bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
DESIGN AND TEST OF A NEW HIGH-CURRENT ELECTRONIC CURRENT TRANSFORMER WITH A ROGOWSKI COIL
Authors: Zhang Ming , Li Kaicheng , He Shunfan , Wang Jun
Published: April 2014

This paper describes the design and test of a new high-current electronic current transformer based on a Rogowski coil. For better performances, electronic current transformers are used to replace conventional electro-magnetic inductive current transformers based on ferromagnetic cores and windings to measure high-current on the high voltage distribution grids. The design of a new high-current electronic current transformer is described in this paper. The principal schemes of the prototype and partial evaluation results are presented. Through relative tests it is known that the prototype has a wide dynamic range and frequency band, and it can allow high accuracy measurements.
APPLICATION OF THE POLYNOMIAL INTERPOLATION METHOD FOR DETERMINING PERFORMANCE CHARACTERISTICS OF A DIESEL ENGINE
Authors: Stoeck Tomasz , Abramek Karol Franciszek
Published: April 2014

The article shows the methodology and calculation procedures based on Lagrange polynomial interpolation which were used to determine standard performance characteristics of the Polish production engine, type ANDORIA 4CTi90-1BE6. They allow to simplify the experimental research by maintaining a minimum number of measurement points and estimating the remaining data in an analytical way. The methods presented are convenient when it comes to the practical side because they eliminate the need for exploration of mathematical equations describing the various curves, which can be cumbersome and time consuming in the case of nonautomated accounts. The results of analysis were applied to actual experimental results, indicating sufficient accuracy of the resulting approximations. As a result, procedures may be used in bench testing of a similar profile, especially with repeated cycles of the experiment, such as optimization of operating parameters of combustion engines.
Abstract Regular Null-Null-Additive Set Multifunctions in Hausdorff Topology
Authors: Gavriluţ Alina Cristiana
Published: April 2014

In this paper we introduce and study various types of abstract regularity in Hausdorff topology for monotone set multifunctions, with direct applications in wellknown situations such as the Borel σ-algebra of a Hausdorff space and/or the Borel (Baire, respectively) σ-ring or σ-ring of a locally compact Hausdorff space. Some relationships among abstract regularities are investigated.
On A*I-Sets, CI-Sets, C*I -Sets And Decompositions of Continuity in Ideal Topological Spaces
Authors: Ekici Erdal
Published: April 2014

The aim of this paper is to introduce and study the notions of A*I-sets, CI-sets and CI-sets in ideal topological spaces. Properties of A*I-sets, CI-sets and C*I-sets are investigated. Moreover, decompositions of continuous functions and decompositions of A*I-continuous functions via A*I-sets, CI -sets and C*I-sets in ideal topological spaces areestablished.
Investigating the Surface Roughness after Tangential Cylindrical Grinding by the Taguchi Method
Authors: Ozay Cetin
Published: April 2014

Within this study, AISI 304 austenitic stainless steel material was processed with tangential cylindrical grinding method as a new method. The purpose of this study is to investigate effects of machining parameters on surface roughness by using Taguchi experimental design method. Results were analyzed by analysis of variance (ANOVA) and effects of parameters on surface roughness were determined as percentage rate. Furthermore, the statistical error ratio was revealed. Consequently, it was observed that this new machining method has brought a different approach to grinding methods and surface quality values exhibited a similar quality as the results of the fine grinding.
Mechanical Performance of Polyamid 66 and Influence of Glass Fiber Content on Moisture Absorption
Authors: Sayer Sami
Published: April 2014

This study investigates the determination of the mechanical performance of polyamid 66 and the influence of moisture and short glass fiber content (15 wt.-% and 30 wt.-%) at six different conditioning times (1, 2, 4, 8, 16, 32 minutes) in 105 °C water vapor. It was determined that as the glass fiber content increases, moisture absorption decreases. While the moisture absorption increases, tensile strength decreases and the percental elongation and toughness increases. It can also be derived that continuation of moisture absorption after 16 minutes is not effective and beneficial. The moisture absorption values observed in this study are equivalent to the amount of moisture that can be absorbed at 50 % relative humidity and 23 °C room temperature in the air for four months.
Our Friend in the North: The Origins, Evolution and Appeal of the Cult of St Duthac of Tain in the Later Middle Ages
Authors: Turpie Tom
Published: April 2014

St Duthac of Tain was one of the most popular Scottish saints of the later middle ages. From the late fourteenth century until the reformation devotion to Duthac outstripped that of Andrew, Columba, Margaret and Mungo, and Duthac's shrine in Easter Ross became a regular haunt of James IV (1488–1513) and James V (1513–42). Hitherto historians have tacitly accepted the view of David McRoberts that Duthac was one of several local saints whose emergence and popularity in the fifteenth century was part of a wider self-consciously nationalist trend in Scottish religious practice. This study looks beyond the paradigm of nationalism to trace and explain the popularity of St Duthac from the shadowy origins of the cult to its heyday in the early sixteenth century.
Episcopacy in the Mind of Robert Baillie, 1637–1662
Authors: Campbell Alexander D.
Published: April 2014

The covenanters are often considered to have been unrelenting opponents of episcopacy. In the Glasgow Assembly of 1638, when nearly all covenanters voted to ‘remove and abjure’ episcopacy in the kirk, the Glaswegian minister Robert Baillie was the sole named dissenter. Baillie's subsequent conformity to the covenanting regime after 1638 and his ultimate acceptance of the restored episcopate after 1661 have led historians to claim that he was pliantly obeying those in power. In order to offer an alternative explanation, this article explores the contours of Baillie's writings on episcopacy in the periods 1637–9 and 1658–62. His views were informed by hatred of the Laudian episcopate and his belief that scripture described a lawful form of episcopacy similar to the superintendents of the post-reformation kirk. Whilst Baillie protested against the restored episcopate in 1661, the reasons for his subsequent submission suggest one explanation as to why many presbyterian ministers acquiesced in Charles II's Erastian kirk settlement.
Correction: Pareto Optimization or Cascaded Weighted Sum: A Comparison of Concepts. Algorithms 2014, 7, 166–185
Authors: Iwama Kazuo
Published: April 2014

It has come to our attention that due to an error in producing the PDF version of the paper [1], doi:10.3390/a7010166, website: http://www.mdpi.com/1999-4893/7/1/166, Figures 1 and 9 are displayed incorrectly. [...]
International Conference “Urogenital Infections and Tuberculosis” in Novosibirsk, Russia, Has Opened New Perspectives in the Fight against Tuberculosis
Authors: Kulchavenya Ekaterina , Felker Irina , Brizhatyuk Elena
Published: April 2014

The first International Conference “Urogenital Infections and Tuberculosis” was held in Novosibirsk 24–26 October 2013. Three hundred and twelve delegates from 73 cities in 16 countries took part in the conference. Actual problems of urogenital tract infection (UTI) including tuberculosis (TB) as a specific infection were discussed, including: nosocomial infections in urology, various aspects of prostate biopsy, epidemiology and diagnosis of urogenital tuberculosis, gender and age related characteristics of urinary tract infections, and male infertility, etc.
Antioxidant Activity of Grapevine Leaf Extracts against Oxidative Stress Induced by Carbon Tetrachloride in Cerebral Cortex, Hippocampus and Cerebellum of Rats
Authors: Wohlenberg Mariane , Almeida Daniela , Bokowski Liane , Medeiros Niara , Agostini Fabiana , Funchal Cláudia , Dani Caroline
Published: April 2014

In recent years, it has become increasingly important to study the beneficial properties of derivatives of grapes and grapevine. The objective of this study was to determine the antioxidant activity of Vitis labrusca leaf extracts, comparing conventional and organic grapevines, in different brain areas of rats. We used male Wistar rats treated with grapevine leaf extracts for a period of 14 days, and on the 15th day, we administered in half of the rats, mineral oil and the other half, carbon tetrachloride (CCl4). The animals were euthanized by decapitation and the cerebral cortex, hippocampus and cerebellum were removed to assess oxidative stress parameters and the activity of antioxidant enzymes. Lipid peroxidation levels (TBARS) were unchanged. However, CCl4 induced oxidative damage to proteins in all tissues studied, and this injury was prevented by both extracts. Superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity was increased by CCl4 in the cerebral cortex and decreased in other tissues. However, CCl4 increased catalase (CAT) activity in the cerebellum and decreased it in the cerebral cortex. The SOD/CAT ratio was restored in the cerebellum by both extracts and only in the cerebral cortex by the organic extract.
Association of Influenza Vaccination and Reduced Risk of Stroke Hospitalization among the Elderly: A Population-Based Case-Control Study
Authors: Lin Hui-Chen , Chiu Hui-Fen , Ho Shu-Chen , Yang Chun-Yuh
Published: April 2014

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of influenza vaccination (and annual revaccination) on the risk of stroke admissions. We conducted a population-based case-control study in Taiwan. Cases consisted of patients >65 years of age who had a first-time diagnosis of stroke during the influenza seasons from 2006 to 2009. Controls were selected by matching age, sex, and index date to cases. Multiple logistic regression analysis was used to calculate the adjusted odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Ever vaccinated individuals in the current vaccination season were associated with a reduced risk of ischemic stroke admissions (OR = 0.76, 95% CI = 0.60–0.97). Compared with individuals never vaccinated against influenza during the past 5 years, the adjusted ORs were 0.92 (95% CI = 0.68–1.23) for the group with 1 or 2 vaccinations, 0.73 (95% CI = 0.54–1.00) for the group with 3 or 4 vaccinations, and 0.56 (95% CI = 0.38–0.83) for the group with 5 vaccinations. There was a significant trend of decreasing risk of ischemic stroke admissions with an increasing number of vaccinations. This study provides evidence that vaccination against influenza may reduce the risk of hospitalization for ischemic stroke and that annual revaccination provides greater protection.
The Use of Zebrafish (Danio rerio) Behavioral Responses in Identifying Sublethal Exposures to Deltamethrin
Authors: Huang Yi , Zhang Jinsong , Han Xiaobo , Huang Tinglin
Published: April 2014

Alterations of fish behavioral responses are sensitive indicators to identify accidental chemical pollution. In this research, a series of exposure tests were conducted to investigate behavioral changes of adult zebrafish (Danio rerio) exposed to deltamethrin (DM) in six concentrations of 0, 0.15, 1.5, 3.75, 7.5 and 15 μg/L. Swimming changes in zebrafish were detected at a concentration as low as 1% of the LC50-24h within five hours. Hyperactivity was the first response, followed by a second response of fish surfacing. The change patterns of swimming speed in zebrafish were similar in all exposure groups, but the degree increased with increasing concentrations. Swimming speed and depth were altered within the first two hours after exposure, which was regarded as the most vital phase for water quality monitoring. The duration of hyperactivity and the time of zebrafish surfacing were both logarithmically correlated with exposure concentrations, which was helpful to distinguish the level of pollution.
Liquid Crystalline Assembly of Coil-Rod-Coil Molecules with Lateral Methyl Groups into 3-D Hexagonal and Tetragonal Assemblies
Authors: Wang Zhuoshi , Lan Yu , Zhong Keli , Liang Yongri , Chen Tie , Jin Long
Published: April 2014

In this paper, we report the synthesis and self-assembly behavior of coil-rod-coil molecules, consisting of three biphenyls linked through a vinylene unit as a conjugated rod segment and poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO) with a degree of polymerization (DP) of 7, 12 and 17, incorporating lateral methyl groups between the rod and coil segments as the coil segment. Self-organized investigation of these molecules by means of differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), thermal polarized optical microscopy (POM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) reveals that the lateral methyl groups attached to the surface of rod and coil segments, dramatically influence the self-assembling behavior in the liquid-crystalline mesophase. Molecule 1 with a relatively short PEO coil length (DP = 7) self-assembles into rectangular and oblique 2-dimensional columnar assemblies, whereas molecules 2 and 3 with DP of 12 and 17 respectively, spontaneously self-organize into unusual 3-dimensional hexagonal close-packed or body-centered tetragonal assemblies.
The Role of Mechanical Stimulation in Recovery of Bone Loss—High versus Low Magnitude and Frequency of Force
Authors: Nagaraja Mamta , Jo Hanjoong
Published: April 2014

Musculoskeletal pathologies associated with decreased bone mass, including osteoporosis and disuse-induced bone loss, affect millions of Americans annually. Microgravity-induced bone loss presents a similar concern for astronauts during space missions. Many pharmaceutical treatments have slowed osteoporosis, and recent data shows promise for countermeasures for bone loss observed in astronauts. Additionally, high magnitude and low frequency impact such as running has been recognized to increase bone and muscle mass under normal but not microgravity conditions. However, a low magnitude and high frequency (LMHF) mechanical load experienced in activities such as postural control, has also been shown to be anabolic to bone. While several clinical trials have demonstrated that LMHF mechanical loading normalizes bone loss in vivo, the target tissues and cells of the mechanical load and underlying mechanisms mediating the responses are unknown. In this review, we provide an overview of bone adaptation under a variety of loading profiles and the potential for a low magnitude loading as a way to counteract bone loss as experienced by astronauts.
Antifouling Activity of Synthetic Alkylpyridinium Polymers Using the Barnacle Model
Authors: Piazza Veronica , Dragić Ivanka , Sepčić Kristina , Faimali Marco , Garaventa Francesca , Turk Tom , Berne Sabina
Published: April 2014

Polymeric alkylpyridinium salts (poly-APS) isolated from the Mediterranean marine sponge, Haliclona (Rhizoniera) sarai, effectively inhibit barnacle larva settlement and natural marine biofilm formation through a non-toxic and reversible mechanism. Potential use of poly-APS-like compounds as antifouling agents led to the chemical synthesis of monomeric and oligomeric 3-alkylpyridinium analogues. However, these are less efficient in settlement assays and have greater toxicity than the natural polymers. Recently, a new chemical synthesis method enabled the production of poly-APS analogues with antibacterial, antifungal and anti-acetylcholinesterase activities. The present study examines the antifouling properties and toxicity of six of these synthetic poly-APS using the barnacle (Amphibalanus amphitrite) as a model (cyprids and II stage nauplii larvae) in settlement, acute and sub-acute toxicity assays. Two compounds, APS8 and APS12-3, show antifouling effects very similar to natural poly-APS, with an anti-settlement effective concentration that inhibits 50% of the cyprid population settlement (EC50) after 24 h of 0.32 mg/L and 0.89 mg/L, respectively. The toxicity of APS8 is negligible, while APS12-3 is three-fold more toxic (24-h LC50: nauplii, 11.60 mg/L; cyprids, 61.13 mg/L) than natural poly-APS. This toxicity of APS12-3 towards nauplii is, however, 60-fold and 1200-fold lower than that of the common co-biocides, Zn- and Cu-pyrithione, respectively. Additionally, exposure to APS12-3 for 24 and 48 h inhibits the naupliar swimming ability with respective IC50 of 4.83 and 1.86 mg/L.
PBDE: Structure-Activity Studies for the Inhibition of Hepatitis C Virus NS3 Helicase
Authors: Salam Kazi , Furuta Atsushi , Noda Naohiro , Tsuneda Satoshi , Sekiguchi Yuji , Yamashita Atsuya , Moriishi Kohji , Nakakoshi Masamichi , Tani Hidenori , Roy Sona , Tanaka Junichi , Tsubuki Masayoshi , Akimitsu Nobuyoshi
Published: April 2014

The helicase portion of the hepatitis C virus nonstructural protein 3 (NS3) is considered one of the most validated targets for developing direct acting antiviral agents. We isolated polybrominated diphenyl ether (PBDE) 1 from a marine sponge as an NS3 helicase inhibitor. In this study, we evaluated the inhibitory effects of PBDE (1) on the essential activities of NS3 protein such as RNA helicase, ATPase, and RNA binding activities. The structure-activity relationship analysis of PBDE (1) against the HCV ATPase revealed that the biphenyl ring, bromine, and phenolic hydroxyl group on the benzene backbone might be a basic scaffold for the inhibitory potency.
Computational Redesign of Bacterial Biotin Carboxylase Inhibitors Using Structure-Based Virtual Screening of Combinatorial Libraries
Authors: Brylinski Michal , Waldrop Grover
Published: April 2014

As the spread of antibiotic resistant bacteria steadily increases, there is an urgent need for new antibacterial agents. Because fatty acid synthesis is only used for membrane biogenesis in bacteria, the enzymes in this pathway are attractive targets for antibacterial agent development. Acetyl-CoA carboxylase catalyzes the committed and regulated step in fatty acid synthesis. In bacteria, the enzyme is composed of three distinct protein components: biotin carboxylase, biotin carboxyl carrier protein, and carboxyltransferase. Fragment-based screening revealed that amino-oxazole inhibits biotin carboxylase activity and also exhibits antibacterial activity against Gram-negative organisms. In this report, we redesigned previously identified lead inhibitors to expand the spectrum of bacteria sensitive to the amino-oxazole derivatives by including Gram-positive species. Using 9,411 small organic building blocks, we constructed a diverse combinatorial library of 1.2 × 108 amino-oxazole derivatives. A subset of 9 × 106 of these compounds were subjected to structure-based virtual screening against seven biotin carboxylase isoforms using similarity-based docking by eSimDock. Potentially broad-spectrum antibiotic candidates were selected based on the consensus ranking by several scoring functions including non-linear statistical models implemented in eSimDock and traditional molecular mechanics force fields. The analysis of binding poses of the top-ranked compounds docked to biotin carboxylase isoforms suggests that: (1) binding of the amino-oxazole anchor is stabilized by a network of hydrogen bonds to residues 201, 202 and 204; (2) halogenated aromatic moieties attached to the amino-oxazole scaffold enhance interactions with a hydrophobic pocket formed by residues 157, 169, 171 and 203; and (3) larger substituents reach deeper into the binding pocket to form additional hydrogen bonds with the side chains of residues 209 and 233. These structural insights into drug-biotin carboxylase interactions will be tested experimentally in in vitro and in vivo systems to increase the potency of amino-oxazole inhibitors towards both Gram-negative as well as Gram-positive species.
Determination of Bioactive Components in Chinese Herbal Formulae and Pharmacokinetics of Rhein in Rats by UPLC-MS/MS
Authors: Hou Mei-Ling , Chang Li-Wen , Lin Chi-Hung , Lin Lie-Chwen , Tsai Tung-Hu
Published: April 2014

Rhein (4,5-dihydroxy-9,10-dioxoanthracene-2-carboxylic acid, cassic acid) is a pharmacological active component found in Rheum palmatum L. the major herb of San-Huang-Xie-Xin-Tang (SHXXT), a medicinal herbal product used as a remedy for constipation. Here we have determined multiple bioactive components in SHXXT and investigated the comparative pharmacokinetics of rhein in rats. A sensitive and specific method combining liquid chromatography with electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry has been developed and validated to simultaneously quantify six active compounds in the pharmaceutical herbal product SHXXT to further study their pharmacokinetics in rats. Multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) was employed for quantification with switching electrospray ion source polarity between positive and negative modes in a single run. There were no significant matrix effects in the quantitative analysis and the mean recovery for rhein in rat plasma was 91.6% ± 3.4%. The pharmacokinetic data of rhein demonstrate that the herbal formulae or the single herbal extract provide significantly higher absorption rate than the pure compound. This phenomenon suggests that the other herbal ingredients of SHXXT and rhubarb extract significantly enhance the absorption of rhein in rats. In conclusion, the herbal formulae (SHXXT) are more efficient than the single herb (rhubarb) or the pure compound (rhein) in rhein absorption.
Simultaneous Determination of Original, Degraded Ginsenosides and Aglycones by Ultra High Performance Liquid Chromatography Coupled with Quadrupole Time-of-Flight Mass Spectrometry for Quantitative Evaluation of Du-Shen-Tang, the Decoction of Ginseng
Authors: Zhou Shan-Shan , Xu Jin-Di , Zhu He , Shen Hong , Xu Jun , Mao Qian , Li Song-Lin , Yan Ru
Published: April 2014

In the present study, an ultra-high performance liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UHPLC-QTOF-MS) method for simultaneous determination of eleven original, fourteen degraded ginsenosides and five aglycones was developed and validated to quantitatively evaluate the transformation of ginsenosides during preparation of Du-Shen-Tang, the decoction of ginseng. Both positive and negative modes as well as the step wave ion transfer optics technology were used to increase the detection sensitivity of QTOF-MS. The extracting ion mode based on the quasi-molecular ions, molecular ions and fragment ions characteristic to each analyte was used to increase the selectivity for quantitative analysis. Under the optimized UHPLC and QTOF-MS conditions, the 30 analytes with different polarities were separated (except for Re and Rg1) within 26 min. The developed method was applied for the quantitative comparison of Du-Shen-Tang and its raw materials derived from Asian ginseng (ASG) and American ginseng (AMG), respectively. It was found that the contents of the original ginsenosides decreased from 26,053.09 to 19,393.29 μg/g or 45,027.72 to 41,865.39 μg/g, whereas the degraded ginsenosides and aglycones increased from 159.72 to 685.37 μg/g or 676.54 to 1,502.26 μg/g in Du-Shen-Tang samples of ASG or AMG when compared with their raw materials, indicating that decocting could dramatically increase the proportion of the less polar degraded ginsenosides in Du-Shen-Tang. Whether these changed proportions of different polar ginsenosides could affect the bioactivities of the decoctions and their raw materials derived from ASG and AMG deserves further investigation.
Chemo-Enzymatic Synthesis of Silybin and 2,3-Dehydrosilybin Dimers
Authors: Vavříková Eva , Vacek Jan , Valentová Kateřina , Marhol Petr , Ulrichová Jitka , Kuzma Marek , Křen Vladimír
Published: April 2014

Divalent or multivalent molecules often show enhanced biological activity relative to the simple monomeric units. Here we present enzymatically and chemically prepared dimers of the flavonolignans silybin and 2,3-dehydrosilybin. Their electrochemical behavior was studied by in situ and ex situ square wave voltammetry. The oxidation of monomers and dimers was similar, but adsorption onto the electrode and cell surfaces was different. A 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and an inhibition of microsomal lipoperoxidation assay were performed with same trend of results for silybin and 2,3-dehydrosilybin dimers. Silybin dimer showed better activity than the monomer, while on the contrary 2,3-dehydrosilybin dimer presented weaker antioxidant/antilipoperoxidant activity than its monomer. Cytotoxicity was evaluated on human umbilical vein endothelial cells, normal human adult keratinocytes, mouse fibroblasts (BALB/c 3T3) and human liver hepatocellular carcinoma cell line (HepG2). Silybin dimer was more cytotoxic than the parent compound and in the case of 2,3-dehydrosilybin its dimer showed weaker cytotoxicity than the monomer.
Turn-on Type Chemical Sensing of Vitamin K4 by Fluorene Dendrimers with Naphthalene Segments
Authors: Adachi Naoya , Sugiyama Hiroki , Arai Masafumi , Ogawa Hideo
Published: April 2014

G1 and G2 fluorene dendrimers with naphthalene termini were synthesized as a fluorescence turn-on type chemical sensor for vitamin K4. The fluorene dendrimers were prepared by Williamson ether reaction between the fluorene core with dihydroxy groups and dendritic naphthalene segments with methylene chloride by a convergent method. We investigated the relationship between the dendrimer generation and vitamin K4 recognition of fluorene dendrimer with naphthalene termini in CHCl3. Addition of vitamin K4 enhanced the fluorescence intensity of the fluorene dendrimer. Especially, the G2 fluorene dendrimer was found to be an effective chemical sensor for vitamin K4 and better than the G1 fluorene dendrimer.
Optical Absorption of the Antitrypanocidal Drug Benznidazole inWater
Authors: Bezerra Eveline , Bezerra-Neto João , Sales Francisco , Dos Santos Ricardo , Martins Alice , De Lima-Neto Pedro , Caetano Ewerton , Albuquerque Eudenilson , Freire Valder
Published: April 2014

UV-vis optical absorption spectra of the antitrypanocidal drug benznidazole solvated in water were measured for various concentrations. The spectra show a prominent peak around 3.80 eV, while deconvolution of the UV-vis optical absorption spectra revealed six bands centered at 3.60, 3.83, 4.15, 4.99, 5.60, and 5.76 eV. Benznidazole electronic transitions were obtained after density functional theory (DFT) calculations within the polarized continuum (PCM) model for water solvation. Molecular geometry optimizations were carried out, and the measured absorption peaks were related to specific molecular orbital transitions obtained within the time dependent DFT (TD-DFT) with excellent agreement between theory and experiment.
Transcultural Diabetes Nutrition Algorithm (tDNA): Venezuelan Application
Authors: Nieto-Martínez Ramfis , Hamdy Osama , Marante Daniel , Marulanda María , Marchetti Albert , Hegazi Refaat , Mechanick Jeffrey
Published: April 2014

Medical nutrition therapy (MNT) is a necessary component of comprehensive type 2 diabetes (T2D) management, but optimal outcomes require culturally-sensitive implementation. Accordingly, international experts created an evidence-based transcultural diabetes nutrition algorithm (tDNA) to improve understanding of MNT and to foster portability of current guidelines to various dysglycemic populations worldwide. This report details the development of tDNA-Venezuelan via analysis of region-specific cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors, lifestyles, anthropometrics, and resultant tDNA algorithmic modifications. Specific recommendations include: screening for prediabetes (for biochemical monitoring and lifestyle counseling); detecting obesity using Latin American cutoffs for waist circumference and Venezuelan cutoffs for BMI; prescribing MNT to people with prediabetes, T2D, or high CVD risk; specifying control goals in prediabetes and T2D; and describing regional differences in prevalence of CVD risk and lifestyle. Venezuelan deliberations involved evaluating typical food-based eating patterns, correcting improper dietary habits through adaptation of the Mediterranean diet with local foods, developing local recommendations for physical activity, avoiding stigmatizing obesity as a cosmetic problem, avoiding misuse of insulin and metformin, circumscribing bariatric surgery to appropriate indications, and using integrated health service networks to implement tDNA. Finally, further research, national surveys, and validation protocols focusing on CVD risk reduction in Venezuelan populations are necessary.
Special Issue—Pedagogy for Education for Sustainability in Higher Education
Authors: Thomas Ian
Published: April 2014

Education for Sustainability (EfS) and Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) have been under discussion for some two decades. The UN Decade for Education for Sustainable Development 2004–2014 has provided a most important focus for ESD, and for its facilitation. However, while the Decade raised awareness of the need for ESD generally, and particularly in Higher Education, discussion of how this education can be effectively delivered to learners is still gaining momentum. This is especially the situation when considering EfS/ESD in Higher Education Institutions (HEI). [...]
Optimal Reoperation of Multi-Reservoirs for Integrated Watershed Management with Multiple Benefits
Authors: Xu Xinyi , Bin Lingling , Pan Chengzhong , Ding Aizhong , Chen Desheng
Published: April 2014

Constructing reservoirs can make more efficient use of water resources for human society. However, the negative impacts of these projects on the environment are often ignored. Optimal reoperation of reservoirs, which considers not only in socio-economic values but also environmental benefits, is increasingly important. A model of optimal reoperation of multi-reservoirs for integrated watershed management with multiple benefits was proposed to alleviate the conflict between water use and environmental deterioration. The social, economic, water quality and ecological benefits were respectively taken into account as the scheduling objectives and quantified according to economic models. River minimum ecological flows and reservoir water levels based on flood control were taken as key constraint conditions. Feasible search discrete differential dynamic programming (FS-DDDP) was used to run the model. The proposed model was used in the upstream of the Nanpan River, to quantitatively evaluate the difference between optimal reoperation and routine operation. The results indicated that the reoperation could significantly increase the water quality benefit and have a minor effect on the benefits of power generation and irrigation under different hydrological years. The model can be readily adapted to other multi-reservoir systems for water resources management.
Addressing Flooding and SuDS when Improving Drainage and Sewerage Systems—A Comparative Study of Selected Scandinavian Cities
Authors: Torgersen Geir , Bjerkholt Jarle , Lindholm Oddvar
Published: April 2014

Pluvial flooding already challenges the capacity of drainage and sewerage system in urban areas in Scandinavia. For system owners this requires a stricter prioritization when improving the systems. Experts seem to agree that a regime shift from improving old combined sewers by piped solutions to more sustainable drainage systems (SuDS), must take place. In this paper results from an investigation amongst the largest cities in Norway, Denmark and Sweden concerning drivers and preferred methods for improving the old system are presented. The results indicate that Norway ranks flood prevention lower than the other Scandinavian countries. During the last decades, Norwegian authorities have had a strong focus on pollution from wastewater treatment plants (WWTP). The attention to drainage and sewerage system regarding flooding, water leaks, infiltration or pollution has been neglected. Renewal or rate of investment in relation to existing drainage and sewerage system is easy to register, and provides a measure of the activity. In order to optimize flood prevention, and may be promoting the use of SuDS, the cities should be required to measure the efficiency, either by monitoring or modeling the impact of stormwater to the system. Lack of such requirements from Norwegian authorities seem to be a plausible explanation to why Norwegian cities are less focused on flood prevention compared to Swedish and Danish cities.
La muséographie de l’art, ou la dialectique de l’oeuvre et de sa réception
Authors: Chaumier Serge
Published: April 2014

Un débat récurrent et conflictuel dans les musées d’art oppose ceux qui plaident pour le respect des oeuvres, qui sont vite qualifiés de conservateurs hostiles à toute transformation de l’institution, et ceux qui, se plaçant du côté des publics et de l’innovation, entendent accompagner la visite de médiations pour rendre plus accessibles les contenus. En rendant plus visibles les dispositifs d’accompagnement, le risque est encouru et souvent dénoncé de masquer ou perturber la contemplation de l’oeuvre. Cette confrontation voit un camp ou l’autre triompher selon les rapports de force du moment, ou encore un piètre compromis s’établir, toujours insatisfaisant par nature et finalement décevant pour tous. L’article envisage les spécificités éventuelles des musées de beaux-arts par rapport aux autres musées. À la confrontation entre progressiste et «intégriste des beaux-arts», nous voudrions substituer ici une tierce position, qui devrait être explorée muséographiquement pour réconcilier deux conceptions qui sont l’une et l’autre honorables.
L’art des nouveaux médias : défi et opportunité pour la muséologie d’art
Authors: Desaive Pierre-Yves
Published: April 2014

En los años noventa, nació la noción del arte de nuevos medias, que queda hoy mal definida. Queda necesario definir de que se trata, y proponer una diferencia entre obras basadas en el uso de la tecnología numérica, y obras que incluyen otras tecnologías de comunicación. Este «arte-red» (network art),

prolonga el arte de medias del final de los años sesenta, y transforma las obras en «datas». Esto cuestiona las prácticas de adquisición, de conservación y de exposición. Así se pueda comprender que los museos no se interesaron a estas formas de arte. También interviene la voluntad de artistas de redes de no estar incluidos en el arte contemporáneo. La evolución de este arte-red fue acompañada por los centros de arte, que se dedicaban a la producción más que a la conservación. Museos y centros de arte tienen que desarrollar ahora una misma visión para garantizar la producción y la conservación de obras que corresponden a una revolución
Quand l’écriture vive devient patrimoine : Les manuscrits d’écrivains à l’Exposition de 1937
Authors: Bustarret Claire
Published: April 2014

En la Exposición Internacional de Artes y Técnicas organizada en Paris en 1937, el gran público podía ver por primera vez manuscritos autógrafos de escritores famosos. Realizada por Julien Cain y Paul Valery, este «bosquejo de museo de la literatura» ponía el acto de escritura al centro del patrimonio literario, antes de las obras terminadas y publicadas. Mostraba el trabajo del escritor, «la escritura viva», que antes nunca se veía. La fotografía lo hacia posible, con ampliación fotográfica espectacular que sumergía el público en un ambiento gráfico. Este evento contribuyó a un gusto institucional por el autógrafo. Sobre todo, cuestiona la relación entre fotografía y escritura expuesta.
La question du jugement sur les expositions d’art
Authors: Mairesse François , Deloche Bernard
Published: April 2014

Este artículo presenta la evolución de la crítica de las exposiciones de arte, según las concepciones de cinco tipos de actores : el esteta, el aficionado, el historiador de arte o especialista, el artista, el profesional de los museos. Contribuimos así a une historia del juicio sobre la exposición, juicio que puede ser estético, técnico o cognoscitivo.
Asymmetric total synthesis of a putative sex pheromone component from the parasitoid wasp Trichogramma turkestanica
Authors: Geerdink Danny , Buter Jeffrey , van Beek Teris A , Minnaard Adriaan J
Published: April 2014

Virgin females of the parasitoid wasp Trichogramma turkestanica produce minute amounts of a sex pheromone, the identity of which has not been fully established. The enantioselective synthesis of a putative component of this pheromone, (6S,8S,10S)-4,6,8,10-tetramethyltrideca-2E,4E-dien-1-ol (2), is reported as a contribution to this identification. Catalytic asymmetric conjugate addition of methylmagnesium bromide and stereoselective Horner–Wadsworth–Emmons olefinations are used as the key steps, and 2 was obtained in 16 steps with an overall yield of 4.4%.
Estimating storage properties of aquifer with magnetic resonance sounding: a field verification in northern Cambodia of the gravitational water apparent cutoff time concept
Authors: Vouillamoz J.M. , Sophoeun P. , Bruyere O. , Arnout L.
Published: April 2014

Magnetic Resonance Sounding (MRS) has already showed its capability for estimating some aquifer properties, but very little work has been carried out concerning the storage properties used for calculating groundwater reserve and recharge. For unconfined aquifer, this storage property (i.e., the specific yield) is often estimated from the MRS water content. However, a recent study carried out in a poor sandstone aquifer of Northern Cambodia found that the MRS pore‐size related parameter is probably more appropriate because the MRS water content can be dominated by water which does not contribute to the specific yield. A main output of this study is that a threshold value (so‐called apparent cutoff time ACT) of the MRS decay time can be defined for discriminating gravitational water from capillary and bound waters. Since measuring such short MRS signal is quite common, a validation of this result is compulsory to avoid the misuse of the MRS water content.

This paper presents an experiment that we set up to check the validity of the ACT approach. We compared two MRS carried out at the same location in a clayey‐sand layer 15 metres thick. The first MRS was carried out with a static water level located at 1.7 metres below the ground level. It revealed a layer with a water content of 3.8% and . According to the ACT approach, this short value of indicates water that is not part of the specific yield and that can not be released by pumping. Thus, we carried out a second MRS after pumping and lowering the water level to an average of 15 metres. As predicted by the ACT approach, we observed that the second MRS signal was the same as the one obtained before pumping.

To cross‐check our observation, we carried out a pumping test at the same location. We found a very low value of specific yield, confirming that the main part of the MRS signal is generated by water which was not drained by the pumping. We calculated that the volume of water removed from the aquifer by the pumping was far too low to generate a measurable magnetic resonance signal.

From our experiment, we conclude that the ACT approach can be successfully used to estimate the specific yield of poor aquifers, and to avoid a misuse of the MRS water content which can lead to strong overestimates of aquifer reserve and recharge.
A numerical study of the relationship between NMR relaxation and permeability in sands and gravels
Authors: Dlubac Katherine , Knight Rosemary , Keating Kristina
Published: April 2014

The accuracy of NMR‐derived permeability estimates in sands and gravels are examined through simulations on numerical grain packs composed of uniform spherical grains. The packs consisted of randomly packed grains, with grain sizes set to represent a range corresponding to sands and gravels. The material properties for each pack were quantified through numerical analysis and the NMR response was simulated for a range of surface relaxivity values. The agreement between the numerically‐derived permeability estimates and the permeability estimates derived using the Schlumberger‐Doll Research (SDR) and Seevers equations was evaluated. Use of the SDR equation assumes that the relaxation of the bulk pore fluid can be neglected. The NMR‐derived permeability estimates were calculated using each equation for the cases where relaxation was assumed to occur in one of the two major diffusion regimes. We found that permeability is most accurately estimated in all packs through use of the Seevers equation with the empirical constant set equal to 1. We showed that the contribution of bulk fluid relaxation should be accounted for in materials with grain radii greater than 1.2e‐4m (fine sand) and surface relaxivity values less than 1.0e‐3 m s−1. In practice, this range of surface relaxivity values and grain sizes corresponds to situations where the measured relaxation time is greater than approximately one‐third the value of the bulk fluid relaxation time .
Glimpse into the design of MRS instrument
Authors: Legchenko A. , Pierrat G.
Published: April 2014

The Magnetic Resonance Sounding method (MRS) was developed in the former USSR in the late 1970s. Nowadays, available MRS instruments are more compact and reliable, and enormous progress has been made in electronics, computers and materials. Therefore, we can hope that it may be possible to increase the maximum depth of water detection and to improve the resolution of the method by using a larger current in the loop. Quite naturally, the questions arise: what are the practical limits of the MRS method and how much should be transmitting power to get the maximum depth of investigation? In this paper, we analyse the depth of groundwater detection and the vertical resolution of the MRS assuming different loops and different power levels of the current generator. The originality of our approach consists of a joint analysis of the maximum depth of investigation using accept able loop voltage and the modifications in the instrument design necessary for the improvements. We show that even under very favourable conditions it would be difficult to get significant improvement in the depth of investigation using currently available instruments. For example, under favourable noise conditions when rocks have low electrical conductivity and are non‐magnetic, a 20 m thick water saturated sand layer can be detected at a depth of about 325 m using an existing instrument (4 kV of the loop voltage) with a 400 × 400 m2 square loop. A 20% increase in the detection depth (390 m instead of 325 m) requires more powerful electronic equipment (16 kV instead of 4 kV) thus rendering the MRS system larger and heavier. However, using a 16 kV instrument allows us to increase the resolution depth by about 80% (from 120 m to 215 m). When rocks are electrically conductive, the screening of the MRS signal limits the depth of investigation and allows for only minor improvements even with a much more powerful current generator.
Using Nuclear Magnetic Resonance and Transient Electromagnetics to characterise water distribution beneath an ice covered volcanic crater: the case of Sherman Crater Mt. Baker, Washington
Authors: Irons Trevor P. , Martin Kathryn E. , Finn Carol A. , Bloss Benjamin R. , Horton Robert J.
Published: April 2014

Surface and laboratory Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) measurements combined with transient electromagnetic (TEM) data are powerful tools for subsurface water detection. Surface NMR (sNMR) and TEM soundings, laboratory NMR, complex resistivity, and X‐Ray Diffraction (XRD) analysis were all conducted to characterise the distribution of water within Sherman Crater on Mt. Baker, WA. Clay rich rocks, particularly if water saturated, can weaken volcanoes, thereby increasing the potential for catastrophic sector collapses that can lead to far‐travelled, destructive debris flows. Detecting the presence and volume of shallow groundwater is critical for evaluating these landslide hazards. The TEM data identified a low resistivity layer (<10 ohm‐m), under 60 m of glacial ice related to water saturated clays. The TEM struggles to resolve the presence or absence of a plausible thin layer of bulk liquid water on top of the clay. The sNMR measurements did not produce any observable signal, indicating the lack of substantial accumulated bulk water below the ice. Laboratory analysis on a sample from the crater wall that likely represented the clays beneath the ice confirmed that the controlling factor for the lack of sNMR signal was the fine‐grained nature of the media. The laboratory measurements further indicated that small pores in clays detected by the XRD contain as much as 50% water, establishing an upper bound on the water content in the clay layer. Forward modelling of geologic scenarios revealed that bulk water layers as thin as ½ m between the ice and clay layer would have been detectable using sNMR. The instrumentation conditions which would allow for sNMR detection of the clay layer are investigated. Using current instrumentation the combined analysis of the TEM and sNMR data allow for valuable characterisation of the groundwater system in the crater. The sNMR is able to reduce the uncertainty of the TEM in regards to the presence of a bulk water layer, a valuable piece of information in hazard assessment.
Digital Television and its (Dys)Functions in Africa
Authors: Mayiga John Bosco
Published: April 2014

In 2006, the International Telecommunication Union resolved on a digital terrestrial broadcasting plan to migrate all television broadcasting systems from analogue to digital by June 2015. The stated objective of the switch to digital systems is to achieve qualitative and quantitative rationalization in order to maximize communication benefits. While digital migration may be seen as part of the exponential developments in science and innovation, it obscures serious conceptual issues and social inequalities. This chapter offers a theoretical examination of the ideological and political-economic logics behind the global digital terrestrial migration plan. From a broad critique of the concepts of “Knowledge Society/Information Society,” taking a critical lens into the works of Daniel Bell (1974) and Manuel Castells (2000), and drawing from Guy Berger's (2010) critique of the digital migration process, this author questions the logic of approximating digitization to development and argues that the mandatory migration of TV broadcasting systems requires critical analysis regarding its social costs to Africa.
Doing It Different
Authors: Shaikh Owais Hassan , Nahmias Yifat
Published: April 2014

This chapter highlights the current developments in the area of intellectual property having direct consequence for the prospects of Africa's knowledge society. Even though African countries, especially the Least Developed Countries (LDCs), have not yet faced pressure from the EU, US, and EFTA for higher intellectual property standards, the situation may change soon with the imminent deadline for conclusion of Economic Partnership Agreements in 2014, the lapse of Africa Growth and Opportunities Act in 2015, and the expiry of the Cotonou Agreement in 2020. African countries will be well advised to decouple trade and intellectual property issues by promoting interregional trade or trade with other developing countries that do not demand TRIPS-Plus protection. They must also negotiate intellectual property within the ambit of the WTO.