows that the larger-pores collapse to form 3-4 times more smaller-pores and consistent with the almost same values observed for the fractional free volume in the uncompressed and deformed samples. The effect of deformation on the low-porous silica is negligible at the applied pressure. The third lifetime for this sample is 1.8 ns (pore size of ~ 5.2 Å) with intensity of 4.3% for both as-made and deformed samples.
Structural evolution model of damage accumulation processes in modern metallic and polymer nanomaterials
Authors: Lepov V.
Published: July 2013

The complex evolution and hierarchical approach to the modeling of the heterogeneous viscous-plastic damaging media fracture process were considered. The model of stochastic crack growth in presence of other defects discussed here allows one to address the process of crack propagation on the basis of microdefects nucleation mechanism, the small cracks growth and coalescence under the external stress and hydrogen effect. Macroscopic model based on the deterministic approach simulates the damage accumulation process and fracture of metal during the hydrogen induced delayed fracture. We also model damage accumulation up to the critical state of a material. Statistical parameters can be estimated experimentally, by the optical and electronic probes, by fractography and by the scanning tunneling "in situ" microscopy methods. Applications to modeling of hot tearing of an aluminum alloy during the solidification process are discussed.
3D simulation of low loss photonic crystal-based splitters on lithium niobate in mach-zehnder interferometer
Authors: Nguyen Minh-Hang , Lee Ming-Chang , Tseng Fan-Gang
Published: July 2013

We present 3D simulation of low loss splitters made on Lithium Niobate used in Mach-Zehnder interferometers. The interferometer consists of the splitters designed with photonic crystal structures at splitting point and bend positions for reduced size and loss, and straight sections as channel waveguides with high electro-optical coefficient r33 of Lithium Niobate for reduced interactive length and modulating voltage π. The simulation shows a reduced coupling loss to 1.37 dB with the channel waveguides made suspended and Vπ?is only 0.42V for interactive length of 200 um.
Characterization of side emitting plastic optical fibers light intensity loss
Authors: Křemenáková D. , Militký J. , Meryová B. , Lédl V.
Published: July 2013

The main role of polymer optical fibers is to transmit light or optical signal to a specified spot. In the case of side emitting plastic optical fibers the light leaks out from their surface. This sidelight can be used for creation of optically active textile structures providing opportunities to highlight people and objects without the need for external exposure. Due to the transmission loss, the intensity of radiation emitted in any direction decays exponentially along the fiber axis with increasing distance from the light source. The main aim of this contribution is evaluation of side emitting plastic optical fibers light intensity in dependence on the distance from light source. The special device for measurement of surface and cross section light intensity in various distances from light source was developed. The dependence of surface and cross section light intensity on the distance from light source will be expressed by the exponential type model with attenuation factor as the rate parameter. The influence of the optical fiber type and diameter on the attenuation factor of surface and cross section light intensity will be quantified.
Numerical and particle image velocimetry characterizations of flow structures under steady state condition
Authors: Binjuwair Saud , Ibrahim Salah , Wigley Graham , Pitcher Graham
Published: July 2013

A combined numerical and experimental study has been carried out to examine the structure of the flow field from a 4 valve cylinder head under steady state conditions. In this paper, Particle Image Velocimetry (PIV) and the finite-volume Computational Fluid Dynamic (CFD) package, STAR CCM+ have been used on a single cylinder Lotus engine head with a pent-roof for a number of fixed valve lifts at two pressure drops of 250 mm and 635 mm of H2O, equivalent to engine speeds of 2,500 and 4,000 RPM respectively. The Reynolds Stress Turbulence Model (RSTM) is used to simulate the turbulent flow structure. The generated mesh is a polyhedral type that holds nearly 3.7 million grid points. The computational results were validated through qualitative and quantitative comparisons with the PIV experimental measurements on both horizontal and vertical cross sections. Results show reasonable agreements between numerical and experimental outcomes for the mean and RMS velocity values at different locations inside the engine cylinder. The nature of the flow structure, together with discussions on the discrepancies observed are presented and discussed.
Coal petrology and coal facies interpretations of bark liptobiolith
Authors: Guo Yanan , Tang Yuegang , Wang Shaoqing , Li Weiwei , Yu Xiaolei , Lu Xukun , Wei Qiang
Published: July 2013

A detailed analytical study of Leping bark liptobiolith in Jiangxi was conducted to determine its petrographic characteristics and depositional environment based on coal petrography and geochemistry. Results indicate that barkinite mainly occurs in the middle and lower coal sea4ms, whereas less barkinite and more vitrinite occur in the middle and upper coal seams. Coal facies analysis of bark liptobiolith was performed to determine its characteristics under various depositional conditions, such as the presence of a water table and gelification during coal formation. Results indicate that the environmental evolution of bark liptobiolith begins from brackish-marine swamp facies (barkinite-rich coal seam) and ends in back barrier swamp facies (barkinite-poor coal seam).
Petrographic characteristics and peat environments of Gashun mine (Jurassic), Hoxtolgay coalfield, China
Authors: Li Jiaolong , Chu Yingjun , Lin Mingyue , Zhang Jianya , Yang Jingjing
Published: July 2013

Twenty-two coal samples and eleven parting samples were taken from Gashun Coal Mine, Hoxtolgay coalfield, Xingjiang Autonomous Region, and the samples were analyzed by using optical microscopy. The results indicate that the dominant macerals are vitrinite (av. 76.6%) with minor amounts of inertinite (av. 18.84%) and low liptinite (av. 2.7%), along with low content of mineral matters (av. 1.86%). All GI, TPI, VI, GWI values and two facies diagrams indicate that the main coal facies are in limnic area. Meanwhile, the overall petrographic composition and coal facies types indicate that the coal formed in strong wet reducing peat accumulating conditions which were the lacustrine marshes.
Response compression in space with cascade of two-input linear and nonlinear logic
Authors: Das Sunil , Applegate Alexander , Biswas Satyendra , Petriu Emil
Published: July 2013

The design of aliasing-free space support hardware for built-in self-testing in very large scale integration circuits and systems is of immense significance, specifically due to the design paradigm shift in recent years from system-on-board to system-on-chip. This paper discusses approach to realizing aliasing-free space compaction hardware targeting particularly embedded cores-based system-on-chips for single stuck-line faults, extending well-known concept from conventional switching theory, viz. that of compatibility relation as used in the minimization of incompletely specified sequential machines. For a pair of response outputs of the circuit under test, the method introduces the notion of fault detection compatibility and conditional fault detection compatibility (conditional upon some other response output pair being simultaneously fault detection compatible) with respect to two-input AND/NAND, OR/NOR and XOR/XNOR logic, respectively. The process is illustrated with design details of space compactors for the International Symposium on Circuits and Systems or ISCAS 85 combinational (and ISCAS 89 full-scan sequential) benchmark circuits using simulation programs ATALANTA and FSIM, attesting to the relevance of the technique from the viewpoint of simplicity, resultant low area overhead and full fault coverage for single stuck-line faults, thereby making it an appropriate choice in commercial design environments.
Complex criterion for computer aided textileles design
Authors: Militký Jiří , Křemenáková Dana
Published: July 2013

The purpose of the paper is to describe the construction of utility value U based criterion suitable for expressing pseudodistance in the area of computer aided textile design. The possibility to use of this approach for evaluation of generalized distance between properties of target fabrics and properties of fabrics created by computer aided textile design will be discussed. The application of U and corresponding pseudodistance is demonstrated on the example of characterization of the effect of catalysts on the quality of crease resistant finished fabrics under laboratory conditions. The target fabric was selected according to the requirements to minimize the influence of finishing on the loss of mechanical properties and surfaeabrasion on one hand and improve the recovery angles on the other hand. The program complex written in MATLAB is briefly mentioned.
A multitude of people singing together
Authors: Wei Si
Published: July 2013

Among other things, city parks are places for people to relax or go for a walk in a natural and beautiful environment. Usually removed from the chaos of the city, parks often satisfy the desires of many city-dwellers for a place of natural beauty. Quite often, they are an integral part of a community. In Chinese parks, people do various activities freely in this natural space, such as physical exercise, tai chi, chess, dancing and singing. When music comes to this environment, it can bring cheer and laughter, and can give people precious opportunities to express their feelings and consider the meaning of life. Recently, singing has become a familiar phenomenon in Chinese parks. More and more people go to the park with their singing books. They spontaneously form chorus groups, organize singing activities and have even attracted the attention of the government. The Jingshan choir is the earliest and most influential extensive music group to meet in Chinese parks. Studying this group has helped me to gain a clearer understanding of why so many people in the community choose singing as their music activity.
The Rise of the Amplified Elephants
Authors: Hullick James
Published: July 2013

This project report charts the shift from leisure to an emerging vocational practice for the Amplified Elephants, a sonic art ensemble for people with intellectual disabilities based at the Footscray Community Arts Centre in Australia. The transition from sonic art making as recreation, then to leisure and then on to an emerging professional sonic art agenda for the Amplified Elephants has led to several insights regarding the role of music as leisure in the artistic development of people with an intellectual disability. The report discusses the creative processes of the group against a number of high-profile public outcomes that the Amplified Elephants have presented.
Higher free thyroxine levels are associated with all-cause mortality in euthyroid older men: the Health In Men Study
Authors: Yeap Bu B , Alfonso Helman , Hankey Graeme J , Flicker Leon , Golledge Jonathan , Norman Paul E , Chubb S A Paul
Published: July 2013

Objective

Thyroid dysfunction predicts poorer health outcomes, but the relationship between thyroid hormone levels within the reference range and mortality in older adults remains unclear. In this study, we examined the associations between the concentrations of free thyroxine (FT4) and TSH and all-cause mortality in older men without thyroid disease.

Subjects and methods

We performed a longitudinal study in community-dwelling men aged 70–89 years. Men with thyroid disease or taking thyroid-related medications were excluded. Baseline FT4and TSH levels were assayed. Incident deaths were ascertained using data linkage.

Results

There were 3885 men without thyroid disease followed for (mean±s.d.) 6.4±1.5 years, during which time 837 had died (21.5%). Men who had died had higher baseline FT4levels (16.2±2.3 vs 15.8±2.1 pmol/l,P<0.001), but comparable TSH levels (2.4±1.5 vs 2.3±1.5 mIU/l,P=0.250). After accounting for age, smoking, physical factors and medical comorbidities, higher circulating FT4levels predicted all-cause mortality (quartile Q4 vs quartiles Q1–Q3: FT4levels ≥17.32 vs <17.32 pmol/l: adjusted hazard ratio (HR)=1.19, 95% CI=1.02–1.39,P=0.025). TSH levels did not predict mortality. After excluding men with subclinical hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism, there were 3442 men and 737 who had died (21.4%). In these men, higher FT4levels remained independently associated with all-cause mortality (quartile Q4 vs quartiles Q1–Q3: adjusted HR=1.19, 95% CI=1.02–1.41,P=0.032).

Conclusions

Higher FT4levels are associated with all-cause mortality in euthyroid older men, independently of conventional risk factors and medical comorbidities. Additional research is needed to determine whether or not this relationship is causal and to clarify the utility of thyroid function testing to stratify mortality risk in ageing men.
Models of Frequency-Dependent Selection with Mutation from Parental Alleles
Authors: Trotter Meredith V , Spencer Hamish G
Published: July 2013

Frequency-dependent selection (FDS) remains a common heuristic explanation for the maintenance of genetic variation in natural populations. The pairwise-interaction model (PIM) is a well-studied general model of frequency-dependent selection, which assumes that a genotype’s fitness is a function of within-population intergenotypic interactions. Previous theoretical work indicated that this type of model is able to sustain large numbers of alleles at a single locus when it incorporates recurrent mutation. These studies, however, have ignored the impact of the distribution of fitness effects of new mutations on the dynamics and end results of polymorphism construction. We suggest that a natural way to model mutation would be to assume mutant fitness is related to the fitness of the parental allele, i.e., the existing allele from which the mutant arose. Here we examine the numbers and distributions of fitnesses and alleles produced by construction under the PIM with mutation from parental alleles and the impacts on such measures due to different methods of generating mutant fitnesses. We find that, in comparison with previous results, generating mutants from existing alleles lowers the average number of alleles likely to be observed in a system subject to FDS, but produces polymorphisms that are highly stable and have realistic allele-frequency distributions.
A New System for Comparative Functional Genomics of Saccharomyces Yeasts
Authors: Caudy Amy A , Guan Yuanfang , Jia Yue , Hansen Christina , DeSevo Chris , Hayes Alicia P , Agee Joy , Alvarez-Dominguez Juan R , Arellano Hugo , Barrett Daniel , Bauerle Cynthia , Bisaria Namita , Bradley Patrick H , Breunig J Scott , Bush Erin , Cappel David , Capra Emily , Chen Walter , Clore John , Combs Peter A , Doucette Christopher , Demuren Olukunle , Fellowes Peter , Freeman Sam , Frenkel Evgeni , Gadala-Maria Daniel , Gawande Richa , Glass David , Grossberg Samuel , Gupta Anita , Hammonds-Odie Latanya , Hoisos Aaron , Hsi Jenny , Hsu Yu-Han Huang , Inukai Sachi , Karczewski Konrad J , Ke Xiaobo , Kojima Mina , Leachman Samuel , Lieber Danny , Liebowitz Anna , Liu Julia , Liu Yufei , Martin Trevor , Mena Jose , Mendoza Rosa , Myhrvold Cameron , Millian Christian , Pfau Sarah , Raj Sandeep , Rich Matt , Rokicki Joe , Rounds William , Salazar Michael , Salesi Matthew , Sharma Rajani , Silverman Sanford , Singer Cara , Sinha Sandhya , Staller Max , Stern Philip , Tang Hanlin , Weeks Sharon , Weidmann Maxwell , Wolf Ashley , Young Carmen , Yuan Jie , Crutchfield Christopher , McClean Megan , Murphy Coleen T , Llinás Manuel , Botstein David , Troyanskaya Olga G , Dunham Maitreya J
Published: July 2013

Whole-genome sequencing, particularly in fungi, has progressed at a tremendous rate. More difficult, however, is experimental testing of the inferences about gene function that can be drawn from comparative sequence analysis alone. We present a genome-wide functional characterization of a sequenced but experimentally understudied budding yeast, Saccharomyces bayanus var. uvarum (henceforth referred to as S. bayanus), allowing us to map changes over the 20 million years that separate this organism from S. cerevisiae. We first created a suite of genetic tools to facilitate work in S. bayanus. Next, we measured the gene-expression response of S. bayanus to a diverse set of perturbations optimized using a computational approach to cover a diverse array of functionally relevant biological responses. The resulting data set reveals that gene-expression patterns are largely conserved, but significant changes may exist in regulatory networks such as carbohydrate utilization and meiosis. In addition to regulatory changes, our approach identified gene functions that have diverged. The functions of genes in core pathways are highly conserved, but we observed many changes in which genes are involved in osmotic stress, peroxisome biogenesis, and autophagy. A surprising number of genes specific to S. bayanus respond to oxidative stress, suggesting the organism may have evolved under different selection pressures than S. cerevisiae. This work expands the scope of genome-scale evolutionary studies from sequence-based analysis to rapid experimental characterization and could be adopted for functional mapping in any lineage of interest. Furthermore, our detailed characterization of S. bayanus provides a valuable resource for comparative functional genomics studies in yeast.
Viability, Longevity, and Egg Production of Drosophila melanogaster Are Regulated by the miR-282 microRNA
Authors: Vilmos Péter , Bujna Ágnes , Szuperák Milán , Havelda Zoltán , Várallyay Éva , Szabad János , Kucerova Lucie , Somogyi Kálmán , Kristó Ildikó , Lukácsovich Tamás , Jankovics Ferenc , Henn László , Erdélyi Miklós
Published: July 2013

The first microRNAs were discovered some 20 years ago, but only a small fraction of the microRNA-encoding genes have been described in detail yet. Here we report the molecular analysis of a computationally predicted Drosophila melanogaster microRNA gene, mir-282. We show that the mir-282 gene is the source of a 4.9-kb-long primary transcript with a 5′ cap and a 3′-poly(A) sequence and a mature microRNA of ∼25 bp. Our data strongly suggest the existence of an independent mir-282 gene conserved in holometabolic insects. We give evidence that the mir-282 locus encodes a functional transcript that influences viability, longevity, and egg production in Drosophila. We identify the nervous system-specific adenylate cyclase (rutabaga) as a target of miR-282 and assume that one of the main functions of mir-282 is the regulation of adenylate cyclase activity in the nervous system during metamorphosis.
Association of Maternal mRNA and Phosphorylated EIF4EBP1 Variants With the Spindle in Mouse Oocytes: Localized Translational Control Supporting Female Meiosis in Mammals
Authors: Romasko Edward J , Amarnath Dasari , Midic Uros , Latham Keith E
Published: July 2013

In contrast to other species, localized maternal mRNAs are not believed to be prominent features of mammalian oocytes. We find by cDNA microarray analysis enrichment for maternal mRNAs encoding spindle and other proteins on the mouse oocyte metaphase II (MII) spindle. We also find that the key translational regulator, EIF4EBP1, undergoes a dynamic and complex spatially regulated pattern of phosphorylation at sites that regulate its association with EIF4E and its ability to repress translation. These phosphorylation variants appear at different positions along the spindle at different stages of meiosis. These results indicate that dynamic spatially restricted patterns of EIF4EBP1 phosphorylation may promote localized mRNA translation to support spindle formation, maintenance, function, and other nearby processes. Regulated EIF4EBP1 phosphorylation at the spindle may help coordinate spindle formation with progression through the cell cycle. The discovery that EIF4EBP1 may be part of an overall mechanism that integrates and couples cell cycle progression to mRNA translation and subsequent spindle formation and function may be relevant to understanding mechanisms leading to diminished oocyte quality, and potential means of avoiding such defects. The localization of maternal mRNAs at the spindle is evolutionarily conserved between mammals and other vertebrates and is also seen in mitotic cells, indicating that EIF4EBP1 control of localized mRNA translation is likely key to correct segregation of genetic material across cell types.
First Example of Alkyl–Aryl Negishi Cross-Coupling in Flow: Mild, Efficient and Clean Introduction of Functionalized Alkyl Groups
Authors: Egle Brecht , de Muñoz Juan M. , Alonso Nerea , De Borggraeve Wim M. , de la Hoz Antonio , Díaz-Ortiz Angel , Alcázar Jesús
Published: July 2013

The first example of an alkyl-aryl Negishi coupling in a practical, sustainable, and high-yielding process using a silica-supported catalyst in flow is described. Excellent conversions and good functional group compatibility were obtained under very mild conditions. Functionalized alkyl groups were also introduced to provide access to synthetically useful molecules and to demonstrate the versatility of the method. The scalability was assessed, and a throughput of 7.5 mmol/h of processed substrate was achieved. All crude products were free from phosphine derivatives and ready for use in subsequent reaction steps.
Hemochromatosis: one form of iron-overload diseases
Authors: Szalay Ferenc
Published: July 2013

Iron-overload diseases are typically insidious, causing progressive and irreversible organ injury before clinical symptoms develop. Some iron-overload diseases as HFE-associated hemochromatosis and beta-thalassemia are quite common, whereas others are very rare. Early diagnosis is important since iron toxicity can be attenuated or prevented. Significant progress of our knowledge on iron metabolism developed in the past years. We learned a lot about HFE gene mutations, function of ferroportin and hepcidin, the hypoferremia hormone produced by the liver. However, many questions are still open. Special forms of localized iron overload are the Hallervorden-Spatz syndrome and pantothenate kinase gene mutation associated neurodegeneration causing progressive extrapyramidal movement disorders. Neonatal hemochromatosis is a severe systemic iron-overload disorder due to gestational alloimmune liver disease caused by transplacental maternal IgG directed against the fetal liver. This review article gives an overview on iron metabolism and iron-overload disease. Pathomechanism, diagnosis and treatment of hereditary hemochromatosis are discussed. Orv. Hetil., 2013, 154, 1156–1164.
Low Temperature Annealing of Inkjet-Printed Silicon Thin-Films for Photovoltaic and Thermoelectric Devices
Authors: Drahi Etienne , Gupta Anshul , Blayac Sylvain , Saunier Sébastien , Lombez Laurent , Jubault Marie , Renou Gilles , Benaben Patrick
Published: July 2013

Silicon nanoparticles-based inks were investigated in respect of their suitability for photovoltaic and thermoelectric applications. Nanoparticles with a diameter ranging between 20 to 150 nm were functionalized in order to avoid oxidation as well as having a good stability in suspension. After inkjet-printing and drying, they were annealed up to 1000 °C under nitrogen atmosphere by both rapid thermal and microwave annealing. The influence of the annealing treatment on the structural, electrical, optical and thermal properties was investigated by Raman, SEM, electrical and optical measurements. SEM and Raman demonstrate evolution of the microstructure at temperature as low as 600 °C. Optical, electrical and thermal properties depend strongly on the annealing temperature and tend to exhibit a modification of physical properties above 800 °C when the smallest nanoparticles begin to melt. The annealing method has been identified to be of primary importance on the layer microstructure and its thermal behavior.
Immediate Placement and Provisionalization of Implants Into Sites With Periradicular Infection With and Without Antibiotics: An Exploratory Study
Authors: Givens Edward , Bencharit Sompop , Byrd Warren C. , Phillips Ceib , Hosseini Bashir , Tyndall Donald
Published: July 2013

This study explored the necessity of perioperative antibiotics on survival rates of implants immediately placed and provisionalized into sites with infection. Subjects were randomly assigned into antibiotic or placebo groups. Extraction, immediate placement, and provisionalization of an implant were performed. Eight subjects received placebo and five subjects received both a pre- and post-operative antibiotic regimen. One implant from each group failed. Perioperative antibiotic therapy may not be needed in selected immediate implant therapy.