bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Development and evaluation of new curing agents derived from glycerol for formaldehyde-free soy-based adhesives in wood composites
Authors: Huang Jian , Gu Kai , Li Kaichang
Published: December 2012

Three novel curing agents (I, II, and III) were synthesized from epichlorohydrin and ammonium hydroxide. The combinations of soy flour (SF) with one of the curing agents (SF-I, SF-II, and SF-III) were investigated as adhesives for making interior plywood. Water resistance tests showed that plywood panels bonded with SF-I and SF-III adhesives met the requirements of interior plywood, whereas those bonded with SF-II did not. The modulus of rupture, modulus of elasticity, and internal bond strength of particleboard panels bonded with the SF-II adhesive all exceeded the corresponding minimum industrial requirements for M-2 grade particleboard.
Aggregation and adsorption behaviors of carboxymethylated lignin (CML) in aqueous solution
Authors: Gan Linhuo , Zhou Mingsong , Yang Dongjie , Qiu Xueqing
Published: December 2012

Carboxymethylated lignin (CML) as a water-soluble lignin derivative is a multipurpose adsorbent and dispersant. In this article, the aggregation and adsorption behaviors of CML have been investigated in aqueous solution using fluorescence spectroscopy, dynamic light scattering, and a quartz crystal microbalance combined with dissipation monitoring techniques. It was found that CML forms aggregates when its concentration exceeds the critical aggregation concentration (CAC). The CAC of CML1 with a carboxylic (COOH) group content of 2.8 mmol g-1 was 0.022 g l-1, and that of CML2 with a COOH group content of 2.0 mmol g-1 was 0.026 g l-1. The adsorption behavior of CML on the gold surface was strongly dependent on the pH and ionic strength of the solution. At low pH and ionic strength, more CMLs were adsorbed at the gold/water interface, and the layers were rigid. The results could be used not only from the theoretical but also from the application point of view.
Phylogenetic analysis of the genus Fusarium and their antifungal activity against wood-decay and sapstain fungi
Authors: Lee Young Min , Hong Joo-Hyun , Lee Hanbyul , Ahn Byoung Jun , Kim Gyu-Hyeok , Kim Jae-Jin
Published: December 2012

Microorganism-based biological protections are alternatives to chemical treatments. Worldwide, Fusarium species are important plant pathogens, and their mycotoxins are antimicrobial. In this study, 18 Fusarium strains isolated in Korea have been investigated. Nine Fusarium species, including two unknown species, were identified based on their genotypic characteristics. Among the identified species, Fusarium
armeniacum and Fusarium commune were observed for the first time in Korea. The antifungal activity of Fusarium crude extracts was assessed by growth inhibition against two wood-decay fungi and three sapstain fungi. Most Fusarium strain extracts revealed strong antifungal activity against wood-decay fungi. Strains of the unknown Fusarium sp. 2, which was found in wood samples, showed strong antifungal activity against all wood-decay and sapstain fungi tested in this study.
Formation of highly hydrophobic wood surfaces using silica nanoparticles modified with long-chain alkylsilane
Authors: Wang Xiaoqing , Chai Yubo , Liu Junliang
Published: December 2012

The so-called lotus effect has inspired the production of highly hydrophobic wood surfaces based on a two-step process consisting of growing nanofilms on the wood substrate (Chinese fir) with silica sol followed by hydrophobization with hydrolyzed hexadecyltrimethoxysilane (HDTMS). The microstructure and chemical composition of the nanofilm coating were examined by field emission scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive X-ray and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The hydrophobicity of the treated wood was evaluated by water contact angle measurements. The results show that spherical nanoparticles were deposited uniformly on the wood surface, and the long-chain hydrophobic HDMTS was covalently linked to the surface of silica particles. The elevated hydrophobicity of wood was manifested by the water CA of about 141° on the longitudinal surface and 150° on the transverse surface.
Treating birch wood with a switchable 1,8-diazabicyclo-[5.4.0]-undec-7-ene-glycerol carbonate ionic liquid
Authors: Anugwom Ikenna , Mäki-Arvela Päivi , Virtanen Pasi , Willför Stefan , Damlin Pia , Hedenström Mattias , Mikkola Jyri-Pekka
Published: December 2012

No abstract available.
Combination of quercetin and tannic acid in inhibiting 26S proteasome affects S5a and 20S expression, and accumulation of ubiquitin resulted in apoptosis in cancer chemoprevention
Authors: Chang Tsui-Ling , Wang Chi-Hsien
Published: December 2012

To look for oral proteasome inhibitors, daily injested food is the best source for cancer chemoprevention. A combination of active components from vegetables, coffee, tea, and fruit could be more efficient to inhibit 26S proteasome activities for preventing cancer diseases. Tannic acid and quercetin have been shown to strongly inhibit 26S proteasome activity, but the molecular target involved remains unknown. Overlay assay, peptide assay, Western blot, and 2-D gels were used to assess the combination of quercetin and tannic acid as a potential inhibitor. Here, we demonstrated that the combination of quercetin and tannic acid (1) synergistically suppresses chymotrypsin-, caspase-, and trypsin-like proteolytic activities, (2) are tightly binding substrates, (3) do not perturb the proteasome structure, (4) inhibit the 26S proteasome affected by ubiquitin, ATP, or β-casein, and (5) inhibit β-casein degradation by the 26S proteasome in vitro. Finally, the inhibition of the proteasome by a combination of quercetin plus tannic acid in Hep-2 cells resulted in the induction of S5a at low dose, accumulation of ubiquitin, and the cleavage of pro-caspase-3, followed by the induction of apoptotic cell death. Evaluating the combination of quercetin and tannic acid as an oral drug to prevent cancer may provide a pharmacological rationale to pursue preclinical trials of this combination.
Plant cell microcompartments: a redox-signaling perspective
Authors: Zachgo Sabine , Hanke Guy T. , Scheibe Renate
Published: December 2012

This review describes how transient protein-protein interactions can contribute to direct information flow between subsequent steps of metabolic and signaling pathways, focusing on the redox perspective. Posttranslational modifications are often the basis for the dynamic nature of such macromolecular aggregates, named microcompartments. The high cellular protein concentration promotes these interactions that are prone to disappear upon the extraction of proteins from cells. Changes of signaling molecules, such as metabolites, effectors or phytohormones, or the redox state in the cellular microenvironment, can modulate them. The signaling network can, therefore, respond in a very flexible and appropriate manner, such that metabolism, stress responses, and developmental steps are integrated by multiple and changing contacts between functional modules. This allows plants to survive and persist by continuously and flexibly adapting to a challenging or even adverse environment.
Facile Hydrothermal Synthesis of CoSO4ċH2O Nanoparticles and Barite Microcubes from Novel Precursors
Authors: Sobhani Azam , Salavati-Niasari Masoud
Published: December 2012

CoSO4ċH2O nanoparticles and barite (BaSO4) microcubes have been prepared by hydrothermal decomposition of new precursors [Co(tsc)2]Cl2 and [Ba(tsc)2]Cl2 (tsc =  thiosemicarbazide), respectively. The products were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy. As a comparison between two methods, thermal decomposition of novel precursors in high temperature boiling organic solvents were examined.
Hot Corrosion of Fe-Cr Alloys with 75 Na2SO4 + 25 NaCl Coating at 1173 K
Authors: Fu Guangyan , Tang Xiaopeng , Liu Qun , Su Yong , Wang Xiao
Published: December 2012

Hot corrosion behavior of two Fe-Cr alloys coated with the salt film of 25 NaCl + 75 Na2SO4 (mass fraction) in air at 1173 K was studied. Results show that for both alloys of Fe-10Cr and Fe-20Cr, the mass gain of the alloy coated with 40–45 g/m2 of 75 Na2SO4 + 25 NaCl is greater than that of the alloy coated with 20–25 g/m2 of the film with the same composition. The corrosion products of Fe-10Cr alloy can be divided into three layers, of which the outermost scale is Fe2O3, the intermediate layer is mixed oxides of Fe2O3 and Cr2O3, and the innermost layer is mainly chromium sulfide. However, the corrosion products of Fe-20Cr only consist of two layers: the external scale of Fe2O3 and Cr2O3, and the internal layer of chromium sulfide. Compared to Fe-10Cr, Fe-20Cr has better hot corrosion resistance. The hot corrosion mechanism was proposed and the influence of the different coating mass of 75 Na2SO4 + 25 NaCl is also discussed.
Encapsulation of Erbium(III) and Thulium(III) Nanocomplexes Containing 18- and 20-Membered Dioxa Tetraaza Macryclic Ligands Within the Framework of Zeolite
Authors: Yousefi Mohammad , Salavati-Niasari Masoud
Published: December 2012

Zeolite framework stabilized erbium(III) and thulium(III) complex nanoparticles was prepared for the first time by using a two step procedure: the ion exchange of Ln3+ (Ln: Er and Tm) with the extra framework Na+ ions in zeolite-Y, the template synthesis of 2,6-diformyl-4-methylphenol with different diamines. Analysis of the data indicated that the Ln(III) complexes has been encapsulated within the nanocavity of zeolite Y and exhibit different property from those of the free complexes, which can arise from distortions caused by steric effects due to the presence of sodium cations, or from interactions with the zeolite matrix.
Influence of Long-term Aging on Microstructure and Creep Behaviors of FGH95 Nickel-based Superalloy
Authors: Tian S. G. , Xie G. L. , Xie J. , Zhou X. M.
Published: December 2012

By means of long-term aging treatment, creep properties measurement and microstructure observation, the influences of long-term aging on the microstructure and creep behaviors of FGH95 Superalloy are investigated. Results show that the fine γ′ particles dispersedly precipitate in the alloy after fully heat treated, and coarser γ′ phase discontinuously distribute along the grain boundaries. After the alloy is long-term aged at 723 K for 500 h, the fine γ′ phase with better cube degree and carbide particles distribute dispersedly in the alloy to enhance the creep resistance of the alloy for possessing a longer creep lifetime at the condition of 923 K and 1034 MPa. The deformed feature of the alloy is that configurations of slipping dislocations and the stacking fault appear in the alloy. As the creep goes on, the cracks initiate and propagate along the boundaries due to dislocations tangling in the grain boundaries for bringing out the stress concentration.
Remnant Life Assessment and Microstructural Studies on Service Exposed Primary Reformer Tubes of a Catalytic Converter of an Ammonia Plant
Authors: Guguloth Krishna , Swaminathan Jaganathan , Bagui Sumanta , Ray Ashok Kumar
Published: December 2012

13.5 year service exposed (SE) catalyst primary reformer tube material made of H39WM micro-paralloy grade used in feritilizer plant was assessed for remaining life. The investigation includes mechanical properties evaluation; microstructural analysis and accelerated stress rupture tests. Failed tube portions showed coarsening primary carbides of Chromium and Niobium along the grain boundaries. Degradation of Niobium carbide (NbC) into Ni-Nb-Si phase and partial conversion this phase back to NbC was observed. Secondary carbides within grains were almost absent. Degradation in tensile strength for a range of temperature from 1123 to 1223 K was also observed but they were within the specified limits. Premature failures within 3–5 years service exposure are more common in reformer tubes. The failure was attributed to localized overheating leading to creep damage. The cast tube material may undergo microstructural changes during service exposure which is the main cause of degradation in strength and hardness changes. Accelerated stress rupture tests were performed in the range of 1173–1248 K on samples machined from 13.5 years at 1191 K and 15.4 MPa exposed reformer steel tubing, did not reveal any degradation of rupture behavior compared to that of the virgin alloy. An additional life of at least 10.6 years is predicted at the operating stress-temperature conditions.
Oxidation Kinetics of Steels Utilized in the Production of Valves in Automobile Industry
Authors: Grzesik Z. , Jurasz Z. , Adamaszek K. , Mrowec S.
Published: December 2012

The oxidation kinetics of four Fe-Cr-Mn-Ni based steels, utilized in automobile industry, have been studied as a function of temperature (973–1273 K) and oxygen partial pressure (5–105 Pa). It has been shown that the rate of corrosion of these steels under isothermal conditions is determined by diffusion of reagents through the scale, which phase composition and morphology depend first of all on chromium and to some extend also on nickel and manganese contents. The highest oxidation resistance at high temperatures is observed in the case of the X33CrNiMn23-8 steel, containing highest chromium concentration, equal 23.4 wt.% and nickel equal 7.8 wt.%. The remaining three steels with virtually the same chromium content (≈20 wt.%), but lower than that in the first one, show comparable oxidation resistance. Small differences in the oxidation rates of these three steels may be related to different nickel and manganese contents. It has been found also that the rate of corrosion of all steels under investigation does not depend under steady state conditions on oxygen partial pressure.
Sonochemically Synthesis of Antimonite Nanoparticles and Its Influence on the Thermal Stability of the ABS Terpolymer
Authors: Bagheriyan Siyamak
Published: December 2012

Sb2S3 nanoparticles were synthesized via a simple sonochemical reaction between SbCl3 and thioacetamide. The effect of different parameters such as power and time of pulsation on the morphology of the product has been investigated. The Sb2 S3 nanostructures were then added to acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene terpolymer. The effect of Sb2 S3 nanostructures on the thermal stability of the polymeric matrix has been examined. The thermal decomposition of the nanocomposite shifts towards higher temperature in the presence of the Sb2 S3 . Nanostructures were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR), photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), UL-94 and limiting oxygen index (LOI) analysis.
Microstructure and Mechanical Property Optimization of NiTiAl-based Alloys: Directional Solidification in Novel Ceramic Crucibles
Authors: Zhang Huarui , Tang Xiaoxia , Pan Qing , Zhou Lei , Zhou Chungen , Zhang Hu
Published: December 2012

Directional solidification technique was successfully used to prepare highly reactive NiTiAl-based alloys using novel Y2O3-coated crucibles. Compared with the as-cast alloys fabricated by vacuum arc melting, the microstructure of the directionally solidified alloys was optimized and mechanical properties remarkably improved. After directional solidification, the microstructure of the alloys became much finer and preferentially grew along [001] orientation. The tensile strength and strain of the directionally solidified alloys at 1550°C were promoted to 1240 MPa and 2.1% respectively, which were 91.4% and 75% higher than that of the as-cast alloys. The strength increased up to 1328 MPa and 1419 MPa after homogenizing treating. The Y2O3-coated crucibles assured significant purification effect of the alloys. The maximum oxygen increase in the steady-state region of the ingot obtained at 1750°C was no more than 0.014 wt.%.
Angelman syndrome patient management: 5 years of clinical experience
Authors: Budisteanu Magdalena , Papuc Sorina Mihaela , Tutulan-Cunita Andreea , Craiu Dana , Barca Diana , Iliescu Catrinel , Arghir Aurora
Published: December 2012

Angelman syndrome (AS) is a genetic condition characterized by severe mental retardation, ataxic gait, severe speech delay, dysmorphic features, abnormal behavior, and movement disorder. It is caused by a variety of genetic mechanisms that all interfere with the expression of the
On a Partition Problem of Canfield and Wilf
Authors: Ljujić Željka , Nathanson Melvyn B.
Published: December 2012

Let
Artin's Primitive Root Conjecture – A Survey
Authors: Moree Pieter
Published: December 2012

One of the first concepts one meets in elementary number theory is that of the multiplicative order. We give a survey of the literature on this topic emphasizing the Artin primitive root conjecture (1927). The first part of the survey is intended for a rather general audience and rather colloquial, whereas the second part is intended for number theorists and ends with several open problems. The contributions in the survey on `elliptic Artin' are due to Alina Cojocaru. Wojciec Gajda wrote a section on `Artin for K-theory of number fields,' and Hester Graves (together with me) on `Artin's conjecture and Euclidean domains.'
Legendre polynomials as a recommended basis for numerical differentiation in the presence of stochastic white noise
Authors: Lu Shuai , Naumova Valeriya , Pereverzev Sergei V.
Published: December 2012

In this paper, we consider the problem of estimating the derivative of a function from its noisy version contaminated by a stochastic white noise and argue that in certain relevant cases the reconstruction of by the derivatives of the partial sums of Fourier–Legendre series of has advantage over some standard approaches. One of the interesting observations made in the paper is that in a Hilbert scale generated by the system of Legendre polynomials the stochastic white noise does not increase, as it might be expected, the loss of accuracy compared to the deterministic noise of the same intensity. We discuss the accuracy of the considered method in the spaces L2
and C and provide a guideline for an adaptive choice of the number of terms in differentiated partial sums (note that this number is playing the role of a regularization parameter). Moreover, we discuss the relation of the considered numerical differentiation scheme with the well-known Savitzky–Golay derivative filters, as well as possible applications in diabetes technology.
Genetic low nephron number hypertension is associated with altered expression of osteopontin and CD44 during nephrogenesis*
Authors: Freese Anne , Wehland Markus , Freese Florian , Bamberg Christian , Kreutz Reinhold , Rothermund Lars
Published: December 2012

Aims: The study set out to investigate whether the osteopontin (OPN)-CD44-integrin-receptor-system is differently regulated during nephrogenesis in inborn nephron deficit, a major determinant of human primary hypertension and cardiovascular disease in adult life.

Methods: We compared a genetic rat model with an inherited nephron deficit, the Munich-Wistar-Froemter rat (MWF), to normotensive Wistar rats during nephrogenesis at day 19 of fetal development (E19) and at postpartal day 7 (D7).

Results: Renal OPN mRNA (–75%, P<0.05) and protein expression (–38%, P<0.05) were strongly decreased at E19 in MWF compared to Wistar. Renal mRNA-expression of CD44 was increased at E19 in MWF (+271%, P<0.05). At D7, renal OPN protein expression was increased (+115%, P<0.05) and renal mRNA-expression of CD44 remained elevated compared to Wistar control (+127%, P<0.05).

Conclusions: Altered fetal expression of the OPN-CD44-integrin-receptor-system in the MWF model points to a possible role in low nephron number hypertension and cardiovascular disease.
Ethnic disparity in amniotic fluid levels of hyaluronan, histone H2B and superoxide dismutase in spontaneous preterm birth
Authors: Herway Catherine , Kanninen Tomi , Witkin Steven S. , Saade George , Fortunato Stephen J. , Menon Ramkumar
Published: December 2012

Aims: To document racial disparity in an immune modulator, hyaluronan (HA), an antimicrobial, histone H2B (H2B), and an antioxidant, superoxide dismutase (SOD) in amniotic fluid (AF) from African-American (AA) and Caucasian (C) subjects with spontaneous preterm birth (PTB).

Methods: In a case (PTB) control (term) study, AF samples were analyzed for HA, H2B and SOD by ELISA. Differences in analyte concentrations between races were documented and a secondary analysis based on histologic chorioamnionitis (HC) was also performed.

Results: No differences in the median HA, H2B and SOD were seen between cases and controls. AA cases had lower HA but higher H2B and SOD than controls. Analyte concentrations were not different between C cases and controls. AA samples at term had lower H2B and SOD compared to C samples at term. Cases with HC showed higher H2B and SOD.

Conclusion: We report ethnic disparity in AF antimicrobial, immune mediator and antioxidant factors. Dysregulated AF production of HA, H2B and SOD was associated with PTB in AA, not in C, suggesting an overwhelming inflammatory response in AA PTB, whereas inflammation is likely a secondary phenomenon in C PTB.
Trophic niche of two sympatric frugivorous bat species in a periurban area of southern Brazil
Authors: Sartore Eduardo Ribeiro , dos Reis Nelio Roberto
Published: December 2012

Several species of bats inhabit forest fragments near urban areas.
Carbon nanotubes: a promise for nerve tissue engineering?
Authors: Bosi Susanna , Fabbro Alessandra , Ballerini Laura , Prato Maurizio
Published: December 2012

Owing to their peculiar physical and chemical properties, carbon nanotubes are intensively studied for many different applications, including those in the biomedical field. Carbon nanotubes are electrically conductive, elastic but mechanically resistant and these features, among others, have made them an ideal material for therapeutic applications at the neural tissue interface. The major recent advances in the study of carbon nanotube-based materials aimed at nerve tissue regeneration and functional recovery are reviewed here.
Military Spending and Democratisation
Authors: Brauner Jennifer
Published: December 2012

There is considerable evidence that authoritarian regimes have tended to spend more on the military than democracies. However, the direction of causality of this relationship has not been seriously investigated. The literature tends to assume that causality runs from regime type to military expenditure, but one might also expect military expenditure to influence regime type: history yields numerous examples of countries whose democratisation process was reversed by a powerful military unwilling to give up its privileged position in society. Successful democratisation, amongst other things, requires the reform of civil-military relations. In this paper, I build on the empirical literature on democratic transitions and examine whether lowering military expenditure in a democratising country increases the chances of successful democracy consolidation. I use a number of techniques, including two-way fixed effects model and a panel VAR to examine the linkages and pattern of Granger causality between measures of regime type, GDP and military expenditures.
A Note on a Comparison of Simultaneous and Sequential Colonel Blotto Games
Authors: Baba Yumiko
Published: December 2012

Clark and Konrad (2007) introduce the weakest link against the best shot property to the Colonel Blotto game where the defendant has to win all the battle fields while the attacker only needs to win at least one battlefield. They characterize the Nash equilibrium assuming that the attacker attacks all the battlefields simultaneously. We construct a two stage model and endogenize the attacker’s attack pattern. We show that the attacker chooses a sequential attack pattern in the subgame perfect Nash equilibrium. Therefore, the game analyzed by Clark and Konrad (2007) is never realized. We also conducted experiments and found that the subjects’ behavior was inconsistent to theoretical predictions. Both players overinvested and the variances were large. In the simultaneous game, the attackers took a guerrira strategy at 30% of the time in which they invested only in one battlefield and the defenders took a surrender strategy at 11% of the time in which they invested nothing in the simultaneous game. Both players invested more in period 1 than in period 2 in the sequential game. Although all of these are inconsistent to the theoretical predictions, the winning probability of a game was consistent to the theoretical prediction in the simultaneous games, but it was lower than the theoretical prediction in the sequential games. We conclude that the subjects’ irrational behavior is mainly a rational response to his/ her opponent’s irrational behavior. Our model can explain terrorism, cyber terrorism, lobbying, and patent trolls and the huge gap between the theory and the experiments are important considering the significance of the problems.
Rooted in Urban Poverty? Failed Modernization and Terrorism
Authors: Meierrieks Daniel
Published: December 2012

This contribution finds that urban (but not rural) poverty fuels domestic and anti-U.S. terrorism in 43 developing countries. It argues that urban poverty aids non-state groups which use terrorism as a means to capture rents and consolidate popular support.
The lone wolf terrorist: sprees of violence
Authors: Phillips Peter J
Published: December 2012

The purpose of this paper is to apply economic analysis to the opportunities and choices of single individual ‘lone wolf’ terrorists whose attacks are characterised by ‘sprees’ of violence, usually shooting sprees in public places, that last only for a relatively short period of time. The spree lone wolf also emerges suddenly. Having previously allocated no resources to terrorism, he suddenly and all at once allocates all of his resources, including time, to terrorism. The first step to providing guidance to governments and their law enforcement agencies is to encompass some important elements of the spree lone wolf’s opportunities and choices within an economic analytical framework. The first steps towards this are undertaken in this paper by exploring the opportunities and choices of the spree lone wolf from a risk-reward perspective and a treatment of the spree lone wolf as an individual who, while attempting to maximise his expected utility, shuns the risk-reduction benefits of ‘time diversification’ and suddenly plunges all of his resources into terrorism within a single time period. The analysis shows that such behaviour can be explained within an economic model of choice and clears the way for further theoretical analysis and empirical analysis.
Using the Agrawal integral equation to study the thermal degradation of polyvinyl acetate-montmorillonite-dioctadecyl dimethyl ammonium bromide
Authors: Fang Qun , Cui Hui-wan , Du Guan-ben
Published: December 2012

To study the pyrolysis kinetics of exfoliated nanocomposites, polyvinyl acetate (PVAc)-montmorillonite (MMT)-dioctadecyl dimethyl ammonium bromide (DOAB) was prepared through five different synthesis processes. The synthesis processes and MMT-DOAB had some effect on the thermal degradation, which was found to consist of eight phases. MMT-DOAB had no significant effect on the pyrolysis temperature, but delayed the thermal degradation process. The pyrolysis kinetics in thermal degradation were analyzed using the Agrawal integral equation.
Dreistufiger Kolbenkompressor mit vorgeschaltetem Drehkolbenkompressor: Teil 1, Modellierung
Authors: Glück Tobias , Kemmetmüller Wolfgang , Zanolin Patrick , Kugi Andreas
Published: December 2012

Dieser Beitrag beschäftigt sich mit der mathematischen Modellierung eines dreistufigen Kolbenkompressors mit vorgeschaltetem Drehkolbenkompressor, welcher zur Produktion von PET-Flaschen eingesetzt wird. Ausgehend von den Grundgesetzen der Thermodynamik werden die Einzelkomponenten des Kompressors mathematisch modelliert und der zugrunde liegende Kreisprozess beschrieben. Anhand von Simulationsstudien wird das Verhalten des Kompressors im belasteten Fall untersucht. Das entwickelte Modell dient als Grundlage für den Reglerentwurf im zweiten Teil dieses Beitrags.
Ein hierarchischer Ansatz zur optimalen Bahnplanung und Bahnregelung für ein autonomes Fahrzeug
Authors: Schmidt Stephan , Kasper Roland
Published: December 2012

Dieser Beitrag beschreibt ein Bahnplanungs- und Regelungskonzept für ein autonomes spurgeführtes Fahrzeug. Die Planung einer geeigneten Sollbahn erfolgt hierbei durch die Lösung eines nichtlinearen Optimalsteuerungsproblems unter Berücksichtigung realistischer Nebenbedingungen wie der verfügbaren Straßenbreite oder zulässiger Längs- und Querbeschleunigungen. Die Bahnregelung basiert auf der einseitigen Entkopplung und Linearisierung der nichtlinearen Regelstrecke mit Hilfe von Ersatzregelgrößen. Die Funktionsfähigkeit des Gesamtsystems wird anhand von Versuchsfahrten mit einem Modellfahrzeug gezeigt.
Pressing problems of the euro zone — And beyond (OR: What may break the camel’s back)
Authors: Winiecki Jan
Published: December 2012

A look at the Western debate about West’s problems reveals what the present writer regards in a large measure as an irritating superficiality. Nowhere is it better visible than in the mainstream discussions about the euro zone and its problems, where most debaters glide over the fundamentals of Europe’s long-term problems and concentrate on the superficial and short-term issues. The discussions on how to “save” the euro zone strangely forget the defects in its creation, glide over the lessons to be drawn from policies pursued during the past decade, and defend the virtue of maintaining its present membership. But the problems of Europe run much deeper than the survival or collapse of the monetary union. Even if we assume that the problems of confidence the member states have in each other’s behaviour are restored and the rest of the world regains confidence in the institutions of the monetary union, the fundamental problems will remain unsolved. A clue to the real long-term problems may be found in the answer to a rather simple question. It runs as follows: “Why is the large majority of European countries indebted to such an extent that any further increase in debt to GDP ratio generates panic reactions among potential lenders?”
The key to competitiveness: Forecast
Authors: Kovács Zoltán
Published: December 2012

There are many factors which have an influence on business results, amongst them planning, which uses forecast information. Therefore, a reliable forecast is vital for an appropriate plan. This paper examines the tie between the goodness of forecasting and company results. Mean relative error (MRE, MRD) is the indicator for forecast, assets, financial condition, market share and others for results. Data for the analysis was obtained through business simulation games from the past 10 years. Knowing that in competition not only absolute values of indicators, but rank numbers are also important, rank correlation is analysed too.
Soil Type Modestly Impacts Bacterial Community Succession Associated with Decomposing Grass Detrituspheres
Authors: Mula-Michel Himaya P. , Williams Mark A.
Published: December 2012

Decomposition of plant residues has been widely studied; however, there is a lack of information on the dynamics of residue‐associated microbial taxa during decomposition and how it is affected by soil and residue types. It was hypothesized that distinct microbial communities from different soils would result in colonization of residues by different bacterial taxa and that there would be a shift in bacterial community structure during substrate degradation. A 2 × 2 factorial experiment with three replications was conducted consisting of Switchgrass (Panicum virgatum L.) and Rice (Oryza sativa L.) straw; two soil types (Sharkey and Marietta series); and four incubation periods (3, 23, 48, and 110 d; 25°C). Clone libraries were constructed from the unamended soils, pre‐incubation residues, and detritusphere (residues and adhering soil). Non‐metric multidimensional scaling of the detritusphere communities showed a large shift in the structure of the residue‐associated community following 3 d of decomposition. This shift coincided with disappearance of soluble C. Labile C availability appeared to be important for driving bacterial community succession during early colonization. At later stages of decomposition (Days 23–110), bacterial communities were less dynamic; however, there was partial segregation into two groups according to soil type. The relative abundance of Acidobacteria and Beta‐Proteobacteria were primarily responsible for community differences between the detrituspheres of the two soils. No effect on bacterial community dynamics and diversity due to residue type was observed. More striking was the relative similarity in bacterial types found to dominate the detrituspheres and point to the possibility that key functional community members are found widely in nature and that despite the huge diversity of soil bacteria, and some variation based on soil, a few dominant and widespread members came to the forefront during residue decomposition.
Short‐Term Effects of Mineral and Organic Fertilizer on Denitrifiers, Nitrous Oxide Emissions and Denitrification in Long‐Term Amended Vineyard Soils
Authors: Tatti Enrico , Goyer Claudia , Zebarth Bernie J. , Burton David L. , Giovannetti Luciana , Viti Carlo
Published: December 2012

Short‐term effects (i.e., 21 d) of mineral or organic fertilizer application on long‐term (i.e., 8 yr of applications) amended soil on denitrifier community abundance, denitrification gene mRNA transcript numbers, denitrification rate, and emissions of N2O were explored. Soil was collected from a vineyard in Italy receiving annual applications of either mineral fertilizer (conventional management system, CS) or municipal compost (organic management system, OS). Each soil was incubated using three treatments: no amendment, NH4NO3, or municipal compost. Microcosms set up with soil treated with compost showed higher nirS, nirK, and nosZ abundance in comparison to conventional fertilization. Short‐term compost addition increased nirK gene abundance over time in OS and CS soils, whereas nirS and nosZ gene abundance increased after compost addition only in OS soil. In OS soil, nosZ gene mRNA transcript numbers were higher at all time‐points for all treatments compared with CS soil. Furthermore, nosZ gene mRNA transcript number increased over time after compost addition for both soils, N2O emissions were higher in both soils after NH4NO3 addition compared with no amendment and compost addition. Denitrification was higher in OS than CS soil following NH4NO3 treatment. Denitrification rates were much higher than N2O rates in all cases suggesting most emissions occurred as N2. Our study demonstrated that long‐term urban‐waste compost application clearly changed soil denitrifier communities and the response of denitrification and N2O emissions to different short‐term soil amendments.
Soil Water Potential Requirement for Germination of Winter Wheat
Authors: Wuest Stewart B. , Lutcher Larry K.
Published: December 2012

In semi‐arid climates, seed is often sown into soil with inadequate water for rapid germination. Distinguishing between adequate and marginal water can be difficult. Planting decisions become increasingly complicated when one considers possible differences between cultivars. This study was designed to measure the soil water potential limits for rapid, adequate, and marginal germination of winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.). Laboratory data showed that germination was rapid (3 to 4 d) in soil at water potentials above ‐1.1 MPa and slower (4 to 5 d) at water potentials that ranged from ‐1.1 to ‐1.6 MPa. Below ‐1.6 MPa, less than half of the experimental units achieved the cut‐off criteria of 75% germination with 5‐mm radical length within 25 d. Six cultivars varied in time to germination by an average of 0.34 d, and two randomly selected seed lots of each cultivar differed by an average of 0.20 d. We conclude that variation between seed lots may be as important as variation between cultivars when looking for seed with superior germination under marginal soil water contents.
Rate of Urea Application and NH3 Volatilization from Loblolly Pine
Authors: Kissel David E. , Cabrera Miguel L. , Craig Joseph R. , Rema John A. , Morris Larry A.
Published: December 2012

Surface application of urea to pine forests may lead to ammonia (NH3) volatilization, which can reduce forest production. The objective of this study was to characterize the effect of rate of urea application on urea hydrolysis rates and the loss of nitrogen (N) by NH3 volatilization under a range of environments in the field. Three field studies were performed in a mid‐rotation loblolly pine (Pinus taeda L.) plantation with treatments consisting of urea‐N application rates of 50, 100, and 200 kg N ha−1 applied to NH3 volatilization chambers that were designed to adjust the rate of air flow through the system based on wind speed at 1 cm above the soil surface. Overall, there was a tendency during some periods of measurement for urea hydrolysis to be slower at the high rate compared with the lower rates of application, but this effect was small. There was, however, no effect of rate of N application on NH3 loss, expressed as a percentage of the N applied, during any of the three studies. The main factor controlling NH3 loss was water availability as reflected by the interaction between pine needle water potential and relative humidity.
The Transition of Care from Fertility Specialists to Obstetricians: Maternal Adjustment and Postpartum Depressive Symptoms
Authors: Darwiche Joëlle , Maillard Florine , Germond Marc , Favez Nicolas , Lancastle Deborah , de Roten Yves , Guex Patrice , Despland Jean-Nicolas
Published: December 2012

Aim: This study examines the transition from fertility to obstetrical care of women who conceived through IVF. Materials & methods: 33 women filled out questionnaires before IVF, during pregnancy and after birth on infertility stress, maternal adjustment and depressive symptoms. During pregnancy, they participated in an interview about their emotional experiences regarding the transition. Responses were sorted into three categories: Autonomy, Dependence and Avoidance. Results: Exploratory results show that 51.5% of women had no difficulties making the transition (Autonomy), 21.2% had become dependent (Dependence) and 27.3% had distanced themselves from the specialists (Avoidance). Women who became dependent had more trouble adjusting to motherhood and more depressive symptoms. Conclusion: Difficulty making the transition may be linked to decreased ability to adjust to motherhood and more postpartum depressive symptoms.
Early Detection of Ovarian Tumors Using Ultrasound
Authors: Pavlik Edward J , van Nagell John R
Published: December 2012

Ovarian cancer can be treated with a very good prognosis if detected in the early stages, but not after it has advanced. Transvaginal ultrasound is capable of identifying changes in ovarian size and structure, and thereby detects early ovarian malignancies. This view has generated four major trials on transvaginal ultrasound detection: the Kentucky, PLCO, UKCTOCS, and SCSOCS trials. Each is sufficiently different to warrant examination. The Kentucky, UKCTOCS and SCSOCS trials report a shift to early stage detection. The Kentucky trial reports a survival benefit, while follow-up survival analysis is pending in the UKCTOCS and SCSOCS trials. Details of these trials are presented including definitions, inclusions/exclusions, analytic structure (intention-to-treat vs per protocol), performance (sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value and negative predictive value), extent of screening-related treatment, time from screening to treatment, length of follow-up and survival versus mortality analysis. Questions are answered here about effectiveness, application, prevalence, cost and the potential for harm.
Exercise-based Smoking Cessation Interventions among Women
Authors: Linke Sarah E , Ciccolo Joseph T , Ussher Michael , Marcus Bess H
Published: December 2012

Although smoking rates are lower among women than men, women are less likely to quit smoking in cessation trials. This is in part due to their tendency to smoke to help prevent or mitigate negative mood/affect, depression and/or postcessation weight gain. Exercise helps to alleviate women's fear of postcessation weight gain and reduces their cessation-related mood symptoms, making it a theoretically ideal smoking cessation intervention for women. In addition, short bouts of exercise decrease cigarette cravings and withdrawal symptoms among temporarily abstinent smokers. However, results from exercise-based smoking cessation interventions to date have been mostly nonsignificant. This paper describes the theoretical mechanisms (psychological, behavioral, physiological and neurobiological) and practical reasons underlying our belief that exercise-based smoking cessation interventions should not yet be abandoned despite their current paucity of supporting evidence. It also presents ideas for modifying future exercise-based smoking cessation interventions to increase adherence and, as a result, more accurately evaluate the effect of exercise on smoking cessation.
Effectiveness of twin-block and Mandibular Protraction Appliance-IV in the improvement of pharyngeal airway passage dimensions in Class II malocclusion subjects with a retrognathic mandible
Authors: Jena Ashok Kumar , Singh Satinder Pal , Utreja Ashok Kumar
Published: December 2012

Objective:

To test the hypothesis that twin-block and Mandibular Protraction Appliance-IV (MPA-IV) are not effective in improving the pharyngeal airway passage (PAP) dimensions among Class II malocclusion subjects with a retrognathic mandible.

Materials and Methods:

Eighty-three subjects ranging in age from 8 to 14 years were divided into four groups. Group I included 30 Class I malocclusion subjects (healthy controls); group II consisted of 16 Class II malocclusion subjects (Class II controls); group III had 16 subjects in whom Class II malocclusion was treated by MPA-IV; and the remaining 21 subjects formed group IV, whose Class II malocclusions were corrected by twin-block appliance. Lateral cephalograms recorded at the beginning of orthodontic treatment in group I subjects and at the beginning and end of follow-up/treatment with functional appliance in group II, III, and IV subjects were analyzed to determine the PAP dimensions. Paired t-test, one-way analysis of variance, and Tukey tests were applied for statistical analysis, and a P-value .05 was considered statistically significant.

Results:

Soft palate length was decreased significantly in group III (P < .05) and group IV (P < .001) subjects. Soft palate thickness in group IV subjects was increased significantly as compared to group II (P < .05) and group III (P < .01) subjects. The improvement in soft palate inclination in group III and group IV subjects was significant (P < .01). The oropharynx depth was increased significantly in group III (P < .05) and group IV (P < .001) subjects. The depth of the hypopharynx was increased significantly (P < .01) in group IV subjects.

Conclusions:

The twin-block appliance was more efficient than the MPA-IV in the improvement of PAP dimensions among Class II malocclusion subjects with retrognathic mandible.
Sexually Dimorphic Effects of Maternal Nutrient Reduction on Expression of Genes Regulating Cortisol Metabolism in Fetal Baboon Adipose and Liver Tissues
Authors: Guo Chunming , Li Cun , Myatt Leslie , Nathanielsz Peter W. , Sun Kang
Published: December 2012

Maternal nutrient reduction (MNR) during fetal development may predispose offspring to chronic disease later in life. Increased regeneration of active glucocorticoids by 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1 (11β-HSD1) in metabolic tissues is fundamental to the developmental programming of metabolic syndrome, but underlying mechanisms are unknown. Hexose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (H6PD) generates NADPH, the cofactor for 11β-HSD1 reductase activity. CCAAT/enhancer binding proteins (C/EBPs) and the glucocorticoid receptor (GR) regulate 11β-HSD1 expression. We hypothesize that MNR increases expression of fetal C/EBPs, GR, and H6PD, thereby increasing expression of 11β-HSD1 and reductase activity in fetal liver and adipose tissues. Pregnant MNR baboons ate 70% of what controls ate from 0.16 to 0.9 gestation (term, 184 days). Cortisol levels in maternal and fetal circulations increased in MNR pregnancies at 0.9 gestation. MNR increased expression of 11β-HSD1; H6PD; C/EBPα, -β, -γ; and GR in female but not male perirenal adipose tissue and in male but not female liver at 0.9 gestation. Local cortisol level and its targets PEPCK1 and PPARγ increased correspondingly in adipose and liver tissues. C/EBPα and GR were found to be bound to the 11β-HSD1 promoter. In conclusion, sex- and tissue-specific increases of 11β-HSD1, H6PD, GR, and C/EBPs may contribute to sexual dimorphism in the programming of exaggerated cortisol regeneration in liver and adipose tissues and offsprings’ susceptibility to metabolic syndrome.
Telmisartan Improves Insulin Resistance of Skeletal Muscle Through Peroxisome Proliferator–Activated Receptor-δ Activation
Authors: Li Li , Luo Zhidan , Yu Hao , Feng Xiaoli , Wang Peijian , Chen Jian , Pu Yunfei , Zhao Yu , He Hongbo , Zhong Jian , Liu Daoyan , Zhu Zhiming
Published: December 2012

The mechanisms of the improvement of glucose homeostasis through angiotensin receptor blockers are not fully elucidated in hypertensive patients. We investigated the effects of telmisartan on insulin signaling and glucose uptake in cultured myotubes and skeletal muscle from wild-type and muscle-specific peroxisome proliferator–activated receptor (PPAR) δ knockout (MCK-PPARδ−/−) mice. Telmisartan increased PPARδ expression and activated PPARδ transcriptional activity in cultured C2C12 myotubes. In palmitate-induced insulin-resistant C2C12 myotubes, telmisartan enhanced insulin-stimulated Akt and Akt substrate of 160 kDa (AS160) phosphorylation as well as Glut4 translocation to the plasma membrane. These effects were inhibited by antagonizing PPARδ or phosphatidylinositol-3 kinase, but not by PPARγ and PPARα inhibition. Palmitate reducing the insulin-stimulated glucose uptake in C2C12 myotubes could be restored by telmisartan. In vivo experiments showed that telmisartan treatment reversed high-fat diet–induced insulin resistance and glucose intolerance in wild-type mice but not in MCK-PPARδ−/− mice. The protein levels of PPARδ, phospho-Akt, phospho-AS160, and Glut4 translocation to the plasma membrane in the skeletal muscle on insulin stimulation were reduced by high-fat diet and were restored by telmisartan administration in wild-type mice. These effects were absent in MCK-PPARδ−/− mice. These findings implicate PPARδ as a potential therapeutic target in the treatment of hypertensive subjects with insulin resistance.