bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Neuroprotective Effect of Puerarin on Glutamate-Induced Cytotoxicity in Differentiated Y-79 Cells via Inhibition of ROS Generation and Ca2+ Influx
Authors: Wang Ke , Zhu Xue , Zhang Kai , Wu Zhifeng , Sun Song , Zhou Fanfan , Zhu Ling
Published: July 2016

Glutamate toxicity is estimated to be the key cause of photoreceptor degeneration in the pathogenesis of retinal degenerative diseases. Oxidative stress and Ca2+ influx induced by glutamate are responsible for the apoptosis process of photoreceptor degeneration. Puerarin, a primary component of Kudzu root, has been widely used in the clinical treatment of retinal degenerative diseases in China for decades; however, the detailed molecular mechanism underlying this effect remains unclear. In this study, the neuroprotective effect of puerarin against glutamate-induced cytotoxicity in the differentiated Y-79 cells was first investigated through cytotoxicity assay. Then the molecular mechanism of this effect regarding anti-oxidative stress and Ca2+ hemostasis was further explored with indirect immunofluorescence, flow cytometric analysis and western blot analysis. Our study showed that glutamate induced cell viability loss, excessive reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, calcium overload and up-regulated cell apoptosis in differentiated Y-79 cells, which effect was significantly attenuated with the pre-treatment of puerarin in a dose-dependent manner. Furthermore, our data indicated that the neuroprotective effect of puerarin was potentially mediated through the inhibition of glutamate-induced activation of mitochondrial-dependent signaling pathway and calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II (CaMKII)-dependent apoptosis signal-regulating kinase 1(ASK-1)/c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK)/p38 signaling pathway. The present study supports the notion that puerarin may be a promising neuroprotective agent in the prevention of retinal degenerative diseases.
The Friction Reducing Effect of Square-Shaped Surface Textures under Lubricated Line-Contacts—An Experimental Study
Authors: Lu Ping , Wood Robert , Gee Mark , Wang Ling , Pfleging Wilhelm
Published: July 2016

Surface texturing has been shown to be an effective modification approach for improving tribological performance. This study examined the friction reduction effect generated by square dimples of different sizes and geometries. Dimples were fabricated on the surface of ASP2023 steel plates using femtosecond laser-assisted surface texturing techniques, and reciprocating sliding line contact tests were carried out on a Plint TE77 tribometer using a smooth 52100 bearing steel roller and textured ASP2023 steel plates. The tribological characterization of the friction properties indicated that the textured samples had significantly lowered the friction coefficient in both boundary (15% improvement) and mixed lubrication regimes (13% improvement). Moreover, the high data sampling rate results indicated that the dimples work as lubricant reservoirs in the boundary lubrication regime.
Bonding of TRIP-Steel/Al2O3-(3Y)-TZP Composites and (3Y)-TZP Ceramic by a Spark Plasma Sintering (SPS) Apparatus
Authors: Miriyev Aslan , Grützner Steffen , Krüger Lutz , Kalabukhov Sergey , Frage Nachum
Published: July 2016

A combination of the high damage tolerance of TRIP-steel and the extremely low thermal conductivity of partially stabilized zirconia (PSZ) can provide controlled thermal-mechanical properties to sandwich-shaped composite specimens comprising these materials. Sintering the (TRIP-steel-PSZ)/PSZ sandwich in a single step is very difficult due to differences in the sintering temperature and densification kinetics of the composite and the ceramic powders. In the present study, we successfully applied a two-step approach involving separate SPS consolidation of pure (3Y)-TZP and composites containing 20 vol % TRIP-steel, 40 vol % Al2O3 and 40 vol % (3Y)-TZP ceramic phase, and subsequent diffusion joining of both sintered components in an SPS apparatus. The microstructure and properties of the sintered and bonded specimens were characterized. No defects at the interface between the TZP and the composite after joining in the 1050–1150 °C temperature range were observed. Only limited grain growth occurred during joining, while crystallite size, hardness, shear strength and the fraction of the monoclinic phase in the TZP ceramic virtually did not change. The slight increase of the TZP layer’s fracture toughness with the joining temperature was attributed to the effect of grain size on transformation toughening.
Enrichment of Cellulosic Waste Hemp (Cannabis sativa) Hurd into Non-Toxic Microfibres
Authors: Abraham Reinu , Wong Cynthia , Puri Munish
Published: July 2016

In this study a largely available lignocellulose feedstock hemp (Cannabis sativa), obtained as an industrial waste, was used for cellulose extraction. The extraction of cellulose microfibres from hemp biomass was conducted by alkaline treatment and an acidification process. The extracted cellulose microfibres were characterised using Fourier-transformed infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The viability of the study was determined by growing human fibroblasts on the preparation which resulted in being non-toxic; indicating its potential in preparing biological scaffolds. Upon enzymatic hydrolysis of the cellulose microfibre using cellulase from Trichoderma reesei, a maximum of 909 mg/g of reducing sugars were obtained, which endorses its suitability for biofuel production.
Increasing Plant Based Foods or Dairy Foods Differentially Affects Nutrient Intakes: Dietary Scenarios Using NHANES 2007–2010
Authors: Cifelli Christopher , Houchins Jenny , Demmer Elieke , Fulgoni Victor
Published: July 2016

Diets rich in plant foods and lower in animal-based products have garnered increased attention among researchers, dietitians and health professionals in recent years for their potential to, not only improve health, but also to lessen the environmental impact. However, the potential effects of increasing plant-based foods at the expense of animal-based foods on macro- and micronutrient nutrient adequacy in the U.S. diet is unknown. In addition, dairy foods are consistently under consumed, thus the impact of increased dairy on nutrient adequacy is important to measure. Accordingly, the objective of this study was to use national survey data to model three different dietary scenarios to assess the effects of increasing plant-based foods or dairy foods on macronutrient intake and nutrient adequacy. Data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2007–2010 for persons two years and older (n = 17,387) were used in all the analyses. Comparisons were made of usual intake of macronutrients and shortfall nutrients of three dietary scenarios that increased intakes by 100%: (i) plant-based foods; (ii) protein-rich plant-based foods (i.e., legumes, nuts, seeds, soy); and (iii) milk, cheese and yogurt. Scenarios (i) and (ii) had commensurate reductions in animal product intake. In both children (2–18 years) and adults (≥19 years), the percent not meeting the Estimated Average Requirement (EAR) decreased for vitamin C, magnesium, vitamin E, folate and iron when plant-based foods were increased. However the percent not meeting the EAR increased for calcium, protein, vitamin A, and vitamin D in this scenario. Doubling protein-rich plant-based foods had no effect on nutrient intake because they were consumed in very low quantities in the baseline diet. The dairy model reduced the percent not meeting the EAR for calcium, vitamin A, vitamin D, magnesium, and protein, while sodium and saturated fat levels increased. Our modeling shows that increasing plant-based foods could lead to unintended dietary outcomes without simultaneous changes in the types and amounts of plant foods currently consumed. Increasing dairy foods, which are currently under-consumed, could assist in improving the intakes of many nutrients of concern.
Virulence Studies of Different Sequence Types and Geographical Origins of Streptococcus suis Serotype 2 in a Mouse Model of Infection
Authors: Auger Jean-Philippe , Fittipaldi Nahuel , Benoit-Biancamano Marie-Odile , Segura Mariela , Gottschalk Marcelo
Published: July 2016

Multilocus sequence typing previously identified three predominant sequence types (STs) of Streptococcus suis serotype 2: ST1 strains predominate in Eurasia while North American (NA) strains are generally ST25 and ST28. However, ST25/ST28 and ST1 strains have also been isolated in Asia and NA, respectively. Using a well-standardized mouse model of infection, the virulence of strains belonging to different STs and different geographical origins was evaluated. Results demonstrated that although a certain tendency may be observed, S. suis serotype 2 virulence is difficult to predict based on ST and geographical origin alone; strains belonging to the same ST presented important differences of virulence and did not always correlate with origin. The only exception appears to be NA ST28 strains, which were generally less virulent in both systemic and central nervous system (CNS) infection models. Persistent and high levels of bacteremia accompanied by elevated CNS inflammation are required to cause meningitis. Although widely used, in vitro tests such as phagocytosis and killing assays require further standardization in order to be used as predictive tests for evaluating virulence of strains. The use of strains other than archetypal strains has increased our knowledge and understanding of the S. suis serotype 2 population dynamics.
Highly Sensitive Temperature Sensors Based on Fiber-Optic PWM and Capacitance Variation Using Thermochromic Sensing Membrane
Authors: Khan Md. , Kang Shin-Won
Published: July 2016

In this paper, we propose a temperature/thermal sensor that contains a Rhodamine-B sensing membrane. We applied two different sensing methods, namely, fiber-optic pulse width modulation (PWM) and an interdigitated capacitor (IDC)-based temperature sensor to measure the temperature from 5 °C to 100 °C. To the best of our knowledge, the fiber-optic PWM-based temperature sensor is reported for the first time in this study. The proposed fiber-optic PWM temperature sensor has good sensing ability; its sensitivity is ~3.733 mV/°C. The designed temperature-sensing system offers stable sensing responses over a wide dynamic range, good reproducibility properties with a relative standard deviation (RSD) of ~0.021, and the capacity for a linear sensing response with a correlation coefficient of R2 ≈ 0.992 over a wide sensing range. In our study, we also developed an IDC temperature sensor that is based on the capacitance variation principle as the IDC sensing element is heated. We compared the performance of the proposed temperature-sensing systems with different fiber-optic temperature sensors (which are based on the fiber-optic wavelength shift method, the long grating fiber-optic Sagnac loop, and probe type fiber-optics) in terms of sensitivity, dynamic range, and linearity. We observed that the proposed sensing systems have better sensing performance than the above-mentioned sensing system.
Multicriteria Decision Analysis to Develop Effective Sustainable Development Strategies for Enhancing Competitive Advantages: Case of the TFT-LCD Industry in Taiwan
Authors: Lu Iuan-Yuan , Kuo Tsuanq , Lin Ting-Syuan , Tzeng Gwo-Hshiung , Huang Shan-Lin
Published: July 2016

In the Internet of Things era, panel displays play a major role in human life, because humans frequently use liquid crystal displays to monitor their electrical devices. The display industry creates remarkable economic output, but every manufacturing process inevitably has some undesirable effects on the environment. With the increasing awareness of environmental protection, balanced development is necessary to address the emerging market trends. However, short-sighted manufacturing corporations that focus solely on financial performance can achieve only short-term profits. The purpose of this study was to develop the most effective sustainable improvement strategies that can enhance competitive advantages in real-world situations. The proposed method combines the balanced scorecard and a new hybrid modified multiple attribute decision-making model which together adopt the DEMATEL technique to construct the influential network relation map and develop the DEMATEL-based ANP with the VIKOR method to deliver strategies that integrate environmental sustainability and competitive advantage. Finally, a real-world case study applying the proposed method to the cases of liquid crystal display manufacturers was conducted. Then, this paper discusses the effective use of natural resources, development of enterprises, and sustainable competitive advantage in this context. Various manufacturers, communities, and stakeholders can benefit from the coopetition solutions explained by the proposed method.
The Fall and Rise of the Kishon River
Authors: Golan Tal
Published: July 2016

This paper recounts the environmental history of a main waterway in Northern Israel—the Kishon, and deploys this history to examine the evolution of Israel water policy as it struggled to bridge the growing gap between its ambitions of development and the realities of its limited water supply. The first part of the paper describes the decay of the Kishon since the early 1950s, and the multiple scientific, political and legal attempts to alleviate its misfortunes, and discusses the reasons for their failings. Some of these reasons were administrative by nature, but the paper suggests a deeper reason, rooted in the ideological core of the infant state that was overwhelmingly concerned with the development of its infrastructure, and invited the pioneering Israeli society to consider the demise of the Kishon as a necessary sacrifice for progress. The second part of the paper describes the late-20th century developments that allowed for the recovery of the ailing river. Changing social mores, the growing importance of environmental politics, the advance of Israel’s water technologies, and an environmental scandal that endowed the rehabilitation of the Kishon with a new political and moral meaning, have all contributed to the rehabilitation of the river. Once a testament for the sacrifices involved in a struggle to create a viable state, the Kishon has become a theater for a confident society that has triumphed in its struggle against nature.
Sleep Problems and Disorders in Patients with Depression
Authors: Ettensohn Marc , Soto Yarelis , Bassi Bruce , Khurshid Khurshid A.
Published: July 2016

Both sleep disorders and major depressive disorder are significant clinical and public health problems that lead to increased mortality and morbidity, as well as increased health care costs. Sleep problems and disorders are more prevalent in patients with depression. Although in some people sleep problems and disorders may start before the onset of depressive symptoms, in others they may co-occur with depressive symptoms or persist after treatment of depression. Sleep problems and disorders may also increase risk of relapse and even lead to treatment-resistant depression. It has also been shown that treatment of sleep problems leads to better outcomes in patients with depression. The evaluation and treatment of sleep problems and disorders that are comorbid with depression is essential in improving outcomes. This article examines the evaluation of sleep problems and disorders in patients with depression.

[
Psychiatr Ann
. 2016;46(7):390–395.]
The Prodrome of Extensor Pollicis Longus Tendonitis and Rupture: Rupture May Be Preventable
Authors: Diep Gustave K. , Adams Julie E.
Published: July 2016

Current literature suggests that tendonitis of the extensor pollicis longus (EPL) is a rare condition that has a high rate of progression to rupture. This study documents the prodrome of impending EPL rupture in patients with prior nondisplaced distal radial fracture. A retrospective study identified patients with EPL tendonitis or tendon rupture. Seven patients (6 females and 1 male) had sustained a nondisplaced distal radius fracture within the past year. Among these 7 patients, 4 eventually developed EPL tendon rupture and 3 had tendonitis without rupture. Of the 4 patients with EPL rupture, 2 presented to another provider before rupture with prodromal symptoms documented in the medical record, with pain and difficulty extending the affected thumb at the interphalangeal (IP) joint. The 3 patients with EPL tendonitis but no EPL tendon rupture all presented following a nondisplaced distal radius fracture with tenderness over the EPL tendon and pain with thumb motion. These 3 patients underwent EPL tendon decompression and subsequently did not go on to experience EPL rupture. Extensor pollicis longus tendonitis is a condition that is classically seen in the setting of nondisplaced distal radius fractures and often progresses to tendon rupture. In this study, the following prodrome of impending EPL rupture was identified: tenderness over the EPL tendon and Lister's tubercle and pain with thumb motion. This study suggests that patients with EPL tendonitis and possible impending rupture present with a prodrome of symptoms. If these patients can be identified, they may undergo EPL tendon decompression, which may prevent EPL tendon rupture. [
Orthopedics.
2016; 39(5):318–322.]
Robotic Total Knee Arthroplasty: Surgical Assistant for a Customized Normal Kinematic Knee
Authors: Urish Kenneth L. , Conditt Michael , Roche Martin , Rubash Harry E.
Published: July 2016

Although current total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is considered a highly successful surgical procedure, patients undergoing TKA can still experience substantial functional impairment and increased revision rates as compared with those undergoing total hip arthroplasty. Robotic-assisted surgery has been available clinically for almost 15 years and was developed, in part, to address these concerns. Robotic-assisted surgery aims to improve TKA by enhancing the surgeon's ability to optimize soft tissue balancing, reproduce alignment, and restore normal knee kinematics. Current systems include a robotic arm with a variety of different navigation systems with active, semi-active, or passive control. Semi-active systems have become the dominant strategy, providing a haptic window through which the surgeon consistently prepares a TKA based on preoperative planning. A review of previous designs and clinical studies demonstrates that these robotic systems decrease variability and increase precision, primarily with the mechanical axis and restoration of the joint line. Future design objectives include precise planning and consistent intraoperative execution. Preoperative planning, intraoperative sensors, augmenting surgical instrumentation, and biomimetic surfaces will be used to re-create the 4-bar linkage system in the knee. Implants will be placed so that the knee functions with a medial pivot, lateral rollback, screw home mechanism, and patellar femoral tracking. Soft tissue balancing will become more than equalizing the flexion and extension gaps and will match the kinematics to a normal knee. Together, coupled with advanced knee designs, they may be the key to a patient stating, “My knee feels like my natural knee.” [Orthopedics.2016; 39(5):e822–e827.]
Matrimonio y patrimonio. Las arras de Leonor Plantagenet, reina consorte de Castilla
Authors: Cerda José Manuel
Published: July 2016

La carta de arras de Leonor Plantagenet otorgada por su esposo Alfonso VIII de Castilla en 1170 constituye uno de los documentos más interesantes y menos estudiados del periodo en cuanto al análisis de la reginalidad y el ejercicio del poder femenino en la realeza. Este documento no solo enumera las propiedades y derechos nupciales concedidos bajo las mismas condiciones, sino que una lectura más contextualizada y apoyada por los textos legales de la época permite hacer una significativa distinción entre lo que el rey castellano entregaba con plena disposición o lo que podría identificarse como la sponsalicia largitas, y aquella propiedad que concedía con derechos limitados o donatio propter nupcias. El primer tipo de propiedad confería a la consorte una autonomía económica, mientras que el segundo la autorizaba ante la comunidad política del reino.
Fuentes de potestad para reinas e infantas: el in-fantazgo en los siglos centrales de la Edad Media
Authors: Martin Therese
Published: July 2016

Dentro del marco de este estudio, se trata la relación estrecha entre determinadas mujeres regias y el ejercicio de poder a través del mecenazgo artístico-arquitectónico en los siglos centrales de la Edad Media. También se trazan conexiones con las actividades de las mujeres regias contemporáneas procedentes de otros territorios para intentar dilucidar en dónde se encuentran similitudes o diferencias. Se verá cómo el poder de las reinas e infantas se vuelca en objetos y edificios como instrumentos que demuestran la autoridad para conformar la potestad. Tanto el infantazgo como las dominae que lo regían, junto con las obras que se pueden asociar con esta herencia, forman el eje central del trabajo.
Un indicador de nivel para silos
Authors: Editorial Equipo
Published: July 2016

Not available
From "solitary thinkers" to "social actors": OER in multilingual CALL teacher education
Authors: Whyte Shona
Published: July 2016

Among many dilemmas in educational practices in today's networked environments is the question of language teacher preparation for tomorrow's world. Secondary school teachers of modern foreign languages face multiple challenges in making the transition from the relatively closed scholastic tradition of university ivory towers, which are often resistant to digital cultures, to classroom contexts with different expectations regarding the technological mediation of teaching and learning. Open educational resources (OER) have an important role to play in this transition, as do open education practices (OEP). The present paper examines a hybrid computer-assisted language learning (CALL) course for pre-service teachers at a French university as a context for developing OER awareness. Trainee teachers of different foreign languages completed individual and collective tasks using blogs, wikis and social media to a) share examples of teaching and learning activities, b) research and filter web-based teaching resources, and c) discuss technology use for language teaching. The study investigates the design of teaching activities and motivations for creating, identifying and sharing OER, identifying areas of concern for these teachers and highlighting contrasting views of both language teaching and professional development. The paper thus sheds light on both the process and the products of this form of CALL teacher education, and concludes with implications regarding the changing social roles of both language learners and their teachers in relation to the goals of the OER/OEP movement.
Isothermal Aging Affect to the Growth of Sn-Cu-Ni-1 wt.% TiO2 Composite Solder Paste
Authors: Said Rita Mohd , Mohd Salleh Mohd Arif Anuar , Derman Mohd Nazree , Ramli Mohd Izrul Izwan , Nasir Norhayanti Mohd , Saud Norainiza
Published: July 2016

This work investigated the effects of 1.0 wt. % TiO2 particles addition into Sn-Cu-Ni solder paste to the growth of the interfacial intermetallic compound (IMC) on Cu substrate after isothermal aging. Sn-Cu-Ni solder paste with TiO2 particles were mechanically mixed to fabricate the composite solder paste. The composite solder paste then reflowed in the reflow oven to form solder joint. The reflowed samples were then isothermally aged 75, 125 and 150 ° C for 24 and 240 h. It was found that the morphology of IMCs changed from scallop-shape to a more uniform planar shape in both Sn-Cu-Ni/Cu joints and Sn-Cu-Ni-TiO2 /Cu joint. Cu6Sn5 and Cu3Sn IMC were identified and grew after prolong aging time and temperature. The IMCs thickness and scallop diameter of composite solder paste were reduced and the growth of IMCs thickness after isothermal aging become slower as compared to unreinforced Sn-Cu-Ni solder paste. It is suggested that TiO2 particles have influenced the evolution and retarded the growth of interfacial IMCs.
Bondability and Strength Evaluation of Gold Ball Bond Using Nanoindentation Approach
Authors: Zulkifli Muhammad Nubli , Jalar Azman , Abdullah Shahrum , Othman Norinsan Kamil
Published: July 2016

The evaluation of the strength and bondability of gold, Au ball bond requires a new approach to provide a more detail data. Nanoindentation test was used as a new approach to evaluate the strength distribution and bondability of Au ball. Au ball bonds that experienced different value of wire bonding parameter namely bonding force, bonding time, bonding power, and stage temperature were used as samples for the present analysis. The distribution of strength based on hardness and reduced modulus values located at the bonding area of Au ball bonds were found to be related with the values of the wire bonding parameter. Nanoindentation test was found to be a suitable approach to analyze and evaluate the bondability of Au ball bond in a localized and detailed manner. In addition, the responsible mechanism for the thermosonic Au wire bonding can be identified and analyzed by using the results obtained from the nanoindentation test.
Improving Warpage with Milled Groove Square Shape Conformal Cooling Channels
Authors: Shayfull Z. , Sharif S. , Zain Azlan Mohd , Nasir S.M. , Saad R. Mohd
Published: July 2016

Warpage is a common issue in an injection moulding process due to non-uniform temperature variation causing differential shrinkage on the moulded parts. In designing moulds for injection molding process, it is very difficult to achieve efficient cooling with uniform thermal distribution. Most of researchers focus on an optimisation of processing parameters to improve the warpage. However, the conformal cooling channels have advantages with the uniform distance between center of cooling channels and mould surfaces in order to get a better thermal distribution thus reducing the warpage. This paper presents the Milled Grooved Square Shape (MGSS) conformal cooling channels which provide more uniform in cooling and have a bigger effective cooling surface area cross sectional area and comparing to circular and others type of cooling channels with similar cross section. A case study on front panel housing is investigated and the possibility of fabrication the conformal cooling channels on hard tooling for injection moulding process which is easier to design, fabricate and assemble compared to other method are presented. The performance designs of straight drilled are compared to the two types of MGSS conformal cooling channels by using Autodesk Moldflow Insight (AMI) 2012. The analyses show that the both types of MGSS conformal cooling channel suggested can provide a more uniform thermal distribution and able to reduce the warpage on the molded part compared to the straight drilled cooling channels.
Preparation of Oil Palm EFB Derived Solid Acid Catalyst for Esterification Reaction: Effect of Calcination Temperature
Authors: Gowri Krishnan Shamala , Pua Fei Ling , Palanisamy Kumaran , Nabihah Sharifah
Published: July 2016

Oil palm empty fruit bunch (EFB) is one of the palm biomass produced in abundance after oil extraction in Malaysia. This study was focused to utilize this waste biomass as a beneficial raw materials. EFB was used to prepare new solid acid catalyst for biodiesel production. EFB was converted into solid catalyst via direct impregnation method and it was used to catalyse esterification of oleic acid. Transition metal sulfide salt, Fe2(SO4)3 was impregnated on EFB fibres. Effect of different calcination temperature was studied on the properties of catalyst. The result shows that Fe2(SO4)3 based solid acid catalyst which calcined at 500°C exhibited the highest catalytic activity with 93.90% esterification rate was achieved. The morphology and surface chemistry and function group determination for the solid acid catalyst were characterized by SEM-EDX and FTIR.
Interfacial Reaction Analysis of Cu-Sn-Ni-P/Cu Joint Using Microwave Hybrid Heating
Authors: Lutfi Maisarah , Binti Yusof Farazila , Ariga Tadashi , Singh Ramesh , Bin Abd Shukor Mohd Hamdi
Published: July 2016

Microwave hybrid heating (MHH) technique was used to investigate the formation of intermetallic compound layer at Cu-7.0Ni-9.3Sn-6.3P/Cu interface. Two different susceptor materials; graphite and silicon carbide were used to provide initial heating of the filler alloy before it starts couple with the microwaves and melted on the Cu surface. The interface of IMC layer was characterized using Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM), energy dispersive X-ray spectrometry (EDS) and microhardness. Metallurgical study showed the formation of the IMC layer with multiphase at the joint interface for microwave heating of both susceptor materials. The thickness of IMC layer heating in silicon carbide susceptor was three times thinner than heating in graphite susceptor; 16.5 μm and 50.5 μm, respectively. The findings showed that microwave hybrid heating can be used to join Cu-7.0Ni-9.3Sn-6.3P/Cu and controlled the thickness of IMC layer.
Influences of Stirring Speed and Post Annealing Temperature on the Properties of Zinc Oxide Colloid Prepared by Sol-Gel Spin Coating Method
Authors: Teh Sheen Jeff , Sin Yew Keong , Chan Kah Yoong , Devaraj Nisha Kumari
Published: July 2016

Zinc oxide (ZnO) colloid has drawn significant attention recently due to its wide range of potential applications such as photonic crystals, solar cells, sensors, and other optical devices. In this work, low cost sol-gel spin coating technique was employed to synthesis ZnO colloid. The influences of stirring speed and post annealing temperature on the properties of ZnO colloid was investigated. The structural and optical properties of ZnO colloid was characterized using field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) and ultraviolet-visible (UV-Vis) spectrophotometer, respectively. Subsequently, Tauc method was used to estimate the optical band gap of the ZnO colloid based on the optical transmittance data. The effects of the stirring speed and post annealing temperature on the structural and optical properties of ZnO colloid are revealed and discussed in this paper. It was found that ZnO colloid prepared by the stirring speed of 500rpm and 400°C post annealing temperature demonstrates the best dispersity quality of colloid system.
Experimental Study of Engine Performance and Fuel Consumption Using Various Blends: Ethanol, Naphthalene and Palm Oil
Authors: Ismail Mohammad Irfan Hazmi , Othman Rusli , Koay Loke Kean
Published: July 2016

The depletion of fossil fuel resource is creating demand for new renewable energy resources. An experimental study was conducted in order to determine effects of various fuel blends including small amount of ethanol, naphthalene and palm oil in petrol on a single cylinder spark ignition engine. Engine performance and fuel consumption were investigated using an engine dynamometer with various loads and engine speed. Engine performance was obtained by recording the engine torque during low, medium and high engine speed from 1200 rpm - 4700 rpm. Fuel consumption of the blends was determined by the brake specific fuel consumption. Palm oil showed about 50% reduction in engine torque for the blends of 3 % and 5 %, while naphthalene showed about 11% reduction for the engine torque when the engine speed is more than 4000 rpm. Ethanol showed a slight improvement of about 1% in engine torque. 20% of ethanol blending fuel gave out the best result in terms of torque. Besides, 20% of ethanol blend found to be decreased in fuel consumption for about 9% when running at 2500 rpm in comparison with 100% petrol.
Electrodeposited Iron(III) Oxide (α-Fe2O3) Thermoelectric Thin Films
Authors: Shaiful Azni Mohd Zuhri , Tan Ho Kee , Low Pei Ling , Devaraj Nisha Kumari , Ong Boon Hoong , Tou Teck Yong
Published: July 2016

α-Fe2O3 thermoelectric thin films were electrodeposited onto copper substrates using chloride-based electrolytes by means of potentiostatic electrodeposition. The influence of several electrodeposition parameters on the surface morphology, elemental composition and electrical conductivity of the deposited films was studied and analyzed. The deposits formed porous, wire-like morphology, with the smallest width measured to be ~60 nm. The wires tend to aggregate to form clusters, in addition to multi-layered growth of the wires. Between the parameters studied, electrolyte concentration and deposition time parameters have higher influences on the electrical conductivity of the deposited films, with the increment up to two fold higher. Deposition potential parameter offered the lowest capability to improve on the electrical conductivity in addition to the non-uniform distribution of the measured electrical conductivities. The tunable electrical conductivity is favorable for improving the performance of α-Fe2O3 films for thermoelectric applications.
Numerical Simulation of a Corner Crack Growth in Metals under Multiaxial Fatigue Loading
Authors: Siow Yuan Wei , Tan Chin Joo , Purbolaksono Judha , Andriyana Andri
Published: July 2016

In practical engineering applications, many components especially rotating members are frequently subjected to fluctuating multiaxial loading. In this case, fatigue failure is recognized as a major cause of failure of engineering components in service. Hence it is important to characterize fatigue behaviour of the material.
Synthesis and Characterization of Covalent Organic Polymer
Authors: Lee Siew Pei , Mellon Nurhayati , Lau Tuck Khein , Mohd Shariff Azmi , Leveque Jean Marc
Published: July 2016

Development of covalent organic polymer (COP) is a potential new class of adsorbent for gas separation due to their good hydrothermal stability, chemical tuning flexibility and low cost. COP-1 was prepared via one-step polycondensation of cyanuric chloride and piperazine under catalyst free and N2 atmosphere condition. The properties of COP-1 were characterized using several analytical methods such as Fourier Transform Infra-Red (FTIR), solid Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (s-NMR), Thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA) and N2 adsorption and desorption measurement. The C-N bond of COP-1 which has non-rigid framework was successfully linked in this study. It is found that COP-1 has low thermal degradation temperature i.e. 483 K. As compared to literature, lower surface area (75.5 m2/g) and slightly large pore size (8 nm) are noticed. The difference of physical properties of COP-1 synthesized between in this study and literature revealed the challenge of reproducibility for COP-1.
Synthesis and Characterization of Polyvinyl Alcohol/Zinc Hydroxide Composite
Authors: Habiba Umma , Afifi Amalina Muhammad , Ang Bee Chin
Published: July 2016

In this study, Polyvinyl Alcohol /Zinc Hidroxide composite was synthesised via film casting method. Fourier transform infrared and X-Ray diffraction was undertaken to analyze the interaction between polyvinyl alcohol and zinc hydroxide.Morphology of the resulting PVA/Zn(OH)2 composite structure was observed by Field Emission Scannig Electron Spectroscopy. FTIR and XRD results showed interaction between PVA and zinc hydroxide. These interaction are responsible for change in the thermal behavior of the composite.
Non-Isothermal Degradation Kinetics of Asphalt in Relation to its Chemical Composition
Authors: Marquez Kevinilo P. , Lamorena-Lim Rheo B.
Published: July 2016

Analysis of the complex and variable nature of the chemical composition of asphalt has been a challenge to engineers and scientists, especially as a means to understand its behavior and suggest ways to improve its properties. In this study, the thermal behavior and the non-isothermal degradation kinetics were analyzed using the isoconversional methods, through Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC). TGA and DSC data show gradual change in the mass of the material at increasing temperature, suggesting behavior typical of a homogenous mixture. Kinetic analysis from the TGA data using the Starink modification of the Kissinger-Akahira-Sunose Isoconversional method show an apparent increase in the magnitude of the activation energies at different conversion degree, which suggests a gradual change in the composition of the material at each successive conversion due to a single heat-promoted transformation of each of the components.
The climatology of planetary boundary layer height in China derived from radiosonde and reanalysis data
Authors: Guo Jianping , Miao Yucong , Zhang Yong , Liu Huan , Li Zhanqing , Zhang Wanchun , He Jing , Lou Mengyun , Yan Yan , Bian Lingen , Zhai Panmao
Published: July 2016

Abstract. The important roles of planetary boundary layer (PBL) in climate, weather and air quality have long been recognized, but little has been known about the PBL climatology in China. Using the fine-resolution sounding observations made across China and a reanalysis data, we conducted a comprehensive investigation of the PBL in China from January 2011 to July 2015. The boundary layer height (BLH) is found to be generally higher in spring and summer than that in fall and winter. The comparison of seasonally averaged BLH derived from observations and reanalysis shows good agreement. The BLH derived from three- or four-times-daily soundings in summer tends to peak in the early afternoon, and the diurnal amplitude of BLH is higher in the northern and western sub-regions of China than other sub-regions. The meteorological influence on the annual cycle of BLH are investigated as well, showing that BLH at most sounding sites is negatively associated with the surface pressure and lower tropospheric stability, but positively associated with the near-surface wind speed and temperature. This indicates that meteorology plays a significant role in the PBL processes. Overall, the key findings obtained from this study lay a solid foundation for us to gain a deep insight into the fundamentals of PBL in China, which helps understand the roles of PBL playing in the air pollution, weather and climate of China.
Investigation of hydrological time series using copulas for detecting
catchment characteristics and anthropogenic impacts
Authors: Sugimoto Takayuki , Bárdossy András , Pegram Geoffrey G. S. , Cullmann Johannes
Published: July 2016

Abstract. Global climate change can have impacts on characteristics of rainfall–runoff events and subsequently on the hydrological regime. Meanwhile, the catchment itself changes due to anthropogenic influences. However, it is not easy to prove the link between the hydrology and the forcings. In this context, it might be meaningful to detect the temporal changes of catchments independent from climate change by investigating existing long-term discharge records. For this purpose, a new stochastic system based on copulas for time series analysis is introduced in this study.A statistical tool like copula has the advantage to scrutinize the dependence structure of the data and, thus, can be used to attribute the catchment behavior by focusing on the following aspects of the statistics defined in the copula domain: (1) copula asymmetry, which can capture the nonsymmetric property of discharge data, differs from one catchment to another due to the intrinsic nature of both runoff and catchment; and (2) copula distances can assist in identifying catchment change by revealing the variability and interdependency of dependence structures.These measures were calculated for 100 years of daily discharges for the Rhine River and these analyses detected epochs of change in the flow sequences. In a follow-up study, we compared the results of copula asymmetry and copula distance applied to two flow models: (i) antecedent precipitation index (API) and (ii) simulated discharge time series generated by a hydrological model. The results of copula-based analysis of hydrological time series seem to support the assumption that the Neckar catchment had started to change around 1976 and stayed unusual until 1990.
Cooperative or collaborative learning: Is there a difference in university students’ perceptions?
Authors: Andreu-Andrés Maria Angeles
Published: July 2016

The hypothesis that the same educational objective, raised as cooperative or collaborative learning in university teaching does not affect students’ perceptions of the learning model, leads this study. It analyses the reflections of two students groups of engineering that shared the same educational goals implemented through two different methodological active learning strategies: Simulation as cooperative learning strategy and Problem-based Learning as a collaborative one. The different number of participants per group (eighty-five and sixty-five, respectively) as well as the use of two active learning strategies, either collaborative or cooperative, did not show differences in the results from a qualitative perspective.
Efectos de la enseñanza interdisciplinaria en la educación ambiental sobre los conocimientos, valores y actitudes ambientales de estudiantes de segundo ciclo básico (Los Ángeles, Región del Biobío, Chile)
Authors: Torres Rivera Laura Beatriz , Mesina Calderón Nicol , Salamanca Salazar Brigite , Sepúlveda Sepúlveda Carla
Published: July 2016

Debido a la necesidad de implementar metodologías efectivas para la formación de ciudadanos con conciencia ambiental, se planteó esta investigación con el objetivo de evaluar el efecto de la enseñanza interdisciplinaria en la Educación Ambiental, sobre los conocimientos, valores y actitudes ambientales, de estudiantes de sexto curso básico de un establecimiento municipal de la ciudad de Los Ángeles, en Chile. Se relaciona la Educación Ambiental con las asignaturas Lenguaje-Comunicación y Matemática. Los instrumentos de medición, validados por un comité de expertos y sometidos a un análisis de fiabilidad. Se aplicaron antes y después de la intervención, permitiendo así medir el grado de cambio en conocimientos, valores y actitudes ambientales en los distintos tratamientos, los cuales fueron analizados estadísticamente por medio de tests no paramétricos. Los resultados indican que un grado mayor de interdisciplinariedad genera mejores conocimientos, valores y actitudes ambientales, por lo que se recomienda implementar estrategias interdisciplinarias en el aula al momento de realizar Educación Ambiental.
Asymmetric dual-gate-structured one-transistor dynamic random access memory cells for retention characteristics improvement
Authors: Kim Hyungjin , Lee Jong-Ho , Park Byung-Gook
Published: July 2016

One of the major concerns of one-transistor dynamic random access memory (1T-DRAM) is poor retention time. In this letter, a 1T-DRAM cell with two separated asymmetric gates was fabricated and evaluated to improve sensing margin and retention characteristics. It was observed that significantly enhanced sensing margin and retention time over 1 s were obtained using a negatively biased second gate and trapped electrons in the nitride layer because of increased hole capacity in the floating body. These findings indicate that the proposed device could serve as a promising candidate for overcoming retention issues of 1T-DRAM cells.
The Russian Antarctic Expedition under the command of Fabian Gottlieb von Bellingshausen and its reception in Russia and the world
Authors: Tammiksaar E.
Published: July 2016

The existence of an icy continent around the South Pole is known to everybody today. But it is common to ascribe this kind of modern knowledge to navigators sailing in southern polar waters in the 19th century. A good illustration of this is the Russian Antarctic expedition (1819–1821) under the conduct of Fabian Gottlieb von Bellingshausen (Russian version Faddej Faddeevich Bellinsgauzen), the reception of which in Russian society of the 19th and 20th centuries is analysed in this article. During the cold war, beginning at the end of the 1940s, the question of who discovered Antarctica turned from being a scientific problem into a subject of political struggle between the United States of America, Great Britain and the Soviet Union. This article provides an analysis of the Russian discovery in the area, while at the same time, attempting to give an answer to the main question of the history of Antarctic exploration which is: is it well-justified to establish the first discoverer of Antarctica? All the dates in the text are according to the Gregorian calendar.
Improving the Spatial Resolution of Low-keV STEM with a Monochromator
Authors: Lovejoy T.C. , Dellby N. , Corbin G.J. , Hrncirik P. , Murfitt M.F. , Szilagyi Z.S. , Krivanek O.L.
Published: July 2016

Extended abstract of a paper presented at Microscopy and Microanalysis 2013 in Indianapolis, Indiana, USA, August 4 – August 8, 2013.
Merging photoredox catalysis with Lewis acid catalysis: activation of carbon–carbon triple bonds
Authors: Jin Ruiwen , Chen Yiyong , Liu Wangsheng , Xu Dawen , Li Yawei , Ding Aishun , Guo Hao
Published: July 2016

Photoredox catalysis can be merged with Lewis acid catalysis, providing a fundamentally new activation mode of C–C triple bonds.
Hierarchically porous Pd nanospheres: facile synthesis and their application in HCOOH electrooxidation
Authors: Xia Youyi , Hu Hongxia , Shen Tong , Bai Linyi , Xiang Siyuan , Lei Yilong , Xiao Hongping
Published: July 2016

With the help of rhodamine B base, hierarchically porous Pd nanospheres with highly electrocatalytic activity were synthesized very facilely.
Detection of small subendocardial infarction using speckle tracking echocardiography in a rat model
Authors: Bachner‐Hinenzon Noa , Shlomo Liron , Khamis Hanan , Ertracht Offir , Vered Zvi , Malka Assaf , Binah Ofer , Adam Dan
Published: July 2016

Background

It is challenging to detect small nontransmural infarcts visually or automatically. As it is important to detect myocardial infarction (MI) at early stages, we tested the hypothesis that small nontransmural MI can be detected using speckle tracking echocardiography (STE) at the acute stage.

Methods

Minimal nontransmural infarcts were induced in 18 rats by causing recurrent ischemia–reperfusion of the left anterior descending (LAD) coronary artery, followed by a 30‐min ligation and by reperfusion. A week later, the scar size was measured by histological analysis. Each rat underwent three echocardiography measurements: at baseline, 1 day post‐MI, and 1 week post‐MI. To measure the peak circumferential strain (CS), peak systolic CS, radial strain (RS), and time‐to‐peak (TTP) of the CS, short‐axis view of the apex was analyzed by a STE program. The TTP was normalized by the duration of the heart cycle to create percent change of heart cycle.

Results

Histological analysis after 1 week showed scar size of 4±6% at the anterior wall. At 24 h post‐MI, the peak CS, peak systolic CS, and RS were reduced compared to baseline at the anterior wall due to the MI, and at the adjacent segments—the anterior septum and lateral wall, due to stunning (P<.05). However, only the anterior wall, the genuine damaged segment, showed prolonged TTP vs baseline (baseline 36%, 24 h 48%, P<.05).

Conclusion

The TTP of the CS can distinguish between regions adjacent to MI (stunned or tethered) and MI, even in small nontransmural infarcts.
X-ray crystal and DFT study of a potent anti-HIV-1 agent: 2-(5,5-Dioxido-3-phenylpyrazolo[4,3-c][1,2]benzothiazin-4(2H)-yl)-N′-[(3-nitrophenyl)methylidene]acetohydrazide
Authors: Saif Muhammad Jawwad , Ahmad Matloob , Idrees Nazeran
Published: July 2016

This study presents structural features of an important benzothiazine derivative -[Formula: see text]2-(5,5-Dioxido-3-phenylpyrazolo[4,3-c][1,2]benzothiazin-4(2H)-yl)-N[Formula: see text]-[(3-nitrophenyl)methylidene]acetohydrazide. Molecular structure is characterized by single crystal XRD and compared with optimized geometry at B3LYP/6-31G(d,p) and PBE0/6-31G(d,p) levels of density functional theory (DFT). Simulated properties (1H-NMR & IR) are in good correlation with experimental results. Electronic properties (coefficients of HOMO and LUMO) are also presented.