bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Tree species partition N uptake by soil depth in boreal forests
Authors: Houle D. , Moore J.-D. , Ouimet R. , Marty C.
Published: February 2014

It is recognized that the coexistence of herbaceous species in N‐depleted habitats can be facilitated by N partitioning; however, the existence of such a phenomenon for trees has not yet been demonstrated. Here, we show from both foliage and soil15N natural abundance values and from a 12‐year in situ15N addition experiment, that black spruce (Picea mariana) and jack pine (Pinus banksiana), two widespread species of the Canadian boreal forest, take up N at different depths. While black spruce takes up N from the organic soil, jack pine acquires it deeper within the highly N‐depleted mineral soil. Systematic difference in foliar15N natural abundance between the two species across seven sites distributed throughout the eastern Canadian boreal forest shows that N spatial partitioning is a widespread phenomenon. Distinct relationships between δ15N and N concentration in leaves of both species further emphasize their difference in N acquisition strategies. This result suggests that such complementary mechanisms of N acquisition could facilitate tree species coexistence in such N‐depleted habitats and could contribute to the positive biodiversity–productivity relationship recently revealed for the eastern Canadian boreal forest, where jack pine is present. It also has implications for forest management and provides new insights to interpret boreal forest regeneration following natural or anthropogenic perturbations.
Fingerprinting the provenance of building stones: a case study on the Louvigné and Lanhélin granitic rocks (Armorican massif, France)
Authors: Malfilatre Claudine , Hallot Erwan , Boulvais Philippe , Poujol Marc , Chauvin Annick , Gapais Denis , Dabard Marie-Pierre , Bourquin Sylvie , Pallix Didier
Published: February 2014

Two examples of granitic stones from Brittany (western France) commercialized under the names of “gris-bleu de Louvigné” and “bleu de Lanhélin” were characterized in order to explore how the provenance of a building stone can be traced back with a maximum of confidence. For this purpose, petrographical, geochemical and magnetic characteristics, representing more than 70 quantitative and qualitative variables, were compiled for a total of 32 samples. We have defined two reference populations for these building stones and have extracted their discriminative characteristics. We have then compared four randomly selected samples and two foreign commercial counterparts of these stones to the reference populations.

Discriminative variables differ from one case of comparison to the other, which indicates that a combination of various tools and variables will be generally required to unequivocally fingerprint the origin of a given granitic stone. Where several quarries are mining a single geological unit within a composite intrusion, the provenance of a granitic rock can be defined at the scale of the intrusion. In addition, stones coming from two different intrusions from the same batholith can be distinguished. We conclude that the provenance of any granitic building stone is identifiable, especially if the intrinsic variability of a population of samples representative of that stone has been previously circumscribed. This study underlines that the compilation of databases for building stone identity cards is an essential first step toward the creation of official labels guaranteeing stone provenances.
Salt tectonics in the Sivas basin (Turkey): crossing salt walls and minibasins
Authors: Callot Jean-Paul , Ribes Charlotte , Kergaravat Charlie , Bonnel Cédric , Temiz Haluk , Poisson André , Vrielynck Bruno , Salel Jean-François , Ringenbach Jean-Claude
Published: February 2014

The Sivas basin (Turkey) shows pronounced salt tectonics activity involving the Oligocene evaporites. Despite the complete exposure of the structures, the tectonic evolution of the basin has been so far misunderstood because it has only been envisioned in a context of thrust tectonics. The core of the basin, a 35×25 km area, displays rounded minibasins separated by evaporitic walls, and partially covered by remobilized gypsum (either sedimentary or flowage). The minibasins are filled by Mid-Oligocene to Early Miocene clastics (fluvial silts and sandstones), marls, and lacustrine to marine limestones, the thickness of which may reach 4 kilometres. The stratal architecture along evaporite walls records the progressive subsidence of the minibasins, with strong rotation of beds, unconformities and local reworking of evaporites. Within the basin, the sediments show lateral thickness variations and spectacular angular unconformities. The observed geometries show striking similarities with the seismic data from petroleum basins suffering strong salt tectonism (gulf of Mexico, Precaspian basin, Angolan margin).
Fracture-fluid relationships: implications for the sealing capacity of clay layers – Insights from field study of the Blue Clay formation, Maltese islands
Authors: Missenard Yves , Bertrand Audrey , Vergély Pierre , Benedicto Antonio , Cushing Marc-Edward , Rocher Muriel
Published: February 2014

Sealing capacity of clay layers is a key parameter in many fields of geoscience, such as CO2 storage, hydrocarbons trapping, and waste disposal. In the context of deep geological disposal of radioactive waste, clayey formations are studied as potential host rocks. This work deals with tectonic fracturing, fluid flow, and the sealing capacity of clay layers in an outcropping formation sharing similarities to these potential host rocks. The Blue Clay formation (Maltese islands) outcrops between two limestones affected by slight extensional tectonics. Zones of oxidation around fractures are interpreted as evidence of palaeofluid circulation, and are used to assess the role of joints and faults in controlling the hydrological communication between adjacent layers. Joints and small faults (displacement < 5 m) seem to die out quickly up-section within the Blue Clays, and appear to have played an insignificant role in the palaeohydrology of the area. In contrast, large faults (displacement > 50 m) display clay smear structures, and the lack of oxidized zones around them suggests they served as barriers to fluid flow. Intermediate-sized faults die out up-section into complex deformation zones comprised of irregular joints that are filled with gypsum and surrounded by oxidation zones. These observations indicate that these intermediate-sized faults, usually considered as sealed by classical predictive methods such as “Shale Smear Factor”, may have played a significant role in the local palaeohydrology.
Etude paleontologique et paleoecologique du rivage bartonien d'Attainville (val d'Oise)
Authors: Perreau Michel , Pomerol Charles
Published: February 2014

Three formations (Mortefontaine, Beauchamp, and Ezanville), three biofacies, stratigraphic distribution of species, pelecypods, gastropods, scaphopods, foraminifers, and madrepores, depositional environment, Eocene, France
Sur l'existence d'un contact tectonique majeur en Bosnie (Yougoslavie)
Authors: Blanchet Rene
Published: February 2014

Triassic and Cretaceous formations, reverse faults, overthrust
Adsorption of C.I. Reactive Red 228 and Congo Red dye from aqueous solution by amino-functionalized Fe3O4 particles: kinetics, equilibrium, and thermodynamics
Authors: Yan Ting-guo , Wang Li-juan
Published: February 2014

A magnetic adsorbent was synthesized by γ-aminopropyltriethoxysilane (APTES) modification of Fe3O4 particles using a two-step process. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and vibration sample magnetometry were used to characterize the obtained magnetic adsorbent. EDS and XPS showed that APTES polymer was successfully introduced onto the as-prepared Fe3O4/APTES particle surfaces. The saturation magnetization of the magnetic adsorbent was around 65 emu g−1, which indicated that the dye can be removed fast and efficiently from aqueous solution with an external magnetic field. The maximum adsorption capacities of Fe3O4/APTES for C.I. Reactive Red 228 (RR 228) and Congo Red (CR) were 51.4 and 118.8 mg g−1, respectively. The adsorption of C.I. Reactive Red 228 (RR 228) and Congo Red (CR) on Fe3O4/APTES particles corresponded well to the Langmuir model and the Freundlich model, respectively. The adsorption processes for RR 228 and CR followed the pseudo-second-order model. The Boyd's film-diffusion model showed that film diffusion also played a major role in the studied adsorption processes for both dyes. Thermodynamic study indicated that both of the adsorption processes of the two dyes are spontaneous exothermic.
Supramolecular solvent-based extraction coupled with vortex-mixing for determination of palladium and silver in water samples by flame atomic absorption spectrometry
Authors: Meng Lifen , Cheng Jiaxi , Yang Yaling
Published: February 2014

A simple and practical extraction method of supramolecular solvents (SUPRAS) was developed for separation and enrichment of trace amounts of palladium (Pd) and silver (Ag) in water samples prior to flame atomic absorption spectrometry (FAAS) analysis. The SUPRAS selected was made up of an aqueous solution containing tetrahydrofuran and nonanoic acid. Pd and Ag reacted with diethyldithiocarbamate to form hydrophobic chelates, which were extracted into the vesicles of SUPRAS. Different parameters such as the concentration of chelating agent, sample pH, supramolecular solvent and the effect of foreign ions were studied. Under the optimal conditions, the linear ranges of Pd and Ag were from 10 to 1,000 μg/L. The relative recoveries of Pd and Ag in tap and river water samples at the spiking level of 10 ug/mL ranged from 90.8 to 116%. The relative standard deviations were 3.6–4.0% (n = 9), the limits of detection were 2.8 and 1.9 μg/L and the enrichment factors were 36 and 18 for Pd and Ag, respectively. The quantification limits were 3.2 and 2.4 μg/L. The method was successfully applied to the determination of Pd and Ag in water samples.
Treatment of sulfate-rich and low pH wastewater by sulfate reducing bacteria with iron shavings in a laboratory
Authors: Liu Xiaoye , Gong Wenqi , Liu Lin
Published: February 2014

Sulfate-rich wastewater is an indirect threat to the environment especially at low pH. Sulfate reducing bacteria (SRB) could use sulfate as the terminal electron acceptor for the degradation of organic compounds and hydrogen transferring SO42− to H2S. However their acute sensitivity to acidity leads to a greatest limitation of SRB applied in such wastewater treatment. With the addition of iron shavings SRB could adapt to such an acidic environment, and 57.97, 55.05 and 14.35% of SO42− was reduced at pH 5, pH 4 and pH 3, respectively. Nevertheless it would be inhibited in too acidic an environment. The behavior of SRB after inoculation in acidic synthetic wastewater with and without iron shavings is presented, and some glutinous substances were generated in the experiments at pH 4 with SRB culture and iron shavings.
Human Amniotic Epithelium as an Unlimited Source of Oct4-Expressing Totipotent Stem Cell Subset
Authors: Echigoya T. , Takeuchi M. , Hori H. , Hirahara F. , Yasumoto S.
Published: February 2014

We have explored Oct4-positive cells residing in the human amniotic membrane (HAM) at various stages of
gestation. Here, we report that a number of Oct4-positive human amniotic epithelial (HAE) cells can be recovered as potentially
pluripotent stem cells from any stage of human embryonic development. We found that Oct4-expressing cell subsets
are clustered in specific regions of the human amniotic epithelium. Immunohistochemical examination suggests the
expression levels of Oct4 protein vary at the single cell level in these cohorts as well as in vitro. These Oct4-positive HAE
cells can be harvested and enriched in vitro as a potential source of pluripotent somatic stem cells under defined culture
conditions. These cultured HAE cells expressed several marker genes for undifferentiated human embryonic stem (huES)
cell lines that included connexins (hCx43 and hCx45), Pro-Galanin, Nanog, ABCG2 and hRex1. Several differentiation
markers were also detected, such as nestin as a marker for neuroectodermal progenitor cells, albumin and amylase of hepatic
cell type, and CK19 as an epithelial cell marker, as determined by RT-PCR and immunocytochemical analysis.
Moreover, chromogranin A and glut2, marker genes for neuroendocrine pancreatic cells, were shown to be inducible at
the mRNA level in response to glucose and nicotinamide. These results further strengthen the notion that the human amniotic
epithelium provides an unlimited promising source of potentially useful hES-like somatic cells that possess multiple
differentiation potential to give rise to a functionally different wide variety of cell types.
Expansion of p75NTR/Oct4-Expressing Putative Stem Cells in HPV16-Transformed Precancerous Immortal Cell Lines under the Presence of TGFβ and TNFα
Authors: Saiga K. , Takeuchi M. , Kikuchi K. , Morimura S. , Kiguchi K. , Yasumoto S.
Published: February 2014

We show here a possible in vitro model system for the analysis of relationship between our proposed p75NTRexpressing tissue-type-stem cell (TSC) candidate and HPV16-immortalized p75NTR-positive putative stem cell lines. We demonstrate that HPV16-transformed human cervical epithelial cell lines express Oct3/4 and contain p75NTR-positive cell subpopulation at various ratios in the immortalized cell population. We have isolated clonal variantsβ (NCE16N+ and NCE16N-) that express p75NTR at high or low levels, respectively, and examined responses against inflammatory cytokines, TGFβ and TNFα. We demonstrate that expression levels of p75NTR in the two distinct lines, NCE16N+ and NCE16N-, are correlated with differences in survival rates in the presence of TGFc. TGFβ also induced epithelialmesenchymal transition in these cell lines as demonstrated by the morphologic changes with expression of vimentin, enhanced migration, and induction of snail. TNFα alone had no effect on these processes, but was essential for apoptosis by co-stimulation with TGFβ in NCE16N-. NCE16N+ was fairly resistant against apoptosis but sensitive to the inhibitory effect on the growth by these cytokines. Among receptors for these cytokines, the expression level of TGFβRII in NCE16Nwas higher than that in NCE16+. Hyper-phosphorylation of ERK1/2, p38MAPK and JNK occurred in NCE16N+ but not in NCE16N-. A specific inhibitor to p38MAPK influenced the survival rate in NCE16N-. These results implicate that the p75NTR-positive precancerous cell lineage will have an advantageous phenotype to survive longer under inflammatory situation.
Surface Modification of SUS 316L Stainless Steel with Tartaric Acid Derivative-Crosslinked Human Serum Albumin Matrices
Authors: Kakinoki Sachiro , Katada Yasuyuki , Uchida Yoshiyuki , Taguchi Tetsushi
Published: February 2014

The surface of stainless steel (SUS316L) was modified by alternating immersion in a solution of human serum
albumin (HSA) and solution of a tartaric acid derivative (TAD). The resulting HSA/TAD-immobilized SUS316L was
characterized by means of contact-angle measurement, attenuated total-reflectance Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy,
atomic force microscopy, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. A HSA/TAD layer was formed on the surface of
SUS316L, the thickness of which increased with increasing numbers of cycles of alternating immersion in the two solutions.
The HSA/TAD layer on SUS316L was stable to washing in 1 M NaCl or 5 vol% sodium dodecyl sulfate, showing
that the layer was immobilized by covalent bonding rather than electrostatic or hydrophobic interaction. The presence of
the HSA/TAD layer on the SUS316L suppressed the formation of a fibrin network. Alternating immersion in solutions of
HSA and TAD is a useful technique for functionalizing the surfaces of metals.
Doubts on Kissinger´s method of kinetic evaluation based on several conceptual models showing the difference between the maximum of reaction rate and the extreme of a DTA peak
Authors: Sesták J. , Holba P. , Zivkovic Z.
Published: February 2014

The famous Kissinger's kinetic evaluation method (Anal. Chem. 1957) is
examined with respect to the feasible impact of the individual quantities
and assumptions involved, namely the model of reaction mechanism, f(a) (with
the iso- and nonisothermal degrees of conversion, ? and ?) the rate
constant, k(T) (and associated activation energy, E), heating/cooling rate,
b (supplementing additional thermodynamic term for the melt undercooling,
?T) and above all, the association of the characteristic temperature, Tm,
with the DTA peak apex. It is shown that the Kissinger/s equation, in
contrary to the results of Vold (Anal. Chem. 1949), is omitting the term of
heat inertia arising from the true balance of heat fluxes. The absence of
this term skews the evaluated values of activation energies.
Removing boron from metallurgical grade silicon by a high basic slag refining technique
Authors: Wu J.J. , Xu M. , Liu K.B. , Ma W.H. , Yang B. , Dai Y.N.
Published: February 2014

A new purification method of removing boron from metallurgical grade silicon
(MG-Si) using a high baisicity slag was developed in this paper. The typical
impurities Al, Ca, Ti, B, P etc in MG-Si can be removed by the binary calcium
sillicate slag and it is especially efficient for removing impurity Boron. It
was found that the maximal distribution coefficient of boron between calcium
sillicate slag and silicon reaches to 1.57 when the mass ratio of CaO/SiO2
was 1.5 and the composition was 60%CaO-40%SiO2. It showed that the
oxidizability of calcium sillicate slag was affected and restricted by the
basicity and the mass ratio of acid oxide SiO slag according to the
thermodynamic relationship. The boron concentration in MG-Si can be reduced
from 18x10-6 to 4.5x10-6 and 1.4x10-6, respectively, when using the ternary
slags 40.5%CaO-49.5%SiO2-10%Li2O and 32CaO-38%SiO2-30%Li2O.
Feasibility study of the university of Utah TRIGA reactor power upgrade - part II: Thermohydraulics and heat transfer study in respect to cooling system requirements and design
Authors: Babitz Philip , Choe Dongok , Jevremovic Tatjana
Published: February 2014

The thermodynamic conditions of the University of Utah's TRIGA Reactor were
simulated using SolidWorks Flow Simulation, Ansys, Fluent and PARET-ANL. The
models are developed for the reactor's currently maximum operating power of
90 kW, and a few higher power levels to analyze thermohydraulics and heat
transfer aspects in determining a design basis for higher power including the
cost estimate. It was found that the natural convection current becomes much
more pronounced at higher power levels with vortex shedding also occurring. A
departure from nucleate boiling analysis showed that while nucleate boiling
begins near 210 kW it remains in this state and does not approach the
critical heat flux at powers up to 500 kW. Based on these studies, two
upgrades are proposed for extended operation and possibly higher reactor
power level. Together with the findings from Part I studies, we conclude that
increase of the reactor power is highly feasible yet dependable on its
purpose and associated investments.
A study on improving the performance of a research reactor's equilibrium core
Authors: Muhammad Atta , Iqbal Masood , Mahmood Tayyab
Published: February 2014

Utilizing low enriched uranium silicide fuel (U3Si2-Al) of existing uranium
density (3.285 g/cm3), different core configurations have been studied in
search of an equilibrium core with an improved performance for the Pakistan
Research Reactor-1. Furthermore, we have extended our analysis to the
performance of higher density silicide fuels with a uranium density of 4.0
and 4.8 U g/cm3. The criterion used in selecting the best performing core was
that of ?unit flux time cycle length per 235U mass per cycle?. In order to
analyze core performance by improving neutron moderation, utilizing
higher-density fuel, the effect of the coolant channel width was also studied
by reducing the number of plates in the standard/control fuel element.
Calculations employing computer codes WIMSD/4 and CITATION were performed. A
ten energy group structure for fission neutrons was used for the generation
of microscopic cross-sections through WIMSD/4. To search the equilibrium
core, two-dimensional core modelling was performed in CITATION. Performance
indicators have shown that the higher-density uranium silicide-fuelled core
(U density 4.8 g/cm3) without any changes in standard/control fuel elements,
comprising of 15 standard and 4 control fuel elements, is the best performing
of all analyzed cores.
A new mathematical model for determining full-energy peak efficiency of an array of two gamma detectors counting rectangular parallelepiped sources
Authors: Badawi Mohamed , Krar Mohamed , El-Khatib Ahmed , Jovanovic Slobodan , Dlabac Aleksandar , Mihaljevic Nikola
Published: February 2014

This work deals with full-energy peak efficiency for a counting array of two
NaI(Tl) scintillation detectors (2"x 2" and 3" x 3" with 7.5% and 8.5%
resolutions, respectively) and radioactive sources in the form of rectangular
parallelepipeds of various dimensions. Aqueous solutions containing the 152Eu
radionuclide were used; the latter exhibits a favourable multiline gamma
spectrum covering a wide energy range from121.78 keV up to 1408.03 keV. A new
mathematical and analytical approach to the problem is developed. The well
known, accurate and widely used efficiency transfer principle is applied,
together with detector efficiency calculations based on the effective solid
angle concept. The self-attenuation of the source matrix, attenuation by the
source container and detector housing materials, as well as a number of other
relevant details of the experimental set-up were duly accounted for. A
remarkable agreement between the measured and calculated efficiencies was
observed for a variety of source-to-detectors distances, confirming the
reliability of the method developed.
Preclusion of radiation-mediated hematological and biochemical variations by root extract of Tinospora cordifolia (an indian medicinal plant)
Authors: Sharma Priyanka , Goyal Pradeep
Published: February 2014

The present study deals with the radiomodulatory influence of Tinospora
cordifolia (Amrita) root extract on the peripheral blood of Swiss albino mice
after 5.0 Gy gamma irradiation in the presence (experimental) or absence
(control) of Tinospora cordifolia (75 mg/kg b.wt/day). The animals from
different groups were necropsied and their blood collected on days 1, 3, 7,
15, and 30 postirradiation. A considerable decrease was recorded in the
number of erythrocyte and total leucocyte counts, differential leucocytes,
hemoglobin content, and hematocrit percentage in the irradiated control
group, while a recovery pattern was recorded in experimental animals,
however, without the attainment of normal levels up to the end of the
experiment. Furthermore, Tinospora cordifolia root extract pretreatment
significantly ameliorated radiation-induced elevation in cholesterol and
lipid peroxidation levels, whereas, a decline in glutathione and total
proteins concentration was noted.
Screen-film versus full-field digital mammography: Radiation dose and image quality in a large teaching hospital
Authors: Stantic Tomislav , Ciraj-Bjelac Olivera , Stojanovic Sanja , Basta-Nikolic Marijana , Arandjic Danijela , Stoiljkovic Dragana
Published: February 2014

The objective of this paper is to measure the radiation dose and image
quality in conventional screen-film mammography and full-field digital
mammography in women referred to mammography examination. Participants
underwent bilateral, two-view screen-film mammography or full-field digital
mammography. The visibility of anatomical regions and overall clinical image
quality was rated by experienced radiologists. Total of 387 women and 1548
mammograms were enrolled in the study. Image quality was assessed in terms of
image quality score, whereas patient dose assessment was performed in terms
of mean glandular dose. Average mean glandular dose for cranio-caudal
projection was 1.5 mGy and 2.1 mGy in full-field digital mammography and
screen-film mammography, respectively. For medio-lateral oblique projection,
corresponding values were 2.3 and 2.1 mGy. Overall image quality criteria
scoring was 0.82 and 0.99 for screen-film and digital systems, respectively.
The scores were in the range from 0.11 to 1.0 for different anatomical
structures. Overall, full-field digital mammography was superior both in
terms of image quality and dose over the screen-film mammography. The results
have indicated that phantom dose values can assist in setting the
optimisation activities in mammography and for comparison between mammography
units. To obtain accurate diagnostic information with an acceptable radiation
dose to breast, it is necessary to periodically perform patient dose and
image quality surveys in all mammography units.
The neutron production rate measurement of an indigenously developed compact D-D neutron generator
Authors: Das Basanta , Shyam Anurag , Das Rashmita , Rao Durga
Published: February 2014

One electrostatic accelerator based compact neutron generator was developed.
The deuterium ions generated by the ion source were accelerated by one
accelerating gap after the extraction from the ion source and bombarded to a
target. Two different types of targets, the drive - in titanium target and
the deuteriated titanium target were used. The neutron generator was operated
at the ion source discharge potential at +Ve 1 kV that generates the
deuterium ion current of 200 mA at the target while accelerated through a
negative potential of 80 kV in the vacuum at 1.3?10-2 Pa filled with
deuterium gas. A comparative study for the neutron yield with both the
targets was carried out. The neutron flux measurement was done by the bubble
detectors purchased from Bubble Technology Industries. The number of bubbles
formed in the detector is the direct measurement of the total energy
deposited in the detector. By counting the number of bubbles the total dose
was estimated. With the help of the ICRP-74 neutron flux to dose equivalent
rate conversion factors and the solid angle covered by the detector, the
total neutron flux was calculated. In this presentation the operation of the
generator, neutron detection by bubble detector and estimation of neutron
flux has been discussed.
Reducing U2R and R2L category false negative rates with support vector machines
Authors: Macek Nemanja , Milosavljevic Milan
Published: February 2014

The KDD Cup '99 is commonly used dataset for training and testing IDS machine
learning algorithms. Some of the major downsides of the dataset are the
distribution and the proportions of U2R and R2L instances, which represent
the most dangerous attack types, as well as the existence of R2L attack
instances identical to normal traffic. This enforces minor category detection
complexity and causes problems while building a machine learning model
capable of detecting these attacks with sufficiently low false negative rate.
This paper presents a new support vector machine based intrusion detection
system that classifies unknown data instances according both to the feature
values and weight factors that represent importance of features towards the
classification. Increased detection rate and significantly decreased false
negative rate for U2R and R2L categories, that have a very few instances in
the training set, have been empirically proven.
Measurement over an interval method in measuring and monitoring of power quality
Authors: Beljic Zeljko , Vujicic Bojan , Zupunski Ivan , Mitrovic Zoran , Vujicic Vladimir
Published: February 2014

Measuring and monitoring of power quality of supplied electric energy are
important links in electro-distribution chain. Modern systems used for this
purpose are complex. Goal of this paper is to present a new approach to the
measurements of power quality, which can achieve equal or better performances
using less complicated hardware. In this paper, we have presented the method
of measuring over an interval in measurements of relevant factors of power
quality: grid voltage frequency, grid voltage RMS and grid voltage distortion
factor. Also given is the analysis of performances from metrology point of
view, which shows that the measurement uncertainty of proposed method is many
times lower than required, regarding maximum deviations from nominal values,
defined by the European norm EN50160.
Reduction of torque ripple in DTC induction motor drive with discrete voltage vectors
Authors: Rosic Marko , Jeftenic Borislav , Bebic Milan
Published: February 2014

This paper presents ? practical implementation of direct torque control (DTC)
of an induction machine on MSK2812 DSP platform, and the analysis of
possibilities for reduction of torque ripple. Basic theoretical background
relating the DTC was primarily set and the obtained experimental results have
been given. It is shown that the torque ripple can be reduced by adjusting
the intensity of voltage vectors and by modification of hysteresis
comparator, while the simplicity of the basic DTC algorithm has been
maintained.
Vanin-1 Is a Key Activator for Hepatic Gluconeogenesis
Authors: Chen Siyu , Zhang Wenxiang , Tang Chunqi , Tang Xiaoli , Liu Li , Liu Chang
Published: February 2014

Vanin-1 (VNN1) is a liver-enriched oxidative stress sensor that has been implicated in the regulation of multiple metabolic pathways. Clinical investigations indicated that the levels of VNN1 were increased in the urine and blood of diabetic patients, but the physiological significance of this phenomenon remains unknown. In this study, we demonstrated that the hepatic expression of VNN1 was induced in fasted mice or mice with insulin resistance. Gain- and loss-of-function studies indicated that VNN1 increased the expression of gluconeogenic genes and hepatic glucose output, which led to hyperglycemia. These effects of VNN1 on gluconeogenesis were mediated by the regulation of the Akt signaling pathway. Mechanistically, vnn1 transcription was activated by the synergistic interaction of peroxisome proliferator–activated receptor γ coactivator 1α (PGC-1α) and hepatocyte nuclear factor-4α (HNF-4α). A chromatin immunoprecipitation analysis indicated that PGC-1α was present near the HNF-4α binding site on the proximal vnn1 promoter and activated the chromatin structure. Taken together, our results suggest an important role for VNN1 in regulating hepatic gluconeogenesis. Therefore, VNN1 may serve as a potential therapeutic target for the treatment of metabolic diseases caused by overactivated gluconeogenesis.
Dietary Supplementation With High Doses of Regular Vitamin D3 Safely Reduces Diabetes Incidence in NOD Mice When Given Early and Long Term
Authors: Takiishi Tatiana , Ding Lei , Baeke Femke , Spagnuolo Isabella , Sebastiani Guido , Laureys Jos , Verstuyf Annemieke , Carmeliet Geert , Dotta Francesco , Van Belle Tom L. , Gysemans Conny A. , Mathieu Chantal
Published: February 2014

High doses of the active form of vitamin D3, 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 [1,25(OH)2D3], prevent diabetes in the NOD mouse but also elicit unwanted calcemic side effects. Because immune cells themselves can convert vitamin D3 into 1,25(OH)2D3 locally, we hypothesized that dietary vitamin D3 can also prevent disease. Thus, we evaluated whether dietary administration of high doses of regular vitamin D3 (800 IU/day) during different periods of life (pregnancy and lactation, early life [3–14 weeks of age], or lifelong [3–35 weeks of age]) safely prevents diabetes in NOD mice. We found that only lifelong treatment raised serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 from 173 nmol/L in controls to 290 nmol/L, without inducing signs of calcemic or bone toxicity, and significantly reduced diabetes development in both male and female NOD mice. This diabetes protection by vitamin D3 correlated with preserved pancreatic insulin content and improved insulitis scores. Moreover, vitamin D3 treatment decreased interferon-γ–positive CD8+ T cells and increased CD4+(CD25+)FoxP3+ T cells in pancreatic draining lymph nodes. In conclusion, this study shows for the first time that high doses of regular dietary vitamin D3 can safely prevent diabetes in NOD mice when administered lifelong, although caution is warranted with regards to administering equivalently high doses in humans.
Acute Administration of Unacylated Ghrelin Has No Effect on Basal or Stimulated Insulin Secretion in Healthy Humans
Authors: Tong Jenny , Davis Harold W. , Summer Suzanne , Benoit Stephen C. , Haque Ahrar , Bidlingmaier Martin , Tschöp Matthias H. , D’Alessio David
Published: February 2014

Unacylated ghrelin (UAG) is the predominant ghrelin isoform in the circulation. Despite its inability to activate the classical ghrelin receptor, preclinical studies suggest that UAG may promote β-cell function. We hypothesized that UAG would oppose the effects of acylated ghrelin (AG) on insulin secretion and glucose tolerance. AG (1 µg/kg/h), UAG (4 µg/kg/h), combined AG+UAG, or saline were infused to 17 healthy subjects (9 men and 8 women) on four occasions in randomized order. Ghrelin was infused for 30 min to achieve steady-state levels and continued through a 3-h intravenous glucose tolerance test. The acute insulin response to glucose (AIRg), insulin sensitivity index (SI), disposition index (DI), and intravenous glucose tolerance (kg) were compared for each subject during the four infusions. AG infusion raised fasting glucose levels but had no effect on fasting plasma insulin. Compared with the saline control, AG and AG+UAG both decreased AIRg, but UAG alone had no effect. SI did not differ among the treatments. AG, but not UAG, reduced DI and kg and increased plasma growth hormone. UAG did not alter growth hormone, cortisol, glucagon, or free fatty acid levels. UAG selectively decreased glucose and fructose consumption compared with the other treatments. In contrast to previous reports, acute administration of UAG does not have independent effects on glucose tolerance or β-cell function and neither augments nor antagonizes the effects of AG.
Association of Race/Ethnicity, Inflammation, and Albuminuria in Patients With Diabetes and Early Chronic Kidney Disease
Authors: Sinha Satyesh K. , Shaheen Magda , Rajavashisth Tripathi B. , Pan Deyu , Norris Keith C. , Nicholas Susanne B.
Published: February 2014

OBJECTIVE

African Americans (AAs) and Hispanics have higher diabetes and end-stage renal disease but similar or lower early chronic kidney disease (CKD) compared with whites. Inflammation plays a critical role in the pathogenesis of diabetes-related CKD. We postulated that in contrast to the general population, AAs and Hispanics have a higher prevalence of early diabetic CKD and systemic inflammatory markers compared with whites.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

We analyzed the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 1999–2008 of 2,310 diabetic patients aged ≥20 years with fasting plasma glucose (FPG) ≥126 mg/dL. We performed multiple linear regression among patients with early CKD (urinary albumin excretion [UAE] ≥30 μg/mL and estimated glomerular filtration rate ≥60 mL/min/1.73 m2) to test the relationship between UAE and C-reactive protein (CRP) by race/ethnicity, adjusting for demographics, diabetes duration, FPG, hemoglobin A1c, uric acid, white blood cell count, medication use, cardiovascular disease, and related parameters.

RESULTS

In patients with diabetes, the prevalence of early CKD was greater among Hispanics and AAs than whites (P < 0.0001). AAs had higher adjusted odds ratio (AOR) for CRP ≥0.2 mg/dL (AOR 1.81 [95% CI 1.19–2.78]), and Hispanics had higher AOR for UAE ≥30 μg/mL (AOR 1.65 [1.07–2.54]). In a regression model adjusted for confounding variables, there was a significant association between UAE and CRP in the mid-CRP tertile (CRP 0.20–0.56 mg/dL, P = 0.001) and highest CRP tertile (CRP ≥0.57 mg/dL, P = 0.01) for Hispanics, but only in the mid-CRP tertile (P = 0.04) for AAs, compared with whites.

CONCLUSIONS

AAs and Hispanics with diabetes have a higher prevalence of early CKD compared with whites, which is significantly associated with UAE and/or CRP.
Association of Autoimmunity to Autonomic Nervous Structures With Nerve Function in Patients With Type 1 Diabetes: A 16-Year Prospective Study
Authors: Zanone Maria M. , Raviolo Alessandro , Coppo Eleonora , Trento Marina , Trevisan Martina , Cavallo Franco , Favaro Enrica , Passera Pietro , Porta Massimo , Camussi Giovanni
Published: February 2014

OBJECTIVE

We prospectively evaluated the association between autoimmunity to autonomic nervous structures and autonomic neuropathy in type 1 diabetes in relation to clinical variables.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

A cohort of 112 patients with type 1 diabetes was prospectively followed from adolescence (T0) to approximately 4 (T4) and 16 (T16) years later. Standard cardiovascular (CV) tests and neurological examination were performed and related to the presence of circulating antibodies (Ab) to autonomic nervous structures detected at T0 and T4. Quality of life was assessed by a diabetes-specific questionnaire.

RESULTS

Sixty-six patients (59% of the cohort) were reexamined at T16 (age 31.4 ± 2 years; disease duration 23.4 ± 3.7 years). Nineteen had circulating Ab to autonomic structures. Prevalence of abnormal tests and autonomic symptoms were higher in Ab-positive (68 and 26%, respectively) than Ab-negative (32 and 4%) patients (P < 0.05). Among Ab-positive patients, the relative risk (RR) of having at least one altered CV test was 5.77 (95% CI 1.56–21.33), and an altered deep breathing (DB) test (<15 bpm) was 14.65 (2.48–86.46). Previous glycemic control was the only other predictor (RR 1.06 [1.002–1.13]/mmol/mol HbA1c increase). Presence of Ab carried over a 68% probability of developing an altered CV test; absence of Ab carried a 91% probability of not having an altered DB test and an 89% probability of not having an altered Valsalva ratio. Autonomic neuropathy was independently associated with worse quality of life.

CONCLUSIONS

Circulating Ab to autonomic structures are associated with the development of autonomic dysfunction in young diabetic patients independent of glycemic control.
Association of menopausal symptoms with obesity in Slovak women
Authors: Luptáková Lenka , Siváková Daniela , Čerňanová Veronika , Cvíčelová Marta , Danková Zuzana
Published: February 2014

A lot of midlife women experience a great deal of menopausal symptoms. Their frequency within a given population may vary and depend on several factors such as age, menopausal status, health factors, including obesity.

This study aims to investigate the incidence of menopausal symptoms among obese and non-obese midlife women, and to evaluate contribution of obesity as predisposing factor for menopausal symptoms to their manifestation.

The studied cohort consisted of 297 women ranging from 39 to 59 years of age. Among them there were 63 women with obesity (body mass index, BMI ≥ 30.0 kg/m2) and of 39 women with abdominal obesity (waist to hip ratio, WHR>0.89). Women were recruited from the western and middle parts of Slovakia. All participants completed a menopause-specific questionnaire. Anthropometric measurements were taken using the standard anthropometric techniques. All statistical computations were performed by the SPSS 17.0 software programme (SPSS Inc., Chicago, IL).

Stepwise logistic regression analysis demonstrated that increase in facial hair was influenced by age (p<0.001) and obesity (p=0.015). Low backache was influenced by WHR (p=0.031), obesity (p=0.008) and cardiovascular disease (p=0.024). The significant impact of BMI was recorded on the involuntary urination (p=0.002). The menopausal symptom „more clumsy then usual“ was influenced by marital status (p=0.044), hypertension (p=0.021) and the presence of cardiovascular disease (p=0.023). We investigated the effect of menopausal status (p=0.010) and abdominal obesity (p=0.035) on the loss of sexual interest. Herein we present evidence that obesity could be involved in menopausal symptomatology among Slovak midlife women. We demonstrate that obese women have a higher susceptibility to increase in facial hair and backache, and women with abdominal obesity to loss of sexual interest.
Baylisascaris sp. infection in a pet kinkajou Potos flavus
Authors: Taira K. , Une Y. , Šnábel V. , Sugiyama H.
Published: February 2014

The nematodes of genus Baylisascaris are common intestinal roundworms of carnivores such as raccoons, skunks, badgers, martens and bears. This report describes Baylisascaris sp. infection in a pet kinkajou Potos flavus imported into Japan from Guyana. Nematode eggs were detected in feces of the juvenile kinkajou in 2011 during a routine veterinary examination. A sequence analysis of the ITS2 nuclear target clustered the examined isolate with B. procyonis and B. columnaris, with 7.8 — 8.8 % base differences from these taxa. Eleven tandem G-A repeats identified in the polymorphic repetitive region further differentiate the kinkajou’s roundworm from recognized Baylisascaris species. This classified the studied isolate as referring to Baylisascaris sp., with its precise species delineation remaining to be determined. Given that the Baylisascaris sp. from the kinkajou is genetically closely affiliated with B. procyonis having a serious disease-producing capacity, the report appeals for precautions in informing people to avoid transmission risk.
Differences in cellular immune responses of mice BALB/c to low and high infective doses of Trichinella spiralis
Authors: Dvorožňáková E. , Jalčová M. , Hurníková Z.
Published: February 2014

The study was focused on a role of lymphocytes and macrophages in the immune response of mice to Trichinella spiralis infection with low (10) and high (400) infective doses of larvae. The light infection stimulated the proliferation of splenic T lymphocytes only during the intestinal phase of the infection, till day 15 post infection (p.i.), but the heavy infection activated T cells during the migration of newborn larvae (from day 20 to 30 p.i.). B cell proliferation was markedly stimulated after the heavy infection. The light infection increased the presence of helper CD4 cells till day 10 p.i. in contrast to the heavy infection, but subpopulation of CD8 T cells was not influenced by a different size of infective dose. Cytokine production of IL-5 and IFN-γ was not markedly affected by the light infection in contrast to the heavy infection that stimulated IL-5 synthesis during the whole experiment and IFN-Γ during the migration of newborn larvae. The light infection stimulated a metabolic activity of peritoneal macrophages already in the intestinal phase, but the heavy infection affected their activity only in the muscle phase of the infection.
Immanant Conversion on Symmetric Matrices
Authors: Purificação Coelho M. , Duffner M. Antónia , Guterman Alexander E.
Published: February 2014

Letr Σn(C) denote the space of all n χ n symmetric matrices over the complex field C. The main objective of this paper is to prove that the maps Φ : Σn(C) -> Σn (C) satisfying for any fixed irre- ducible characters X, X' -SC the condition dx(A +aB) = dχ·(Φ(Α ) + αΦ(Β)) for all matrices A,В ε Σ„(С) and all scalars a ε C are automatically linear and bijective. As a corollary of the above result we characterize all such maps Φ acting on ΣИ(С).
Casual Dock Work: Profile of Diseases and Injuries and Perception of Influence on Health
Authors: Cezar-Vaz Marta , De Almeida Marlise , Bonow Clarice , Rocha Laurelize , Borges Anelise , Piexak Diéssica
Published: February 2014

The present study aimed to identify the profile of diseases and injuries that affect casual dock workers and identify casual dock workers’ perceptions of positive and negative work influences on their health. This study consisted of two phases. The first phase was a quantitative study composed of a retrospective analysis, conducted with 953 medical records. The second phase of the research is a non-random sample with 51 casual dock workers. Data analysis was performed with SPSS 19.0. The average age of the casual dock workers was 48.7. Concerning working time, the majority had more than 19.6 years of dock work experience. In the first phase, 527 pathologic diagnoses were identified. The diagnoses that affected the musculoskeletal system (15.8%, N = 152; p < 0.01) were highlighted. Consequences to physical health produced by accidents stood out, with fracture registration predominating (12.8%, N = 122; p < 0.05). Significant differences were found for positive work influence on the cardiovascular system and family health. It was concluded that the diagnoses obtained are related to the influence of dock work perception and have motivated an introduction of preventive measures.
Conceptual Site Model for Newark Bay—Hydrodynamics and Sediment Transport
Authors: Shrestha Parmeshwar , Su Steave , James Scott , Shaller Philip , Doroudian Macan , Firstenberg Clifford , Thompson Carlie
Published: February 2014

A conceptual site model (CSM) has been developed for the Newark Bay Study Area (NBSA) as part of the Remedial Investigation/Feasibility Study (RI/FS) for this New Jersey site. The CSM is an evolving document that describes the influence of physical, chemical and biological processes on contaminant fate and transport. The CSM is initiated at the start of a project, updated during site activities, and used to inform sampling and remediation planning. This paper describes the hydrodynamic and sediment transport components of the CSM for the NBSA. Hydrodynamic processes are influenced by freshwater inflows, astronomical forcing through two tidal straits, meteorological conditions, and anthropogenic activities such as navigational dredging. Sediment dynamics are driven by hydrodynamics, waves, sediment loading from freshwater sources and the tidal straits, sediment size gradation, sediment bed properties, and particle-to-particle interactions. Cohesive sediment transport is governed by advection, dispersion, aggregation, settling, consolidation, and erosion. Noncohesive sediment transport is governed by advection, dispersion, settling, armoring, and transport in suspension and along the bed. The CSM will inform the development and application of a numerical model that accounts for all key variables to adequately describe the NBSA’s historical, current, and future physical conditions.
1H NMR Analysis of Cerebrospinal Fluid from Alzheimer’s Disease Patients: An Example of a Possible Misinterpretation Due to Non-Adjustment of pH
Authors: Cruz Thomas , Balayssac Stéphane , Gilard Véronique , Martino Robert , Vincent Christian , Pariente Jérémie , Malet-Martino Myriam
Published: February 2014

Two publications from the same research group reporting on the detection of new possible biomarkers for the early diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease (AD), based on the analysis of cerebrospinal fluid samples (CSF) with 1H Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR), are at the origin of the present study. The authors observed significant differences in 1H NMR spectra of CSF from AD patients and healthy controls and, thus, proposed some NMR signals (without attribution) as possible biomarkers. However, this work was carried out in non-standardized pH conditions. Our study aims at warning about a possible misinterpretation that can arise from 1H NMR analyses of CSF samples if pH adjustment is not done before NMR analysis. Indeed, CSF pH increases rapidly after removal and is subject to changes over conservation time. We first identify the NMR signals described by the authors as biomarkers. We then focus on the chemical shift variations of their NMR signals as a function of pH in both standard solutions and CSF samples. Finally, a principal component analysis of 1H NMR data demonstrates that the same CSF samples recorded at pH 8.1 and 10.0 are statistically differentiated.