bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Asymptotic Bahavior of the Moran Particle System
Authors: Feng Shui , Xiong Jie
Published: June 2013

The asymptotic behavior is studied for an interacting particle system that involves independent motion and random sampling. For a fixed sampling rate, the empirical process of the particle system converges to the Fleming-Viot process when the number of particles approaches∞. If the sampling rate approaches 0 as the number of particles becomes large, the corresponding empirical process will converge to the deterministic flow of the motion. In the main results of this paper, we study the corresponding central limit theorems and large deviations. Both the Gaussian limits and the large deviations depend on the sampling scales explicitly.
On the Density Functions of Integrals of Gaussian Random Fields
Authors: Liu Jingchen , Xu Gongjun
Published: June 2013

In the paper we consider the density functions of random variables that can be written as integrals of exponential functions of Gaussian random fields. In particular, we provide closed-form asymptotic bounds for the density functions and, under smoothness conditions, we derive exact tail approximations of the density functions.
Distributional Convergence for the Number of Symbol Comparisons Used by Quickselect
Authors: Fill James Allen , Nakama Takehiko
Published: June 2013

When the search algorithm QuickSelect compares keys during its execution in order to find a key of target rank, it must operate on the keys' representations or internal structures, which were ignored by the previous studies that quantified the execution cost for the algorithm in terms of the number of required key comparisons. In this paper we analyze running costs for the algorithm that take into account not only the number of key comparisons, but also the cost of each key comparison. We suppose that keys are represented as sequences of symbols generated by various probabilistic sources and that QuickSelect operates on individual symbols in order to find the target key. We identify limiting distributions for the costs, and derive integral and series expressions for the expectations of the limiting distributions. These expressions are used to recapture previously obtained results on the number of key comparisons required by the algorithm.
Absorbing Continuous-Time Markov Decision Processes with Total Cost Criteria
Authors: Guo Xianping , Vykertas Mantas , Zhang Yi
Published: June 2013

In this paper we study absorbing continuous-time Markov decision processes in Polish state spaces with unbounded transition and cost rates, and history-dependent policies. The performance measure is the expected total undiscounted costs. For the unconstrained problem, we show the existence of a deterministic stationary optimal policy, whereas, for the constrained problems with N constraints, we show the existence of a mixed stationary optimal policy, where the mixture is over no more than N+1 deterministic stationary policies. Furthermore, the strong duality result is obtained for the associated linear programs.
Identification and molecular characterization of a novel Chlamydomonas reinhardtii mutant defective in chlorophyll biosynthesis
Authors: Grovenstein Phillip B , Wilson Darryel A , Lennox Cameron G , Smith Katherine P , Contractor Alisha A , Mincey Jonathan L , Lankford Kathryn D , Smith Jacqueline M , Haye Tashana C , Mitra Mautusi
Published: June 2013

The green micro-algaChlamydomonasreinhardtiiis an elegant model organism to study all aspects of oxygenic photosynthesis. Chlorophyll (Chl) and heme are major tetrapyrroles that play an essential role in energy metabolism in photosynthetic organisms and are synthesized via a common branched tetrapyrrole biosynthetic pathway. One of the enzymes in the pathway is Mg chelatase (MgChel) which inserts Mg2+into protoporphyrin IX (PPIX, proto) to form magnesium-protoporphyrin IX (MgPPIX, Mgproto), the first biosynthetic intermediate in the Chl branch. MgChel is a multimeric enzyme that consists of three subunits designated CHLD, CHLI and CHLH. Plants have two isozymes of CHLI (CHLI1 and CHLI2) which are 70%-81% identical in protein sequences. Although the functional role of CHLI1 is well characterized, that of CHLI2 is not. We have isolated a non-photosynthetic light sensitive mutant5A7by random DNA insertional mutagenesis that is devoid of any detectable Chl. PCR based analyses show that5A7is missing theCHLI1gene and at least eight additional functionally uncharacterized genes.5A7has an intactCHLI2gene. Complementation with a functional copy of theCHLI1gene restored Chl biosynthesis, photo-autotrophic growth and light tolerance in5A7. We have identified the firstchli1mutant ofChlamydomonas reinhardtiiand in green algae. Our results show that in the wild typeChlamydomonasCHLI2 protein amount is lower than that of CHLI1 and thechli1mutant has a drastic reduction in CHLI2 protein levels although it possesses theCHLI2gene. Ourchli1mutant opens up new avenues to explore the functional roles of CHLI1 and CHLI2 in Chl biosynthesis and chloroplast to nucleus retrograde signaling inChlamydomonas,which has never been studied before.
Comparing laws and comparing legal cultures
Authors: Варга Чаба , Varga Csaba
Published: June 2013

The author turns to the phenomena of legal culture not only in relation with interest to theory but as a practical matter, stressing that in cause in Central and Eastern Europe (as in Latin America and Japan informationes as well) there is no rapid or simple recipes of coercive wes­ternization.
The Issue of Compulsory Contracts between Providers and Clients of Public Services or Essential Commodities in the Law of Iran
Authors: Sedaghati Ali
Published: June 2013

Nowadays a major change in interactions and concepts like independence has led to a transformation in the law of contracts. A clear example can be observed in the continuing expansion of compulsion into contracts (conclusion of compulsory contracts). In the modern law, the phenomenon of compulsory contract is considered to be inevitable, and the law of Iran is no exception. On the account of the fact that this concept has not undergone in-depth analyses neither in Iranian law system nor among the jurists, the study of this system of law in regard to its capacity to accept this phenomenon would be probably a challenging issue. Direct reference to law so as to infer an obligation to enter a contract or resort to one in order to conclude the existence of a type of implied term creating such an obligation is the subject matter of this study.
Multistep Optimization and Residue Disposal Study for Electrochemical Treatment of Textile Wastewater Using Aluminum Electrode
Authors: Singh Seema , Srivastava Vimal Chandra , Mall Indra Deo
Published: June 2013

This paper reports multistep optimization studies on electrochemical (EC) treatment of textile wastewater containing three dyes namely basic orange 30, basic violet 16 and basic green 4 using an aluminum electrode. Chemical oxygen demand (COD) and color removal efficiencies were maximized in a batch EC experimental reactor. In first step, Plackett–Burman (PB) design was used to sort most effective factors amongst the various factors namely current density (j), time (t), electrode gap (g), temperature (T), initial pH (pHo) and NaCl salt concentration (m) that affected the removal efficiency. In the next step, steepest accent/descent method and Box–Behnken (BB) design methods were utilized to evaluate the optimum electrochemical conditions. In BB design, three operational parameters, namely j: 117.64–196.07 A/m2; t: 150–210 min and pHo: 3.5–5.5 were taken as input parameter whereas COD removal (Y1) and color removal (Y2) were taken as responses of the system. At the optimum operating conditions of j = 185.30 A/m2, t190 min and pHo 5, more than 70.5% COD and 98.2% color removal efficiencies were observed. Field emission scanning electron microscopy of aluminum electrodes, scum and sludge has been carried out to understand the EC mechanism.
Reforming of Glycerol into Bio-Crude: A Parametric Study
Authors: Tymchyshyn Matthew , Yuan Zhongshun , Xu Chunbao (Charles)
Published: June 2013

The reforming of glycerol was investigated using a micro-reactor in the presence of MoCoP/zeolite catalyst. The parameters which were investigated include initial hydrogen pressure, reaction temperature, residence time, and feedstock concentration. The liquid products were separated into water-soluble components and bio-oil by liquid-liquid extraction with water and ethyl acetate. The bio-oil, gaseous products, char, and unreacted glycerol were quantified relative to the initial mass of glycerol feed. The composition of the bio-oil was determined by GC/MS. The optimum conditions for the reforming of glycerol into bio-crude in the presence of MoCoP/zeolite catalyst were found to be: 300°C reaction temperature, 5 MPa initial hydrogen pressure, 60 min reaction time, and 100% glycerol feed. While dilution of the glycerol feedstock with water had a negative effect on bio-oil yield, reforming of pure glycerol produced the highest bio-oil yield (40 wt.% at 300°C, 1 h, and 5 MPa H2). The amount of char deposited on the catalyst decreased with extended reaction time, increased reaction temperature, and elevated initial hydrogen pressure.
Conversion Enhancement of Fixed-Bed Reactors Using Two-Dimensional Hollow Cylindrical Catalyst Pellet
Authors: Asif Mohammad
Published: June 2013

The key challenge in the operation of any industrial fixed-bed heterogeneous reactor is to enhance the conversion level while keeping the pressure-drop low. Towards this end, the use of finite hollow cylindrical catalyst pellets instead of spherical ones is proposed here. The absence of the pellet core helps to lower the effect of the internal mass transport resistance besides providing a greater surface area. Another equally important advantage is a lower pressure-drop due to the higher bed void fraction associated with hollow pellets. A rigorous model of the heterogeneous fixed-bed reactor containing finite hollow cylindrical catalyst pellet is presented here accounting for the concentration gradients both in the axial as well as the radial directions, thus, resulting in a two-dimensional partial differential equation for the solid catalytic phase.
Hydrodynamic and Mass Transfer Characteristics in a Large-Scale Slurry Bubble Column Reactor for Gas Mixtures in Actual Fischer–Tropsch Cuts
Authors: Sehabiague Laurent , Morsi Badie I.
Published: June 2013

The hydrodynamics (gas holdup, Sauter mean bubble diameter, d
32) and the overall volumetric liquid-side mass transfer coefficients (kLa) were measured in a large-scale (0.29 m ID, 3 m high) slurry bubble column reactor (SBCR) for He/N2 gaseous mixtures, as surrogates for syngas, in three different Fisher–Tropsch (F-T) products (liquid paraffins mixture, light F-T cut and heavy F-T cut) in the presence and absence of three different solids (spent iron oxides catalyst, alumina powder and Puralox alumina). The effects of pressure (10–30 bar), temperature (up to 500 K), superficial gas velocity (0.14–0.26 m/s), solid concentration (0–20 vol.%) and gas density on these design parameters were investigated. The experimental data revealed that increasing the reactor pressure or gas density increased the gas holdup and decreased d
32, by increasing the population of the small gas bubbles, which increased the overall kLa values for all the gas mixtures used in the three F-T cuts under most of the operating conditions employed. Increasing temperature increased the gas holdup in the three F-T cuts, except for N2-light F-T cut, where the gas holdup values remained almost constant from 400 to 500 K. Increasing the slurry concentration decreased the gas holdup and increased d
32, mainly for gaseous mixtures with high He mole fractions, which decreased the overall kLa under all conditions used. Increasing the gas superficial velocities (UG
) increased the gas holdup and kLa values, even though d
32 was found to increase or decrease with increasing UG
. Increasing the He mole fraction in the He/N2 gaseous mixture at constant pressure led to low gas holdup and high d
32 which decreased kLa values, and under similar operating conditions, kLa values of He as a single gas were always lower than those of N2 as a single gas. Increasing the He mole fraction in the He/N2 gaseous mixture at constant density, however, was found to have negligible effect on the gas holdup, d
32 and subsequently on the overall kLa. The gas holdup, the overall kLa and the population of the small gas bubbles for N2 in the liquid paraffins mixture were greater than those in the light F-T cut. Operating the SBCR with the heavy F-T cut resulted in the lowest gas holdup and the largest gas bubbles size which led to the lowest gas–liquid interfacial area and consequently, the lowest kLa values. Also, under the operating conditions investigated, the behavior of overall kLa for the gases used in the three F-T cuts in the presence and absence of the three solids employed was controlled by that of the gas–liquid interfacial area (a). Using the data obtained, two novel empirical correlations for predicting the gas holdup and the overall kLa for gases specifically in F-T cuts are proposed.
Correlations between Molecular Descriptors from Various Volatile Organic Compounds and Photocatalytic Oxidation Kinetic Constants
Authors: Raillard Cécile , Héquet Valérie , Gao Bifen , Choi Heyok , Dionysiou Dionysios D. , Marvilliers Arnaud , Illien Bertrand
Published: June 2013

The photocatalytic oxidation of seven typical indoor volatile organic compounds (VOCs) is experimentally investigated using novel nanocrystalline TiO2 dip-coated catalysts. Not only the role of hydrophilicity of the reactants but also other physico-chemical properties and molecular descriptors are studied and related to kinetic and equilibrium constants. The main objective of this work consists in establishing simple relationships that will be useful to deepen the understanding of gas-phase heterogeneous photocatalytic mechanisms and for the prediction of degradation rates of these VOCs using an indoor air treatment process.
Association between autistic traits and social anxiety among Japanese university students
Authors: Kitazoe Noriko , Inoue Shimpei , Izumoto Yuji , Kumagai Naoko , Terada Shin-ichi , Fujita Naofumi
Published: June 2013

Background:Symptom overlap between autism spectrum disorders (ASD) and social anxiety disorder has been reported. However, few reports exist on the associations between autistic traits and social anxiety in young adults.

Methods:Autistic traits and social anxiety were assessed using the Autism-Spectrum Quotient (AQ) and the Liebowitz Social Anxiety Scale (LSAS), respectively. The survey was performed as part of the student health check-up at admission to our school, Kochi University. The relationship between the AO and LSAS scores were analyzed.

Results:In all, 1479 students (77.2%) completed both the questionnaires. The overall AQ score was significantly related to the score on the Japanese version of the LSAS (LSAS-J) (Spearman’s correlation coefficient; 0.46, p<0.001). The group of students with AQ≥33 had significantly higher total and subscale scores on the LSAS-J as compared to the group with AQ<33, while the group with LSAS-J≥44 showed significantly higher scores on all the subscales of the AQ, except “Attention to detail,” as compared to the group with LSAS-J<44.

Conclusions:The results suggest that both students diagnosed as having ASD and those with autistic traits may experience anxiety symptoms. The score for “Attention to detail” on the AQ, which was not related to the presence of social anxiety, may be useful in discriminating between autistic traits and social anxiety.
Configuration of Jacobian Matrix in Steady-State Voltage Stability Analysis Based on Rotor Flux Dynamics of Rotating Machines
Authors: Li Shenghu
Published: June 2013

In the existing literatures, modal analysis for steady-state voltage stability is based on the reduced Jacobian matrix, i.e. active power equations are eliminated, and reactive power equations of the constant power/voltage buses (PV buses) are ignored in the polar coordinate expression, which is actually designed for voltage controllability, but questionable for voltage stability.In this article, power outputs of the rotating machines are newly decomposed to the steady-state and dynamic components, with the latter proportional to derivative of the rotor flux. Therefore, neither the active nor the reactive power equations of the rotating machines may be eliminated or ignored in the Jacobian matrix. Only the static buses with constant load impedance should be eliminated. Numerical results show that elimination of active power equations or ignorance of reactive power equations of the rotating machines will yield optimistic stability margins, while including power equations of static load buses yields pessimistic stability margin. It is also find that more static load component yields larger stability margin.
Treatment of PPROM with anhydramnion in humans: first experience with different amniotic fluid substitutes for continuous amnioinfusion through a subcutaneously implanted port system
Authors: Tchirikov Michael , Bapayeva Gauri , Zhumadilov Zhaxybay Sh. , Dridi Yasmina , Harnisch Ralf , Herrmann Angelika
Published: June 2013

Objective: This study aims to treat patients with preterm premature rupture of the membranes (PPROM) and anhydramnion using continuous amnioinfusion through a subcutaneously implanted port system.

Methods: An amniotic fluid replacement port system was implanted in seven patients with PPROM and anhydramnion starting at the 20th week of gestation (range, 14–26 weeks) for long-term amnioinfusion. Saline solutions (2 L/day; Jonosteril®, Sterofundin®, isotonic NaCl 0.9% solution, lactated Ringer’s solution) and a hypotonic aqueous composition with reduced chloride content similar to the electrolyte concentration of human amniotic fluid were used for the continuous amnioinfusion.

Results: The mean duration of the PPROM delivery interval continued for 49 days (range, 9–69 days), with 3 weeks of amnioinfusion via the port system (range, 4–49). The newborns showed no signs of lung hypoplasia.

Conclusion: Long-term lavage of the amniotic cavity via a subcutaneously implanted port system in patients with PPROM and anhydramnion may help prolong the pregnancy and avoid fetal lung hypoplasia. A hypotonic aqueous composition with reduced chloride content similar to human amniotic fluid can be safely used for amnioinfusion. Prospective randomized studies are ongoing.
Imaging modalities using magnetic nanoparticles – overview of the developments in recent years
Authors: Schwarz Marc , Dörfler Arnd , Engelhorn Tobias , Struffert Tobias , Tietze Rainer , Janko Christina , Tripal Philipp , Cicha Iwona , Dürr Stephan , Alexiou Christoph , Lyer Stefan
Published: June 2013

The use of nanoparticles in tumor imaging, molecular imaging, and drug delivery has significantly expanded in the last few years. The relatively new field of “theranostics” combines their capacity for drug delivery with their potential as contrast agents. Depending on the imaging modality used, several types of nanoparticles are available, such as gold for optical imaging or superparamagnetic iron oxide for magnetic resonance imaging. This review will give a short overview of the different types of nanoparticles as well as their development and potential application in recent years. Furthermore, it describes the research on classic imaging modalities as well as on new techniques to image nanoparticles in vivo and focuses on magnetic-based imaging modalities.
Helium-neon laser therapy interferes with epiphyseal plate growth in the femur and tibia of rabbits
Authors: de Oliveira Flavia , Peccin Maria Stella , Fernandes Kelly Rosseti , Renno Ana Claudia Muniz , Giusti Paulo Ricardo , Chaves Marcelo Donizeti , Ribeiro Daniel Araki
Published: June 2013

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the influence of low-level laser therapy (LLLT) on epiphyseal cartilage in the femur and tibia of rabbits. A total of six male New Zealand rabbits were used in this study. The right tibia or femur lesions (control group) served as negative control and the left as experimental (laser) group. Helium-neon (HeNe) laser light with an energy density of 6 J/cm
Molecular iodine/polymer complexes
Authors: Moulay Saad
Published: June 2013

A unique feature of molecular iodine by far, is its ability to bind to polymeric materials. A plethora of natural and synthetic polymers develop complexes when treated with molecular iodine, or with a mixture of molecular iodine and potassium iodide. Many unexpected findings have been encountered upon complexation of iodine and the polymer skeleton, including the color formation, the polymer morphology changes, the complexation sites or regions, the biological activity, and the electrical conductivity enhancement of the complexes, with polyiodides (In¯), mainly I3¯ and I5¯, as the actual binding species. Natural polymers that afford such complexes with iodine species are starch (amylose and amylopectin), chitosan, glycogen, silk, wool, albumin, cellulose, xylan, and natural rubber; iodine-starch being the oldest iodine-natural polymer complex. By contrast, numerous synthetic polymers are prone to make complexes, including poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA), poly(vinyl pyrrolidone) (PVP), nylons, poly(Schiff base)s, polyaniline, unsaturated polyhydrocarbons (carbon nanotubes, fullerenes C60/C70, polyacetylene; iodine-PVA being the oldest iodine-synthetic polymer complex.
Proteomics quantification of protein nitration
Authors: Evans Adam R. , Robinson Renã A.S.
Published: June 2013

Protein tyrosine nitration is a post-translational modification (PTM) that can occur in biological systems under conditions of oxidative stress. This PTM can impact protein structure and function and has been linked to diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease, cardiomyopathy, and arthritis. In order to understand the role that 3-nitrotyrosine (3NT) plays in disease states, a better understanding at the macromolecular level is necessary. Proteomics is a powerful approach that can simultaneously measure hundreds to thousands of proteins in normal or diseased states and thus can be helpful in the analysis of 3NT-modified proteins. Recently, some attention has been focused on the development of proteomic workflows that provide enrichment, characterization, and relative quantification of 3NT-modified proteins. These approaches rely on gel electrophoresis, liquid chromatography, and mass spectrometry (MS) techniques. This review provides an overview of current proteomics approaches for 3NT-modified proteins and highlights current MS-based methods for quantification of this PTM.
Analysis of Nutation Patterns in Fourier-Transform NMR of Non-Thermally Polarized Multispin Systems
Authors: Nasibulov Egor A. , Pravdivtsev Andrey N. , Yurkovskaya Alexandra V. , Lukzen Nikita N. , Vieth Hans-Martin , Ivanov Konstantin L.
Published: June 2013

The complex spin order of hyperpolarized multispin systems giving rise to anomalous NMR spectral patterns that vary with the RF excitation angle is analyzed by decomposing its nutation behavior in a superposition of Fourier harmonics. The product operator formalism is applied to calculating the spectral contributions of the various mutual alignments of scalar coupled spins. Two cases are treated, namely systems exhibiting only differences in population of their spin states and systems showing in addition zero-quantum coherences between states, a situation often seen at hyperpolarization. After deriving the general solution a number of representative examples are discussed in detail. The theoretical treatment is applied to analyzing the spin order observed in a hyperpolarized two-spin system that is prepared in the singlet state by para-hydrogen induced polarization.
Thermal conductivity of regularly spaced amorphous/crystalline silicon superlattices. A molecular dynamics study
Authors: TERMENTZIDIS Konstantinos , FRANCE-LANORD Arthur , BLANDRE Etienne , ALBARET Tristan , MERABIA Samy , JEAN Valentin , LACROIX David
Published: June 2013

The thermal transport in amorphous/crystalline silicon superlattices with means of molecular dynamics is presented in the current study. The procedure used to build such structures is discussed. Then, thermal conductivity of various samples is studied as a function of the periodicity of regular superlattices and of the applied temperature. Preliminarily results show that for regular amorphous/crystalline superlattices, the amorphous regions control the heat transfer within the structures. Secondly, in the studied cases thermal conductivity weakly varies with the temperature. This, points out the presence of a majority of non-propagating vibrational modes in such systems.
Thermal and rheological properties of micro- and nanofluids of copper in diethylene glycol – as heat exchange liquid
Authors: Nikkam Nader , Ghanbarpour Morteza , Saleemi Mohsin , Toprak Muhammet S. , Muhammed Mamoun , Khodabandeh Rahmatollah
Published: June 2013

This study reports on the fabrication of nanofluids/microfluids (NFs/MFs) with experimental and theoretical investigation of thermal conductivity (TC) and viscosity of diethylene glycol (DEG) base NFs/MFs containing copper nanoparticles (Cu NPs) and copper microparticles (Cu MPs). For this purpose, Cu NPs (20-40 nm) and Cu MPs (0.5-1.5 μm) were dispersed in DEG with particle loading between 1 wt% and 3 wt%. Ultrasonic agitation was used for dispersion and preparation of stable NFs/MFs, and thus the use of surfactants was avoided. The objectives were investigation of impact of size of Cu particle and concentration on TC and viscosity of NFs/MFs on DEG as the model base liquid. The physicochemical properties of all particles and fluids were characterized by using various techniques including Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS) techniques. Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis was performed to study particles’ surfaces. NFs and MFs exhibited a higher TC than the base liquid, while NFs outperformed MFs showing a potential for their use in heat exchange applications. The TC and viscosity of NFs and MFs were presented, along with a comparison with values from predictive models. While Maxwell model was good at predicting the TC of MFs, it underestimated the TC of NFs, revealing that the model is not directly applicable to the NF systems.
Heat Transport between Heat Reservoirs Mediated by Quantum Systems
Authors: Panasyuk George Y. , Levin George A. , Yerkes Kirk L.
Published: June 2013

We explore a model of heat transport between two heat reservoirs mediated by a quantum particle. The reservoirs are modeled as ensembles of harmonic modes linearly coupled to the mediator. The steady state heat current, as well as the thermal conductance are obtained for arbitrary coupling strength and will be analyzed for the cases of weak and strong coupling regimes. It is shown that the violation of the virial theorem – the imbalance between the average potential and kinetic energy of the mediator – can be considered as a measure of the coupling strength that takes into account all the relevant factors. The dependence of the thermal conductance on the coupling strength is non-monotonic and displays a maximum. Temperature dependence of the heat conductance may reach a plateau at intermediate temperatures, similar to the classical plateau at high temperatures. We will discuss the origin of Fourier’s law in a chain of macroscopically large, but finite subsystems coupled by the quantum mediators. We will also address the origin of the anomalously large heat current between the scanning tunneling microscope tip and the substrate in deep vacuum which was found in recent experiments.
Feature-level fusion based on wavelet transform and artificial neural network for fault diagnosis of planetary gearbox using acoustic and vibration signals
Authors: Khazaee M , Ahmadi H , Omid M , Banakar A , Moosavian A
Published: June 2013

In this article, an intelligent system based on an artificial neural networks (ANN) classifier is proposed for fault diagnosis and classification of planetary gearboxes based on fusing acoustic and vibration data at the feature level. First, the acoustic and vibration signals of the
planetary gearbox were collected simultaneously in four gearbox conditions: (1) healthy; (2) worn tooth on planet gear; (3) cracked tooth on ring gear; and (4) broken tooth on ring gear. Then, the time domain signals were transformed to the time-frequency domain by wavelet transform. Thirty
statistical features were then extracted from each signal and used as feature vectors to an ANN classifier. The primary classification of the faults was undertaken based on the extracted features from each sensor. The classification accuracy of acoustic and vibration data was about 88.4% and
86.9%, respectively. The final classification accuracy using fused features was 98.6%, indicating the superiority of the proposed method for fault diagnosis of a planetary gearbox. The 10% accuracy increase gained through using the data fusion method can significantly enhance the quality and
accuracy of fault diagnosis and, as a result, condition monitoring of the machinery.
Experimental support for food limitation of a short‐distance migratory bird wintering in the temperate zone
Authors: Danner Raymond M. , Greenberg Russell S. , Danner Julie E. , Kirkpatrick Laila T. , Walters Jeffrey R.
Published: June 2013

The Winter Food Limitation Hypothesis (WFLH) states that winter food abundance is a dominant source of population limitation of migratory birds. Evidence is accumulating that long‐distance migratory birds wintering in tropical climates have high overwinter survival probabilities and that winter food limitation mainly affects their fitness nonlethally by limiting energetic reserves necessary for successful reproduction. In contrast, the relative roles of direct mortality vs. indirect effects caused by food limitation have not been investigated thoroughly on short‐distance migratory birds wintering in temperate zones, where they face thermal challenges. We performed the first test of the WFLH for a temperate migratory bird in the wild on the Swamp Sparrow (Melospiza georgiana), with a replicated plot‐wide food supplementation experiment. In contrast to tropical, but consistent with other temperate‐wintering migrants, Swamp Sparrows on unmanipulated plots showed relatively low apparent survival across the winter. Following food addition, birds (1) immigrated to experimental plots, which subsequently supported ∼50% higher abundances, (2) experienced increases of within‐season apparent survival of 8–10%, depending on age/sex class, and (3) had higher‐scaled mass index values, all supporting winter food limitation. The last two findings are interrelated because birds with higher scaled mass had higher survival probabilities, further supporting direct effects of winter food limitation. Food limitation of fat reserves might also have indirect effects on reproductive success by limiting migration timing and survival during migration. Increases in scaled mass were higher in females, suggesting that they are disproportionately affected by food limitation, possibly through competition. Based on Robust Design Modeling, we found no support for emigration prior to food addition, indicating that our estimates of mortality are unbiased.
Oral Focal Mucinosis: Clinical Case Presentation With a Focus on Esthetic and Functional Surgical Resolution
Authors: Bosco Alvaro Francisco , Macarini Valmir Campos , de Almeida Juliano Milanezi , Theodoro Letícia Helena , Novaes Vivian Cristina Noronha , Gualberto Júnior Erivan Clementino , Crivelini Marcelo Macedo , Pazmino Victor Fabrizio Cabrera , Garcia Valdir Gouveia
Published: June 2013

Introduction: When planning excisional surgery, alterations in the oral mucosa, particularly in esthetically important areas, represent a challenge. For cases involving an exophytic lesion with a vegetative tumoral aspect, a clinician may prioritize obtaining a definitive diagnosis by histopathologic and histochemical examinations over the preservation of esthetics or maintenance of the involved tooth.

Case Presentation: A painless, hard lesion with normal coloration was present in the maxillary left central incisor of a patient for at least 6 years. A biopsy was performed to preserve oral mucosa and a treatment plan was established that included endodontic retreatment and prosthetic restoration. The histopathologic diagnosis was oral focal mucinosis, an uncommon and poorly characterized type of lesion.

Conclusion: A conservative biopsy of the lesion facilitated an accurate diagnosis, promoted the patient's comfort, and achieved satisfactory esthetic results.
The Diagnostic Dilemma of a Granulomatous Gingival Enlargement
Authors: Naik Ryschia R. , Bhat Subraya G. , Carnelio Sunitha , Natarajan Jayalakshmi , Bhat Mahalinga
Published: June 2013

Introduction: The oral cavity is considered an easily accessible window to the body. The mouth is frequently involved in conditions that affect multiple organs. In many instances, oral involvement precedes the appearance of many other symptoms or lesions. A complete examination of the oral cavity provides a gateway for an accurate diagnosis and precise management of many systemic conditions. Gingival enlargement is one of the varied manifestations of many systemic diseases. Here, a case report of a gingival enlargement is presented that provided information for the diagnosis of post‐primary pulmonary tuberculosis.

Case Presentation: A 62‐year‐old female presented with a persistent gingival enlargement of 6‐month duration, which was non‐responsive to periodontal therapy. A complete general examination with the help of additional diagnostic aids provided the diagnosis of post‐primary pulmonary tuberculosis.

Conclusion: Clinicians should be aware of the unusual forms of common diseases, which will aid in early diagnosis and proper patient management.
Treatment of Cement‐Associated Peri‐Implantitis Using Tetracycline and Enamel Matrix Derivative: A Case Report
Authors: Rozenfeld Helen , Iacono Vincent J.
Published: June 2013

Introduction: This case report describes the treatment of peri‐implantitis around a restored single‐unit implant.

Case Presentation: Clinical findings included deep probing depths (PDs), bleeding on probing (BOP), and suppuration. Radiographs suggested crater‐like bone loss. The area was surgically treated via an access flap. The peri‐implant defect was associated with cement that was found below the cement‐retained permanent restoration. The cement was removed, and the implant was treated with tetracycline and enamel matrix derivative (EMD). After an uneventful 10‐month period of healing, there was a significant reduction in PD and absence of BOP and suppuration. In addition, there was radiographic evidence of new bone formation.

Conclusion: This case report proposes a new technique for treating peri‐implantitis and a new application for EMD.
Electrochemical behavior of lansoprazole at a multiwalled carbon nanotubes-ionic liquid modified glassy carbon electrode and its electrochemical determination
Authors: Liu Li-Hong , You Wei , Zhan Xue-Mei , Gao Zuo-Ning
Published: June 2013

The electrochemical behavior of lansoprazole (LNS) has been investigated at a
glassy carbon electrode (GCE) and the electrode modified by a gel containing
multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) and an room-temperature ionic liquid
(RTIL) of 1-Butyl-3-methylimidazolium hexafluorophosphate (BMIMPF6) in 0.10
M phosphate buffer solution of pH 6.8. It was found that an irreversible
anodic oxidation peak with Epa as 1.060 V appeared at MWCNTs-RTIL/GCE. Under
the optimized experimental conditions a linear calibration curve were
obtained over the concentration range from 5.0 ?M to 0.20 mM by differential
pulse voltammetry with the limit of detection (LOD, S/N = 3) as 0.28 ?M. In
addition, the novel MWCNTs-RTIL/GCE was also characterized by the
electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and the proposed method has been
successfully applied in the electrochemical quantitative determination of
LNS content in commercial tablet samples and the determination results could
meet the determination requirement.
Synthesis and biological evaluation of 5-substituted derivatives of benzimidazole
Authors: Vasic Vesna , Penjisevic Jelena , Novakovic Irena , Sukalovic Vladimir , Andric Deana , Kostic-Rajacic Sladjana
Published: June 2013

Series of eight novel 5-substituted derivatives of benzimidazole were
synthesized by condensation of corresponding diamine with
ethyl-4-[4-(2-chlorophenyl)piperazin-1-yl] butanoate in refluxing 4N
hydrochloric acid. In vitro antibacterial activity against ten strains
namely, Bacillus subtilis, Clostridium sporogenes, Streptosporangium
longisporum, Micrococcus flavus, Sarcina lutea, Staphylococcus aureus,
Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Salmonella enteritidis and Proteus
vulgaris and antifungal activity against two fungal strains namely, Candida
albicans and Saccharomyces cerevisiae, were evaluated. Of all the compounds
screened for activity
2-{3-[4-(2-chlorophenyl)piperazin-1-yl]propyl}-5-iodo-1H-benzimidazole and
2-{3-[4-(2-chlorophenyl)piperazin-1-yl]propyl}-5-methyl-1H-benzimidazole
were associated with higher antifungal activity than commercial drugs.
A Longitudinal Study on Feeding Behaviour and Activity Patterns of Released Chimpanzees in Conkouati-Douli National Park, Republic of Congo
Authors: Renaud Amandine , Jamart Aliette , Goossens Benoit , Ross Caroline
Published: June 2013

Wild chimpanzee populations are still declining due to logging, disease transmission and hunting. The bushmeat trade frequently leads to an increase in the number of orphaned primates. HELP Congo was the first project to successfully release wild-born orphan chimpanzees into an existing chimpanzee habitat. A collection of post monitoring data over 16 years now offers the unique opportunity to investigate possible behavioural adaptations in these chimpanzees. We investigated the feeding and activity patterns in eight individuals via focal observation techniques from 1997–1999 and 2001–2005. Our results revealed a decline in the number of fruit and insect species in the diet of released chimpanzees over the years, whereas within the same period of time, the number of consumed seed species increased. Furthermore, we found a decline in time spent travelling, but an increase in time spent on social activities, such as grooming, as individuals matured. In conclusion, the observed changes in feeding and activity patterns seem to reflect important long-term behavioural and ecological adaptations in wild-born orphan released chimpanzees, demonstrating that the release of chimpanzees can be successful, even if it takes time for full adaptation.
Contrasting Attitudes towards Animal Welfare Issues within the Food Chain
Authors: Napolitano Fabio , Serrapica Maria , Braghieri Ada
Published: June 2013

Intensive systems have facilitated the production of animal-based products at relatively low prices. On one hand, these methods have been increasingly considered to be responsible for a dramatic reduction in animal welfare, as indicated by the high prevalence of stereotypies in sows, brittle bones in hens, lameness in broilers and short life span in dairy cattle. As a consequence, large segments of animal welfare-sensitive consumers have been identified. On the other hand, price conscious consumers, if accepting higher prices, are more likely to require explicit justification of returns in quality. Therefore, scientifically validated monitoring systems for assessing the welfare of farm animals have been developed in order to provide a certification system, allow the differentiation of animal-based products through constant and reliable signaling systems, and promote animal welfare friendly farming systems.
The Weather Generator Used in the Empirical Statistical Downscaling Method, WETTREG
Authors: Kreienkamp Frank , Spekat Arne , Enke Wolfgang
Published: June 2013

In this paper, the weather generator (WG) used by the empirical statistical downscaling method, weather situation-based regionalization method (in German: WETTerlagen-basierte REGionalisierungsmethode, WETTREG), is described. It belongs to the class of multi-site parametric models that aim at the representation of the spatial dependence among weather variables with conditioning on exogenous atmospheric predictors. The development of the WETTREG WG was motivated by (i) the requirement of climate impact modelers to obtain input data sets that are consistent and can be produced in a relatively economic way and (ii) the well-sustained hypothesis that large scale atmospheric features are well reproduced by climate models and can be used as a link to regional climate. The WG operates at daily temporal resolution. The conditioning factor is the temporal development of the frequency distribution of circulation patterns. Following a brief description of the strategy of classifying circulation patterns that have a strong link to regional climate, the bulk of this paper is devoted to a description of the WG itself. This includes aspects, such as the utilized building blocks, seasonality or the methodology with which a signature of climate change is imprinted onto the generated time series. Further attention is given to particularities of the WG’s conditioning processes, as well as to extremes, areal representativity and the interface of WGs and user requirements.
Marine Invertebrates: Communities at Risk
Authors: Mather Jennifer
Published: June 2013

Our definition of the word ‘animal’ centers on vertebrates, yet 99% of the animals on the planet are invertebrates, about which we know little. In addition, although the Census of Marine Life (COML.org) has recently conducted an extensive audit of marine ecosystems, we still do not understand much about the animals of the seas. Surveys of the best-known ecosystems, in which invertebrate populations often play a key role, show that the invertebrate populations are affected by human impact. Coral animals are the foundation of coral reef systems, which are estimated to contain 30% of the species in the ocean. Physical impact and chemical changes on the water severely damage these reefs, and may lead to the removal of these important habitats. Tiny pteropod molluscs live in huge numbers in the polar seas, and their fragile shells are particularly vulnerable to ocean acidification. Their removal would mean that fishes on which we depend would have a hugely diminished food supply. In the North Sea, warming is leading to replacement of colder water copepods by warmer water species which contain less fat. This is having an effect on the birds which eat them, who enrich the otherwise poor land on which they nest. Conversely, the warming of the water and the loss of top predators such as whales and sharks has led to an explosion of the jumbo squid of the Pacific coast of North America. This is positive in the development of a squid fishery, yet negative because the squid eat fish that have been the mainstay of the fishery along that coast. These examples show how invertebrates are key in the oceans, and what might happen when global changes impact them.
The Roles of Sphingosine Kinase 1 and 2 in Regulating the Metabolome and Survival of Prostate Cancer Cells
Authors: Tonelli Francesca , Alossaimi Manal , Natarajan Viswanathan , Gorshkova Irina , Berdyshev Evgeny , Bittman Robert , Watson David , Pyne Susan , Pyne Nigel
Published: June 2013

We have previously shown that treatment of androgen-sensitive LNCaP cells with the sphingosine kinase (SK) inhibitor SKi (2-(p-hydroxyanilino)-4-(p-chlorophenyl)thiazole) induces the proteasomal degradation of two N-terminal variants of SK1 (SK1a and SK1b), increases C22:0-ceramide and diadenosine 5′,5′′′-P1,P3-triphosphate (Ap3A) and reduces S1P levels, and promotes apoptosis. We have now investigated the effects of three SK inhibitors (SKi, (S)-FTY720 vinylphosphonate, and (R)-FTY720 methyl ether) on metabolite and sphingolipid levels in androgen-sensitive LNCaP and androgen-independent LNCaP-AI prostate cancer cells. The 51 kDa N-terminal variant of SK1 (SK1b) evades the proteasome in LNCaP-AI cells, and these cells do not exhibit an increase in C22:0-ceramide or Ap3A levels and do not undergo apoptosis in response to SKi. In contrast, the SK inhibitor (S)-FTY720 vinylphosphonate induces degradation of SK1b in LNCaP-AI, but not in LNCaP cells. In LNCaP-AI cells, (S)-FTY720 vinylphosphonate induces a small increase in C16:0-ceramide levels and cleavage of polyADPribose polymerase (indicative of apoptosis). Surprisingly, the level of S1P is increased by 7.8- and 12.8-fold in LNCaP and LNCaP-AI cells, respectively, on treatment with (S)-FTY720 vinylphosphonate. Finally, treatment of androgen-sensitive LNCaP cells with the SK2-selective inhibitor (R)-FTY720 methyl ether increases lysophosphatidylinositol levels, suggesting that SK2 may regulate lyso-PI metabolism in prostate cancer cells.
Miniaturized Quantum Semiconductor Surface Plasmon Resonance Platform for Detection of Biological Molecules
Authors: Lepage Dominic , Dubowski Jan
Published: June 2013

The concept of a portable, inexpensive and semi-automated biosensing platform, or lab-on-a-chip, is a vision shared by many researchers and venture industries. Under this scope, we have investigated the application of optical emission from quantum well (QW) microstructures for monitoring surface phenomena on gold layers remaining in proximity (<300 nm) with QW microstructures. The uncollimated QW radiation excites surface plasmons (SP) and through the surface plasmon resonance (SPR) effect allows for detection of small perturbation in the density surface adsorbates. The SPR technology is already commonly used for biochemical characterization in pharmaceutical industries, but the reduction of the distance between the SP exciting source and the biosensing platform to a few hundreds of nanometers is an innovative approach enabling us to achieve an ultimate miniaturization of the device. We evaluate the signal quality of this nanophotonic QW-SPR device using hyperspectral-imaging technology, and we compare its performance with that of a standard prism-based commercial system. Two standard biochemical agents are employed for this characterization study: bovine serum albumin and inactivated influenza A virus. With an innovative conical method of SPR data collection, we demonstrate that individually collected SPR scan, each in less than 2.2 s, yield a resolution of the detection at 1.5 × 10−6 RIU.
Influence of Maintenance Intervals on Performance and Emissions of a 192 kWel Biogas Gas Otto CHP Unit and Results of Lubricating Oil Quality Tests—Outcome from a Continuous Two-Year Measuring Campaign
Authors: Naegele Hans-Joachim , Thomas Bernd , Schrade Christine , Lemmer Andreas , Oechsner Hans , Jungbluth Thomas
Published: June 2013

In the present work, we focus on long-term and permanent measurements of approximately two years on a 192 kWel Gas Otto CHP (combined heat and power) unit at a full-scale research biogas plant. In detail the influence of 600 h and 1800 h maintenance intervals on electrical efficiency consumption and exhaust gas emissions such as NOx and CO have been studied under real life conditions. Lubricating oil quality analyses throughout the CHP operation time are presented to show the destructive changes in property and its influence on condition based maintenance. The results confirm the well-known fact that after readjustment of the air-fuel ratio after 1800 h maintenance the emission values for NOx decline while CO increases. The emission-optimized operation mode leads to lower engine efficiency. The maintenance tasks carried out at 600 h intervals lead to lower NOx emissions in nine cases while in 14 cases the emissions remained unchanged. The permanent measurements proved their legitimacy showing various emission deviations from the limiting values prior and post maintenance. The results show that by monitoring the lubricating oil quality, the oil change intervals can be maximized while ensuring that engine performance is not endangered, and a longer engine lifespan can be expected. The oil analyses allow the operator to reduce maintenance expenditures while minimizing wear.