bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Non-similar solutions for natural convection from a moving vertical plate with a convective thermal boundary condition
Authors: Pantokratoras Asterios
Published: April 2014

In a recent paper by Makinde (Thermal Science, 2011, Vol. 15, Suppl. 1, pp.
S137-S143.) the effect of thermal buoyancy along a moving vertical plate with
internal heat generation was considered. The plate thermal boundary condition
was a convective condition with a heat transfer coefficient proportional to
x-1/2 . The fluid thermal expansion coefficient was proportional to 1-x and
the internal heat generation was assumed to decay exponentially across the
boundary layer and proportional to x-1 in order that the problem accepts a
similarity solution. In the present work, the same problem without heat
generation is considered, with constant heat transfer coefficient and
constant thermal expansion coefficient which is more realistic and has much
more practical applications. The present problem is non-similar and results
are obtained with the direct numerical solution of the governing equations.
The problem is governed by the Prandtl number, the non-dimensional distance
along the plate and a convective Grashof number, which is introduced for the
first time. It is found that the wall shear stress, the wall heat transfer
and the wall temperature, all increase with increasing distance and the wall
temperature tends to 1. The influence of the convective Grashof number is to
increase the wall shear stress and the wall heat transfer and to reduce the
wall temperature.
Experimental approach to investigate the dynamics of mixing coolant flow in complex geometry using PIV and PLIF techniques
Authors: Hutli Ezddin , Gottlasz Valer , Tar Dániel , Ezsol Gyorgy , Baranyai Gabor
Published: April 2014

The aim of this work is to investigate experimentally the increase of mixing
phenomenon in a coolant flow in order to improve the heat transfer, the
economical operation and the structural integrity of Light Water
Reactors-Pressurized Water Reactors (LWRs-PWRs). Thus the parameters related
to the heat transfer process in the system will be investigated. Data from a
set of experiments, obtained by using high precision measurement techniques,
Particle Image Velocimetry and Planar Laser-Induced Fluorescence (PIV and
PLIF, respectively) are to improve the basic understanding of turbulent
mixing phenomenon and to provide data for CFD code validation. The coolant
mixing phenomenon in the head part of a fuel assembly which includes spacer
grids has been investigated (the fuel simulator has half-length of a VVER 440
reactor fuel). The two-dimensional velocity vector and temperature fields in
the area of interest are obtained by PIV and PLIF technique, respectively.
The measurements of the turbulent flow in the regular tube channel around the
thermocouple proved that there is rotation and asymmetry in the coolant flow
caused by the mixing grid and the geometrical asymmetry of the fuel bundle.
Both PIV and PLIF results showed that at the level of the core exit
thermocouple the coolant is homogeneous. The discrepancies that could exist
between the outlet average temperature of the coolant and the temperature at
in-core thermocouple were clarified. Results of the applied techniques showed
that both of them can be used as good provider for data base and to validate
CFD results.
Limb apraxia in multiple sclerosis
Authors: Rapaic Dragan , Medenica Veselin , Kozomora Ruzica , Ivanovic Lidija
Published: April 2014

Background/Aim. There are almost no studies on apraxia in people with
multiple sclerosis. Although the white matter is damaged in MS, it is not the
only location in which the pathological changes are present. Demyelinated
lesions in the cortex have recently been recognized as important components
of multiple sclerosis pathology. The aim of this study was to determine
whether apraxia is present among people with MS, and the importance of
demographic characteristics and impairment of functional systems at
conceptualization and execution of movements. Methods. The experimental group
consisted of 30 patients, mean age 51.34 ? 7.70 years. The patients in the
experimental group were diagnosed with MS according to the McDonald criteria.
The control group consisted of 30 healthy subjects, mean age 50.30 ? 10.47
years. For research purposes, we used the following instruments:
Questionnaire for Collecting Demographic Data, Kurtzke Functional Systems
Scores, Waterloo-Sunnybrook Apraxia Battery (WatAB). Execution of motion
tasks that are a part of the Watwere incorporated in the System for the
Observation and Analysis of Motor Behavior. Results. Our study showed that
limb apraxia was common in people with MS. Apraxia was present during
pantomime in 26.70% of the patients, and during the imitation of movements in
44.80% of the patients. Gender, age, education level, duration of disease and
a form of MS did not determine the quality of conceptualization and execution
of movements. The time elapsed from the last exacerbation was a determinant
of quality of executed movements. Impairments of functional systems predicted
impairments of movement execution. The expanded disability scale score
correlated with the severity of apraxia. Conclusion. Our study confirm the
presence of apraxia in MS. It is necessary to carry out further studies using
functional magnetic resonance imaging, as well as the conduct longitudinal
studies to determine the precise structure of motor behavior in people with
MS.
Traumatic mesenteric pseudocyst
Authors: Mickovic Sasa , Bezmarevic Mihailo , Nikolic-Mickovic Irena , Mitrovic Miroslav , Tufegdzic Ivana , Mirkovic Darko , Sekulovic Leposava
Published: April 2014

Introduction. Mesenteric pseudocysts have rarely been described in
literature. They belong to a group of mesenteric cysts that are very rare
intra-abdominal pathology regardless of the origin. The diagnosis is often
difficult to make, because of the diversity of clinical symptoms. The
definitive histopathological diagnosis determines the origin and further
course of treatment. Case report. We reported a patient with post-traumatic
mesenteric pseudocyst. It was localised on the mesenteric side, in the direct
contact with the small intestine. We surgically re-moved the pseudocyst along
with a part of the small intestine with success. The patient?s recovery was
eventless, with no complications. Conclusion. Only by complete cyst removal,
the definitive, accurate histopathological diagnosis and classification can
be made.
Kidney failure as an unusual initial presentation of biclonal gammopathy (IgD multiple myeloma associated with light chain disease): A case report
Authors: Rabrenovic Violeta , Mijuskovic Zoran , Marjanovic Slobodan , Rabrenovic Milorad , Jovanovic Dragan , Antic Svetlana , Ignjatovic Ljiljana , Petrovic Milica , Pilcevic Dejan
Published: April 2014

Introduction. Immunoglobulin D (IgD) myeloma is a rare disease, about 2% of
all myelomas, even rarer when accompanied with another multiple myeloma in
biclonal gammopathy. We presented a case of biclonal gammopathy - associated
manifestation of IgD myeloma and light chain disease in a patient who
initially had renal failure. Case report. 37-year-old male approximately one
month before hospitalization began to feel malaise and fatigue along with
decreased urination. Laboratory analysis revealed azotemia. A dialysis
catheter was placed and hemodialysis started. The patient was then admitted
to our hospital for further tests and during admission, objective examination
revealed pronounced paleness with hepatosplenomegaly and hypertension (170/95
mmHg). Laboratory analysis showed erythrocyte sedimentation rate 122 mm/h,
expressed anemic syndrome (Hb 71 g/L) and renal failure dialysis rank:
creatinine 1,408 ?mol/L, urea31.7 mmol/L. There was two M components in serum
protein electrophoresis: IgD lambda and free light chain lambda. Proteinuria
was nephrotic rank (5.4 g/24 h), whose electrophoresis revealed 2 M
components - massive in ? 2 fraction of 71%; 7% in the discrete ? fraction,
beta 2M /serum 110 mg/L, in urine 1.8 mg/L - extremely high; IgL kappa /
lambda index 1 : 13 (reference value ratio 2 : 1). The findings pointed to
double myeloma disease: IgD myeloma and Bence Jones lambda myeloma. Bone
biopsy confirmed IgD myeloma lambda 100% infiltration medulla predominantly
plasmablasts. The treatment continued with hemodialysis 3 times per week with
chemotherapy protocol bortezomib, doxorubicin, dexamethasone. After 4 cycles
of chemotherapy, there was a decrease of IgD, ? - light chains, reduction in
proteinuria (1.03 g/24 h), so hemodialysis was reduced to once per week. Six
months after treatment initiation the patient underwent autologous bone
marrow transplantation. In a 2-year follow-up period double myeloma disease
showed complete remission. Conclusion. The presented rare form of double
myeloma disease with initial renal insufficiency underscores the importance
of careful observation and team-work that can alter the course of this
serious disease.
Determinants of “Sticky Costs”: An Analysis of Cost Behavior using United States Air Transportation Industry Data
Authors: Cannon James N.
Published: April 2014

This paper examines determinants of sticky cost behavior, costs that increase faster than they decrease as demand fluctuates. The majority of the literature infers that sticky costs arise because managers retain idle capacity as demand falls, but add capacity as demand grows. I use United States Air Transportation industry data to confirm that managers do retain idle capacity when demand falls. However, I also find that sticky costs arise because managers lower selling prices to utilize existing capacity when demand falls, but add capacity (rather than raise selling prices) when demand grows. Finally, I find that sticky costs arise because managers incur more cost when adding capacity as demand grows than they incur when they add capacity as demand falls. Conversely, I find evidence of anti-sticky costs that occur because managers save more cost by removing capacity when demand falls than they save by removing capacity when demand grows.

Data Availability: Data are available from the author upon request.
Significance of analysing chemical composition of renal stones
Authors: Koirala S
Published: April 2014

Background: This article aims to decipher chemical composition of renal stones and briefly outline laboratory tests and dietary habitual changes aimed at preventing stone recurrence. It is based on analysis of 95 renal stones received in a private lab in Kathmandu over a period of 1 year. Materials and Methods: Renal stones were analysed using simple qualitative biochemical tests.The stones were checked for presence of calcium, magnesium, ammonium, oxalate, phosphate, uric acid, cystine and carbonate. Results: Calcium was present in 97.8%, ammonium was present in 98.9%, phosphate was present in 25.2%, uric acid was present in 17.8%, magnesium was present in 10.5%, carbonate was present in 2.1% and cystine was not present in any of the stones. Most of the stones were composed of mixture of two or more than two of the above mentioned elements. Conclusion: Most stones are mixture of more than two cations and anions. Studies on larger test samples and if possible in correlation with routine examination of urine and urinary electrolyte excretion in a 24 hr urine sample would further aid in efforts aimed at preventing stone recurrence. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/jpn.v4i7.10314 Journal of Pathology of Nepal (2014) Vol. 4, 560-564
Hepatoprotective and Antioxidant Potential of Organic and Conventional Grape Juices in Rats Fed a High-Fat Diet
Authors: Buchner Iselde , Medeiros Niara , Lacerda Denise , Normann Carlos , Gemelli Tanise , Rigon Paula , Wannmacher Clovis , Henriques João , Dani Caroline , Funchal Cláudia
Published: April 2014

The objective of this study was to investigate the antioxidant and hepatoprotective effect of the chronic use of conventional (CGJ) or organic (OGJ) grape juice from the Bordeaux variety grape on oxidative stress and cytoarchitecture in the liver of rats supplemented with a high-fat diet (HFD) for three months. The results demonstrated that HFD induced an increase in thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances (TBARS), catalase (CAT) activity and 2′,7′-dihydrodichlorofluorescein (DCFH) oxidation and a decrease in sulfhydryl content and superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activities. HFD also induced hepatocellular degeneration and steatosis. These alterations were prevented by CGJ and OGJ, where OGJ was more effective. Therefore, it was concluded that HFD induced oxidative stress and liver damage and that the chronic use of grape juice was able to prevent these alterations.
Assessing the Influence of Seasonal and Spatial Variations on the Estimation of Secondary Organic Carbon in Urban Particulate Matter by Applying the EC-Tracer Method
Authors: Wagener Sandra , Langner Marcel , Hansen Ute , Moriske Heinz-Jörn , Endlicher Wilfried
Published: April 2014

The elemental carbon (EC)-tracer method was applied to PM10 and PM1 data of three sampling sites in the City of Berlin from February to October 2010. The sites were characterized by differing exposure to traffic and vegetation. The aim was to determine the secondary organic carbon (SOC) concentration and to describe the parameters influencing the application of the EC-tracer method. The evaluation was based on comparisons with results obtained from positive matrix factorization (PMF) applied to the same samples. To obtain site- and seasonal representative primary OC/EC-ratios ([OC/EC]p), the EC-tracer method was performed separately for each station, and additionally discrete for samples with high and low contribution of biomass burning. Estimated SOC-concentrations for all stations were between 11% and 33% of total OC. SOC-concentrations obtained with PMF exceeded EC-tracer results more than 100% at the park in the period with low biomass burning emissions in PM10. The deviations were besides others attributed to the high ratio of biogenic to combustion emissions and to direct exposure to vegetation. The occurrences of biomass burning emissions in contrast lead to increased SOC-concentrations compared to PMF in PM10. The obtained results distinguish that the EC-tracer-method provides well comparable results with PMF if sites are strongly influenced by one characteristic primary combustion source, but was found to be adversely influenced by direct and relatively high biogenic emissions.
Tracing Sources of Total Gaseous Mercury to Yongheung Island off the Coast of Korea
Authors: Lee Gang , Kim Pyung , Han Young , Holsen Thomas , Lee Seung
Published: April 2014

In this study, total gaseous mercury (TGM) concentrations were measured on Yongheung Island off the coast of Korea between mainland Korea and Eastern China in 2013. The purpose of this study was to qualitatively evaluate the impact of local mainland Korean sources and regional Chinese sources on local TGM concentrations using multiple tools including the relationship with other pollutants, meteorological data, conditional probability function, backward trajectories, and potential source contribution function (PSCF) receptor modeling. Among the five sampling campaigns, two sampling periods were affected by both mainland Korean and regional sources, one was caused by mainland vehicle emissions, another one was significantly impacted by regional sources, and, in the remaining period, Hg volatilization from oceans was determined to be a significant source and responsible for the increase in TGM concentration. PSCF identified potential source areas located in metropolitan areas, western coal-fired power plant locations, and the southeastern industrial area of Korea as well as the Liaoning province, the largest Hg emitting province in China. In general, TGM concentrations generally showed morning peaks (07:00~12:00) and was significantly correlated with solar radiation during all sampling periods.
A Phage Display Screening Derived Peptide with Affinity for the Adeninyl Moiety
Authors: Elmlund Louise , Söderberg Pernilla , Suriyanarayanan Subramanian , Nicholls Ian
Published: April 2014

Phage display screening of a surface-immobilized adenine derivative led to the identification of a heptameric peptide with selectivity for adenine as demonstrated through quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) studies. The peptide demonstrated a concentration dependent affinity for an adeninyl moiety decorated surface (KD of 968 ± 53.3 μM), which highlights the power of piezoelectric sensing in the study of weak interactions.
Subject Combination and Electrode Selection in Cooperative Brain-Computer Interface Based on Event Related Potentials
Authors: Cecotti Hubert , Rivet Bertrand
Published: April 2014

New paradigms are required in Brain-Computer Interface (BCI) systems for the needs and expectations of healthy people. To solve this issue, we explore the emerging field of cooperative BCIs, which involves several users in a single BCI system. Contrary to classical BCIs that are dependent on the unique subject’s will, cooperative BCIs are used for problem solving tasks where several people shall be engaged by sharing a common goal. Similarly as combining trials over time improves performance, combining trials across subjects can significantly improve performance compared with when only a single user is involved. Yet, cooperative BCIs may only be used in particular settings, and new paradigms must be proposed to efficiently use this approach. The possible benefits of using several subjects are addressed, and compared with current single-subject BCI paradigms. To show the advantages of a cooperative BCI, we evaluate the performance of combining decisions across subjects with data from an event-related potentials (ERP) based experiment where each subject observed the same sequence of visual stimuli. Furthermore, we show that it is possible to achieve a mean AUC superior to 0.95 with 10 subjects and 3 electrodes on each subject, or with 4 subjects and 6 electrodes on each subject. Several emerging challenges and possible applications are proposed to highlight how cooperative BCIs could be efficiently used with current technologies and leverage BCI applications.
Review of the CdCl2 Treatment Used in CdS/CdTe Thin Film Solar Cell Development and New Evidence towards Improved Understanding
Authors: Dharmadasa I.
Published: April 2014

Cadmium chloride treatment is a key processing step identified in the late 1970s to drastically improve the solar to electric conversion efficiency of CdS/CdTe thin film solar cells. Although a large body of experimental results are available to date, this process is yet to be understood even after three decades of research. This paper reviews the experimental results available, presents some new clues leading to improved understanding and suggests key research areas necessary to fully understand this crucial processing step. Improved understanding will lead to further increase in conversion efficiency of CdS/CdTe solar cells well beyond 20%.
A New Topology and Control Strategy for a Hybrid Battery-Ultracapacitor Energy Storage System
Authors: Xiang Changle , Wang Yanzi , Hu Sideng , Wang Weida
Published: April 2014

This study investigates a new hybrid energy storage system (HESS), which consists of a battery bank and an ultra-capacitor (UC) bank, and a control strategy for this system. The proposed topology uses a bi-directional DC-DC converter with a lower power rating than those used in the traditional HESS topology. The proposed HESS has four operating modes, and the proposed control strategy chooses the appropriate operating mode and regulates the distribution of power between the battery bank and the UC bank. Additionally, the control system prevents surges during mode switching and ensures that both the battery bank and the bi-directional DC-DC converter operate within their power limits. The proposed HESS is used to improve the performance of an existing power-split hybrid electric vehicle (HEV). A method for calculating the parameters of the proposed HESS is presented. A simulation model of the proposed HESS and control strategy was developed, and a scaled-down experimental platform was constructed. The results of the simulations and the experiments provide strong evidence for the feasibility of the proposed topology and the control strategy. The performance of the HESS is not influenced by the power limits of the bi-directional DC-DC converter.
Battery Management System—Balancing Modularization Based on a Single Switched Capacitor and Bi-Directional DC/DC Converter with the Auxiliary Battery
Authors: Daowd Mohamed , Antoine Mailier , Omar Noshin , Lataire Philippe , Van Den Bossche Peter , Van Mierlo Joeri
Published: April 2014

Lithium-based batteries are considered as the most advanced batteries technology, which can be designed for high energy or high power storage systems. However, the battery cells are never fully identical due to the fabrication process, surrounding environment factors and differences between the cells tend to grow if no measures are taken. In order to have a high performance battery system, the battery cells should be continuously balanced for maintain the variation between the cells as small as possible. Without an appropriate balancing system, the individual cell voltages will differ over time and battery system capacity will decrease quickly. These issues will limit the electric range of the electric vehicle (EV) and some cells will undergo higher stress, whereby the cycle life of these cells will be shorter. Quite a lot of cell balancing/equalization topologies have been previously proposed. These balancing topologies can be categorized into passive and active balancing. Active topologies are categorized according to the active element used for storing the energy such as capacitor and/or inductive component as well as controlling switches or converters. This paper proposes an intelligent battery management system (BMS) including a battery pack charging and discharging control with a battery pack thermal management system. The BMS user input/output interfacing. The battery balancing system is based on battery pack modularization architecture. The proposed modularized balancing system has different equalization systems that operate inside and outside the modules. Innovative single switched capacitor (SSC) control strategy is proposed to balance between the battery cells in the module (inside module balancing, IMB). Novel utilization of isolated bidirectional DC/DC converter (IBC) is proposed to balance between the modules with the aid of the EV auxiliary battery (AB). Finally an experimental step-up has been implemented for the validation of the proposed balancing system.
Autoregressive with Exogenous Variables and Neural Network Short-Term Load Forecast Models for Residential Low Voltage Distribution Networks
Authors: Bennett Christopher , Stewart Rodney , Lu Junwei
Published: April 2014

This paper set out to identify the significant variables which affect residential low voltage (LV) network demand and develop next day total energy use (NDTEU) and next day peak demand (NDPD) forecast models for each phase. The models were developed using both autoregressive integrated moving average with exogenous variables (ARIMAX) and neural network (NN) techniques. The data used for this research was collected from a LV transformer serving 128 residential customers. It was observed that temperature accounted for half of the residential LV network demand. The inclusion of the double exponential smoothing algorithm, autoregressive terms, relative humidity and day of the week dummy variables increased model accuracy. In terms of R2 and for each modelling technique and phase, NDTEU hindcast accuracy ranged from 0.77 to 0.87 and forecast accuracy ranged from 0.74 to 0.84. NDPD hindcast accuracy ranged from 0.68 to 0.74 and forecast accuracy ranged from 0.56 to 0.67. The NDTEU models were more accurate than the NDPD models due to the peak demand time series being more variable in nature. The NN models had slight accuracy gains over the ARIMAX models. A hybrid model was developed which combined the best traits of the ARIMAX and NN techniques, resulting in improved hindcast and forecast fits across the all three phases.
Effects of Nutrition and Exercise Health Behaviors on Predicted Risk of Cardiovascular Disease among Workers with Different Body Mass Index Levels
Authors: Huang Jui-Hua , Huang Shu-Ling , Li Ren-Hau , Wang Ling-Hui , Chen Yu-Ling , Tang Feng-Cheng
Published: April 2014

Workplace health promotion programs should be tailored according to individual needs and efficient intervention. This study aimed to determine the effects of nutrition and exercise health behaviors on predicted risk for cardiovascular disease (CVD) when body mass index (BMI) is considered. In total, 3350 Taiwanese workers were included in this cross-sectional study. A self-reported questionnaire was used to measure their nutrition and exercise behaviors. Data on anthropometric values, biochemical blood determinations, and predicted CVD risk (using the Framingham risk score) were collected. In multiple regression analyses, the nutrition behavior score was independently and negatively associated with CVD risk. Exercise was not significantly associated with the risk. However, the interactive effect of exercise and BMI on CVD risk was evident. When stratified by BMI levels, associations between exercise and CVD risk were statistically significant for ideal weight and overweight subgroups. In conclusion, nutrition behavior plays an important role in predicting the CVD risk. Exercise behavior is also a significant predictor for ideal weight and overweight workers. Notably, for underweight or obese workers, maintaining health-promoting exercise seems insufficient to prevent the CVD. In order to improve workers’ cardiovascular health, more specific health-promoting strategies should be developed to suit the different BMI levels.
Lessons from Community Mental Health to Drive Implementation in Health Care Systems for People with Long-Term Conditions
Authors: Tansella Michele , Thornicroft Graham , Lempp Heidi
Published: April 2014

This paper aims to identify which lessons learned from the evidence and the experiences accruing from the transformation in mental health services in recent decades may have relevance for the future development of healthcare for people with long-term physical conditions. First, nine principles are discussed which we first identified to guide mental health service organisation, and all of which can be potentially applied to long term care as well (autonomy, continuity, effectiveness, accessibility, comprehensiveness, equity, accountability, co-ordination, and efficiency). Second, we have outlined innovative operational aspects of service user participation, many of which were first initiated and consolidated in the mental health field, and some of which are now also being implemented in long term care (including case management, and crisis plans). We conclude that long term conditions, whether mental or physical, deserve a long-term commitment from the relevant health services, and indeed where continuity and co-ordination are properly funded implemented, this can ensure that the symptomatic course is more stable, quality of life is enhanced, and the clinical outcomes are more favourable. Innovations such as self-management for long-term conditions (intended to promote autonomy and empowerment) need to be subjected to the same level of rigorous scientific scrutiny as any other treatment or service interventions.
Psychological Health and Life Experiences of Pregnant Adolescent Mothers in Jamaica
Authors: Wilson-Mitchell Karline , Bennett Joanna , Stennett Rosain
Published: April 2014

A recent Jamaican school-based survey revealed that 23.1% of 13–15 year-olds, had attempted suicide one or more times during the last 12 months. Research that links adolescent pregnancy and suicidal behaviour is lacking in Jamaica. Psychological distress and suicidal behaviours amongst pregnant adolescents elsewhere in the Americas has been documented at prevalence of between 13.3%–20%. The purpose of the study was to explore the experiences and the impact of pregnancy on pregnant adolescent psychological health. Individual interviews and focus groups were conducted with adolescents in two Jamaican antenatal clinics. One clinic was designed as a ‘Teen Pregnancy Clinic’ and the other used the standard antenatal clinic design. The following themes were identified: decision-making, resilience, social support, community support system, distress, and perceptions of service. Participants reported positively on the specific interventions tailored to their needs at the Teen Clinic. Although motherhood is valued, none of the pregnancies in this study were planned by the mother. Of the 30 adolescents interviewed, seven cases were referred for counseling due to their need for emotional and psychological support. One of the adolescents reported recent sexual violence and another reported having experienced childhood sexual abuse. Historically, Jamaican adolescent mothers faced barriers to education, self determination, and family planning. Empowering, adolescent-centred healthcare and comprehensive reproductive health education may mitigate psychosocial distress.
The Role of Symbiotic Nitrogen Fixation in Sustainable Production of Biofuels
Authors: Biswas Bandana , Gresshoff Peter
Published: April 2014

With the ever-increasing population of the world (expected to reach 9.6 billion by 2050), and altered life style, comes an increased demand for food, fuel and fiber. However, scarcity of land, water and energy accompanied by climate change means that to produce enough to meet the demands is getting increasingly challenging. Today we must use every avenue from science and technology available to address these challenges. The natural process of symbiotic nitrogen fixation, whereby plants such as legumes fix atmospheric nitrogen gas to ammonia, usable by plants can have a substantial impact as it is found in nature, has low environmental and economic costs and is broadly established. Here we look at the importance of symbiotic nitrogen fixation in the production of biofuel feedstocks; how this process can address major challenges, how improving nitrogen fixation is essential, and what we can do about it.
Qualifying the Role of Indium in the Multiple-Filled Ce0.1InxYb0.2Co4Sb12 Skutterudite
Authors: Graff Jennifer , He Jian , Tritt Terry
Published: April 2014

Literature confirms an improvement in the overall TE properties due to the in situ InSb nano-dispersed phases located along the grain boundaries in several double-filled InxYzCo4Sb12 skutterudites. However, the single-filled InxCo4Sb12 reports contribute enhancement in TE properties solely on the nature of In as a void filler. To qualify the effect of In on the TE properties on multiple-filled skutterudites several multiple-filled Ce0.1InxYb0.2Co4Sb12 skutterudite samples, with nominal composition Ce0.1InyYb0.2Co4Sb12 (0 ≤ y ≤ 0.2), were synthesized. A double-filled base-line sample Ce0.1Yb0.2Co4Sb12 was also synthesized and characterized to create a much fuller depiction of the nature of In and its impact on the TE properties of the filled Co4Sb12-based skutterudite materials. Our results confirm that small amounts of In can be effective at increasing electrical conductivity in the multiple-filled Ce0.1InyYb0.2Co4Sb12 skutterudite. An increased mobility and thus electrical conductivity result in a 15% increase in the dimensionless Figure of Merit, ZT, in the nominal sample composition, Ce0.1In0.05Yb0.2Co4Sb12, which exhibits a state of the art ZT > 1.4 at T = 820 K.
Molecular Control of Interdigital Cell Death and Cell Differentiation by Retinoic Acid during Digit Development
Authors: Díaz-Hernández Martha , Rios-Flores Alberto , Abarca-Buis René , Bustamante Marcia , Chimal-Monroy Jesús
Published: April 2014

The precise coordination of cell death and cell differentiation during the formation of developing digits is essential for generating properly shaped limbs. Retinoic acid (RA) has a fundamental role in digit development; it promotes or inhibits the molecular expression of several critical genes. This control of gene expression establishes molecular cascades that enable both the commencement of cell death and the inhibition of cell differentiation. In this review, we focus on the antagonistic functions between RA and fibroblast growth factor (FGF) signaling in the control of cell death and between RA and transforming growth factor beta (TGFβ) signaling in the control of cell differentiation.
Influence of Chloride-Ion Adsorption Agent on Chloride Ions in Concrete and Mortar
Authors: Peng Gai-Fei , Feng Nai-Qian , Song Qi-Ming
Published: April 2014

The influence of a chloride-ion adsorption agent (Cl agent in short), composed of zeolite, calcium aluminate hydrate and calcium nitrite, on the ingress of chloride ions into concrete and mortar has been experimentally studied. The permeability of concrete was measured, and the chloride ion content in mortar was tested. The experimental results reveal that the Cl agent could adsorb chloride ions effectively, which had penetrated into concrete and mortar. When the Cl agent was used at a dosage of 6% by mass of cementitious materials in mortar, the resistance to the penetration of chloride ions could be improved greatly, which was more pronounced when a combination of the Cl agent and fly ash or slag was employed. Such an effect is not the result of the low permeability of the mortar, but might be a result of the interaction between the Cl agent and the chloride ions penetrated into the mortar. There are two possible mechanisms for the interaction between the Cl agent and chloride ion ingress. One is the reaction between calcium aluminate hydrate in the Cl agent and chloride ions to form Friedel’s salt, and the other one is that calcium aluminate hydrate reacts with calcium nitrite to form AFm during the early-age hydration of mortar and later the NO2− in AFm is replaced by chloride ions, which then penetrate into the mortar, also forming Friedel’s salt. More research is needed to confirm the mechanisms.
Optimization of Friction Stir Welding Tool Advance Speed via Monte-Carlo Simulation of the Friction Stir Welding Process
Authors: Fraser Kirk , St-Georges Lyne , Kiss Laszlo
Published: April 2014

Recognition of the friction stir welding process is growing in the aeronautical and aero-space industries. To make the process more available to the structural fabrication industry (buildings and bridges), being able to model the process to determine the highest speed of advance possible that will not cause unwanted welding defects is desirable. A numerical solution to the transient two-dimensional heat diffusion equation for the friction stir welding process is presented. A non-linear heat generation term based on an arbitrary piecewise linear model of friction as a function of temperature is used. The solution is used to solve for the temperature distribution in the Al 6061-T6 work pieces. The finite difference solution of the non-linear problem is used to perform a Monte-Carlo simulation (MCS). A polynomial response surface (maximum welding temperature as a function of advancing and rotational speed) is constructed from the MCS results. The response surface is used to determine the optimum tool speed of advance and rotational speed. The exterior penalty method is used to find the highest speed of advance and the associated rotational speed of the tool for the FSW process considered. We show that good agreement with experimental optimization work is possible with this simplified model. Using our approach an optimal weld pitch of 0.52 mm/rev is obtained for 3.18 mm thick AA6061-T6 plate. Our method provides an estimate of the optimal welding parameters in less than 30 min of calculation time.
Omega-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids Protect Neural Progenitor Cells against Oxidative Injury
Authors: Liu Qiang , Wu Di , Ni Na , Ren Huixia , Luo Chuanming , He Chengwei , Kang Jing-Xuan , Wan Jian-Bo , Su Huanxing
Published: April 2014

The omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (ω-3 PUFAs), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), derived mainly from fish oil, play important roles in brain development and neuroplasticity. Here, we reported that application of ω-3 PUFAs significantly protected mouse neural progenitor cells (NPCs) against H2O2-induced oxidative injury. We also isolated NPCs from transgenic mice expressing the Caenorhabditis elegans fat-1 gene. The fat-1 gene, which is absent in mammals, can add a double bond into an unsaturated fatty acid hydrocarbon chain and convert ω-6 to ω-3 fatty acids. Terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) staining showed that a marked decrease in apoptotic cells was found in fat-1 NPCs after oxidative injury with H2O2 as compared with wild-type NPCs. Quantitative RT-PCR and Western blot analysis demonstrated a much higher expression of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), a master transcriptional factor for antioxidant genes, in fat-1 NPCs. The results of the study provide evidence that ω-3 PUFAs resist oxidative injury to NPCs.
Eunicellin-Based Diterpenoids, Hirsutalins N–R, from the Formosan Soft Coral Cladiella hirsuta
Authors: Huang Tzu-Zin , Chen Bo-Wei , Huang Chiung-Yao , Hwang Tsong-Long , Dai Chang-Feng , Sheu Jyh-Horng
Published: April 2014

New eunicellin-type hirsutalins N–R (1–5), along with two known eunicellins, (6 and 7) were isolated from the soft coral Cladiella hirsuta. The structures of the metabolites were determined by extensive spectroscopic analysis. Cytotoxic activity of compounds 1–7 against the proliferation of a limited panel of cancer cell lines was measured. The in vitro anti-inflammatory activity of compounds 1–7 was evaluated by measuring their ability in suppressing superoxide anion generation and elastase release in fMLP/CB-induced human neutrophils.
Antiplatelet and Anticoagulant Effects of Diterpenes Isolated from the Marine Alga, Dictyota menstrualis
Authors: De Andrade Moura Laura , Marqui de Almeida Ana , Domingos Thaisa , Ortiz-Ramirez Fredy , Cavalcanti Diana , Teixeira Valéria , Fuly André
Published: April 2014

Cardiovascular diseases represent a major cause of disability and death worldwide. Therapeutics are available, but they often have unsatisfactory results and may produce side effects. Alternative treatments based on the use of natural products have been extensively investigated, because of their low toxicity and side effects. Marine organisms are prime candidates for such products, as they are sources of numerous and complex substances with ecological and pharmacological effects. In this work, we investigated, through in vitro experiments, the effects of three diterpenes (pachydictyol A, isopachydictyol A and dichotomanol) from the Brazilian marine alga, Dictyota menstrualis, on platelet aggregation and plasma coagulation. Results showed that dichotomanol inhibited ADP- or collagen-induced aggregation of platelet-rich plasma (PRP), but failed to inhibit washed platelets (WP). In contrast, pachydictyol A and isopachydictyol A failed to inhibit the aggregation of PRP, but inhibited WP aggregation induced by collagen or thrombin. These diterpenes also inhibited coagulation analyzed by the prothrombin time and activated partial thromboplastin time and on commercial fibrinogen. Moreover, diterpenes inhibited the catalytic activity of thrombin. Theoretical studies using the Osiris Property Explorer software showed that diterpenes have low theoretical toxicity profiles and a drug-score similar to commercial anticoagulant drugs. In conclusion, these diterpenes are promising candidates for use in anticoagulant therapy, and this study also highlights the biotechnological potential of oceans and the importance of bioprospecting to develop medicines.
Polymeric Pseudo-Liquid Membranes from Poly(N-oleylacrylamide)
Authors: Shiono Hiroko , Yoshikawa Masakazu
Published: April 2014

A polymeric pseudo-liquid membrane (PPLM) was constructed from poly(N-oleylacrylamide) (PC18AAm), which exhibited a rubbery state under membrane transport conditions and used as the membrane matrix. In the present study, dibenzo-18-crown-6 (DB18C6) and dibenzo-21-crown-7 (DB21C7) were adopted as transporters for alkali metal ions. KCl was adopted as a model substrate for DB18C6 and CsCl the latter. Chiral transporter, O-allyl-N-(9-anthracenylmethyl)cinchonidinium bromide (AAMC) was used as a transporter for chiral separation of a racemic mixture of phenylglycine (Phegly). The l-somer was transported in preference to the antipode. The present study revealed that PPLMs are applicable to membrane transport, such as metal ion transport and chiral separation.
Filtration Characterization Method as Tool to Assess Membrane Bioreactor Sludge Filterability—The Delft Experience
Authors: Lousada-Ferreira Maria , Krzeminski Pawel , Geilvoet Stefan , Moreau Adrien , Gil Jose , Evenblij Herman , Van Lier Jules , Van der Graaf Jaap
Published: April 2014

Prevention and removal of fouling is often the most energy intensive process in Membrane Bioreactors (MBRs), responsible for 40% to 50% of the total specific energy consumed in submerged MBRs. In the past decade, methods were developed to quantify and qualify fouling, aiming to support optimization in MBR operation. Therefore, there is a need for an evaluation of the lessons learned and how to proceed. In this article, five different methods for measuring MBR activated sludge filterability and critical flux are described, commented and evaluated. Both parameters characterize the fouling potential in full-scale MBRs. The article focuses on the Delft Filtration Characterization method (DFCm) as a convenient tool to characterize sludge properties, namely on data processing, accuracy, reproducibility, reliability, and applicability, defining the boundaries of the DFCm. Significant progress was made concerning fouling measurements in particular by using straight forward approaches focusing on the applicability of the obtained results. Nevertheless, a fouling measurement method is still to be defined which is capable of being unequivocal, concerning the fouling parameters definitions; practical and simple, in terms of set-up and operation; broad and useful, in terms of obtained results. A step forward would be the standardization of the aforementioned method to assess the sludge filtration quality.
Novel [99mTcN]2+ Labeled EGFR Inhibitors as Potential Radiotracers for Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography (SPECT) Tumor Imaging
Authors: Zhao Mingxia , Ning Hongyu , Feng Man , Li Shilei , Chang Jin , Qi Chuanmin
Published: April 2014

The epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) is overexpressed in many cancers, including breast, ovarian, endometrial and non-small cell lung cancer. An EGFR-specific imaging agent could facilitate clinical evaluation of primary tumors or metastases. To achieve this goal, 4-(2-aminoethylamino)-6,7-dimethoxyquinazoline (ADMQ) was synthesized based on a 4-aminoquinazoline core and then conjugated with N-mercapto- acetylglycine (MAG) and N-mercaptoacetyltriglycine (MAG3), respectively, to give compounds 1 and 2. The final complexes [99mTcN]-1 and [99mTcN]-2 were successfully obtained with radiochemical purities of >99% and >98% as measured by radio-HPLC. No decomposition of the two complexes at room temperature was observed over a period of 2 h. Their partition coefficients indicated they were hydrophilic and the electrophoresis results showed they were negatively charged. Biodistribution in tumor-bearing mice demonstrated that the two new complexes showed tumor accumulation, high tumor-tomuscle (T/M) ratios and fast clearance from blood and muscle. Between the two compounds, the 99mTcN-MAG3-ADMQ ([99mTcN]-2) showed the better characteristics, with the tumor/muscle and tumor/blood ratios reached 2.11 and 1.90 at 60 min post-injection, 4.20 and 1.10 at 120 min post-injection, suggesting it could be a promising radiotracer for SPECT tumor imaging.
Pharmacokinetics, Tissue Distribution, Excretion and Plasma Protein Binding Studies of Wogonin in Rats
Authors: Talbi Amer , Zhao Di , Liu Qingwang , Li Junxiu , Fan Ali , Yang Wei , Han Xing , Chen Xijing
Published: April 2014

Wogonin is a natural anticancer candidate. The purpose of this study was to explore the pharmacokinetic profiles, tissue distribution, excretion and plasma protein binding of wogonin in Sprague—Dawley rats. A rapid, sensitive, and specific LC-MS/MS method has been developed for the determination of wogonin in different rat biological samples. After i.v. dosing of wogonin at different levels (10, 20 and 40 mg/kg) the elimination half-life was approximately 14 min, the AUC0-∞ increased in a dose disproportional manner from 112.13 mg/L·min for 10 mg/kg to 758.19 mg/L·min for 40 mg/kg, indicating a non linear pharmacokinetic profile. After i.g. dosing at 100 mg/kg, plasma levels of wogonin peaked at 28 min with a Cmax value of 300 ng/mL and a very low oral bioavailability (1.10%). Following i.v. single dose (20 mg/kg), wogonin was detected in all examined tissues (including testis) with the highest levels in kidney and liver. Approximately 21% of the administered dose was excreted as unchanged drug (mainly via non-biliairy fecal route (16.33%). Equilibrium dialysis was used to evaluate plasma protein binding of wogonin at three concentrations (0.1, 0.5 and 2 µg/mL). Results indicated a very high protein binding degree (over 90%), reducing substantially the free fraction of the compound.
β-Asarone Reverses Chronic Unpredictable Mild Stress-Induced Depression-Like Behavior and Promotes Hippocampal Neurogenesis in Rats
Authors: Dong Haiying , Gao Zhiying , Rong Hua , Jin Ming , Zhang Xiaojie
Published: April 2014

In this study, we investigated the influence of β-asarone, the major ingredient of Acorus tatarinowii Schott, on depressive-like behavior induced by the chronic unpredictable mild stresses (CUMS) paradigm and to clarify the underlying mechanisms. The results show that β-asarone treatment partially reversed the CUMS-induced depression-like behaviors in both the forced swim and sucrose preference tests. The behavioral effects were associated with increased hippocampal neurogenesis indicated by bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU) immunoreactivity. β-Asarone treatment significantly increased the expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) at levels of transcription and translation. Moreover, CUMS caused significant reduction in ERK1/2 and CREB phosphorylation, both of which were partially attenuated by β-asarone administration. It is important to note that β-asarone treatment had no effect on total levels or phosphorylation state of any of the proteins examined in ERK1/2-CREB pathway in no stress rats, suggesting that β-asarone acts in a stress-dependent manner to block ERK1/2-CREB signaling. We did not observe a complete reversal of depression-like behaviors to control levels by β-asarone. To our knowledge, the present study is the first to demonstrate that adult neurogenesis is involved in the antidepressant-like behavioral effects of β-asarone, suggesting that β-asarone is a promising candidate for the treatment of depression.