bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pulsed LASER-(Micro) TIG Welding of Automotive Zn Coated Advanced High Strength Steels Thin Sheets in Overlap Configuration
Authors: Bîrdeanu Aurel Valentin
Published: September 2014

The wider implementation into automotive sector of new materials categorized as Advanced High Strength Steels (AHSS) in order to reduce costs and weight require the development of appropriate joining technologies. The paper presents the results of applying of a new hybid welding process, i.e. Pulsed LASER-(micro)TIG, for realizing overlap joints for Zn-coated AHSS materials. The statistical influence of main hybrid welding process parameters was investigated by means of factorial experimental design and weighted against the shear strength results of the realized joints. The influence of laser pulse peak power, the average welding TIG current and the joint gap was investigated for three types of Zn coated AHSS with different thicknesses. The results revealed that sane joints could be obtained with the new welding process and that the new process is fit to be applied for these materials. Each material did behave different in respect to the investigated process parameters and the results did reveal rather strong interaction between the influence factors (IF), however the joint gap does play an important role in respect to the maximum shear strength of the joint, which could be correlated to the specifics of the laser beam welding of Zn coated steels. The strong interaction between the studied IF imply further study of the new process by including other process parameters.
Evaluation of Abrasive Wear Resistance of Fe-Cr-C Hardfacing Alloys Deposited on Active Components of the Agricultural Components
Authors: Dobra Ramona Monica , Farbas Nicolae , Pascu Romulus
Published: September 2014

In most of the engineering applications, such as mining, agriculture, metallurgy, the equipments fail due to abrasive wear. Hardfacing is one of the most economical and most widely used methods of improving surface characteristics of engineering equipments (wear, corrosion) without changing the bulk properties of the components.Fe-Cr-C hardfacing alloys are well known for their excellent performances under severe wear conditions. The wear behaviour of hardfacing alloys depends on their chemical composition, on the microstructure obtained after welding, of the welding technology, respectively the welding parameters which strongly influence, for example, the dilution with the base material or formation of precipitated hard phases.The aim of this study was to characterize the microstructure of Fe-Cr-C hardfacing alloys and to investigate their abrasive wear behaviour. The research has been carried out using four types of Fe-Cr-C hardfacing alloys (8 12, 16 and 20 % Cr). The alloys were deposited on the low-carbon steel S355 JR by manual arc welding method. The abrasion wear testing was carried out using the Taber Rotary Abraser Equipment. The microstructure characterization and surface analysis were performed using optical microscopy and HV 10 hardness tests.
Joining of C/SiC Materials by Spark Plasma Sintering
Authors: Tsakiris Violeta , Kappel Wilhelm , Talpeanu Dorinel , Albu Florentina , Patroi Delia , Marinescu Virgil
Published: September 2014

High density graphite and silicon carbide powder (alpha phase) were used to obtain joints by Spark Plasma Sintering (SPS) technique. The joining of C/SiC was performed both by direct bonding (DB) and with the aid of a ceramic powder mixture (SiC+5%wt.B4C) as intermediary joining material. The joints were performed in vacuum at 1900°C under 30 MPa with a dwell time of 3 minutes. The interface structures of the obtained joints were characterized from the structural and mechanical point of view. XRD analysis of both joints have shown only the presence of crystalline phases of SiC and C while the crystalline phase of B4C was not detected due to its low content (5 wt.%) with a higher degree of amorphization of 9.1% for the junction with interlayer than that of the corresponding junction obtained by DB (5.5%). Interface compositional analyses and SEM images have shown that the process of diffusion bonding was the mechanism both for joining by DB and with a SiC+5wt%B4C interlayer. The Vickers microhardness and Young Modulus values measured by nanoindentation evidenciated a strong increase of HV values (11 – 14 GPa) at interface for the junction with SiC+B4C intermediate layer and, as expected, the highest stiffness (180-197 GPa).
Characterization of Plasma Cut Surfaces with Water Bed Welding Metallic Materials
Authors: Machedon-Pisu Teodor , Luca Mihai Alexandru , Machedon Pisu Elena
Published: September 2014

The purpose of this paper is to analyze the quality of cut surfaces with plasma in the free atmosphere and in the water bed of metallic materials being welded. This process leads to savings in labor, materials, supplies and other costs of production, having as purpose the decrease in the cost of cutting the work piece and reducing deformation and heat affected zone in the piece cut, providing alternatives to processing cutting. It was designed and built a device cutting water bed that has been proven. In the macroscopic analysis reveals that the cutting in water bed slag layer is lower. After microhardness measurements (base material, heat affected zone, the cut) it is found that the cutting in water bed cut occurs on the surface microhardness increased by 36% .
Reconditioning by Welding of Rims Manufactured from Nonferrous Alloys
Authors: Bularda Nicoleta , Heput Teodor
Published: September 2014

At present, in the automotive industry, the trend on the world plane is to fit on the wheels with rims made from nonferrous alloys, based on aluminum, magnesium or titanium. These rims have the advantage that they are lighter than the same rims made from steel, reducing the unsprung mass of the vehicle, and increasing the vehicle performances, that lead to the better handling, the faster braking and the better acceleration. Also, by using the rims made from nonferrous alloys, the increasing of the fuel consumption efficiency and the reducing of the carbon monoxide (CO) emission are obtained. During the traffic, the wheels (rim + tyre) can be subjected to accidental collisions, such as the impact with the pavement, leading to damages of the rims, which must be reconditioned. The paper presents the results of structural examinations and mechanical tests, made on car rims made from nonferrous alloys, degraded and reconditioned by specific welding technologies. The structural and mechanical characteristics determined in the zones reconditioned by welding are at the level of the base metals used to made the investigated rims, that confirm the adequate quality of them, and a low risc to cracking.
Composite Rods for Brazing
Authors: Binchiciu Emilia Florina , Fleșer Traian , Voiculescu Ionelia
Published: September 2014

The paper presents research conducted for the development of precursors and wrapped rods for brazing, that deposit, through melting, two different alloys, with respect to the level of silver alloying and the melting temperature. The alloy with the high silver content is introduced under the form of powder, in the coating of the brazing rods, in a participation proportion that assures a buffer layer, with advance proprieties of diffusion in the base metal and in the core alloy of the coated rod. The participation ratio of the silver rich powder alloy is established within the following limits 8-12%, depending on their melting point, the grinding degree and mixing with the deoxidizer coat. The development of the precursors was made by homogeneous melting and spraying on a oblique plan, the grains obtained were grounded, the grist obtained is considered optimum to be introduced in the coating mixture after it successfully passed through a sieve with a mesh of 0.1 mm. The alloyed precursors with 45% silver, grounded between the above mentioned limits, were introduced in the deoxidizer coat mixture af the bare rods type Ag30 according to SR EN 1044/1999. The resulted mixture was used to manufacture experimental lots of covered rods for brazing, which were used for testing, in order to achieve highly important joints. The melting temperature of the precursors was established through micro-alloying so that it will be 10-15°C higher than that of the deoxidizer coat, which in turn has a lower melting temperature, by 56-60°C, than the melting temperature of the core alloy. The deoxidizer coat is usually fluoroboric type, conforming to SR EN 1045/2001. Representative joints made with the new experimental rods, after testing, presented results consistent with the requirements, which allowed the authors to appreciate this method as appropriate for cost reduction with brazing materials in the use of composite coated rods.
The Influence of Vibration on the Microstructure of the Wear-Resistant Layer Made with the Welding Wire MSG-6-GZ-C-60G
Authors: Luca Mihai Alexandru , Machedon-Pisu Teodor
Published: September 2014

In the production of steel parts exigent of high durability to abrasive wear at high temperatures and / or corrosive environment, the method is used for the deposition welding with the addition material MSG-6-GZ-C-60G. With this material layer it is made of 55-60 HRC hardness, corrosion and wear resistant, with properties that are kept up to temperatures of 5000 C. There can be manufactured new parts (pressure casting forms, components for dies, molds, etc.), or dynamically and abrasion-torn reconditioned parts may be required. Deposits have been made with wear-resistant layer on the steel 42CrMo4, with and without the generation of vibration during welding. For the samples swing, a device was used with an electrodynamic exciter to generate vibrations with frequencies up to 20 kHz. Vibration tests were performed at a frequency of 50 Hz, because the frequency can be applied in industrial conditions, by means of excitation of electromagnetic or vibration driven motor. There have been registered horizontal and vertical accelerations which lead to changes in the conditions of crystallisation of the melt, respectively the formation of a microstructure with superior features. Microstructures and hardness recorded on specimens welded with and without vibration are comparatively presented. Micrographs which were made demonstrate the favourable influence of the vibration on the quality of the deposited layer and the base material. Whith the vibration with accelerations of ax = 55 m/s2 and az = 70 m/s2 resulted: much lower deformation of the base material, HAZ - a lower content of residual austenite, in the TZ there was a great interlock of the two materials, in the deposited material the dendritic crystals strongly fragmented and the grain was finished.
Mechanical Properties of Fired-Clay Brick Masonry Models in Moist and Dry Conditions
Authors: Gentilini Cristina , Franzoni Elisa , Graziani Gabriela , Bandini Simone
Published: September 2014

Rising damp is one of the main issues affecting masonry buildings. However, its consequences on the mechanical performance of masonry structures are not so largely explored. In this paper, the compressive and shear behaviour of masonry triplets, manufactured with solid fired-clay bricks and cement-based mortar, is investigated in dry and moist conditions. The results are interpreted on the basis of the features of the single materials, from both a mechanical and microstructural point of view.
Analysis of 3D Motion Data from Shaking Table Tests on a Scaled Model of Hagia Irene, Istanbul
Authors: Roselli Ivan , Mongelli Marialuisa , Tatì Angelo , de Canio Gerardo
Published: September 2014

The present paper focuses on the use of a 3D motion capture system for the dynamic identification and the damage monitoring of a 1:10 scaled mock-up (representing the large historic masonry structure of Hagia Irene, Istanbul) tested on shaking table at the ENEA Casaccia Research Center located near Rome, Italy. The dynamic identification of the structure during the shaking table tests was obtained by several techniques of Experimental Modal Analysis (EMA), such as FRF, FDD and EFDD. To such purpose Displacement Data Processing (DDP) of a large number of markers of the 3DVision (the passive 3D motion capture system installed at the ENEA laboratory) was performed. Markers were located on the tested mock-up accordingly to the indications of preliminary FEM analysis and modal shapes. Also conventional accelerometers were placed on the physical model and used as reference for the analysis of 3DVision data. In addition, the analysis of Markers Relative Displacements (MRDs) was useful to detect the occurrence and development of fractures during the tests, contributing to assessing the actual progress of the structural damage. The results from EMA techniques and MRDs analysis of 3DVision data are illustrated, showing the potentialities of this monitoring system in integrating the two complementary approaches.
A Simplified Micro-Modeling Approach for Historical Stone Masonry Walls
Authors: Castellazzi Giovanni , Ciancio Daniela , Ubertini Francesco
Published: September 2014

A recent study [1] has discussed the accuracy of the nodal elastic stresses of zero thickness interface elements when fictitious elastic parameters (often called penalty stiffness factors) are used. These stresses, commonly used to calculate the triggering conditions of the opening of the interface simulating a discrete crack in quasi-brittle materials, are affected by non-negligible errors if the in- terfaces are embedded in unstructured/irregular meshes. A procedure to avoid these errors has been proposed for homogeneous materials [1] and bi-material interfaces [2]. Accurate nodal stresses are re- covered if certain geometry-dependent pre-processed coefficients are used. In this paper, this method is proposed in the analysis of Historical Stone Masonry Walls: zero-thickness interface elements rep- resent the interaction between stones of irregular shape. The crack opening triggering conditions are calculated for two identical meshes with rigid continuous elements representing the stones and fic- titiously elastic zero-thickness interfaces representing the mortar layers. This paper shows that the use of the proposed coefficients significantly changes the values of the interface stresses leading to different configurations of the cracking onset.
Defect Identification and Acceptance of FRP and FRCM Masonry Reinforcement by Infrared Thermography Survey
Authors: Angiuli Riccardo , Corvaglia Paolo , Largo Alessandro , Coricciati Angela
Published: September 2014

Masonry structures, both historic and newly built, often need reinforcement interventions to meet new or increased loads or in the case of adjustment against seismic actions. The result of this type of intervention must be verified or tested to ensure the correspondence between what was originally designed and what was realized. In addition to numerous destructive and semi-destructive techniques, infrared thermography (IRT) is a contactless diagnostic technique which can rapidly provide information about the success of such reinforcement interventions, even on masonry structures. In the present work an experimental campaign to evaluate the effectiveness of IRT in identifying different types of defects that can be found on different reinforcement systems (FRP, Fibre-reinforced plastic, or FRCM, Fibre Reinforced Cementitious Matrix) for masonry structures has been performed. A thermographic survey was repeated even after repair works on the defects in order to identify a procedure of acceptance that can also be used on areas subject to total or partial repair.
An Analytical Mechanical Model for the Seismic Assessment of Bell Towers
Authors: Lagomarsino Sergio , Ottonelli Daria , Cattari Serena
Published: September 2014

The paper describes the analytical model, recently proposed in the Perpetuate Project, aimed to assess the seismic response of the shaft of bell towers, of which the vulnerability to the seismic action has been dramatically testified also by the recent events (as that which hit L’Emilia region in 2012). As main novelties, the model follows the Displacement Based Approach (DBA) for the seismic verification and catches both the shear and combined bending and compression response of the main body of bell towers. In order to clarify the application and to provide a preliminary validation of the proposed model, the seismic response of the bell tower of the San Carlo Church in Castellazzo Bormida (Al, Italy) has been studied. It includes also a detailed analysis on a 3D FEM model aimed to support the calibration of some parameters which the model is founded on in case of quite irregular bell towers characterized by non symmetric boundary conditions that can significantly affect their dynamic behavior, as the case analyzed.
Biocompatibility of Dental Restorative Materials
Authors: Freire Waldênia Pereira , Fook Marcus Vinícius Lia , Barbosa Emilly F. , dos S. Araújo Camila , Barbosa Rossemberg C. , Pinheiro Ítalo M.F.
Published: September 2014

Biocompatibility is the ability of a material appropriate trigger a biological response, when applied to the body, without causing a chronic inflammatory reaction, foreign body reaction or toxicity, is related to the interaction of the cell / biomaterial. A few materials, if any, are completely inert from the physiological point of view since, most of the components with a variety of potential toxic or irritating. In addition, chemical reactions during cure of the material may also produce undesirable effects. In order to increase knowledge about the characteristics and properties of materials and their interaction with the biological environment, this study aimed, through literature review, guide and inform didactically professionals and academics on the importance of biocompatibility of restorative materials more direct use in dental practice: silver amalgam, composite resins and glass ionomer cements. It was concluded that, among the restorative materials studied, the glass ionomer cement showed the best characteristics and properties that confirm its biocompatibility in dental practice.
Metallographic Analysis of a TRIP 800 Steel Using Digital Image Processing
Authors: da Costa Fernando Henrique , Fukugauchi Cristina Sayuri , dos Santos Pereira Marcelo
Published: September 2014

In the second half of the last century, the automobile industries were affected from the petroleum crisis caused mainly by the wars in the Middle East. These crises led the automakers reconsider their vehicles. One of the most important events after that was the adoption of new steels by the industry. One example is the TRIP steels (Transformation-induced plasticity). In this work, a specimen of TRIP steels was etched using LePera reagent. The obtained images were analyzed using digital processing. Using the ImageJ software the methods threshold and watershed were studied. The methods were compared: the morphological characteristics and volumetric fraction of the retained austenite and martensite phases were analyzed. The results showed that the threshold led to a higher number of identified grains with lower mean area and total area fraction than the watershed method.
Geroferenced Pest Control Management in Brazilian Citrus Production
Authors: Okumura Miriam H. , de Tomi Giorgio , Passos Alexandre
Published: September 2014

One of the key challenges in the management of pest control in citrus production is ensuring the infestation samples collected in the field are processed in an efficient, effective manner to produce representative digital models that will support the decision-making process associated with planning and monitoring the application of pest control measures. This paper describes a research project that focuses on applying mining and geological tools for pest control in agriculture. Such tools have been successfully used in a pilot-project application for pest control planning and management of different citrus varieties. The pilot-project has been carried out in partnership with a major citrus producer in Brazil. The results indicated a significant improvement in the pest-control decision-making processes, with a significant reduction in the total areas for pest control application, including more than 68% reduction for the P. oleivora pest and over 92% reduction for the P. latus pest. The evaluation of the pilot-project results indicates that the citrus industry would benefit considerably in terms of reducing both operational costs and the impact of the pest control processes on the environment.
Microstructural Evolution of Alumina-Zirconia Nanocomposites
Authors: Ojaimi C.L. , Chinelatto Adriana Scoton Antonio , Chinelatto Adilson Luiz , Pallone E.M.J.A. , Salem R.E.P.
Published: September 2014

Ceramic materials have limited use due to their brittleness. The inclusion of nanosized particles in a ceramic matrix, which are called nanocomposites, and ceramic processing control by controlling the grain size and densification can aid in obtaining ceramic products of greater strength and toughness. Studies showed that the zirconia nanoinclusions in the matrix of alumina favor an increase in mechanical properties by inhibiting the grain growth of the matrix and not by the mechanism of the transformation toughening phase of zirconia. In this work, the microstructural evolution of alumina nanocomposites containing 15% by volume of nanometric zirconia was studied. From the results it was possible to understand the sintering process of these nanocomposites.
Development of MTA/HAp Biomaterials for Use in Endodontics
Authors: Barros C.M.B. , Dantas D.C.R.E. , Fontes L.B.C. , Costa A.C.F.M. , Viana K.M.S.
Published: September 2014

This work aims to conduct a study of development and characterization of a new endodontic biociment, the MTA/HAp. To this was used MTA Angelus®and a HAp synthesized in the laboratory in the proportions by weight 99% MTA/1% HAp (BIOC 1) and 95% MTA/5% HAp (BIOC 5), where the hydroxyapatite was added in order to introduce MTA to the characteristic of osteoconduction. The tests for the characterization of new cement were: X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy and radiographic appearance. The results showed that the new developed biociments were obtained efficiently, since they showed the same crystalline phases of its starting materials (mineral trioxide aggregate and hydroxyapatite), with a morphology consisting of agglomerates of homogeneous distribution of irregular size and shape particles pre-sintered spherical and radiopacity feasible to be used in endodontics.Keywords:biomaterial,sealer,mineraltrioxideaggregate,hydroxyapatite.
Nanoferrites Ni-Zn Silanized with 3-Aminopropyltrimethoxysilane Using the Reflux Method
Authors: Santos P.T.A. , Dantas Joelda , Araújo P.M.A.G. , Santos P.T.A. , Costa A.C.F.M.
Published: September 2014

In this paper we propose nanoferrites Ni-Zn silanization with 3-aminopropyltrimethoxysilane using the method of reflux and evaluate the effect of silanization on the structure, morphology and magnetism of the magnetic nanoparticles aimed at biological applications. The samples as synthesized and after silanization were characterized by XRD, FTIR, SEM and testing magnetic attraction. The results indicated a single phase inverse spinel Ni-Zn ferrite, high intensity of diffraction peaks and a high basal width of all reflections observed, indicating that the samples are crystalline, and formation of nanoparticles. Morphologically, for nanoferrites Ni-Zn synthesized observed formation of large agglomerates in the form of spongy blocks of frail and after silanization was observed with respect dense pellets, indicating that most particles were rigidly connected by the presence of the agent silane. The characteristic bands of the spinel were observed for the Ni-Zn nanoferrites before and after silanization, and also observed the characteristic bands of silane in confirming the ferrites silanized functionalization of ferrites with the silane agent. Nanoparticles ferrite as synthesized and after silanized were strongly attracted by the presence of a magnet, immediately after the presence thereof indicating that the silane is effective is not interfere with the magnetic particles, maintaining the same magnetic behavior.
Deleuze and the Unconscious
Authors: Kerslake Christian
Published: September 2014

By the end of the twentieth century, it had been almost forgotten that the Freudian account of the unconscious was only one of many to have emerged from the intellectual ferment of the second half of the 19th century. The philosophical roots of the concept of the unconscious in Leibniz, Kant, Schelling and Schopenhauer had also been occluded from view by the dominance of Freudianism. From his earliest work of the 1940s until his final writings of the 1990s, Gilles Deleuze stood at odds with this dominant current, rejecting Freud as sole source for ideas about the unconscious. This most ‘contemporary’ of French philosophers acted as custodian of all the ideas that had been rejected by the proponents of the psychoanalytic model, carefully preserving them and, when possible, injecting them with new life. In 1950s and 60s Deleuze turned to Henri Bergson's theories of memory and instinct and to Carl Jung's theory of archetypes. In Difference and Repetition (1968) he conceived of a ‘differential unconscious’ based on Leibnizian principles. He was also immersed from the beginning in esoteric and occult ideas about the nature of the mind. Deleuze and the Unconscious shows how these tendencies combine in Deleuze's work to engender a wholly new approach to the unconscious, for which active relations to the unconscious are just as important as the better known pathologies of neurosis and psychosis.
Knowledge of Christ
Authors: Moloney Raymond
Published: September 2014

What did Christ feel and know during his life on Earth? Raymond Moloney ventures a consideration utilizing perspectives based in exegesis, patristics, and philosophy. This book traces the shifting opinions on the knowledge of Christ in the New Testament and medieval periods--a period during which there was a consensus against ignorance in Christ. Moloney then examines how both Protestant and Catholic theologists, such as Karl Rahner, Hans Urs von Balthasar, and Bernard Lonergan, have questioned this consensus. Drawing on the insights of transcendental theology, The Knowledge of Christ ultimately stresses the mysteriousness of this question.
Simone Weil and Theology
Authors: Rozelle-Stone A. Rebecca , Stone Lucian
Published: September 2014

Simone Weil - philosopher, religious thinker, mystic, social/political activist - is notoriously difficult to categorize, since her life and writings challenge traditional academic boundaries. As many scholars have recognized, she set out few, if any, systematic theories, especially when it came to religious ideas. In this book, A. Rebecca Rozelle-Stone and Lucian Stone illuminate the ways in which Weil stands outside Western theological tradition by her use of paradox to resist the clamoring for greater degrees of certainty. Beyond a facile fallibilism, Simone Weil's ideas about the super-natural, love, Christianity, and spiritual action, and indeed, her seeming endorsement of a sort of atheism, detachment, foolishness, and passivity, begin to unravel old assumptions about what it is to encounter the divine.
Welles, Kurosawa, Kozintsev, Zeffirelli
Authors: Lehmann Courtney , Rippy Marguerite H. , Thornton Burnett Mark , Wray Ramona
Published: September 2014

Great Shakespeareans offers a systematic account of those figures who have had the greatest influence on the interpretation, understanding and cultural reception of Shakespeare, both nationally and internationally. In this volume, leading scholars assess the contribution of Orson Welles, Akira Kurosawa, Grigori Kozintsev and Franco Zeffirelli to the afterlife and reception of Shakespeare and his plays. Each substantial contribution assesses the double impact of Shakespeare on the figure covered and of the figure on the understanding, interpretation and appreciation of Shakespeare, provide a sketch of their subject’s intellectual and professional biography and an account of the wider cultural context, including comparison with other figures or works within the same field.
Shakespeare’s Plants and Gardens
Authors: Faircloth Nicki , Thomas Vivian
Published: September 2014

Shakespeare lived when knowledge of plants and their uses was a given, but also at a time of unique interest in plants and gardens.His lifetime saw the beginning of scientific interest in plants, the first large-scale plant introductions from outside the country since Roman times, and the beginning of gardening as a leisure activity. Shakespeare's works show that he engaged with this new world to illuminate so many facets of his plays and poems.

This dictionary offers a complete companion to Shakespeare's references to landscape, plants and gardens, including both formal and rural settings.It covers plants and flowers, gardening terms, and the activities that Shakespeare included within both cultivated and uncultivated landscapes as well as encompassing garden imagery in relation to politics, the state and personal lives. Each alphabetical entry offers an definition and overview of the term discussed in its historical context, followed by a guided tour of its use in Shakespeare's works and finally an extensive bibliography, including primary and secondary sources, books and articles.
Dopamine receptor 1 neurons in the dorsal striatum regulate food anticipatory circadian activity rhythms in mice
Authors: Gallardo Christian M , Darvas Martin , Oviatt Mia , Chang Chris H , Michalik Mateusz , Huddy Timothy F , Meyer Emily E , Shuster Scott A , Aguayo Antonio , Hill Elizabeth M , Kiani Karun , Ikpeazu Jonathan , Martinez Johan S , Purpura Mari , Smit Andrea N , Patton Danica F , Mistlberger Ralph E , Palmiter Richard D , Steele Andrew D
Published: September 2014

Daily rhythms of food anticipatory activity (FAA) are regulated independently of the suprachiasmatic nucleus, which mediates entrainment of rhythms to light, but the neural circuits that establish FAA remain elusive. In this study, we show that mice lacking the dopamine D1 receptor (D1R KO mice) manifest greatly reduced FAA, whereas mice lacking the dopamine D2 receptor have normal FAA. To determine where dopamine exerts its effect, we limited expression of dopamine signaling to the dorsal striatum of dopamine-deficient mice; these mice developed FAA. Within the dorsal striatum, the daily rhythm of clock gene period2 expression was markedly suppressed in D1R KO mice. Pharmacological activation of D1R at the same time daily was sufficient to establish anticipatory activity in wild-type mice. These results demonstrate that dopamine signaling to D1R-expressing neurons in the dorsal striatum plays an important role in manifestation of FAA, possibly by synchronizing circadian oscillators that modulate motivational processes and behavioral output.
HIV-1 DNA predicts disease progression and post-treatment virological control
Authors: Williams James P , Hurst Jacob , Stöhr Wolfgang , Robinson Nicola , Brown Helen , Fisher Martin , Kinloch Sabine , Cooper David , Schechter Mauro , Tambussi Giuseppe , Fidler Sarah , Carrington Mary , Babiker Abdel , Weber Jonathan , Koelsch Kersten K , Kelleher Anthony D , Phillips Rodney E , Frater John ,   on behalf of the SPARTAC trial investigators
Published: September 2014

In HIV-1 infection, a population of latently infected cells facilitates viral persistence despite antiretroviral therapy (ART). With the aim of identifying individuals in whom ART might induce a period of viraemic control on stopping therapy, we hypothesised that quantification of the pool of latently infected cells in primary HIV-1 infection (PHI) would predict clinical progression and viral replication following ART. We measured HIV-1 DNA in a highly characterised randomised population of individuals with PHI. We explored associations between HIV-1 DNA and immunological and virological markers of clinical progression, including viral rebound in those interrupting therapy. In multivariable analyses, HIV-1 DNA was more predictive of disease progression than plasma viral load and, at treatment interruption, predicted time to plasma virus rebound. HIV-1 DNA may help identify individuals who could safely interrupt ART in future HIV-1 eradication trials.

Clinical trial registration: ISRCTN76742797 and EudraCT2004-000446-20
Epidemiological dynamics of Ebola outbreaks
Authors: House Thomas
Published: September 2014

Ebola is a deadly virus that causes frequent disease outbreaks in the human population. In this study, we analyse its rate of new introductions, case fatality ratio, and potential to spread from person to person. The analysis is performed for all completed outbreaks and for a scenario where these are augmented by a more severe outbreak of several thousand cases. The results show a fast rate of new outbreaks, a high case fatality ratio, and an effective reproductive ratio of just less than 1.
A Tunable, Stable, and Bioactive MOF Catalyst for Generating a Localized Therapeutic from Endogenous Sources
Authors: Harding Jacqueline L. , Metz Jarid M. , Reynolds Melissa M.
Published: September 2014

The versatile chemical and physical properties of metal organic frameworks (MOFs) have made them unique platforms for the design of biomimetic catalysts, but with only limited success to date due to instability of the MOFs employed in physiological environments. Herein, the use of Cu(II)1,3,5‐Benzene‐tris‐triazole (CuBTTri) is demonstrated for the catalytic generation of the bioactive agent nitric oxide (NO) from endogenous sources, S‐nitrosothiols (RSNOs). CuBTTri exhibits structural integrity in aqueous environments, including phosphate buffered saline (76 h, pH 7.4, 37 °C), cell media used for in vitro testing (76 h, pH 7.4, 37 °C), and fresh citrated whole blood (30 min, pH 7.4, 37 °C). The application of CuBTTri for use in polymeric medical devices is explored through the formation of a composite CuBTTri‐poly by blending CuBTTri into biomedical grade polyurethane matrices. Once prepared, the CuBTTri‐poly material retains the catalytic function towards the generation of NO with tunable release kinetics proportional to the total content of CuBTTri embedded into the polymeric material with a surface flux corresponding to the therapeutic range of 1–100 nm cm−2 min−1, which is maintained even following exposure to blood.
The rise and fall of leader males in a multi‐level society: Takeovers and tenures of male hamadryas baboons
Authors: Pines Mathew , Chowdhury Shahrina , Saunders Julian , Swedell Larissa
Published: September 2014

As one means to maximize access to females, males of some species are intolerant of other males in social units, resulting in female defense polygyny, a mating system in which one male monopolizes mating access to as many females as he can for as long as possible. In such a system, the length of a male's tenure and the number of females he is able to acquire are important predictors of his reproductive success. Hamadryas baboons differ from many other taxa with female defense polygyny in that they acquire and lose females individually, thus patterns of acquisition and loss of females over time are additional factors contributing to a male's fitness. Here, we describe longitudinal patterns of female acquisition and loss over a 9‐year period in a group of 250 wild hamadryas baboons. Complete tenures of leader males ranged from 310 to 2,160 days (N = 13) and results from a survival analysis yielded a median tenure length of 2,160 days, or 6 years (N = 49). The total number of females acquired, which increased with tenure length, ranged from 1 to 14 and averaged 3.5, and leader males acquired females both opportunistically and via challenging other males. The interval between acquisition of successive females ranged from 0 to 1,196 days with a median of 203, and males acquired all of their females less than halfway into their tenure. Females from outside of a leader male's social sphere (clan and band) were acquired relatively later in their tenure compared to females from within a male's social sphere. Leaders typically lost females gradually during the latter part of their tenure or all (or most) at once, suggesting an inverted U‐shaped longitudinal arc of male competitive ability. Am. J. Primatol. 77:44–55, 2015. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Age‐ and sex‐based patterns of positional behavior and substrate utilization in the golden snub‐nosed monkey (Rhinopithecus roxellana)
Authors: Zhu Wen‐Wen , Garber Paul A. , Bezanson Michelle , Qi Xiao‐Guang , Li Bao‐Guo
Published: September 2014

Body mass plays an important role in primate positional behavior and in sexually dimorphic arboreal primate species may influence how immature and adult individuals travel through the forest canopy and access food resources. In this study, we examined age‐ and sex‐based patterns of positional behavior and substrate utilization in wild golden snub‐nosed monkeys (Rhinopithecus roxellana), an endangered species of Asian colobine. Our results indicated that among all age and sex classes, sitting was the most common feeding and resting posture and during travel, quadrupedal walking was the dominant locomotor behavior. Despite the fact that adult male R. roxellana are reported to exhibit a body mass nearly two times that of adult females, we found no significant sex differences in the positional repertoire during feeding and traveling. In addition, we found that while infants and juveniles used similar postural and locomotor behaviors as their adult counterparts, younger golden snub‐nosed monkeys more frequently engaged in risky or escape‐oriented behaviors such as climbing, running, leaping, and forelimb suspension. With increasing age, the use of quadrupedal walking and dropping (downward in‐air displacement of body mass that does not require hindlimb propulsion) increased and the use of leaping, suspensory postures, and bridging decreased. Finally, given differences in the positional repertoire of adult and immature golden snub‐nosed monkeys, we argue that studies of ontogenetic patterns of positional behavior should emphasize what it takes to survive at each life stage rather than what it takes to match an adult repertoire. Am. J. Primatol. 77:98–108, 2015. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A Cancer‐Targeted Nanosystem for Delivery of Gold(III) Complexes: Enhanced Selectivity and Apoptosis‐Inducing Efficacy of a Gold(III) Porphyrin Complex
Authors: He Lizhen , Chen Tianfeng , You Yuanyuan , Hu Hao , Zheng Wenjie , Kwong Wai‐Lun , Zou Taotao , Che Chi‐Ming
Published: September 2014

Construction of delivery systems for anticancer gold complexes to decrease their toxicity while maintaining efficacy is a key strategy to optimize and develop anticancer gold medicines. Herein, we describe cancer‐targeted mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSN) for delivery of a gold(III) porphyrin complex (Au‐1 a@MSN(R)) to enhance its anticancer efficacy and selectivity between cancer and normal cells. Encapsulation of Au‐1 a within mesoporous silica nanoparticles amplifies its inhibitory effects on thioredoxin reductase (TrxR), resulting in a loss of redox balance and overproduction of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Elevated cellular oxidative stress activates diversified downstream ROS‐mediated signaling pathways, leading to enhanced apoptosis‐inducing efficacy.
Self‐Repairable Polyurethane Networks by Atmospheric Carbon Dioxide and Water
Authors: Yang Ying , Urban Marek W.
Published: September 2014

Sugar moieties were incorporated into cross‐linked polyurethane (PUR) networks in an effort to achieve self‐repairing in the presence of atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2) and water (H2O). When methyl‐α‐D‐glucopyranoside (MGP) molecules are reacted with hexamethylene diisocyanate trimer (HDI) and polyethylene glycol (PEG) to form cross‐linked MGP‐polyurethane (PUR) networks, these materials are capable of self‐repairing in air. This process requires atmospheric amounts of CO2 and H2O, thus resembling plant behavior of carbon fixation during the photosynthesis cycle. Molecular processes responsible for this unique self‐repair process involve physical diffusion of cleaved network segments as well as the formation of carbonate and urethane linkages. Unlike plants, MGP‐PUR networks require no photo‐initiated reactions, and they are thus capable of repair in darkness under atmospheric conditions.
Whole Courses of the Oculomotor, Trochlear, and Abducens Nerves, Identified in Sectioned Images and Surface Models
Authors: Park Hyo Seok , Chung Min Suk , Shin Dong Sun , Jung Yong Wook , Park Jin Seo
Published: September 2014

In medicine, the neuroanatomy of the oculomotor (III), trochlear (IV), and abducens nerves (VI) is learned essentially by cadaver dissection, histological specimens, and MRI. However, these methods have many limitations and it is necessary to compensate for the insufficiencies of previous methods. The aim of this research was to present sectioned images and surface models that allow the whole courses of III, IV, and VI and circumjacent structures to be observed in detail. To achieve this, the structures of whole courses of III, IV, and VI were traced on the sectioned images, and surface models of the structures were reconstructed. As a result, nucleus of III, Edinger‐Westphal nucleus, nucleus of IV, and nucleus of VI and their fibers were identified on brainstem in the sectioned images. In the sectioned images, III, IV, and VI passed both sides of the cavernous sinus and entered at the orbit through the superior orbital fissure. In the sectioned images, III, IV, and VI innervated extraocular muscles in orbit. In surface models, the whole courses of III, IV, and VI and circumjacent structures could be explored freely three‐dimensionally. The greatest advantage of the sectioned images was that they allowed the whole courses of III, IV, and VI and circumjacent structures to be observed as real colored in an unbroken line. In addition, the surface models allowed the stereoscopic shapes and positions of III, IV, and VI to be comprehended. The sectioned images and surface models could be applied for medical education purposes or training tools. All data generated during this study is available free of charge at anatomy.dongguk.ac.kr/cn/. Anat Rec, 298:436–443, 2015. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Robust‐Adaptive Control Strategies for a Time Delay Bioelectrochemical Process Using Interval Observers
Authors: Petre Emil , Tebbani Sihem , Selişteanu Dan
Published: September 2014

The paper addresses the design and the analysis of adaptive and robust‐adaptive control strategies for a complex recycled wastewater treatment bioprocess. The design procedures are developed under the realistic assumptions that the bacterial growth rates are unknown and the influent flow rates are time‐varying and uncertain, but some lower and upper bounds of these uncertainties are known. The proposed control structures are achieved by combining a linearizing control law with an appropriately (asymptotic or interval based) state observer and with a parameter estimator used for on‐line estimation of unknown kinetics. These approaches are applied to a complex time delay bioprocess resulting from the association of a recycling bioreactor with an electrochemical reactor. Numerical simulations are performed in order to validate the proposed algorithms.
Microbial gardening in the ocean's twilight zone: Detritivorous metazoans benefit from fragmenting, rather than ingesting, sinking detritus
Authors: Mayor Daniel J. , Sanders Richard , Giering Sarah L. C. , Anderson Thomas R.
Published: September 2014

Sinking organic particles transfer ∼10 gigatonnes of carbon into the deep ocean each year, keeping the atmospheric CO2 concentration significantly lower than would otherwise be the case. The exact size of this effect is strongly influenced by biological activity in the ocean's twilight zone (∼50–1,000 m beneath the surface). Recent work suggests that the resident zooplankton fragment, rather than ingest, the majority of encountered organic particles, thereby stimulating bacterial proliferation and the deep‐ocean microbial food web. Here we speculate that this apparently counterintuitive behaviour is an example of ‘microbial gardening’, a strategy that exploits the enzymatic and biosynthetic capabilities of microorganisms to facilitate the ‘gardener's’ access to a suite of otherwise unavailable compounds that are essential for metazoan life. We demonstrate the potential gains that zooplankton stand to make from microbial gardening using a simple steady state model, and we suggest avenues for future research.
A novel fixed fibre biofilm membrane process for on‐site greywater reclamation requiring no fouling control
Authors: Jabornig Simon , Podmirseg Sabine Marie
Published: September 2014

On‐site greywater treatment and reuse in urban areas bears the potential to reduce huge quantities of wastewater and lower freshwater shortages. Until now dissemination of small, single household applications has been rather limited as simple and high quality water producing, but also cost‐effective treatment units have not been developed so far. This paper proposes a new process, based on a concurrently working hollow‐fibre membrane as fixed biofilm support and filtration device. Bioreactor characteristics, influence of different aeration rates, membrane flux development, as well as structure and composition of biofilm were monitored to evaluate the performance of the tested pilot unit. The introduced process achieved international water reuse guidelines, worked soundly and could, compared to conventional micro MBR, significantly reduce energy demand (<1.4 kWh m−3). Fouling control by air scouring and chemical cleaning was not required once flux had stabilized. The biofilm analysis showed a porous, spongy‐like structure. Microbiological investigation revealed a community of sheathed bacteria and nematodes that could play an important role in the flux stabilisation effect. In general, the study confirmed the suitability of the presented process for greywater treatment and provides valuable design data for future optimization and systematic analysis. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2015;112: 484–493. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Intravoxel incoherent motion magnetic resonance imaging findings in the acute phase of MELAS: a case report
Authors: Uehara Ryuji , Yamashita Koji , Hiwatashi Akio , Togao Osamu , Kikuchi Kazufumi , Yokoyama Jun , Matsuse Dai , Yoshiura Takashi , Honda Hiroshi
Published: September 2014

Objective

We report the clinical application of intravoxel incoherent motion (IVIM) magnetic resonance (MR) imaging to diagnose a case of mitochondrial myopathy, encephalopathy, lactic acidosis, and stroke‐like episodes (MELAS) in the acute phase.

Results

On IVIM MR Images of this patient, higher perfusion (f) and diffusion (D) values in the left occipital and temporal lobes were found compared to the contralateral areas.

Conclusion

These findings imply a breakdown of autoregulation with hyperperfusion and vasogenic edema during the acute phase of MELAS, as described in previous reports. IVIM imaging is a valuable, noninvasive tool that simultaneously quantifies perfusion and diffusion parameters.
Synthesis of Rhenabenzenes from the Reactions of Rhenacyclobutadienes with Ethoxyethyne
Authors: Lin Ran , Lee Ka‐Ho , Poon Ka Chun , Sung Herman H. Y. , Williams Ian D. , Lin Zhenyang , Jia Guochen
Published: September 2014

Treatment of Na[Re(CO)5] with RCCCO2Et (R=phenyl, naphthalen‐1‐yl, phenanthren‐9‐yl and pyren‐1‐yl) followed by reaction with acetyl chloride and ethanol afforded the rhenacyclobutadienes Re{‐C(R)C(CO2Et)C(OEt)}(CO)4. Reactions of these rhenacyclobutadienes with HCCOEt produced rhenabenzenes Re{‐C(R)C(CO2Et)C(OEt)CHC(OEt)}(CO)4. Except for R=Ph, new rhenacyclobutadienes with pendant alkenyl substituents Re{‐C(R)C(C(OEt)CH(CO2Et))C(OEt)}(CO)4 were also isolated from these reactions. The NMR spectroscopic and X‐ray structural data, as well as the aromatic stabilization energy (ASE) values suggest that the rhenabenzenes are aromatic, with extensive delocalized π character.