bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
(K,Na)NbO3‐Based Lead‐Free Piezoceramics: Fundamental Aspects, Processing Technologies, and Remaining Challenges
Authors: Li Jing‐Feng , Wang Ke , Zhu Fang‐Yuan , Cheng Li‐Qian , Yao Fang‐Zhou
Published: November 2013

Environment‐friendly lead‐free piezoelectric ceramics have been studied extensively in the past decade with great progress particularly in systems based on a niobate perovskite compound formulated as (K, Na)NbO3 (abbreviated as KNN). A comprehensive review on the latest development of KNN‐based piezoelectric ceramics is presented in this article, including the phase structure, property enhancement approaches, and sintering processes as well as the status of some promising applications. The phase structure of KNN was reexamined and associated with the effect of chemical modification on its tetragonal‐to‐orthorhombic transition. Then, a special focus is placed on the temperature dependence of piezoelectric properties of KNN‐based ceramics, followed by reviewing the recent approaches devoted to the temperature‐stability enhancement. The processing fundamentals related to the sintering of KNN‐based ceramics are also presented with an emphasis on compositional and microstructural control. Finally, this review introduces several industrial attempts of traditional piezoceramic products using KNN‐based ceramics and the studies on some promising application in authors' laboratory.
The legacy of mid‐Holocene fire on a Tasmanian montane landscape
Authors: Fletcher Michael‐Shawn , Wolfe Brent B. , Whitlock Cathy , Pompeani David P. , Heijnis Hendrik , Haberle Simon G. , Gadd Patricia S. , Bowman David M. J. S.
Published: November 2013

Aim

To assess the long‐term impacts of landscape fire on a mosaic of pyrophobic and pyrogenic woody montane vegetation.

Location

South‐west Tasmania, Australia.

Methods

We undertook a high‐resolution multiproxy palaeoecological analysis of sediments deposited in Lake Osborne (Hartz Mountains National Park, southern Tasmania), employing analyses of pollen, macroscopic and microscopic charcoal, organic and inorganic geochemistry and magnetic susceptibility.

Results

Sequential fires within the study catchment over the past 6500 years have resulted in the reduction of pyrophobic rain forest taxa and the establishment of pyrogenic Eucalyptus‐dominated vegetation. The vegetation change was accompanied by soil erosion and nutrient losses. The rate of post‐fire recovery of widespread rain forest taxa (Nothofagus cunninghamii and Eucryphia spp.) conforms to ecological models, as does the local extinction of fire‐sensitive rain forest taxa (Nothofagus gunnii and Cupressaceae) following successive fires.

Main conclusions

The sedimentary analyses indicate that recurrent fires over several centuries caused a catchment‐wide transition from pyrophobic rain forest to pyrophytic eucalypt‐dominated vegetation. The fires within the lake catchment during the 6500‐year long record appear to coincide with high‐frequency El Niño events in the equatorial Pacific Ocean, signalling a potential threat to these highly endemic rain forests if El Niño intensity amplifies as predicted under future climate scenarios.
Longitudinal Associations Between Walking Frequency and Depressive Symptoms in Older Adults: Results from the VoisiNuAge Study
Authors: Julien Dominic , Gauvin Lise , Richard Lucie , Kestens Yan , Payette Hélène
Published: November 2013

Background

Cross‐sectional studies show that walking is associated with depression among older adults, but longitudinal associations have rarely been examined. The aim of this study was to investigate longitudinal associations between walking frequency and depressive symptoms in older adults to determine which variable is the stronger prospective predictor of the other.

Design

Longitudinal; four repeated measures over 5 years.

Setting

Population‐based sample of urban‐dwelling older adults living in the Montreal metropolitan area.

Participants

Participants from the VoisiNuAge study aged 68 to 84 (N = 498).

Measurements

Main exposures: depressive symptoms (Geriatric Depression Scale) and number of walking days in previous week (Physical Activity Scale for the Elderly). Covariates: age, education, and number of chronic illnesses. Cross‐lagged panel analyses were performed in the entire sample and in sex‐stratified subsamples.

Results

Depressive symptoms predicted walking frequency at subsequent time points (and more precisely, higher depressive symptoms were related to fewer walking days), but walking frequency did not predict depressive symptoms at subsequent time points. Stratified analyses revealed that prospective associations were statistically significant in women but not men.

Conclusion

The longitudinal association between walking frequency and depressive symptoms is one in which depressive symptoms predict reduced walking frequency later. Higher depressive symptoms are more likely a cause of reduced walking because of time precedence than vice versa. Future research on longitudinal relationships between meeting physical activity recommendations and depression are warranted.
Exposure to ambient air pollutants and spontaneous abortion
Authors: Moridi Maryam , Ziaei Saeideh , Kazemnejad Anoshirvan
Published: November 2013

Aim

This study aimed to evaluate the correlation between ambient concentrations of air pollutants and first‐trimester spontaneous abortion.

Material and Methods

This was a retrospective case–control study, which was conducted on 296 women from June 2010 to February 2011 in Tehran, Iran. Cases were 148 women who experienced a spontaneous abortion before 14 weeks of gestation while the controls were 148 pregnant women after 14 weeks of gestation and groups were matched on sociodemographics and obstetrics characteristics. The samples were recruited randomly from 10 hospitals. In total, pollutants concentrations were collected at 29 stations hourly throughout the study area. We estimated the mean exposure for each participant and investigated the association between spontaneous abortion and ambient pollutants.

Results

Findings demonstrated that the average of ambient air pollutants in the cases was significantly higher than in the controls (P < 0.05). The odd ratios of abortion in the areas with higher concentrations of CO, NO2, O3 and PM10 were 1.98, 0.96, 0.94 and 1.01, respectively (P < 0.05). Also, the model showed that there was no significant association between prenatal exposures to SO2 and abortion (P > 0.05).

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that pregnant women exposed to ambient air pollutants may be at increased risk of spontaneous abortion. Confirmation by further research is needed.
Endometrial hepatoid adenocarcinoma: A rare cause of elevated serum α‐fetoprotein
Authors: Wu Qiong Yan , Wan Xiao Yun , Xie Xing , Lu Bing Jian
Published: November 2013

Hepatoid adenocarcinoma is a rare and unusual tumor in the female genital tract. Hepatoid adenocarcinoma resembles hepatocellular carcinoma morphologically but develops in extrahepatic organs, and usually demonstrates foci of adenocarcinoma of the primary organ. Tumor cells often stain positive for anti‐α‐fetoprotein antibody, and may be associated with elevated serum α‐fetoprotein, which may be useful as a tumor marker to guide treatment. There is little reliable information to guide clinical management of these unusual tumors and prognosis is poor despite multi‐modal treatment. This report describes the diagnosis and treatment of this tumor in a postmenopausal woman.
Primitive neuroectodermal tumor of the uterine cervix diagnosed during pregnancy: A rare case with review of literature
Authors: Khosla Divya , Rai Bhavana , Patel Firuza D. , Sreedharanunni Sreejesh , Dey Pranab , Sharma Suresh C.
Published: November 2013

Primitive neuroectodermal tumors of the cervix are very rare. A 28‐year‐old pregnant woman presented with a cervical mass. The tumor was staged as IB2. The biopsy from tumor was suggestive of malignant small round cell tumor. She then underwent termination of pregnancy followed by radical hysterectomy. Based on morphologic and immunohistochemical profile, a diagnosis of peripheral primitive neuroectodermal tumor of the cervix was made. The patient received adjuvant chemotherapy and radiotherapy. The patient is alive and disease‐free 33 months post‐surgery. The present case highlights the importance of keeping primitive neuroectodermal tumors in the differential diagnosis of small cell neoplasms of the uterine cervix. Pregnancy should not be a barrier to early detection and treatment of this potentially aggressive tumor. The optimal treatment methods have not yet been established because of the rarity of the tumor.
Cardiac tamponade in pregnancy during the treatment of severe pre‐eclampsia: Report of a case
Authors: Matsuki Rikako , Nakago Satoshi , Takaoka Hideyuki , Oishi Tetsuya , Kotsuji Fumikazu
Published: November 2013

We present a case of cardiac tamponade that occurred during the course of treatment for severe pre‐eclampsia. A 37‐year‐old woman who underwent cesarean section for severe pre‐eclampsia developed cardiac tamponade after delivery. While percutaneous pericardiocentesis temporarily improved her condition, pericardial effusion, dyspnea and tachycardia reappeared 5 days after delivery. A continuous drainage tube placed in the pericardial cavity for 5 days was required to maintain maternal cardiac function. Her clinical course was uneventful after continuous drainage and she was discharged 20 days after delivery. No such causes of symptomatic pericardial effusion were detected in the present case. Physicians should be aware of this complication when dyspnea is accompanied by tachycardia and enlargement of the cardiac silhouette with hypolucent lungs on chest X‐ray. Immediate pericardiocentesis is also required to prevent life‐threatening cardiac tamponade in such cases.
Validity of the Oral Behaviours Checklist: correlations between OBC scores and intensity of facial pain
Authors: van der Meulen M. J. , Lobbezoo F. , Aartman I. H. A. , Naeije M.
Published: November 2013

The first purpose of this study was to translate the Oral Behaviours Checklist (OBC) into Dutch and to examine its psychometric properties. The second purpose was to examine the correlations between scores on the OBC and facial pain, while controlling for the possible confounding effects of psychosocial factors, such as stress, depression, somatisation and anxiety. The OBC was translated, following the international RDC/TMD consortium guidelines. Its psychometric properties were examined by assessing the test–retest reliability and concurrent validity [correlations between the OBC and the previously developed Oral Parafunctions Questionnaire (OPQ)]. Participants were 155 patients with TMD (77% female; mean age and s.d. = 43·6 and 14·4 years). The translation of the OBC into Dutch proceeded satisfactorily. The psychometric properties of the Dutch OBC were good; test–retest reliability was excellent (ICC = 0·86, P < 0·001). Concurrent validity was good: the correlation between the OBC and OPQ was high (r = 0·757, P < 0·001), while the correlations between individual items ranged from 0·389 to 0·892 (P < 0·001). Similar to previous Dutch studies using the OPQ, no significant correlation was found between oral parafunctions and facial pain (r = 0·069, P = 0·892). No significant correlations could be found between oral parafunctional behaviours and facial pain.
Variation in amino acid content and its relationship to nitrogen content and growth rate in Ulva ohnoi (Chlorophyta)
Authors: Angell Alex R. , Mata Leonardo , de Nys Rocky , Paul Nicholas A.
Published: November 2013

To evaluate the quantitative and qualitative changes in amino acids related to internal nitrogen content and growth rate of Ulva ohnoi, the supply of nitrogen to outdoor cultures of the seaweed was manipulated by simultaneously varying water nitrogen concentrations and renewal rate. Both internal nitrogen content and growth rate varied substantially, and the quantitative and qualitative changes in amino acids were described in the context of three internal nitrogen states: nitrogen‐limited, metabolic, and luxury. The nitrogen limited state was defined by increases in all amino acids with increasing nitrogen content and growth up until 1.2% internal nitrogen. The metabolic nitrogen state was defined by increases in all amino acids with increasing internal nitrogen content up to 2.6%, with no increases in growth rate. Luxury state was defined by internal nitrogen content above 2.6%, which occurred only when nitrogen availability was high but growth rates were reduced. In this luxury circumstance, excess nitrogen was accumulated as free amino acids, in two phases. The first phase was distinguished by a small increase in the majority of amino acids up to ≈3.3% internal nitrogen, and the second by a large increase in glutamic acid, glutamine, and arginine up to 4.2% internal nitrogen. These results demonstrate that the relationship between internal nitrogen content and amino acid quality is dynamic but predictable, and could be used for the selective culture of seaweeds.
The Impact of Intravaginal Ejaculatory Latency Time and Erectile Function on Anxiety and Depression in the Four Types of Premature Ejaculation: A Large Cross-Sectional Study in a Chinese Population
Authors: Gao Jingjing , Zhang Xiansheng , Su Puyu , Peng Zhen , Liu Jishuang , Xia Lei , Lu Zhaoxiang , Yang Jiajia , Tang Dongdong , Gao Pan , Zhou Jun , Hao Zongyao , Liang Chaozhao
Published: November 2013

Introduction

A new classification of premature ejaculation (PE) has been proposed, including the categories of lifelong PE (LPE), acquired PE (APE), natural variable PE (NVPE), and premature-like ejaculatory dysfunction (PLED).

Aim

The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of intravaginal ejaculation latency time (IELT) and erectile function on anxiety and depression among patients with PE in general and according to the four types of PE.

Methods

Between September 2011 and September 2012, we conducted a cross-sectional study in the Anhui province of China. We enrolled 4,000 men aged over 18 years, each of whom had been in a stable, monogamous, heterosexual relationship with the same partner for at least 6 months.

Main Outcome Measurements

Self-estimated IELT, the International Index of Erectile Function-5 (IIEF-5) and the Zung Self-Rating Anxiety and Depression Scales (SAS/SDS) were used to measure PE, erectile dysfunction (ED), anxiety, and depression, respectively, among the entire study population.

Results

Of the 3,016 men evaluated, 25.80% complained of PE. Distribution of the four types of PE among men with PE was as follows: LPE, 12.34%; APE, 18.77%; NVPE, 44.09%; PLED, 24.81%. Men with PE presented lower IIEF-5 scores and higher SAS and SDS scores vs. men without PE (P < 0.001 for all). Similar findings were observed in men with APE when compared with other PE syndromes. After adjustment for age in men with PE, IELT was negatively associated with SAS and SDS scores (SAS, adjusted r = −0.42, P < 0.001; SDS, adjusted r = −0.45, P < 0.001). IIEF-5 score was negatively associated with SAS and SDS scores (SAS, adjusted r = −0.54, P < 0.001; SDS, adjusted r = −0.50, P < 0.001). These negative relationships were strongest in men with PLED (IELT vs. SAS: adjusted r = −0.63, P < 0.001; IELT vs. SDS, adjusted r = −0.60, P < 0.001; IIEF-5 vs. SAS: adjusted r = −0.57, P < 0.001; IELT vs. SDS, adjusted r = −0.55, P < 0.001).

Conclusions

APE patients reported higher rates of ED, anxiety, and depression than men with other types of PE. The negative relationships between IELT/IIEF-5 and SAS/SDS were strongest in men with PLED.
The (CA)n Polymorphism of ERβ Gene is Associated with FtM Transsexualism
Authors: Fernández Rosa , Esteva Isabel , Gómez-Gil Esther , Rumbo Teresa , Almaraz Mari Cruz , Roda Ester , Haro-Mora Juan-Jesús , Guillamón Antonio , Pásaro Eduardo
Published: November 2013

Introduction

Transsexualism is a gender identity disorder with a multifactorial etiology. Neurodevelopmental processes and genetic factors seem to be implicated.

Aim

The aim of this study was to investigate the possible influence of the sex hormone-related genes ERβ (estrogen receptor β), AR (androgen receptor), and CYP19A1 (aromatase) in the etiology of female-to-male (FtM) transsexualism.

Methods

In 273 FtMs and 371 control females, we carried out a molecular analysis of three variable regions: the CA repeats in intron 5 of ERβ; the CAG repeats in exon 1 of AR, and the TTTA repeats in intron 4 of CYP19A1.

Main Outcome Measures

We investigated the possible influence of genotype on transsexualism by performing a molecular analysis of the variable regions of genes ERβ, AR, and CYP19A1 in 644 individuals (FtMs and control females).

Results

FtMs differed significantly from control group with respect to the median repeat length polymorphism ERβ (P = 0.002) but not with respect to the length of the other two studied polymorphisms. The repeat numbers in ERβ were significantly higher in FtMs than in control group, and the likelihood of developing transsexualism was higher (odds ratio: 2.001 [1.15–3.46]) in the subjects with the genotype homozygous for long alleles.

Conclusions

There is an association between the ERβ gene and FtM transsexualism. Our data support the finding that ERβ function is directly proportional to the size of the analyzed polymorphism, so a greater number of repeats implies greater transcription activation, possibly by increasing the function of the complex hormone ERβ receptor and thereby encouraging less feminization or a defeminization of the female brain and behavior.
Consensus Recommendations for Standard Therapy of Glomerular Disease in Dogs
Authors:   IRIS Canine GN Study Group Standard Therapy Subgroup, Brown S. , Elliott J. , Francey T. , Polzin D. , Vaden S.
Published: November 2013

Standard therapy forms the basic foundation for care of dogs with glomerular disease, as it is herein recommended for use in all affected animals regardless of causation of the disease. Consensus recommendations target the evaluation and management of proteinuria, inhibition of the renin‐angiotensin‐aldosterone system, modification in dietary intake with special consideration for those nutrients with renal effects, diagnosis and treatment of systemic hypertension, and evaluation and management of body fluid volume status in dogs with glomerular disease.
Transcriptional responses in a Drosophila defensive symbiosis
Authors: Hamilton Phineas T. , Leong Jong S. , Koop Ben F. , Perlman Steve J.
Published: November 2013

Inherited symbionts are ubiquitous in insects and can have important consequences for the fitness of their hosts. Many inherited symbionts defend their hosts against parasites or other natural enemies; however, the means by which most symbionts confer protection is virtually unknown. We examine the mechanisms of defence in a recently discovered case of symbiont‐mediated protection, where the bacterial symbiont Spiroplasma defends the fly Drosophila neotestacea from a virulent nematode parasite, Howardula aoronymphium. Using quantitative PCR of Spiroplasma infection intensities and whole transcriptome sequencing, we attempt to distinguish between the following modes of defence: symbiont–parasite competition, host immune priming and the production of toxic factors by Spiroplasma. Our findings do not support a model of exploitative competition between Howardula and Spiroplasma to mediate defence, nor do we find strong support for host immune priming during Spiroplasma infection. Interestingly, we recovered sequence for putative toxins encoded by Spiroplasma, including a novel putative ribosome‐inactivating protein, transcripts of which are up‐regulated in response to nematode exposure. Protection via the production of toxins may be a widely used and important mechanism in heritable defensive symbioses in insects.
Paraparetic Guillain‐Barré syndrome: Extending the axonal spectrum
Authors: Nagashima Takahide , Kokubun Norito , Shahrizaila Nortina , Funakoshi Kei , Hirata Koichi , Yuki Nobuhiro
Published: November 2013

There are few reports of the paraparetic variant of Guillain‐Barré syndrome, and its pathophysiology is not well understood. We report a patient presenting with acute paraparesis following diarrhea. Serial nerve conduction studies suggested primary axonal injury, and not demyelination, predominantly in the lower limbs compared with the upper limbs. There was serological evidence of recent Campylobacter jejuni infection and strongly positive immunoglobulin G anti‐GD1a antibodies. Paraparetic Guillain‐Barré syndrome is likely to represent a regional form of Guillain‐Barré syndrome, with a nosological position within the axonal subtype.
Treatment of pediatric anxiety disorders
Authors: Rapp Amy , Dodds Alice , Walkup John T. , Rynn Moira
Published: November 2013

This article provides a brief review of the current available data concerning present treatment and potential new treatment advances for pediatric anxiety disorders, such as generalized anxiety disorder, separation anxiety disorder, social phobia, obsessive–compulsive disorder, and posttraumatic stress disorder. Disorder‐specific treatment methods and innovations, particularly computer‐assisted methods of delivery for cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) will be reviewed. Additionally, the paper will discuss novel psychopharmacological compounds (e.g., d‐cycloserine, riluzole, memantine, and anticonvulsant medications). Available evidence for the efficacy of novel medication strategies in adult studies and implications for their use in pediatrics will be discussed.
Xbox—A Source of Nickel Exposure in Children
Authors: Jacob Sharon E.
Published: November 2013

Macintosh laptop computers and iPhone5s were recently added to the list of potential nickel sources. The Xbox gaming controller also joins the list.
Breathing intolerance index in healthy infants
Authors: Hasegawa Hisaya , Henmi Nobuhide , Tsuruta Shio , Miyoshi Yoshitaka , Yamada Yousuke , Muto Junichi , Wasa Masanori
Published: November 2013

Background

The breathing intolerance index (BITI) is used to justify ventilator use in adult patients with pulmonary or chest wall disease. BITI in ventilated patients is mostly ≥0.15. The mean BITI of healthy adults in the upright sitting position and the supine position is 0.050 ± 0.009 and 0.057 ± 0.016, respectively. The aim of this study was to establish a normal BITI in infants.

Methods

Thirty healthy infants were examined in the supine position. BITI was defined as BITI = (Ti/Ttot) × (TV/VC), where Ti is inspiratory time, Ttot is total breath cycle duration, TV is tidal volume, and VC is vital capacity. TV and Ti/Ttot were obtained from tidal breathing at rest and VC was obtained spirometrically. BITI was calculated using customized software.

Results

The mean ± SD BITI of 30 healthy infants in the supine position was 0.120 ± 0.013. The BITI of infants was significantly higher than that of adults.

Conclusions

BITI was measured in healthy infants. Further evaluation is needed to determine the significance and usefulness of BITI.
Cochlear implant after bacterial meningitis
Authors: Bille Jesper , Ovesen Therese
Published: November 2013

Background

The aim of this retrospective case study at a tertiary referral center was to investigate the outcome of cochlear implantation (CI) in children with sensorineural hearing loss due to meningitis compared to CI in children with deafness due to other reasons.

Methods

This post‐meningial group (PMG) consisted of 22 children undergoing CI due to deafness induced by meningitis, between December 1996 and January 2012. Five children had bilateral simultaneous implantation. None was excluded and the children were followed for at least 3 years. Operations were carried out by one of two surgeons using similar techniques in all cases. Each patient from the PMG was matched 2:1 with children having implantation for other reasons according to age and follow up (control group).

Results

Overall, the median category of auditory performance (CAP) and speech intelligibility rating (SIR) score were not statistically significantly different between the two groups. The presence of additional central nervous system (CNS) disorders (post‐meningeal sequelae), however, correlated significantly with poorer outcome

Conclusions

CI was a safe procedure without surgical complications in the present study. It is possible to restore auditory capacity and speech performance to a degree comparable to children undergoing implantation for other reasons. A statistically important variable is secondary CNS involvement. The rehabilitation program after CI should be adjusted according to these additional handicaps. It is recommended to screen meningitis patients as fast as possible to identify those with hearing loss and initiate treatment with hearing aids or CI.
Oral squamous cell carcinoma in two siblings with Fanconi anemia after allogeneic bone marrow transplantation
Authors: Torres‐Pereira Cassius Carvalho , Stramandinoli‐Zanicotti Roberta Targa , Amenábar José Miguel , Sassi Laurindo Moacir , Galbiatti Pedruzzi Paola Andrea , Piazzetta Cleto M. , Bonfim Carmem
Published: November 2013

Fanconi Anemia patients are a high risk group for solid and hematologic malignancies. The risk seems to be influenced by age, chronic graft versus host disease and immunosuppressive drug regimens. Reports of oral malignant transformation in Fanconi Anemia after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) are increasing probably because of longer survival rates. This is the report of an 18‐ and her 28‐year old sister who developed a post‐HSCT oral squamous cell carcinoma. There were significant differences regarding time to malignant transformation, marrow donor characteristics and graft versus host disease evolution and treatment. The report reinforce the need for a routine head and neck screening for cancer in this particular syndrome and suggest that familial history should also be considered in Fanconi anemia patients at risk for oral malignancy after HSCT.
Impacts of land use on soil organic matter and degree of compactness in calcareous soils of central Iran
Authors: Havaee S. , Ayoubi S. , Mosaddeghi M. R. , Keller T.
Published: November 2013

This study was conducted to investigate the impact of land use (dryland farming, grassland and irrigated farming) on bulk density, (ρb) and relative bulk density (ρb‐rel), and to study the relationships between ρb and ρb‐rel, respectively, and soil organic matter content (OM) and soil texture at 100 locations in calcareous soils of central Iran. The ρb–rel was expressed as the ratio of ρb to a reference bulk density, ρbef. By considering ρb‐ref an inherent soil property that is dependent on soil texture but not on OM, the combined effects of OM due to land use and compaction (due to agricultural machinery) on the degree of compactness could be explored. Multiple linear regression was used to derive pedotransfer functions for predicting ρb and ρb‐rel. It was found that ρb‐rel is strongly affected by OM, and a strong correlation was obtained between ρb‐rel and the ratio of OM to clay content. The predictive performance of the multiple regression models was poorest for irrigated farming, which might be explained by intensive soil disturbance by tillage in irrigated farming. The main effect of land use was on OM, and consequently, the degree of compactness was mainly controlled by OM. The greatest OM and least ρb‐rel were measured in irrigated farming. Dryland farming had the least OM and the greatest ρb‐rel.
TheSEPALLATA MADS‐box proteinSLMBP21 forms protein complexes withJOINTLESSandMACROCALYXas a transcription activator for development of the tomato flower abscission zone
Authors: Liu Danmei , Wang Di , Qin Zhengrui , Zhang Dongdong , Yin Lingjie , Wu Liang , Colasanti Joseph , Li Aili , Mao Long
Published: November 2013

Organ abscission is a key step in a plant's life cycle and is one of the most important agronomic traits for crops. In tomato, twoMADS‐box genes,JOINTLESS(J) andMACROCAYLYX(MC), have been shown to be implicated in development of the flower abscission zone (AZ), but the molecular mechanisms underlying this process are not well known. We report here that theSEPALLATA(SEP)MADS‐box geneSLMBP21acts as an additional factor for development of theAZin tomato. We show that knockdown ofSLMBP21abolishes development of the flowerAZ, while overexpression ofSLMBP21produces small cells at the proximal section of the pedicel and the peduncle. Bimolecular fluorescence complementation analysis confirms thatSLMBP21 interacts with J andMC, and co‐immunoprecipitation assays further demonstrates that these three proteins may form higher‐order protein complexes.In situhybridization shows thatSLMBP21,J, andMCtranscripts accumulate in distinct regions, but overlap at theAZvasculature. In addition, transactivation assays in yeast show that, of the three interacting proteins, onlySLMBP21 can activate reporter gene transcription.RNA‐seq analysis furthermore reveals that loss of function ofSLMBP21,J, orMCaffects a common subset of meristem activity genes includingLeWUSandLATERAL SUPPRESSORthat were specifically expressed in theAZon the tomato flower pedicel. SinceSLMBP21belongs to theFBP9/23subclade of theSEPgene family, which is absent inArabidopsis, theSLMBP21–J–MCcomplex may represent a distinct mechanism for development of theAZin plants.
Enhancement of oxidative and drought tolerance in Arabidopsis by overaccumulation of antioxidant flavonoids
Authors: Nakabayashi Ryo , Yonekura‐Sakakibara Keiko , Urano Kaoru , Suzuki Makoto , Yamada Yutaka , Nishizawa Tomoko , Matsuda Fumio , Kojima Mikiko , Sakakibara Hitoshi , Shinozaki Kazuo , Michael Anthony J. , Tohge Takayuki , Yamazaki Mami , Saito Kazuki
Published: November 2013

The notion that plants use specialized metabolism to protect against environmental stresses needs to be experimentally proven by addressing the question of whether stress tolerance by specialized metabolism is directly due to metabolites such as flavonoids. We report that flavonoids with radical scavenging activity mitigate against oxidative and drought stress in Arabidopsis thaliana. Metabolome and transcriptome profiling and experiments with oxidative and drought stress in wild‐type, single overexpressors of MYB12/PFG1 (PRODUCTION OF FLAVONOL GLYCOSIDES1) or MYB75/PAP1 (PRODUCTION OF ANTHOCYANIN PIGMENT1), double overexpressors of MYB12 and PAP1, transparent testa4 (tt4) as a flavonoid‐deficient mutant, and flavonoid‐deficient MYB12 or PAP1 overexpressing lines (obtained by crossing tt4 and the individual MYB overexpressor) demonstrated that flavonoid overaccumulation was key to enhanced tolerance to such stresses. Antioxidative activity assays using 2,2‐diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazyl, methyl viologen, and 3,3′‐diaminobenzidine clearly showed that anthocyanin overaccumulation with strong in vitro antioxidative activity mitigated the accumulation of reactive oxygen species in vivo under oxidative and drought stress. These data confirm the usefulness of flavonoids for enhancing both biotic and abiotic stress tolerance in crops.
Virtual Enterprise Architectural Framework: Collaboration for Small and Medium Enterprises
Authors: Shamsuzzoha A. H. M. , Helo Petri
Published: November 2013

This paper presents a methodological approach to support the running of a temporary collaborative network through the formation and operation of a virtual enterprise (VE), where the participating enterprises, especially small and medium size enterprises (SMEs), collaborate with each other for mutual benefit. Overall VE architectural framework which is considered as the baseline to execute VE manufacturing processes is highlighted in this research. Different components within this architecture such as visualization and configuration, message exchange, process designer, forecasting and simulation, optimization, cloud-based data storage, etc., are briefly explained with respect to their corresponding interfaces with each other. Among all the components of VE architecture, the user interface component termed ‘Dashboard’ is explicitly highlighted with a case example of a VE network. This Dashboard component is implemented to visualize the VE operational activities that directly contribute to monitor and manage the associated collaborative processes successfully. Further research potential along with the general research outcomes are also highlighted in the conclusion section of this paper.
Rapid Finite Element Prediction on Machining Process
Authors: Meng Long , Zhang Xueping , Srivastava Anil K.
Published: November 2013

Finite Element Analysis (FEA) is widely used to simulate machining processes. However, in general, it is time consuming, error-prone, and requires repeated efforts to establish a verified successful Finite Element (FE) model. To rapidly investigate the effects of parameters such as tool angle, feed rate, cutting speed, and temperatures generated during the machining process, an efficient approach is proposed in this paper. The technique has been used to achieve rapid FF simulation during turning and milling processes using Python language programming of Abaqus. Sub-model 1 is programmed to simulate the chip formation process in Abaqus/Explicit. Sub-model 2 is programmed to simulate the cooling spring-back process by importing the machined surface into Abaqus/Implicit. The proposed method is capable of simulating the chip morphology, stress, strain and temperature of the machining process with different parameters immediately. The established FE models are automatically solved in batch by programming script. Post-processing is programmed by Abaqus script to easily achieve and evaluate the simulation results. The Programmed FE models are validated in terms of the predicted chip morphology, cutting forces and residual stresses. This method is extraordinarily efficient saving more than 33% simulation time in comparison to existing FEA approach used for machining processes. Moreover, the script is concise, easy to debug, and effectively avoiding interactive mistakes. The rapid programming model provides a novel, efficiency and convenient approach to thoroughly investigate the effects of a large number of parameters on machining processes.
An Empirical Model for the Coefficient of Friction in Injection Molding of Thermoplastics
Authors: Bataineh Omar
Published: November 2013

Predicting friction forces present between part and mold surfaces in injection molding of thermoplastics is considered an important step in the design of the ejector system. However, this requires calculating the coefficient of friction at the contact surfaces, which is usually a complex task. In this study, an empirical model is developed in an attempt to estimate the coefficient of friction as applicable for the injection molding of thermoplastics. It is assumed in this model that the coefficient of friction is a sum of two correlated effects: adhesion effect and surface roughness effect. Both effects are treated as functions of mold surface’s average asperity slope.
Requirements and Concept for a Manufacturing Service Management and Execution Platform for Customizable Products
Authors: Rauschecker Ursula , Stöhr Matthias , Schel Daniel
Published: November 2013

Cloud manufacturing provides solutions for a number of tasks concerning the integration of manufacturing resources and production networks. Through it, new possibilities also arise for increasing product individualization. The paper describes how cloud manufacturing concepts allow an Internet marketplace to be established for flexible manufacturing services, which can be used to provide customized products. To do this, first of all use cases related to an appropriate IT infrastructure are analyzed with special regard to the management of manufacturing services which are used to represent manufacturing resources from a technical, financial, logistical, and contractual perspective. Furthermore, requirements on the platform which have to be fulfilled during execution of manufacturing services in a manufacturing cloud are explained and concepts and an architecture for realization of both are described.
Effect of Ball Nose End Mill Geometry on High Speed Machining of Ti6Al4V
Authors: Kuppuswamy Ramesh , Bower Deon , March Poloko
Published: November 2013

The application of Titanium alloys are increasingly seen at aerospace, marine, bio-medical and precision engineering due to its high strength to weight ratio and high temperature properties. However while machining the titanium alloys using solid carbide tools, even with jet infusion of coolant lower tool life was vividly seen. The high temperatures generated at the tool-work interface causes adhesion of work-material on the cutting edges and hence shorter tool life was reported. To reduce the high tool work interface temperature positive rake angle, higher primary relief and higher secondary relief were configured on the ball nose end-mill cutting edges. However after a initial working period the growth of flank wear facilitates higher cutting forces followed by work-material adhesion on the cutting edges. Therefore it is important to blend the: strength, sharpness, geometry and surface integrity on the cutting edges so that the ball nose end mill would demonstrate an extended tool-life. This paper illustrates the effect of ball nose end mill geometry on high speed machining of Ti6Al4V. Three different ball nose end mill geometries were configured and high speed machining experiments were conducted to study the influence of tool geometry on the metal cutting mechanism of Ti-6Al-4V alloy. The high speed machining results predominantly emphasize the significance of cutting edge features such as: K-Land, rake angle and cutting edge radius. The ball nose end-mills featured with a short negative rake angle of value −5° for 0.05–0.06 mm i.e., K-Land followed by positive rake angle of value 8° has produced lower cutting forces signatures for Ti-6Al-4V alloy.
Dilute Acid Pretreatment of Wheat Straw: A Predictive Model for Energy Consumption Using Response Surface Methodology
Authors: Song Xiaoxu , Zhang Meng , Pei Z. J. , Nottingham A. J. , Zhang P. F.
Published: November 2013

Response surface methodology was used to study the effects of parameters namely, time, temperature, and solid content and to optimize the process conditions for the minimum energy consumption in dilute acid pretreatment. Box-Behnken design using response surface methodology was employed. Effects of time and temperature are significant at the significant level of α = 0.05. Longer time and higher temperature result in higher power energy consumption. The best optimal values of the process conditions are time 14–21 min and temperature 129–139 °C.
Optimization of Input Variables in Ultrasonic Vibration-Assisted Pelleting of Cellulosic Biomass Using Multiple Response Surface Methodology
Authors: Zhang Qi , Zhang Pengfei , Chang Shing , Pei Z. J. , Wang Donghai
Published: November 2013

Cellulosic ethanol is an attractive alternative to petroleum-based liquid transportation fuels. However, low density of cellulosic biomass (the feedstock for cellulosic ethanol) causes high costs in biomass logistics and hinders large-scale and cost-effective manufacturing of cellulosic ethanol. Ultrasonic vibration-assisted (UV-A) pelleting can significantly increase the density of cellulosic biomass by compressing raw cellulosic biomass into pellets. Pellet density and durability are two important physical properties of a pellet. In this study, a multiple response surface methodology was employed to optimize the input variables (pelleting time, pressure, and ultrasonic power) in UV-A pelleting of sorghum stalks for simultaneously maximized pellet density and durability. Second-order polynomial models were used to fit the experimental results. Main and interaction effects of the input variables on pellet density and durability were also investigated.
Dilute Acid Pretreatment and Enzymatic Hydrolysis of Woody Biomass for Biofuel Manufacturing: Effects of Particle Size on Sugar Conversion
Authors: Zhang Meng , Song Xiaoxu , Zhang Pengfei , Pei Z. J.
Published: November 2013

Biofuels derived from cellulosic biomass offer a promising alternative to petroleum-based liquid transportation fuels. Cellulosic biomass can be converted into biofuels through biochemical pathway. This pathway consists of two major conversions: sugar conversion and ethanol conversion. Sugar yield in sugar conversion is critical to the cost effectiveness of biofuel manufacturing, because it is approximately proportional to the ethanol biofuel yield. Cellulosic biomass sugar conversion consists of pretreatment and enzymatic hydrolysis. Biomass particle size is an important factor affecting sugar yield. The literature contains many studies investigating the relationship between particle size and sugar yield. Many studies focused only on the sugar yield in enzymatic hydrolysis, and failed to take into account the biomass weight loss during pretreatment. This weight loss results in a loss of the amount of potential sugar (cellulose), which continues going into enzymatic hydrolysis. Without considering this loss, cellulosic biomass with a higher enzymatic hydrolysis sugar yield may end up with a lower total sugar yield through sugar conversion. The present study aims to address this issue by investigating the effects of biomass particle size using total sugar yield, a parameter considering both the biomass weight loss in pretreatment and the sugar yield in enzymatic hydrolysis.
Unit Process Life Cycle Inventory Models of Hot Forming Processes
Authors: Buis Jennifer J. , Sutherland John W. , Zhao Fu
Published: November 2013

Life cycle assessment (LCA) is a widely used tool to evaluate the environmental profile of a product or process, and can serve as a starting point for product and process improvement. Using LCA to support sustainable product design and sustainable manufacturing has recently attracted increasing interest. Unfortunately, the available life cycle inventory databases have very limited coverage of manufacturing processes. To make matters worse, the available datasets are either highly aggregated or consider only selected processes and process conditions. In addition, in the case of the latter, the data provided may be based on limited measurements or even just estimates. This raises questions on applicability of these databases to manufacturing process improvement where different operating parameters and conditions are adopted. Recently a novel methodology called “unit process life cycle inventory” or “uplci” has been proposed to address these issues, and models for several machining processes (e.g., turning, milling, and drilling) and joining (e.g, submerged arc welding) have been developed. This paper follows the uplci approach and develops models for a series of hot forming processes, including billet heating, performing, and indirect extrusion. It is shown that the model predictions on energy consumption are in good agreement with data measured on a production line. For hot forming processes, the results suggest that billet heating dominates the overall energy consumption and the carbon footprint relative to the deformation steps.
A New Velocity Estimator for Motion Control Systems
Authors: Zheng Huawen , Zuo Guokun , Zhang Wenwu
Published: November 2013

In motion control systems, differentiated position signal is commonly used to estimate velocity, and used for speed feedback control. Position quantization error can result in the amount of noise jamming, which affects system control precision and stability. In this paper, a simple but reliable velocity estimator is proposed to estimate velocity from the measured position. This estimator consists of two parts: a traditional moving-average filter for data smoothing process, and a closed-loop PID controller to compensate the phase lag caused by smoothing process. Simulation and experimental results demonstrate that the quantization error in the velocity feedback signal can be reduced dramatically when the proposed estimator is used for velocity estimation, the estimated signal has fewer phase lag than the traditional velocity estimation method, and the current noise of motor is reduced as well.
High Speed Turning of AISI 4140 Steel Using Nanofluid Through Twin Jet SQL System
Authors: Roy Sougata , Ghosh Amitava
Published: November 2013

Application of small quantity lubrication (SQL) technology in high speed machining is being recognized as a sustainable approach for achieving suitable cooling/lubrication in machining zone. Present investigation focused on effectiveness of SQL with nanofluids in high speed turning of AISI 4140 steel with a TiN-top coated multilayered carbide insert and explored the advantages of using a twin-jet SQL system instead of a single jet one. SQL system was developed in-house with external-mix nozzles. The experiment was conducted varying the cutting velocity at two different feed rates (0.05mm/rev and 0.10mm/rev) with conventional coolant and nanofluids. Immediate improvement in machinability and the quality of turned surface was observed with twin-jet nanofluid SQL. A significant reduction of force and specific energy could be achieved by using 3vol% alumina and 1vol% multi walled carbon nano tube (MWCNT) nanofluid instead of soluble oil. The MWCNT nanofluid was found to be superior to alumina nanofluid in reduction of tensile residual stress. Such a reduction is typically an indirect indication of reduction of cutting zone temperature, which could be achieved due to enhanced level of lubricity at chip-tool interface and enhanced level of heat dissipation ability of the nanofluids. Improvement in retention of sharpness of tool cutting edges was also observed under nanofluid-SQL environment, which could have played important role in improvement of surface quality.
A Motion Study of a Manipulator for Transferring Microparts in a Multi Stage Former
Authors: Mahshid Rasoul , Hansen Hans Nørgaard , Hansen Casper , Arentoft Mogens
Published: November 2013

In the earlier studies, it was shown that a whole multi stage former can be divided into three major sub-sections, the positioning unit, the gripping unit and the forming unit. The two first units were investigated and related parameters and features of each were discussed. This research herein deals with the forming unit. For this research, the positioning unit and the gripping unit are applied to the forming unit including a micro press equipped with a die system. The analysis focuses on verifying the results already extracted from previous researches by implementing all mentioned units together. A motion study of the system gives an overview of different steps and movements inside the multi stage former. Significantly, increasing the production rate increases the acceleration and also causes the time frame tight. The time limitations put overlaps on the moving parts in terms of milliseconds. A high speed camera was used in the experiments with high resolution to show the details of the motion while enabling to detect any unwanted movement within milliseconds. Importantly, increasing the frequency of image capturing within the movement is another beneficial feature in the high speed camera in order to give sufficient information on critical movements where they may need sensors and enough time to ensure getting at the right position as programmed. In this research the production rate raised to 169 strokes per minute. The results show that the concept introduced for the manipulator works very well at a real process implementation. This significantly approves the techniques already were given to evaluate the precisio in the positioning unit and the gripping unit.