bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Laboratory performance tests on natural prefabricated vertical drains in marine clay
Authors: Asha Bangalore Sathyanarayana , Mandal Jnanendra Nath
Published: March 2014

Consolidation of soil by surcharge loading with prefabricated vertical drains is an effective ground improvement technique in saturated cohesive soils such as marine clay. Four types of band-shaped drains made from single-layer woven and non-woven jute geotextile filter fabric wrapped around a core of coir ropes or mats, designated as natural drains, were newly developed and fabricated. Laboratory marine clay confined discharge capacity and large-scale consolidation tests were conducted on the natural drains and commercially available polymer-based drains. The effect of compressive stress on the discharge capacity of the natural drains was studied and compared with the polymer-based drains. The consolidation performance of the drains in remoulded marine clay was studied with consolidation tests on marine clay with and without the drains. It was observed that the rate of settlement of marine clay was almost identical in all the marine clay samples with the drains. All the drains accelerated the consolidation in marine clay. Numerical simulations of experimental consolidation tests were carried out using Plaxis. The magnitude and rate of settlement obtained from numerical consolidation analysis matched closely with the experimental results. It is concluded that eco-friendly and easily fabricated natural drains help in accelerating consolidation in marine clay.
Native leaf‐tying caterpillars influence host plant use by the invasive Asiatic oak weevil through ecosystem engineering
Authors: Baer Christina S. , Marquis Robert J.
Published: March 2014

We tested the effect of leaf‐tying caterpillars, native ecosystem engineers, on the abundance and host feeding of an invasive insect, the Asiatic oak weevil, Cyrtepistomus castaneus (Roelofs). Leaf quality was previously thought to be the sole factor determining host use by C. castaneus, but adult weevils congregate in leaf ties made by lepidopteran larvae (caterpillars). Adult weevil abundance was naturally higher on Quercus alba and Q. velutina compared to four other tree species tested (Acer rubrum, Carya ovata, Cornus florida, and Sassafras albidum). These differences were associated with more natural leaf ties on the two Quercus species. In the laboratory, weevils fed on all six species but again preferred Q. alba and Q. velutina. When artificial ties were added to all six tree species, controlling for differences in leaf‐tie density, adult weevil density increased on all six tree species, damage increased on all species but A. rubrum, and host ranking changed based on both abundance and damage. We conclude that leaf ties increase the local abundance of C. castaneus adults and their feeding. Thus, these native leaf‐tying caterpillars engender the success of an invasive species via structural modification of potential host plants, the first described example of this phenomenon.
A theoretical investigation on the regioselectivity of the intramolecular hetero Diels-Alder and 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition of 2-vinyloxybenzaldehyde derivatives
Authors: Hamzehloueian Mahshid , Yeganegi Saeid , Sarrafi Yaghoub , Alimohammadi Kamal , Sadatshahabi Marzieh
Published: March 2014

The present study reports a systematic computational analysis of the two
possible pathways, fused and bridged, for an intramolecular hetero
Diels-Alder (IMHDA) and an intramolecular 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition (IMDCA)
of 2-vinyloxybenzaldehyde derivatives. The potential energy surface analysis
for both reactions is in agreement with experimental observations. The
activation energies associated with the two regioisomeric channels in IMHDA
reaction show that the bridged product is favored, although in IMDCA, the
most stable TS results the fused product. The global electronic properties
of fragments within each molecule were studied to discuss the reactivity
patterns and charge transfer direction in the intramolecular processes. The
asynchronicity of the bond formation and aromaticity of the optimized TSs in
the Diels-Alder reaction as well as cycloaddition reaction were evaluated.
Finally, 1H NMR chemical shifts of the possible regioisomers have been
calculated using the GIAO method which of the most stable products are in
agreement with the experimental data in the both reaction.
New similarity solution of boundary layer flow along a continuously moving convectively heated horizontal plate by deductive group method
Authors: Uddin Mohammed , Khan Waqar , Ismail Ahmad , Hamad M.A.A.
Published: March 2014

A mathematical model is presented and analyzed for steady two-dimensional
non-isothermal laminar free convective boundary layer flow along a
convectively heated moving horizontal plate. New similarity transformations
are developed using one parameter deductive group transformations and hence
the governing transport equations are reduced to a system of coupled,
nonlinear ordinary differential equations with associated boundary
conditions. The reduced equations are then solved numerically by an implicit
finite difference numerical method. The effects of pertinent parameters on
the non-dimensional velocity, temperature, friction factor and heat transfer
rates are investigated and presented graphically. It is found that friction
factor decreases with the free convective parameter and rate of heat
transfer increases with the convection-conduction parameter.
Heat transfer modelling of two-phase bubbles swarm condensing in three - phase direct - contact condenser
Authors: Mahood Hameed , Sharif Adel , Al-Ailbi Sami , Hossini Ali , Thorpe Rex
Published: March 2014

An analytical model for the convective heat transfer coefficient and the
two-phase bubble size of a three-phase direct contact heat exchanger was
developed. Until the present, there has only been a theoretical model
available that deals with a single two-phase bubble and a bubble train
condensation in an immiscible liquid. However, to understand the actual heat
transfer process within the three-phase direct contact condenser,
characteristic models are required. A quasi - steady energy equation in a
spherical coordinate system with a potential flow assumption and a cell model
configuration has been simplified and solved analytically. The convective
heat transfer in terms of Nu number has been derived, and it was found to be
a function to Pe number and a system void fraction. In addition, the
two-phase bubble size relates to the system void fraction and has been
developed by solving a simple energy balance equation and using the derived
convective heat transfer coefficient expression. Furthermore, the model
correlates well with previous experimental data and theoretical results.
Natural convection air flow in vertical upright-angled triangular cavities under realistic thermal boundary conditions
Authors: Sieres Jaime , Campo Antonio , Martínez-Súarez José
Published: March 2014

This paper presents an analytical and numerical computation of laminar
natural convection in a collection of vertical upright-angled triangular
cavities filled with air. The vertical wall is heated with a uniform heat
flux; the inclined wall is cooled with a uniform temperature; while the upper
horizontal wall is assumed thermally insulated. The defining aperture angle ?
is located at the lower vertex between the vertical and inclined walls. The
finite element method is implemented to perform the computational analysis of
the conservation equations for three aperture angles ? (= 15?, 30? and 45?)
and height-based modified Rayleigh numbers ranging from a low Ra = 0 (pure
conduction) to a high 109. Numerical results are reported for the velocity
and temperature fields as well as the Nusselt numbers at the heated vertical
wall. The numerical computations are also focused on the determination of the
value of the maximum or critical temperature along the hot vertical wall and
its dependence with the modified Rayleigh number and the aperture angle.
An experimental investigation of solid oxide fuel cell performance at variable operating conditions
Authors: Tikiz Ismet , Taymaz Imdat
Published: March 2014

Cell temperature and selection of the reactant gases are crucial parameters
for the design and optimization of fuel cell performance. In this study,
effect of operating conditions on the performance of Solid Oxide Fuel (SOFC)
has been investigated. Application of Response Surface Methodology (RSM) was
applied to optimize operations conditions in SOFC. For this purpose, an
experimental set up for testing of SOFC has been established to investigate
the effect of Hydrogen, Oxygen, Nitrogen flow rates and cell temperature
parameters on cell performance. Hydrogen flow rate, oxygen flow rate,
nitrogen flow rate and cell temperature were the main parameters considered
and they were varied between 0.25 and 1 L/min, 0.5 and 1 L/min, 0 and 1
L/min and 700-800 oC in the analyses respectively. The maximum power density
was found as 0.572 W/cm2 in the experiments.
Outcomes of Combined Cardiovascular Risk Factor Management Strategies in Type 2 Diabetes: The ACCORD Randomized Trial
Authors: Margolis Karen L. , O’Connor Patrick J. , Morgan Timothy M. , Buse John B. , Cohen Robert M. , Cushman William C. , Cutler Jeffrey A. , Evans Gregory W. , Gerstein Hertzel C. , Grimm Richard H. , Lipkin Edward W. , Narayan K.M.Venkat , Riddle Matthew C. , Sood Ajay , Goff David C.
Published: March 2014

OBJECTIVE

To compare effects of combinations of standard and intensive treatment of glycemia and either blood pressure (BP) or lipids in the Action to Control Cardiovascular Risk in Diabetes (ACCORD) trial.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

ACCORD enrolled 10,251 type 2 diabetes patients aged 40–79 years at high risk for cardiovascular disease (CVD) events. Participants were randomly assigned to hemoglobin A1c goals of <6.0% (<42 mmol/mol; intensive glycemia) or 7.0–7.9% (53–63 mmol/mol; standard glycemia) and then randomized a second time to either 1) systolic BP goals of <120 mmHg (intensive BP) or <140 mmHg (standard BP) or 2) simvastatin plus fenofibrate (intensive lipid) or simvastatin plus placebo (standard lipid). Proportional hazards models were used to assess combinations of treatment assignments on the composite primary (deaths due to CVD, nonfatal myocardial infarction [MI], and nonfatal stroke) and secondary outcomes.

RESULTS

In the BP trial, risk of the primary outcome was lower in the groups intensively treated for glycemia (hazard ratio [HR] 0.67; 95% CI 0.50–0.91), BP (HR 0.74; 95% CI 0.55–1.00), or both (HR 0.71; 95% CI 0.52–0.96) compared with combined standard BP and glycemia treatment. For secondary outcomes, MI was significantly reduced by intensive glycemia treatment and stroke by intensive BP treatment; most other HRs were neutral or favored intensive treatment groups. In the lipid trial, the general pattern of results showed no evidence of benefit of intensive regimens (whether single or combined) compared with combined standard lipid and glycemia treatment. The mortality HR was 1.33 (95% CI 1.02–1.74) in the standard lipid/intensive glycemia group compared with the standard lipid/standard glycemia group.

CONCLUSIONS

In the ACCORD BP trial, compared with combined standard treatment, intensive BP or intensive glycemia treatment alone improved major CVD outcomes, without additional benefit from combining the two. In the ACCORD lipid trial, neither intensive lipid nor glycemia treatment produced an overall benefit, but intensive glycemia treatment increased mortality.
Predictive and Explanatory Factors of Change in HbA1c in a 24-Week Observational Study of 66,726 People With Type 2 Diabetes Starting Insulin Analogs
Authors: Home Philip D. , Shen Chunduo , Hasan Mohammad I. , Latif Zafar A. , Chen Jian-Wen , González Gálvez Guillermo
Published: March 2014

OBJECTIVE

Individualization of therapy choices requires the prediction of likely response. Predictor and explanatory factors of change in HbA1c were studied using data from a large observational study of starting insulin analog therapy (the A1chieve study).

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

Univariate analyses were performed for insulin-naive people and prior insulin users in the A1chieve study. Statistically significant factors were carried forward to baseline factor–only multivariate analyses (“predictor” analysis), and separately using all significant factors (“explanatory” analysis). Power was considered in terms of the variance explained.

RESULTS

Geographical region, baseline HbA1c level, lipid levels, and baseline insulin dose were the most powerful predictors of HbA1c change (mean change −2.1% [−23 mmol/mol]) observed in the univariate analysis (r2 > 0.010, P < 0.001). However, although the predictor and explanatory multivariate models explained 62–82% of the variance in HbA1c change, this was mainly associated with baseline HbA1c (r2 = 0.544–0.701) and region (r2 = 0.014–0.037). Other factors were statistically significant but had low predictive power (r2 < 0.010); in the explanatory analysis, this included end-of-study hypoglycemia (insulin-naive group), insulin dose, and health-related quality of life (r2 < 0.001–0.006, P ≤ 0.007).

CONCLUSIONS

Many factors can guide clinicians in predicting the response to starting therapy with insulin analogs, but many are interdependent and thus of poor utility. The factor explaining most of the variance in HbA1c change is baseline HbA1c level, with each increase of 1.0%-units (11 mmol/mol) providing a 0.7–0.8%-units (8–9 mmol/mol) greater fall. Other factors do not explain much of the remaining variance, even when including all end-of-trial measures.
Trace formulae and applications to class numbers
Authors: Raulf Nicole
Published: March 2014

In this paper we compute the trace formula for Hecke operators acting on automorphic forms on the hyperbolic 3-space for the group PSL2($\mathcal{O}_K $) with $\mathcal{O}_K $ being the ring of integers of an imaginary quadratic number field K of class number H K > 1. Furthermore, as a corollary we obtain an asymptotic result for class numbers of binary quadratic forms.
Crystallographic Approaches for the Investigation of Molecular Materials: Structure Property Relationships and Reverse Crystal Engineering
Authors: Macchi Piero
Published: March 2014

This article discusses the connection between crystallography and material science. It sheds light on some of the research opportunities that are currently available and it critically reviews the directions taken by the scientific community in the field of crystal engineering. The focus
is on materials formed by the assembly of organic and organometallic molecular building blocks.
Acute kidney injury due to multiple wasp stings in an eightyear- old child
Authors: Dhakal Ajaya Kumar , Basnet Nabin Bahadur , Shrestha Devendra
Published: March 2014

Wasp stings are not uncommon in Nepal. The manifestations of stings are usually benign and localised at the site of stings. However, susceptible individuals may present with multi-systemic and potentially fatal complications. We report here a child who developed acute kidney injury, nine days after multiple wasp stings. The renal function recovered with supportive management including two sessions of haemodialysis. This case report highlights that management of wasp stings should be done in consultation with centre which has facilities for dialysis.Journal of Kathmandu Medical College Vol. 2, No. 3, Issue 5, Jul.-Sep., 2013 Page: 145-147DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/jkmc.v2i3.9965Uploaded date : 3/4/2014
Application of the Experimental Results to the Modified Halpin-Tsai Micromechanical Model to Evaluate the Clay Dispersion in Clay-Reinforced Polyethylene Nanocomposites
Authors: Uyanık N.
Published: March 2014

Low-density polyethylene (LDPE)- and linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE)-based polymer nanocomposites (PNC) containing organically modified montmorillonite (MMT) were prepared by melt mixing process. Itaconic acid (IA) and monomethyl itaconate (MMI) grafted polyethylene (PE) were used as compatibilizers. Na-MMT was modified by dodecyl-, hexadecyl-, and octadecyl-ammonium chlorides and then the compatibilizers were synthesized in solution reaction. 5 wt% organoclay and different concentration of compatibilizers (5, 10, and 15 wt%) were used for the PNC preparations to compare the effects of compatibilizers. The interlayer spacings, d001, and the mechanical properties of samples were measured by XRD analysis and universal testing machine, respectively. The experimental tensile moduli were used in Halpin-Tsai micro mechanical model to obtain “l/t” ratios and the results were compared experimental d001 values obtained from XRD data. It was found that the experimental results are in good agreement with the calculated results.
Development of Canadian National Pedestrian Crossing Control Guide
Authors: Montufar Jeannette
Published: March 2014

In 2010 the Transportation Association of Canada began the 2-year process of updating the 1998 pedestrian crossing control manual. The resulting document, the Pedestrian Crossing Control Guide, is expected to promote uniformity across the country with respect to the approach used in the provision of pedestrian crossing control. This standardization is done through the development of a decision support tool to assist in the decision-making process when the need for pedestrian crossing control is established and in identification of the type of crossing control to use for the location's characteristics. The development of the new Pedestrian Crossing Control Guide for Canada is discussed, and findings of the research that led to its development are presented. The findings fall into two areas: existing Canadian and international pedestrian crossing control practices and safety performance of different pedestrian crossing control devices. Principal conclusions from this research are (a) international practice is changing toward providing guidance rather than formal, numerical warranting procedures in the decision-making process for the provision of pedestrian crossing control; (b) there are pedestrian crossing control treatments for which there is no available literature regarding safety performance, and the available literature for other treatments lacks rigorous safety evaluations; and (c) further research is needed regarding the safety performance of pedestrian crossing control devices, particularly in the areas of understanding pedestrian collisions and developing accident prediction models.
Effect of Left-Turn Operational Mode on Pedestrian Safety
Authors: Pratt Michael P. , Bonneson James A. , Songchitruksa Praprut
Published: March 2014

Pedestrian safety is a growing concern at signalized intersections. Pedestrians crossing a street at an intersection are exposed to interactions with turning vehicles, and these interactions sometimes result in crashes. Conflicts and crashes can be reduced by implementing protected turn phases. However, the inclusion of protected turn phases in a traffic signal cycle typically causes an increase in vehicular delay, which tends to offset the benefit of reduced crashes. The left-turn operational mode (permissive, protected–permissive, or protected) is typically chosen on the basis of vehicular traffic concerns such as volumes of left-turning and conflicting through vehicles, lane geometry, and sight distance. Historically, pedestrian safety has not been considered a factor in the selection of the left-turn operational mode. Pedestrian safety models have been calibrated with field data. The models allow pedestrian–vehicle conflict frequency and pedestrian compliance with signal indications to be estimated on the basis of volumes and site conditions. These models, along with vehicular delay analysis, form the basis for pedestrian-safety-based guidelines that were developed for choosing the left-turn operational mode. The guidelines are based on identifying threshold conditions for which a change in left-turn mode results in a reduction in road user costs.
Effect of Advance Yield Markings and Symbolic Signs on Vehicle–Pedestrian Conflicts
Authors: Samuel Siby , Romoser Matthew R. E. , Gerardino Luis Roman , Hamid Malek , Gómez Radhameris A. , Knodler Michael A. , Collura John , Fisher Donald L.
Published: March 2014

The Commonwealth of Massachusetts has made walkable communities a priority. Pedestrian safety is key to the success of this objective. Pedestrians are at especially high risk when traversing unsignalized, marked crosswalks located either midblock or at T-intersections, especially when a vehicle adjacent to the driver is blocking the view of a crossing pedestrian. Several treatments have been proposed to reduce crashes at such crosswalks in such situations. Two experiments were conducted in the town of Greenfield, Massachusetts, to assess the effectiveness of advance yield markings on drivers’ scanning for pedestrians and to study their yielding behavior. Advance yield markings consist of a line of white triangles 20 to 50 ft in advance of the crosswalk together with a sign indicating that drivers should yield at the markings. The first experiment was an observational one involving a staged pedestrian attempting to use the crosswalk, and the second experiment was an in-vehicle field study conducted on an open road course in Green-field. Results demonstrated that advance yield markings coupled with the vacating of parking spots immediately adjacent to the crosswalk to clear the line of sight of approaching vehicles improved yielding compliance. In addition, when advance yield markings and warning signs were present, drivers approaching the crosswalk were more likely to scan areas to the sides of the roadway at crosswalks in anticipation of a pedestrian's entering the crosswalk.
Do All Roadway Users Want the Same Things?
Authors: Sanders Rebecca L. , Cooper Jill F.
Published: March 2014

Presented here are findings from a recent study on roadway design preferences of pedestrians, drivers, bicyclists, and public transit users along a major urban corridor in the east San Francisco Bay Area in California. Sponsored by the California Department of Transportation, the research focused on exploring design preferences that could increase perceived traffic safety, walkability, bikeability, and economic vitality along urban arterials. Results from an intercept survey showed that all user groups desired similar roadway design features along the test corridor, which carried 25,000 to 30,000 motorists bidirectionally and had comprehensive sidewalk coverage but no bicycle facilities. In an open-ended question about street improvements to enhance perceived traffic safety, all respondent groups requested the same top five improvements. Bicycle lanes were ranked first by pedestrians, drivers, and bicyclists (fifth by public transit respondents) and improved pedestrian crossings were ranked second by pedestrians, drivers, and public transit users (third by bicyclists). The other top five suggestions were the same for all groups though ordered slightly differently: slowing traffic and improving driver behavior, increasing street lighting, and increasing traffic signals and stop signs. Similar preference alignment was found for street improvements to encourage more visits to the corridor. These findings suggest that design features generally thought to benefit one road user group, such as bicycle lanes for bicyclists, may also benefit other users. Moreover, these results provide evidence that roadway planning can take advantage of synergistic opportunities to benefit multiple user groups by implementing a few key design interventions. Overall, the findings support the continued implementation of complete streets principles and policies.
Workforce Development as a Promising Approach to Improving Health Disparities among Young Males
Authors: Smith Peggy , Buzi Ruth , Abacan Allyssa
Published: March 2014

This study examined the impact of a workforce development program embedded in a health setting on subsequent risk behaviors and educational and employment outcomes among inner city males aged 16 to 28 years old. Health risk behaviors measured included subsequent fatherhood, substance use, and legal problems. Educational and employment outcomes included obtaining a high school diploma or General Equivalency Diploma (GED), completion of a job-training program, and securing employment. The program provided medical care, job readiness training, and activities emphasizing personal and social competency. Major findings of this study indicate comprehensive workforce development activities can result in risk reduction, and educational and employment enhancement among young males.
We Pretend like Sexuality Doesn't Exist: Managing Homophobia in Gaysian America
Authors: Han Chong-Suk , Proctor Kristopher , Choi Kyung-Hee
Published: March 2014

Despite the well documented cases of homophobia experienced by gay Asian men in Asian communities, there is currently little research examining how members of this group manage the stigmatized statuses of homosexuality. In this article, we examine stigma management strategies used by gay Asian men to deal with homophobia and explore how members of this group engage in both individual stigma management strategies as well as collective stigma management strategies with their family and friends in order to maintain family harmony. Finally, we also explore ways that members of this group attempt to redefine homosexuality in an effort to de-stigmatize what it means to be gay and Asian.
Mad Puns and French Poets: Visual-Verbal Punning and ‘l'art des fous’ in Apollinaire's Calligrammes
Authors: Shingler Katherine
Published: March 2014

This article examines the use of visual-verbal punning structures in Guillaume Apollinaire's calligrammes, or visual poems. It considers how Apollinaire's mobilization of these punning structures may have emerged out of an interest in ‘l'art des fous’ (art and creative writing by the mentally ill, in which punning was a recurring feature), in psychiatric discourses which insisted on a link between punning and irrationality, and in the work of Jean-Pierre Brisset, whose nonsensical, pun-based theories of evolution made him a living embodiment of that link. It argues that for Apollinaire, the calligramme was an attempt to represent the structures of thought – unfettered, irrational thought – which could not be captured by linear discourse. The article situates this aspect of the calligrammes within the broader context of Apollinaire's primitivism, as expressed in his art criticism, before considering the continuity between Apollinaire's engagement with ‘l'art des fous’ and that of Breton, exploring the ethical implications of an aestheticizing approach to the ‘mad’ or ‘primitive’ work of art.
Gulonolactone Addition to Human Hepatocellular Carcinoma Cells with Gene Transfer of Gulonolactone Oxidase Restores Ascorbate Biosynthesis and Reduces Hypoxia Inducible Factor 1
Authors: Flett Teresa , Campbell Elizabeth , Phillips Elisabeth , Vissers Margreet , Dachs Gabi
Published: March 2014

Humans are unable to synthesise ascorbate (Vitamin C) due to the lack of a functional gulonolactone oxidase (Gulo), the enzyme that catalyses the final step in the biosynthesis pathway. Ascorbate is a vital micronutrient required for many biological functions, including as a cofactor for metalloenzymes that regulate the transcription factor hypoxia-inducible factor-1 (HIF-1), which governs cell survival under hypoxia. In most animals, ascorbate is made in liver cells. This study aimed to restore ascorbate synthesis to human hepatocellular carcinoma HepG2 cells and determine the effect of internally produced ascorbate on HIF-1 activation. HepG2 cells were gene-modified with a plasmid encoding the mouse Gulo cDNA, tested for genomic incorporation by PCR and ascorbate synthesis by high performance liquid chromatography. Levels of HIF-1 protein were measured using Western blotting. Gulo-modified HepG2 cells showed increased adherence compared to control HepG2 cells. A PCR-positive clone synthesised ascorbate when the Gulo substrate, l-gulono-1,4-lactone, was supplied. Intracellular ascorbate concentrations reached 5% of saturation levels (6 nmol/106 cells). Addition of ascorbate or gulonolactone reduced HIF-1 accumulation in the Gulo clone, but also in parental HepG2 cells. Our data confirm the requirement for a number of factors in addition to Gulo in the ascorbate biosynthesis pathway in human cells.
Gold Nanoparticles as the Catalyst of Single-Walled Carbon Nanotube Synthesis
Authors: Homma Yoshikazu
Published: March 2014

Gold nanoparticles have been proven to act as efficient catalysts for chemical reactions, such as oxidation and hydrogen production. In this review we focus on a different aspect of the catalysis of gold nanoparticles; single-walled carbon nanotube (SWCNT) synthesis. This is not a traditional meaning of catalytic reaction, but SWCNTs cannot be synthesized without nanoparticles. Previously, gold was considered as unsuitable metal species as the catalyst of SWCNT synthesis. However, gold nanoparticles with diameters smaller than 5 nm were found to effectively produce SWCNTs. We discuss the catalysis of gold and related metals for SWCNT synthesis in comparison with conventional catalysts, such as iron, cobalt, and nickel.
Energy and Cost Saving of a Photovoltaic-Phase Change Materials (PV-PCM) System through Temperature Regulation and Performance Enhancement of Photovoltaics
Authors: Hasan Ahmad , McCormack Sarah , Huang Ming , Norton Brian
Published: March 2014

The current research seeks to maintain high photovoltaic (PV) efficiency and increased operating PV life by maintaining them at a lower temperature. Solid-liquid phase change materials (PCM) are integrated into PV panels to absorb excess heat by latent heat absorption mechanism and regulate PV temperature. Electrical and thermal energy efficiency analysis of PV-PCM systems is conducted to evaluate their effectiveness in two different climates. Finally costs incurred due to inclusion of PCM into PV system and the resulting benefits are discussed in this paper. The results show that such systems are financially viable in higher temperature and higher solar radiation environment.
Comparative Analysis of Milled Wood Lignins (MWLs) Isolated from Sugar Maple (SM) and Hot-Water Extracted Sugar Maple (ESM)
Authors: Goundalkar Mangesh , Corbett Derek , Bujanovic Biljana
Published: March 2014

To further elucidate the advantageous effects of hot-water extraction (HWE) on delignification, milled wood lignin (MWL) was isolated from sugar maple (SM) and from hot-water extracted sugar maple (ESM). Ball-milled wood was analyzed for particle size distribution (PSD) before and after dioxane:water (DW) extraction. The MWL samples were analyzed by analytical and spectral methods. The results indicated that the MWL isolated from SM and ESM was mainly released from the middle lamella (ML) and the secondary wall (SW), respectively. The cleavage of dibenzodioxocin (DB) and spirodienone (SD) lignin substructures during HWE is suggested. The removal of lignin during acetone:water (AW) extraction of hot-water extracted wood indicates that including an additional operation in a hardwood HWE-based biorefinery would be beneficial for processing of wood.
Nanocomposites Polarizing by Absorption: Dichroism in the Near-Infrared Region (NIR)
Authors: Bonderer Lorenz , Uhlenhaut Dirk , Smith Paul , Caseri Walter
Published: March 2014

We describe the preparation of nanocomposites which exhibit dichroism in the near infrared region (NIR). These materials consist of crosslinked poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS) and gold nanoparticles, coated with 1-dodecanethiol or tert-tetradecanethiol. The alkanethiols improve dispersibility of the gold particles, and accordingly composites were manufactured by diffusion of the particles into swollen self-supporting PDMS elastomer films. After drying, the films were exposed to solvents for one minute, stretched in wet state, dried again and annealed. This procedure led to formation of oriented linear gold particle assemblies within stretched polymer. If the aspect ratio of the particle assemblies is high, the absorption of polarized light in the NIR region is expected to depend on the angle between the polarization plane and the orientation direction of the particle assemblies, and this was observed to be the case.
Preparation and Characterization of Nanocomposite Polymer Membranes Containing Functionalized SnO2 Additives
Authors: Scipioni Roberto , Gazzoli Delia , Teocoli Francesca , Palumbo Oriele , Paolone Annalisa , Ibris Neluta , Brutti Sergio , Navarra Maria
Published: March 2014

In the research of new nanocomposite proton-conducting membranes, SnO2 ceramic powders with surface functionalization have been synthesized and adopted as additives in Nafion-based polymer systems. Different synthetic routes have been explored to obtain suitable, nanometer-sized sulphated tin oxide particles. Structural and morphological characteristics, as well as surface and bulk properties of the obtained oxide powders, have been determined by means of X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) and Raman spectroscopies, N2 adsorption, and thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA). In addition, dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA), atomic force microscopy (AFM), thermal investigations, water uptake (WU) measurements, and ionic exchange capacity (IEC) tests have been used as characterization tools for the nanocomposite membranes. The nature of the tin oxide precursor, as well as the synthesis procedure, were found to play an important role in determining the morphology and the particle size distribution of the ceramic powder, this affecting the effective functionalization of the oxides. The incorporation of such particles, having sulphate groups on their surface, altered some peculiar properties of the resulting composite membrane, such as water content, thermo-mechanical, and morphological characteristics.
Injection Compression Molding of Replica Molds for Nanoimprint Lithography
Authors: Nagato Keisuke
Published: March 2014

As a breakthrough in the cost and durability of molds for nanoimprint lithography (NIL), replica molds are fabricated by injection compression molding (ICM). ICM is commonly used for optical disks such as DVDs or Blu-ray disks and is also a practical fabrication method for nanostructures. In this paper, I successfully demonstrated the fabrication of cycloolefin polymer replica molds with structures smaller than 60 nm by ICM. Furthermore, ultraviolet (UV)-NIL using these replica molds was demonstrated. UV-cured resist was replicated over an area of 60 mm diameter. The degree of replication by UV-NIL in the first usage of each replica mold had good repeatability. Because ICM is a high-throughput, low-cost process, the replica mold can be disposed of after a certain time for UV-NIL. This method leads to a high-integrity UV-NIL process of patterned media because multiple large-area replica molds can be fabricated simultaneously.
A Wireless Fatigue Monitoring System Utilizing a Bio-Inspired Tree Ring Data Tracking Technique
Authors: Bai Shi , Li Xuan , Xie Zhaohui , Zhou Zhi , Ou Jinping
Published: March 2014

Fatigue, a hot scientific research topic for centuries, can trigger sudden failure of critical structures such as aircraft and railway systems, resulting in enormous casualties as well as economic losses. The fatigue life of certain structures is intrinsically random and few monitoring techniques are capable of tracking the full life-cycle fatigue damage. In this paper, a novel in-situ wireless real-time fatigue monitoring system using a bio-inspired tree ring data tracking technique is proposed. The general framework, methodology, and verification of this intelligent system are discussed in details. The rain-flow counting (RFC) method is adopted as the core algorithm which quantifies fatigue damages, and Digital Signal Processing (DSP) is introduced as the core module for data collection and analysis. Laboratory test results based on strain gauges and polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) sensors have shown that the developed intelligent system can provide a reliable quick feedback and early warning of fatigue failure. With the merits of low cost, high accuracy and great reliability, the developed wireless fatigue sensing system can be further applied to mechanical engineering, civil infrastructures, transportation systems, aerospace engineering, etc.
Acknowledgement to Reviewers of Viruses in 2013
Authors: Viruses Editorial Office
Published: March 2014

The editors of Viruses would like to express their sincere gratitude to the following reviewers for assessing manuscripts in 2013. [...]
Essence du pouvoir de Patiâlâ : les estrades royales du Qila Mubârak
Authors: Launois Anne-Colombe
Published: March 2014

Qila Mubarak, the old fortified palace of the Sikh dynasty of Patiala (Panjab), construction started in 1763 by Baba Ala Singh (1695-1765), shelters an important corpus of mural paintings which belong to the history of Indian painting and of Sikh art. Among some painted chambers, two royal stages with a similar structure illustrate in particular the royal ideology and its perpetuity during the first half of the XIXth century. The stage of the Shish Mahal of kings in the lounge of queens (Ranivas) and the one of Masnad Hall in the inner fort (Qila Andron) encircling the fifth king of Patiala Narinder Singh (1824; r. 1845-1862) with a precious case decorated with idealised portraits of the first four kings of this dynasty, surrounded or surmounted, depending on the stage, with images of great gods of Hinduism. This decorative program presents a perfect and original synthesis of classical symbolisms of Indian kingship mixing some rajput and moghol references to establish the legacy and the independence of a young sikh dynasty.
Development of 12 chloroplast microsatellite markers in Vigna unguiculata (Fabaceae) and amplification in Phaseolus vulgaris
Authors: Pan Lei , Li Yi , Guo Rui , Wu Hua , Hu Zhihui , Chen Chanyou
Published: March 2014

• Premise of the study: Vigna unguiculata is an economically important legume, and the complexity of its variability and evolution needs to be further understood. Based on publicly available databases, we developed chloroplast microsatellite primers to investigate genetic diversity within V. unguiculata and its related species Phaseolus vulgaris.

• Methods and Results: Twelve polymorphic chloroplast microsatellite markers were developed and characterized in 62 V. unguiculata individuals. The number of alleles per locus varied between two and four, the unbiased haploid diversity per locus ranged from 0.123 to 0.497, and the polymorphism information content varied from 0.114 to 0.369. In cross‐species amplifications, nine of these markers showed polymorphism in 29 P. vulgaris individuals.

• Conclusions: The newly developed chloroplast microsatellite markers exhibit variation in V. unguiculata as well as their transferability in P. vulgaris. These markers can be used to investigate genetic diversity and evolution in V. unguiculata and P. vulgaris.
One-pot three-component synthesis and photophysical characteristics of novel triene merocyanines
Authors: Muschelknautz Christian , Visse Robin , Nordmann Jan , Müller Thomas J J
Published: March 2014

Novel triene merocyanines, i.e. 1-styryleth-2-enylidene and 4-(1,3,3-trimethylindolin-2-ylidene)but-2-en-1-ylideneindolones are obtained in good to excellent yields in a consecutive three-component insertion Sonogashira coupling–addition sequence. The selectivity of either series is remarkable and has its origin in the stepwise character of the terminal addition step as shown by extensive computations on the DFT level. All merocyanines display intense absorption bands in solution and the film spectra indicate J-aggregation. While 1-styryleth-2-enylideneindolones show an intense deep red emission in films, 4-(1,3,3-trimethylindolin-2-ylidene)but-2-en-1-ylideneindolones are essentially nonemissive in films or in the solid state. TD-DFT computations rationalize the charge-transfer nature of the characteristic broad long-wavelength absorptions bands.
Stimulating Learners’ Motivation in Primary Education in Sri Lanka – A Literature Review
Authors: Halloluwa Thilina , Usoof Hakim , Hewagamage Priyantha
Published: March 2014

Information and Communication Technology has become a vital part in the nontraditional teaching and learning environment in primary education. There is an abundance of research work that describes success stories of the practical application of information technology in primary education. Even though it is easier to motivate these young learners in the developed world to use computers, it is an arduous task in developing countries like Sri Lanka due to reasons such as the applications not in being in the local context which in turn has demotivated learning facilitators to make use of computing aids in teaching programs. This paper highlights some of the issues that the primary students of developing countries are facing, the current educational systems and the role of technology and the game based learning paradigm in primary education. It also discusses the use of computer games in teaching and learning with an analysis of different types of games such as simulations, serious games and edutainment systems. Furthermore the paper discusses the technological aspect of learning and the opportunities that arise with the introduction of tablet computing devices. Finally the paper discusses the possibility of an ICT enabled Learning Environment in primary education which supports a pedagogy focused on tablet based games and managed through a Learning Management System.
Collaborative and Cooperative E-learning in Higher Education in Morocco: A Case Study
Authors: Bouroumi Abdelaziz , Fajr Rkia
Published: March 2014

We present the results of a case study concerning the introduction of collaborative and cooperative e-learning strategies in higher education in Morocco. This study was conducted using the on-line version of a one semester course designed for two groups of master students at Ben Mâ??sik Faculty of Sciences, Hassan II Mohammedia-Casablanca University. It was based on the Moodle platformâ??s e-learning tools that support these learning strategies, which were totally new for most of the students enrolled in this course. In comparison with previous sessions of the same course that were delivered in traditional non on-line forms, the results show significant improvements in studentsâ?? overall performance in both knowledge-building and skills development.
Looking at MOOCs Rapid Growth Through the Lens of Video-Based Learning Research
Authors: Giannakos Michail , Jaccheri Letizia , Krogstie John
Published: March 2014

Video learning is becoming an increasingly important part of contemporary education. In the decade there has been an increase of many and diverse forms of research efforts on video learning. This paper focuses on the video learning research of the last years based on 166 peer-reviewed published academic papers. A categorization is then derived from these papers, delineating some basic characteristics of video learning. The taxonomy attempts to look at MOOCs rapid growth through the lens of video-based learning research. We also provide some directions for future research related to the use of video learning.
Video-Based Learning and Open Online Courses
Authors: Giannakos Michail , Chorianopoulos Konstantinos , Ronchetti Marco , Szegedi Peter , Teasley Stephanie
Published: March 2014

In this article, we provide an overview of the emerging research area on Analytics and Video-Based Learning. Although there are many and diverse ways of designing learning videos, there is limited understanding of the efficacy and usefulness of each method. Therefore, we survey the state-of-the-art in the design, development and evaluation of open and video-based courses. The main objective is to highlight the importance and benefits of analytics and to support instructors with the appropriate resources for improving the use of their courses. This can be achieved by combining and analyzing learners' interactions with other available data obtained from learners, as such video analytics open new avenues for research on open and video-based courses. In addition to the guidelines for video-based analytics we have selected five indicative case-studies that provide in-depth analysis..
A FOOTPRINT TRACKING METHOD FOR GAIT ANALYSIS
Authors: Xia Yi , Yao Zhi-Ming , Yang Xian-Jun , Xu Sheng-Qiang , Zhou Xu , Sun Yi-Ning
Published: March 2014

Gait analysis is popular in many clinical and biomechanical applications, such as diagnosis of diabetic neuropathy, rehabilitation evaluation of stroke patients and performance measurement of sports training. With the rapid and in-depth development of flexible sensing technology, a large-area pressure-sensitive floor can be easily installed in many locations. Complex movement besides linear walking can be designed on large-area floors for gait analysis in clinical or sports research. To conduct those researches, as a basic step, a computational approach is necessary to track each footprint correctly during the movement process. A multi-stage methodology is proposed to solve two main subtasks in the tracking process: (1) the labeling of different footprints and (2) the detection of basic foot gestures in the movement process. The methodology consists of an initial clusters creating stage, a cluster labeling stage and an overlapped footprints separating process. Tai Chi Chuan, one of complex foot movements, was used as an example to evaluate the proposed approach. An overall accuracy of 99.07% for footprint labeling and 90.39% for basic foot gesture detecting were achieved by the method.
ANALYSIS OF THE THERAPEUTIC EFFECTS ON SKIN REJUVENATION FOR THE DIFFERENT TREATMENT CONDITIONS OF 1064 nmNd:YAG LASER: SIMULATION AND PHANTOM STUDY
Authors: Seo Min Ji , Lee Ju Hwan , Park So Ra , Park Sung Yun , Kim Sung Min
Published: March 2014

In this study, we analyzed internal and external skin temperatures as well as penetration depths for the different treatment conditions regarding the 1064 nm Nd :YAG laser to find the optimum treatment condition for skin rejuvenation. We transmitted the laser into a skin mimicking phantom with laser fluence conditions of 26, 30 and 36 J/cm2, and spot diameter conditions of 8 and 10 mm. We also selected the pulse duration as 30 ms, and measured internal–external skin temperatures and penetration depths. To examine the distribution of internal–external skin temperatures, we performed a heat transfer analysis based on the finite element method. Skin layers were designed as three-dimensional models to predict skin temperatures more accurately. We employed the same laser conditions of fluence and spot diameter while performing actual and simulation analyses. Consequently, we found that laser conditions for a spot diameter of 8 mm with a fluence of 36 J/cm2 and a spot diameter of 10 mm with a fluence of 26 and 30 J/cm2 demonstrate the greatest effectiveness toward skin rejuvenation. Moreover, the penetration depths and the range of thermal distribution increased as the fluence and spot diameter increased. In particular, the spot diameter influenced the therapeutic effects more seriously than the fluence.
Annotated catalogue of the flowering plants of São Tomé and Príncipe
Authors: Figueiredo E. , Paiva J. , Stévart T. , Oliveira F. , Smith G. F.
Published: March 2014

A catalogue of the flowering plants of the islands of São Tomé and Príncipe (Gulf of Guinea) is presented. Flowering plant diversity figures are updated to: 135 families (20 introduced), 624 genera (172 introduced), 1 104 species (301 introduced) plus 15 additional infraspecific taxa. At present 119 taxa (107 species and 12 infraspecific taxa) are known to be endemic to the two islands. The catalogue includes accepted names, synonyms used in recent literature, common names, voucher specimens and information on habit and habitat and on plant uses, particularly medicinally.