bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Analysis of the role of von Willebrand factor, platelet glycoprotein VI-, and α2β1-mediated collagen binding in thrombus formation
Authors: Shida Yasuaki , Rydz Natalia , Stegner David , Brown Christine , Mewburn Jeffrey , Sponagle Kate , Danisment Ozge , Crawford Bredon , Vidal Barbara , Hegadorn Carol A. , Pruss Cynthia M. , Nieswandt Bernhard , Lillicrap David
Published: July 2014

Key Points

The robustness of the VWF:collagen-binding assay is confirmed in a comprehensive evaluation of VWD collagen-binding defects. Collagen binding by VWF, GPVI, and α2β1 have major albeit overlapping functions in primary hemostasis.
Gfi-1 regulates the erythroid transcription factor network through Id2 repression in murine hematopoietic progenitor cells
Authors: Kim Wonil , Klarmann Kimberly D. , Keller Jonathan R.
Published: July 2014

Key Points

Reducing Id2 in Gfi-1−/− mice restores radioprotective function of hematopoietic progenitors and partially rescues erythroid development. Rescue of erythroid development in Gfi-1−/− mice by Id2 reduction directly correlates with an increase of Gata1, Eklf, and EpoR expression.
Some Bonnesen-style Minkowski inequalities
Authors: Xu Wenxue , Zeng Chunna , Zhou Jiazu
Published: July 2014

In this paper, we obtain some Bonnesen-style Minkowski inequalities of mixed volumes of convex bodies K and L in the Euclidean space

R
n

. Let L be the unit ball; we get some better Bonnesen-style isoperimetric inequalities than Dinghas’s result for 

n
≥
3

.

MSC:52A20, 52A40.
On a multidimensional version of the Hilbert-type inequality in the whole plane
Authors: Vuković Predrag
Published: July 2014

The main objective of this paper is a study of some new multidimensional Hilbert-type inequalities with a general homogeneous kernel in the whole plane. We derive a pair of equivalent inequalities, and we also establish the conditions under which the constant factors included in the obtained inequalities are the best possible. Some applications in particular settings are also considered.

MSC:26D15.
Molecular characterization of a Chinese family carrying a novel C4329A mutation in mitochondrial tRNAIle and tRNAGlngenes
Authors: Liu Yuqi , Li Yang , Gao Jinliao , Zhu Chao , Lan Yunfeng , Yang Jie , Li Zongbin , Guan Minxin , Chen Yundai
Published: July 2014

Background

Hypertension is a very common cardiovascular disease influenced by multiple genetic and environmental factors. More recently, there are some studies showed that mutations in mitochondrial DNA have been involved in its pathogenesis. In this study we did further investigations on this relationship.

Methods

Epidemiological research found a Han Chinese family with probable maternally transmitted hypertension. Sequence analysis of the whole mitochondrial DNA was detected from all the family members. And evaluations of the clinical, genetic and molecular characterization were also performed.

Results

Matrilineal relatives within the family exhibited varying degrees of hypertension with an onset age of 48–55 years. Sequence analysis of this pedigree showed a novel homoplasmic 4329C > G mutation located at the 3’ end of the tRNAIle and tRNAGln genes that was absent from 366 Chinese controls. The cytosine (C) at 4329 position was very important in the structural formation and stabilization of functional tRNAs, which was highly conserved in mitochondria of various organisms and also contributed to the high fidelity of the acceptor arm. Cells carrying this mutation were also shown to harbor mitochondrial dysfunctions.

Conclusions

The C4329G point mutation in tRNAIle and tRNAGln was involved in the pathogenesis of hypertension, perhaps in association with other modifying factors.
Case review analysis of operating room decisions to cancel surgery
Authors: Chang Ju-Hsin , Chen Ke-Wei , Chen Kuen-Bao , Poon Kin-Shing , Liu Shih-Kai
Published: July 2014

Background

Cancellation of surgery close to scheduled time causes a waste of healthcare resources. The current study analyzes surgery cancellations occurring after the patient has been prepared for the operating room, in order to see whether improvements in the surgery planning process may reduce the number of cancellations.

Methods

In a retrospective chart review of operating room surgery cancellations during the period from 2006 to 2011, cancellations were divided into the following categories: inadequate NPO; medical; surgical; system; airway; incomplete evaluation. The relative use of these reasons in relation to patient age and surgical department was then evaluated.

Results

Forty-one percent of cancellations were for other than medical reasons. Among these, 17.7% were due to incomplete evaluation, and 8.2% were due to family issues. Sixty seven percent of cancelled cases eventually received surgery. The relative use of individual reasons for cancellation varied with patient age and surgical department. The difference between cancellations before and after anesthesia was dependent on the causes of cancellation, but not age, sex, ASA status, or follow-up procedures required.

Conclusion

Almost half of the cancellations were not due to medical reasons, and these cancellations could be reduced by better administrative and surgical planning and better communication with the patient and/or his family.
A traffic flow-oriented routing protocol for VANETs
Authors: Abbasi Irshad A , Nazir Babar , Abbasi Aftab , Bilal Sardar M , Madani Sajjad A
Published: July 2014

This paper presents a novel position-based routing protocol for vehicular ad hoc networks (VANETs) to enhance traffic safety and traffic organization and facilitate driving through a smart transportation system. The protocol is referred to as the traffic flow-oriented routing (TFOR) protocol for VANETs. It considers a real-time urban scenario with multi-lane and bi-directional roads. It chooses junction optimally considering vehicular traffic flows to accomplish robust routing paths and thereby forwarding the data packets. The new junction selection mechanism and routing between the junctions is based on two-hop neighbor information, which increases packet-delivery ratio and decreases end-to-end delay. We designed, implemented, and compared TFOR against existing routing protocols of VANETs (greedy-perimeter stateless routing (GPSR), geographic source routing (GSR), and enhanced greedy traffic-aware routing (E-GyTAR)). Simulation outcomes in urban scenarios show that TFOR minimizes average end-to-end delay and routing overhead by on average 15.3% and 19.5%, respectively, compared to GPSR. It reduces routing overhead up to 17% compared to GSR. TFOR maximizes packet-delivery ratio on an average of 17.5%, 10.7%, and 7.2% compared to GPSR, GSR, and E-GyTAR, respectively.
Effect of osteoconductive hyaluronate hydrogels on calvarial bone regeneration
Authors: Yeom Junseok , Hwang Byung Woo , Yang Dong Jun , Shin Hong-In , Hahn Sei Kwang
Published: July 2014

Background

Without exploitation of possibly immunogenic and carcinogenic bone morphogenetic protein, we developed simple but clinically feasible artificial bone graft using osteoconductive hyaluronate (HA) hydrogels and bioactive MegaGen synthetic bone (MGSB).

Methods

HA hydrogels were synthesized by the crosslinking reaction between carboxyl groups of HA and amine groups of gelatin (GEL). Then, artificial bone grafts were prepared by mixing MGSB with HA-GEL hydrogels. The bone regeneration by the MGSB/HA-GEL hydrogel complex was assessed in the skull of New Zealand white male rabbits in 4 and 8 weeks.

Results

HA hydrogels were synthesized by the crosslinking reaction between carboxyl groups of HA and amine groups of gelatin (GEL). Then, artificial bone grafts were prepared by mixing MGSB with HA-GEL hydrogels.
In vitro
proliferation of preosteogenic cells was enhanced with increasing molecular weight of HA. In addition, histological analysis of dissected tissues with hematoxylin and eosin staining confirmed the effective
in vivo
bone regeneration by the MGSB/HA-GEL hydrogel complex. The MGSB/HA-GEL hydrogels were well resorbed and partially substituted to the lamellar bone after implantation for 8 weeks.

Conclusions

The novel artificial bone graft of MGSB/HA-GEL hydrogel complex for effective bone regeneration might be clinically feasible for further development.
In vitro propagation of Gentiana scabra Bunge – an important medicinal plant in the Chinese system of medicines
Authors: Huang Shih-Hung , Agrawal Dinesh Chandra , Wu Fang-Sheng , Tsay Hsin-Sheng
Published: July 2014

Background

Gentiana scabra Bunge commonly known as ‘Long dan cao’ in China has been used in traditional Chinese medicines for more than 2000 years. Dry roots and rhizome of the herb have been used for the treatment of inflammation, anorexia, indigestion and gastric infections. Iridoids and secoiridoids are the main bioactive compounds which attribute to the pharmacological properties of this plant. The species is difficult to mass propagate by seed due to the low percentage of germination and limited dormancy period. Wild populations in some locations are considered to be in the endangered category due to over exploitation.

Results

In the present study, we report an efficient micropropagation system. Shoot apices of six weeks old in vitro grown G. scabra plants were used as explants for the in vitro propagation. Induction of multiple shoots (9.1/explant) was achieved on the culture of shoot apices on half strength Murashige and Skoog’s basal medium (MSBM) containing 2.0 mg/L−1 6-benzylaminopurine (BA), 3% sucrose and 0.9% Difco agar. In vitro shoots induced profuse rooting on half strength of MSBM supplemented with 0.1 mg/L−1 1-naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA), 3% sucrose and 0.3% gelrite. A two-stage ventilation closure procedure during the in vitro culture, and transparent sachet technique enhanced the survival rate of G. scabra plantlets to 96% in the greenhouse. Tissue culture plants flowered after 5 months of transfer to pots.

Conclusions

A simple and an efficient in vitro propagation protocol of Gentiana scabra Bunge by optimizing the medium composition and ventilation closure treatments has been developed. The protocol can be very useful in germplasm conservation and commercial cultivation of G. scabra plants.
Gothic Sovereignty: Gangs and Criminal Community in a Honduran Prison
Authors: Carter Jon Horne
Published: July 2014

This essay examines a period of crisis in the national penitentiary system in Honduras, during emergency campaigns designed to combat transnational gangs, called maras. Emergency laws led to the incarceration of mara members by the thousands, overcrowding prisons and overburdening their already precarious architecture and design. I explore the ideological and material ruins of incarceration, wherein irregular bodies of sovereign force (death squads legitimized by emergency) and new expressions of criminal community (maras) offer divergent incarnations of political power. The essay’s title phrase, “gothic sovereignty,” invokes this perennial reemergence of death squads from the crypts of state power and the criminal aesthetics cultivated within the prison itself, as the maras reclaim sovereign power at the scale of the community. After several massacres targeting mara members in state penitentiaries, the intensified decoration of gang members’ bodies with tattoos of devils, clowns, and satanic symbols thrust the grammar of protest in Honduran politics to a limit where the architecture of confinement became a laboratory for criminal affects and political horizons projecting beyond the sociopolitical dimensions of the nation-state in crisis.
In Recovery from Rehab
Authors: Platt Tony
Published: July 2014

The “rehabilitative ideal” was promoted in US “corrections” from the 1950s until the 1970s, when it came under attack from activists both on the left, for its tendency to depoliticize prisoners and violate civil liberties, and on the right, for its indulgent liberalism. After forty years of mass imprisonment, the penal binge in the United States has reached a point of economic and political exhaustion. This opening provides an opportunity to demystify the history of rehabilitation and articulate a progressive vision of criminal justice.
Immigration Detention: No Turning Back?
Authors: Chacón Jennifer M.
Published: July 2014

Over the past two decades, the US government has expanded immigration detention to unprecedented levels. This essay explores the social and doctrinal origins of the immigration detention boom and provides a critique of the legal doctrines that continue to insulate immigration detention from the legal scrutiny generally applied to comparable deprivations of liberty in the context of criminal punishment. The article also evaluates recent immigration detention reform efforts and their limitations, assessing the potential impact of current immigration reform proposals on immigration detention. Notwithstanding the apparent trend in favor of immigration reform, viable reform proposals continue to assume the need for punitive detention for migrants as part of a criminalized immigration enforcement model. In this context, truly comprehensive reform of immigration detention practices in the United States remains a distant goal.
TGF-β mediates early angiogenesis and latent fibrosis in an Emilin1-deficient mouse model of aortic valve disease
Authors: Munjal Charu , Opoka Amy M. , Osinska Hanna , James Jeanne F. , Bressan Giorgio M. , Hinton Robert B.
Published: July 2014

Aortic valve disease (AVD) is characterized by elastic fiber fragmentation (EFF), fibrosis and aberrant angiogenesis. Emilin1 is an elastin-binding glycoprotein that regulates elastogenesis and inhibits TGF-β signaling, but the role of Emilin1 in valve tissue is unknown. We tested the hypothesis that Emilin1 deficiency results in AVD, mediated by non-canonical (MAPK/phosphorylated Erk1 and Erk2) TGF-β dysregulation. Using histology, immunohistochemistry, electron microscopy, quantitative gene expression analysis, immunoblotting and echocardiography, we examined the effects of Emilin1 deficiency (Emilin1−/−) in mouse aortic valve tissue. Emilin1 deficiency results in early postnatal cell-matrix defects in aortic valve tissue, including EFF, that progress to latent AVD and premature death. The Emilin1−/− aortic valve displays early aberrant provisional angiogenesis and late neovascularization. In addition, Emilin1−/− aortic valves are characterized by early valve interstitial cell activation and proliferation and late myofibroblast-like cell activation and fibrosis. Interestingly, canonical TGF-β signaling (phosphorylated Smad2 and Smad3) is upregulated constitutively from birth to senescence, whereas non-canonical TGF-β signaling (phosphorylated Erk1 and Erk2) progressively increases over time. Emilin1 deficiency recapitulates human fibrotic AVD, and advanced disease is mediated by non-canonical (MAPK/phosphorylated Erk1 and Erk2) TGF-β activation. The early manifestation of EFF and aberrant angiogenesis suggests that these processes are crucial intermediate factors involved in disease progression and therefore might provide new therapeutic targets for human AVD.
Emerin intermolecular links to emerin and BAF
Authors: Berk Jason M. , Simon Dan N. , Jenkins-Houk Clifton R. , Westerbeck Jason W. , Grønning-Wang Line M. , Carlson Cathrine R. , Wilson Katherine L.
Published: July 2014

Emerin is a conserved nuclear membrane LEM-domain protein that binds lamins and BAF (barrier-to-integration factor; BANF1) as a component of nuclear lamina structure. We report an advance in understanding the molecular basis of emerin function: inter-molecular emerin-emerin association. Residues 170–220 were sufficient to bind other emerin molecules homotypically (via residues 170–220) or heterotypically in vitro. Deletion analysis showed residues 187–220 contain a positive element essential for intermolecular association in cells. Conversely, deletion of residues 168–186 inactivated a proposed negative element, required to limit or control association. GFP-emerin association with nuclear BAF in cells required the LEM-domain, and positive element. Emerin peptide arrays revealed direct binding of residues 170–220 to residues 206–225 (proposed positive element) and two ‘heterotypic’ partners: residues 147∼174 (particularly 153PMYGRDSAYQSITHYRP169) and the LEM-domain. Emerin residues 1–132 and 159–220 (159SAYQSITHYRPVS171 being important or essential)— were each sufficient to bind lamin A or B1 tails in vitro, identifying two independent regions of molecular contact with lamins. These results, and predicted emerin intrinsic disorder, support multiple ‘backbone’ and LEM-domain configurations of a proposed intermolecular emerin network at the nuclear envelope.
A PKA-ezrin-connexin 43 signaling complex controls gap junction communication and thereby trophoblast cell fusion
Authors: Pidoux Guillaume , Gerbaud Pascale , Dompierre Jim , Lygren Birgitte , Solstad Therese , Evain-Brion Danièle , Taskén Kjetil
Published: July 2014

Cell fusion occurs as part of the differentiation of some cell types including myotubes in muscle and osteoclasts in remodeling bone. In the human placenta, mononuclear cytotrophoblasts in a human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG)-driven process fuse to form multinucleated syncytia that allow exchange of nutrients and gases between the maternal and fetal circulation. Experiments displacing protein kinase A (PKA) from A kinase anchoring proteins (AKAPs) or depleting specific AKAPs by siRNA-mediated knock down pointed to ezrin as a scaffold required for hCG-, cAMP and PKA-mediated regulation of the fusion process. By a variety of immunoprecipitation and immunolocalization experiments, we show that ezrin directs PKA to a molecular complex of connexin 43 (Cx43) and zona occludens-1 (ZO-1). A combination of knock down and reconstitution experiments with ezrin or Cx43 with or without the ability to bind its interaction partner or PKA demonstrated that ezrin-mediated coordination of PKA and Cx43 localization is necessary for discrete control of Cx43 phosphorylation and hCG-stimulated gap junction communication which triggers cell fusion in cytotrophoblasts.
Ultrastructural analysis of autophagosome organization using mammalian autophagy-deficient cells
Authors: Kishi-Itakura Chieko , Koyama-Honda Ikuko , Itakura Eisuke , Mizushima Noboru
Published: July 2014

Autophagy is mediated by a unique organelle, the autophagosome. Autophagosome formation involves a number of autophagy-related (ATG) proteins and complicated membrane dynamics. Although the hierarchical relationships of ATG proteins have been investigated, how individual ATG proteins or their complexes contribute to the organization of the autophagic membrane remains largely unknown. Here, systematic ultrastructural analysis of mouse embryonic fibroblasts and HeLa cells deficient in various ATG proteins revealed that the emergence of the isolation membrane (phagophore) requires FIP200/RB1CC1, ATG9A, and PtdIns 3-kinase activity. By contrast, small premature isolation membrane- and autophagosome-like structures were generated in cells lacking VMP1 and ATG2A/B, respectively. The isolation membranes could elongate in cells lacking ATG5, but these did not mature into autophagosomes. We also found that ferritin clusters accumulated at the autophagosome formation site together with p62/SQSTM1 in autophagy-deficient cells. These results reveal the specific functions of these representative ATG proteins in autophagic membrane organization and ATG-independent recruitment of ferritin to the autophagosome formation site.
Pseudo-Percolation Threshold Theory in Evaluation of Low-Porosity and Low-Permeability Oil Reservoir
Authors: Su Benyu , Yu Jingcun , Liu Shucai , Zhang Jianbo
Published: July 2014

Lithology and physical characteristics between conventional clastic reservoirs and low-porosity and low-permeability reservoirs are very different, hence Archie formula will not be valid for the latter any more. In addition, well logging evaluation of low-porosity and low-permeability reservoir is one key problem but also the research hotspot in recent years. In this study, Pseudo-Percolation Threshold Theory (PPTT) has been introduced into reservoir evaluation. In this research, it has been proved that the aimed layer is low-porosity and low-permeability by studying the reservoir rock. In addition, Pseudo-Percolation Threshold φν has been determined by analyzing porosity and permeability of oil-bearing cores and process of geologic evolution. Finally, it has been proved that PPTT is much more reliable than Archie formula for low-porosity and low-permeability reservoir by numerical simulation and oilfield data.
Characteristics of Gas Compositions in Giant Gas Fields of China
Authors: Gong Deyu , Huang Shipeng , Wu Wei , Yu Cong , Fang Chenchen , Liu Dan
Published: July 2014

By the end of 2011, altogether 48 giant gas fields with each proven reserves over 300×108 m3 had been discovered in China. After studying on the main molecular compositions (methane, heavy hydrocarbon gases, nitrogen, carbon dioxide and hydrogen sulfide) of 1170 gas samples in these gas fields, it is found that: a). Alkane gases dominate the molecular compositions of the natural gases; the extremely low content of them have a tight relationship with the extremely high content of non-hydrocarbon gases; methane accounts for 60.1% of the alkane gases. b). Carbon dioxide has the average content of 4.09%; carbon dioxide with an extremely high content (>50%) is mainly distributed in Dongfang1–1, Changling and Songnan gas fields; highly concentrated CO2 in the former one was crustal-derived while that in the latter two was mantle-derived. c). Nitrogen has an average content of 3.56% which is quite low; highly concentrated nitrogen (<20%) is mainly distributed in Hetianhe, Tazhong, Ledong22–1 and Dongfang1–1 gas fields which are organic-originated. d). Hydrogen sulfide has been detected in 12 giant gas fields, with the content of 4.91% in average; the Triassic is the most centralized zone for hydrogen sulfide while the Sichuan Basin has the largest number of sour gas fields and sour gas bearing zones; 7 sour gas fields of high H2S content (2% ∼ 70%) are found which are resulted from the thermochemical sulfate reduction (TSR).
Petrographic Considerations in Demineralization of Coal with Bacteria: A New Dimension in Understanding the Clean Coal Technology
Authors: Singh Prakash K , Singh Asha Lata , Kumar Aniruddha , Singh Mahendra P
Published: July 2014

The present study reveals that there is close relation between the petrographic composition of coal and removal of major, minor and trace elements/metals with bacteria. While increase in total huminite concentration has favoured the removal of Cr, Ni, Pb and Mg, there is good removal of Cd and Cu with increase in liptinite content. Inertinite is found to be favourable for the removal of Cd, Fe and K. It is therefore important to take into consideration the petrographic composition of coal when trying for the beneficiation of coal with bacteria. This will be helpful in designing suitable strategy for the removal of environmentally sensitive elements/metals with the help of bacteria and to obtain clean fuel from coal.
A Study of Techno-Economic Feasibility Analysis of Solar Photovoltaic (PV) Power Generation in the Province of Adana in Turkey
Authors: Dağtekin M. , Kaya D. , Öztürk H. Hüseyin , Kiliç F. Çanka
Published: July 2014

In this study, the examination of techno-economic feasibility analysis of a solar photovoltaic (PV) power generation were carried out by taken into account a PV power plant that has the capacity of 100 kWe as an example, in the province of Adana, Turkey. For this purpose, the technical characteristics of the PV array, the amount of electricity production, the cost of electricity production, investment and operating costs, payback periods and the amount of CO2 emissions reduction were determined for the solar PV plant. By using the total area of 653.4 m2 PV cell, total 135,403 MWh of electricity was produced in the power plant. To this end, total 5 units of PV arrays were required with the surface area of 130.7 m2 each. In this case, the system efficiency was determined as 12.2%, the annual specific efficiency of the system was 1,352 kWh/kW and the amount of CO2 emissions reduction was obtained as 119,830 Mg/year. The payback period of the system was 7.8 years and the electricity production cost was 0.1400 TL (Turkish Liras)/kWh, respectively.
3D Transmissibility and Relative Transmissibility of Immobilized Supine Humans during Transportation
Authors: Meusch John , Rahmatalla Salam
Published: July 2014

The three-dimensional translational multi-input/output relative transmissibility and the transmissibility of supine humans during transportation were introduced in this work and were compared with the single-axis input/output condition. Eight healthy subjects were tested under multi-axis input/output whole-body vibration of white noise random signals with frequency content of 0.5–20 Hz and vibration magnitude of 1 m/s2 RMS applied at the platform level, considering three immobilization conditions: rigid-platform, litter-board, and litter-board-collar. The results showed the diagonal components of the multi-axis input/out transmissibility and relative transmissibility to be considerably larger than their out-of-diagonal components. Significant correlations (R2 > 0.93) were found between the diagonal components of the transmissibility of the multi-axis input/output and those of the individual single-axis input/output whole-body vibrations; however, weaker correlation (R2 > 0.11) was shown between their cross-axis components.
Active Vibration Control of Composite Structures Using MicroBlaze™ Soft Core Processor on Virtex-4 FPGA
Authors: Prakash Shashikala , Karthikeyan C , Kumar T G Renjith , Radhakrishna P , Ravikiran P G
Published: July 2014

The present work investigates Multi – channel Active Vibration Control (AVC) of a composite research wing model and shell structure using modified Filtered × Least Mean Square (F×LMS) algorithm on Field Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs). AVC, using Digital Signal Processing (DSP) techniques are cost effective. But FPGAs, consuming small silicon area, have emerged as a dominant technology in embedded applications with potential features like high speed processing and low power consumption. Prominent features like high-speed parallel processing architecture along with hardware reconfigurability facilitates its usage to be wide spread in signal processing applications. An adaptive active vibration control system based on feed forward modified F×LMS algorithm implemented on FPGA hardware is presented here. The results from the Multi channel real time AV C studies are brought out in the paper.
Design of an Adaptive Fuzzy Sliding Mode Control Using Supervisory Fuzzy Control for Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems (MEMS) Z-Axis Gyroscope
Authors: Moghanni-Bavil-Olyaei M. R. , Ghanbari A.
Published: July 2014

This paper presents a novel robust adaptive control strategy for MEMS gyroscope, based on the coupling of the fuzzy logic control with sliding mode control (SMC) approach and adaptive laws. The drawbacks of the conventional SMC include chattering phenomenon and requirement of a priori knowledge of the bounds of uncertainties. In this paper, these problems are suitably attenuated by adopting an adaptive fuzzy sliding mode control (AFSMC) approach which uses two additional fuzzy self-tuning controllers as supervisory fuzzy systems to adaptively tune the output control gain, sliding gain of the AFSMC in order to speed up the convergence rates of the tracking errors and parameter estimations with a desired level of attenuation. Control system stability is proved by Lyapunov method. Numerical simulations using the MEMS gyroscope model with uncertainties demonstrate the effectiveness of this approach in high speed trajectory tracking problems and robustness in estimating the gyroscope parameters and the angular velocity. Numerical simulations show that the chattering is effectively attenuated by this method. Convergence rate of tracking errors and the gyroscope parameters is better than convergence rates in the literature.
Voluptuous Devices; Exuberent Materiality toward Energy Austerity
Authors: Weston Mark , Greenberg Dan
Published: July 2014

This paper proposes strategies for performance-based architectural devices characterized by a distinct material exuberance. The engineered predictability of typical building systems is challenged in favor of biological performance modes ruled by scales, sweat, and curves rather than shipping, manufacturing, and commerce. In the realm of traditional ceramic hand- making and manufacture, computation and CNC fabrication are two powerful tools which position the craftsman at the helm of a hybrid endeavor for smart materials.
Design Jigsaw: Exploring a Computational Approach to Assembling Ideas in the Design Production Process
Authors: Lo Chia-Hui Nico , Lai Ih-Cheng , Chang Teng-Wen
Published: July 2014

Idea generation in the design production process often occurs within brainstorming sessions. Linking ideas is the key mechanism in the process of producing design. Through linking ideas, a graph-like knowledge is achieved in representing the individual memories, with the nodes and arcs being the ideas and the links between ideas respectively. The design process is similar to doing a jigsaw. Using the jigsaw metaphor, a cognitive study is applied to the design tool DIM (Dynamic Idea Map) to explore computational jigsaw mechanisms. Thereafter, a computational framework called Design Jigsaw is developed to support students in assembling vast ideas effectively and reveals the construction of meaning in the graph-like knowledge structure of design thinking
Synthesis and characterization of polyimide-carbon nanotube composites
Authors: Seetala Naidu , Hendon Cassandra , Tull-Walker Naeem , Van Behr Johan , Hester Barry , Lebron-Colon Marisabel , Meador Michael
Published: July 2014

Polyimide nanocomposites were prepared with 0 and 1 wt% single wall-and double wall- CNTs (functionalized and non-functionalized) from BPADA and BAPP by refluxing in NMP. These nanocomposites were characterized using FT-IR, TGA, DSC, tensile strength, and Positron annihilation lifetime spectroscopy (PALS). The FT-IR spectra for all the samples showed the characteristic peaks of polyimide. TGA curves showed weight loss with temperature in two stages. The first stage 180-300 °C showed a weight loss of ~ 15% that may be associated with the release of trapped NMP. The second stage 500-750 °C with a drastic weight loss is associated with decomposition. The residual weight is ~ 40% at 750 °C for both pure polyimide and polyimide nano composites made with functionalized single or double wall CNTs. The non-functionalized CNT dispersed polyimide showed similar two-step behavior, but the weight loss is remarkably less and about 80% weight remained at 750 °C. DSC curves of all polyimide samples showed two distinguishable endothermic peaks at around 90 °C (the onset of NMP release) and 200 °C (structural change). PALS was used to study the nano-porosity. Positron lifetime has a correlation with tensile strength showing a decrease in tensile strength with increasing pore size in CNT-polyimide composites.
Waste to wealth: A case study of empty water sachet conversion into composite material for automobile application
Authors: Samotu Ibraheem , Dauda Muhammed , Obada David , Alabi Abdulmumin
Published: July 2014

Efforts have been made to turn empty water sachet (commonly called pure water nylon), palm kernel shell and iron filings, which are all wastes released into the environment from different sectors of production in Nigeria into a useful material of good physical and mechanical properties. These wastes, especially the empty water sachet, pose a great challenge on the effort of achieving a clean and safe environment, mostly by their contribution to flooding during the rainy season. A recycling aimed research was carried out, making use of these materials to produce a new composite material and proffer suggestions for the possible use of the newly developed composite material. The empty water sachet was used as a matrix, which was reinforced by carbonized palm kernel shell particulate and iron filings. The percentage composition of iron fillings was maintained at 5%wt, while that of palm kernel shell ash was varied from 5%wt - 20%wt at an interval of 5%. The composites were compounded and compressively moulded. Physical and mechanical properties of the composites were tested for and the results obtained shows that the composite material could be used to produce automobile bumper among other parts due to their Impact Strength and low Density. After results analysis, materials with 5%wt of CPKS and that with 10%wt of CPKS were recommended for the automobile bumper production following their high impact strength - density ratio of 0.26 and 0.19 respectively, which are higher as compared to that of Peugeot 406 bumper measured alongside the composite materials.
Effect of magnetic field dependent viscosity on Soret-driven ferrothermohaline convection saturating an anisotropic porous medium of sparse particle suspension
Authors: Sekar R. , Raju K.
Published: July 2014

Thermoconvective instability with Soret effect in multi-component fluids has wide range of applications in heat and mass transfer. This work deals with the theoretical investigation of the effect of magnetic field dependent (MFD) viscosity on Soret-driven ferrothermohaline convection heated and salted from below in an anisotropic porous medium subjected to a transverse uniform magnetic field. The resulting eigen value problem is solved using Brinkman model. An exact solution is obtained for the case of two free boundaries and the stationary and oscillatory instabilities are investigated by using linear stability analysis and normal mode technique for the vertical of anisotropic porous medium. The analysis has been made for different parameters like porosity, anisotropy, ratio of heat transport to mass transport, buoyancy magnetization, non-buoyancy magnetization, Soret parameter and Salinity Rayleigh number. The effect of MFD viscosity is assumed to be isotropy. It is found that the presence of MFD viscosity has a stabilizing effect, whereas magnetization has a destabilizing effect.
Design and heat flow analysis of a commercial energy efficient in-line water heating system
Authors: Gouws R. , le Roux E.
Published: July 2014

In this paper, the authors provide the design, heat flow analysis and pressure analysis of a commercial energy efficient in-line water heating system in South Africa. The designed commercial in-line water heating system captures the energy consumption, flow rate, temperature and pressure during operation and accordingly responds on these values to increase the energy efficiency of the system. The user is constantly aware of the energy consumption and cost during operation and can choose to switch to a more economical setting to conserve energy. A central processor with PID control was used to optimize the energy consumption of the in-line water heating system. An overview on the design and results of the heat flow analysis and pressure analysis are provided.
The optimization of a mathematical simulation program to describe the nitrogen removal of the oxidation ditch process
Authors: Li Qingxue , Fang Xiaojun , Zhang Cuiping , Xiao Wei
Published: July 2014

To achieve new emission standards and enhance the denitrification of the oxidation ditch in the Handan West Sewage Treatment Plant, this research used the ASM Bio-P model based on self-made simulation software to study the optimum operation of the denitrification efficiency. The results indicate that:1) the volume of the aerobic zone was increased and the volume ratio between aerobic and anoxic zones was controlled to approximately 3:1; 2) the concentration of the dissolved oxygen (DO) in the aerobic zone was increased and was controlled at 1 mg/L in summer and 3 mg/L in winter; 3) the proper sludge retention time (SRT) was controlled and was maintained at 15 d in summer and 20 d in winter; and 4) the appropriate reflux ratio was controlled to 100% and 50% for summer and winter, respectively. The COD, TN, NH3-N and TP in the effluent reached the first (B) standard of the Discharge Standard of Pollutants for Municipal Wastewater Treatment Plant (GB18918-2002).
Low-level logic fault testing ASIC simulation environment
Authors: Assaf Mansour , Moore Leslie-Ann , Das Sunil , Biswas Satyendra , Morton Scott
Published: July 2014

A low-level logic fault test simulation environment targeted towards application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs) in particular is proposed in this paper. The simulation environment emulates a typical built-in self-testing (BIST) environment with test pattern generator (TPG) that sends its outputs to a circuit (core) under test (CUT) and the output streams from the CUT are fed into an output response analyzer (ORA). The developed simulator is very suitable for testing embedded digital intellectual property (IP) cores-based systems. The paper describes the total test architecture environment, including the application of the logic fault simulator. Results on simulation on some specific International Symposium on Circuits and Systems (ISCAS) 85 combinational and ISCAS 89 sequential benchmark circuits are provided as well for appraisal.
Optimization design of uncertainty fluid topology in the parallel connection of double pump
Authors: Liu J. , Wei Z.
Published: July 2014

This paper analyzes the characteristics of paste filling material and the parallel output of double pump. By combining the equipment layout of the paste filling station, using the uncertainty fluid topology optimization method based on SIMP to optimize parallel connection structure, we designed the engineering model optimized connection. The optimized connection improves the capacity of the paste filling pump, reduces the filling energy consumption and the load pressure of the pump, and can achieve good economic and social benefits.
A bridge between the aminoacylation and editing domains of leucyl-tRNA synthetase is crucial for its synthetic activity
Authors: Huang Qian , Zhou Xiao-Long , Hu Qin-Hua , Lei Hui-Yan , Fang Zhi-Peng , Yao Peng , Wang En-Duo
Published: July 2014

Leucyl-tRNA synthetases (LeuRSs) catalyze the linkage of leucine with tRNALeu. LeuRS contains a catalysis domain (aminoacylation) and a CP1 domain (editing). CP1 is inserted 35 Å from the aminoacylation domain. Aminoacylation and editing require CP1 to swing to the coordinated conformation. The neck between the CP1 domain and the aminoacylation domain is defined as the CP1 hairpin. The location of the CP1 hairpin suggests a crucial role in the CP1 swing and domain–domain interaction. Here, the CP1 hairpin of Homo sapiens cytoplasmic LeuRS (hcLeuRS) was deleted or substituted by those from other representative species. Lack of a CP1 hairpin led to complete loss of aminoacylation, amino acid activation, and tRNA binding; however, the mutants retained post-transfer editing. Only the CP1 hairpin from Saccharomyces cerevisiae LeuRS (ScLeuRS) could partly rescue the hcLeuRS functions. Further site-directed mutagenesis indicated that the flexibility of small residues and the charge of polar residues in the CP1 hairpin are crucial for the function of LeuRS.
Lariat intronic RNAs in the cytoplasm of Xenopus tropicalis oocytes
Authors: Talhouarne Gaëlle J.S. , Gall Joseph G.
Published: July 2014

We previously demonstrated that the oocyte nucleus (germinal vesicle or GV) of Xenopus tropicalis contains a population of stable RNA molecules derived from the introns of most expressed genes. Here we show that similar stable intronic sequence (sis) RNAs occur in the oocyte cytoplasm. About 9000 cytoplasmic sisRNAs have been identified, all of which are resistant to the exonuclease RNase R. About half have been confirmed as lariat molecules and the rest are presumed to be lariats, whereas nuclear sisRNAs are a mixture of lariat and linear molecules. Cytoplasmic sisRNAs are more abundant on a molar basis than nuclear sisRNAs and are derived from short introns, mostly under 1 kb in length. Both nuclear and cytoplasmic sisRNAs are transmitted intact to the egg at GV breakdown and persist until at least the blastula stage of embryogenesis, when zygotic transcription begins. We compared cytoplasmic sisRNAs derived from orthologous genes of X. tropicalis and X. laevis, and found that the specific introns from which sisRNAs are derived are not conserved. The existence of sisRNAs in the cytoplasm of the oocyte, their transmission to the fertilized egg, and their persistence during early embryogenesis suggest that they might play a regulatory role in mRNA translation.
Sigurd Ottovich Schmidt — Historian, Community Leader, Political Writer
Authors: Извеков  , Izvekov Igor
Published: July 2014

This article tells about the author´s meetings with

S.O. Schmidt in the Historical Archives Institute RSUH traditional

conferences about discussing the problems and special auxiliary

historical disciplines in the modern scientific knowledge the

20th century — beginning of the 21st century. Meetings, communications

and interactions with the S.O. Schmidt and his colleagues

have allowed the author to develop the innovative technologies of

youth’s genealogical culture during the integration of pedagogy and

genealogy in education.
Spiritual and Public Ministry of Venerable Sergius of Radonezh and His School in the Cultural History of Russia
Authors: Шафажинская  , Shafazhinskaya Natalya
Published: July 2014

The paper concerns an outstanding milestone date for the national history and culture, key for further development of spiritual and moral ideals of the Russian public life and statehood — in 2014 the memory of the Venerable Sergius of Radonezh is celebrated. The Blessed Sergius, the Hegumen of Radonezh is an outstanding hermit, whose devoted ministry contributed to consolidating patriotic forces and emerging the unified Russian nation. Among his deeds are foundation of unique spiritual school, monastery culture reformation and establishing the actual foundation for publicly significant social and moral service of the Russian orthodox self-sacrifice. The paper presents and considers evidences, proving the high spiritual and historic and cultural significance of the Trinity Lavra of St. Sergius, founded by the Venerable Sergius of Radonezh. This monastery had become the first sanctuary of Moscow and an inspirational model for other convents under construction in that period. Yet within the lifetime of Venerable Sergius of Radonezh the Trinity Lavra of St. Sergius due to the devoted efforts of his disciples, had become the archetype of religious enlightenment, ecclesiastic ministry, Motherland defense and charity for many emerging monasteries. «Northern Fivaida», the community of orthodox monasteries, had embraces the whole North of Russia with its network, encouraging it to gravitate to Moscow as the unified center. It was under the reign of Ivan Kalita and in the lifetime of the Venerable Sergius’s that Moscow got the high stand over other Russian cities after metropolitan Peter had left the town of Vladimir for Moscow. Moscow began to accumulate power and influence as the force, capable to unite separate Russian territories and put an end to violent internecine feuds. Meanwhile, Moscow was increasingly bolstering its posture as an administrative, political, spiritual and cultural center for the Russian statehood.
Value Orientation in the System of Spiritual and Moral Development of a Cossack
Authors: Каприков  , Kaprikov Aleksandr
Published: July 2014

Based on ascetical Psychology and integrated Christian

anthropology and Christian Psychology the paper considers value

and conceptual orientation of Cossack spiritual and moral development.

Featured are the main conflicts between Christian morality

and secular morality, which the Cossacks encounter in everyday

life. The author reveals psychological meaning of principles underpinning

the Cossacks’ Christian self-actualization. Based on Christian

Psychology premises, trends and stages in the religiosity evolution

are highlighted; crises of spiritual development are considered in

the context of Christian morality.
Pedagogical Technologies for Customization of Training Within Information and Educational Space of a Higher School Institution
Authors: Зимовина  , Zimovina Olga
Published: July 2014

The paper considers issues related to customization of

training with regard to cognitive styles within the information and

educational space of an educational institution. Analyzed challenges

of innovative educational technologies, designed to customize

student training in a higher school networked educational environment.

The author considers the task of developing technologies

for customizing educational process as a sine qua non for

creating intellectual foundation of the information-oriented society.

Innovative technologies for customizing educational process

helps to radically enhance effectiveness and quality of training.
Students’ Psychological Readiness for Professional Activity
Authors: Столярова  , Stolyarova E.
Published: July 2014

The paper examines the readiness of MSUTM branch

graduates for professional activities. The results of the correspondent

diagnostics, carried out among the university students, are

presented and analyzed.
Teambuilding as an Effective Means of Adapting Students to Higher Learning
Authors: Поляница  , Polyanitsa N.
Published: July 2014

Training is a technique of active learning through life

experience acquisition, modeled in the course of team interaction.

Being a new trend for this country, exercises (trainings) on teambuilding

with the goals to rally team members, to remove barriers

of personal communications, to nurture positive atmosphere, to

enhance self-esteem and peer assessment of team members, to

activate personal qualities, not involved in everyday activities, to

encourage newcomers to the group to adapt quickly, to identify and

often to resolve intra-group conflicts.
Professional Self-Actualization as One of the Core Values for the Modern Teacher
Authors: Василюта  , Vasilyuta A.
Published: July 2014

Swift changes in the educational sphere call for the teachers

to unlock their professional and personal potential. At the same

time, effectiveness of teachers’ professional potential is directly

related to their individual axiological choices and reorientation of

personal value system in the context of reforms that are under way

in the higher education system. The most relevant ability of the day

is the ability to lay down the most significant professional goals and

to reveal within the role requirements new meaningful ideas and

values, which would form a basis for their self-actualization.
Museological and Pedagogical Activity in the Rural Social Settings
Authors: Огородникова  , Ogorodnikova S.
Published: July 2014

Archetypal features of rural community and of a rural

school are discussed, highlighted are specific features of museological

and pedagogical activity in the context of rural social settings.
Solar-powered shadow puppetry in a high school science classroom ‘illuminates’ a Navajo student energy forum
Authors: Osnes Beth , Hunt Angela
Published: July 2014

Enacting an energy forum using solar power-illuminated shadow puppets can serve as an effective method for actively engaging Navajo students in understanding the applicability and relevance of alternative energy in their lives and their communities. This article focuses on an education/outreach project that took place over the course of two days in a science classroom at Thoreau High School (THS) in Thoreau, New Mexico, with predominantly Navajo students. The education/outreach project described in this article is attempting to energize the National Science Education Standards for scientific literacy within the Navajo Nation with a dynamic and interactive artistic medium – solar-powered shadow puppet theatre – that is uniquely suited to the study of alternative energy. It not only supports scientific literacy, but also casts the students as authors of solutions to student-identified energy issues specific to their lives, their land and their concerns.