bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Theoretical and Experimental Study on the Falling-Film Evaporator Applied to Mechanical Vapor Compression
Authors: Pang Wei Ke , Yang Lu Wei , Zhang Zhen Tao
Published: August 2013

Based on a heat pump system of mechanical vapor recompression (MVR) designed and manufactured independently, the heat transfer performance of falling-film evaporator was measured by a combination way of theory analysis and experiment proving as the heat pump operated in practice. After the result of theoretical calculation is worked out, the start thickness and entrance velocity of the liquid film are established by adjusting the flux of raw solution. The result shows there is an optimization that the film thickness at the bottom of the tubes amounts to that of boundary layer of velocity. Additionally, it is a process of falling-film flow with heat and mass transfer between the start and end of falling-film. The last thickness of the falling film is about 0.21~0.44mm. The thickness of falling film when the falling-film flowed and heat exchange was over is compared with each other, and the effect of heat resistance on heat transfer is discussed also. It is showed that an optimal thickness is formed during the process of falling-film flow and evaporation, and disadvantages come up when it is not formed. The falling-film evaporator propelled by the MVR heat pump with low compression ratio carries through a process of strong and high-efficiency heat transfer with phase transition. It is because the states of produced vapor both before compressed and after compressed are saturated. Its heat-transfer coefficient may be as high as 1990 W/ (m2·K). The start and end thickness of falling film become great while the evaporation pressure goes up. It leads to the drop of the heat-transfer efficiency, so there is an optimization to the system in all probability.
Performance Analysis of Single Stage Compression Cycle with a Throttle Valve
Authors: Tian Jing Rui , Wang Hong Li , Xue Gui Jun
Published: August 2013

With increasing of high pressure, the performances of all kinds refrigerants except for R744 are all declined and transcritical R744 compression cycle has an optimum high pressure. With increasing of the evaporating temperature, all cycle COP is an increasing trend, with increasing of outlet temperature of condenser, the performances of all cycles are decreased. Under the same comparison conditions, the performance of R134a refrigerant cycle is superior to the cycles of other refrigerants, and the cycle of R11 refrigerant has the worst performance.
Study on Static and Dynamic Characteristics of Load-Sensing and Pressure-Compensated Directional Control Valve
Authors: Feng Rui Lin , Wei Jian Hua , Fang Jin Hui
Published: August 2013

This study presents the static and dynamic characteristics of load-sensing and pressure-compensated directional control valve under the working conditions. A mathematical model is developed, two types of working conditions are presented through the static work point calculation. The static characteristic is analyzed by simulation, and the conclusion is validated by experiments. Solution procedure of the flow gain transfer function and flow-pressure coefficient transfer function is detailed introduced based on the above static computation, and their dynamic characteristic is analyzed by using Bode diagram. Finally, three types of compensatory modes are proposed, which provides very useful value and significance for the hydraulic component or system design and parameters optimization.
Based on the Technology of Shaped Charge Numerical Simulation and Experiment Research of Ice Blasting
Authors: Meng Wen Yuan , Liu Xin , Hu Jun Qiang
Published: August 2013

According to the characteristics of the Yellow River ice flood, the author using LS-DYNA numerical simulation and shaped charge technology to research the 20cm thick ice failure characteristics when a certain amount of TNT exploded underwater, analysis the result and get the best explosive blasting point, and compared the numerical simulation results with experimental results, to verify the reliability of the numerical simulation, the results may guide the research of the ice-breaking equipment that based on shaped charge technology.
A Survey of General Purpose Computation of GPU for Computational Fluid Dynamics
Authors: Cao Wei , Wang Zheng Hua , Xu Chuan Fu
Published: August 2013

The graphics processing unit (GPU) has evolved from configurable graphics processor to a powerful engine for high performance computer. In this paper, we describe the graphics pipeline of GPU, and introduce the history and evolution of GPU architecture. We also provide a summary of software environments used on GPU, from graphics APIs to non-graphics APIs. At last, we present the GPU computing in computational fluid dynamics applications, including the GPGPU computing for Navier-Stokes equations methods and the GPGPU computing for Lattice Boltzmann method.
Research on Multiple Attribute Decision Making under Hesitant Fuzzy Linguistic Environment with Application to Production Strategy Decision Making
Authors: Zhang Jun Ling , Qi Xiao Wen
Published: August 2013

This paper investigates methods for multiple attribute decision making (MADM) under hesitant fuzzy linguistic environment. Firstly, we define two transform functions between hesitant fuzzy linguistic variables and hesitant fuzzy variables. Then, based on the presented transform functions, a hesitant fuzzy linguistic weighted averaging (HFLWA) operator and a hesitant fuzzy linguistic weighted geometric (HFLWG) operator are developed, and some desired properties of the operators are also analyzed. Successively, an integrated approach for MADM with attribute assessments taking form of hesitant fuzzy linguistic variables is constructed. Furthermore, an illustrative study on production strategy decision making is carried out to verify the effectiveness and practicality of proposed methods.
The Effect of Anxiety Emotion on Information Processing of Decision Making: Based on Computer Stimulate
Authors: Wang Da Wei , Hu Yi Xin , Xu Ping , Xu Xing Kui
Published: August 2013

The effect of anxiety emotion on information processing of decision making was explored by computer stimulate experiment. The results showed that people with high anxiety used longer time to processing information than that with low anxiety. The depth of information search of low anxiety was more than that of high anxiety. Individual with high anxiety was inclined to use heuristic strategies, and Individual with low anxiety was inclined to adopt analysis strategies.
Multi-Features Fusion Algorithm Based on NSCT for Face Recognition
Authors: Liu Xiao Shan
Published: August 2013

A novel algorithm for face recognition is proposed. Firstly, illumination invariant feature of face image is exacted by the Nonsubsampled Contourlet Transform (NSCT) and small scale feature is exacted by the total variation model (LTV), respectively. Then the two type of features are fused into a new feature for face classification. The experimental results show that the proposed method can get very good effect in face recognition.
Study on Flotation Process of Low Quality Fluorite Ore
Authors: Liu Shu Xian , Lu Xiao Long , Wei Shao Bo
Published: August 2013

The grade of the low quality fluorite ore was assayed around 30.95％CaF2. When the grain size achieved by 65% of -200 mesh at the first stage grindings and the grain size achieved by 100% of -400 mesh at the second stage grindings, the circuit of one rough floatation and six cleaning floatation are used in the recovery of fluorspar, the result is obtained that the fluorite concentrate grade of CaF2 is 98.50%,with the recovery of 54.10%.
Interface Reactions of Joining Al2O3 Ceramics by Microwave Method
Authors: Zhao Ying Na , Zeng Xiong Feng , Hou Gui Qin , Zhang Wen Li
Published: August 2013

Nanometer Si powders were used as interlayer materials, which were expected to be microwave heated rapidly and reacted with the surface of Al2O3ceramics to form the low eutectoid compound. The phenomena of element migration of joint samples were investigated by energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) and the interface phase transition was analyzed by X-ray diffraction (XRD). The results indicated that the low eutectoid compound of the joint interface wetted and penetrated to the ceramic surface. The variation of micro-hardness at the interface across the parent material was measured by micro-hardness instrument and the interfacial microstructure and the fracture surface were investigated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM).
Numerical Study on Repairing Mold Punch of Wear Failure by Manual Arc Welding
Authors: Yuan Yong Fu , Liu Cun Ping
Published: August 2013

In order to achieve a more intensive understanding of the plate welding mechanism of the punch repairing process, a numerical simulation has been carried out by using the finite element method. According to the special requirement of the punch, which had been the wear failure, the surface welding surfacing have been taken into account in the finite element model. The results of the finite element simulation are in proper agreement with the experimental findings. The distributions of the Von Mises Stress of the workpiece have been computed for discussion. It has been realized that good results could be got by finite element computation.
Concrete Crack Control of Pile-to-Pilecap Connection in Integral Abutment Bridges under Cyclic Bridge Movement
Authors: Kim Woo Seok , Lee Jae Ha , Jeoung Chan
Published: August 2013

Steel pile-concrete abutment connection in integral abutment bridges is vulnerable to cyclic bridge movement as well as seismic loads. Although this connection may determine the bridge strength and performance against the above loads, previous researches have merely focused on this connection. This study has investigated crack patterns using finite element analyses. The bridge movements were classified into three cases: (1) translation only; (2) rotation only; and (3) simultaneous translation and rotation. The identified cracks were diagonally occurred from the steel pile. PennDOT DM-4 reinforcement detail was hardly effective in controlling crack growing. This study also investigated spiral type reinforcement for the connection, and this type of reinforcement detail significantly improved the crack control capacity in integral abutment bridges.
Grey System Theoretical Analysis on the Influence of Volatile Organic Compounds Emission from Asphalt on its Performance
Authors: Zhang Hong Hua , Wu Shao Peng , Pang Ling , Jenkins Kim , Yu Man , Cui Pei Qiang
Published: August 2013

Light components in the asphalt can volatilize under the circumstances of high temperature or long-term service process, leading to the deteriorating of the asphalt pavement. This paper tried to discuss the influences of volatile organic compounds (VOC) emission from the asphalt on physical properties in the high temperature (at 180) by grey system theory. Both Heat and Vacuum environment were monitored as the emission conditions and the emission temperature was 180°C, physical properties of asphalt, released and unreleased were analyzed. Basic tests, including mass change, chemical compositions, penetration and soften point, were used to compare the influences of VOC emission on the asphalts performances. Meanwhile, grey system theory was used to investigate the sequent performances influenced by VOC emission. Results show that physical properties and four generic components of the asphalts are affected obviously in these two emission conditions, and the oxygen may promote VOC emission from the asphalt. In additional, the greatest factor associating with VOC emission is light components in the asphalt.
Elaborate Failure Model and Seismic Response Analysis for Multi-Story Masonry Building with R. C. Frames on Ground Floor
Authors: Wang Duo Zhi , Dai Jun Wu , Zhang Chen Xiao
Published: August 2013

Framed-Ground Floor Structure for short which has serious seismic damage and high collapsed rate, is the unreasonable structure system. The experiences is 1. The shear wall can be increased to improve stiffness of weak layer. And designer should try to arrange the walls equably. 2. In order to avoid stiffness mutation, stiffness ratio between ground frame and transition layer can be adjusted. 3. Collapse resistant design of Framed-Ground Floor Structures should be emphasized. Then seismic response analysis is conducted by ANSYS. And the seismic response is little, and strength damage or stable damage do not occur for the little acceleration peak. Along with the increasing acceleration peak, The bigger horizontal displacement leads to damage of Framed-Ground Floor Structures. Moreover, the damage is in advance as the increasing acceleration peak.
The Sustainable Research on Urban Planning and Construction
Authors: Ma Yan Ting , Ma Chun Jie
Published: August 2013

The sustainable development is a new requirement put forward to urban planners in the current ecological environment. This paper describes the great significance of sustainable urban planning and also gives some measures to achieve the principles of sustainability in urban planning and construction.
Prediction Model of the Sinter Comprehensive Performance Based on Neural Network
Authors: Chen Wei , Zhang Hui Juan , Wang Bao Xiang , Chen Ying , Li Xing
Published: August 2013

The sinter quality and the stability of composition could directly affect the yield, quality and energy consumption of ironmaking production. It is important for iron and steel industry to steadily control sinter chemical composition and analyze sintering energy consumption. The MATLAB m file editor was used to write code directly in this paper. A predictive system for two important sinter chemical composition (TFe and FeO), sinter output and sintering solid fuel consumption of was established based on BP neural network, which was trained by actual production data.) The application results show that the prediction system has high accuracy rate, stability and reliability, the sintering productivity was improved effectively.
Dynamic Character of Reinforced Concrete Column with Corroded Stirrup
Authors: Yuan Qi Wang , She Yue Xin , Yu Ding Cheng
Published: August 2013

An Experimental testing program was undertaken using full-scale specimen of seven reinforced concrete columns, one of which was employed as control without corrosion, and the other six of which were corroded in different degree. The test results indicate that with the increase of the corrosion level, the failure mode change from flexural-shear failure ,due to crushing of core concrete, to flexural-shear failure, due to fracture of stirrup. Although corrosion of stirrup do not influence distinctly on the ultimate strength of the columns, the ultimate drift and plastic rotation capacities greatly decrease with increasing the corrosion level. Compared with the test results, a calculation value can be more accurately acquired from the proposed method predicting the shear strength, through which both the minimum residual area and average corrosion weigh loss of stirrup are both considered.
Cherish the Earth's Mineral Resources and Promote the Comprehensive Utilization of Iron Tailings
Authors: Zhang Jin Rui , Li Ying , Zhao Li Bing
Published: August 2013

With the increasing amount of tailings, it has brought many serious problems like take up a lot of land, construction and maintenance tailings reservoirs must be consume a large amount of money. The stockpiled tailings is not only bring drawbacks, but also bring huge economic benefits for us. For example, recycling of useful components contained in the tailings, or use the tailings as a whole. This article introduction the tailings status, utilization and point out direction of future development of tailings utilization.
Test of Anchored Shear about Fractured Rock and Numerical Simulation Analysis of the Slope Rock Mass
Authors: Zhang Shu Qing , Lv Xiu Ling , Zhang Li Hong
Published: August 2013

The mechanics mechanism of bolt reinforcement of joint fissure test pieces were discussed with the method of variable angle plate indoor model experiment and the deformation of bolt control of jointed slope were analyzed by numerical simulation. The results show that: the bolt reinforcement can improve not only the integrity of joint fissure rock mass, but also be a very good control of deformation of jointed slope. It establishes the foundation on the quantitative for evaluation of joint fissure rock mass deformation and stability.
Leaching and the Residue Flotation of a Low-Grade Ni-Cu-PGM Sulfide Ore
Authors: Zhao Shu , Pan Ji Ze
Published: August 2013

According to the mineralogy of a low-grade Ni-Cu-PGM sulfide ore, a leaching-flotation process was introduced to process the ore. The leaching tests were focused on temperature, acid concentration, and grinding fineness under normal pressure. Results show that most of Mg and Fe can be effectively leached by 25% H2SO4 with a small amount of copper and nickel loss in leaching solution. Through separating Fe and Mg in the leaching solution, iron oxide red assaying 75%Fe2O3 and light magnesium oxide assaying 95%MgO were obtained. Residue flotation shows that a bulk concentrate assaying 2.72%MgO with a higher PGM recovery can be obtained. The most important fact is that the grade of PGM in the residue gets doubled relative to the raw ore, which enlarges the available low-grade PGM resource in China.
Interruptions during hospital nurses’ medication administration rounds
Authors: Smeulers Marian , Hoekstra Marjoke , Van Dijk Emma , Overkamp Femke , Vermeulen Hester
Published: August 2013

Medication administration errors are common, costly and the cause of adverse events in clinical practice. Interruptions during medication administration rounds are thought to be a prominent causative factor of these medication errors. In this observational study, data were collected on the number and duration of several different sources of verbal and non-verbal interruptions using unobtrusive structured observations on 32 medication administration rounds. Interruptions occurred very often (6.9 times per nurse each hour), differed in frequency among the medication administration rounds and were from a variety of sources. The most frequent interruptions were caused by nursing colleagues (43%) and non-verbal interruptions from the ward environment (25%), such as noises from pagers, conversations in the vicinity of the nurse, the work of cleaners, or stock management by pharmacy staff. The longest durations of interruptions were from nursing colleagues’ verbal interrup- interruptions. When comparing the medication rounds, more and longer interruptions were observed during the morning rounds than those at noon. A comparison between surgical and non-surgical units showed that interruptions occurred more often and lasted longer in non-surgical units than those in surgical units. But the observed differences were not statistically significant. In conclusion, interruptions during medication administration rounds are frequent and originated from different human and environmental sources. Interventions should target not only interruptions by colleagues, but should also consider ways to reduce self-initiated interruptions and those arising from the immediate ward environment.
Modelling NO2 concentrations at the street level in the GAINS integrated assessment model: projections under current legislation
Authors: Kiesewetter G. , Borken-Kleefeld J. , Schöpp W. , Heyes C. , Thunis P. , Bessagnet B. , Gsella A. , Amann M.
Published: August 2013

Abstract. NO2 concentrations at the street level are a major concern for urban air quality in Europe and have been regulated under the EU Thematic Strategy on Air Pollution. Despite the legal requirements, limit values are exceeded at many monitoring stations with little or no improvement during recent years. In order to assess the effects of future emission control regulations on roadside NO2 concentrations, a downscaling module has been implemented in the GAINS integrated assessment model. The module follows a hybrid approach based on atmospheric dispersion calculations and observations from the AirBase European air quality data base that are used to estimate site-specific parameters. Pollutant concentrations at every monitoring site with sufficient data coverage are disaggregated into contributions from regional background, urban increment, and local roadside increment. The future evolution of each contribution is assessed with a model of the appropriate scale – 28 × 28 km grid based on the EMEP Model for the regional background, 7 × 7 km urban increment based on the CHIMERE Chemistry Transport Model, and a chemical box model for the roadside increment. Thus, different emission scenarios and control options for long-range transport, regional and local emissions can be analysed. Observed concentrations and historical trends are well captured, in particular the differing NO2 and total NOx = NO + NO2 trends. Altogether, more than 1950 air quality monitoring stations in the EU are covered by the model, including more than 400 traffic stations and 70% of the critical stations. Together with its well-established bottom-up emission and dispersion calculation scheme, GAINS is thus able to bridge the scales from European-wide policies to impacts in street canyons. As an application of the model, we assess the evolution of attainment of NO2 limit values under current legislation until 2030. Strong improvements are expected with the introduction of the Euro 6 emission standard for light duty vehicles; however, for some major European cities, further measures may be required, in particular if aiming to achieve compliance at an earlier time.
Measurements on pointing error and field of view of Cimel-318 Sun photometers in the scope of AERONET
Authors: Torres B. , Toledano C. , Berjón A. , Fuertes D. , Molina V. , Gonzalez R. , Canini M. , Cachorro V. E. , Goloub P. , Podvin T. , Blarel L. , Dubovik O. , Bennouna Y. , de Frutos A. M.
Published: August 2013

Abstract. Sensitivity studies indicate that among the diverse error sources of ground-based sky radiometer observations, the pointing error plays an important role in the correct retrieval of aerosol properties. The accurate pointing is specially critical for the characterization of desert dust aerosol. The present work relies on the analysis of two new measurement procedures (cross and matrix) specifically designed for the evaluation of the pointing error in the standard instrument of the Aerosol Robotic Network (AERONET), the Cimel CE-318 Sun photometer. The first part of the analysis contains a preliminary study whose results conclude on the need of a Sun movement correction for an accurate evaluation of the pointing error from both new measurements. Once this correction is applied, both measurements show equivalent results with differences under 0.01° in the pointing error estimations. The second part of the analysis includes the incorporation of the cross procedure in the AERONET routine measurement protocol in order to monitor the pointing error in field instruments. The pointing error was evaluated using the data collected for more than a year, in 7 Sun photometers belonging to AERONET sites. The registered pointing error values were generally smaller than 0.1°, though in some instruments values up to 0.3° have been observed. Moreover, the pointing error analysis shows that this measurement can be useful to detect mechanical problems in the robots or dirtiness in the 4-quadrant detector used to track the Sun. Specifically, these mechanical faults can be detected due to the stable behavior of the values over time and vs. the solar zenith angle. Finally, the matrix procedure can be used to derive the value of the solid view angle of the instruments. The methodology has been implemented and applied for the characterization of 5 Sun photometers. To validate the method, a comparison with solid angles obtained from the vicarious calibration method was developed. The differences between both techniques are below 3%.
Mathematics of the total alkalinity–pH equation – pathway to robust and universal solution algorithms: the SolveSAPHE package v1.0.1
Authors: Munhoven G.
Published: August 2013

Abstract. The total alkalinity–pH equation, which relates total alkalinity and pH for a given set of total concentrations of the acid–base systems that contribute to total alkalinity in a given water sample, is reviewed and its mathematical properties established. We prove that the equation function is strictly monotone and always has exactly one positive root. Different commonly used approximations are discussed and compared. An original method to derive appropriate initial values for the iterative solution of the cubic polynomial equation based upon carbonate-borate-alkalinity is presented. We then review different methods that have been used to solve the total alkalinity–pH equation, with a main focus on biogeochemical models. The shortcomings and limitations of these methods are made out and discussed. We then present two variants of a new, robust and universally convergent algorithm to solve the total alkalinity–pH equation. This algorithm does not require any a priori knowledge of the solution. SolveSAPHE (Solver Suite for Alkalinity-PH Equations) provides reference implementations of several variants of the new algorithm in Fortran 90, together with new implementations of other, previously published solvers. The new iterative procedure is shown to converge from any starting value to the physical solution. The extra computational cost for the convergence security is only 10–15% compared to the fastest algorithm in our test series.
The Cache la Poudre river basin snow water equivalent modeling with NewAge-JGrass
Authors: Formetta G. , Kampf S. K. , David O. , Rigon R.
Published: August 2013

Abstract. The paper presents a snow water equivalent model as part of the hydrological modeling system NewAge-JGrass. The model take in account of the main physical processes influencing the snow melting (precipitation form separation, melting and freezing modeling) coupled with the snowpack mass conservation equation. The snow melting depends not only on the air temperature but also on the radiation received by the pixel. The model is perfectly integrated in the NewAge-JGrass modeling system and uses many of its components such as shortwave radiation balance, krigings and automatic calibration algorithms. As all the NewAge-JGrass components, the presented model can be executed both in raster and in vector mode and the simulation time step can be daily, hourly or sub-hourly as the user needs. The model is applied on the Cache la Poudre river basin (CO, USA). Three are the applications presented in the paper. Firstly, the simulation of snow water equivalent in three different measurement stations is performed. Model parameters are calibrated and model performances are quantitatively computed by comparing simulated and measured snow water equivalent time series. Indices of goodness of fit such as Kling–Gupta Efficiency, Index of Agreement and Percentage Bias are computed. Secondly, the representativeness of the model parameters in different locations is discussed. Finally a raster mode application is performed: snow water equilvalent maps on the whole Cache la Poudre river are computed. In all the applications the model performance are satisfactory in term of goodness of fitting measured snow water equivalent time series. The integration of the model in the NewAge-JGrass system allows the used to o enjoy all the component of the system: input data computation, output maps visualizetion in the GIS JGrass, model parameters automatic calibration.
A wireless sensor network for monitoring volcanic tremors
Authors: Lopes Pereira R. , Trindade J. , Gonçalves F. , Suresh L. , Barbosa D. , Vazão T.
Published: August 2013

Abstract. Monitoring of volcanic activity is important to learn about the properties of each volcano and provide early warning systems to the population. Monitoring equipment can be expensive and thus, the degree of monitoring varies from volcano to volcano and from country to country, with many volcanoes not being monitored at all. This paper describes the development of a Wireless Sensor Network (WSN) capable of collecting geophysical measurements on remote active volcanoes. Our main goals were to create a flexible, easy to deploy and maintain, adaptable, low-cost WSN for temporary or permanent monitoring of seismic tremor. The WSN enables the easy installation of a sensor array on an area of tens of thousand of m2, allowing the location of the magma movements causing the seismic tremor to be calculated. This WSN can be used by recording data locally for latter analysis or by continuously transmitting it in real time to a remote laboratory for real-time analyses.
Empirical sea ice thickness retrieval during the freeze up period from SMOS high incident angle observations
Authors: Huntemann M. , Heygster G. , Kaleschke L. , Krumpen T. , Mäkynen M. , Drusch M.
Published: August 2013

Abstract. Sea ice thickness information is needed for climate modeling and ship operations. Here a method to detect the thickness of sea ice up to 50 cm during the freezeup season based on high incidence angle observations of the Soil Moisture and Ocean Salinity (SMOS) satellite working at 1.4 GHz is suggested. By comparison of thermodynamic ice growth data with SMOS brightness temperatures, a high correlation to intensity and an anti correlation to the difference between vertically and horizontally polarised brightness temperatures at incidence angles between 40 and 50 ° are found and used to develop an empirical retrieval sensitive to thin sea ice up to 50 cm thickness. It shows high correlations with ice thickness data from airborne measurements and reasonable ice thickness patterns for the Arctic freeze up period.
La droga, el contexto y el Estado. Jóvenes de estratos sociales medios y altos y su consumo “recreativo” en tres municipios de El Salvador
Authors: López Ramírez Augusto Rigoberto
Published: August 2013

Se estudia a los jóvenes de estratos medios y altos y su consumo recreativo de drogas influido por factores de tipo estructural y cultural, abordando cuatro zonas de concentración de bares y discotecas en tres municipios importantes de El Salvador. El énfasis se hace en la generación del contexto para suplir la demanda del consumo de dicha población y las consecuencias que esto le significa a la sociedad. Se concluye con un llamado al Estado a que regule los espacios de interés social. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5377/rpsp.v2i0.1194
Enhanced Detection of Human Plasma Proteins on Nanostructured Silver Surfaces
Authors: Králová Zuzana Orságová , Oriňák Andrej , Oriňáková Renáta , Škantárová Lenka , Radoňák Jozef
Published: August 2013

In chemical and medical research, recent methods combine the tools of nanotechnology, chemistry and biology in a way that introduces the most modern processes to current medical practice. The main blood plasma proteins – albumin and globulin and their amino acid sequences, are carriers of important information about human health. In this paper we employed silver nanostructured surfaces prepared by electrodeposition. Consequently, electrochemical deposition is introduced as a convenient, fast and cost-effective method for the preparation of metallic nanostructures with required morphology. Silver nanostructured surfaces were applied as the templates for Surface Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy (SERS) of albumin and globulin in the role of model analytes. We also studied the effect of a working electrode polishing process on electrodeposition and identification of proteins. The aqueous solutions of albumin and globulin were applied onto these Ag nanostructured substrates separately. An analytical signal enhancement factor of 3.6×102 was achieved for a band with a Raman shift of 2104cm-1 for globulin deposited onto silver nanostructured film on unpolished stainless steel substrate. The detection limit was 400μg/mL. Plasma or serum could present a preferable material for noninvasive cancer disease diagnosis using the SERS method.
A dimensão humana do trabalho
Authors: Cunha Teresa Claudina de Oliveira , Puglia Vânia Machado Seabra
Published: August 2013

Em meio ao contexto de mudança que se nos apresenta, é preciso trazer à reflexão as novas tendências do mundo do trabalho e a importância de estabelecer uma nova estratégia de ação voltada para a valorização não só do trabalho, mas também do profissional, em toda a sua plenitude de ser social.
Simulação computacional Uma Abordagem Introdutória
Authors: Abreu Adriana Meireles M. , Rangel João José de Assis
Published: August 2013

Este artigo apresenta, de forma introdutória, o campo da simulação computacional, relacionados à expectativa de vida das cigarras e à distribuição não uniforme da dureza no diamante. Atualmente, esta técnica é usada nos mais diferentes setores produtivos visando à melhoria dos produtos e, em alguns casos, é absolutamente imprescindível ao aprimoramento de novos produtos.
Desenvolvimento de compósitos de matriz polimérica e piaçava, como substitutivo de produtos de madeira
Authors: Aquino Regina Coeli Martins Paes , dÀlmeida José Roberto Moraes , Monteiro Sérgio Neves
Published: August 2013

O presente trabalho teve como objetivo realizar um investigação relativa ao emprego de resíduos de fibra natural: piaçava, como fase reforçadora em compósitos de matriz polimérica. Utilizando-se a resina poliéster, como matriz, foram confeccionados corpos de prova com percentuais de piaçava variando de 30 a 50% em peso. Além disso, caracterizou-se por microscopia eletrônica de varredura, após ensaio de flexão, a microestrutura na região de fratura nos compósitos fabricados. A fibra natural foi também caracterizada microestruturalmente. Os resultados obtidos mostram que o reforço acarretado pelas fibras de piaçava tende a melhorar a resistência mecânica dos compósitos à base de matriz polimérica. A tenacidade relativamente boa das fibras de piaçava tem um papel de dificultar a fratura dos compósitos desde que haja boa adesão entre as fibras e a matriz polimérica.
Perubahan morfologi larva nyamuk akibat pemberian larvasida bakteri kitinolitik
Authors: Yasmin Yekki , Fitri Lenni
Published: August 2013

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk melihat perubahan morfologi larva Aedes aegypti L. dan Culex spp. akibat pemberian bakteri kitinolitik sebagai larvasida. Penelitian ini bertempat di Laboratorium Mikrobiologi, Fakultas Matematika dan Ilmu Pengetahuan Alam, Universitas Syiah Kuala. Pengambilan sampel air dilakukan di beberapa daerah di Banda Aceh dan Aceh Besar. Isolasi dilakukan dengan mengambil 1 ml sampel air, lalu dicawankan pada media agar kitin dan diinkubasi selama 48-72 jam pada suhu 30 °C. Metode yang digunakan adalah metode eksperimental dengan perlakuan, yaitu konsentrasi bakteri kitinolitik (0,5, 1,0, dan 1,5 ml) dan waktu pengamatan selama 7 hari. Hasil penelitian diperoleh enam isolat yang berpotensi sebagai bakteri kitinolitik. Hasil penelitian juga menunjukkan bahwa bakteri kitinolitik mampu mendegradasi eksoskeleton larva nyamuk A. aegypti dan Culex spp. instar II. Kerusakan larva mulai terlihat pada hari ke-4 pengamatan. Kerusakan seluruh eksoskeleton kedua jenis larva terlihat pada hari ke-6.
Cell‐free protein expression based on extracts from CHO cells
Authors: Brödel Andreas K. , Sonnabend Andrei , Kubick Stefan
Published: August 2013

Protein expression systems are widely used in biotechnology and medicine for the efficient and economic production of therapeutic proteins. Today, cultivated Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells are the market dominating mammalian cell‐line for the production of complex therapeutic proteins. Despite this outstanding potential of CHO cells, no high‐yield cell‐free system based on translationally active lysates from these cells has been reported so far. To date, CHO cell extracts have only been used as a foundational research tool for understanding mRNA translation (Lodish et al., 1974; McDowell et al., 1972). In the present study, we address this fact by establishing a novel cell‐free protein expression system based on extracts from cultured CHO cells. Lysate preparation, adaptation of in vitro reaction conditions and the construction of particular expression vectors are considered for high‐yield protein production. A specific in vitro expression vector, which includes an internal ribosome entry site (IRES) from the intergenic region (IGR) of the Cricket paralysis virus (CrPV), has been constructed in order to obtain optimal performance. The IGR IRES is supposed to bind directly to the eukaryotic 40S ribosomal subunit thereby bypassing the process of translation initiation, which is often a major bottleneck in cell‐free systems. The combination of expression vector and optimized CHO cell extracts enables the production of approximately 50 µg/mL active firefly luciferase within 4 h. The batch‐type cell‐free coupled transcription–translation system has the potential to perform post‐translational modifications, as shown by the glycosylation of erythropoietin. Accordingly, the system contains translocationally active endogenous microsomes, enabling the co‐translational incorporation of membrane proteins into biological membranes. Hence, the presented in vitro translation system is a powerful tool for the fast and convenient optimization of expression constructs, the specific labeling of integral membrane proteins and the cell‐free production of posttranslationally modified proteins. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2014;111: 25–36. © 2013 The Authors. Biotechnology and Bioengineering Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Intolerability of cobalt salt as erythropoietic agent
Authors: Ebert Bastian , Jelkmann Wolfgang
Published: August 2013

Unfair athletes seek ways to stimulate erythropoiesis, because the mass of haemoglobin is a critical factor in aerobic sports. Here, the potential misuse of cobalt deserves special attention. Cobalt ions (Co2+) stabilize the hypoxia‐inducible transcription factors (HIFs) that increase the expression of the erythropoietin (Epo) gene. Co2+ is orally active, easy to obtain, and inexpensive. However, its intake can bear risks to health. To elaborate this issue, a review of the pertinent literature was retrieved by a search with the keywords ‘anaemia’, ‘cobalt’, ‘cobalt chloride’, ‘erythropoiesis’, ‘erythropoietin’, ‘Epo’, ‘side‐effects’ and ‘treatment’, amongst others. In earlier years, cobalt chloride was administered at daily doses of 25 to 300 mg for use as an anti‐anaemic agent. Co2+ therapy proved effective in stimulating erythropoiesis in both non‐renal and renal anaemia, yet there were also serious medical adverse effects. The intake of inorganic cobalt can cause severe organ damage, concerning primarily the gastrointestinal tract, the thyroid, the heart and the sensory systems. These insights should keep athletes off taking Co2+ to stimulate erythropoiesis. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
NADPH oxidase derived reactive oxygen species are involved in human neutrophil IL‐1β secretion but not in inflammasome activation
Authors: Gabelloni María Laura , Sabbione Florencia , Jancic Carolina , Bass Juan Fuxman , Keitelman Irene , Iula Leonardo , Oleastro Matías , Geffner Jorge R. , Trevani Analía S.
Published: August 2013

Neutrophils are essential players in acute inflammatory responses. Upon stimulation, neutrophils activate NADPH oxidase, generating an array of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Interleukin‐1 beta (IL‐1β) is a major proinflammatory cytokine synthesized as a precursor that has to be proteolytically processed to become biologically active. The role of ROS in IL‐1β processing is still controversial and has not been previously studied in neutrophils. We report here that IL‐1β processing in human neutrophils is dependent on caspase‐1 and on the serine proteases elastase and/or proteinase 3. NADPH oxidase deficient neutrophils activated caspase‐1 and did not exhibit differences in NALP3 expression, indicating that ROS are neither required for inflammasome activation nor for its priming, as has been reported for macrophages. Strikingly, ROS exerted opposite effects on the processing and secretion of IL‐1β; whereas ROS negatively controlled caspase‐1 activity, as reported in mononuclear phagocytes, ROS were found to be necessary for the exportation of mature IL‐1β out of the cell, a role never previously described. The complex ROS‐mediated regulation of neutrophil IL‐1β secretion might constitute a physiological mechanism to control IL‐1β‐dependent inflammatory processes where neutrophils play a crucial role.
Porous calcium polyphosphate bone substitutes: Additive manufacturing versus conventional gravity sinter processing—Effect on structure and mechanical properties
Authors: Hu Youxin , Shanjani Yaser , Toyserkani Ehsan , Grynpas Marc , Wang Rizhi , Pilliar Robert
Published: August 2013

Porous calcium polyphosphate (CPP) structures proposed as bone‐substitute implants and made by sintering CPP powders to form bending test samples of approximately 35 vol % porosity were machined from preformed blocks made either by additive manufacturing (AM) or conventional gravity sintering (CS) methods and the structure and mechanical characteristics of samples so made were compared. AM‐made samples displayed higher bending strengths (≈1.2–1.4 times greater than CS‐made samples), whereas elastic constant (i.e., effective elastic modulus of the porous structures) that is determined by material elastic modulus and structural geometry of the samples was ≈1.9–2.3 times greater for AM‐made samples. X‐ray diffraction analysis showed that samples made by either method displayed the same crystal structure forming β‐CPP after sinter annealing. The material elastic modulus, E, determined using nanoindentation tests also showed the same value for both sample types (i.e., E ≈ 64 GPa). Examination of the porous structures indicated that significantly larger sinter necks resulted in the AM‐made samples which presumably resulted in the higher mechanical properties. The development of mechanical properties was attributed to the different sinter anneal procedures required to make 35 vol % porous samples by the two methods. A primary objective of the present study, in addition to reporting on bending strength and sample stiffness (elastic constant) characteristics, was to determine why the two processes resulted in the observed mechanical property differences for samples of equivalent volume percentage of porosity. An understanding of the fundamental reason(s) for the observed effect is considered important for developing improved processes for preparation of porous CPP implants as bone substitutes for use in high load‐bearing skeletal sites. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 102B: 274–283, 2014.
FTO genetic variants and risk of obesity and type 2 diabetes: A meta‐analysis of 28,394 Indians
Authors: Vasan Senthil K. , Karpe Fredrik , Gu Harvest F. , Brismar Kerstin , Fall Caroline H. , Ingelsson Erik , Fall Tove
Published: August 2013

Objective

To investigate the magnitude of association of FTO variants with obesity, type 2 diabetes (T2DM), and related traits among Asian Indians.

Methods

Random‐effect meta‐analysis was performed on pooled data from eight studies (n = 28,394) for obesity and related traits and six studies (n = 24,987) for assessment of T2DM risk in Indians where FTO variants were reported.

Results

The minor A‐allele of the FTO variant rs9939609 was associated with increased risk of obesity (OR 1.15, 95% CI 1.08–1.21, p = 2.14 × 10−5), BMI (β = 0.30 kg/m2, 95% CI 0.21–0.38, p = 4.78 × 10−11) and other regional adiposity measurements [waist (β = 0.74 cm, 95% CI 0.49–0.99), HC (β = 0.52, 95% CI 0.26–0.78), and waist–hip ratio (WHR) (β = 0.002, 95% CI 0.001–0.004)] in Indians (p ≤ 0.001). An increased risk for T2DM (OR 1.11; 95% CI 1.04–1.19, p = 0.002) was observed, which attenuated when adjusted for age, gender, and BMI (OR 1.09; 95%CI 1.02–1.16, p = 0.01).

Conclusions

Our study provides evidence of association between common FTO variant and obesity risk among Indians with comparable effect sizes as in Caucasians. The attenuation of FTO‐T2DM risk on BMI adjustment reinforces that BMI does not fully account for the adiposity effects among Asian Indians who are more centrally obese.
Noroviruses and histo‐blood groups: the impact of common host genetic polymorphisms on virus transmission and evolution
Authors: Ruvoën‐Clouet Nathalie , Belliot Gaël , Le Pendu Jacques
Published: August 2013

Noroviruses (NoVs) are recognized as a leading cause of human gastroenteritis worldwide. Infection occurs following the ingestion of contaminated food or, most often, through direct contact from person to person. However, not all individuals are equally sensitive to these viruses. Indeed, NoVs use glycans of the ABH and Lewis histo‐blood group antigen family (HBGAs) as attachment factors. At the epithelial level, the synthesis of these HBGAs requires the action of several glycosyltransferases that are encoded by the ABO, FUT2, and FUT3 genes. The combined polymorphism at these three loci dictates sensitivity to NoV infection because the attachment profile to these glycans varies among strains. Structural analysis of the capsid protein interaction with HBGAs reveals distinct modes of binding for strains of genogroups I and II but high conservation within each genogroup, whereas minor amino acid changes are sufficient to generate modifications of HBGA‐binding specificities or affinities. Such modifications therefore induce changes in the spectrum of susceptible individuals. Studies of NoV–HBGA interactions together with phylogenetic analyses and the epidemiologic survey of strains indicate that NoV transmission and evolution depend on both the establishment of herd immunity and the genetic resistance of many individuals, which confers herd innate protection by restricting NoV circulation. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
APPLICATION OF AERIAL DIGITAL PHOTOGRAPHY FOR MACROPHYTE COVER AND COMPOSITION SURVEY IN SMALL RURAL STREAMS
Authors: Anker Y. , Hershkovitz Y. , Ben Dor E. , Gasith A.
Published: August 2013

Macrophytes are a key biological component in many fluvial ecosystems. In altered streams, they can become highly dominant features, covering extensive parts of the channel with cascading effects on stream conditions and biological composition. The aim of this study is to examine the possibility of using information collected by aerial digital photography‐spectral analysis (ADP‐SA) as an alternative, cost‐effective methodology to the commonly used spectral procedure at a large (section) scale, and to the ground level visual survey (gridded frame) at a smaller (organism) scale.Cladophora glomerataandNasturtium officinale, were selected as the targeted macrophyte species and classified at the same time (species relative cover) by using the three methodologies. Our findings show that the ADP‐SA methodology was able to detect species and relative cover in similar accuracy (≤10% differences) at the two spatial scales. ADP‐SA had a better spatial resolution than both the hyperspectral and the visual methodology (4 cm vs. 1 m and 10 cm, respectively) and was capable to differentiate submerged from emergent plants. However, on a smaller scale, ground level work is suitable and essential for detecting rarer species and is not hindered by weather, canopy cover or multi‐layered plant composition. ADP‐SA can therefore add a cost‐effective and nonsubjective practice to the existing tool kit of macrophyte surveys, particularly in small streams, which require high spatial resolution. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.