bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Scholars Are Demons, Not Gods
Authors: Levy Gabriel
Published: August 2013

The book is made up of a series of conference papers and previously published essays. No attempt is made at relating the essays, so the reader gets no real sense of structure for the book as a whole or sense of what the author intends the book to accomplish, other than a kind of Bruce Lincoln’s “Recent Hits.” This is not necessarily a critique, unless one thinks that explicitly stated coherence is a requirement of scholarly books. If a red thread can be traced in this very rich assortment it must be found already (and perhaps only) in the title, where we find that the book is about the relationship between Gods, demons, priests, and scholars. The book is very much about the discursive positionality of scholars of religion in relation to their object they study.
Vakkali’s Suicide in the Chinese ?gamas
Authors: Analayo Bhikkhu
Published: August 2013

The present article offers a translation of the Sa?yukta-?gama and Ekottarika-?gama parallels to the Vakkali-sutta of the Sa?yutta-nik?ya, which describes the suicide of a monk who passed away as an arahant.
Compassion in the Lotus Sutra and Benevolent Love in the Analects: A Reflection from the Confucian Perspective
Authors: Yao Xinzhong , Dong Qun
Published: August 2013

This article is intended to examine and then compare ci bei (‘compassion’) in the Lotus S?tra and ren (‘benevolent love’) in the Analects of Confucius. Despite many similarities, compassion and benevolent love have shown a difference between Mah?y?na Buddhist ethics and the Confucian moral system. This difference is revealed in the content and meaning of compassion and benevolent love, but more importantly through the ways they are practised, followed and expanded. Through different ways or paths, compassion and benevolent love have nevertheless established two different and yet mutually supplementary ideals that guide the spiritual and moral world of China and other parts of East Asia.
Reforming the Priests of Manipe: Reflections on the “Buddhist Modernist Monk” in Euro-America
Authors: Harrington Laura
Published: August 2013

From the late nineteenth century onwards, Asian Buddhist monks have been associated in American thought with science, rationality and anti-colonialism. Though the narrative of nineteenth century ‘Buddhist Modernism’ is routinely invoked to explain this, a more illuminating genealogy of this ‘modernist monasticism’ identifies deeper roots in anti-Catholicism. This paper explores these roots through a genealogy of the Buddhist Modernist Monk. Beginning with the seventeenth century travel journals of Jesuit missionaries, it winds its way through varied British rhetorics to nineteenth century Sri Lanka, and ends in Chicago, at the World’s Parliament of Religion of 1893. There, these intertwined discourses coalesced in the form of the Buddhist Modernist Monk: a figure now familiar and beloved in American culture as an embodiment of compassion and rationality, yet with a history of prejudice and politics that has yet to be meaningfully explored. As we acknowledge anti-Catholicism’s centrality to the history of the Modernist Monk, we are necessarily reminded of the moral ambivalence of the ‘science-religion’ dichotomy that fuels his mystique. At minimum, future analyses must critique the presumption of such supra-historical binaries, and deploy an open framework attentive to the contradictions and relations of reciprocal determination that characterize his genealogy.
Buddhism in Crisis? Institutional Decline in Modern Japan
Authors: Reader Ian
Published: August 2013

Concerns that established temple Buddhism in Japan is in a state of crisis have been voiced by priests in various sectarian organizations in recent years. This article shows that there is a very real crisis facing Buddhism in modern Japan, with temples closing because of a lack of support and of priests to run them, and with a general turn away from Buddhism among the Japanese population. In rural areas falling populations have led to many temple closures, while in the modern cities people are increasingly turning away from the prime area in which Japanese people have traditionally engaged with Buddhist temples — the processes of death and their aftermath. Partly this is due to competition from new secular funeral industries, but partly also it is because public perceptions of Buddhism — which has become over-reliant on death rituals in Japan — have become highly negative in modern times. Even practices which have often been seen as areas in which Buddhist temples have been able to attract people — such as pilgrimages — are proving less successful than in the past, contributing further to a sense of crisis that threatens to undermine Buddhism’s roots in Japan.
The Employment and Significance of the Sad?prarudita’s J?taka/Av?dana Story in Different Buddhist Traditions
Authors: Shi Changtzu
Published: August 2013

The j?taka story of the Bodhisattva Sad?prarudita (literally meaning ‘ever weeping’), the most well known version of which is found in the A??as?hasrik?-prajñ?p?ramit?-s?tra, is a story that has been used in different ways in various Buddhist traditions that flourished in India, Central Asia, China and Tibet. For example, it is quoted and discussed in several commentarial and biographical works in Sanskrit, Chinese and Tibetan and it is found in Candrak?rti’s Prasannapad?, ??ntideva’s ?ik??samuccaya, and works about the lives of eminent Tibetan masters, such as Marpa, Milarepa, Rechungpa. In some works Sad?prarudita is presented as the paragon of one who searches for prajñ?p?ramit?; in others he is the model for those who desire to serve their gurus. In China, moreover, during the early stage of the Pure Land tradition, Sad?prarudita was regarded as the preeminent exemplar of one practising the niànfós?nmèi ???? (concentration of recollecting the buddhas, *buddhasm?ti or *buddh?nusm?ti). This paper will examine the story of Sad?prarudita as it is preserved in different sources, and will address its significance and the possible reasons for its employment by different Buddhist traditions.
What is Behind Yinshun’s Re-statement of the Nature of the M?lamadhyamakak?rik?? Debates on the Creation of a New Mah?y?na in Twentieth-century China
Authors: Travagnin Stefania
Published: August 2013

Yinshun (1906–2005) is regarded as one of the most eminent monks in twentieth-century Chinese Buddhism. Previous research has argued that Yinshun especially undertook the mission of writing new commentaries on Madhyamaka texts. His efforts provoked a revival of interest towards the Madhyamaka school among contemporary Chinese Buddhists, and a re-assessment of the position of the writings of N?g?rjuna within the history of Chinese Buddhism. This article focuses on Yinshun’s restatement of the nature of the M?lamadhyamakak?rik?, a text that has always been regarded as fundamental in the Madhyamaka/San-lun tradition in China. The first part analyzes Yinshun’s textual study of the M?lamadhyamakak?rik?, examining his approach to the text, and how he came to terms with previous Chinese traditional textual scholarship and canonical scriptures. The second part discusses Yinshun’s interpretation of the text by moving away from the micro-context of Chinese San-lun scholarship, and addressing the macro-context of the modern Chinese understanding of the Mah?y?na.
Development and evaluation of ofloxacin orally disintegrating tablets
Authors: Mohite Badrinath Pralhadrao , Chafle Sandip Annaji , Somasundaram Jayaprakash , Avari Jasmine Gev
Published: August 2013

Bitter taste of ofloxacin, a broad spectrum bactericidal agent, is masked and orally disintegrating tablets were formulated. The bitter taste is masked by forming complex between drug and weak cation exchange resins, Tulsion 335 and Indion 204. Effect of pH and drug:resin ratio on the drug loading was studied. Maximum drug loading was observed at pH 6. Ratio of 1:2 of drug:resin masked almost complete bitterness of ofloxacin. Formation of complexes was confirmed by IR spectroscopy. Physical characterization of taste masked complexes was carried out. Present work envisages the taste masking of ofloxacin and development of orally disintegrating tablets. The effect of pH and resin quantities on drug loading were studied to find the optimum conditions of drug loading for complete taste masking. Effect of superdisintegrants like sodium starch glycolate, croscarmellose sodium and polyplasdone XL at varying level on physical parameters of compressed tablets was also assessed. The formulations containing 5 % w/w polyplasdone XL showed about 90 % of drug release within 5 minutes. No significant differences were observed in the physical parameters of resinates as well as tablets prepared from Tulsion 335 and Indion 204.
D-α-tocopherol reduces renal damage in hypertensive rats
Authors: Pletiskaitz Thaís Maria da Fonseca , Gomes Guiomar Nascimento
Published: August 2013

This study investigated the beneficial effects of D-α-tocopherol supplementation in protecting against the renal morphological and functional changes caused by hypertension. Spontaneously hypertensive (SHR) and normotensive control (WKY) rats received D-α-tocopherol (80 mg/kg by gavage) or vehicle (mineral oil) every other day for 60 days, from the age of 2 months. After this treatment period, all animals were assessed for renal morphological and functional parameters. The glomerular hypertrophy, increased interlobular wall thickness and enlarged renal vascular resistance found in SHR were reduced by D-α-tocopherol treatment. Sodium and volume retention observed in SHR were also decreased by D-α-tocopherol treatment. Moreover, D-α-tocopherol supplementation significantly reduced arterial pressure in SHR but not in WKY. D-α-tocopherol also reduced the excretion of thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances (TBARS), a marker of oxidative stress, in SHR. These results suggest that D-α-tocopherol supplementation can reduce kidney damage induced by hypertension.
The Viana footbridge: construction and dynamic monitoring
Authors: Barbosa Ricardo , Magalhães Filipe , Caetano Elsa , Cunha Álvaro
Published: August 2013

A new moveable footbridge was recently built at the entrance of Marina Atlântico in the city of Viana do Castelo, Portugal. This paper presents a brief description of the global solution, with a special focus on the characterisation of the construction methods adopted. Particular consideration is given to the construction of the pivot pylon and the steel structure, showing how all the bridge components work together to ensure a safe working relationship with the marina, the river and users of the continuous bicycling and pedestrian pathway running across the closed bridge. The mechanical, hydraulic, electrical and navigational light systems play fundamental roles, especially during bridge opening and closing operations. Moreover, as this light footbridge is susceptible to vibrations due to human traffic, the paper also describes the dynamic tests performed during and after construction, including two ambient vibration tests, the measurement of cable-stay forces, and tests with groups of pedestrians used to evaluate induced vibration levels along with the monitoring of bridge accelerations over 4 months of use.
Synthesis and magnetic properties of fergusonite-structured La(NbVMn)O4
Authors: Kawakami Shunsuke , Takeda Naoya , Kohiki Shigemi , Tsutsui Fuki , Harada Juri , Arai Masao , Mitome Masanori , Ohmura Kazuyo , Yubuta Kunio , Shishido Toetsu
Published: August 2013

The authors have synthesized fergusonite-structured La(Nb0·71V0·04Mn0·25)O4 samples. The samples, consisting of La3+, Nb5+, V5+, Mn4+ and oxygen ions, demonstrated temperature-dependent magnetization that increased with lowering the temperature below ≈200 K, and almost saturated below ≈100 K. At 75 K, the field-dependent magnetization demonstrated sigmoidal curve and reached 3 μB/Mn at 1 T. Such a magnetic behavior can be ascribed to exchange interaction between Mn4+Nb2O11 nanoclusters. The Mn4+ substitution for the V5+ sites of the crystal resulted also in the occupied state above the valence band maximum.
Synthesis, characterization and biodegradation studies of poly(ester-urethane)s
Authors: Bhusari Ganesh S. , Umare Suresh S. , Chandure Ajay S.
Published: August 2013

A series of aliphatic poly(ester-urethane)s (PEUs) with different NCO/OH ratio were synthesized by a two-step bulk polymerization process from aliphatic poly(neopentyl-succinate) (PNSu), 4,4’-dicyclohexylmethane diisocyanate and 1,3-propanediol as a chain extender in the presence of dibutyltindilaurate as a catalyst. PNSu was prepared by the transesterification polycondensation from diethyl succinate and neopentyl glycol in the presence of titanium isopropoxide as a catalyst. The effect of the NCO/OH ratio on the structural, physical and thermal properties of PEUs was studied by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, proton nuclear magnetic resonance, gel permeation chromatography, density measurement, differential scanning calorimetry, thermogravimetric analysis/differential thermogravimetric analysis and optical microscopy. The density (ρ) and number-average molecular weight (Mn) of PEUs are found to be in the range of 1·175–1·180 g/cm3 and 55 137–56 947 g/mol, respectively. The biodegradability of the PEUs film was investigated by hydrolytic (in 3% sodium hydroxide solution) and enzymatic degradation (Aspergilus niger lipase in phosphate buffer solution pH = 7·2) at 37°C. PEUs film shows a slower degradation rate in A. niger lipase compared with the hydrolytic process.
Dietary Sodium Restriction and Association with Urinary Marinobufagenin, Blood Pressure, and Aortic Stiffness
Authors: Jablonski Kristen L. , Fedorova Olga V. , Racine Matthew L. , Geolfos Candace J. , Gates Phillip E. , Chonchol Michel , Fleenor Bradley S. , Lakatta Edward G. , Bagrov Alexei Y. , Seals Douglas R.
Published: August 2013

Background and objectives

Systolic BP and large elastic artery stiffness both increase with age and are reduced by dietary sodium restriction. Production of the natriuretic hormone marinobufagenin, an endogenous α1 Na+,K+-ATPase inhibitor, is increased in salt-sensitive hypertension and contributes to the rise in systolic BP during sodium loading.

Design, setting, participants, & measurements

The hypothesis was that dietary sodium restriction performed in middle-aged/older adults (eight men and three women; 60±2 years) with moderately elevated systolic BP (139±2/83±2 mmHg) would reduce urinary marinobufagenin excretion as well as systolic BP and aortic pulse-wave velocity (randomized, placebo-controlled, and crossover design). This study also explored the associations among marinobufagenin excretion with systolic BP and aortic pulse-wave velocity across conditions of 5 weeks of a low-sodium (77±9 mmol/d) and 5 weeks of a normal-sodium (144±7 mmol/d) diet.

Results

Urinary marinobufagenin excretion (weekly measurements; 25.4±1.8 versus 30.7±2.1 pmol/kg per day), systolic BP (127±3 versus 138±5 mmHg), and aortic pulse-wave velocity (700±40 versus 843±36 cm/s) were lower during the low- versus normal-sodium condition (all P<0.05). Across all weeks, marinobufagenin excretion was related with systolic BP (slope=0.61, P<0.001) and sodium excretion (slope=0.46, P<0.001). These associations persisted during the normal- but not the low-sodium condition (both P<0.005). Marinobufagenin excretion also was associated with aortic pulse-wave velocity (slope=0.70, P=0.02) and endothelial cell expression of NAD(P)H oxidase-p47phox (slope=0.64, P=0.006).

Conclusions

These results show, for the first time in humans, that dietary sodium restriction reduces urinary marinobufagenin excretion and that urinary marinobufagenin excretion is positively associated with systolic BP, aortic stiffness (aortic pulse-wave velocity), and endothelial cell expression of the oxidant enzyme NAD(P)H oxidase. Importantly, marinobufagenin excretion is positively related to systolic BP over ranges of sodium intake typical of an American diet, extending previous observations in rodents and humans fed experimentally high-sodium diets.
Randomized Controlled Trial of Febuxostat Versus Allopurinol or Placebo in Individuals with Higher Urinary Uric Acid Excretion and Calcium Stones
Authors: Goldfarb David S. , MacDonald Patricia A. , Gunawardhana Lhanoo , Chefo Solomon , McLean Lachy
Published: August 2013

Background and objectives

Higher urinary uric acid excretion is a suspected risk factor for calcium oxalate stone formation. Febuxostat, a xanthine oxidoreductase inhibitor, is effective in lowering serum urate concentration and urinary uric acid excretion in healthy volunteers and people with gout. This work studied whether febuxostat, compared with allopurinol and placebo, would reduce 24-hour urinary uric acid excretion and prevent stone growth or new stone formation.

Design, setting, participants, & measurements

In this 6-month, double-blind, multicenter, randomized controlled trial, hyperuricosuric participants with a recent history of calcium stones and one or more radio-opaque calcium stone ≥3 mm (as seen by multidetector computed tomography) received daily febuxostat at 80 mg, allopurinol at 300 mg, or placebo. The primary end point was percent change from baseline to month 6 in 24-hour urinary uric acid. Secondary end points included percent change from baseline to month 6 in size of index stone and change from baseline in the mean number of stones and 24-hour creatinine clearance.

Results

Of 99 enrolled participants, 86 participants completed the study. Febuxostat led to significantly greater reduction in 24-hour urinary uric acid (−58.6%) than either allopurinol (−36.4%; P=0.003) or placebo (−12.7%; P<0.001). Percent change from baseline in the size of the largest calcium stone was not different with febuxostat compared with allopurinol or placebo. There was no change in stone size, stone number, or renal function. No new safety concerns were noted for either drug.

Conclusions

Febuxostat (80 mg) lowered 24-hour urinary uric acid significantly more than allopurinol (300 mg) in stone formers with higher urinary uric acid excretion after 6 months of treatment. There was no change in stone size or number over the 6-month period.
Association of Cholesterol Levels with Mortality and Cardiovascular Events among Patients with CKD and Different Amounts of Proteinuria
Authors: Chen Szu-Chia , Hung Chi-Chih , Tsai Yi-Chun , Huang Jiun-Chi , Kuo Mei-Chuan , Lee Jia-Jung , Chiu Yi-Wen , Chang Jer-Ming , Hwang Shang-Jyh , Chen Hung-Chun
Published: August 2013

Background and objectives

Malnutrition and/or inflammation may modify the risk relationship of total cholesterol with cardiovascular disease in CKD patients. However, it is unclear whether the relationship of total cholesterol with cardiovascular events and mortality varies by proteinuria.

Design, setting, participants, & measurements

This study enrolled 3303 patients with CKD stages 3–5 from a medical center and a regional hospital between November of 2002 and May of 2009 and followed the patients until July of 2010.

Results

During a median 2.8-year follow-up, there were 471 (14.3%) deaths and 545 (16.5%) cardiovascular events. In an adjusted Cox model, the two highest quartiles of total cholesterol (hazard ratio, 1.90; 95% confidence interval, 1.16 to 3.13 and hazard ratio, 2.00; 95% confidence interval, 1.18 to 3.39 versus quartile 1, respectively) were associated with a significant higher risk of all-cause mortality in patients with urine protein-to-creatinine ratio<1 g/g (n=1535), but this higher risk was not seen in those patients with urine protein-to-creatinine ratio≥1 g/g (n=1768; hazard ratio, 0.75; 95% confidence interval, 0.53 to 1.07 and hazard ratio, 0.70; 95% confidence interval, 0.49 to 1.02 versus quartile 1, respectively). The interaction between total cholesterol and proteinuria with all-cause mortality was significant (interaction, P=0.05). However, the relationship between total cholesterol and cardiovascular events did not significantly differ by proteinuria (interaction, P=0.91).

Conclusions

The association between cholesterol and mortality is different among patients with different levels of proteinuria. Large-scale clinical trials to evaluate the mortality benefit should specifically target lowering hypercholesterolemia in CKD patients with different levels of proteinuria.
Short-Term Changes after a Weight Reduction Intervention in Advanced Diabetic Nephropathy
Authors: Friedman Allon N. , Chambers Mary , Kamendulis Lisa M. , Temmerman Joan
Published: August 2013

Background and objectives

Obesity precedes and is strongly linked to the development of type 2 diabetic nephropathy in most patients, yet little is known about the effects of weight reduction on this disease. This study aimed to establish proof of concept for the hypothesis that weight reduction ameliorates diabetic nephropathy.

Design, setting, participants, & measurements

Six obese individuals with advanced diabetic nephropathy (estimated GFR <40 ml/min per 1.73 m2, urine albumin excretion >30 mg/d) currently taking a renin-aldosterone axis inhibitor underwent a 12-week very low calorie ketogenic weight reduction diet with encouragement of exercise between March and September 2012. Albuminuria and other parameters of kidney health were the main outcome measures.

Results

There was a 12% reduction in weight (median 118.5 versus 104.3 kg, P=0.03). The intervention was associated with a 36% reduction in albuminuria that did not reach statistical significance (2124 versus 1366 mg/24 h, P=0.08) and significant reductions in the filtration markers serum creatinine (3.54 versus 3.13 mg/dl, P<0.05) and cystatin C (2.79 versus 2.46 mg/l, P<0.05). Improvements were also noted for the diabetes markers fasting glucose (166 versus 131 mg/dl, P<0.05), fasting insulin (26.9 versus 10.4 μU/ml, P<0.05), and insulin resistance (9.6 versus 4.2, P=0.03). Physical function, general health, and the number of diabetes medications also showed statistically significant signs of improvement.

Conclusions

After a short-term intensive weight reduction intervention in patients with advanced diabetic nephropathy, improvements were observed in markers of glomerular filtration, diabetes status, and risk factors for kidney disease progression, as well as other general indicators of health and well-being.
The effect of sintering temperature on the structure and properties of calcium hexaluminate/anorthite ceramics
Authors: Tian Y. , Qiu Y. , Chai Y. , Bai P. , Gong C.
Published: August 2013

The calcium hexaluminate/anorthite composite are prepared by magnesia slag,
kaolin and industrial alumina at different sintering temperature. The effect
of sintering temperature on the structure and properties are investigated by
X-ray powder diffraction and scanning electron microscopy. The results show
that the calcium hexaluminate begins to form at 1300?C and continues to form
in a large amount between 1400?C and 1500?C, however, there is a phase
transitions form gehlenite to anorthite between 1300?C and 1400?C. CA6 grow
preferentially along the basal plane direction. When the crystals touch each
other, the CA6 crystals turn to grow up along the axial direction. The
apparent porosity decreases and bulk density increases and the flexural
strength increases with the rising of the sintering temperature.
Solid state batteries (SSBs) prepared with powder metallurgy route
Authors: Hu J. , Zhao J. , Ren J.J.
Published: August 2013

The solid state batteries (SSBs) were prepared by powder metallurgy route.
For making SSBs, a special die was designed. LiNiO2 and face centre cubic
(fcc) TiB powders [1] were used to make cathodes for SSBs while such metals
as Zn or Mg were used to make anodes. The SSBs made with LiNiO2 powder
generated relatively low currents (1 to 2 ?A) and voltage (0.4~0.9 V) at room
temperature. The SSBs made with fcc-TiB cathode generated more power than do
the SSBs made with LiNiO2 powder.
Microstructure refinement and physical properties of Ag-SnO2 based contact materials prepared by high-energy ball milling
Authors: Cosovic V. , Pavlovic M. , Cosovic A. , Vulic P. , Premovic M. , Zivkovic D. , Talijan N.
Published: August 2013

High energy ball milling was used in order to improve dispersion of metal
oxide in Ag-SnO2 electrical contact materials. The processed Ag-SnO2 (92:8)
and Ag-SnO2In2O3 (87.8:9.30:2.9) powder mixtures were subsequently
consolidated to bulk solid pieces by conventional powder metallurgy method.
The characterization of the prepared samples included microstructural
analysis by XRD and SEM, as well as measurements of physical properties such
as density, hardness and electrical conductivity. The results of X-Ray
analysis point to reduction of crystallite size after milling of about ten
times. Microstructures of sintered Ag-SnO2 and Ag-SnO2 In2O3 materials
display very fine dispersion of the oxide components in silver matrix.
Somewhat higher uniformity was obtained for Ag-SnO2 In2O3 material which was
illustrated by results of SEM analysis and more consistent microhardness
values. The obtained values of studied physical properties were found to be
in accordance with observed higher dispersion of metal oxide particles and
comparable to properties of commercial electrical contact materials of this
type.
Electronic ceramic structure within the Voronoi cells model and microstructure fractals contacts surfaces new frontier applications
Authors: Mitic V.V. , Paunovic V. , Jankovic S. , Pavlovic V. , Antolovic I. , Rancic D.
Published: August 2013

In this study, in order to establish grain shapes of sintered ceramics, new
approach on correlation between microstructure and doped BaTiO3 -ceramics
properties based, on Voronoi model and mathematical statistics calculations
on fractal geometry, has been developed. BaTiO3-ceramics doped with Yb2O3
(from 0.1 to 1.0wt% of Yb) were prepared by using conventional solid state
procedure and were sintered from 1320?C to 1380?C for four hours. The
microstructure of sintered specimens was investigated by Scanning electron
microscope JEOL-SEM-5300. For better and deeper characterization and
understanding of the ceramics material microstructure, the methods which
include the fractal nature structure, and also Voronoi model and mathematical
statistics calculations, are applied. In our research the Voronoi is one
specific interface between fractal structure nature and different
stochastically contact surfaces, defined by statistical mathematical methods.
Also, the Voronoi model practically provided possibility to control the
ceramics microstructure fractal nature. Mathematical statistic methods
enabled establishing the real model for the prognosis based on correlation:
synthesis-structures-properties.
Improvement of the mechanical properties of spark plasma sintered hap bioceramics by decreasing the grain size and by adding multi-walled carbon nanotubes
Authors: Veljovic Dj. , Vukovic G. , Steins I. , Palcevskis E. , Uskokovic P.S. , Petrovic R. , Janackovic Dj.
Published: August 2013

Composites based on HAP and oxidized multi-walled carbon nanotubes (o-MWCNT)
and monophase HAP materials were processed by spark plasma sintering.
Starting from stoichiometric nano-sized HAP powder, monophase bioceramics
were obtained with a density close to the theoretical one and with an average
grain size of several hundred nanometers to micron dimensions. It was shown
that decreasing the sintering temperature resulted in a decrease of the grain
size, which affected an increase in the fracture toughness and hardness. The
fracture toughness of an HAP/ o-MWCNT bioceramic processed at 900?C for only
5 min was 30 % higher than that of monophase HAP materials obtained under the
same conditions. The addition of MWCNT during SPS processing of HAP materials
caused a decrease in the grain size to the nano-dimension, which was one of
the reasons for the improved mechanical properties.
The extractive industries and ’shared, inclusive and sustainable development’ in South Africa
Authors: Oranje Mark
Published: August 2013

In the 140-odd years after the first diamond was found in South Africa in
1866, mining catapulted the country from a predominantly agrarian society
into a modern industrial nation. For the biggest part of this period, mining
drove and human development followed. This ?order of importance? was largely
the result of the huge wealth and influence of the mining houses, the
(perceived) importance of the sector for the development of the country, and
the broader skewed power dynamics of colonial and apartheid rule. Over the
last decade, national government enacted new legislation by which it
attempted to ensure that mining is made more serviceable to the post-1994
objectives of (1) broad-based societal reconstruction; (2) shared and
inclusive growth; and (3) regional and rural development. A key component of
this new legislation has been a provision to ensure that mining companies
make tangible contributions to regional and rural development and human
settlement in ?mining areas?. Recent events, such as widespread strikes, the
tragic loss of many lives, and continuing harsh living conditions, have
raised, what has been a nagging question since the introduction of the new
legislation, i.e.: Has the new legal framework (really) assisted in (1)
ensuring that communities in mining areas enjoy a greater of the wealth
created by the industry; (2) enhancing regional and rural development in
mining areas; and (3) establishing a more symbiotic relationship between
mining, regional and rural development planning and human development? In
this paper, research in a mining area during the course of 2011 and 2012 is
used to explore this question. Use is made of documented evidence and
interviews with key role-players in the mining industry, municipal and
provincial government, the private sector, traditional leadership structures
and communities.
Factors of urban sprawl in Bulgaria
Authors: Slaev Aleksandar , Nikiforov Ivan
Published: August 2013

Urban sprawl has become a topical urban issue first in North America and
later in Western Europe. It turned into a major challenge to urban
sustainability. However, sprawl in Western Europe has displayed many specific
features different than that in North America and these features are related
to the concrete circumstances in the two continents. The social, economic and
urban situation in the new European democracies is also quite different and
this inevitably has its impact on the forms of sprawl. One of the main
characteristics of sprawl is that it is considered to be market-led. More
precisely, a major factor is the lack of balance between market trends and
planning policy that allows for the market players to determine the use of
their plots in suburban locations with little reference to the public
interests and issues of sustainability. As the countries in Eastern and
South-eastern Europe have already made certain progress on their way to
market society, the problems of sprawl were faced in these countries too. The
goal of the paper is to apply widely accepted definitions of sprawl to the
processes in the suburbs of Sofia and, thus, to assess whether these are
processes of sprawl. It also aims to study the specific traditions and
residential preferences of Sofia?s population in order to identify specific
characteristics and aspects of the Bulgarian model. The findings of the paper
confirm that Bulgaria?s capital Sofia is experiencing processes of urban
sprawl, particularly in its southern suburban areas - in the foot of Vitosha
Mountain. Next, these processes display strong regional characteristics. So
far sprawl in Bulgaria is less intensive than that in Western Europe but also
than that in the post-socialist countries in Central Europe and in Baltic
states. Eventually, the urban forms of Bulgarian sprawl tend to be denser and
with mix of single-family and multi-family residential types and mix of land
uses.
Towards the integration of sustainable infrastructure into the existing built environment
Authors: Dimitrijevic Branka
Published: August 2013

The construction sector in the United Kingdom is dominated by small and
medium size enterprises (SMEs) which have less than 250 employees and usually
do not have research capacities to develop a range of low carbon innovations
applicable in the construction sector. Various European and national funding
programmes have addressed this problem by providing funding for research
collaboration between universities and SMEs. The paper provides a selection
of the outputs of academic/industry research, undertaken by seven Scottish
universities through the project CIC Start Online from September 2009 until
February 2013, related to low carbon planning, building design, technologies,
construction, refurbishment and performance. The studies either contributed
to the further development of existing products or processes, or tested new
products or processes, often developed for a specific project with a
potential for application in future projects. Online dissemination of the
project outcomes has assisted in attracting membership across Scotland, the
United Kingdom and internationally. Along with the low carbon building
products and technologies, new low carbon infrastructure is being planned and
developed in order to provide connections and services for energy generation
from renewables, energy storage and decentralised distribution, water
management (harvesting, saving and reuse), waste management (reduction, reuse
and to-energy), transport (electric vehicles, cycling and walking) and
information communication technology (ICT) for monitoring and managing
infrastructure systems. The second part of the paper outlines how innovations
for integration of sustainable infrastructure into the existing built
environment will be supported through the follow-on joint project of nine
Scottish universities, named Mainstreaming Innovation.
Climate change impacts on German cities and actions for preserving quality of life
Authors: Schetke Sophie
Published: August 2013

Also German cities -as many other cities worldwide- will be affected by
impacts of climate change. Starting from the German Adaptation Strategy to
climate change, the paper presents a short literature review on impacts of
climate change and on fields of action for German municipalities and urban
planners to adapt to it. The literature review shows that main negative
impacts of climate change in Germany are due to rising temperatures and
cities will also need to cope with altered precipitation regimes. But also
positive impacts such as reduced heating costs are reported. Additionally,
the paper highlights a second phenomenon, which also causes specific demands
for urban planners regarding human health and quality of life in German
cities: demographic change. Altering demographic patterns within the society
will lead to altered demands for healthy living conditions. Moreover,
findings from the literature show that specific groups of the society - such
as the elderly - are especially vulnerable towards impacts of climate change.
A concrete sensitivity towards overheating or bad air is reported. Both
phenomena may simultaneously impact on German urban structures and will
demand closer attention now and in the future. Consequently, specific fields
of action to adapt to climate change will be presented highlighting their
possible contribution sustaining quality of life in cities.
Single basin double slope solar still: Year round performance prediction for local climatic conditions at Southern India
Authors: Kulandaivel Kalidasa , Karuppian Srithar
Published: August 2013

In this work, performance of a single basin double slope solar still has been
studied theoretically and experimentally. The theoretical model is used to
predict the year round performance of the still at the local climatic
conditions for the year 2008. Average values of maximum and minimum
atmospheric temperatures, wind velocities were taken from meteorological data
for last five years. Radiation models were used to predict the global and
diffused irradiances on the inclined covers. The time to time variations in
transmittance of the cover were considered. The rate of production variation
and the total production for first day of the every month had been
calculated. The overall production of the still was higher during March,
April, August, November and December and it is around 4 liters/day. The
average production of the still was 2.1 liters/day/m2. The economy of the
still was also studied and the payback period of the still was three years.
Prediction of cold start hydrocarbon emissions of air cooled two wheeler spark ignition engines by simple fuzzy logic simulation
Authors: Samuel Raja , Valan Arasu
Published: August 2013

The cold start hydrocarbon emission from the increasing population of two
wheelers in countries like India is one of the research issues to be
addressed. This work describes the prediction of cold start hydrocarbon
emissions from air cooled spark ignition engines through fuzzy logic
technique. Hydrocarbon emissions were experimentally measured from test
engines of different cubic capacity, at different lubricating oil temperature
and at different idling speeds with and without secondary air supply in
exhaust. The experimental data were used as input for modeling average
hydrocarbon emissions for 180 seconds counted from cold start and warm start
of gasoline bike engines. In fuzzy logic simulation, member functions were
assigned for input variables (cubic capacity and idling rpm) and output
variables (average hydrocarbon emission for first 180 seconds at cold start
and warm start). The knowledge based rules were adopted from the analyzed
experimental data and separate simulations were carried out for predicting
hydrocarbon emissions from engines equipped with and without secondary air
supply. The simulation yielded the average hydrocarbon emissions of air
cooled gasoline engine for a set of given input data with accuracy over 90%.
Interfacial crack behavior in the stationary temperature field conditions
Authors: Djokovic Jelena , Nikolic Ruzica , Zivkovic Katarina
Published: August 2013

The brittle coatings, made of different materials, when subjected to elevated
temperatures and in the heat exchange conditions, are susceptible to
delamination. Those coatings, as well as thin films, can be used for various
thermo insulating deposits, e.g. in turbines of thermal power plants., In
layers made of different materials, due to the environmental temperature
change, thermal stresses appear as a consequence of a difference in their
thermal expansion coefficients. In this paper driving forces were analyzed
causing delamination of one layer from the other, i.e. the interfacial
fracture in the two-layered, bimaterial sample. This analysis was limited to
considering the sample behavior when exposed to the stationary temperature
field. The energy release rate G, which is the driving force for this
interfacial fracture, is changing with temperature and that variation is
increasing with increase of the temperature difference between the
environment and the sample. Analysis of this relation can be used to predict
the maximal temperature difference, which the two-layered sample can be
subjected to, without appearance of delamination between layers.
Optimisation of the 2.2 liter high speed diesel engine for proposed Bharat stage 5 emission norms in India
Authors: Ghodk Pundlik , Suryawanshi Jiwak
Published: August 2013

Direct injection diesel engine combustion system offers improvements in
performance and fuel economy benefits. 4 valves per cylinder, turbocharged
and intercooled diesel engine became trustworthy for automobile application.
Electronic diesel control, use of common rail with increase in injection
pressures, and flexibility in injection control has changed the image of
diesel engine. Evolutions in piston crown shape, intake ports with different
swirl level helped to enhance mixing of air and fuel for better performance
and emissions. In this describe the work done on 4 cylinder diesel engine,
upgraded to BS5 (Bharat stage 5) emission norms with 20% power increase. A
systematic approach of engine development was fallowed. Engine performance
prediction was done using AVL Boost software. Boost Model was validated with
existing engine cylinder pressure. Combustion parameters have been varied to
predict higher power. Vehicle model has been build using AVL cruise software
and used to obtain steady state load- speed points. Engine emission
development has been done on engine test bench. Typical hardware like piston
crown, turbocharger, EGR system with EGR cooler and various combustion
parameters were tested and optimized. Suitable after-treatment system was
selected optimized for precious metal loading reach Bharat stage 5 emissions.
Transient and cyclic effects on a PCM-cooled mobile device
Authors: Tso C.P. , Tan F.L. , Jony J.
Published: August 2013

A mock handset with heat storage unit (HSU) has been designed, fabricated,
and experimented under various conditions to examine the effect of external
heat sink on the handset?s transient temperature distribution, performance of
the individual HSU under different power level and orientation, as well as
under the more realistic cyclic heating. The cooling of the handset is
through using a phase change material (PCM), n-eicosane, stored in the
external HSU connected to the handset through a miniature heat pipe. The heat
pipe channels the internal heat dissipation to the HSU where it is absorbed
by the PCM. Results show that the temperature is significantly lowered with
the PCM-based HSU.
High efficiency nanofluid cooling system for wind turbines
Authors: de Risi , Milanese Marco , Colangelo Gianpiero , Laforgia Domenico
Published: August 2013

The efficiency of cooling system is critical for wind turbines, particularly
during the hot season, when high temperatures could damage the electric
generator and mechanical parts of the turbine. The cooling system proposed in
this paper is able to increase the efficiency of heat transfer with the use
of nanofluids and the wind turbine tower as a heat exchanger to dissipate
waste heat in the environment. In this study the use of Al2O3-water
nanofluids has been considered. The results of this investigation appear
encouraging because they have shown that the proposed new solution is able to
assure highly efficient heat transfer and to limit thermal stresses on the
electrical and mechanical components of wind turbines.
Age-Dependent Labeling and Imaging of Insulin Secretory Granules
Authors: Ivanova Anna , Kalaidzidis Yannis , Dirkx Ronald , Sarov Mihail , Gerlach Michael , Schroth-Diez Britta , Müller Andreas , Liu Yanmei , Andree Cordula , Mulligan Bernard , Münster Carla , Kurth Thomas , Bickle Marc , Speier Stephan , Anastassiadis Konstantinos , Solimena Michele
Published: August 2013

Insulin is stored within the secretory granules of pancreatic β-cells, and impairment of its release is the hallmark of type 2 diabetes. Preferential exocytosis of newly synthesized insulin suggests that granule aging is a key factor influencing insulin secretion. Here, we illustrate a technology that enables the study of granule aging in insulinoma cells and β-cells of knock-in mice through the conditional and unequivocal labeling of insulin fused to the SNAP tag. This approach, which overcomes the limits encountered with previous strategies based on radiolabeling or fluorescence timer proteins, allowed us to formally demonstrate the preferential release of newly synthesized insulin and reveal that the motility of cortical granules significantly changes over time. Exploitation of this approach may enable the identification of molecular signatures associated with granule aging and unravel possible alterations of granule turnover in diabetic β-cells. Furthermore, the method is of general interest for the study of membrane traffic and aging.
Decreased Cord-Blood Phospholipids in Young Age–at–Onset Type 1 Diabetes
Authors: La Torre Daria , Seppänen-Laakso Tuulikki , Larsson Helena E. , Hyötyläinen Tuulia , Ivarsson Sten A. , Lernmark Åke , Orešič Matej ,   and the DiPiS Study Group
Published: August 2013

Children developing type 1 diabetes may have risk markers already in their umbilical cord blood. It is hypothesized that the risk for type 1 diabetes at an early age may be increased by a pathogenic pregnancy and be reflected in altered cord-blood composition. This study used metabolomics to test if the cord-blood lipidome was affected in children diagnosed with type 1 diabetes before 8 years of age. The present case-control study of 76 index children diagnosed with type 1 diabetes before 8 years of age and 76 healthy control subjects matched for HLA risk, sex, and date of birth, as well as the mother’s age and gestational age, revealed that cord-blood phosphatidylcholines and phosphatidylethanolamines were significantly decreased in children diagnosed with type 1 diabetes before 4 years of age. Reduced levels of triglycerides correlated to gestational age in index and control children and to age at diagnosis only in the index children. Finally, gestational infection during the first trimester was associated with lower cord-blood total lysophosphatidylcholines in index and control children. In conclusion, metabolomics of umbilical cord blood may identify children at increased risk for type 1 diabetes. Low phospholipid levels at birth may represent key mediators of the immune system and contribute to early induction of islet autoimmunity.
Decreased Na+/K+ ATPase α1 (ATP1A1) gene expression in major depression patients’ peripheral blood
Authors: Li Li , Wu Huijuan , Qian Jialin , Li Mingzhen , Li Yue , Li Baoming , Han Yu , Du Yi , Wang Yongzhi , Matand Kanyand , Wu Ning
Published: August 2013

Major depression affects the central nervous system and thereafter the autonomic nervous system, immune system, and endocrine system. Na+/K+ ATPase, as a major mediator of cellular transmembrane ionic gradients, plays an important role in nervous signal transduction. Three types of Na+/K+ ATPase α subunit isoforms (ATP1A1, ATP1A2, and ATP1A3) are found in brain but vary in the type of cell and level of expression. It has been confirmed that reduced expression of ATP1A2 and ATP1A3 are related to depressive disorder. However, there is no reported correlation between ATP1A1 and major depression. This study investigated the potential correlation between ATP1A1 gene expression level and major depression. The expression levels of ATP1A1 gene in the peripheral circulation of both depressive patients and healthy human controls were quantified by using reverse transcripted quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Statistical analysis showed a significant decrease of ATP1A1 expression level in major depression patients when compared to that of healthy controls (P<0.01). The differences of gene nucleotide sequences and protein structures among ATP1A1, ATP1A2, and ATP1A3 were also illustrated. This study demonstrates, for the first time, that ATP1A1 gene expression level is significantly associated with major depression and suggests that ATP1A1 could be a significant molecular marker for diagnosis.