bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Non-Equilibrium Thermodynamic Analysis of Double Diffusive, Nanofluid Forced Convection in Catalytic Microreactors with Radiation Effects
Authors: Govone Lilian , Torabi Mohsen , Hunt Graeme , Karimi Nader
Published: December 2017

This paper presents a theoretical investigation of the second law performance of double diffusive forced convection in microreactors with the inclusion of nanofluid and radiation effects. The investigated microreactors consist of a single microchannel, fully filled by a porous medium. The transport of heat and mass are analysed by including the thick walls and a first order, catalytic chemical reaction on the internal surfaces of the microchannel. Two sets of thermal boundary conditions are considered on the external surfaces of the microchannel; (1) constant temperature and (2) constant heat flux boundary condition on the lower wall and convective boundary condition on the upper wall. The local thermal non-equilibrium approach is taken to thermally analyse the porous section of the system. The mass dispersion equation is coupled with the transport of heat in the nanofluid flow through consideration of Soret effect. The problem is analytically solved and illustrations of the temperature fields, Nusselt number, total entropy generation rate and performance evaluation criterion (PEC) are provided. It is shown that the radiation effect tends to modify the thermal behaviour within the porous section of the system. The radiation parameter also reduces the overall temperature of the system. It is further demonstrated that, expectedly, the nanoparticles reduce the temperature of the system and increase the Nusselt number. The total entropy generation rate and consequently PEC shows a strong relation with radiation parameter and volumetric concentration of nanoparticles.
Optimal Design of a Novel Hybrid Electric Powertrain for Tracked Vehicles
Authors: Qin Zhaobo , Luo Yugong , Li Keqiang , Peng Huei
Published: December 2017

Tracked vehicles have been widely used in construction, agriculture, and the military. Major problems facing the industry, however, are high emissions and fuel consumption. Hybrid electric tracked vehicles have thus become increasingly popular because of their improved fuel economy and reduced emissions. While the series hybrid system has drawn the most attention and has been applied in most cases, the low efficiency caused by energy conversion losses and large propulsion motors has limited its development. A novel multi-mode powertrain with two output shafts controlling each side of the track independently is first proposed. The powertrain is a three-planetary-gear power-split system with one engine, three motors, and an ultracapacitor pack. Compared with the existing technologies, the proposed powertrain can realize skid steering without an extra steering mechanism, and significantly improve the overall efficiency. To demonstrate the advantages of the novel powertrain, a topology-control-size integrated optimization problem is solved based on drivability, fuel economy, and cost. Final simulation results show that the optimized design with downsized components can produce about a 30% improvement in drivability and a 15% improvement in fuel economy compared with the commonly used series hybrid benchmark. Moreover, the optimized design is verified to be much more economical taking cumulative cost into account, which is very attractive for potential industrial applications in the future.
Electrical-Loss Analysis of Power-Split Hybrid Electric Vehicles
Authors: Bonfiglio Andrea , Lanzarotto Damiano , Marchesoni Mario , Passalacqua Massimiliano , Procopio Renato , Repetto Matteo
Published: December 2017

The growing development of hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) has seen the spread of architectures with transmission based on planetary gear train, realized thanks to two electric machines. This architecture, by continuously regulating the transmission ratio, allows the internal combustion engine (ICE) to work in optimal conditions. On the one hand, the average ICE efficiency is increased thanks to better loading situations, while, on the other hand, electrical losses are introduced due to the power circulation between the two electrical machines mentioned above. The aim of this study is then to accurately evaluate electrical losses and the average ICE efficiency in various operating conditions and over different road missions. The models used in this study are presented for both the Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) architecture and the Discontinuously Variable Transmission (DVT) architecture. In addition, efficiency maps of the main components are shown. Finally, the simulation results are presented to point out strengths and weaknesses of the CVT architecture.
Brexit and Article 50 of the Treaty of the European Union: Implications for UK Energy Policy and Security
Authors: Ifelebuegu Augustine , Aidelojie Kenneth , Acquah-Andoh Elijah
Published: December 2017

This paper articulates the potential implications of Brexit on energy policy and security in the United Kingdom (UK). Given the uncertainties associated with the decision to leave the European Union (EU), the need to consider its potential effects on the UK’s energy sector becomes even more pertinent. Through the lens of a few widely reviewed trade regimes in the light of Brexit, it can be observed that while UK energy policies are unlikely to change drastically, Brexit nevertheless threatens the UK’s capacity to safeguard its energy supply. The uncertainties following Brexit could arguably starve the UK’s upstream petroleum, electricity, and renewable energy sectors of their required investments. Both short and long-term impacts could result in UK residents paying more per unit of energy consumed in a “hard Brexit” scenario, where the UK exits the Internal Energy Market (IEM) and must trade with the EU under World Trade Organisation rules. While a hard Brexit could aid the growth of the nascent shale gas industry, a negotiated withdrawal that includes some form of access to the IEM (a “soft Brexit”) would be more beneficial for the future of energy security in the UK.
Oil Impregnated Pressboard Barrier Systems Based on Ester Fluids for an Application in HVDC Insulation Systems
Authors: Rumpelt Patrick , Jenau Frank
Published: December 2017

Ester-based insulation fluids are being increasingly used in high-voltage insulation systems. The reasons are the advantages in the area of ecological compatibility and resource-saving provision. The intention to use ester-based insulation fluids in high voltage direct current (HVDC) equipment is new. The major challenge in designing the HVDC insulation system is, that the systems do not only experience an alternating voltage, but also a direct voltage Offset. This presents a challenge to predict the electric field distribution. For this purpose, basic investigations are carried out in the form of conductivity investigations for various insulation barrier systems. In addition, a mineral oil serves as a reference oil for estimating existing insights. The results show the influence of the ester-based insulating liquids on the direct current (DC) conductivity for basic arrangements, consisting of pressboard barriers and mixed insulations.
The Impact of Urban Design Descriptors on Outdoor Thermal Environment: A Literature Review
Authors: Lin Pingying , Gou Zhonghua , Lau Stephen Siu-Yu , Qin Hao
Published: December 2017

This paper presents a literature review on urban design indicators addressing the impact of urban geometry and vegetation on the outdoor thermal environment at the pedestrian level, as urban geometry and vegetation have been regarded as the most influential urban design factors that affect outdoor microclimate. The thermal balance concept is first introduced to elaborate how each component of energy fluxes is affected by the urban built environment, which helps to explore the underlying thermophysical mechanisms of how urban design modifies the outdoor thermal environment. The literature on numerous urban design descriptors addressing urban geometric characteristics is categorized into five groups in this paper according to the design features that the parameters entail, including land use intensity, building form, canyon geometry, space enclosure and descriptive characteristics. The literature on urban vegetation descriptors is reviewed together, followed by the combined effect of urban geometry and vegetation. This paper identifies a series of important urban design parameters and shows that the impact of design parameters on thermal environment varies with time, season, local climate and urban contexts. Contradictory impacts often occur between daytime and nighttime, or different seasons, which requests trade-offs to be achieved when proposing design strategies.
Requirements for Efficient Thiosulfate Oxidation in Bradyrhizobium diazoefficiens
Authors: Masuda Sachiko , Hennecke Hauke , Fischer Hans-Martin
Published: December 2017

One of the many disparate lifestyles of Bradyrhizobium diazoefficiens is chemolithotrophic growth with thiosulfate as an electron donor for respiration. The employed carbon source may be CO2 (autotrophy) or an organic compound such as succinate (mixotrophy). Here, we discovered three new facets of this capacity: (i) When thiosulfate and succinate were consumed concomitantly in conditions of mixotrophy, even a high molar excess of succinate did not exert efficient catabolite repression over the use of thiosulfate. (ii) Using appropriate cytochrome mutants, we found that electrons derived from thiosulfate during chemolithoautotrophic growth are preferentially channeled via cytochrome c550 to the aa3-type heme-copper cytochrome oxidase. (iii) Three genetic regulators were identified to act at least partially in the expression control of genes for chemolithoautotrophic thiosulfate oxidation: RegR and CbbR as activators, and SoxR as a repressor.
Evaluation of Traffic Density Parameters as an Indicator of Vehicle Emission-Related Near-Road Air Pollution: A Case Study with NEXUS Measurement Data on Black Carbon
Authors: Liu Shi , Chen Fu-Lin , Xue Jianping
Published: December 2017

An important factor in evaluating health risk of near-road air pollution is to accurately estimate the traffic-related vehicle emission of air pollutants. Inclusion of traffic parameters such as road length/area, distance to roads, and traffic volume/intensity into models such as land use regression (LUR) models has improved exposure estimation. To better understand the relationship between vehicle emissions and near-road air pollution, we evaluated three traffic density-based indices: Major-Road Density (MRD), All-Traffic Density (ATD) and Heavy-Traffic Density (HTD) which represent the proportions of major roads, major road with annual average daily traffic (AADT), and major road with commercial annual average daily traffic (CAADT) in a buffered area, respectively. We evaluated the potential of these indices as vehicle emission-specific near-road air pollutant indicators by analyzing their correlation with black carbon (BC), a marker for mobile source air pollutants, using measurement data obtained from the Near-road Exposures and Effects of Urban Air Pollutants Study (NEXUS). The average BC concentrations during a day showed variations consistent with changes in traffic volume which were classified into high, medium, and low for the morning rush hours, the evening rush hours, and the rest of the day, respectively. The average correlation coefficients between BC concentrations and MRD, ATD, and HTD, were 0.26, 0.18, and 0.48, respectively, as compared with −0.31 and 0.25 for two commonly used traffic indicators: nearest distance to a major road and total length of the major road. HTD, which includes only heavy-duty diesel vehicles in its traffic count, gives statistically significant correlation coefficients for all near-road distances (50, 100, 150, 200, 250, and 300 m) that were analyzed. Generalized linear model (GLM) analyses show that season, traffic volume, HTD, and distance from major roads are highly related to BC measurements. Our analyses indicate that traffic density parameters may be more specific indicators of near-road BC concentrations for health risk studies. HTD is the best index for reflecting near-road BC concentrations which are influenced mainly by the emissions of heavy-duty diesel engines.
Physicochemical and Antimicrobial Characterization of Beeswax–Starch Food-Grade Nanoemulsions Incorporating Natural Antimicrobials
Authors: Arredondo-Ochoa Teresita , García-Almendárez Blanca , Escamilla-García Monserrat , Martín-Belloso Olga , Rossi-Márquez Giovanna , Medina-Torres Luis , Regalado-González Carlos
Published: December 2017

Nanoemulsions are feasible delivery systems of lipophilic compounds, showing potential as edible coatings with enhanced functional properties. The aim of this work was to study the effect of emulsifier type (stearic acid (SA), Tween 80 (T80) or Tween 80/Span 60 (T80/S60)) and emulsification process (homogenization, ultrasound or microfluidization) on nanoemulsion formation based on oxidized corn starch, beeswax (BW) and natural antimicrobials (lauric arginate and natamycin). The response variables were physicochemical properties, rheological behavior, wettability and antimicrobial activity of BW–starch nanoemulsions (BW–SN). The BW–SN emulsified using T80 and microfluidized showed the lowest droplet size (77.6 ± 6.2 nm), a polydispersion index of 0.4 ± 0.0 and whiteness index (WI) of 31.8 ± 0.8. This BW–SN exhibited a more negative ζ-potential: −36 ± 4 mV, and Newtonian flow behavior, indicating great stability. BW–SN antimicrobial activity was not affected by microfluidization nor the presence of T80, showing inhibition of the deteriorative fungi R. stolonifer, C. gloeosporioides and B. cinerea, and the pathogenic bacterium S. Saintpaul. In addition, regardless of emulsifier type and emulsification process, BW–SN applied on the tomato surface exhibited low contact angles (38.5° to 48.6°), resulting in efficient wettability (−7.0 mN/m to −8.9 mN/m). These nanoemulsions may be useful to produce edible coatings to preserve fresh-produce quality and safety.
Identification of Novel Human NK Cell Progenitor Subsets
Authors: Sathe Priyanka , Pang Swee , Delconte Rebecca , Elwood Ngaire , Huntington Nicholas
Published: December 2017

Understanding the pathways and regulation of human haematopoiesis, in particular, lymphopoiesis, is vital to manipulation of these processes for therapeutic purposes. However, although haematopoiesis has been extensively characterised in mice, translation of these findings to human biology remains rudimentary. Here, we describe the isolation of three progenitor subsets from human foetal bone marrow that represent differential stages of commitment to the natural killer (NK) cell lineage based on IL-15 responsiveness. We identify CD7 as a marker of IL-15 responsive progenitors in human bone marrow and find that this expression is maintained throughout commitment and maturation. Within the CD7+ fraction, we focussed on the lineage potential of three subsets based on CD127 and CD117 expression and observed restricted lymphoid and biased NK cell potential amongst subsets. We further demonstrate the presence of subsets similar in both phenotype and function in umbilical cord blood and the bone marrow of humanised mice, validating these as appropriate sources of progenitors for the investigation of human haematopoiesis. Overall, we describe several stages in the process of lymphopoiesis that will form the basis of investigating the regulators of this process in humans.
Identification and Expression Profiling of the Auxin Response Factors in Capsicum annuum L. under Abiotic Stress and Hormone Treatments
Authors: Yu Chenliang , Zhan Yihua , Feng Xuping , Huang Zong-An , Sun Chendong
Published: December 2017

Auxin response factors (ARFs) play important roles in regulating plant growth and development and response to environmental stress. An exhaustive analysis of the CaARF family was performed using the latest publicly available genome for pepper (Capsicum annuum L.). In total, 22 non-redundant CaARF gene family members in six classes were analyzed, including chromosome locations, gene structures, conserved motifs of proteins, phylogenetic relationships and Subcellular localization. Phylogenetic analysis of the ARFs from pepper (Capsicum annuum L.), tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.), Arabidopsis and rice (Oryza sativa L.) revealed both similarity and divergence between the four ARF families, and aided in predicting biological functions of the CaARFs. Furthermore, expression profiling of CaARFs was obtained in various organs and tissues using quantitative real-time RT-PCR (qRT-PCR). Expression analysis of these genes was also conducted with various hormones and abiotic treatments using qRT-PCR. Most CaARF genes were regulated by exogenous hormone treatments at the transcriptional level, and many CaARF genes were altered by abiotic stress. Systematic analysis of CaARF genes is imperative to elucidate the roles of CaARF family members in mediating auxin signaling in the adaptation of pepper to a challenging environment.
Ophthalmic Formulation Containing Nilvadipine Nanoparticles Prevents Retinal Dysfunction in Rats Injected with Streptozotocin
Authors: Deguchi Saori , Otake Hiroko , Nakazawa Yosuke , Hiramatsu Noriko , Yamamoto Naoki , Nagai Noriaki
Published: December 2017

Retinopathy leads to irreparable vision loss via capillary closure and areas of nonperfusion. However, the current instillation systems do not allow a sufficient amount of drug required to treat retinopathy to reach the posterior segment (retina); therefore, a new formulation targeting the posterior segment is expected as therapy for retinopathy. We prepared ophthalmic formulations containing nilvadipine nanoparticles (NILnano), and demonstrated whether the instillation of NILnano can prevent retinal dysfunction in rats injected with excessive streptozotocin (STZ rats) in this study. NILnano (mean particle size, 77 nm) was prepared by wet bead mill treatment, with the inclusion of various additives (2-hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin, benzalkonium chloride, d-mannitol, and methylcellulose). Retinal dysfunction was observable two weeks after rats received intraperitoneal injections of streptozotocin (100 mg/kg × 2, consecutive days, STZ rat). Changes in retinal function were evaluated by electroretinogram (ERG) and immunological methods. The retinal thickness, measured as the distance between the ganglion cell layer and the distal border of the outer nuclear layer, increased two weeks after the injection of streptozotocin, resulting in decreases in the levels of a-waves, b-waves, and oscillatory potential amplitudes in ERG of rats. The instillation of NILnano allowed the topical supplement of nilvadipine into the retina, and repeated instillation of NILnano (2 times/day) attenuated the retinal disorders led by the excessive streptozotocin. In conclusion, we found that retinal dysfunction in rats injected with streptozotocin can be prevented by the NILnano instillation. These results are useful in further studies aimed at the therapeutic treatment of retinopathy.
Serum Levels of S100b and NSE Proteins in Patients with Non-Transfusion-Dependent Thalassemia as Biomarkers of Brain Ischemia and Cerebral Vasculopathy
Authors: Kanavaki Aikaterini , Spengos Konstantinos , Moraki Maria , Delaporta Polyxeni , Kariyannis Catherine , Papassotiriou Ioannis , Kattamis Antonis
Published: December 2017

Patients with non-transfusion-dependent thalassemia (NTDT) are at risk of developing brain ischemia. Transcranial Doppler (TCD) has been established as a useful screening tool of cerebrovascular disease in patients with sickle cell disease. Proteins neuron specific enolase (NSE) and S100B are biomarkers that reflect CNS injury. The purpose of this study is to evaluate cerebral vessel vasculopathy and brain damage in NTDT patients using non-invasive methods as TCD and measurement serum levels of NSE and S100B. We included in our study 30 patients with NTDT, aged between 8 and 62 years old (mean: 29.4, median: 32) who presented in our Unit for regular follow-up. We performed in all patients a non-imaging TCD examination and have measured serum S100, NSE and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) levels. We investigated the possible correlation between TCD results and S100B, NSE and LDH levels as well as between NSE-LDH and S100B-LDH levels by regression analysis. We found a statistically significant relationship for both NSE, S100B with LDH. We also found a statistically significant relationship for S100B and time-averaged mean velocity (TAMV)/peak velocity of left middle cerebral artery (MCA), NSE and pulsatility index (PI)/resistive index (RI) of the left posterior cerebral artery (PCA). TCD results correlated with biomarkers for brain ischemia. This finding enhances the role of TCD as a screening tool for brain ischemia in patients with NTDT.
Employment of Microencapsulated Sertoli Cells as a New Tool to Treat Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy
Authors: Chiappalupi Sara , Salvadori Laura , Luca Giovanni , Riuzzi Francesca , Calafiore Riccardo , Donato Rosario , Sorci Guglielmo
Published: December 2017

Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is a lethal X-linked pathology due to lack of dystrophin and characterized by progressive muscle degeneration, impaired locomotion and premature death. The chronic presence of inflammatory cells, fibrosis and fat deposition are hallmarks of DMD muscle tissue. Many different therapeutic approaches to DMD have been tested, including cell-based and gene-based approaches, exon skipping, induction of expression of the dystrophin paralogue, utrophin, and, most recently the application of the CASPR/Cas9 genome editing system. However, corticosteroid treatment remains the gold standard therapy, even if corticosteroids have shown multiple undesirable side effects. Sertoli cells (SeC) have long been known for their ability to produce immunomodulatory and trophic factors, and have been used in a plethora of experimental models of disease. Recently, microencapsulated porcine SeC (MC-SeC) injected intraperitoneally in dystrophic mice produced morphological and functional benefits in muscles thanks to their release into the circulation of anti-inflammatory factors and heregulin β1, a known inducer of utrophin expression, thus opening a new avenue in the treatment of DMD. In order to stress the potentiality of the use of MC-SeC in the treatment of DMD, here, we examine the principal therapeutic approaches to DMD, and the properties of SeC (either nude or encapsulated into alginate-based microcapsules) and their preclinical and clinical use. Finally, we discuss the potential and future development of this latter approach.
Field Tests on Hydrodynamic and Hybrid Operation of a Bidirectional Thrust Bearing of a Pump-Turbine
Authors: Wasilczuk Michał , Wodtke Michał , Dąbrowski Leszek
Published: December 2017

In vertical shaft pump turbines operating in pumped storage power plants an important role is played by a thrust bearing. Due to the bidirectional character of operation, thrust bearing tilting pads have to be supported symmetrically, which is known to be unfavourable from the point of view of their performance. Large thrust bearings have to be carefully designed so as to minimise excessive thermo-elastic pad deformations. The research into fluid film thrust bearings has been quite extensive over the years, comprising theoretical studies of bearing properties with the use of more and more sophisticated calculation codes. On the other hand, the availability of experimental field data on bearing operation is limited, for obvious reasons. In this paper the authors present part of the results of extensive field tests of a large bearing of a pump-turbine they have conducted in a pumped storage power plant. Hopefully this data will be of interest to other researchers to compare theoretical predictions to measurement data.
Antibacterial Properties and Corrosion Resistance of the Newly Developed Biomaterial, Ti–12Nb–1Ag Alloy
Authors: Du Je-Kang , Chao Chih-Yeh , Chiu Kuan-Yu , Chang Yen-Hao , Chen Ker-Kong , Wu Ju-Hui , Wu Juyn-Nan
Published: December 2017

Currently, the development of biomaterials has focused on having a low Young’s modulus, biocompatibility, corrosion resistance, and antibacterial properties. Ti–Nb alloys have higher research value due to their excellent corrosion resistance and low Young’s modulus. In recent years, the antibacterial properties of materials have been enhanced by the addition of Ag and Cu. Therefore, the corrosion resistance and antibacterial properties of the Ti–12Nb–1Ag alloy formulated in the current study were investigated and compared to those of commonly used Ti alloys, G2 pure Ti (ASTM B348 CP Grade 2), and Ti–6Al–4V, via electrochemical and E. coli antibacterial tests. Meanwhile, we also carried out a microstructural analysis to investigate the composition of the alloy. The results were as follows: (1) The electrochemical test demonstrated that Ti–12Nb–1Ag had a higher corrosion resistance than Ti–6Al–4V, which is similar to the properties of pure Ti. (2) The E. coli antibacterial test demonstrated that the sterilization rate of Ti–12Nb–1Ag was higher than that of the Ti–6Al–4V alloy and pure Ti. (3) The microstructural analysis revealed that Ti–12Nb–1Ag had an acicular martensite structure, with nano-Ag precipitates observed. Based on the results of the E. coli antibacterial test and the principles of sterilization of nano-precipitates and Ag, we inferred that the nano-Ag precipitates of Ti–12Nb–1Ag enhanced the antibacterial properties of the newly developed biomaterial, which is, namely, the Ti–12Nb–1Ag alloy.
New Insights into Solid Form Stability and Hydrate Formation: o-Phenanthroline HCl and Neocuproine HCl
Authors: Braun Doris E. , Raabe Katharina , Schneeberger Anna , Kahlenberg Volker , Griesser Ulrich J.
Published: December 2017

The moisture- and temperature dependent stabilities and interrelation pathways of the practically relevant solid forms of o-phenanthroline HCl (1) and neocuproine HCl (2) were investigated using thermal analytical techniques (HSM, DSC and TGA) and gravimetric moisture sorption/desorption studies. The experimental stability data were correlated with the structural changes observed upon dehydration and the pairwise interaction and lattice energies calculated. For 1 the monohydrate was identified as the only stable form under conditions of RH typically found during production and storage, but at RH values >80% deliquescence occurs. The second compound, 2, forms an anhydrate and two different hydrates, mono- (2-Hy1) and trihydrate (2-Hy3). The 2-Hy1 structure was solved from SCXRD data and the anhydrate structure derived from a combination of PXRD and CSP. Depending on the environmental conditions (moisture) either 2-Hy1 or 2-Hy3 is the most sable solid form of 2 at RT. The monohydrates 1-Hy1 and 2-Hy1 show a high enthalpic stabilization (≥20 kJ mol−1) relative to the anhydrates. The anhydrates are unstable at ambient conditions and readily transform to the monohydrates even in the presence of traces of moisture. This study demonstrates how the right combination of experiment and theory can unravel the properties and interconversion pathways of solid forms.
Constructing Sheet-On-Sheet Structured Graphitic Carbon Nitride/Reduced Graphene Oxide/Layered MnO2 Ternary Nanocomposite with Outstanding Catalytic Properties on Thermal Decomposition of Ammonium Perchlorate
Authors: Xu Jianhua , Li Dongnan , Chen Yu , Tan Linghua , Kou Bo , Wan Fushun , Jiang Wei , Li Fengsheng
Published: December 2017

We unprecedentedly report that layered MnO2 nanosheets were in situ formed onto the surface of covalently bonded graphitic carbon nitride/reduced graphene oxide nanocomposite (g-C3N4/rGO), forming sheet-on-sheet structured two dimension (2D) graphitic carbon nitride/reduced graphene oxide/layered MnO2 ternary nanocomposite (g-C3N4/rGO/MnO2) with outstanding catalytic properties on thermal decomposition of ammonium perchlorate (AP). The covalently bonded g-C3N4/rGO was firstly prepared by the calcination of graphene oxide-guanidine hydrochloride precursor (GO-GndCl), following by its dispersion into the KMnO4 aqueous solution to construct the g-C3N4/rGO/MnO2 ternary nanocomposite. FT-IR, XRD, Raman as well as the XPS results clearly demonstrated the chemical interaction between g-C3N4, rGO and MnO2. TEM and element mapping indicated that layered g-C3N4/rGO was covered with thin MnO2 nanosheets. Furthermore, the obtained g-C3N4/rGO/MnO2 nanocomposite exhibited promising catalytic capacity on thermal decomposition of AP. Upon addition of 2 wt % g-C3N4/rGO/MnO2 ternary nanocomposite as catalyst, the thermal decomposition temperature of AP was largely decreased up by 142.5 °C, which was higher than that of pure g-C3N4, g-C3N4/rGO and MnO2, respectively, demonstrating the synergistic catalysis of the as-prepared nanocomposite.
Neuroglia: A New Open-Access Journal Publishing All Aspects of Glial Research
Authors: Butt Arthur , Mihaila Delia , Verkhratsky Alexei
Published: December 2017

Today, we announce the new journal Neuroglia, which we see as an inclusive and innovative open-access forum for publishing all aspects of glial research.[...]
Utilization of Integrated Geophysical Techniques to Delineate the Extraction of Mining Bench of Ornamental Rocks (Marble)
Authors: Martínez Julián , Montiel Violeta , Rey Javier , Cañadas Francisco , Vera Pedro
Published: December 2017

Low yields in ornamental rock mining remain one of the most important problems in this industry. This fact is usually associated with the presence of anisotropies in the rock, which makes it difficult to extract the blocks. An optimised planning of the exploitation, together with an improved geological understanding of the deposit, could increase these yields. In this work, marble mining in Macael (Spain) was studied to test the capacity of non-destructive geophysical prospecting methods (GPR and ERI) as tools to characterize the geology of the deposit. It is well-known that the ERI method provides a greater penetration depth. By using this technique, it is possible to distinguish the boundaries between the marble and the underlying micaschists, the morphology of the unit to be exploited, and even fracture zones to be identified. Therefore, this technique could be used in the early stages of research, to estimate the reserves of the deposit. The GPR methodology, with a lower penetration depth, is able to offer more detailed information. Specifically, it detects lateral and vertical changes of the facies inside the marble unit, as well as the anisotropies of the rock (fractures or holes). This technique would be suitable for use in a second stage of research. On the one hand, it is very useful for characterization of the texture and fabric of the rock, which allows us to determine in advance its properties, and therefore, the quality for ornamental use. On the other hand, the localization of anisotropy using the GPR technique will make it possible to improve the planning of the rock exploitation in order to increase yields. Both integrated geophysical techniques are effective for assessing the quality of ornamental rock and thus can serve as useful tools in mine planning to improve yields and costs.
An Efficient Estimator for Moving Target Localization Using Multi-Station Dual-Frequency Radars
Authors: Huang Jiyan , Zhang Ying , Luo Shan
Published: December 2017

Localization of a moving target in a dual-frequency radars system has now gained considerable attention. The noncoherent localization approach based on a least squares (LS) estimator has been addressed in the literature. Compared with the LS method, a novel localization method based on a two-step weighted least squares estimator is proposed to increase positioning accuracy for a multi-station dual-frequency radars system in this paper. The effects of signal noise ratio and the number of samples on the performance of range estimation are also analyzed in the paper. Furthermore, both the theoretical variance and Cramer–Rao lower bound (CRLB) are derived. The simulation results verified the proposed method.
Towards Realistic Urban Traffic Experiments Using DFROUTER: Heuristic, Validation and Extensions
Authors: Zambrano-Martinez Jorge , Calafate Carlos , Soler David , Cano Juan-Carlos
Published: December 2017

Traffic congestion is an important problem faced by Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS), requiring models that allow predicting the impact of different solutions on urban traffic flow. Such an approach typically requires the use of simulations, which should be as realistic as possible. However, achieving high degrees of realism can be complex when the actual traffic patterns, defined through an Origin/Destination (O-D) matrix for the vehicles in a city, remain unknown. Thus, the main contribution of this paper is a heuristic for improving traffic congestion modeling. In particular, we propose a procedure that, starting from real induction loop measurements made available by traffic authorities, iteratively refines the output of DFROUTER, which is a module provided by the SUMO (Simulation of Urban MObility) tool. This way, it is able to generate an O-D matrix for traffic that resembles the real traffic distribution and that can be directly imported by SUMO. We apply our technique to the city of Valencia, and we then compare the obtained results against other existing traffic mobility data for the cities of Cologne (Germany) and Bologna (Italy), thereby validating our approach. We also use our technique to determine what degree of congestion is expectable if certain conditions cause additional traffic to circulate in the city, adopting both a uniform pattern and a hotspot-based pattern for traffic injection to demonstrate how to regulate the overall number of vehicles in the city. This study allows evaluating the impact of vehicle flow changes on the overall traffic congestion levels.
The Historical Case for and the Future Study of Antibiotic-Resistant Scrub Typhus
Authors: Kelly Daryl , Fuerst Paul , Richards Allen
Published: December 2017

Scrub typhus is an acute, and sometimes fatal, human febrile illness, typically successfully treated using chloramphenicol or one of the tetracyclines. Over the past several years, descriptions of strains of Orientia tsutsugamushi with reduced susceptibility to antibiotics have appeared. Because case-fatality ratios approached 50% during the pre-antibiotic era, antibiotic-resistant scrub typhus is concerning. Herein, we review the data on resistant scrub typhus, describe how the theoretical existence of such resistance is affected by interpretation of treatment outcomes, and propose a plan to further identify whether true drug resistance is present and how to deal with drug resistance if it has evolved. Limited resistance is not unambiguous, if present, and antibiotic resistance in scrub typhus is not a dichotomous trait. Rather, evidence of resistance shows a continuous gradation of increasing resistance. The availability of genomes from isolates of O. tsutsugamushi allows the search for loci that might contribute to antibiotic resistance. At least eighteen such loci occur in all genomes of O. tsutsugamushi examined. One gene (gyrA) occurs as a quinolone-resistant form in the genome of all isolates of O. tsutsugamushi. At least 13 other genes that are present in some members of the genus Rickettsia do not occur within O. tsutsugamushi. Even though reports of scrub typhus not responding appropriately to chloramphenicol or a tetracycline treatment have been in the literature for approximately 23 years, the existence and importance of antibiotic-resistant scrub typhus remains uncertain.
Binding abilities of a chiral calix[4]resorcinarene: a polarimetric investigation on a complex case of study
Authors: Russo Marco , Lo Meo Paolo
Published: December 2017

Polarimetry was used to investigate the binding abilities of a chiral calix[4]resorcinarene derivative, bearing L-proline subunits, towards a set of suitably selected organic guests. The simultaneous formation of 1:1 and 2:1 host–guest inclusion complexes was observed in several cases, depending on both the charge status of the host and the structure of the guest. Thus, the use of the polarimetric method was thoroughly revisited, in order to keep into account the occurrence of multiple equilibria. Our data indicate that the stability of the host–guest complexes is affected by an interplay between Coulomb interactions, π–π interactions, desolvation effects and entropy-unfavorable conformational dynamic restraints. Polarimetry is confirmed as a very useful and versatile tool for the investigation of supramolecular interactions with chiral hosts, even in complex systems involving multiple equilibria.
Innovations techniques et transformations sociales : le cas des perles au Cameroun et ses environs
Authors: Buratti Mathilde
Published: December 2017

L’étude des données archéologiques montre un bouleversement majeur au cours du xvie siècle dans les objets perlés africains. L’origine des perles, leur nombre et la proportion des matériaux changent : perles de verre européennes et cauris prennent un essor considérable au détriment des perles minérales et des pâtes de verre provenant d’Inde. L’objectif de cet article est double : identifier dans un premier temps les raisons de cette révolution matérielle, puis en second lieu, observer les répercussions de ce changement sur les populations africaines. Afin de donner des exemples précis, nous nous focaliserons sur le Cameroun, surnommé « l’Afrique en miniature » et ses alentours.
Évolution des schémas iconographiques en Iran du Sud-Ouest, de la fin du IIIe au milieu du IIe millénaire avant notre ère : un « réveil identitaire » illustré par la glyptique
Authors: Paladre Clélia
Published: December 2017

La fin du IIIe et le début du IIe millénaire avant notre ère est une période clé pour l’Iran du Sud-Ouest. Il va s’émanciper de la domination mésopotamienne effective depuis près d’un millénaire et l’on assiste à la mise en place d’une entité politique et culturelle dont la longévité et l’importance au sein de l’Histoire du Proche Orient vont être considérables : l’Élam. Aucune révolution brutale ou subite ne vient accompagner cette mise en place, au contraire, tout semble s’opérer au travers d’évolutions discrètes mais réellement refondatrices.Afin d’étudier cette période charnière, notre choix s’est porté sur un support glyptique bien particulier : le sceau cylindre. Dans ce monde iranien où les données stratigraphiques sont rares, où les artefacts sont en grande partie issus du marché de l’art et en des périodes aussi reculées où l’écriture, tout comme la lecture, sont des luxes réservés à une infime partie de la population, l’image retrouve véritablement une place centrale. Le sceau cylindre, vecteur principal de l’iconographie proche-orientale, devient alors un support d’étude privilégié. En outre, par leur fonction administrative, les sceaux cylindres véhiculent des informations liées à la gestion politique et sociale d’une région d’une grande richesse.En partant du postulat que l’évolution des schémas iconographiques se fait l’écho d’évolutions culturelle, politique et sociétale, nous nous sommes attardés sur les changements, les ruptures ou, au contraire, les continuitésiconographiques afin de révéler les réalités cachées derrière les images, de comprendre les mécanismes à l’origine de ce « réveil identitaire » et ses conséquences à court et long termes.
Les transformations de la Galerie dorée du comte de Toulouse
Authors: Manas Arnaud
Published: December 2017

La Galerie dorée de l’hôtel de Toulouse, conçue par Robert de Cotte et sculptée par François-Antoine Vassé, a longtemps été considérée comme la manifestation ostentatoire des charges de grand amiral et de grand veneur et la pure manifestation de son commanditaire, Louis-Alexandre de Bourbon, fils naturel du roi Louis XIV et de Mme de Montespan. Cependant l’analyse des décors laisse apparaître un revirement iconographique important en 1717-1718 lorsque le comte de Toulouse fut privé de son rang de prince du sang après la querelle des princes légitimes contre les princes légitimés. Les éléments héraldiques laissèrent notamment la place à la représentation de Diane et de ses compagnes. À cette occasion, les quatre continents qui devaient occuper les niches aux coins de la galerie cédèrent très probablement la place à quatre compagnes de Diane issues de Marly. Par ailleurs, de nombreux éléments de décor liés aux colonies du Canada et de Guyane évoquent les exploits militaires du comte de Toulouse. Au cours de la Révolution et de l’Empire, la galerie connut d’autres transformations.
Modelo de preferência do investidor por meio da análise envoltória de dados (DEA) em empresas brasileiras
Authors: Vogt Mara , Degenhart Larissa , Rodrigues Junior Moacir Manoel
Published: December 2017

Este estudo objetivou analisar o modelo de preferência do investidor por meio da Análise Envoltória de Dados (DEA) em empresas brasileiras. Realizou-se uma pesquisa descritiva com abordagem quantitativa e por meio de análise documental com dados secundários. A população do estudo constituiu 50 empresas listadas no IBrX-50 da Bovespa e a amostra foi composta de 46 empresas que apresentaram todos os dados necessários para análise dos dados, no período de 2013 a 2015. Para a análise dos resultados utilizou-se o método DEA, para identificar as empresas que foram eficientes em ralação ao risco e retorno efetivado no mercado de ações, servindo estas como modelo de preferência. Os resultados indicaram que o modelo de preferência do investidor seriam as empresas Ambev, BRF, Cetip, Cosan, Itausa, Klabin, Multiplan, Telefônica Brasil e Ultrapar Participações, pois estas empresas apresentaram scores de eficiência máximo, isto é, score 1,0 o que evidencia que estas empresas possuem um retorno efetivado que nenhuma das outras empresas da amostra conseguiu superar com um risco menor e até mesmo igual a estas empresas. Os resultados indicaram ainda que diversas empresas obtiveram score de eficiência acima da média e, abaixo da média, evidenciando que há diferenças significativas nos níveis de eficiência entre as empresas analisadas. Conclui-se que a eficiência das empresas da amostra, frente o mercado de capitais, é considerada satisfatória, visto que a existência de ineficiências em muitas empresas impede que o índice IBrX-50 atinja seu potencial máximo em relação as ações e o risco e retorno efetivado pelos investidores.
A participação no índice de sustentabilidade empresarial (ISE): Uma comparação do desempenho financeiro de bancos participantes e não participantes da carteira1
Authors: Guimarães Emanuelle Frasson , Rover Suliani , Ferreira Denize Demarche Minatti
Published: December 2017

O Índice de Sustentabilidade Empresarial (ISE), criado em 2005 pela BM&FBOVESPA, procura estimular práticas sustentáveis e identificar as empresas consideradas socialmente responsáveis. O objetivo deste estudo é realizar uma comparação entre os indicadores contábil-financeiros de bancos participantes e não participantes da Carteira do ISE dos anos de 2014, 2015 e 2016 para verificar se a inserção influencia o desempenho financeiro.Por meio da aplicação de estatísticas descritivas e do teste não paramétrico de Mann-Whitney, não foi possível afirmar que a participação no ISE melhora o desempenho financeiro dos bancos em todos os aspectos efoi comprovado que não existem diferenças entre os grupos de bancos participantes e não participantes do ISE. Além disso, percebeu-se que os bancos não participantes apresentaram melhores resultados nos indicadores de Rentabilidade e Lucratividade.O estudo corrobora a Teoria Positiva da Contabilidade de Watts e Zimmerman (1986), que define o tamanho como um fator determinante para atenção política.
Aplicações da Lei de Newcomb-Benford nas demonstrações financeiras da Petrobrás
Authors: Oliveira Janaína Aparecida Joaquim de , Francischetti Carlos Eduardo , Galeano Ronie , Padoveze Clóvis Luís , Milani Filho Marco Antonio Figueiredo
Published: December 2017

Este trabalho teve por objetivo analisar a aplicabilidade da análise gráfica e do modelo contabilométrico proposto por Santos, Diniz e Corrar (2005) e Nigrini (2000) da Lei de Newcomb-Benford na distribuição de frequências do primeiro ao quarto dígitos dos saldos das contas dos Balanços Patrimoniais da Petrobrás no período de 2008 a 2015. Com base na análise documental realizada, tabulou-se uma amostra de 5.544 dígitos levantados dos Balanços Patrimoniais publicados no site de Relacionamento com Investidores (RI) da Petrobrás. A relevância do trabalho é comprovada mediante as distorções encontradas para os segundo, terceiro e quarto dígitos, indicando uma necessidade de acompanhamento e controle dos resultados econômicos e financeiros de modo que seja possível aos gestores obterem um maior rigor na fiscalização, monitoramento e transparência em relação às metas e estratégias pré-definidas ao longo do tempo.
Immunoregulatory Activity of the Natural Product Laminarin Varies Widely as a Result of Its Physical Properties
Authors: Smith Alyson J. , Graves Bridget , Child Robert , Rice Peter J. , Ma Zuchao , Lowman Douglas W. , Ensley Harry E. , Ryter Kendal T. , Evans Jay T. , Williams David L.
Published: December 2017

Ligation of Dectin-1 by fungal glucans elicits a Th17 response that is necessary for clearing many fungal pathogens. Laminarin is a (1→3, 1→6)-β-glucan that is widely reported to be a Dectin-1 antagonist, however, there are reports that laminarin is also a Dectin-1 agonist. To address this controversy, we assessed the physical properties, structure, purity, Dectin-1 binding, and biological activity of five different laminarin preparations from three different commercial sources. The proton nuclear magnetic resonance analysis indicated that all of the preparations contained laminarin although their molecular mass varied considerably (4400–34,400 Da). Two of the laminarins contained substantial quantities of very low m.w. compounds, some of which were not laminarin. These low m.w. moieties could be significantly reduced by extensive dialysis. All of the laminarin preparations were bound by recombinant human Dectin-1 and mouse Dectin-1, but the affinity varied considerably, and binding affinity did not correlate with Dectin-1 agonism, antagonism, or potency. In both human and mouse cells, two laminarins were Dectin-1 antagonists and two were Dectin-1 agonists. The remaining laminarin was a Dectin-1 antagonist, but when the low m.w. moieties were removed, it became an agonist. We were able to identify a laminarin that is a Dectin-1 agonist and a laminarin that is Dectin-1 antagonist, both of which are relatively pure preparations. These laminarins may be useful in elucidating the structure and activity relationships of glucan/Dectin-1 interactions. Our data demonstrate that laminarin can be either a Dectin-1 antagonist or agonist, depending on the physicochemical properties, purity, and structure of the laminarin preparation employed.
Palaemon monsdamarum n. sp. (Crustacea, Decapoda, Palaemonidae) from the late Miocene of Mondaino (Rimini, Emilia-Romagna, Italy)
Authors: Pasini Giovanni , Garassino Alessandro
Published: December 2017

We report Palaemon monsdamarum n. sp. (Crustacea, Decapoda, Palaemonidae) from the tripoli of the Messinian (upper Miocene) of Mondaino (Rimini, Emilia-Romagna, Italy). The presence of a new caridean species expands the scarce knowledge on the distribution and environmental range for the genus, usually scarcely reported in the worldwide Cenozoic fossil record. This is the first report of a carideans from the Miocene of Italy.