bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Metabolic Fingerprinting of Pseudomonas putida DOT-T1E Strains: Understanding the Influence of Divalent Cations in Adaptation Mechanisms Following Exposure to Toluene
Authors: Sayqal Ali , Xu Yun , Trivedi Drupad , AlMasoud Najla , Ellis David , Goodacre Royston
Published: April 2016

Pseudomonas putida strains can adapt and overcome the activity of toxic organic solvents by the employment of several resistant mechanisms including efflux pumps and modification to lipopolysaccharides (LPS) in their membranes. Divalent cations such as magnesium and calcium play a crucial role in the development of solvent tolerance in bacterial cells. Here, we have used Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy directly on cells (metabolic fingerprinting) to monitor bacterial response to the absence and presence of toluene, along with the influence of divalent cations present in the growth media. Multivariate analysis of the data using principal component-discriminant function analysis (PC-DFA) showed trends in scores plots, illustrating phenotypic alterations related to the effect of Mg2+, Ca2+ and toluene on cultures. Inspection of PC-DFA loadings plots revealed that several IR spectral regions including lipids, proteins and polysaccharides contribute to the separation in PC-DFA space, thereby indicating large phenotypic response to toluene and these cations. Finally, the saturated fatty acid ratio from the FT-IR spectra showed that upon toluene exposure, the saturated fatty acid ratio was reduced, while it increased in the presence of divalent cations. This study clearly demonstrates that the combination of metabolic fingerprinting with appropriate chemometric analysis can result in practicable knowledge on the responses of important environmental bacteria to external stress from pollutants such as highly toxic organic solvents, and indicates that these changes are manifest in the bacterial cell membrane. Finally, we demonstrate that divalent cations improve solvent tolerance in P. putida DOT‑T1E strains.
Ptaquiloside in Irish Bracken Ferns and Receiving Waters, with Implications for Land Managers
Authors: O’Driscoll Connie , Ramwell Carmel , Harhen Brendan , Morrison Liam , Clauson-Kaas Frederik , Hansen Hans , Campbell Graeme , Sheahan Jerome , Misstear Bruce , Xiao Liwen
Published: April 2016

Ptaquiloside, along with other natural phytotoxins, is receiving increased attention from scientists and land use managers. There is an urgent need to increase empirical evidence to understand the scale of phytotoxin mobilisation and potential to enter into the environment. In this study the risk of ptaquiloside to drinking water was assessed by quantifying ptaquiloside in the receiving waters at three drinking water abstraction sites across Ireland and in bracken fronds surrounding the abstraction sites. We also investigated the impact of different management regimes (spraying, cutting and rolling) on ptaquiloside concentrations at plot-scale in six locations in Northern Ireland, UK. Ptaquiloside concentrations were determined using recent advances in the use of LC-MS for the detection and quantification of ptaquiloside. The results indicate that ptaquiloside is present in bracken stands surrounding drinking water abstractions in Ireland, and ptaquiloside concentrations were also observed in the receiving waters. Furthermore, spraying was found to be the most effective bracken management regime observed in terms of reducing ptaquiloside load. Increased awareness is vital on the implications of managing land with extensive bracken stands.
The Construction of an Aqueous Two-Phase System to Solve Weak-Aggregation of Gigaporous Poly(Styrene-Divinyl Benzene) Microspheres
Authors: Zhang Donglai , Zhou Weiqing , Li Juan , Mi Yace , Su Zhiguo , Ma Guanghui
Published: April 2016

Gigaporous poly(styrene-divinyl benzene) microspheres made via the surfactant reverse micelles swelling method had a controllable pore size of 100–500 nm. These microspheres had unique advantages in biomacromolecule separation and enzymes immobilization. However, the obtained microspheres adhered to each other in the preparation process. Though the weak aggregation could be re-dispersed easily by mechanical force, it will be difficult to scale up. By analyzing the formation mechanism of the aggregates, a method was presented to rebuild the interface between the internal aqueous channel and the external continuous phase by constructing an aqueous two-phase system (ATPS). Based on the ATPS, the method of emulsification, stirring speed, and surfactant concentration in oil phase were optimized. Under the optimum condition (screen emulsification method, 120 rpm for polymerization and 55% surfactant), the microspheres with a controllable particle size of 10–40 μm and a pore size of about 150 nm were obtained. This new method could significantly decrease the weak-aggregation of microspheres.
The Effects of Cryomilling CNTs on the Thermal and Electrical Properties of CNT/PMMA Composites
Authors: Mittal Garima , Rhee Kyong , Park Soo
Published: April 2016

In this study, the cryomilling of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) was carried out to accomplish better dispersion without using any hazardous chemicals. Accordingly, different samples of CNTs were prepared by varying the milling speed (10, 20, and 25 Hz) and time (5, 10, and 15 min) and incorporated into the poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) matrix. The changes of the morphology were analyzed by utilizing a field emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM) and a high-resolution transmission electron microscope (TEM). Qualitative analysis of the cryomilled CNTs was carried out using Raman spectroscopy, and their surface area was determined via Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) analysis. Subsequently, thermogravimetric analysis was conducted to evaluate the thermal properties, whereas the surface resistivity and electromagnetic interference shielding effectiveness for the electrical conductivity were also examined. It was observed that the composite with Cr-20-10 showed better thermal stability and lower resistivity in comparison to the others because, as the cryomilling time and frequency increased the distribution, dispersion and surface area also increased. Consequently, a better interaction between CNTs and PMMA took place.
Single-Crystal-to-Single-Crystal Anion Exchange in a Gadolinium MOF: Incorporation of POMs and [AuCl4]−
Authors: López-Cabrelles Javier , Mínguez Espallargas Guillermo , Coronado Eugenio
Published: April 2016

The encapsulation of functional molecules inside porous coordination polymers (also known as metal-organic frameworks, MOFs) has become of great interest in recent years at the field of multifunctional materials. In this article, we present a study of the effects of size and charge in the anion exchange process of a Gd based MOF, involving molecular species like polyoxometalates (POMs), and [AuCl4]−. This post-synthetic modification has been characterized by IR, EDAX, and single crystal diffraction, which have provided unequivocal evidence of the location of the anion molecules in the framework.
Robust Stability of Scaled-Four-Channel Teleoperation with Internet Time-Varying Delays
Authors: Delgado Emma , Barreiro Antonio , Falcón Pablo , Díaz-Cacho Miguel
Published: April 2016

We describe the application of a generic stability framework for a teleoperation system under time-varying delay conditions, as addressed in a previous work, to a scaled-four-channel (γ-4C) control scheme. Described is how varying delays are dealt with by means of dynamic encapsulation, giving rise to mu-test conditions for robust stability and offering an appealing frequency technique to deal with the stability robustness of the architecture. We discuss ideal transparency problems and we adapt classical solutions so that controllers are proper, without single or double differentiators, and thus avoid the negative effects of noise. The control scheme was fine-tuned and tested for complete stability to zero of the whole state, while seeking a practical solution to the trade-off between stability and transparency in the Internet-based teleoperation. These ideas were tested on an Internet-based application with two Omni devices at remote laboratory locations via simulations and real remote experiments that achieved robust stability, while performing well in terms of position synchronization and force transparency.
The Fragility of Gender Equality Policies in Spain
Authors: Salazar Benítez Octavio
Published: April 2016

Within the last decade, Spain has become a model in legislative policies for gender equality at the international level. However, the economic crisis has led to a growth in inequality, which has revealed the weaknesses of the adopted instruments. Despite the large amount of legislation in this area, the social reality has not changed at all, even experiencing a setback over the past few years. This situation was exposed in our country by a report issued in 2015 by the UN Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW). This report showed the negative effects of the economic crisis and austerity policies on women, even in a context necessitating increased efforts towards women’s rights. Therefore, it is imperative that the concept of gender mainstreaming and the adoption of instruments of “hard law” be revisited. The goal should be to achieve gender justice based on three elements—distribution, identity, and representation—and a real parity democracy.
The Spider Venom Peptide Lycosin-II Has Potent Antimicrobial Activity against Clinically Isolated Bacteria
Authors: Wang Yongjun , Wang Ling , Yang Huali , Xiao Haoliang , Farooq Athar , Liu Zhonghua , Hu Min , Shi Xiaoliu
Published: April 2016

Antimicrobial peptides have been accepted as excellent candidates for developing novel antibiotics against drug-resistant bacteria. Recent studies indicate that spider venoms are the source for the identification of novel antimicrobial peptides. In the present study, we isolated and characterized an antibacterial peptide named lycosin-II from the venom of the spider Lycosa singoriensis. It contains 21 amino acid residue lacking cysteine residues and forms a typical linear amphipathic and cationic α-helical conformation. Lycosin-II displays potent bacteriostatic effect on the tested drug-resistant bacterial strains isolated from hospital patients, including multidrug-resistant A. baumannii, which has presented a huge challenge for the infection therapy. The inhibitory ability of lycosin-II might derive from its binding to cell membrane, because Mg2+ could compete with the binding sites to reduce the bacteriostatic potency of lycosin-II. Our data suggest that lycosin-II might be a lead in the development of novel antibiotics for curing drug-resistant bacterial infections.
Quand savoir entreprendre, c’est savoir concevoir
Authors: Schmitt Christophe , Rosker Eduardo
Published: April 2016

À l’heure où la recherche en entrepreneuriat s’intéresse à la dimension cognitive de l’entrepreneur, cet article propose un focus particulier sur un mécanisme de la pensée entrepreneuriale : la conception. L’article est organisé en trois parties. La première partie met en relief la place implicite de la conception dans le domaine de l’entrepreneuriat. La deuxième partie s’intéresse à montrer la manière dont la conception peut être reliée à la pensée entrepreneuriale. Enfin, la troisième et dernière partie propose une modélisation de la conception entrepreneuriale et sa mobilisation dans le domaine de l’accompagnement entrepreneurial.
Les coopératives d’Activité et d’Emploi (CAE),
Authors: Michel Dominique-Anne
Published: April 2016

Les Coopératives d’Activité et d’Emploi (CAE) regroupent des travailleurs partageant une même entreprise, dont le chiffre d’affaires global est généré par leurs activités individuelles. Issues de la tradition coopérative du XIX e siècle qui prône son abolition, les CAE ont recours au salariat pour assurer la protection sociale de leurs membres, les « entrepreneurs-salariés ». Les CAE portent un projet de réinvention du travail reposant sur la coopération, l’apprentissage individuel et collectif, le compagnonnage, l’expérimentation de nouvelles formes de démocratie organisationnelle. Cet article envisage le projet des CAE non comme une expérience marginale ou un « bricolage » institutionnel, mais comme un outil d’émancipation conçu pour imaginer des modalités concrètes et éventuellement généralisables d’une sortie du salariat.
« Sans profession, sans domicile, sans ce que tu veux, sans rien »
Authors: Billion Julien , Gardères Nicolas
Published: April 2016

Les jeunes sans emploi et sans domicile sont généralement aussi sans voix dans le débat public. Cette enquête ethnographique se place dans la situation des plus précaires et, fondée sur une sociologie de la rupture, interrogée depuis cette place les politiques publiques. Elle distingue dans cette population au moins trois rapports très différents à l’emploi, appelant à des accompagnements et des écoutes qui, pour être efficaces, doivent être différenciés pour ces trois catégories.
Module-based quality system functionality evaluation in production logistics
Authors: Khabbazi Mahmood Reza , Wikander Jan , Onori Mauro , Maffei Antonio , Chen De-Jiu
Published: April 2016

Purpose: This paper addresses a comprehensive modeling and functionality evaluation of a module-based quality system in production logistics at the highest domain abstract level of business processes.Design/methodology/approach: All domain quality business processes and quality data transactions are modeled using BPMN and UML tools and standards at the business process and data modeling. A modular web-based prototype is developed to evaluate the models addressing the quality information system functionality requirements and modularity in production logistics through data scenarios and data queries.Findings: Using the object-oriented technique in design at the highest domain level, the proposed models are subject further development in the lower levels for the implementing case. The models are specifically able to manipulate all quality operations including remedy and control in a lot-based make-to-order production logistics system as an individual module.Practical implications: Due to the specification of system as domain design structure, all proposed BPMs, data models, and the actual database prototype are seen referential if not a solution as a practical “to-be” quality business process re-engineering template. Originality/value: this paper sets out to provide an explanatory approach using different practical technique at modeling steps as well as the prototype implementation.
Idiopathic Orbital Inflammation Presenting with Bilateral Panuveitis
Authors: Patel Avni , Modjtahedi Bobeck S. , Freitag Suzanne K. , Sobrin Lucia , Kazlas Melanie A.
Published: April 2016

Idiopathic orbital inflammation or orbital pseudotumor is rare in the pediatric population and may present with ocular findings not normally seen in the adult population. The authors report the case of a 14-year-old boy with idiopathic orbital inflammation who presented with bilateral panuveitis to highlight the features that make this diagnosis more difficult in the pediatric population.

[
J Pediatr Ophthalmol Strabismus
. 2016;53:e18–e21.]
ESR spectroscopy of alanine impacted by high energy irradiations for wide range dosimetry
Authors: Čeponis Tomas , Gaubas Eugenijus , Venius Jonas , Cicinas Aleksandras , Callens Freddy , Kusakovskij Jevgenij , Vrielinck Henk , Mizohata Kenichiro , Raisanen Jyrki , Tikkanen Pertti
Published: April 2016

The ESR spectrometry, based on alanine dosimeters, is a standard tool for dosimetry of different type ionizing radiations. The calibrated dosimeters and ESR readers operate rather reliably in the dose range up to 200 kGy. In this study, the ESR spectrometry of stable free radicals in alanine, induced by penetrative X- and γ-rays as well as neutron and stopped proton irradiations covering the dose range from a few Gy to a few MGy, has been performed in order to create the generalized calibration function for the wide range dosimetry. The simulations based on the cumulative generation of ESR active stable radicals R1, R2 and R3 enabled us to derive the generalized calibration model ascribed to the irradiation fluence from 1010to 2 × 1016particle/cm2normalized using 1 MeV neutron equivalent.
Protein stabilized Au nanoclusters: spectral properties and photostability
Authors: Poderys Vilius , Matulionytė-Safinė Marija , Rupšys Dainius , Rotomskis Ričardas
Published: April 2016

Bovine serum albumin stabilized gold nanoclusters (BSA-Au nanoclusters) have been widely studied due to their possible applications in biomedicine as sensors, fluorescent or multi-modality markers, and therapeutic agents. Synthesis and optical properties of these nanoclusters have been extensively investigated; however, there is still very little data on photostability of BSA-Au nanoclusters. Photostability of BSA-Au nanoclusters is of major importance for a variety of applications, such as material sensing and fluorescence imaging. Herein we demonstrate that after synthesis the BSA-Au solution has two photoluminescence (PL) bands peaking at 468 and 660 nm. Nevertheless, a different behaviour of the PL bands at 468 and 660 nm upon irradiation indicates that only band at 660 nm is related to PL of Au nanoclusters. BSA-Au nanoclusters exhibit great colloidal stability and do not undergo irreversible changes when heated up to 65 °C. However, irradiation of BSA-Au nanoclusters causes a wavelength dependent decrease of intensity and a hypsochromic shift of the PL band at 660 nm which is proportional to the delivered dose. The shift of the PL band at 660 nm could occur due to loss of several gold atoms in Au nanoclusters and/or due to deterioration of a nanoparticle coating layer. We have also demonstrated that the photostability of BSA-Au nanoclusters increases in the cell growth medium.
Eco-Friendly Constituents for Making Wood-Polymer Composites
Authors: Shulga Galia , Neiberte Brigita , Verovkins Anrijs , Jaunslavietis Jevgenijs , Shakels Vadims , Vitolina Sanita , Sedliačik Ján
Published: April 2016

The aim of this work was to obtain eco-friendly constituents for making wood-polymer composites (WPCs) by rational utilisation of hardwood residue with its mechanical processing and purposeful chemical modification. To reduce the energy input for residue milling for obtaining a lignocellulosic filler as well as to activate its surface for the further modification, the optimal parameters of low temperature acid hydrolysis of the hardwood residue under mild conditions were found. To enhance the wetting of the lignocellulosic filler with respect to recycled polypropylene, the milled hydrolysed wood particles were modified by ammoxidation. For obtaining a lignin-containing surface tension regulator (compatibiliser) that is able to reinforce the interaction between the constituents at the interface, soda lignin was obtained via delignification of the hydrolysed hardwood residue under laboratory conditions. The developed compatibiliser represented nanoparticles of a non-stoichiometric polyelectrolyte complex, incorporating soda lignin and synthetic polyamine - polyethylenimine. By using appropriate laboratory equipment and the determined technological regime, aspen wood-recycled polypropylene composites were made and tested.
Numerical Approach for Computation of the Heat and Heat Flux for Covering of the Emission in the Surrounding Air of Subjected to Unilateral Heating Flat Wood Details before their Bending
Authors: Deliiski Nencho , Trichkov Neno , Angelski Dimitar , Dzurenda Ladislav
Published: April 2016

A numerical approach for the computation of the specific (for 1 m2) energy consumption, qe, and the specific heat flux, dqe/dτ, needed for covering of the emission in the surrounding environment of the subjected to unilateral heating flat wood details aimed at their plasticizing and following bending has been suggested. The approach is based on the integration and differentiation of the solutions of a linear model for the calculation of the non-stationary 1D temperature distribution along the thickness of subjected to unilateral heating flat wood details, suggested by the authors earlier.For the numerical solution of the model aimed at the determination of qe and dqe/dτ software program has been prepared, which was input in the calculation environment of Visual Fortran. Using the program, computations have been carried out for the determination of the change in the energy qe and in the flux dqe/dτ, which are consumed by spruce details with an initial temperature of 20 °C, moisture content of 0.15 kg·kg-1, and thicknesses of 6 mm, 8 mm, and 10 mm during their 10 min unilateral heating at temperatures of the heating metal band of 100 °C, 120 °C, and 140 °C and of the surrounding air of 20 °C. The obtained results are graphically presented and analyzed.
Wood Based Building Envelope Regarding Air Tightness
Authors: Štefko Jozef , Bednár Jozef
Published: April 2016

The paper deals with laboratory air tightness testing of wood based construction materials with the focus on the proportion of air infiltration through the building envelope in the air exchange of the building. Results of the specific materials testing – cross laminated timber (CLT), OSB and other structural materials are analysed in the paper. Moreover, the effect of production technology, material, its thickness and surface treatment are studied. Results of laboratory testing provide valuable data for detailed computer modelling of air exchange through the infiltration, especially in vapour diffusion-open elements of building envelope.
Control of the Indoor Climate in Summer Using the Thermophysical Properties of Wood Materials in Terms of Transient Thermal State
Authors: Kollár Matúš , Štefko Jozef
Published: April 2016

The paper deals with the influence of wood-based thermal insulation in building envelope constructions to the summer comfort of indoor climate thorough their thermal accumulation properties. In this study, the optimum positions of thermal insulation (wood fibre insulation, cork board) were investigated numerically from the maximum decrement factor and the maximum time lag. Thermal mass material of the wall is formed from CLT (cross-laminated timber) with different thicknesses of layers. It depends on the position of the insulation material maintaining the total thickness of wall 240 mm. Totally, there were composed six different configurations of insulation placement with a consequent shift in its position. The calculations of decrement factor and time lag were carried out by computer simulations based on the particular configurations. In terms of decrement factor the most effective location of thermal insulation in two layers more precisely - in the middle of the wall and on the outer surface or on the outer surface and inner surface of the wall.
Thermal Treatment of Wood for Mitigating of Climate Change
Authors: Hroncová Emília , Ladomerský Juraj , Andráš Peter , Turisová Ingrid
Published: April 2016

Among individual techniques of wood treatment, there are highly significant differences in the greenhouse gas balance. Greenhouse gases have, according to the currently adopted global convention, a major impact on global warming and climate change. Nevertheless, there are also sceptical opinions on the scientific basis of such concept. As well as the natural processes of tree growth and the end of their life cycle, the wood processing technologies also affect the balance of greenhouse gases on Earth. The current natural forest without human intervention does not have to reduce greenhouse gas emissions definitely, but can also be the source of their emissions. Also, technological, particularly thermal, processes have different contribution to the production of greenhouse gases. The submitted paper presents the context of warming and cooling of the Earth during its development with a concentration of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. Further, the indicative greenhouse gas balance, respectively, CO2 generated at thermal wood processing processes, are analysed.
Analysis of the Inorganic Matter in Wood and Bark Proceeding from the Energetic Woodchips of the Plantation Grown Tree Species Robinia pseudoacacia via the AES-ICP
Authors: Dzurenda Ladislav , Pňakovič Ľubomir
Published: April 2016

The paper presents the results of a quantitative analysis of the proportion of the following chemical elements: Ca, Mg, K, P, Mn, Zn and Fe in wood, bark and energetic woodchips produced from woody biomass of plantation grown clones: Ambiqua, Gori, Nyírségi, Rozaszin of the tree species Robinia pseudoacacia, which were cultivated by midi-rotation. Experimental works determined the average density of black locust wood ρ0W = 680.8 kg m-3 and of its bark ρ0B = 764.4 kg m-3. The AES-ICP technique determined the proportion of individual inorganic elements in dry wood and dry bark. The analyses show that the proportion of the analyzed inorganic elements in bark is 3.49 times higher than the proportion of these elements in wood. The largest proportion in the woody bark belongs to calcium, which proportion in wood is Ca = 3 965 mg.kg-1 and in bark is Ca = 18 698 mg.kg -1. Potassium shows also a higher proportion in bark than in wood with a value of K = 4 796 mg.kg-1, which is 1.73 times higher than in wood, Mg = 1 284 mg.kg-1, which is 2.81 times higher, phosphorus with the value P = 2 403 mg.kg-1, which is 4.04 times higher and iron Fe = 574 mg.kg-1 which is 4.86 times higher than in wood. Proportion of the analyses in energy woodchips is comparable to the proportion of these elements in the energy woodchips made of woody biomass produced from plantation grown clones of willow and alder. Woodchips made of black locust contain a higher proportion of calcium, it is by 25% higher than the upper limit of calcium in woody biomass from plantation grown poplar trees.
Stability of the Lignins and their Potential in Production of Bioplastics
Authors: Ház Aleš , Jablonský Michal , Sládková Alexandra , Feranc Jozef , Šurina Igor
Published: April 2016

Chemical industry includes a biobased materials (sector) in which some oil-derived plastics and chemicals are replaced by new or alternative products derived, at least partially, from biomass. One of these biobased products is here today - lignin, but to fulfil its societal potential it is necessary to improve their market share while making valuable contributions to climate change mitigation. Great source of lignin is by-product (waste) from paper making industry. Lignin isolated from black liquors has a big potential to be used as a component for new bioplastic compositions. Lignosulphonates and lignin are polydispersions of different large fragments from natural tree dimensional lignin present in the wood. The kraft lignin consists of large amount of sulphur which is bonded in functional groups. Content of lignin in black liquor is in range 30 - 45% what brings potential of its isolation. In this paper we characterised and precipitated lignin with two inorganic and one organic acid (nitric, hydrochloric and tartaric acid).
The Effects of Heat Treatment on the Chemical Alterations of Oak Wood
Authors: Čabalová Iveta , Kačík František , Tribulová Tereza
Published: April 2016

Samples prepared from oak (Quercusrobur L.) wood were exposed to heat treatment at temperatures of 160, 180, 200 and 220 oC for 3, 6, 9 and 12 hours. In both untreated and thermally treated wood there were determined extractives and lignin by National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) procedures, cellulose by Seifert's method, holocellulose according to Wise, hemicelluloses as difference between holocellulose and cellulose. Monosaccharides were determined by high performance liquid chromatography (NREL).The results show that hemicelluloses are less stable at thermal treatment than cellulose. The amounts of lignin and extractives rose by increasing both temperature and time of the treatment while the amounts of hemicelluloses decreased. Thermal treatment also resulted in significant decreases of the yields of non-glucosic saccharides. Degradation of carbohydrates can cause the deterioration of mechanical properties of wood.
Engineering Approach for Computation of the Energy Consumption Needed for Defrosting and Subsequent Heating of Frozen Wood Chips
Authors: Deliiski Nencho , Geffert Anton , Geffertova Jarmila , Brezin Veselin , Radkova Izabela
Published: April 2016

An engineering approach for the calculation of the specific mass energy consumption, which is needed for defrosting and the subsequent heating of the frozen wood chips above the hydroscopic range, (in kWh·t-1), has been suggested. Equations for easy calculation of have been derived, depending on the wood moisture content u, on the fiber saturation points of the wood species at 20 °C and at –2 °C (i.e. at 293.15 K and at 271.15 K), and respectively, on the initial chips’ temperature, T0 , and on the final temperature of the heated after their defrosting chips, T1.For the calculation of the according to the suggested approach and equations a software program has been prepared in MS Excel 2010. With the help of the program calculations have been carried out for the determination of the energy consumption , which is needed for defrosting and subsequent heating of oak, acacia, beech, and poplar frozen chips with moisture content in the range from u = 0.4 kg·kg-1 to u = 1.0 kg·kg-1, initial temperature t0 = –20 °C and t0 = –10 °C until reaching of the chips‘ mass temperature of t1 = 80 °C, t1 = 100 °C, and t1 = 120 °C at the end of the heating.
Effect of Essential Oils on the Mechanical Properties of Lignocellulosic Materials
Authors: Gojný Jan , Mikala Ondřej , Milichovský Miloslav , Špundová Zuzana
Published: April 2016

Biodeterioration of lignocellulosic materials is a worldwide problem and it causes a great damage especially to unique manuscripts and books stored in libraries. These materials are permanently subject to suffering from physical, chemical, and/or biological changes. Biological deterioration by microorganisms (bacteria and fungi) causes undesirable changes on material properties. Paper made by vegetal fibers, functional additives (glue, optical polishers, consolidating nts), and inks with organic bindings are used as sources of nutrients. Using of EOs (essential oils) for protection against microorganisms appears to be an option, because antimicrobial effects of the main compounds of EOs were proven. This work analyzes the antimicrobial stability of 2 essential oils (citral and linalyl acetate), as well as their stability of mechanical properties, in selected lignocellulosic materials (soft wood and hard wood kraft pulp, softwood sulphite pulp). Some parts of samples were subjected only to the condition of the EOs, other samples were firstly treated by accelerated ageing. Last samples were exposed to the accelerated ageing and afterwards treated by EOs. From the mechanical properties measuring of samples it is possible to state that in some SAJ samples the influence of EOs vapour is positive. This was monitored even when the samples were treated by accelerated ageing.
Group Method of Data Handling Algorithms to Predict Compressive Strength of Concrete Based on Absorbed Extraterrestrial Solar Radiations
Authors: Kewalramani Manish A. , Gupta Rajiv
Published: April 2016

The present study applies group method of data handling (GMDH) to predict compressive strength of normal strength concrete based on experimentally determined weight, ultrasonic pulse velocity and extraterrestrial solar radiations absorbed by concrete specimen. GMDH are widely used as mathematical modelling and non-linear regression algorithms, and are assumed as specific type of supervised artificial neural networks. Concrete being a multi-phase porous and non-linear material justifies usage of such algorithm as GMDH employs the idea of natural selection to control size, complexity and accuracy of networks being used for various applications like function approximation, non-linear regression and pattern recognition. The effectiveness of algorithm is validated when 60%, 70%, 80% and 100% of normalized and non-normalized data is used for training. GMDH being an intelligent algorithm with ability of learning and adaptation can be conveniently used as an appropriate prediction tool for non-linear complex systems like concrete.
Effect of the SF6 Flow Injection Time on the Formation of the Carbon Coils
Authors: Lee Jae Kyung , Kim Sung Hoon
Published: April 2016

Carbon coils could be synthesized using C2H2/H2 as source gases and SF6 as an incorporated additive gas under thermal chemical vapor deposition system. Bunch-type large-sized (100 ~ 200 μm in diameter) Ni grains were used as the catalyst for the formation of the carbon coils. According to the different reaction processes, the injection time of SF6 gas flow was varied from 1.0 min to 60 min. The characteristics (formation density, morphology, and geometry) of the deposited carbon coils on the substrates were investigated according to the different reaction processes. Finally, both the high production yield of carbon coils and their geometry control could be achieved merely by manipulating SF6 gas flow injection time. Two cases growth patterns were proposed according to SF6 gas flow injection time in association with the fluorine’s characteristics for etching the materials or enhancing the nucleation sites.
Improved Functional Capabilities of Quasi-Two-Dimensional Tungsten Oxide Nanostructures
Authors: Zhuiykov Serge
Published: April 2016

Electrical properties and morphology of orthorhombic β–WO3 nano-flakes with thickness of ~7-9 nm were investigated at the nanoscale using energy dispersive X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and current sensing force spectroscopy atomic force microscopy (CSFS-AFM, or PeakForce TUNATM). CSFS-AFM analysis established good correlation between the topography of the developed nanostructures and various features of WO3 nano-flakes synthesized via a two-step sol-gel-exfoliation method. It was determined that β–WO3 nano-flakes annealed at 550°C possess distinguished and exceptional thickness-dependent properties in comparison with the bulk, micro- and nano-structured WO3 synthesized at alternative temperatures.
Comparison of the Mechanical Properties of Three Commercial Orthodontic NiTi Round Archwires
Authors: Dechkunakorn Surachai , Anuwongnukroh Niwat , Tua-Ngam Peerapong
Published: April 2016

To compare mechanical properties of three commercial NiTi orthodontic round wires, three commercial brands of NiTi round wire (Nic-China, Ormco-USA, and Smart-Thailand) with sizes 0.014’’, 0.016’’, and 0.018’’were studied. Five specimens each size of each brand were used to test mechanical properties; unloading force (N), spring back (mm), and yield strength (N/mm) with three-point bend test using an Instron Universal Testing Machine. Kolmogorov-Smirnov test and one-way ANOVA were employed to test the differences among groups with statistical difference at p<0.05.The average unloading force from lowest to highest were Ormco, Smart and Nic with 0.014”, Smart, Ormco and Nic with 0.016”and Smart, Nic and Ormco with 0.018”, respectively. The Nic brand had the highest value of unloading force, spring back, and yield strength in all wire sizes, except unloading force 0.018” Ormco and spring back 0.018” Smart. There were no statistically significant differences in unloading forces among all wire sizes. The three brands of commercial orthodontic NiTi wires presented similar unloading force, spring back, and yield strength properties. These mechanical properties are related to lower rates of deformation and are appropriate to be used in the initial phase of orthodontic treatment.
Advances in Quaternary and Pentanary Semiconductors for Communication and Networking Applications
Authors: Gupta Nishu , Gupta K.M. , Taivatiya Preeti , Garg Ritu
Published: April 2016

Semiconductors play important role in communication applications right from allowing solar panels to harvest light energy along with acting as the receiver elements of light‐based communication network. These self‐powered nodes allow network of communicating devices to be assembled within the Internet of things, wireless sensor network, mobile/vehicular ad-hoc network and many more potential applications. After initial uses of binary and ternary semiconductors, the research paradigm has now shifted towards quaternary and pentanary semiconductors. These classes of semiconductors are playing dominant role in communication devices because of their flexibility to get easily fabricated by changing the composition of their elemental materials. This paper deals with such novel semiconductors whose properties would certainly leverage the future direction of research in wireless communication systems.
Serum Cytokines as Biomarkers of Early Trypanosoma cruzi infection by Congenital Exposure
Authors: Volta Bibiana J. , Bustos Patricia L. , Cardoni Rita L. , De Rissio Ana M. , Laucella Susana A. , Bua Jacqueline
Published: April 2016

Trypanosoma cruzi, the causing agent of Chagas disease, leads to an activation of the immune system in congenitally infected infants. In this study, we measured a set of cytokines/chemokines and the levels of parasitemia by quantitative PCR in the circulation of neonates born to T. cruzi–infected mothers to evaluate the predictive value of these mediators as biomarkers of congenital transmission. We conducted a retrospective cohort study of 35 infants with congenital T. cruzi infection, of which 15 and 10 infants had been diagnosed by detection of parasites by microscopy in the first and sixth month after delivery, respectively, and the remaining 10 had been diagnosed by the presence of T. cruzi–specific Abs at 10–12 mo old. Uninfected infants born to either T. cruzi–infected or uninfected mothers were also evaluated as controls. The plasma levels of IL-17A, MCP-1, and monokine induced by IFN-γ were increased in infants congenitally infected with T. cruzi, even before they developed detectable parasitemia or seroconversion. Infants diagnosed between 6 and 12 mo old also showed increased levels of IL-6 and IL-17F at 1 mo of age. Conversely, infants who did not develop congenital T. cruzi infection had higher levels of IFN-γ than infected infants born to uninfected mothers. Monokine induced by IFN-γ, MCP-1, and IFN-γ production induced in T. cruzi–infected infants correlated with parasitemia, whereas the plasma levels of IL-17A, IL-17F, and IL-6 were less parasite load dependent. These findings support the existence of a distinct profile of cytokines and chemokines in the circulation of infants born to T. cruzi–infected mothers, which might predict congenital infection.
Heterologous Vaccination and Checkpoint Blockade Synergize To Induce Antileukemia Immunity
Authors: Manlove Luke S. , Schenkel Jason M. , Manlove Kezia R. , Pauken Kristen E. , Williams Richard T. , Vezys Vaiva , Farrar Michael A.
Published: April 2016

Checkpoint blockade-based immunotherapies are effective in cancers with high numbers of nonsynonymous mutations. In contrast, current paradigms suggest that such approaches will be ineffective in cancers with few nonsynonymous mutations. To examine this issue, we made use of a murine model of BCR-ABL+ B-lineage acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Using a principal component analysis, we found that robust MHC class II expression, coupled with appropriate costimulation, correlated with lower leukemic burden. We next assessed whether checkpoint blockade or therapeutic vaccination could improve survival in mice with pre-established leukemia. Consistent with the low mutation load in our leukemia model, we found that checkpoint blockade alone had only modest effects on survival. In contrast, robust heterologous vaccination with a peptide derived from the BCR-ABL fusion (BAp), a key driver mutation, generated a small population of mice that survived long-term. Checkpoint blockade strongly synergized with heterologous vaccination to enhance overall survival in mice with leukemia. Enhanced survival did not correlate with numbers of BAp:I-Ab–specific T cells, but rather with increased expression of IL-10, IL-17, and granzyme B and decreased expression of programmed death 1 on these cells. Our findings demonstrate that vaccination to key driver mutations cooperates with checkpoint blockade and allows for immune control of cancers with low nonsynonymous mutation loads.
Modelling a critical infrastructure-driven spatial database for proactive disaster management: A developing country context
Authors: Baloye David O. , Palamuleni Lobina G.
Published: April 2016

The understanding and institutionalisation of the seamless link between urban critical infrastructure and disaster management has greatly helped the developed world to establish effective disaster management processes. However, this link is conspicuously missing in developing countries, where disaster management has been more reactive than proactive. The consequence of this is typified in poor response time and uncoordinated ways in which disasters and emergency situations are handled. As is the case with many Nigerian cities, the challenges of urban development in the city of Abeokuta have limited the effectiveness of disaster and emergency first responders and managers. Using geospatial techniques, the study attempted to design and deploy a spatial database running a web-based information system to track the characteristics and distribution of critical infrastructure for effective use during disaster and emergencies, with the purpose of proactively improving disaster and emergency management processes in Abeokuta.Keywords: Disaster Management; Emergency; Critical Infrastructure; Geospatial Database; Developing Countries; Nigeria
Inclusion of climate change strategies in municipal Integrated Development Plans: A case from seven municipalities in Limpopo Province, South Africa
Authors: Lethoko Mankolo X.
Published: April 2016

The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) has made it clear that anthropogenic greenhouse gasses are the main cause of observed global warming that leads to climate change. Climate change is now a global reality. In the South African political set-up, local municipalities are the structures that are in direct contact with communities and they draw up Integrated Development Plans (IDPs), which are reviewed and upgraded annually. The article seeks to investigate the extent to which climate change adaptation and mitigation strategies are embedded IDPs in seven vulnerable municipalities in the Limpopo Province. The article conducted an in-depth content analysis of the IDPs of the seven municipalities and the results have revealed that these municipalities have not included adaptation and mitigation strategies adequately in their IDPs despite being the most vulnerable municipalities in the province. The article concludes that these municipalities have not as yet institutionalised climate change in their daily operations, planning and decision making. To this end, the paper recommends that local municipalities should include climate change adaptation and mitigation strategies in their IDPs.Keywords: Climate change; adaptation; mitigation; Integrated Development Plan; vulnerable municipalities
Dentigerous cyst in a young child
Authors: Demiriz Levent , Misir Ahmet Ferhat , Gorur Durmus Ilker
Published: April 2016

Dentigerous cyst is a type of odontogenic cysts and generally occurs in the ages of twenties or thirties. Dentigerous cyst always includes a tooth which cannot complete the eruption process and occurs around the crown by the fluid accumulation between the layers of enamel organ. In rare cases, dentigerous cyst occurs in the first decade of life and develops in an immature permanent tooth as a result of a chronic inflammation of overlying nonvital primary tooth. In this report, a case of dentigerous cyst in primary dentition in a 5-year-old child patient and its treatment were presented. The dentigerous cyst was totally enucleated, and the unerupted permanent first premolar tooth was removed from the primary mandibular right premolar region. There was no recurrence observed after 18 months follow-up.
Effects of sealant, viscosity, and bonding agents on microleakage of fissure sealants: An in vitro study
Authors: Mehrabkhani Maryam , Mazhari Fatemeh , Sadeghi Samaneh , Ebrahimi Masoumeh
Published: April 2016

Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of enamel or dentin bonding agent (DBA) and sealant viscosity on sealant microleakage. Materials and Methods: Sixty extracted human premolars were randomly divided into two equal groups (based on sealant viscosity) and each group was divided into three subgroups of 10 teeth. Group 1 (low viscosity sealant, Seal-Rite, Pulpdent, USA with 7.7% filler): Prophylaxis, enameloplasty, etching of occlusal surfaces with 38% of phosphoric acid gel, rinsing and drying, followed by (1) enamel bonding agent (EBA) (Margin Bond, Coltène/Whaledent AG) or (2) DBA (Excite, Ivoclar Vivadent AG, Liechtenstein) or (3) no bonding (NB) prior to sealant application. In Group 2, similar procedures were performed except for applying a high viscosity sealant (Seal-Rite, Pulpdent, The USA with 34.4% filler). Specimens were thermocycled and then immersed in a 0.5% basic fuchsine solution for 24 h next, buccolingual slices of samples were scored under a stereomicroscope. The Kruskal–Wallis and Mann–Whitney U-tests were used for data analysis. Results: There was no significant difference between DBA, EBA, and NB subgroups in the microleakage scores in both groups. Low viscosity sealant had a lower microleakage than the high viscosity sealant in both DBA (P = 0.002) and NB (P = 0.041) subgroups. Conclusion: The results indicated that the use of low viscosity sealant reduced the microleakage of pit and fissure sealants. However, the use of a bonding agent before sealant placement didn't affect the microleakage.
Knowledge and attitude of dental trauma among dental students in Saudi Arabia
Authors: Al-Shamiri Hashem Motahir , Alaizari Nader Ahmed , Al-Maweri Sadeq Ali , Tarakji Bassel
Published: April 2016

Objective: The aim of this study was to assess the level of knowledge and attitude of Saudi dental students in the management of dental trauma in children. Materials and Methods: A self-administered questionnaire comprising 17 close-ended questions was used in this survey. The questions were divided into three parts including: Personal and professional profile; knowledge assessment; attitude toward dental trauma. Data of 307 respondents were analyzed using SPSS (Statistical Package for Social Studies) version 22.0 (IBM Corporation, Chicago, IL, USA). Results: The response rate was 76.8%. Around 40.3% of students reported attending additional courses about dental trauma with a significant difference between males (57.2%) and females (19.4%). The vast majority of students (95.7%) stressed the importance of dental trauma education. While 77% could correctly identify the media of transportation of an avulsed tooth, only 26.9% of the students knew the proper method of transportation. Regarding the knowledge of immediate replantation, only 67.5% of students responded correctly. Conclusion: The present study demonstrates an insufficient knowledge concerning dental trauma management among dental students in Saudi Arabia. This highlights the need to improve the knowledge of dental students regarding dental trauma and its management using a variety of educational methods such as problem-based learning and powering the curriculum concerning those topics of dental trauma.
On the Fermat-type equation $x^3 + y^3 = z^p$
Authors: Freitas Nuno
Published: April 2016

We prove that the Fermat-type equation

x^3 + y^3 = z^p

has no solutions

(a,b,c)

satisfying

abc \neq 0

and gcd

(a,b,c) = 1

when –3 is not a square mod

p

. This improves to approximately 0.844 the Dirichlet density of the set of prime exponents to which the previous equation is known to not have such solutions.

For the proof we develop a criterion of independent interest to decide if two elliptic curves with certain type of potentially good reduction at 2 have symplectically or anti-symplectically isomorphic

p

-torsion modules.