bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Characterization of natural and chemically modified kaolinite from Mako (Senegal) to remove lead from aqueous solutions
Authors: Mbaye A. , Diop C. A. K. , Miehe-Brendle J. , Senocq F. , Maury F.
Published: October 2014

The chemical and sorption properties of clay minerals from the Mako area, Senegal, were investigated using FTIR spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy equipped with an X-ray energy dispersion spectrometer, thermal analysis and chemical analysis. The clay sample is essentially dominated by kaolinite and quartz as also shown by treatment with ethylene glycol and dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO). The clay fraction of this natural clay was organically modified by grafting with 3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane (APTES) in order to improve significantly its retention ability of heavy metals. The silane groups of the APTES reagent were partly grafted on the surface of platy kaolinite particles and the remaining ethoxy groups could be hydrolysed by aqueous treatment. The natural clay, its clay fraction and the organo-functionalized clay (with APTES) were investigated as adsorbents for the removal of Pb(II) from aqueous solutions. Evidence for an organic grafting has been demonstrated by comparing the spectroscopic characteristics of the natural clay and those of its chemically modified derivatives. The effects of different parameters (i.e. initial Pb(II) concentration and contact time) on the adsorption efficiency were studied. For an initial concentration of 10 mg L−1Pb(II), the adsorption was maximized after 30 min contact time both for the raw material and its clay fraction and after 90 min for the APTES grafted clay. Although the maximum of sorption for the APTES grafted clay is reached with slower kinetics, this maximum amount of Pb(II) uptake at room temperature (Xmax) is significantly higher since it is 0.99 mg g−1for the raw clay, 1.46 mg g−1for its clay fraction and 3.02 mg g−1for the organically modified clay, i.e. three times greater than the raw clay.
Fabrication of uniform 4H-SiC mesopores by pulsed electrochemical etching
Authors: Tan Jia-Hui , Chen Zhi-zhan , Lu Wu-Yue , Cheng Yue , He Hong , Liu Yi-Hong , Sun Yu-Jun , Zhao Gao-Jie
Published: October 2014

In this letter, the uniform 4H silicon carbide (SiC) mesopores was fabricated by pulsed electrochemical etching method. The length of the mesopores is about 19 μm with a diameter of about 19 nm. The introduction of pause time (T
off) is crucial to form the uniform 4H-SiC mesopores. The pore diameter will not change if etching goes with T
off. The hole concentration decreasing at the pore tips during the T
off is the main reason for uniformity.
"Equation missing" -algebra-valued metric spaces and related fixed point theorems
Authors: Ma Zhenhua , Jiang Lining , Sun Hongkai
Published: October 2014

Based on the concept and properties of

C
∗

-algebras, the paper introduces a concept of

C
∗

-algebra-valued metric spaces and gives some fixed point theorems for self-maps with contractive or expansive conditions on such spaces. As applications, existence and uniqueness results for a type of integral equation and operator equation are given.

MSC:47H10, 46L07.
Existence of solutions for fractional q-integro-difference inclusions with fractional q-integral boundary conditions
Authors: Ahmad Bashir , Ntouyas Sotiris K , Alsaedi Ahmed
Published: October 2014

In this paper, we investigate the existence of solutions for a nonlocal boundary value problem of fractional q-integro-difference inclusions of two fractional orders with Riemann-Liouville fractional q-integral boundary conditions. A new existence result is obtained by making use of a nonlinear alternative for contractive maps and is well illustrated with the aid of an example.

MSC:34A60, 34A08.
All exact traveling wave solutions of the combined KdV-mKdV equation
Authors: Huang Yong , Wu Yonghong , Meng Fanning , Yuan Wenjun
Published: October 2014

In this article, we employ the complex method to obtain all meromorphic solutions of complex combined Korteweg-de Vries-modified Korteweg-de Vries equation (KdV-mKdV equation) at first, then we find all exact traveling wave solutions of the combined KdV-mKdV equation. The idea introduced in this paper can be applied to other nonlinear evolution equations. Our results show that all rational and simply periodic exact traveling wave solutions of the combined KdV-mKdV equation are solitary wave solutions, the complex method is simpler than other methods, and there exist some rational solutions

w

r
,
2

(
z
)

and simply periodic solutions

w

s
,
2

(
z
)

such that they are not only new but also not degenerated successively by the elliptic function solutions. We believe that this method should play an important role in finding exact solutions in mathematical physics. We also give some computer simulations to illustrate our main results.

MSC: Primary 30D35; secondary 34A05.

PACS Codes: 02.30.Jr; 02.70.Wz; 02.30.-f.
RETRACTED ARTICLE: Nuclear factor of activated T cells 5 maintained by Hotair suppression of miR-568 upregulates S100 calcium binding protein A4 to promote breast cancer metastasis
Authors: Li Jun-Tang , Wang Li-Feng , Zhao Ya-Li , Yang Tao , Li Wei , Zhao Jing , Yu Feng , Wang Lei , Meng Yan-Ling , Liu Ning-Ning , Zhu Xiao-Shan , Gao Chun-Fang , Jia Lin-Tao , Yang An-Gang
Published: October 2014

Introduction

The onset of distal metastasis, which underlies the high mortality of breast cancers, warrants substantial studies to depict its molecular basis. Nuclear factor of activated T cells 5 (NFAT5) is upregulated in various malignancies and is critically involved in migration and invasion of neoplastic cells. Nevertheless, the metastasis-related events potentiated by this transcriptional factor and the mechanism responsible for NFAT5 elevation in carcinoma cells remain to be fully elucidated.

Methods

The correlation of NFAT5 with breast cancer invasiveness was investigated in vitro and clinically. The genes transcriptionally activated by NFAT5 were probed and their roles in breast cancer progression were dissected. The upstream regulators of NFAT5 were studied with particular attempt to explore the involvement of non-coding RNAs, and the mechanism underlying the maintenance of NFAT5 expression was deciphered.

Results

In metastatic breast cancers, NFAT5 promotes epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and invasion of cells by switching on the expression of the calcium binding protein S100A4, and facilitates the angiogenesis of breast epithelial cells and thus the development of metastases by transcriptionally activating vascular endothelial growth factor C (VEGF-C). NFAT5 is directly targeted by miR-568, which is in turn suppressed by the long non-coding RNA, Hotair, via a documented in trans gene silencing pattern, that is recruitment of the polycomb complex (Polycomb Repressive Complex 2; PRC2) and LSD1, and consequently methylation of histone H3K27 and demethylation of H3K4 on the miR-568 loci.

Conclusion

This study unravels a detailed role of NFAT5 in mediating metastatic signaling, and provides broad insights into the involvement of Hotair, in particular, by transcriptionally regulating the expression of microRNA(s), in the metastasis of breast cancers.
Observations on spiny dogfish (Squalus acanthias) captured in late spring in a North Carolina estuary
Authors: Bangley Charles , Rulifson Roger
Published: October 2014

Five spiny dogfish were captured in early-mid May during gillnet and longline sampling targeting juvenile coastal sharks in inshore North Carolina waters.  Dogfish captures were made within Back Sound and Core Sound, North Carolina. All dogfish were females measuring 849-905 mm total length, well over the size at 50% maturity. Dogfish were caught at stations 1.8-2.7 m in depth, with temperatures 22.9-24.2 °C, 32.8-33.4 ppt salinity, and 6.9-8.0 mg/L dissolved oxygen. These observations are among the latest in the spring for spiny dogfish in the southeastern U.S. and occurred at higher temperatures than previously recorded for this species.  It is unclear whether late-occurring spiny dogfish in this area represent a cryptic late-migrating or resident segment of the Northwest Atlantic population.
The F1000Research Antibody Validation Article Collection
Authors: Helsby Matthew A. , Leung Mei Yee , Chalmers Andrew D.
Published: October 2014

Well validated antibodies are crucial to progress in a wide range of life science disciplines, but validating an antibody is a complex and ongoing process. Antibody validation is often carried out as preliminary work to a larger study so the validation data may go unpublished and needless duplication of efforts can occur. This collection of articles in F1000Research provides a home for papers describing antibody validation studies. Our goal is to encourage publishing of all independent studies, both positive and negative, which increase understanding of how antibodies perform. These could range from large studies with thousands of antibodies to small single figure studies which validate an individual antibody for a specific purpose. Opinion or Correspondence articles considering any aspect of antibody validation are also welcome. Here, we provide an introduction to the collection which we hope will grow and become a valuable resource for the many thousands of researchers who use antibodies.
Key Points in Program Planning and Realization
Authors: �������  , Makeeva Olga
Published: October 2014

Program management is an actively developing field of knowledge during

the last decades. The lack of programs� common understanding, distinguishing

features and at the same time the similar principles of program,

portfolio and project management, insufficient accounting program�s main

features, such as a large number of incoming interrelated and interdependent

projects, the need for two-level management (strategic and detailed

ones), creating and accumulating uncertainty due to a number of projects,

demand for program�s continuous adjustment according to changing conditions

of internal and external environment create the pool of problems

that affects the program planning quality. Slippage, budget overruns, loss of

strategic guidelines � all this lead to failure in achieving business objectives.

In this paper the program�s distinctive features have been analyzed, comparative

analysis of programs, projects, portfolios has been made, key

points of program planning have been identified. The main elements of

program plan have been defined with an accent on emerging difficulties

and key components. Possibilities of use of collected knowledge related to

projects and portfolios planning while creating the program plan have been

analyzed. The need for developing a new approach to program planning

with account of all program�s features has been revealed.
Ongoing Accumulative Criterion Assessment System For Students Of Main General Education
Authors: �������  , Volodin Aleksandr , �������  , Bykanov Anatoliy
Published: October 2014

The article considers ongoingcriterion assessment system for main general education students� formation of universal educational actions and subject

skills during the lesson.

Authors present a model of ongoing accumulative criterion assessment of main general education students; define contents, levels and scale of assessment

during a lesson; discuss issues of application technology for students� criterion scale based on teacher�s activity on embedding universal educational

actions and subject skills and implementation of lesson process charts. Presented material will allow teacher to perform objective assessment of

individual trajectory of each student�s formation of universal educational actions and subject skillsat each lesson and on every subject.
Didactic Conditions of Vocational On-Duty Training of Officers of Special Forces of Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Russian Federation
Authors: ���������  , Romanenko Inna
Published: October 2014

The article surveys didactic conditions of trainingofficers of Special Forces of RF Ministry of Internal Affairs (MIA) as part of their vocational on-duty training. The aim of the article is content-analysis of vocational on-duty training and prospects of organizingservice and operational training for officers of MIA. The relevance of the article is determined by establishingthe need to strengthen scientific component of all kinds of professional training of officers of MIA Special Forces.Service and operational training is considered a key factor of increasing professional competence of Special Forces officers, and of maintaining high level of personnel readiness for action in complex operational situations as well as the basis for successful solving of operational tasks. Moreover, the article includes propositions on didactic optimisation of MIA Special Forces officers� vocational on-duty training on the whole and service and operational training in particular.
Museum Pedagogics in the Context of Federal State Educational Standard of General Education (on the Example of the Museum n.a. Nicholas Roerich)
Authors: ����������  , Kozhemyakina Larisa
Published: October 2014

The article focuses on capabilities of museum pedagogy (regulated by the Federal State Educational Standard of General Education)as part of the culture

edifying paradigm aimed tocreate a new individual of culture able to perceive personal responsibility for universal cultural and human values, that

enable existence, unity, and evolution of humanity and provide the dialog of cultures, epochs, and nations.

The article reveals the importance of artistic, literary, and epistolary heritage of a famous Russian artist, public figure, philosopher, and historian of culture

� Nicholas Roerich. Artistic heritage of Nicholas Roerich is of particular relevance for modern education, as it points out the spiritual unity of sacred

images and symbols of the East and the West, sets international humanitarian and moral values, helps to comprehend the uniqueness of Russian culture

and cultures of the East.

The author surveys cultural and educational space of the Museum n.a. Nicholas Roerich as part of the complex educational model: the museum educational

Program �Dialog between cultures of the East and the West�. Mastering this Program will contribute to: building the basis of museum culture,

evolving personal need for interaction with works of art andartefacts in the educational space of the Museum; creating emotional and axiological attitude

towards artistic heritage of Nicholas Roerich; accumulating individual cultural experience based on realization of universal human values and

cultural symbols; developing historical consciousness based on understanding particular cultural and social evolutional milestones in the history of

humanity, which are of evolutionary importance for the future unity of mankind; establishing respectful and caring attitude towards both Russian and

Eastern religious and cultural traditions; creating an individual worldview as a system of universal cultural, spiritual and moral values.
Application of Information Resources for Effective Management of Educational Organization
Authors: ��������  , Nikolaev Mikhail
Published: October 2014

The article reviews components of information resource of an executive, which promote more effective educational organization management (legal

and organizational support of the information environment of the educational institution; hardware and software information environment for the

organization of teaching and ancillary staff�s activities in the medium itself, educational and methodological filling with informational and educational

resources). Software and hardware components of the information environment of the educational organization is represented by a list of automated

software systems and informational complex created for the electronic management of the organization and the effective interaction of educational

organization�s collective (NetSchool, �1C: 5 School Education", "Virtual School Cyril and Methodius", dnevnik.ru, DigitalEducation). The examples of informational

complexes for the heads of educational institutions can be: electronic resources on the topic of management of publishing firm "September",

expert-legal electronic system of "Education".
An Integrated Load-Planning Algorithm for Outbound Logistics at Webb Wheel
Authors: Keskin Burcu B. , Çapar İbrahim , Sox Charles R. , Freeman Nickolas K.
Published: October 2014

We present an integrated model for simultaneous optimization of the loading and routing decisions associated with an automotive supplier’s outbound supply chain. The supplier, Webb Wheel (WW), is a manufacturer of brake drums, rotors, hubs, and spoke wheels. WW accepts new orders from customers each day. Given sufficient inventory, it combines these orders into loads, releases them based on various dispatch criteria (e.g., truck-utilization, route-utilization, or penalty-based dispatch policies) and due-date considerations, and ships them in truckloads, less-than-truckloads, and containers. Dynamically changing demand information, inventory rationing, inventory interactions among orders, and lead-time considerations are some of the challenging aspects of the problem. Our optimization model is based on the decomposition of the problem into assignment and routing subproblems. The assignment subproblem determines the transportation mode and carrier choices, while considering total transportation costs. These costs depend on a variety of factors, including destination, number of drop locations on the route, and needs of customers on the route. Given the customer clusters and transportation modes from the assignment subproblem, the routing subproblem determines the sequence of drops and the true cost of the shipment using a modified traveling salesman problem. A scalable database with a graphical user interface supports the optimization model. We test our algorithm using four months of WW data and compare these data to the company’s practice. Our results demonstrate the impact of transportation mode-specific capacities, customer locations, inventory availabilities, and due-date restrictions on outbound logistics costs. Since implementing our load-planning algorithm, WW has achieved cost savings of 4.4 percent over its previous load-planning process.
Relieving Pressure: Optimizing Water Distribution Pressure Management at Valley of the Moon Water District
Authors: Wasserkrug Segev , Tsitkin Alexey , Zadorojniy Alexander
Published: October 2014

Efficiently managing pressure in a water distribution network is an issue for water utilities worldwide. Utilities must maintain a delicate balance between lowering the pressure as much as possible to reduce water loss and electricity usage, while keeping pressure high enough to maintain the required level of service. In this paper, we describe how we created and deployed an advanced decision support solution to help the Valley of the Moon Water District (VOMWD) in Sonoma County, California improve its pressure management. Our solution enables VOMWD to efficiently manage water pressure in its network and better handle the pressure changes resulting from seasonal variations in demand. It provides a comprehensive view of the pressure status in the network and incorporates a novel optimization algorithm and problem formulation, which efficiently solve a nonconvex optimization problem and provide recommendations for demand and input pressure changes in the network.

Following the deployment of our solution, VOMWD reduced the number of leaks and bursts by 16 percent compared to the previous year and by 19 percent compared to the average of the previous three years. Less quantifiable results included a reduction in pressure spikes and improvements in tank water levels and water turnover. Our solution has widespread applicability; therefore, we plan to use it to help water utilities worldwide significantly improve their pressure-management capabilities.
Early intervention: Policy and practice
Authors: Murphy Madeleine
Published: October 2014

Leaders from children's charities, the public sector and early years organisations gathered in London last month to discuss the way forward for early intervention.
Marcé Society conference: A practitioner's perspective
Authors: Hill Kristie
Published: October 2014

Kristie Hill attended the International Marcé Society Biennial Scientific Conference in Swansea, representing JHV in her role as newly qualified editorial board member. Here, she shares her experience of what she gained from the event.
The road to the future
Authors: Robinson Effie
Published: October 2014

As she reaches the end of her time as a SCPHN student, Effie Robinson reflects on the skills she has developed and looks forward to her future as a practising health visitor.
Patterns in Orthoptera biodiversity. I. Adaptations in ecological and evolutionary contexts
Authors: Bidau Claudio J.
Published: October 2014

The Orthoptera have inhabited the Earth for ca 300 million years and today include about 25,000 described species. Although orthopterans are mainly known to the general public by their most conspicuous species such as rangeland grasshoppers, locusts, katydids and crickets, they include an amazing diversity of forms and life-styles. In this review, I bring together a series of facts about orthopteran biology that demonstrate their enormous biodiversity, concentrating on ecological and evolutionary characteristics such as habitat variation, modes of feeding, defense mechanisms and phase transformation. In a second part of this review I will consider subjects of more direct human interest as their use as food, their importance in folk medicine and their role as entertainment.
Curating the Nation and the Hemisphere: Mexico and Brazil at the US Centennial Exposition, 1876
Authors: Manthorne Katherine
Published: October 2014

International expositions offer a lens for understanding the evolution of a national image. This article further posits that they provide common ground where new global partnerships can be forged. Specifically, it examines the 1876 Centennial Exposition in Philadelphia to demonstrate
how the joint presence of the President of the United States and the Emperor of Brazil at the opening ceremonies symbolized the western hemispheric perspective formulating in American identity politics during the late nineteenth century. Pan-American relationships between not only the United
States and Brazil, but also between the United States and Mexico, reverberated in multiple aspects of the exposition’s public dimension, and contributed to its success.
Mexican Art Today: Inés Amor, Henry Clifford and the Shifting Practices of Exhibiting Modern Mexican Art
Authors: Kaplan Rachel
Published: October 2014

In 1935, the Galería de Arte Mexicano opened in Mexico City to advance modern Mexican art. Director Inés Amor developed relationships in the United States to build a transnational network for her artists. Mexican Art Today, a 1943 exhibition at the Philadelphia Museum
of Art, highlights characteristics of Amor’s curatorial project. Collaborating with curator Henry Clifford, Amor assembled an exhibition that reframed modern Mexican art for US audiences, shifting attention from muralism to easel painting and presenting contemporary achievements without
historical and popular contextual examples. Studying Mexican Art Today elucidates the important role played by Amor in shaping the understanding of Mexican art in the United States.
Stockpiling Points in Linear Loyalty Programs
Authors: Stourm Valeria , Bradlow Eric T. , Fader Peter S.
Published: October 2014

Customers often stockpile reward points in linear loyalty programs (i.e., programs that do not explicitly reward stockpiling) despite several economic incentives against it (e.g., the time value of money). The authors develop a mathematical model of redemption choice that unites three explanations for why customers seem to be motivated to stockpile on their own, even though the retailer does not reward them for doing so. These motivations are economic (the value of forgone points), cognitive (nonmonetary transaction costs), and psychological (customers value points differently than cash). The authors capture the psychological motivation by allowing customers to book cash and point transactions in separate mental accounts. They estimate the model on data from an international retailer using Markov chain Monte Carlo methods and accurately forecast redemptions during an 11-month out-of-sample period. The results indicate substantial heterogeneity in how customers are motivated to redeem and suggest that the behavior in the data is driven mostly by cognitive and psychological incentives.
EPSAS and the Unification of Public Sector Accounting Across Europe
Authors: Mussari Riccardo
Published: October 2014

In March 2013, the EC started a project aimed at harmonizing accrual-based public sector accounting systems through a set of harmonized accrual-based public sector accounting standards. The entire project is based on the assumption that the “superiority of the accruals principle, whether for macro or micro fiscal monitoring, is indisputable” (
One-step processes for in situ transesterification to biodiesel and lutein extraction from microalgae Phaeodactylum using instant controlled pressure drop (DIC)
Authors: Kamal Ibtisam , Besombes Colette , Allaf Karim
Published: October 2014

A one-step biodiesel fabrication in situ transesterification (ISTE) process and a value adding to residual material through lutein extraction were defined in the case of microalgae Phaeodactylum. This work aims at intensifying these two processes, thus reducing energy consumption and manufacturing cost, using the well-known instant controlled pressure drop (DIC) as a thermomechanical pretreatment. A two factor central composite design (12 samples) was used to optimize DIC processing parameters, which were the saturated steam pressure and heating time. The responses (dependent variables) were defined from the lipid extraction, the ISTE and the lutein extraction. Lipids and biodiesel, the mono-alkyl fatty acid methyl esters (FAMEs) were isolated and analyzed using an Iatroscan Thin-layer chromatography (TLC)-flame ionization detector (FID) instrument. Lutein extraction utilized an alcoholic mixture. The isolated lutein was identified by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The overall results confirmed the importance of these DIC parameters and that the saturated steam pressure was the most significant parameter. Under optimized conditions, it led to an increase of about 27% in total lipids and more than 75% in FAMEs yield, as well as twice more lutein extractability, both compared with the untreated raw material.
Synergetic Effects of Pulsed Electric Field and Ozone Treatments on the Degradation of High Molecular Weight Chitosan
Authors: Dan Guo , Zhang Zhi Hong , Zeng Xin An , Han Zhong , Luo Wen Bo , Tang Chao , Quek Siew Young
Published: October 2014

A synergetic method integrating both pulsed electric field (PEF) and ozone treatment was developed as a novel approach to investigate the degradation of high molecular weight chitosan (M
w=4.5×105 Da). A device integrating both components was designed and assembled for the experiments. Results showed that the highest degradation percentage of chitosan was achieved with PEF/ozone co-treatment generated at experimental conditions of 1.2 L/min of ozone flow rate, 100 mL/min of 0.6% (w/v) chitosan solution flow rate, and 26.7 kV/cm of PEF intensity. The degradation percentage after 60 min PEF treatment was 24.89%, whereas it was improved to 94.89% by ozone treatment for 60 min. Combining the two treatments resulted in enhanced degradation percentage of 99.56%, with low molecular weights sample (M
w<2,500 Da) obtained. FTIR analysis demonstrated that the amide structure of the degradation products was minimally affected by the co-treatment. XRD pattern indicated that the crystallinity of the degradation products decreased. In addition, it could complete dissolve in water after 60 min PEF/ozone co-treatment. These results demonstrated the synergetic PEF/ozone co-treatment as an effective method for degradation of high molecular weight chitosan.
Evaluation of a novel skin tone meter and the correlation between Fitzpatrick skin type and skin color
Authors: Ash Caerwyn , Town Godfrey , Bjerring Peter , Webster Samuel
Published: October 2014

Background and objective:

To evaluate a novel skin tone meter (STM) to categorize skin tones into one of the six categories of the Fitzpatrick skin type (FST) classification system, thus optimizing safety in light-based dermatological procedures. This numerical classification method measures several components; principally the reaction of human skin to ultraviolet (UV) light exposure, which is used to help predict skin response in laser and intense pulsed light (IPL) treatments.

Materials and methods:

Two-hundred twenty volunteers of varying ethnic origin, age and gender were enrolled in a preliminary study. The subjects’ Fitzpatrick skin type was ascertained by a standardized questionnaire that determined their reaction to significant sunlight exposure. A calibrated prototype STM device (consisting of an optical head at 460 nm, detector, microprocessor, and a liquid crystal display) was used to measure the subjects’ inner arm skin; which typically has little UV exposure and minimal hair, and compared the obtained value with measurements taken from a skin color chart and digital photographs. To evaluate device performance (within subject) across different skin states, a section of skin from the inner arm of a sub-group of eight volunteers was marked into test areas using a template. The skin in each area was then prepared (

Results:

There was a consistent trend between the STM prototype and the assessed skin tone derived from a proprietary skin color chart against the measurement on skin across a range of skin conditions.

Conclusion:

The presented preliminary study demonstrated the subjective nature of the FST classification system and the weakness of skin tone self-assessment by an individual, as judged by expert assessors. The FST classification requires an objective measurement to replace the textual description for each skin tone. It may significantly decrease the risk of potential side effects through overtreatment, and extend treatment to a wider patient population with light-based dermatological procedures.
Thermal, mechanical and tribological properties of polyamide 6 matrix composites containing different carbon nanofillers
Authors: Khun Nay Win , Feng Cheng Henry Kuo , Li Lin , Liu Erjia
Published: October 2014

Polyamide 6 (PA6) matrix composites were prepared by incorporating multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) or by co-incorporating MWCNTs and carbon black (CB) of different contents. The thermal, mechanical and tribological properties of the composites were investigated using thermogravimetric analysis, nano-indentation, ball-on-disc micro-tribological test and micro-scratch test. It was found that a proper carbon filler content in the composites promoted the thermal stability of the composites, but an excessive loading of carbon fillers degraded the thermal stability of the composites. Although the hardness of the composites decreased with increased carbon filler content, the composites filled with mixed MWCNTs and CB had a higher load bearing capacity than the ones without CB. The tribological results indicated that the increased carbon filler content apparently lowered the friction coefficient of the composites due to the lubricating effect of the carbon fillers. It was also observed that the friction coefficients of the PA6-MWCNT-CB composites were consistently higher than those of the PA6-MWCNT composites due to the lower wear resistance of the PA6-MWCNT-CB composites. The scratch resistance of the composites decreased with increased carbon filler content due to the reduced cohesive strength of the composites.
Mechanical properties of PVDF-coated fabric under tensile tests
Authors: Ambroziak Andrzej
Published: October 2014

This article describes the laboratory tests necessary to identify the mechanical properties of the polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF)-coated fabrics named Precontraint 1202S and Precontraint 1302S. First, a short survey of the literature concerning the description of coated woven fabrics is presented. Second, the material parameters for PVDF-coated fabrics are specified on the basis of biaxial tensile tests. A comparison of the 1:1 biaxial and the uniaxial tensile tests results is also given. Additionally, biaxial cyclic tests were performed to observe the change of immediate mechanical properties under cyclic load. The article is aimed as an introduction to a comprehensive investigation of the mechanical properties of coated fabrics.
NMDA receptor activity determines neuronal fate: location or number?
Authors: Zhou Xianju , Chen Zhouyou , Yun Wenwei , Wang Hongbing
Published: October 2014

It is widely believed that the proper activation of N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptors (NMDARs) promotes neuronal survival, whereas an excessive activation of NMDARs leads to neuronal damage. NMDARs are found at both synaptic and extrasynaptic sites. One current prevailing theory proposes the dichotomy of NMDAR activity. The role of the two population receptors is mutual antagonism. The activation of synaptic NMDARs, such as synaptic activity at physiological levels, promotes neuronal survival. However, the activation of extrasynaptic NMDARs occurring during stroke, brain injury, and chronic neurological diseases contributes to neuronal death. Thus, the location of NMDARs determines the neuronal fate. However, the theory is greatly challenged. Several studies suggested that synaptic NMDARs are involved in neuronal death. Recently, our work further showed that the coactivation of synaptic and extrasynaptic NMDARs contributes to neuronal death under neuronal insults. Therefore, we propose that the magnitude and duration of NMDAR activation determines the neuronal fate. More interestingly, there appears to be some subtle differences in the affinity between synaptic and extrasynaptic NMDARs, shedding light on the development of selective drugs to block extrasynaptic NMDARs.
Robust methods to detect disease-genotype association in genetic association studies: calculate p-values using exact conditional enumeration instead of simulated permutations or asymptotic approximations
Authors: Langaas Mette , Bakke Øyvind
Published: October 2014

In genetic association studies, detecting disease-genotype association is a primary goal. We study seven robust test statistics for such association when the underlying genetic model is unknown, for data on disease status (case or control) and genotype (three genotypes of a biallelic genetic marker). In such studies,
Die Richtlinie über Wohnimmobilienkreditverträge für Verbraucher
Authors: Schürnbrand Jan
Published: October 2014

Grundpfandrechtlich gesicherte Darlehensverträge weisen rechtstatsächlich gewichtige Besonderheiten auf und sind daher vom Anwendungsbereich der allgemeinen Verbraucherkreditrichtlinie ausgenommen. Zur Schließung der dadurch verbliebenen Lücke wurde am 4. 2. 2014 die Richtlinie über Wohnimmobilienkreditverträge verabschiedet. Der folgende Beitrag analysiert Hintergrund und Inhalt dieses Rechtsakts, der im Vergleich zur Verbraucherkreditrichtlinie bemerkenswerte Kontinuitäten wie Diskontinuitäten aufweist.
Das Verbot von Eigengeschäften für Banken – eine rechtsvergleichende Analyse
Authors: Kumpan Christoph
Published: October 2014

Der Beitrag unterzieht die neuen Regelungen im KWG über das Verbot von Eigengeschäften und von Kredit- und Garantiegeschäften mit Hedgefonds einer kritischen Analyse. Dabei werden die neuen Abschirmungsbestimmungen im Vereinigten Königreich und die US-amerikanische Volcker Rule mit den sie konkretisierenden Ausführungsbestimmungen, die vor kurzem veröffentlicht wurden, sowie der entsprechende Vorschlag der Europäischen Kommission rechtsvergleichend in den Blick genommen. Die Ausführungen zeigen, dass die Argumente für die Abtrennung des Eigengeschäfts bzw. für ein Verbot von Eigengeschäften nicht ausreichen. Sieht man aber dennoch ein Verbot bzw. eine Abtrennung von Eigengeschäften als notwendig an, so ist die gegenwärtige Regelung in Deutschland unbefriedigend. Zum einen sind die US-amerikanischen und englischen Regelungen von ihrer generellen Konzeption her überzeugender. Zum anderen ergeben sich bei den neuen deutschen Regelungen – ebenso wie auch bei den neuen US-amerikanischen Vorschriften – erhebliche Abgrenzungsschwierigkeiten und Unklarheiten.
5 Jahre Zahlungsdiensteaufsichtsgesetz – Reform der Zahlungsdiensterichtlinie
Authors: Terlau Matthias
Published: October 2014

Der nachfolgende Beitrag befasst sich aus Anlass des fünfjährigen Bestehens des ZAG und vor dem Hintergrund der gegenwärtigen europäischen Reformbestrebungen mit dessen Anwendungsbereich. Dabei steht im Fokus die Reichweite der beiden Ausnahmebestimmungen des Handelsvertreters und des beschränkten Netzes.
Soil Ecosystem Services in Loblolly Pine Plantations 15 Years after Harvest, Compaction, and Vegetation Control
Authors: Scott D. Andrew , Eaton Robert J. , Foote Julie A. , Vierra Benjamin , Boutton Thomas W. , Blank Gary B. , Johnsen Kurt
Published: October 2014

Site productivity has long been identified as the primary ecosystem service to be sustained in timberlands. However, soil C sequestration and ecosystem biodiversity have emerged as critical services provided by managed forest soils that must also be sustained. These ecosystem services were assessed in response to gradients of organic matter removal, soil compaction, and noncrop vegetation control on the thirteen 15‐yr‐old sites of the international Long‐Term Soil Productivity (LTSP) study located in North Carolina, Mississippi, Louisiana, and Texas in the Atlantic and Gulf coastal plains of the southern United States. Whole‐tree harvesting without removing the forest floor reduced tree volume at one site while removing the forest floor to achieve maximum nutrient removals reduced stand volume by 7% overall. Conversely, soil compaction increased pine volume production by 10% overall. Vegetation control increased pine stand volume production by 46% overall. Mineral soil C storage in the surface 0.3 m was similar overall regardless of treatment. Soil compaction and organic matter removal did not alter overall woody species richness or Shannon's Index of diversity. Overall, these results suggest that biomass harvesting and intensive organic matter removal from southern pine stands has limited and site‐specific effects on three soil ecosystem services: timber volume production, mineral soil C storage, and woody plant diversity.
Effect of Soil Matric Potential on Urea Hydrolysis
Authors: Garcia Fernando O. , Kissel David E. , Cabrera Miguel L.
Published: October 2014

Soil water availability affects NH3 loss from surface applied urea, partly due to its influence on urea hydrolysis rates. However, the quantitative effects of soil water on hydrolysis rates are not well understood. Our objective was to quantify how soil matric potential affects urea hydrolysis rates across a wide range of soil matric potentials. Urea hydrolysis rates were measured based on disappearance of urea at various soil water potentials in soils limed to a pH of 8.2 to eliminate confounding by soil pH. Urea‐N was applied on a soil mass basis (1200 μg urea‐N g−1 soil, 0.2–2.4 mol urea L−1) in Exp. I and at a constant urea‐N soil solution concentration of 40,000 μg urea‐N g−1 soil solution (1.43 mol urea L−1) in Exp. II. Differences in relative rates of urea hydrolysis between both experiments suggested that in Exp. I there was a confounding effect of urea‐N solution concentration on the response of urea hydrolysis to soil matric potential. In Exp. I, relative rates of hydrolysis changed little at intermediate soil matric potentials between −0.1 and −1.0 MPa because urea‐N concentration in solution increased as matric potential decreased. In Exp. II, relative rates were greatest at the highest matric potentials (>−0.24 MPa) and decreased more rapidly as matric potential decreased, approaching zero at a matric potential of approximately −10 MPa. These results also suggest that research to describe urea hydrolysis rates as affected by soil water content should be based on urea‐N concentrations in soil solution and not urea‐N concentrations on a soil mass basis.
Leadership: Validation of a Self-Report Scale: Comment on Dussault, Frenette, and Fernet (2013)
Authors: Chakrabarty Subhra
Published: October 2014

In a recent study, Dussault, Frenette, and Fernet (2013) developed a 21-item self-report instrument to measure leadership based on Bass's (1985) transformational/transactional leadership paradigm. The final specification included a third-order dimension (leadership), two second-order dimensions (transactional leadership and transformational leadership), and a first-order dimension ( laissezfaire leadership). This note focuses on the need for assessing convergent and discriminant validity of the scale, and on ruling out the potential for common method bias.
Perceptually-Oriented Hypnosis: Removing a Socially Learned Pathology and Developing Adequacy: The Case of Invisible Girl
Authors: Woodard Fredrick James
Published: October 2014

This is the first case review to explicate perceptual hypnotic principles such as differentiation, characteristics of an adequate personality, and the need for adequacy, as utilized in clinical hypnosis in a complex case that altered the distorted perceptions and personal meanings of an eleven-year-old girl who believed that she had Bipolar Disorder and her body and mind were damaged. This qualitative case study examines aspects of hypnosis during therapy from a perceptual point of view to illustrate frustrations in difficult cases and identify some of the causes and origins of alleged clinical pathology in adverse environments. Some moments of effective self-healing through supporting internally controlled changes in perception during hypnotic experiencing are highlighted rather than externally focusing on observed thoughts and behavior. Factors relevant to social psychological research, such as family dynamics, poverty, and interactions with social service agencies and institutions, creating learned pathology, are pointed out for future research.
Constraints of Recreational Sport Participation: Measurement Invariance and Latent Mean Differences across Sex and Physical Activity Status
Authors: Liu Jing Dong , Chung Pak Kwong , Chen Wing Ping
Published: October 2014

The purpose of the current study was to (a) examine the measurement invariance of the Constraint Scale of Sport Participation across sex and physical activity status among the undergraduate students ( N = 630) in Hong Kong and (b) compare the latent mean differences across groups. Measurement invariance of the Constraint Scale of Sport Participation across sex of and physical activity status of the participants was examined first. With receiving support on the measurement invariance across groups, latent mean differences of the scores across groups were examined. Multi-group confirmatory factor analysis revealed that the configural, metric, scalar, and structural invariance of the scale was supported across groups. The results of latent mean differences suggested that the women reported significantly higher constraints on time, partner, psychology, knowledge, and interest than the men. The physically inactive participants reported significantly higher scores on all constraints except for accessibility than the physically active participants.
The Use of Sequential Extraction for Assessing Environmental Risks of Waste Incineration Bottom Ash/Wykorzystanie Ekstrakcji Sekwencyjnej Do Oceny Zagrożeń Dla Środowiska Powodowanych Przez Żużle I Popioły Z
Authors: Wielgosiński Grzegorz , Wasiak Dorota , Zawadzka Alicja
Published: October 2014

Thermal treatment of waste is one of the ways of their processing. It is commonly used in most developed countries of the European Union. Major by-products of the combustion processes are slag and bottom ash. In the majority of EU countries bottom ash and slag are used as a priming for road construction. In Poland slag and bottom ash from incineration process are stabilized with the addition of cement and some polymers and are landfilled as wastes. In accordance to Polish law, depending on the leaching of heavy metals from fly ash and slag after thermal treatment of waste can be regarded as both hazardous and non-hazardous wastes. At present work sequential extraction methods described in the literature: Tessier’s method, van Herck’s method and BCR method were compared experimentally with the results of using Swiss standard TVA.SA.1991 and European standard EN 12457 and total concentration of metals in sample analyzed after complete digestion of sample. The study sample was bottom ash from the medical waste incineration plant.
Influence of Microwave Pre-Treatment on the Digestion and Higienisation of Waste Activated Sludge/Wpływ Dezintegracji Mikrofalowej Na Proces Fermentacji Oraz Higienizacji Nadmiernych Osadów Ściekowych
Authors: Bohdziewicz Jolanta , Kuglarz Mariusz , Grűbel Klaudiusz
Published: October 2014

The article presents the results of determining the most appropriate conditions of microwave sludge pre-treatment (500-1200 W), prior to its anaerobic digestion in a continuous mode. The assessment of the pre-treatment conditions (microwave power, sludge temperature after pre-treatment) was based on: the release of organic (COD, protein) and inorganic (NH4
+, PO4
3-) substances into liquid, the quantity of methane produced, sludge higienisation and the susceptibility of the pre-treated sludge to dewatering. The power of the microwaves applied did not play significant role on the pre-treatment effectiveness. Taking into account the fact that sludge pre-treatment by microwave irradiation requires the delivery of energy, the pre-treatment by microwaves of higher power (1200 W) and resulting in sludge temperature of 70°C was recommended for further experiments. Sludge pre-treatment by means of microwave irradiation as a pre-treatment step influenced the effectiveness of the subsequent anaerobic digestion, conducted in continuous conditions, in a positive way. The largest amount of biogas was obtained for HRT in the range of 15-20 days. As compared to the sludge which did not undergo pre-treatment, daily biogas production and biogas yield increased by 18-41% and 13-35% respectively. The combination of microwave pre-treatment and mesophilic anaerobic digestion ensured the elimination of pathogens (Salmonella spp., Escherichia coli).
The Impact of Combustion Technology of Sewage Sludge on Mobility of Heavy Metals in Sewage Sludge Ash/Wpływ Technologii Spalania Komunalnych Osadów Ściekowych Na Mobilność Metali Ciężkich Z Popiołów
Authors: Latosińska Jolanta , Gawdzik Jarosław
Published: October 2014

Sewage sludge ashes from grate furnace and fluidized bed furnace were used in this research. This research was carried out to investigate the impact of combustion technology on sewage sludge speciation of heavy metals from sewage sludge ash. This was achieved by conducting a sequential chemical extraction procedure Community Bureau Reference (BCR). This study indicated that heavy metals in sewage sludge ash were dominant in immobile fractions. Moreover, it was stated that the combustion technology of sewage sludge did not have a significant influence on the mobility of heavy metals in ashes