bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
HEAVY METAL IN FISH: ANALYSIS AND HUMAN HEALTH-A REVIEW
Authors: Azaman Fazureen , Juahir Hafizan , Yunus Kamaruzzaman , Azid Azman , Kamarudin Mohd Khairul Amri , Toriman Mohd Ekhwan , Mustafa Ahmad Dasuki , Amran Mohammad Azizi , Che Hasnam Che Noraini , Mohd Saudi Ahmad Shakir
Published: October 2015

Living organisms require trace amounts of heavy metals, including cobalt, copper, manganese and zinc to survive. However, the excessive levels of the metal can be detrimental to the organism. Other heavy metals such as mercury, lead and cadmium have no vital on organisms, and their accumulation in long time period in the bodies can cause serious illness or death. The consumption of fish is recommended because fish is a basic and good nutritious food that has omega-3 fatty acids due to its cardio-protective effects. This present mini-review accounts for the description of heavy metal in fish and the effect of toxic metals on the human health. Besides, the acid digestion method was also discussed in order to identify the best method for applying in the laboratory analysis. The best method used can reduce the contamination error in the results.
A REVIEW OF THE CORROSION BEHAVIOR OF METALLIC HERITAGE STRUCTURES AND ARTIFACTS
Authors: Darain K. M. , Jumaat M. Z. , Nazimuddin S. M. , Ahsan A. , Rashid R. , Aziz M. M. A. , Obaydullah M. , Islam A. B. M. S.
Published: October 2015

Awareness about restoring and preserving historically important structures and artifacts is gradually growing in many parts of the world. These artifacts and structures represent the culture, tradition and past of a nation. They are often also a source of national income through tourist activities. Besides masonry and wood work, metallic forms and relics are a vital part of the heritage which needs to be conserved. Certain metals have been used significantly throughout history in the creation of objects and structures. However, metals are prone to decay over time, particularly decay through corrosion. The basic mechanisms of metal corrosion, the various types of corrosion and existing remedial solutions are reviewed in this paper. The most significant factor affecting metal corrosion was found to be the surrounding environment, especially in marine areas. Different remedial measures can be implemented on corroded metals according to their specific properties. Recommendations for further study are offered at the end of the paper.
A REVIEW OF IRIS RECOGNITION SYSTEM
Authors: Banitalebi Dehkordi Arezou , Abu-Bakar Syed A. R.
Published: October 2015

Iris recognition system is an accurate biometric system. In recent years, iris recognition is developed to several active areas of research, such as; Image Acquisition, restoration, quality assessment, image compression, segmentation, noise reduction, normalization, feature extraction, iris code matching, searching large database, applications, evaluation, performance under varying condition and multibiometrics. This paper reviews a background of iris recognition and literature of recent proposed methods in different fields of iris recognition system from 2007 to 2015.
Pressure‐dependent regulation of Ca2+ signalling in the vascular endothelium
Authors: Wilson Calum , Saunter Christopher D. , Girkin John M. , McCarron John G.
Published: October 2015

Key points

Increased pressure suppresses endothelial control of vascular tone but it remains uncertain (1) how pressure is sensed by the endothelium and (2) how the vascular response is inhibited.

This study used a novel imaging method to study large numbers of endothelial cells in arteries that were in a physiological configuration and held at normal blood pressures.

Increased pressure suppressed endothelial IP3‐mediated Ca2+ signals.

Pressure modulated endothelial cell shape.

The changes in cell shape may alter endothelial Ca2+ signals by modulating the diffusive environment for Ca2+ near IP3 receptors.

Endothelial pressure‐dependent mechanosensing may occur without a requirement for a conventional molecular mechanoreceptor.

The endothelium is an interconnected network upon which haemodynamic mechanical forces act to control vascular tone and remodelling in disease. Ca2+ signalling is central to the endothelium's mechanotransduction and networked activity. However, challenges in imaging Ca2+ in large numbers of endothelial cells under conditions that preserve the intact physical configuration of pressurized arteries have limited progress in understanding how pressure‐dependent mechanical forces alter networked Ca2+ signalling. We developed a miniature wide‐field, gradient‐index (GRIN) optical probe designed to fit inside an intact pressurized artery that permitted Ca2+ signals to be imaged with subcellular resolution in a large number (∼200) of naturally connected endothelial cells at various pressures. Chemical (acetylcholine) activation triggered spatiotemporally complex, propagating inositol trisphosphate (IP3)‐mediated Ca2+ waves that originated in clusters of cells and progressed from there across the endothelium. Mechanical stimulation of the artery, by increased intraluminal pressure, flattened the endothelial cells and suppressed IP3‐mediated Ca2+ signals in all activated cells. By computationally modelling Ca2+ release, endothelial shape changes were shown to alter the geometry of the Ca2+ diffusive environment near IP3 receptor microdomains to limit IP3‐mediated Ca2+ signals as pressure increased. Changes in cell shape produce a geometric microdomain regulation of IP3‐mediated Ca2+ signalling to explain macroscopic pressure‐dependent, endothelial mechanosensing without the need for a conventional mechanoreceptor. The suppression of IP3‐mediated Ca2+ signalling may explain the decrease in endothelial activity as pressure increases. GRIN imaging provides a convenient method that gives access to hundreds of endothelial cells in intact arteries in physiological configuration.
Flow-Pattern Based Heat Transfer Correlations for Stable Flow Boiling in Micro/Minichannels
Authors: Wu Zan , Sundén Bengt
Published: October 2015

Flow-pattern based heat transfer correlations for elongated bubbly flow and annular flow in stable flow boiling micro/minichannels were developed separately based on a collected micro/minichannel heat-transfer database by using an improved conventional-to-micro/minichannel threshold Bo = 4 and BoRel0.5 = 200, where Bo is the Bond number and Rel is the liquid Reynolds number. As significant disagreement in experimental trends and heat transfer mechanisms was reported for flow boiling in micro/minichannels in the literature, it is not possible to explain the discrepancy and predict all data points by a single correlation without considering the different flow patterns. The newly developed flow-pattern based predictive tool cannot only present a decent overall accuracy, but also estimate the parametric trends relatively well. Over 95% of the data points can be predicted by the proposed correlations within a ±50% error band for both elongated bubbly flow and annular flow. Therefore, the flow-pattern based correlations can be applied for heat exchanger design to improve the understanding of the underlying heat transfer mechanisms and to guide the development of further enhancement techniques for flow boiling in micro/minichannels.
The Effect of Confinement on the Structure and Dynamic Response of Lean-Premixed, Swirl-Stabilized Flames
Authors: De Rosa Alexander J. , Peluso Stephen J. , Quay Bryan D. , Santavicca Domenic A.
Published: October 2015

The effect of flame–wall interactions on the forced response of a lean-premixed, swirl-stabilized flame is experimentally investigated by examining flames in a series of three combustors, each with a different diameter, and therefore a different degree of lateral confinement. The confinement ratios tested are 0.5, 0.37, and 0.29 when calculated using the diameter of the nozzle relative to the combustor diameter. Using both flame images and measured flame transfer functions (FTFs), the effect of confinement is investigated and generalized across a broad range of operating conditions. The major effect of confinement is shown to be a change in flame structure in both the forced and unforced cases. This effect is captured using the parameter Lf,CoHR/Dcomb, which describes the changing degree of flame–wall interaction in each combustor size. The measured FTF data, as a function of confinement, are then generalized by Strouhal number. Data from the two larger combustors are collapsed by multiplying the Strouhal number by the confinement ratio to account for the flow expansion ratio and change in convective velocity within the combustor. Trends at the transfer function extrema are also assessed by examining them in the context of confinement and by using flame images. A change in the fluctuating structure of the flame is also seen to result from an increase in confinement.
Nonlinear Modal Analysis of Mistuned Periodic Structures Subjected to Dry Friction
Authors: Joannin C. , Chouvion B. , Thouverez F. , Mbaye M. , Ousty J.-P.
Published: October 2015

This paper deals with the dynamics of a cyclic system, representative of a bladed disk subjected to dry friction forces, and exhibits structural mistuning. The nonlinear complex modes are computed by solving the eigenproblem associated to the free response of the whole structure and are then used to better understand the forced response to a traveling wave excitation. Similarly to the underlying linear system, the tuned model possesses pairs of modes that can be linearly combined to form traveling waves, unlike those of the mistuned structure. However, due to the nonlinearity, the modal properties are not constant but vary with the vibration amplitude in both cases. A qualitative analysis is also performed to assess the impact of the mistuning magnitude on the response and suggests that further statistical investigations could be of great interest for the design of bladed-disks, in terms of vibration mitigation and robustness.
Analytic Thermal Design of Bitter-Type Solenoids
Authors: Birmingham W. J. , Bates E. M. , Romero-Talamás C. A.
Published: October 2015

We describe an analytic approach to designing axially water-cooled Bitter-type electromagnets with an emphasis on heat dissipation considerations. The design method here described aims to enhance the efficiency of the design process by minimizing the role of finite element analysis (FEA) software. A purely analytic design optimization scheme is prescribed for establishing the cooling hole placement. FEA software is only used to check the accuracy of analytic predictions. The analytic method derived in this paper predicts the required heat dissipation rate by approximating the volumetric joule heating profile with a smooth, continuous profile. Equations for turbulent convective heat transfer in circular ducts are generalized to model the cooling capacity of elongated cooling passages. This method is currently in use at the University of Maryland Baltimore County Dusty Plasma Laboratory to design a Bitter magnet capable of generating fields of 10 T.
Performance Study of an Oil-Immersed Power Transformer With Shallow Geothermal Cooling
Authors: Schmid Gerd , Hsu Chien-Yeh , Chen Yu-Ting , Yang Tai-Her , Chen Sih-Li
Published: October 2015

This paper investigates the cooling performance of a shallow geothermal energy method in relation to the cooling system of a 75 kVA oil-immersed transformer. A thermal analysis of the complete system is presented and then validated with experimental data. The cooling performance of the shallow geothermal cooling method is indicated by its cooling capacity and average oil temperature. The results of this study show that the average oil temperature can be reduced by nearly 30 °C with the aid of an 8 m deep U-pipe borehole heat exchanger, thereby making it possible to increase the capacity of the transformer. By increasing the water flow rate from 6 L/m to 15 L/m, the average oil temperature could be lowered by 3 °C. In addition, the effects of changing the circulating water flow direction and the activation time of the shallow geothermal cooling system were investigated. The results of the thermal analysis are consistent with the experimental data, with relative errors below 8%. The results of the study confirm that a larger temperature difference between the cooling water and the transformer oil at the inlet of the heat exchanger can increase the overall heat transfer rate and enhance the cooling performance of the shallow geothermal cooling system.
Hearing thresholds of a harbor porpoise (Phocoena phocoena) for narrow-band sweeps
Authors: Kastelein Ronald A. , Schop Jessica , Hoek Lean , Covi Jennifer
Published: October 2015

The hearing sensitivity of a 2-yr-old male harbor porpoise was measured using a standard psycho-acoustic technique under low ambient noise conditions. Auditory sensitivity was measured for narrow-band 1 s sweeps (center frequencies: 0.125–150 kHz). The audiogram was U-shaped; range of best hearing (within 10 dB of maximum sensitivity) was from 13 to ∼140 kHz. Maximum sensitivity (threshold: ∼39 dB re 1 μPa) occurred at 125 kHz at the peak frequency of echolocation pulses produced by harbor porpoises. Reduced sensitivity occurred at 32 and 63 kHz. Sensitivity fell by ∼10 dB per octave below 16 kHz and declined sharply above 125 kHz. Apart from this individual's ca. 10 dB higher sensitivity at 0.250 kHz, ca. 10 dB lower sensitivity at 32 kHz, and ca. 59 dB lower sensitivity at 150 kHz, his audiogram is similar to that of two harbor porpoises tested previously with a similar psycho-acoustic technique.
Inflammasomes take the wheel
Authors: Mueller Kristen L.
Published: October 2015

An autocatalytic self-propagating mechanism drives activation of the NLRC4 inflammasome.
Actively quiescent
Authors: Gough Nancy R.
Published: October 2015

Quiescence of the lung mesenchyme in the absence of injury requires Hedgehog signaling.
The curious case of the caramel apples
Authors: Bouvier Nicole M.
Published: October 2015

Apples, caramel, and a wooden stick synergistically make a hospitable growth environment for
Listeria monocytogenes
.
A New Type of YumC-Like Ferredoxin (Flavodoxin) Reductase Is Involved in Ribonucleotide Reduction
Authors: Chen Jun , Shen Jing , Solem Christian , Jensen Peter Ruhdal
Published: October 2015

The
trxB2
gene, which is annotated as a thioredoxin reductase, was found to be essential for growth of
Lactococcus lactis
in the presence of oxygen. The corresponding protein (TrxB2) showed a high similarity with
Bacillus subtilis
YumC (
E
 value = 4.0E−88), and YumC was able to fully complement the
ΔtrxB2
mutant phenotype. YumC represents a novel type of ferredoxin (flavodoxin) reductase (FdR) with hitherto-unknown biological function. We adaptively evolved the Δ
trxB2
mutant under aerobic conditions to find suppressor mutations that could help elucidate the involvement of TrxB2 in aerobic growth. Genome sequencing of two independent isolates, which were able to grow as well as the wild-type strain under aerated conditions, revealed the importance of mutations in
nrdI
, encoding a flavodoxin involved in aerobic ribonucleotide reduction. We suggest a role for TrxB2 in nucleotide metabolism, where the flavodoxin (NrdI) serves as its redox partner, and we support this hypothesis by showing the beneficial effect of deoxynucleosides on aerobic growth of the Δ
trxB2
mutant. Finally, we demonstrate, by heterologous expression, that the TrxB2 protein functionally can substitute for YumC in
B. subtilis
but that the addition of deoxynucleosides cannot compensate for the lethal phenotype displayed by the
B. subtilis
yumC
knockout mutant.

IMPORTANCE
Ferredoxin (flavodoxin) reductase (FdR) is involved in many important reactions in both eukaryotes and prokaryotes, such as photosynthesis, nitrate reduction, etc. The recently identified bacterial YumC-type FdR belongs to a novel type, the biological function of which still remains elusive. We found that the YumC-like FdR (TrxB2) is essential for aerobic growth of
Lactococcus lactis
. We suggest that the YumC-type FdR is involved in the ribonucleotide reduction by the class Ib ribonucleotide reductase, which represents the workhorse for the bioconversion of nucleotides to deoxynucleotides in many prokaryotes and eukaryotic pathogens under aerobic conditions. As the partner of the flavodoxin (NrdI), the key FdR is missing in the current model describing the class Ib system in
Escherichia coli
. With this study, we have established a role for this novel type of FdR and in addition found the missing link needed to explain how ribonucleotide reduction is carried out under aerobic conditions.
Identification of Population Bottlenecks and Colonization Factors during Assembly of Bacterial Communities within the Zebrafish Intestine
Authors: Stephens W. Zac , Wiles Travis J. , Martinez Emily S. , Jemielita Matthew , Burns Adam R. , Parthasarathy Raghuveer , Bohannan Brendan J. M. , Guillemin Karen
Published: October 2015

The zebrafish,Danio rerio, is a powerful model for studying bacterial colonization of the vertebrate intestine, but the genes required by commensal bacteria to colonize the zebrafish gut have not yet been interrogated on a genome-wide level. Here we apply a high-throughput transposon mutagenesis screen toAeromonas veroniiHm21 andVibriosp. strain ZWU0020 during their colonization of the zebrafish intestine alone and in competition with each other, as well as in different colonization orders. We use these transposon-tagged libraries to track bacterial population sizes in different colonization regimes and to identify gene functions required during these processes. We show that intraspecific, but not interspecific, competition with a previously established bacterial population greatly reduces the ability of these two bacterial species to colonize. Further, using a simple binomial sampling model, we show that under conditions of interspecific competition, genes required for colonization cannot be identified because of the population bottleneck experienced by the second colonizer. When bacteria colonize the intestine alone or at the same time as the other species, we find shared suites of functional requirements for colonization by the two species, including a prominent role for chemotaxis and motility, regardless of the presence of another species.

IMPORTANCEZebrafish larvae, which are amenable to large-scale gnotobiotic studies, comprehensive sampling of their intestinal microbiota, and live imaging, are an excellent model for investigations of vertebrate intestinal colonization dynamics. We sought to develop a mutagenesis and tagging system in order to understand bacterial population dynamics and functional requirements during colonization of the larval zebrafish intestine. We explored changes in bacterial colonization dynamics and functional requirements when bacteria colonize a bacterium-free intestine, one previously colonized by their own species, or one colonized previously or simultaneously with a different species. This work provides a framework for rapid identification of colonization factors important under different colonization conditions. Furthermore, we demonstrate that when colonizing bacterial populations are very small, this approach is not accurate because random sampling of the input pool is sufficient to explain the distribution of inserts recovered from bacteria that colonized the intestines.
Elucidating the roles of stearoyl-CoA desaturase 1 in adipocyte fatty acid metabolism and cellular function
Authors: Ralston Jessica C.
Published: October 2015

Worldwide obesity rates have risen to epidemic proportions, with over 600 million obese individuals across the globe. These individuals are prone to obesity-related health complications, including type 2 diabetes, hypertension, cancer, and cardiovascular disease. Obesity also coincides with the expansion of adipose tissue, which has an important role storing excess calories in the form of triacylglycerol (TAG) within adipocyte lipid droplets. The predominant fatty acids (FAs), comprising adipocyte TAGs, are monounsaturated FAs, which are produced by stearoyl-CoA desaturase 1 (SCD1). Specifically, SCD1 converts saturated FAs palmitate (PA) and stearate (SA) into palmitoleate and oleate, respectively. Interestingly, whole-body SCD1-deficiency is associated with reduced lipogenesis and adiposity. This places SCD1 as a potential target for obesity therapies; however, our understanding of the mechanisms linking SCD1 with changes in adipocyte function remains unclear. This thesis provides important new insights into how SCD1 impacts adipocyte FA metabolism and cellular function. Using a specific SCD1 inhibitor, changes in lipid metabolism, global gene expression, inflammation, cellular stress, and basal insulin signaling were assessed in 3T3-L1 adipocytes. Results demonstrated that SCD1 inhibition caused a reduction in TAGs and phospholipids, which coincided with the downregulation of genes associated with the biosynthesis of these lipid fractions. Cellular diacylglycerols were increased with SCD1 inhibition and insulin signaling was partially impaired. In contrast, markers of cellular stress were unaltered. Furthermore, the FA composition of each lipid fraction was dramatically modified, with SCD1-inhibited adipocytes specifically upregulating the elongation of PA to SA. Stable isotope tracer experiments revealed that this elongation was occurring via elongase 6. Additionally, reduced SCD1 activity in adipocytes exacerbated the effects of exogenous SA on markers of inflammation. Taken together, SCD1 activity has many indirect influences on adipocyte metabolism in addition to its role in FA desaturation. Importantly, SCD1 facilitates the storage of FAs in TAGs and the ability of adipocytes to handle exogenous FAs. SCD1 also prevents saturated FA and DAG accumulation, and preserves insulin signaling in adipocytes. Ultimately this thesis highlights the importance of SCD1 in the maintenance of adipocyte cellular function, and emphasizes the wide-ranging impact of SCD1 on adipocyte FA metabolism.
Using a state-space population model to detect age-dependent species interactions
Authors: Patin Rémi , Rogers Lauren A. , Ohlberger Jan
Published: October 2015

Models that incorporate species interactions and their effects on the dynamics of commercially important fish stocks are needed to better understand the importance of ecological interactions and to facilitate sustainable fisheries. We developed a dynamic age-structured population model for the Northeast Arctic stock of Atlantic haddock (Melanogrammus aeglefinus) based on scientific survey and commercial landings data. Our goal was to investigate climate effects and ecological interactions within the haddock food web. A Bayesian state-space framework was used to separate information from ecological noise and observation error. Our results indicate significant impacts of species interactions on haddock dynamics. Haddock survival was associated with biomass indices of cod (Gadus morhua) (negative effect) and capelin (Mallotus villosus) (positive effect). The latter may reflect lower predation by predators such as marine mammals at high capelin biomass. We further detect weak density dependence in the survival of young haddock and a convex relationship between haddock abundance and the scientific survey indices. Our findings highlight the importance of considering natural resources as part of an ecosystem with its diverse interactions both within and between species. This study shows that it is possible to detect ecological interactions with a population model based on noisy data.
Improvement of Indirect Harmonic Compensation Method Using Online Discrete Wavelet Transform
Authors: Fallah Mehdi , Modarresi Javad , Ajami Ali , Bina Mohammad Tavakoli
Published: October 2015

This paper introduces a new method based on the finite impulse response (FIR) filter and inverse discrete wavelet transform (IDWT) in order to separate the fundamental component from the non-ideal load voltage. Then, the proposed method is applied to the single-phase shunt active power filter. The presented simulation and experimental results show that in the suggested indirect method (IM), the compensation of the load current will continue correctly even under non-sinusoidal load terminal voltage. For this purpose the fundamental component of load terminal voltage is extracted by the new proposed method, and the second-order generalized integrator (SOGI) is used for improving the total harmonic distortion (THD) of the source side current. The operations of the proposed control method are confirmed by the simulations and experimental results using MATLAB software and the laboratory prototype, respectively.
INSTINCTUAL PHYSIOLOGICAL REACTION OF DRIVER’S CERVICAL MUSCLE TO A COLLISION
Authors: GAO ZHENHAI , LI CHUZHAO , HU HONGYU , ZHAO KAISHU , ZHAO HUI , CHEN CHAOYANG , YU HUILI
Published: October 2015

The influence of cervical muscles on the head/neck responses to frontal collisions is an important issue in the design of vehicle safety systems. In this study, spring-type muscles based on a Hybrid III 50th percentile dummy were used. A spring was used to simulate the cervical muscle with the instinctual physiological reaction of a driver. A total of 10 volunteers were recruited for the simulated collision tests and the maximum voluntary contraction tests, and test data were used to establish and design the spring-type muscles. Sled tests were performed using a modified dummy with spring-type muscles, which had similar mechanical characteristics to a human body. The results showed that Ax increased 3.58%, Ay decreased [Formula: see text]10.32%, Az increased 3.21%, Fx increased 12.22%, Fz increased 3.80%, and My decreased significantly ([Formula: see text]16.70% in average) at first but then increased 5.57%, in average. Cervical muscles with the instinctual physiological reaction may increase the potential head injury and potential cervical longitudinal shear injury while decreasing the potential cervical extension injury. The study provides reference for designing dummies by taking into consideration the instinctual physiological reaction of the driver to a collision.
Detrital zircon in a supercontinental setting: locally derived and far-transported components in the Ordovician Natal Group, South Africa
Authors: Kristoffersen M. , Andersen T. , Elburg M. A. , Watkeys M. K.
Published: October 2015

U–Pb and Lu–Hf signatures of detrital zircon from conglomerates and sandstones of the Ordovician Natal Group, South Africa were determined using laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. The basal conglomerates are dominated by Palaeo- to Mesoarchaean detrital zircon with ε
Hf
values from +3 to −4 with minor Mesoproterozoic input, indicating a proximal source in the Kaapvaal Craton and minor input from rocks of the Natal Sector of the Mesoproterozoic Namaqua–Natal Province. The sandstones are all dominated by a combination of juvenile Mesoproterozoic zircon and Neoproterozoic zircon derived from Mesoproterozoic rocks that were reworked during the Pan-African Orogeny. Several sedimentary sequences from former Gondwana with Neoproterozoic to Permian depositional ages show similar detrital zircon signatures. Sedimentary sequences of such vast temporal and geographical distribution are unlikely to have been fed by a single source, making it more likely that these sequences were fed by several different (Pan-Gondwana) source terranes with closely similar U–Pb and Lu–Hf zircon signatures. The results show that source terrane non-uniqueness can make ascertaining sedimentary provenance from detrital zircon impossible, and should be taken as a reminder when using detrital zircon as evidence for far-reaching conclusions in basin evolution studies and palaeogeography.

Supplementary materials:

U–Pb and Lu–Hf data are available at
http://www.geolsoc.org.uk/SUP18880
.
Growth structures, piggy-back basins and growth strata of the Georgian part of the Kura foreland fold–thrust belt: implications for Late Alpine kinematic evolution
Authors: Alania V. M. , Chabukiani A. O. , Chagelishvili R. L. , Enukidze O. V. , Gogrichiani K. O. , Razmadze A. N. , Tsereteli N. S.
Published: October 2015

The Kura foreland fold–thrust belt is located in the northern part of the active collisional Lesser Caucasus orogenic belt associated with Arabia–Eurasia convergence. This belt is the best example of mountain-building processes in late Alpine time. Seismic reflection profiles show that the Kura foreland fold–thrust belt of the eastern Caucasus is an active thin-skinned fold–thrust belt and is represented by fault-bend folds, fault-propagation folds and duplexes. Analysis of growth strata in seismic profiles and oil well data from the Kura foreland fold–thrust belt documents that the evolution of deformation has been continuing during the last
c.
14–15 myr (since the Middle Miocene), together with the thrust system kinematics. The geometry of the growth strata is associated with footwall synclines and piggy-back basins. Compressional deformation on the Kura foreland began in the Middle Miocene (Chokrakian) and reached its maximum rate at the end of the Miocene (
c.
5 Ma).
Performance Analysis of WBAN MAC Protocol under Different Access Periods
Authors: Khan Pervez , Ullah Niamat , Alam Md. Nasre , Kwak Kyung Sup
Published: October 2015

The IEEE 802.15.6 is a new standard on wireless body area network (WBAN) for short-range, extremely low power wireless communication with high data rates in the vicinity of, or inside, a human body. The standard defines two contention-based channel access schemes: slotted ALOHA and carrier sense multiple access with collision avoidance (CSMA/CA) using an alternative binary exponential backoff procedure. The standard supports quality of service (QoS) differentiation through user priorities and access phases. In this study, we develop an analytical model for the estimation of performance metrics such as energy consumption, normalized throughput, and mean frame service time, employing a Markov chain model under nonsaturated heterogeneous traffic scenarios including different access phases specified in the standard for different user priorities and access methods. We conclude that the deployment of exclusive access phase (EAP) is not necessary in a typical WBAN using CSMA/CA because it degrades the overall system throughput, consumes more energy per packet, and results in higher delay for nonemergency nodes.
Chitosan and Cystatin/Lysozyme Preparation as Protective Edible Films Components
Authors: Zimoch-Korzycka Anna , Rouilly Antoine , Bobak Łukasz , Jarmoluk Andrzej , Korzycki Michał
Published: October 2015

This work characterizes biological, physical, and chemical properties of films formed from an aqueous solution of hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC), with different concentrations of chitosan (CH) and bioactive cystatin/lysozyme preparation (C/L). The properties of biocomposites were examined by Dynamic Mechanical Analysis (DMA), Fourier’s transfer infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), water vapour permeability (WVP), and tensile testing. Antimicrobial activity againstMicrococcus flavus,Bacillus cereus,Escherichia coli,Pseudomonas fluorescens, andCandida famatawas conducted. Films glass transition and storage modulus were dependent on the C/L and CH concentration. Modulus values decreased during the temperature scan and with higher reagents levels. An increase of CH and C/L concentrations in the films resulted in a decrease in tensile strength from 2.62 to 1.08 MPa. It suggests the hydrolyzing influence of C/L, also observed in smaller peak size ofαrelaxation. C/L addition caused shiftingTgto higher temperature. DMA and FTIR analysis proved that HPMC and CH are compatible polymers. Water resistance was improved with rising CH concentration from1.08E-09to7.71E−10 g/m∗s∗Pa. The highest inhibition zone inM. flavusandC. famatawas recorded at the highest concentration of CH and C/L.
Morphology versus Vertical Phase Segregation in Solvent Annealed Small Molecule Bulk Heterojunction Organic Solar Cells
Authors: Kovalenko Alexander , Stoyanova Darina , Pospisil Jan , Zhivkov Ivaylo , Fekete Ladislav , Karashanova Daniela , Kratochvílová Irena , Vala Martin , Weiter Martin
Published: October 2015

The deep study of solvent annealed small molecules bulk heterojunction organic solar cells based on DPP(TBFu)2 : PC60BM blend is carried out. To reveal the reason of the solvent annealing advantage over the thermal one, capacitance-voltage measurements were applied. It was found that controlling the vertical phase segregation in the solar cells a high fullerene population in the vicinity of the cathode could be achieved. This results in increase of the shunt resistance of the cell, thus improving the light harvesting efficiency.
Assessment of Trace Metals Concentration in Tree Barks as Indicator of Atmospheric Pollution within Ibadan City, South-West, Nigeria
Authors: Ejidike Ikechukwu P. , Onianwa Percy C.
Published: October 2015

Tree bark species were randomly collected from 65 sites having different anthropogenic activities, such as industrial, high traffic commercial, residential high and residential low traffic volume areas of Ibadan City, Nigeria. Levels of Cd, Cu, Pb, Zn, Co, and Cr of the dry-ashed bark samples were determined by AAS. The mean metal concentrations (mg kg−1) in samples from industrial zone were found as Pb:3.67±1.97, Cd:0.10±0.07, Zn:30.96±32.05, Cu:7.29±5.17, Co:0.91±0.58, and Cr:2.61±1.84. The trend of mean trace metal concentrations at high traffic commercial zone follows the order: Zn > Pb > Cu > Cr > Co > Cd. Residential high traffic and low traffic zones revealed the same trend as Cd < Co < Cr < Pb < Cu < Zn. Relatively strong positive correlation between the heavy metals atρ<0.05, such as Zn versus Cu (r=0.79) and Co versus Cu (r=0.77), was observed. The results of the study suggest that tree bark samples could potentially serve as bioindicators for Cu, Pb, Zn, Cr, and possibly Co and Cd. Furthermore, interspecies variation of heavy metal concentrations in plants barks is recommended.
Three-Dimensional Analysis of the Curvature of the Femoral Canal in 426 Chinese Femurs
Authors: Su Xiu-Yun , Zhao Zhe , Zhao Jing-Xin , Zhang Li-Cheng , Long An-Hua , Zhang Li-Hai , Tang Pei-Fu
Published: October 2015

Purpose. The human femur has long been considered to have an anatomical anterior curvature in the sagittal plane. We established a new method to evaluate the femoral curvature in three-dimensional (3D) space and reveal its influencing factors in Chinese population. Methods. 3D models of 426 femurs and the medullary canal were constructed using Mimics software. We standardized the positions of all femurs using 3ds Max software. After measuring the anatomical parameters, including the radius of femoral curvature (RFC) and banking angle, of the femurs using the established femur-specific coordinate system, we analyzed and determined the relationships between the anatomical parameters of the femur and the general characteristics of the population. Results. Pearson’s correlation analyses showed that there were positive correlations between the RFC and height (r=0.339, p<0.001) and the femoral length and RFC (r=0.369, p<0.001) and a negative correlation between the femoral length and banking angle (r=-0.223, p<0.001). Stepwise linear regression analyses showed that the most relevant factors for the RFC and banking angle were the femoral length and gender, respectively. Conclusions. This study concluded that the banking angle of the femur was significantly larger in female than in male.
Generalized Synthesis of EAs [E = Fe, Co, Mn, Cr] Nanostructures and Investigating Their Morphology Evolution
Authors: Desai P. , Ashokan Nikitaa , Nath M.
Published: October 2015

This paper illustrates a novel route for the synthesis of nanostructured transition metal arsenides including those of FeAs, CoAs, MnAs, and CrAs through a generalized protocol. The key feature of the method is the use of one‐step hot-injection and the clever use of a combination of precursors which are low‐melting and highly reactive such as metal carbonyls and triphenylarsine in a solventless setup. This method also facilitates the formation of one‐dimensional nanostructures as we move across the periodic table from CrAs to CoAs. The chemical basis of this reaction is simple redox chemistry between the transition metals, wherein the transition metal is oxidized from elemental state (E0) to E3+in lieu of reduction of As3+ to As3−. While the thermodynamic analysis reveals that all these conversions are spontaneous, it is the kinetics of the process that influences morphology of the product nanostructures, which varies from extremely small nanoparticles to nanorods. Transition metal pnictides show interesting magnetic properties and these nanostructures can serve as model systems for the exploration of their intricate magnetism as well as their applications and can also function as starting materials for the arsenide based nanosuperconductors.
The Anti‐Inflammatory Effect of Human Telomerase‐Derived Peptide on P. gingivalis Lipopolysaccharide‐Induced Inflammatory Cytokine Production and Its Mechanism in Human Dental Pulp Cells
Authors: Ko Yoo-Jin , Kwon Kil-Young , Kum Kee-Yeon , Lee Woo-Cheol , Baek Seung-Ho , Kang Mo K. , Shon Won-Jun
Published: October 2015

Porphyromonas gingivalis is considered with inducing pulpal inflammation and has lipopolysaccharide (LPS) as an inflammatory stimulator. GV1001 peptide has anticancer and anti‐inflammation activity due to inhibiting activation of signaling molecules after penetration into the various types of cells. Therefore, this study examined inhibitory effect of GV1001 on dental pulp cells (hDPCs) stimulated by P. gingivalis LPS. The intracellular distribution of GV1001 was analyzed by confocal microscopy. Real‐time RT‐PCR was performed to determine the expression levels of TNF‐α and IL‐6 cytokines. The role of signaling by MAP kinases (ERK and p38) was explored using Western blot analysis. The effect of GV1001 peptide on hDPCs viability was measured by MTT assay. GV1001 was predominantly located in hDPC cytoplasm. The peptide inhibited P. gingivalis LPS‐induced TNF‐α and IL‐6 production in hDPCs without significant cytotoxicity. Furthermore, GV1001 treatment markedly inhibited the phosphorylation of MAP kinases (ERK and p38) in LPS‐stimulated hDPCs. GV1001 may prevent P. gingivalis LPS‐induced inflammation of apical tissue. Also, these findings provide mechanistic insight into how GV1001 peptide causes anti‐inflammatory actions in LPS‐stimulated pulpitis without significantly affecting cell viability.
Artificial Neural Network Estimation of Thermal Insulation Value of Children’s School Wear in Kuwait Classroom
Authors: Al-Rashidi Khaled , Alazmi Radhi , Alazmi Mubarak
Published: October 2015

Artificial neural network (ANN) was utilized to predict the thermal insulation values of children’s school wear in Kuwait. The input thermal insulation data of the different children’s school wear used in Kuwait classrooms were obtained from study using thermal manikins. The lowest mean squared error (MSE) value for the validation data was 1.5 × 10−5 using one hidden layer of six neurons and one output layer. The R2 values for the training, validation, and testing data were almost equal to 1. The values from ANN prediction were compared with McCullough’s equation and the standard tables’ methods. Results suggested that the ANN is able to give more accurate prediction of the clothing thermal insulation values than the regression equation and the standard tables methods. The effect of the different input variables on the thermal insulation value was examined using Garson algorithm and sensitivity analysis and it was found that the cloths weight, the body surface area nude (BSA0), and body surface area covered by one layer of clothing (BSAC1) have the highest effect on the thermal insulation value with about 29%, 27%, and 23%, respectively.
Multisystemic Side Effects of an Indispensable Old Drug: A Case Report of Chronic Lithium Use (A Patient with Multiple Side Effects of Lithium)
Authors: Demirtas Levent , Akbas Emin Murat , Degirmenci Husnu , Gurel Ali , Duzgun Eren
Published: October 2015

Presented here is a case of long-term lithium use, with multiple emerging lithium-associated side effects. An 82-year-old woman was brought into the emergency department because of loss of consciousness. According to the physical examination and laboratory analyses, patient was diagnosed with lithium-associated hypercalcemia, hyperparathyroidism, nephrogenic diabetes insipidus (NDI), symptomatic sinus bradycardia, and thyroid dysfunction. In the literature, there is a limited number of case reports with lithium induced multiple clinical conditions. Multiple clinical manifestations due to the side effects of chronic lithium use might be seen. Health care professionals should keep in mind that lithium-related side effects might trigger or exacerbate each other. To avoid toxicity, close follow-up and clinical supervision are important for the early diagnosis and treatment of these side effects, due to the narrow therapeutic index and obscure clinical signs and symptoms of toxicity.
About Face: Evaluating and Managing Tactile Impairment at the Time of Autism Diagnosis
Authors: Silva Louisa M. T. , Schalock Mark , Gabrielsen Kristen R.
Published: October 2015

Evaluation for sensory impairment is a routine part of autism diagnosis. Sensory impairment of hearing, vision, or touch results in developmental delay and must be addressed before delay can resolve. Recent studies confirm that tactile impairment is present in autism and can be effectively treated with a tactile stimulation protocol. The research suggests a change in management at the time of autism diagnosis to include evaluation and treatment of tactile impairment. Here we validate screening and management tool for tactile impairment, the Autism Touch and Self-Regulation Checklist, in 404 typical and autistic preschool children. The tool assesses tactile impairment by location and severity. Autistic children were distinguished by mixed pain and numbness on multiple areas including the face and mouth (F=412.1 (1,402);p<.000). Oral-facial tactile impairment interferes with the tactile stimulus to orienting. We hypothesized that oral-facial tactile impairment and difficulty orienting are predictive of ASD and that severity of tactile impairment is predictive of severity of ASD. Questions evaluating oral-facial and orienting responses correctly predicted 91% of the autism group. Severity of tactile impairment correctly predicted 81% of mild versus severe ASD. Results underscore the importance of evaluating and treating tactile impairment at the time of autism diagnosis.
Validation of the Accuracy of Different Precipitation Datasets over Tianshan Mountainous Area
Authors: Zhao Chuancheng , Yao Shuxia , Zhang Shiqiang , Han Haidong , Zhao Qiudong , Yi Shuhua
Published: October 2015

Precipitation is one of the important water supplies in the arid and semiarid regions of northwestern China, playing a vital role in maintaining the fragile ecosystem. In remote mountainous area, it is difficult to obtain an accurate and reliable spatialization of the precipitation amount at the regional scale due to the inaccessibility, the sparsity of observation stations, and the complexity of relationships between precipitation and topography. Furthermore, accurate precipitation is important driven data for hydrological models to assess the water balance and water resource for hydrologists. Therefore, the use of satellite remote sensing becomes an important means over mountainous area. Precipitation datasets based on station data or pure satellite data have been increasingly available in spite of several weaknesses. This paper evaluates the usefulness of three precipitation datasets including TRMM 3B43_V6, 3B43_V7, and Asian Precipitation Highly Resolved Observational Data Integration Towards Evaluation with rain gauge data over Tianshan mountainous area where precipitation data is scarce. The results suggest that precipitation measurements only provided accurate information on a small scale, while the satellite remote sensing of precipitation had obvious advantages in basin scale or large scale especially over remote mountainous area.
Nosocomial Methemoglobinemia Resulting from Self-Administration of Benzocaine Spray
Authors: Hoffman Christopher , Abubakar Hawa , Kalikiri Pramood , Green Michael
Published: October 2015

Methemoglobinemia is life-threatening and bears pathognomonic signs difficult to diagnose in real time. Local anesthetics are widely used and are known for eliciting this condition. We report a case of methemoglobinemia secondary to self-administered use of benzocaine spray. A 27-year-old woman was found to be in respiratory distress during postoperative recovery. After desaturation persisted, arterial blood gas yielded a methemoglobin level of 47%. The patient was successfully treated with intravenous methylene blue. Review of the events revealed self-administered doses of benzocaine spray to alleviate discomfort from a nasogastric tube. We review this case in detail in addition to discussing methemoglobinemia and its relevant biochemistry, pathophysiology, clinical presentation, and medical management. Given the recognized risk of methemoglobinemia associated with benzocaine use, we recommend its removal from the market in favor of safer alternatives.
Influence of Abdominal Obesity on the Lipid-Lipoprotein Profile in Apoprotein E2/4 Carriers: The Effect of an Apparent Duality
Authors: Villeneuve Sylvia , Brisson Diane , Gaudet Daniel
Published: October 2015

Background. Apolipoprotein (Apo) E plays a key role in the handling of lipoprotein particles with ApoE2 and ApoE4 frequently having opposite effects compared to ApoE3. Some individuals simultaneously carry both E2 and E4 alleles. The impact of the ApoE2/4 genotype on lipid concentrations and its consequences on health remain poorly documented.Objective. This study compared the lipid profile between ApoE2/4 carriers and other ApoE genotypes in relation to the waist circumference.Methods. Cholesterol, triglyceride (TG), and ApoB concentrations were measured among 2,680 Caucasians. Multivariate logistic regression models were used to estimate the contribution of ApoE2/4 to various dyslipidemic profiles associated with abdominal obesity.Results. In presence of abdominal obesity, the lipid profile was as deteriorated in ApoE2/4 carriers as in carriers of other ApoE genotypes. There was a more pronounced effect on TG-rich lipoproteins, particularly in ApoE2/2 (a feature of type III dysbetalipoproteinemia), and non-high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol in ApoE4/4. Compared to ApoE2/2, ApoE2/4 carriers presented lower very-low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) cholesterol concentrations and VLDL-cholesterol/TG ratios, with or without obesity, and higher low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol concentrations.Conclusion. In presence of abdominal obesity, the influence of the ApoE2 allele could be less pronounced than that of ApoE4 among ApoE2/4 individuals.