bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Induction of Diabetes in the RIP-B7.1 Mouse Model Is Critically Dependent on TLR3 and MyD88 Pathways and Is Associated With Alterations in the Intestinal Microbiome
Authors: Alkanani Aimon K. , Hara Naoko , Lien Egil , Ir Diana , Kotter Cassandra V. , Robertson Charles E. , Wagner Brandie D. , Frank Daniel N. , Zipris Danny
Published: December 2013

RIP-B7.1 transgenic mice express B7.1 costimulatory molecules in pancreatic islets and develop diabetes after treatment with polyinosinic:polycytidylic acid (poly I:C), a synthetic double-stranded RNA and agonist of Toll-like receptor (TLR) 3 and retinoic acid–inducible protein I. We used this model to investigate the role of TLR pathways and intestinal microbiota in disease progression. RIP-B7.1 mice homozygous for targeted disruption of TLR9, TLR3, and myeloid differentiation factor-88 (MyD88), and most of the wild-type RIP-B7.1 mice housed under normal conditions remained diabetes-free after poly I:C administration. However, the majority of TLR9-deficient mice and wild-type animals treated with poly I:C and an antibiotic developed disease. In sharp contrast, TLR3- and MyD88-deficient mice were protected from diabetes following the same treatment regimen. High-throughput DNA sequencing demonstrated that TLR9-deficient mice treated with antibiotics plus poly I:C had higher bacterial diversity compared with disease-resistant mice. Furthermore, principal component analysis suggested that TLR9-deficient mice had distinct gut microbiome compared with the diabetes-resistant mice. Finally, the administration of sulfatrim plus poly I:C to TLR9-deficient mice resulted in alterations in the abundance of gut bacterial communities at the phylum and genus levels. These data imply that the induction of diabetes in the RIP-B7.1 model is critically dependent on TLR3 and MyD88 pathways, and involves modulation of the intestinal microbiota.
Effect of Plasma Uric Acid on Antioxidant Capacity, Oxidative Stress, and Insulin Sensitivity in Obese Subjects
Authors: Fabbrini Elisa , Serafini Mauro , Colic Baric Irena , Hazen Stanley L. , Klein Samuel
Published: December 2013

Oxidative stress is purported to be involved in the pathogenesis of obesity-associated insulin resistance. We evaluated whether alterations in levels of circulating uric acid (UA), a systemic antioxidant, affects the following: 1) systemic (plasma and saliva) nonenzymatic antioxidant capacity (NEAC); 2) markers of systemic (urinary 8-iso-prostaglandin-F2α) and muscle (carbonylated protein content) oxidative stress; and 3) whole-body insulin sensitivity (percentage increase in glucose uptake during a hyperinsulinemic-euglycemic clamp procedure). Thirty-one obese subjects (BMI 37.1 ± 0.7 kg/m2) with either high serum UA (HUA; 7.1 ± 0.4 mg/dL; n = 15) or normal serum UA (NUA; 4.5 ± 0.2 mg/dL; n = 16) levels were studied; 13 subjects with HUA levels were studied again after reduction of serum UA levels to 0 by infusing a recombinant urate oxidase. HUA subjects had 20–90% greater NEAC, but lower insulin sensitivity (40%) and levels of markers of oxidative stress (30%) than subjects in the NUA group (all P < 0.05). Acute UA reduction caused a 45–95% decrease in NEAC and a 25–40% increase in levels of systemic and muscle markers of oxidative stress (all P < 0.05), but did not affect insulin sensitivity (from 168 ± 25% to 156 ± 17%, P = NS). These results demonstrate that circulating UA is a major antioxidant and might help protect against free-radical oxidative damage. However, oxidative stress is not a major determinant of insulin action in vivo.
Modulators of amyloid protein aggregation and toxicity: EGCG and CLR01
Authors: Attar Aida , Rahimi Farid , Bitan Gal
Published: December 2013

Abnormal protein folding and self-assembly causes over 30 cureless human diseases for which no disease-modifying therapies are available. The common side to all these diseases is formation of aberrant toxic protein oligomers and amyloid fibrils. Both types of assemblies are drug targets, yet each presents major challenges to drug design, discovery, and development. In this review, we focus on two small molecules that inhibit formation of toxic amyloid protein assemblies — the green-tea derivative (−)-epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), which was identified through a combination of epidemiologic data and a compound library screen, and the molecular tweezer CLR01, whose inhibitory activity was discovered in our group based on rational reasoning, and subsequently confirmed experimentally. Both compounds act in a manner that is not specific to one particular protein and thus are useful against a multitude of amyloidogenic proteins, yet they act via distinct putative mechanisms. CLR01 disrupts protein aggregation through specific binding to lysine residues, whereas the mechanisms underlying the activity of EGCG are only recently beginning to unveil. We discuss current in vitro and, where available, in vivo literature related to EGCG and CLR01’s effects on amyloid β-protein, α-synuclein, transthyretin, islet amyloid polypeptide, and calcitonin. We also describe the toxicity, pharmacokinetics, and mechanism of action of each compound.
Non-invasive cerebellar stimulation in dystonia
Authors: Graetz Lynton , Bradnam Lynley
Published: December 2013

Primary isolated dystonia is a hyperkinetic movement disorder whereby involuntary muscle contractions cause twisted and abnormal postures. Dystonia of the cervical spine and upper limb may present as sustained muscle contractions or task-specific activity when using the hand or upper limb. There is little understanding of the pathophysiology underlying dystonia and this presents a challenge for clinicians and researchers alike. Emerging evidence that the cerebellum is involved in the pathophysiology of dystonia using network models presents the intriguing concept that the cerebellum could provide a novel target for non-invasive brain stimulation. Non-invasive stimulation to increase cerebellar excitability improved aspects of handwriting and circle drawing in a small cohort of people with focal hand and cervical dystonia. Mechanisms underlying the improvement in function are unknown, but putative pathways may involve the red nucleus and/or the cervical propriospinal system. Furthermore, recent understanding that the cerebellum has both motor and cognitive functions suggests that non-invasive cerebellar stimulation may improve both motor and non-motor aspects of dystonia. We propose a combination of motor and non-motor tasks that challenge cerebellar function may be combined with cerebellar non-invasive brain stimulation in the treatment of focal dystonia. Better understanding of how the cerebellum contributes to dystonia may be gained by using network models such as our putative circuits involving red nucleus and/or the cervical propriospinal system. Finally, novel treatment interventions encompassing both motor and non-motor functions of the cerebellum may prove effective for neurological disorders that exhibit cerebellar dysfunction.
Genre, Critique, and Human Rights
Authors: Antaki Mark
Published: December 2013

This article begins to examine the turn to genre in works at the intersection of law and literature, broadly understood. It categorizes two examples of this turn, those of Lynn Hunt and Robert Meister respectively, as less and more critical turns to genre. The less critical turns to genre succumb more to the romantic fantasy of the completion of law by literature, whereas the more critical turns succumb less, encouraging or allowing us to experience ‘dissonance in the form one has become.’ The more critical turns to genre allow one to better articulate the critical work of law and literature, including the way we have been disciplined to separate ethics and aesthetics, sense and sensibility. I conclude by suggesting that the focus on genre may lead to a fruitful re-casting of law and literature as literacies and legalities.
Effect and Mechanism of Mitomycin C Combined with Recombinant Adeno-Associated Virus Type II against Glioma
Authors: Ma Hong , Zhang Yunjia , Wang Hailong , Han Chuanhui , Lei Runhong , Zhang Lei , Yang Zuye , Rao Ling , Qing Hong , Xiang Jim , Deng Yulin
Published: December 2013

The effect of chemotherapy drug Mitomycin C (MMC) in combination with recombinant adeno-associated virus II (rAAV2) in cancer therapy was investigated, and the mechanism of MMC affecting rAAV2’s bioactivity was also studied. The combination effect was evaluated by the level of GFP and TNF expression in a human glioma cell line, and the mechanism of MMC effects on rAAV mediated gene expression was investigated by AAV transduction related signal molecules. C57 and BALB/c nude mice were injected with rAAV-EGFP or rAAV-TNF alone, or mixed with MMC, to evaluate the effect of MMC on AAV-mediated gene expression and tumor suppression. MMC was shown to improve the infection activity of rAAV2 both in vitro and in vivo. Enhancement was found to be independent of initial rAAV2 receptor binding stage or subsequent second-strand synthesis of target DNA, but was related to cell cycle retardation followed by blocked genome degradation. In vivo injection of MMC combined with rAAV2 into the tumors of the animals resulted in significant suppression of tumor growth. It was thus demonstrated for the first time that MMC could enhance the expression level of the target gene mediated by rAAV2. The combination of rAAV2 and MMC may be a promising strategy in cancer therapy.
Physicochemical Characteristics and Anti-Inflammatory Activities of Antrodan, a Novel Glycoprotein Isolated from Antrodia cinnamomea Mycelia
Authors: Chiu Chun-Hung , Peng Chiung-Chi , Ker Yaw-Bee , Chen Chin-Chu , Lee Arwen , Chang Wan-Lin , Chyau Charng-Cherng , Peng Robert
Published: December 2013

Antrodia cinnamomea (AC) is a unique fungus found inhabiting the rotten wood of Cinnamomum kanehirai. A submerged liquid culture of AC has been developed and its bioproducts have been used to meet the market demand for natural fruiting bodies. AC exhibits anti-inflammatory, antitumor, antioxidant, and immunomodulatory effects. Previously, we isolated polysaccharide AC-2 from AC mycelia by means of alkali extraction with subsequent acid precipitation and found it had a pronounced anti-inflammatory effect. In this study, a novel polysaccharide named “antrodan” was obtained by further purification of AC-2 using Sepharose CL-6B column chromatography. Antrodan exhibited a molecular weight of 442 kD and contained a particularly high content of uronic acid (152.6 ± 0.8 mg/g). The protein content was 71.0%, apparently, higher than the carbohydrate content (14.1%), and thus antrodan was characterized as a glycoprotein. Its total glucan content was 15.65%, in which β-glucan (14.20%) was prominently higher than α-glucan (1.45%). Its FTIR confirmed the presence of β-linkages between sugars, and intramolecular amide bonds between sugars and amino acids. Its 1H-NMR spectrum showed that antrodan was a complex union of α- and β-glucans, which had (1→ 4)-linked α-Glcp and (1→ 3)-linked β-Glcp linkages to the carbohydrate chains via asparagine linked to protein site. Biologically, antrodan was confirmed to be totally non-detrimental to RAW 264.7 cell line even at dose as high as 400 μg/mL. It showed potent suppressing effect on the lipopolysaccharide-induced inflammatory responses in RAW 264.7 cell line. Moreover, antrodan significantly reduced the nitrogen oxide production at doses as low as 18.75 μg/mL.
The Prevalence of Antibodies against Wheat and Milk Proteins in Blood Donors and Their Contribution to Neuroimmune Reactivities
Authors: Vojdani Aristo , Kharrazian Datis , Mukherjee Partha
Published: December 2013

The aim of this study was to look for the presence of IgG, IgM, and IgA antibodies against two widely consumed foods, wheat and milk, in a relatively large number of specimens. As wheat, milk, and their antigens have been found to be involved in neuroimmune disorders, we measured the co-occurrence of their antibodies against various neural antigens. We assessed the reactivity of sera from 400 donors to wheat and milk proteins, GAD-65, cerebellar, MBP, and MOG. Statistical analysis showed significant clustering when certain wheat and milk protein antibodies were cross-referenced with neural antibodies. Approximately half of the sera with antibody elevation against gliadin reacted significantly with GAD-65 and cerebellar peptides; about half of the sera with elevated antibodies against α + β-casein and milk butyrophilin also showed antibody elevation against MBP and MOG. Inhibition studies showed that only two out of four of the samples with elevated cerebellar or MOG antibodies could be inhibited by gliadin or α + β-casein, confirming individual variation in epitope recognition. We conclude that a subgroup of blood donors, due to a breakdown in immunological tolerance, may react and produce significant levels of antibodies (p-values less than 0.05) against wheat and milk antigens that cross-react with different neural antigens, which may have broader implications in the induction of neuroimmune reactivities.
Autopsie d'un mal exotique à part : la variole et la vaccine en Indochine française (1860-1939)
Authors: Monnais-Rousselot Laurence
Published: December 2013

From the conquest of Conchinchina, the jennerian vaccination was significant of the main Western colonial objectives. It was symbolic of a public health policy. By offering it this wide political and medical mission, the French metropolis had forgotten several parameters such as climate or traditional medical practices which were representative of a tropical and asiatic area. Actually, French doctors never considered small pox as a tropical disease. In a book dedicated to this affectation, Dr Mougeot pointed the Indochinese specific context out ; he also insisted on the numerous difficulties the mass-vaccination encountered. Nobody followed him. For sure these vaccination campains were a prelude to a complete sanitary policy. They also increased the Western practice famé. But the jennerian process has never been employed in Indochina as far as it could. Above ail, this prophylactic method suffered from a lack of adaptability to the peninsula diversity.
Measuring the unmeasured hazards of the Atlantic slave trade : documents relating to the British trade
Authors: Inikori Joseph E.
Published: December 2013

En se fondant sur des matériaux primaires, cet article examine les aléas auxquels les commerçants de la traite ont été confrontés. Les risques sont les attaques ennemies contre les navires marchands en temps de guerre, les révoltes d'esclaves transportés, les attaques par les populations africaines côtières et les naufrages causés par les éléments naturels. Les données concernant 1053 navires perdus entre 1689 et 1807 révèlent que 64,5 % furent capturés par des ennemis en temps de guerre, 17,9 % firent naufrage en pleine mer et 17,7 % furent perdus à la suite de mutineries d'esclaves, d'attaques par les côtiers ou des naufrages sur les côtes d'Afrique. La documentation suggère un degré d'hostilité des Africains du littoral qui jusqu'ici n'était pas apparu dans la littérature sur le sujet. Cette hostilité soulève des interrogations sur l'attitude des côtiers, qui n'étaient pas impliqués dans la traite ou le gouvernement, vis-à-vis du trafic et des mauvais traitements infligés à leur prochain. Cet article invite à un examen plus approfondi de cet aspect en même temps qu'il émet l'hypothèse que les populations de la côte africaine étaient hostiles à la traite. L'analyse comparée des données indique que les registres des bilans de navigation que nous utilisons peuvent sous-estimer d'au moins 16 % le volume du commerce britannique. Par conséquent, il est nécessaire de réviser, à la hausse, les estimations du trafic britannique des esclaves.
The French-American Conflict over North America and the Fall ofthe Fourth Republic
Authors: Connelly Matthew
Published: December 2013

Historians have long treated the Algerian War in general and the May 1958 crisis in particular as domestic affairs. But newly open archives in France, the US, and Great Britain compel a reassesment of the rôle of outsiders. Beginning with the Suez crisis American officials used economic diplornacy to force a reduction in France 's war effort, fearing that an escalating conflict would cause North Africa to fall under communist or Nasserist influence. When border clashes with Tunisia threatened an expansion of the war Washington prepared an ultimatum demanding negotiations with the FLN. American coercion exacerbated civil- military relations and caused the Assembly to overturn the penultimate government of the Fourth Republic. Thus the chain of events that gave de Gaulle the power to end the war began with an American effort to compel France to conclude an early peace.
Michel Debré et La Réunion : la force des convictions jacobines
Authors: Gauvin Gilles
Published: December 2013

Michel Debré-Prime Minister under General De Gaulle was between 1963 and 1988, a deputy for Reunion Island. Considered as an exile by some or as a form of neo-colonialism by others, in fact, this long overseas mandate was simply the fortuitous result of a friendship and a promise. However, the mandate tallied with a crucial time in the history of Reunion Island as a French Department. Within a quarter of a century, Michel Debré applied himself to rooting - by all means - the island microsociety to its distant home country ; applying an unprecedented development policy. The challenge was all the more difftcult since the home country authorities and the successive governments only had a limited interest in the « Indian Ocean Pearl », and since politics in Reunion Island was anything but a form of democratic culture. Was this original instance of decolonization - that is departmentalisation - a failure or a success ? Undoubtedly, Michel Debré is not totally responsible for the current economic difficulties or the island community problems.
Grégoire et l'universalité des principes : les fondements chrétiens de son combat abolitionniste
Authors: Hermon-Belot Rita
Published: December 2013

The struggle of Gregoire against slavery and in favor of the rights of those who were known as « men of color » were based on an utterly universalist conception of the equality of Man, which, in its origin, was dawn from his religious conviction of God's Creation of Man in His own image. Therefore, this free individual, according to Gregoire, must be a Christian but nothing must limit or defer his freedom. Liberty must be complete and unhindered by any notion of being gradually acquired, especially in the political sphere.
From Pack Animals to Railways : Transport and the Expansion of Peanut Production and Trade in Senegal, 1840-1940
Authors: Moitt Bernard
Published: December 2013

L 'article décrit et analyse le rôle des transports dans le développement de la production et du commerce de l'arachide au Sénégal, dans la période 1840-1940. Il démontre que, vers le milieu du XDC siècle, lorsque le commerce de l'arachide commença à prendre son essor, les transports jouèrent un rôle crucial dans le développement économique du Sénégal. Dans les années 1880, le chemin de fer Dakar-Saint Louis a supplanté les formes antérieures de transport : portage, barques et animaux. La voie ferrée Thiès-Kayes eut un effet similaire. Le chemin de fer contribua fortement à augmenter la production d'arachides, mais son rôle déclina avec l'avènement du transport routier automobile dans les années 20. Toutefois, le transport par bêtes de somme persista jusque dans les années 1940. Les caravanes de chameaux des Maures demeurèrent actives pendons le XXe siècle.
Comment calculer les profits de la traite ?
Authors: Daudin Guillaume
Published: December 2013

Computing the profit rates of slave trade is central to the debate on the importance of this trade for the development of England and France in the 18th century. This paper presents the three methods that historians have used to compute profits, alongside with their results. The paper explains why the study of voyages accounts seems the most promising method. It then examines its specific difficultes. The ambition of this paper is not to solve the debate on profit rates : it is rather to give a framework in which the debate can be resolved.
Cytotoxic and proinflammatory effects of PVP-coated silver nanoparticles after intratracheal instillation in rats
Authors: Haberl Nadine , Hirn Stephanie , Wenk Alexander , Diendorf Jörg , Epple Matthias , Johnston Blair D , Krombach Fritz , Kreyling Wolfgang G , Schleh Carsten
Published: December 2013

Silver nanoparticles (AgNP) are among the most promising nanomaterials, and their usage in medical applications and consumer products is growing rapidly. To evaluate possible adverse health effects, especially to the lungs, the current study focused on the cytotoxic and proinflammatory effects of AgNP after the intratracheal instillation in rats. Monodisperse, PVP-coated AgNP (70 nm) showing little agglomeration in aqueous suspension were instilled intratracheally. After 24 hours, the lungs were lavaged, and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), total protein, and cytokine levels as well as total and differential cell counts were measured in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF). Instillation of 50 µg PVP-AgNP did not result in elevated LDH, total protein, or cytokine levels in BALF compared to the control, whereas instillation of 250 µg PVP-AgNP caused a significant increase in LDH (1.9-fold) and total protein (1.3-fold) levels as well as in neutrophil numbers (60-fold) of BALF. Furthermore, while there was no change in BALF cytokine levels after the instillation of 50 µg PVP-AgNP, instillation of 250 µg PVP-AgNP resulted in significantly increased levels of seven out of eleven measured cytokines. These finding suggest that exposure to inhaled AgNP can induce moderate pulmonary toxicity, but only at rather high concentrations.
Change in Drusen Volume as a Novel Clinical Trial Endpoint for the Study of Complement Inhibition in Age-related Macular Degeneration
Authors: de Amorim Garcia Filho Carlos Alexandre , Yehoshua Zohar , Gregori Giovanni , Nunes Renata Portella , Penha Fernando M. , Moshfeghi Andrew A. , Zhang Kang , Feuer William , Rosenfeld Philip J.
Published: December 2013

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE:

To evaluate the change in drusen volume following treatment with eculizumab, a systemic inhibitor of complement component 5.

PATIENTS AND METHODS:

Single-center, prospective, randomized, double-masked clinical trial. Patients were randomized 2:1 to receive intravenous eculizumab or placebo over 26 weeks. Main outcome measure: decrease in drusen volume of at least 50% at 26-week follow-up.

RESULTS:

Mean drusen cube root volumes were 0.49 mm and 0.47 mm (
P
= .64) at baseline and 0.51 mm and 0.42 mm (
P
= .17) at 26 weeks in the eculizumab and placebo groups, respectively. In the placebo group, one eye had a decrease in drusen volume of at least 50% and two eyes developed neovascularization through 26 weeks.

CONCLUSION:

Systemic complement inhibition with eculizumab did not significantly reduce drusen volume. Drusen growth was dependent on the number of complement at-risk alleles. Future trials should consider the use of a composite clinical trial endpoint in which efficacy is defined by the treatment’s ability to prevent drusen growth, neovascularization, and the formation of geographic atrophy over 1 year.

[
Ophthalmic Surg Lasers Imaging Retina
. 2014;45:18–31.]
Acoustical Behavior of Treated Wood Dust-Filler for Polymer Foam Composite
Authors: Sa'adon Shafizah , Rus Anika Zafiah Mohd
Published: December 2013

Wood dust filler-polymer foam composite has been studied and proved to have ability to absorb sound. In this study, treated rubber and Meranti wood dust named as RA and MA respectively was use as the filler. This study was developed to compare the behavior of sound absorption based on treated filler and particle size of wood dust. By choosing the size of 355 and 710 μm, three different percentages has been selected which is 10%, 15% and 20% for both type of wood dust. These samples has been tested by using Impedance Tube test for sound absorption coefficient (α) measurement and Noise Reduction Coefficient measurement (NRC) and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) to determine the diameter of pore for selected size and type of wood dust-polymer foam composite. The pore size and structure was influence the sound absorption behavior of each sample. 355 μm-polymer foam composite of every percentage loading shows the uniform pore structure as compared to 710 μm of particle size. NRC results shows that increasing pore size has decrease the NRC value. It is therefore, concluded that the sound absorption coefficient for eachsound absorbing material, with different sizes of wood dust particles, types of wood dust and the percentages of wood dust loading in polymer foam matrix effect the sound absorption behavior.
Green Supplier Selection: Analysis of Qualitative Environmental Criteria Using Fuzzy Axiomatic Approach
Authors: Beng Lee Guang , Badrul Omar
Published: December 2013

Legal and public pressures have urged companies and firms to practice good environmental policy. Apart from that, growing environmental consciousness among consumers has also evolved into a potential marketing opportunity that many companies deem valuable. In order to effectively manage a companys environmental policy, linking it closely to purchasing activities can potentially be a helpful way. In this paper, fuzzy axiomatic design (AD) approach is used to address the issue of green supplier selection. A case study is presented to demonstrate the utilization of fuzzy AD principles in analyzing qualitative environmental performances of suppliers with the consideration of all sub-criteria. The proposed approach is able to produce indicative results in terms of information content and is capable of identifying the most eligible supplier among three alternatives. This signifies that the application of fuzzy AD approach in the area of green supplier selection is feasible and is worth further exploration.
Performance Investigation of Modified Turning Tool Holder for MQL Application
Authors: Rahim Erween Abdul , Samsudin Z.H. , Rahim Muhammad Arif Abdul , Mohid Zazuli
Published: December 2013

Some machining process requires coolant to reduce the cutting temperature and helps to flush away the chips from the cutting zone. However, conventional flood coolant possesses some issues towards workers and the environment, regarding health and waste management. The implementation of Minimal Quantity Lubrication (MQL) as an alternative technique seems to be promising although the effectiveness of this technique were influenced by several factor. In turning process for instance, the distance of nozzle to the cutting zone contributes to the variation of machining performance. This study is to compare the effect on cutting performance between two internal MQL nozzle designs. The cutting tool holder were modified to have two internal MQL oil channel. The oil channel design were tested and the performance was evaluated in terms of cutting speed and cutting temperature for different cutting speed, feed rate and depth of cut. The result shows that the single channel performs better in terms of cutting force while dual channel significantly improve the cutting temperature.
Study on Temperature, Force and Specific Energy of AISI 1020 under MQL Grinding Process
Authors: Rahim Erween Abdul , Ibrahim R. , Mohid Z. , Ahmad M.F. , Shahrudin M.
Published: December 2013

Grinding is one of the most difficult processes in machining operations. Normally, the flood coolant method was used as a cooling agent in the grinding process. The most common defects using flood coolant are higher grinding friction, higher heat generation, and thermal damage. Therefore, the minimum quality lubricant (MQL) was introduced to minimize the defects. The main objective of this project is to compare the performance of MQL and flood coolant techniques in terms of grinding temperature, grinding force and specific energy. Three levels of cutting speeds, three levels of feed rate and depth of cut are adopted in the evaluation. The experiments were conducted on a thin plate of mild steel AISI 1020. The result shows that the MQL technique was effectively supplied to the grinding contact zone. This research revealed that the MQL technique exhibited an advantages on the surface temperature compared to the flood coolant.
The Linear Regression vs. Additive Forecast Techniques in Predicting Palm Oil Estate Monthly Delivery Quantity
Authors: Mohd-Lair Noor Ajian , Hong Jia Kit , Misaran Mohd Suffian
Published: December 2013

The quantity of palm oil fruits supplied from palm oil estates often affects the number of workers required and the area to be harvested. Thus, the ultimate objective of this research is to develop a system to forecast monthly delivery quantities such that the companys profit will increase through proper balance between supply and demand. This research is limited to 10 years of monthly deliveries from a palm oil estates deliver to only one palm oil mill as the case study. Two forecast techniques were chosen; the linear regression and additive forecast methods. Based on theories and formulations of the selected forecast techniques, forecast software was developed. For this software, user only needs to specify the year to be forecasted and choose one forecast technique to be used. Then, the forecasted values and errors were calculated and the results were displayed on the GUI. The performance of each technique was compared based on the mean absolute percentage error (MAPE). The generated results showed that the additive method produced lower MAPE compared to the linear regression method. This proved that the additive method is a better technique to predict the monthly delivery quantities of the palm fruits by the estate.
Preparation of Aluminum Feedstock for Green Part Specimen Using Metal Injection Molding
Authors: Saidin Hafeiz , MAMAT AZUDDIN BIN
Published: December 2013

In metal injection molding, to identify the homogenous aluminum based feedstock is a challenging issues. In this study, a metal injection molding of aluminum feedstock which contains of high density polyethylene, stearic acid and paraffin wax as binder system was performed. The feedstock are used to produce tensile and gear shape green specimens using injection molding machine. The process ability of the metal injection molding feedstock depends on different parameters such as their binder composition and amount of metal powder used. From this study, the percentage of volume shrinkage experienced a sudden increase at the metal composition more than 50%. It also shown that, the paraffin wax content, affects the feedstock performances.
Gel Combustion Synthesis and Characterizations of Nanocrystalline ZnO in Various Dispersants and Mol Ratio
Authors: Razak N.A.A. , Shah N.N.H. , Misran Halina , Manap Abreeza , Yap Boon Kar
Published: December 2013

Zinc oxide nanoparticles were successfully synthesized using modified gel combustion synthesis route. Zinc nitrate was used as oxidant while fatty alcohol (8 carbon chains octyl alcohol) and fatty ester (12 carbon chains lauric acid) derived from palm oil as well as glycerol played the role of organic dispersants/fuel. X-ray diffraction (XRD) patterns of the calcined samples exhibited three prominent peaks at ca. 2θ = 31.9°, 34.6° and 36.4° corresponding to (100), (002) and (101) reflection planes which were well indexed to zinc oxide hexagonal phase with wurtzite structure. Additional peaks were not observed in XRD patterns suggesting that no other phases were formed during the combustion synthesis. The morphology of calcined samples produced using glycerol as fuel exhibited elongated spindle-like shapes at ca. 1 μm consisted of nanoparticles. Samples prepared using fatty alcohol as fuel exhibited hexagonal morphology with crystallites sizes of ca. 30 to 40 nm. These results suggested that palm oil derived fatty alcohols and fatty esters are alternative materials as organic dispersants in the production of metal nanoparticles using gel combustion synthesis. The resulting optical properties of ZnO nanocrystallites prepared in this study were similar to those obtain from bulk materials with energy band gap value at ca. 3.28 eV compared to 3.37 eV for the latter.
Injury Analysis Validation of a Deformable Vehicle Front End Model
Authors: Venkatason Kausalyah , Abdullah Kassim , Sivaguru Shasthri , Idres Moumen M. , Shah Qasim H. , Voon Wong Shaw
Published: December 2013

In the event of an impact with an automobile, pedestrians suffer multiple impacts with the bumper, hood and the windscreen. The characteristics of a vehicles front end and structural stiffness have a significant influence on the kinematics and injury risk of the pedestrians body regions, in a vehicle-to-pedestrian collision. In this present study, the injury risk of the pedestrian is investigated in an impact with a deformable vehicle front end model for the purpose of validating the developed model. A simplified vehicle front end model consisting of a multi body windscreen and a finite element cowl, hood and bumper is developed. The MADYMO human pedestrian multi body dummy model is impacted by the vehicle front end model at the speed of 40 km/h. The injuryto the various body segments namely the head, neck, sternum, lumbar, femur and tibia is obtained. The simulation values are compared to the experimental values for verification of the vehicle front end model.
Verification of Fully Developed Flow Entering Diffuser and Particle Image Velocimetry Procedures
Authors: Nordin Normayati , Abdul Karim Zainal Ambri , Othman Safiah , Raghavan Vijay R.
Published: December 2013

3-Dstereoscopic PIV is capable of measuring 3-dimensional velocity components. Itinvolves a very sophisticated routine during setup, calibration, measurementand data processing phases. This paper aims to verify the 3-D stereoscopic PIVmeasurement procedures and to prove that the flow entering thediffuser is a fully developed flow. A diffuser inlet of rectangularcross-section, 130 mm x 50 mm is presently considered. For verification, thevelocities from PIV are compared with the velocities from pitot static probeand theory. The mean velocity obtained using pitot static probe is 2.44 m/s,whereas using PIV is 2.46 m/s. It thus gives the discrepancy of 0.8%. There isalso a good agreement between the mean velocity measured by PIV and theoreticalvalue with the discrepancy of 1.2%. This minor discrepancy is mainly due touncertainties in the experiments such as imperfect matching of coordinatesbetween the probe and laser sheet, unsteadiness of flow, variation in density andless precision in calibration. Basically, the operating procedures of 3-Dstereoscopic PIV have successfully been verified. Nevertheless, the flowentering diffuser is not perfectly developed due to the imperfect joining ductand the abrupt change of inlet cross-section introduced. Therefore, improvementto the existing rig is proposed by means of installing settling chamber withmultiple screens arrangement and contraction cone.
Inclusion of Strain-Rate Effects in Low Velocity Impact Simulation of Laminated Composites
Authors: Abdul-Latif Ainullotfi , Che Man Mohd Hasrizam , Mansor S.
Published: December 2013

Composite materials are widely used in aircraft, automotive, marine and railway applications and are exposed to impact loads, in particular low velocity impact. As material properties of composites are affected by strain-rate [, finite element analysis (FEA) by using static properties would not predict their impact behaviour accurately. Thus, the objective of this study was to include strain-rate effects in the simulation of composite laminates under low velocity impact. This was achieved using ABAQUS anisotropic damage model (ADM) by taking account of material properties changes as a function of log strain-rate using user-defined ABAQUS/VUSDFLD subroutine Strain-Rate Dependent ADM (SRD ADM). Results obtained from SRD ADM were validated using simple tensile test done by Okoli [. Subsequently a three-point bending impact event of a simple composite laminate beam by a cylindrical steel impactor was simulated using both the original ABAQUS Static ADM and the user-defined SRD ADM, and compared with experimental impact test results done by [. The results show that reductions in errors of predicted maximum impact reaction force (compared to experimental data) were achieved from 29% using Static ADM to 14% using SRD ADM and from 35% using Static ADM to 15% using SRD ADM respectively for impactor speeds of 2 ms-1 and 5 ms-1.
3D Printer Patterns Evaluation for Direct Investment Casting
Authors: Marwah. O.M.F. , Sharif S. , Zainol M.A. , Ibrahim M. , Mohamad Elmy Johana
Published: December 2013

The term direct investment casting represents the employment of pattern fabricated by rapid prototyping technique have been reduce the cost and production lead time. The non-wax materials having robust ability on producing pattern in accuracy stability and clean burnout. However 3D printer (3DP) parts are powder based materials and not easily burnout during firing process. The purpose of this investigation were to evaluate the ZP150 powder materials as a sacrificial pattern to be used in investment casting (IC) process. Result shows powder based patterns of 3DP process failed to disintegrate completely even at high temperature during collapsibility investigations. However the pattern become brittle and easily remove by water pressure. Therefore the ceramic mould can be used for metal casting.
Identification of Biodiesel Composites from Waste Cooking Oil Using Gas Chromatographic Method
Authors: Abdullah Nor Hazwani , Sulaiman Hasan , Sani Winardi
Published: December 2013

The aim of this project is to transfer knowledge on production of biodiesel from waste cooking oil then the biodiesel is used as a fuel to fire the burner of frying pan for crackers. The project was initially an experimental work of processing the waste cooking oil into biodiesel in the laboratory. The pilot project was built through this knowledge transfer program with the participation of a small local fabricator in Batu Pahat. This continuous biodiesel plant produces a biodiesel for the chip cracker factory. The biodiesel was blended with diesel oil to get B5 and B10 grade biodiesel. The application of this biodiesel has enabled the company to use its waste cooking oil without having to dispose it and this has save cost to the company. The other advantage is that it has significantly help to preserve environment and encourage green practice. The biodiesel plant has also motivated the company towards thinking about environment and also alternative energy thus sustaining its operation. The project benefits both the university and the industry
Mathematical Modeling for the Regenerator of Liquid Desiccant Air-Conditioning System
Authors: Wassan Majid Ali , Habib Khairul , Hassan Suhaimi B.
Published: December 2013

T his paper presents mathematical model for regenerator of liquid desiccant air conditioning system. Regression analysis was used to get the relation between enthalpy and humidity ratio. Performance of regenerator is highly affected by varying the flow direction between air & desiccant thus to get proper regeneration results counter-flow configuration is considered. Previous studies show better regeneration results for counter-flow direction of air to desiccant. Validation is done by comparing results of present study the experimental results of previous studies and comparison was found to be quite satisfactory. Based on above mathematical model performance of regenerator was analyzed. The purpose of this research was regeneration of liquid desiccant from its dilute-solution form to strong-solution.
Overview Effect of Biodiesel Storage on Properties and Characteristics
Authors: Zakaria Hanis , Khalid Amir , Sies Mohamad Farid , Mustaffa Norrizal
Published: December 2013

Biofuels based on vegetable oils offer the advantage being a sustainable and environmentally attractive alternative to conventional petroleum based fuel. The key issue in using vegetable oil-based fuels is oxidation stability, stoichiometric point, bio-fuel composition, antioxidants on the degradation and much oxygen with comparing to diesel gas oil. This provides a critical review of current understanding of main factor in storage method which affecting the biodiesel properties and characteristics. In the quest for fulfill the industry specifications standard; the fuel should be stored in a clean, dry and dark environment. Water and sediment contamination are basically housekeeping issues for biodiesel. Degradation by oxidation yields products that may compromise fuel properties, impair fuel quality and engine performance. The effect of storage method on the fuel properties and burning process in biodiesel fuel combustion will strongly affects the exhaust emissions.
The Efficiency Enhancement on the Direct Flow Evacuated Tube Solar Collector Using Water-Based Titanium Oxide Nanofluids
Authors: Mahendran Moorthy , Ali Tanti Zanariah Shamshir , Shahrani A. , Bakar R.A.
Published: December 2013

In the present study, the efficiency of an evacuated-tube solar collector was investigated experimentally by using water and water-based titanium oxide nanofluids as the working fluids. The titanium oxide nanofluids with the average nanoparticles size between 30-50nm were prepared and tested at volume concentration of 1.0%, 2.0% and 3.0%. The volume flow rate of the working fluids in the solar collector varied from 2.0 to 3.0 liter/min. The experiments were performed at outdoor conditions according to the ASHRAE standard 93-2000. The result shows the efficiency of evacuated solar collector have increased up to 42.5% by using 2.0% concentration nanofluids compared to its base fluid at 2.0litre/min flow rate. In conclusion, the efficiency of collector shows greater enhancement at the low volume flow rate and concentration of nanofluids compared to its base fluid which was water.
Occupant Kinematic Study in Safe Bus Superstructure
Authors: Bin Yusof Mustafa , Bin Afripin Mohammad Amirul Affiz
Published: December 2013

The risk of injuries and fatalities is severe when bus superstructure fails during rollover accidents. This study deals with two stages of analyses which are superstructure strength having rollover analysis and occupants kinematic analysis. The validation process by correlating the strain results obtained from simple box rollover and simulation process done. The inputs from validation process had been used for full-scale bus superstructure rollover. A complete bus structure was developed and simulation was done according to the United Nation Economic Commission of Europe (UNECE) regulation 66 by utilizing finite element analysis software. Injury to occupant at various locations was studied as well as comparison study between belt occupant and unbelted occupants by using the Mathematical Dynamic Model (MADYMO) software. Analysis suggested that superstructure strength and occupant kinematics consideration can reduce fatality and serious injury in bus rollover accident.
Technical-Economic Analysis of Steam Double Effect Absorption Chiller-Heaters Equipped with Solar Heat Pipe System
Authors: Assadi Morteza Khalaji , Armaki Hamidreza Akhavan , Del Mahmoud Zendeh
Published: December 2013

The aim of this research is to indicate a steam double effect chiller-heater equipped with solar heat pipe in a certain space with the area of 975 m2 located in Tehran, which is currently equipped with a direct-fired single effect absorption chiller-heater. Thereafter , the most obvious differences of the two chiller-heater systems are compared: the solar cooling system increases coefficient of performance as high as 0.54, decreases CO2 dissemination by 829 tons in each year, and reduces energy consumption by 1552.42 MWh/Yr. Economic analysis of the two systems using break-even-point showed that the use of solar system is attractive in applications that have excess thermal energy, and the conversion of this energy to higher value energy markets is to be more profitable than absorption gas-fired system from 13th year on. Keywords: Technical-economic analysis, energy optimization, solar chiller, absorption chiller-heater, solar heat pipe.
Leakage Detection in Pipeline Using Synchrosqueeze Wavelet Transform
Authors: Amin Makeen M. , Hadi Abdul , Ghazali Mohd Fairusham
Published: December 2013

The detection of water leakages in water distribution system has always been a challenge in the water industry as most water pipelines are laid foot underground which are normally unseen to human naked eyes until water starts to flow out from roads and creates puddles. The age in pipelines network is a major problem and the reduction of these has become a major priority for pipeline authorities around the world. This project method are developed based on pressure transient by using single pressure transducer and analyses on newly method of analyzing called synchrosqueeze wavelet transform (SWT) which is viable approach to detect and locate the leak in pipeline system. Transient analyses offer a plausible route towards leak detection due to their robustness and simplicity. The result show that newly developed techniques, SWT appears to improve the ability of the method to identify features in the signal.
Visual Study of Hollow Cone Water Spray Jet Breakup Process at Elevated Temperatures and Pressures
Authors: Naz Muhammad Yasin , Sulaiman Shaharin A. , Ari-Wahjoedi Bambang , Ku Shaari Ku Zilati
Published: December 2013

The liquid jet breakup is a ubiquitous phenomenon in nature and a classic problem in hydrodynamics. The understanding of the jet breakup mechanism of hot liquids is still a challenge for researchers. The objective of this work was to understand and control the hot water spray jet breakup mechanism at moderate pumping pressures and elevated temperature. For this purpose, the visual and comparative studies were conducted on hollow cone water spray patterns generated by three hollow cone spray nozzles which were installed in an in-house built intermittently forced liquid spraying system. Using a high speed camera, the jet breakup dynamics were visualized as a function of system input parameters. The analysis of the grabbed images confirmed the strong influence of these processing parameters on spray characteristics. It was also predicted that heated liquids generate the dispersed spray patterns and the induction of thermal energy into the system enhances the jet disintegration ability. The spray cone width and angle were not varied significantly whereas the Weber and Reynolds numbers along with other spray parameters showed an appreciable response to the load pressure and water heating temperature at early stages of water injection.
Meshless Local B-Spline Basis Functions-FD Method and its Application for Heat Conduction Problem with Spatially Varying Heat Generation
Authors: Hidayat Mas Irfan P. , Ari-Wahjoedi Bambang , Setyamartana Parman , Megat Yusoff Puteri S.M. , Rao T.V.V.L.N.
Published: December 2013

In this paper, a new meshless local B-spline basis functions-finite difference (FD) method is presented for two-dimensional heat conduction problem with spatially varying heat generation. In the method, governing equations are discretized by B-spline approximation in the spirit of FD technique using local B-spline collocation. The key aspect of the method is that any derivative at a point or node is stated as neighbouring nodal values based on the B-spline interpolants. Compared with mesh-based method such as FEM the method is simple and efficient to program. In addition, as the method poses the Kronecker delta property, the imposition of boundary conditions is also easy and straightforward. Moreover, it poses no difficulties in dealing with arbitrary complex domains. Heat conduction problem in complex geometry is presented to demonstrate the accuracy and efficiency of the present method.