bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Anti-Obese Effect of Glucosamine and Chitosan Oligosaccharide in High-Fat Diet-Induced Obese Rats
Authors: Huang Lanlan , Chen Jian , Cao Peiqiu , Pan Haitao , Ding Chen , Xiao Tiancun , Zhang Pengfei , Guo Jiao , Su Zhengquan
Published: April 2015

Objective: This study is to evaluate the anti-obese effects of glucosamine (GLC) and chitosan oligosaccharide (COS) on high-fat diet-induced obese rats. Methods: The rats were randomly divided into twelve groups: a normal diet group (NF), a high-fat diet group (HF), Orlistat group, GLC high-, middle-, and low-dose groups (GLC-H, GLC-M, GLC-L), COS1 (COS, number-average molecular weight ≤1000) high-, middle-, and low-dose groups (COS1-H, COS1-M, COS1-L), and COS2 (COS, number-average molecular weight ≤3000) high-, middle-, and low-dose groups (COS2-H, COS2-M, COS2-L). All groups received oral treatment by gavage once daily for a period of six weeks. Results: Rats fed with COS1 gained the least weight among all the groups (P < 0.01), and these rats lost more weight than those treated with Orlistat. In addition to the COS2-H and Orlistat groups, the serum total cholesterol (CHO) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels were significantly reduced in all treatment groups compared to the HF group (P < 0.01). The various doses of GLC, COS1 and COS2 reduced the expression levels of PPARγ and LXRα mRNA in the white adipose tissue. Conclusions: The results above demonstrated that GLC, COS1, and COS2 improved dyslipidemia and prevented body weight gains by inhibiting the adipocyte differentiation in obese rats induced by a high-fat diet. Thus, these agents may potentially be used to treat obesity.
Eunicellin-Based Diterpenoids, Hirsutalins S–V, from the Formosan Soft Coral Cladiella hirsuta
Authors: Huang Tzu-Zin , Chen Bo-Wei , Huang Chiung-Yao , Hwang Tsong-Long , Uvarani Chokkalingam , Dai Chang-Feng , Sung Ping-Jyun , Su Jui-Hsin , Sheu Jyh-Horng
Published: April 2015

Four new eunicellin-type hirsutalins S–V (1–4), along with a known compound (–)-6α-hydroxy polyanthellin A (5), were isolated from the soft coral Cladiella hirsuta. The structures of the metabolites were determined by extensive spectroscopic analysis. Cytotoxity of compounds 1–5 against the proliferation of a limited panel of cancer cell lines was measured. Anti-inflammatory activity of compounds 1–5 was evaluated by measuring their ability in suppressing superoxide anion generation and elastase release in fMLP/ CB-induced human neutrophils.
Improving Properties of a Novel β-Galactosidase from Lactobacillus plantarum by Covalent Immobilization
Authors: Benavente Rocio , Pessela Benevides , Curiel Jose , De las Rivas Blanca , Muñoz Rosario , Guisán Jose , Mancheño Jose , Cardelle-Cobas Alejandra , Ruiz-Matute Ana , Corzo Nieves
Published: April 2015

A novel β-galactosidase from Lactobacillus plantarum (LPG) was over-expressed in E. coli and purified via a single chromatographic step by using lowly activated IMAC (immobilized metal for affinity chromatography) supports. The pure enzyme exhibited a high hydrolytic activity of 491 IU/mL towards o-nitrophenyl β-d-galactopyranoside. This value was conserved in the presence of different divalent cations and was quite resistant to the inhibition effects of different carbohydrates. The pure multimeric enzyme was stabilized by multipoint and multisubunit covalent attachment on glyoxyl-agarose. The glyoxyl-LPG immobilized preparation was over 20-fold more stable than the soluble enzyme or the one-point CNBr-LPG immobilized preparation at 50 °C. This β-galactosidase was successfully used in the hydrolysis of lactose and lactulose and formation of different oligosaccharides was detected. High production of galacto-oligosaccharides (35%) and oligosaccharides derived from lactulose (30%) was found and, for the first time, a new oligosaccharide derived from lactulose, tentatively identified as 3'-galactosyl lactulose, has been described.
Special Issue: Practical Applications of Metal Complexes
Authors: Turel Iztok
Published: April 2015

In 1913 Alfred Werner received the Nobel Prize in Chemistry for his work that was of great importance for the development of coordination chemistry. In the years that followed numerous complexes consisting of metal ions and organic ligands were isolated, thus building a strong connection between inorganic and organic chemistry. Coordination compounds have many interesting properties which find diverse applications in numerous aspects of human life. Fourteeen contributions were received for this Special Issue covering very different aspects of metal complexes and their practical applications. The highest number of manuscripts deals with the biological activity of complexes which might potentially be used in the clinical practice. Authors have tested their cytotoxicity, antibacterial activity and enzyme inhibition. Their optical properties were studied in view of their potential use in photodynamic therapy. Moreover, optical properties could also be used for bioanalysis. It is also known that metal complexes are useful catalysts and a few such examples are also described herein. Many other interesting properties and facts about the isolated and described complexes are also reported (radioactivity, design of metal-organic frameworks, etc.).
Ship Detection with Spectral Analysis of Synthetic Aperture Radar: A Comparison of New and Well-Known Algorithms
Authors: Marino Armando , Sanjuan-Ferrer Maria , Hajnsek Irena , Ouchi Kazuo
Published: April 2015

The surveillance of maritime areas with remote sensing is vital for security reasons, as well as for the protection of the environment. Satellite-borne synthetic aperture radar (SAR) offers large-scale surveillance, which is not reliant on solar illumination and is rather independent of weather conditions. The main feature of vessels in SAR images is a higher backscattering compared to the sea background. This peculiarity has led to the development of several ship detectors focused on identifying anomalies in the intensity of SAR images. More recently, different approaches relying on the information kept in the spectrum of a single-look complex (SLC) SAR image were proposed. This paper is focused on two main issues. Firstly, two recently developed sub-look detectors are applied for the first time to ship detection. Secondly, new and well-known ship detection algorithms are compared in order to understand which has the best performance under certain circumstances and if the sub-look analysis improves ship detection. The comparison is done on real SAR data exploiting diversity in frequency and polarization. Specifically, the employed data consist of six RADARSAT-2 fine quad-polacquisitions over the North Sea, five TerraSAR-X HH/VV dual-polarimetric data-takes, also over the North Sea, and one ALOS-PALSAR quad-polarimetric dataset over Tokyo Bay. Simultaneously to the SAR images, validation data were collected, which include the automatic identification system (AIS) position of ships and wind speeds. The results of the analysis show that the performance of the different sub-look algorithms considered here is strongly dependent on polarization, frequency and resolution. Interestingly, these sub-look detectors are able to outperform the classical SAR intensity detector when the sea state is particularly high, leading to a strong clutter contribution. It was also observed that there are situations where the performance improvement thanks to the sub-look analysis is not so noticeable.
Metal Oxide Gas Sensor Drift Compensation Using a Two-Dimensional Classifier Ensemble
Authors: Liu Hang , Chu Renzhi , Tang Zhenan
Published: April 2015

Sensor drift is the most challenging problem in gas sensing at present. We propose a novel two-dimensional classifier ensemble strategy to solve the gas discrimination problem, regardless of the gas concentration, with high accuracy over extended periods of time. This strategy is appropriate for multi-class classifiers that consist of combinations of pairwise classifiers, such as support vector machines. We compare the performance of the strategy with those of competing methods in an experiment based on a public dataset that was compiled over a period of three years. The experimental results demonstrate that the two-dimensional ensemble outperforms the other methods considered. Furthermore, we propose a pre-aging process inspired by that applied to the sensors to improve the stability of the classifier ensemble. The experimental results demonstrate that the weight of each multi-class classifier model in the ensemble remains fairly static before and after the addition of new classifier models to the ensemble, when a pre-aging procedure is applied.
Mobile Robot Positioning with 433-MHz Wireless Motes with Varying Transmission Powers and a Particle Filter
Authors: Canedo-Rodriguez Adrian , Rodriguez Jose , Alvarez-Santos Victor , Iglesias Roberto , Regueiro Carlos
Published: April 2015

In wireless positioning systems, the transmitter’s power is usually fixed. In this paper, we explore the use of varying transmission powers to increase the performance of a wireless localization system. To this extent, we have designed a robot positioning system based on wireless motes. Our motes use an inexpensive, low-power sub-1-GHz system-on-chip (CC1110) working in the 433-MHz ISM band. Our localization algorithm is based on a particle filter and infers the robot position by: (1) comparing the power received with the expected one; and (2) integrating the robot displacement. We demonstrate that the use of transmitters that vary their transmission power over time improves the performance of the wireless positioning system significantly, with respect to a system that uses fixed power transmitters. This opens the door for applications where the robot can localize itself actively by requesting the transmitters to change their power in real time.
Fluorescence Spectroscopy and Chemometric Modeling for Bioprocess Monitoring
Authors: Faassen Saskia , Hitzmann Bernd
Published: April 2015

On-line sensors for the detection of crucial process parameters are desirable for the monitoring, control and automation of processes in the biotechnology, food and pharma industry. Fluorescence spectroscopy as a highly developed and non-invasive technique that enables the on-line measurements of substrate and product concentrations or the identification of characteristic process states. During a cultivation process significant changes occur in the fluorescence spectra. By means of chemometric modeling, prediction models can be calculated and applied for process supervision and control to provide increased quality and the productivity of bioprocesses. A range of applications for different microorganisms and analytes has been proposed during the last years. This contribution provides an overview of different analysis methods for the measured fluorescence spectra and the model-building chemometric methods used for various microbial cultivations. Most of these processes are observed using the BioView® Sensor, thanks to its robustness and insensitivity to adverse process conditions. Beyond that, the PLS-method is the most frequently used chemometric method for the calculation of process models and prediction of process variables.
A Generic Software Development Process Refined from Best Practices for Cloud Computing
Authors: Park Soojin , Hwang Mansoo , Lee Sangeun , Park Young
Published: April 2015

Cloud computing has emerged as more than just a piece of technology, it is rather a new IT paradigm. The philosophy behind cloud computing shares its view with green computing where computing environments and resources are not as subjects to own but as subjects of sustained use. However, converting currently used IT services to Software as a Service (SaaS) cloud computing environments introduces several new risks. To mitigate such risks, existing software development processes must undergo significant remodeling. This study analyzes actual cases of SaaS cloud computing environment adoption as a way to derive four new best practices for software development and incorporates the identified best practices for currently-in-use processes. Furthermore, this study presents a design for generic software development processes that implement the proposed best practices. The design for the generic process has been applied to reinforce the weak points found in SaaS cloud service development practices used by eight enterprises currently developing or operating actual SaaS cloud computing services. Lastly, this study evaluates the applicability of the proposed SaaS cloud oriented development process through analyzing the feedback data collected from actual application to the development of a SaaS cloud service Astation.
Investigation of Residence and Travel Times in a Large Floodplain Lake with Complex Lake-River Interactions: Poyang Lake (China)
Authors: Li Yunliang , Zhang Qi , Yao Jing
Published: April 2015

Most biochemical processes and associated water quality in lakes depends on their flushing abilities. The main objective of this study was to investigate the transport time scale in a large floodplain lake, Poyang Lake (China). A 2D hydrodynamic model (MIKE 21) was combined with dye tracer simulations to determine residence and travel times of the lake for various water level variation periods. The results indicate that Poyang Lake exhibits strong but spatially heterogeneous residence times that vary with its highly seasonal water level dynamics. Generally, the average residence times are less than 10 days along the lake’s main flow channels due to the prevailing northward flow pattern; whereas approximately 30 days were estimated during high water level conditions in the summer. The local topographically controlled flow patterns substantially increase the residence time in some bays with high spatial values of six months to one year during all water level variation periods. Depending on changes in the water level regime, the travel times from the pollution sources to the lake outlet during the high and falling water level periods (up to 32 days) are four times greater than those under the rising and low water level periods (approximately seven days).
Hierarchical Classification of Groundwater Pollution Risk of Contaminated Sites Using Fuzzy Logic: A Case Study in the Basilicata Region (Italy)
Authors: Caniani Donatella , Lioi Donata , Mancini Ignazio , Masi Salvatore
Published: April 2015

Groundwater is an important source of water. Since the control and removal of pollution are expensive, it is essential to identify the possible sources of contamination and to correctly classify groundwater on the basis of its intrinsic and integrated vulnerability. In the last years, many fuzzy models have been developed. There is a lack, however, of studies concerning the application of fuzzy logic for the assessment of the susceptibility of groundwater quality to anthropogenic activities and comparing these methods with traditional methods. The fuzzy model described in this paper assesses the aquifer integrated environmental vulnerability connected to the presence of illegal dumpsites and allows us to hierarchically classify them within a hazard scale. The results allowed us to carry out a comparison of the proposed fuzzy method with a traditional method. The fuzzy method proved to be a useful and objective tool for environmental planning.
COMPARATIVE CARBON FOOTPRINT ANALYSIS OF BAMBOO AND STEEL SCAFFOLDING
Authors: Laleicke Paul F. , Cimino-Hurt Alex , Gardner Dylan , Sinha Arijit
Published: April 2015

Building construction and maintenance is one of the major contributors to global warming and as a result has the potential to be a leader in sustainable development. Scaffolding systems are an important component of building construction, especially high-rise buildings. A scaffold consists of a modular system of metal or bamboo tubes or pipes. Scaffolding is a temporary construction structure created for reaching heights above a human's reach, with the purpose of helping in construction or maintenance of a structure. The scaffolding industry in the US is dominated by steel. In areas where bamboo is indigenous, like many East Asian cities, bamboo is the scaffolding material of choice, even when it comes to high-rise buildings. Our goal was to analyze bamboo and steel thoroughly and establish their environmental impacts using life cycle analysis (LCA). Consequently, this study explores the ecological viability in expanding the use of bamboo scaffolding where steel predominates. The functional units used in this study are bamboo and steel scaffolding systems that are 2.74 m high, 2.49 m wide, and 1.21 m deep. A cradle-to-gate LCA was performed to evaluate the environmental performance of the two scaffolding systems. Our results suggest that bamboo scaffolding has a lower carbon footprint than steel scaffolding, with an ability to sequester carbon during its growth phase being a significant contributing factor. This is an important advantage of bamboo over nonrenewable materials (steel). Additionally, bamboo functions as a buffer, delaying the release of CO2 after the use phase. The main challenge for any scaffolding system made from renewable materials in the western world is the demand for standardization. Therefore, an ideal future goal should be the design of standardized scaffolding systems using renewable materials that combines the durability and homogeneity of steel scaffolding with the sustainability and environmental performance of bamboo scaffolding.
The Parametric Drawing System of Shaft Based on Feature
Authors: Sun Zhi Xue , Zhang Yang
Published: April 2015

The paper mainly studied the parametric drawing system of shaft based on feature. Firstly, the shaft was classified, and its characteristic was analyzed. Then, the special menu and image block menu of the system were designed in AutoCAD. And a friendly-interface parametric drawing system of shaft was built with geometry sculpts technology, object-oriented technology and parametric design technology, based on the platform of AutoCAD, with the development tool of Object ARX. It implemented the drawing of hardware working drawing of shaft according to the selected proportion, and improved the efficiency of the shaft design.Overview of shaftShaft is one of the main parts of machinery, depending on the axis shape; shaft can be divided into two categories: direct axis and crank shaft. According to the different load of the nature, direct axis can be divided into three types: spindle, drive shaft and the shaft. According to different shape, direct axis can be divided into two kinds: optical axis and stepped shaft. Optical axis has the following characteristics: simple shape, easy processing, less stress concentration source, optical axis is mainly used for drive shaft; Stepped shaft, in contrast to the optical axis. It is often used in the shaft. The classification of the shaft can be clearly said to use figure 1. In addition, there are some special shaft, such as the camshaft and wire soft shaft, etc.Fig. 1 Classification of the shaftOn the basis of the characteristics, the shaft information model can be considered. Usually a mechanical parts contains numerous features, shape features are the most important characteristics of these, which is the carrier of other information. We can decompose research the shape feature and think that some auxiliary features and the main features combined shape feature of axis, the main characteristics of the spatial position is adjacency relations; Auxiliary features is attached to a primary, auxiliary features can be attached to the main outline of the surface or end[1].Combining with the actual situation of this system, we analyze the features of commonly used straight shaft parts; we obtained the shape of the feature classification results as shown in table1.Table 1 Straight shaft parts classification of shape feature
A Probabilistic Safety Assessment Method Based on Latin Hypercube Sampling Method
Authors: Yue Ying Juan , Chen Fei , Li Hong , Du Hai Xia , Du Xiao Jun
Published: April 2015

Based on the shortcomings of traditional probabilistic assessment methods, an improved probabilistic safety assessment method was proposed, which used Latin hypercube sampling, considered the change process about fatigue crack propagation, as well as the effect of random variables on the failure assessment curve. The paper also analyzed the specific example with this method. The results showed that this method was simpler and more effective, which had some value of applications in engineering.
Research on Common Problems Based on a Desktop 3D Printer
Authors: Gao Kuan , Tao Ye , Zhang Kai , Song Lu Xiang
Published: April 2015

3D printing, that is, a kind of rapid prototyping technology, it is a kind of based on the digital model file, using the powder metal or plastic adhesive materials, such as to construct the object by means of step by step a print technology. 3D printing technology rapid development in recent years, It has to develop in the direction of miniature and generalization slowly from large professional, desktop 3D printing equipment is the representative products in this process. Based on the principle and characteristics of 3D printing, use the desktop 3D printer, the causes of some common problems in the process of printing and solvents are discussed. Based on these problems, the advantages and disadvantages of 3D printing are analyzed, and vision of the future are put forward.
The Properties of the Steel for High Pressure Gas Cylinder
Authors: Lv Qiu Juan , Li Xiu Yu , Liu Chang Jiang , Guo Zhi Qing , Li Yan Jiao
Published: April 2015

The gas cylinder is used in most cases, which is often made from alloy structural steel. When it is used in high pressure gas cylinder, the larger volume, higher weight, and larger length will produce. It is found that both in theoretical and experimental analysis that this kind of material has syntactical mechanical properties such as the tension strength and plastic strength, so it can be reused many times.
Dynamic Unstructured Grids Method with Applications to Unsteady Flows Involving Moving Boundaries
Authors: Wang Jun Li , Zhang Dong Sheng
Published: April 2015

Spring analogy method for dynamic unstructured grids is studied. The stiffness of the springs in the vertex spring method is analyzed. Improvements considering squashing spring effect and boundary effect are developed to the standard method. Applications of the improved spring analogy method to dynamic grids generation show that the new method greatly improves the deforming ability and the quality of the grids. This improved unstructured dynamic mesh method, coupled with ALE Euler solver, is then applied to simulate unsteady transonic flow about harmonious oscillation of rigid wing and bend-torsion oscillation of high-aspect ratio sweepback wing of High-Altitude-Long-Endurance Unmanned Aerial Vehicles; computational results are in good agreement with those of other literatures and experiments
Mesh Dynamics Analysis of Gear Shaving Cutter Research Based on ADAMS Software
Authors: Zhang Chang Ming , Shen Yan Yuan , Zhang Hui
Published: April 2015

Gear shaving machining is the one way of gear finish machining; this machining processing is applied in the gear manufacturing widely because of its high efficiency and low cost. Due to the use of standard involutes gear shaving cutter for shaving, the work piece profile nodes occur with varying degrees of "concave" phenomenon. This profile not only affects the gear transmission accuracy, but also can increase the transmission noise, shorten the service life of the gear. In this paper, by using ADAMS software analysis tool, the shaving cutter gear the non-backlash meshing process contact simulation analysis, reached along the tooth profile curve of the contact pressure distribution results. And in the ADAMS environment Post / Process module, in order to meet the needs of the whole tooth profile curve approach contact pressure as the goal, the shaving cutter gear meshing of the maximum contact pressure was carried out based on the experimental design optimization, which conducted the tooth profile modification.
Development of the Third Darrieus Blade of Sultan Wind Turbine for Low Wind Speed
Authors: Erwin  , Wiyono Slamet , Listijorini Erny , Lusiani Rina , Soemardi Tresna P.
Published: April 2015

Use of NACA 0012 at the Sultan Wind Turbine prototype provide value coefficient power turbine at wind speed 5.5 m / s by 0017 , wind speed 6.1 m / s at 0.015 , wind speed 7.7 m / s at 0.016 , wind speed 6.5 m / s for 0018 and wind speed 6.2 m / s by 0017 . Where the value of the highest efficiency obtained at a speed of 6.5 m / s at 0.018 . This result is not as expected to generate sufficient energy.The next development carried out investigations on some kind of airfoil, from investigations obtained by using Qblade software that NACA 6612 has a value of 1.78 CL at 15 degrees angle of attack is the largest of all the airfoil .In this research, NACA 6612 will be simulated with a variable chord length, angle of attack, and wind speed, of these three variables will be created which will map graphics 3d sliding value of the ratio of the 3 variables, this graph will give recommendations most optimum combination of variables to types are mapped wind speed throughout the year, to produce optimum power.Optimum combination of NACA 6612 with wind speed varied from 2-7 m/s is chord length 30 cm and angle of attack 7 degree.
Multiple Performance Characteristics Optimization in the WEDM Process of SKD61 Tool Steel Using Taguchi Method Combined with Weighted Principal Component Analysis (WPCA)
Authors: Soepangkat Bobby O.P. , Kis Agustin H.C.
Published: April 2015

This paper presents the optimization of a wire electrical discharge machining (WEDM) process of SKD61 tool steel (AISI H13). The use of the Taguchi method coupled with weighted principal component analysis (WPCA) has been applied. The WEDM machining parameters (arc on time, on time, open voltage, off time and servo voltage) were optimized with considerations of multiple performance characteristics, i.e., recast layer thickness (RL) and surface roughness (SR). The quality characteristics of both RL and SR were smaller-is-better. WPCA was applied to eliminate response correlation and to convert correlated responses into equal or less number of uncorrelated quality indices called principal components. Experimental results have shown that machining performance of the WEDM process can be improved effectively through the combination of Taguchi method and WPCA.
Effects of Liquid Viscosity on the Wave Velocity and Wave Frequency in Horizontal Annular Flow
Authors: Setyawan Andriyanto , Indarto  , Deendarlianto  , Badarudin Apip
Published: April 2015

An investigation on the liquid holdup, wave velocity, and wave frequency in horizontal annular flow has been experimentally conducted through the measurement of liquid holdup using constant electric current method (CECM) sensors. To investigate the effect of viscosity, water and glycerin were used as working liquid, using superficial liquid velocity and superficial gas velocity of 0.05 to 0.2 m/s and 12 to 40 m/s, respectively. Liquids with higher viscosity give the higher liquid holdup, lower wave velocity, and lower wave frequency. Correlations for liquid holdup and mean film thickness, wave velocity, and wave frequency have been developed with mean average errors (MAE) of 13.5%, 9.2%, and 8.6%, respectively.
Performance Analysis of 3-URU Spherical Parallel Mechanism Designed Based on Velocity Transmission and Force Constraint Indices
Authors: Huda Syamsul , Syafri  , Bur Mulyadi
Published: April 2015

In this paper was observed performances of developed three degrees of freedom (dof) parallel mechanism named 3-URU spherical parallel mechanism. The mechanism is composed of three identical limbs mounted symmetrically to base (fixed link) and platform (output link). The limb is constructed by universal-revolute and universal joints. The kinematic constants of mechanism consisting of link lengths, radius of platform, radius of base, mounting angle of limb and platform to base and platform were determined with consideration of velocity transmission and force constraint indices. To evaluate performance of mechanism, it was manufactured a prototype of mechanism designed base on these two mentioned indices. There are three steps proposed to realize the mechanism, (i) kinematic synthesis to determine of kinematic constants, (ii) design of mechanical components to define shape and dimension of links and joints by considering collision in wokingspace and static analysis, (iii) evaluation of mechanism performances consisting of workingspace, controllability of platform motion and static payload. Based on obtained results, it can be clarified that, the mechanism can produce spherical motion of platform which rotates on steady point recognized as center of platform rotation. The platform can achieve maximum inclination angle, 80 degree and at this posture occurs translational error, 0.0102 mm. On the other hand, the mechanism can support payload ten times of weight of moving parts.
DCIR Maintains Bone Homeostasis by Regulating IFN-γ Production in T Cells
Authors: Maruhashi Takumi , Kaifu Tomonori , Yabe Rikio , Seno Akimasa , Chung Soo-Hyun , Fujikado Noriyuki , Iwakura Yoichiro
Published: April 2015

Dendritic cell immunoreceptor (DCIR) is a C-type lectin receptor mainly expressed in DCs. Dcir−/− mice spontaneously develop autoimmune enthesitis and ankylosis accompanied by fibrocartilage proliferation and ectopic ossification. However, the mechanisms of new bone/cartilage formation in Dcir−/− mice remain to be elucidated. In this study, we show that DCIR maintains bone homeostasis by regulating IFN-γ production under pathophysiological conditions. DCIR deficiency increased bone volume in femurs and caused aberrant ossification in joints, whereas these symptoms were abolished in Rag2−/−Dcir−/− mice. IFN-γ–producing T cells accumulated in lymph nodes and joints of Dcir−/− mice, and purified Dcir−/− DCs enhanced IFN-γ+ T cell differentiation. The ankylotic changes and bone volume increase were suppressed in the absence of IFN-γ. Thus, IFN-γ is a positive chondrogenic and osteoblastogenic factor, and DCIR is a crucial regulator of bone metabolism; consequently, both factors are potential targets for therapies directed against bone metabolic diseases.
Nestorian ‘merchant missionaries’ – A model for Christian Chinese migrants
Authors: Gordy John
Published: April 2015

Both the Old and New Testament lay a foundation for the role of migrants in God’s mission, missio Dei. With the unprecedented rise of the Global South to prominence in the world mission enterprise, China is poised to play a major role in fulfilling the Great Commission Mandate. Already Christian Chinese migrants are in many countries, possibly in over 140 countries of the world, including many of the unreached, unengaged people groups. The Nestorians, also called ‘merchant missionaries’, were amongst the first to take the gospel to China. They can serve as a methodological mission model, using some basic biblical principles, to help Christian Chinese migrants today, especially the Wenzhou businessmen, to fulfil their apostolic role in world mission.Sowel die Ou as die Nuwe Testament lê ’n fondament vir die rol van nomades (rondtrekkendes) in God se missie (missio Dei). Met die Globale Suide se ongeëwenaarde toename in prominensie ten opsigte van die onderneming van wêreldsending, is China gereed om ’n hoofrol in die verwesenliking van die Groot Sendingopdrag te vertolk. Chinese Christen nomades is alreeds in 140 lande van die wêreld besig, waarvan baie tussen die onbereikte, onbesette mensegroepe is. Die Nestoriane, of ‘kooplui-sendelinge’, was van die eerste sendelinge wat die evangelie na China geneem het. Hulle voorbeeld kan as ’n sendingmodel dien om Chinese Christen nomades te help, veral die Wenzhou-sakemanne, om hulle apostoliese rol in wêreldsending te vervul.
Assessing cultural intelligence, personality and identity amongst young white Afrikaans-speaking students: A preliminary study
Authors: Nel Natasha , Nel J. Alewyn , Adams Byron G. , De Beer Leon T.
Published: April 2015

Orientation: Cultural intelligence (CQ) is a relatively new construct to academia that has recently gained increasing attention. Its relevance in a multicultural context like South Africa is apparent since cultural interaction between different ethnic groups is unavoidable.Research purpose: The objective of this research is to determine the relationship between personality, identity and CQ amongst young Afrikaans-speaking South Africans.Research approach, design and method: A quantitative research design was used in this study. This study was cross-sectional in nature. For the purpose of this study, a sample of young South African university students (N = 252) was used. The personal identity subscale from the Erickson Psychosocial Stage Inventory, the Multi-Ethnic Identity Measure, the Religious Identity Short Scale, the South African Personality Inventory questionnaire and the Four Factor Model of Cultural Intelligence Scale were applied as the measuring instruments.Main findings: Religious identity and ethnic identity have a relationship with cognitive CQ. Soft-heartedness and conscientiousness have a relationship with behavioural CQ. Also, soft-heartedness, facilitating, extroversion and religious identity have a relationship with motivational CQ.Practical/managerial implications: Organisations within South Africa will gain a better understanding of CQ and the benefits of having a culturally intelligent workforce as a strengths-based approach. Culturally intelligent employees will be able to adjust to working with co-workers from another culture, not feel threatened when interacting with co-workers and clients and be able to transfer knowledge from one culture to another, which will aid the organisation in completing overseas assignments, cross-cultural decision-making, leadership in multicultural environments and managing international careers.Contribution/value-add: CQ is a relatively new concept and empirical research on positive subjects is still very limited. Research on personality, identity and CQ within the South African context is still very limited. Therefore, this study will contribute to literature on positive psychology and cultural intelligence.
Learning from African theologians and their hermeneutics: Some reflections from a German Evangelical theologian
Authors: W�nch Hans-Georg
Published: April 2015

This article shares some reflections on African theology from an outside perspective. Starting from personal experiences as a German Evangelical coming to South Africa, it basically takes a look at the book African theology on the way: Current conversations, edited by Diane B. Stinton. It wants to identify ways of looking at theology which could be considered in some way or another as �especially African�. The article then compares these findings with two other books, presenting two different ways of applied African theology: The Africana Bible, edited by Hugh R. Page, coming from a very international background and implementing also the views of African people living outside of Africa, and the Africa Bible Commentary (ABC), edited by Tokunboh Adyemo, featuring an evangelical view.Intradisciplinary and/or interdisciplinary implications: This research gives an outside view on African theology and hermeneutics from an European perspective. It challenges the one-way transfer of theological thinking from Europe to Africa, which for many centuries determined the relationship between the continents. It shows that European theologians indeed can learn much from African theologians and their way of reading the Bible.
Lattice Boltzmann Modeling of Thermal Conduction in Composites with
Thermal Contact Resistance
Authors: Xie Chiyu , Wang Jinku , Wang Dong , Pan Ning , Wang Moran
Published: April 2015

The effective thermal conductivity of composite materials with thermal contact
resistance at interfaces is studied by lattice Boltzmann modeling in this work.
We modified the non-dimensional partial bounce-back scheme, proposed by Han et
al. [Int. J. Thermal Sci., 2008. 47: 1276-1283],
to introduce a real thermal contact resistance at interfaces into the thermal
lattice Boltzmann framework by re-deriving the redistribution function of heat
at the phase interfaces for a corrected dimensional formulation. The modified
scheme was validated in several cases with good agreement between the simulation
results and the corresponding theoretical solutions. Furthermore, we predicted
the effective thermal conductivities of composite materials using this method
where the contact thermal resistance was not negligible, and revealed the
effects of particle volume fraction, thermal contact resistance and particle
size. The results in this study may provide a useful support for materials
design and structure optimization.
A Finite-Difference Lattice Boltzmann Approach for Gas Microflows
Authors: Ghiroldi G. P. , Gibelli L.
Published: April 2015

Finite-difference Lattice Boltzmann (LB) models are proposed for simulating gas flows in devices with microscale geometries. The models employ the roots of half-range Gauss-Hermite polynomials as discrete velocities. Unlike the standard LB velocity-space discretizations based on the roots of full-range Hermite polynomials, using the nodes of a quadrature defined in the half-space permits a consistent treatment of kinetic boundary conditions. The possibilities of the proposed LB models are illustrated by studying the one-dimensional Couette flow and the two-dimensional square driven cavity flow. Numerical and analytical results show an improved accuracy in finite Knudsen flows as compared with standard LB models.
Supergráfica
Authors: Yoldi López Mónica
Published: April 2015

Podemos definir la supergráfica como el diseño gráfico a gran escala o de gran formato.

La gran pionera de la supergráfica en los años 60 y 70 fue Barbara Stauffacher Solomon a la que seguirían diseñadores como Lance Wyman o Jean Philipe Lenclos.

Se analizará la relevancia de la supergráfica en la actualidad pues numerosos diseñadores gráficos intervienen espacios y edificios con ella. Paula Scher o Morag Myerscough son dos de las figuras más significativas de esta tendencia, denominada Environmental Graphics en el ámbito anglosajón.

Así mismo se estudiará cómo el arte contemporáneo y, en concreto, el Street Art están altamente ligados y relacionados con la supergráfica.

 
El gesto como icono Análisis de la evolución de los elementos interactivos en el ámbito digital
Authors: Sanchis Gandía Álvaro , Rodríguez Calatayud Nuria , Linares Pellicer Jordi
Published: April 2015

En el ámbito digital, la evolución de los entornos interactivos ha estado siempre vinculada a los progresos tecnológicos y al asentamiento de la experiencia de uso colectiva. En la actualidad, tras la llegada de los dispositivos móviles inteligentes, asistimos a una nueva etapa en la evolución de los entornos digitales. El icono, frecuentemente establecido como la clave de toda interacción en los sistemas operativos, está dejando paso a nuevos recursos comunicativos capaces de convivir y estructurar experiencias de uso distintas al servicio de la información.
Modelización de los impactos por DSU en el río Miño (Lugo)
Authors: Anta Álvarez José , Bermúdez M. , Cea L. , Suárez J. , Ures P. , Puertas J.
Published: April 2015

Este trabajo presenta un trabajo integrado de modelización de los impactos por oxígeno disuelto y amonio producidos por los DSU del sistema de saneamiento de Lugo sobre el río Miño. La modelización de la red de saneamiento se ha realizado con el programa SWMM. Para la modelización del impacto sobre el río Miño se ha empleado el programa Iber. Los impactos por los DSU se han evaluado empleando estándares de emisión (frecuencia y volumen de los DSU), y los estándares de calidad ambiental recogidos en el Urban Pollution Management. Los principales resultados del estudio indican que el tramo de río estudiado no es adecuado para la vida de salmónidos en términos de oxígeno disuelto, aunque las restricciones por amonio se cumplen para todo el tramo analizado.
Eutrophication mitigation in rivers: 30 years of trends in spatial and seasonal patterns of biogeochemistry of the Loire River (1980–2012)
Authors: Minaudo C. , Meybeck M. , Moatar F. , Gassama N. , Curie F.
Published: April 2015

Abstract. Trends and seasonality analysis from 1980 onward and longitudinal distribution, from headwaters to estuary, of chlorophyll a, nitrate and phosphate were investigated in the eutrophic Loire River. The continuous decline of phosphate concentrations which has been recorded since 1991 both in the main river and in the tributaries has led to the conclusion that it was responsible for the significant reduction in phytoplanktonic biomass across the whole river system, although Corbicula spp. clams invaded the river during the same period and probably played a significant role in the phytoplankton decline. While eutrophication remained lower in the main tributaries than in the Loire itself, they were found to contribute up to ≈ 35% to the total nutrient load of the main river. The seasonality analysis revealed significant seasonal variations for the different eutrophication metrics and calls into question the classical monthly survey recommended by national or international authorities. Reducing P inputs impacted these seasonal variations: the decline of seasonal amplitudes of chlorophyll a reduced the seasonal amplitude of orthophosphate and of daily variations of dissolved oxygen and pH but did not significantly affect the seasonal amplitude of nitrate. Thus, the influence of phytoplankton on seasonal variations of nitrate was minor throughout the period of study.
Open ocean dead zones in the tropical North Atlantic Ocean
Authors: Karstensen J. , Fiedler B. , Schütte F. , Brandt P. , Körtzinger A. , Fischer G. , Zantopp R. , Hahn J. , Visbeck M. , Wallace D.
Published: April 2015

Abstract. Here we present first observations, from instrumentation installed on moorings and a float, of unexpectedly low (<2 μmol kg−1) oxygen environments in the open waters of the tropical North Atlantic, a region where oxygen concentration does normally not fall much below 40 μmol kg−1. The low-oxygen zones are created at shallow depth, just below the mixed layer, in the euphotic zone of cyclonic eddies and anticyclonic-modewater eddies. Both types of eddies are prone to high surface productivity. Net respiration rates for the eddies are found to be 3 to 5 times higher when compared with surrounding waters. Oxygen is lowest in the centre of the eddies, in a depth range where the swirl velocity, defining the transition between eddy and surroundings, has its maximum. It is assumed that the strong velocity at the outer rim of the eddies hampers the transport of properties across the eddies boundary and as such isolates their cores. This is supported by a remarkably stable hydrographic structure of the eddies core over periods of several months. The eddies propagate westward, at about 4 to 5 km day−1, from their generation region off the West African coast into the open ocean. High productivity and accompanying respiration, paired with sluggish exchange across the eddy boundary, create the "dead zone" inside the eddies, so far only reported for coastal areas or lakes. We observe a direct impact of the open ocean dead zones on the marine ecosystem as such that the diurnal vertical migration of zooplankton is suppressed inside the eddies.
Coupling the chemical dynamics of carbonate and dissolved inorganic nitrogen systems in the eutrophic and turbid inner Changjiang (Yangtze River) Estuary
Authors: Zhai W.-D. , Yan X.-L.
Published: April 2015

Abstract. To better understand biogeochemical processes controlling CO2 dynamics in those eutrophic large-river estuaries and coastal lagoons, we investigated surface water carbonate system, nutrients, and relevant hydrochemical parameters in the inner Changjiang (Yangtze River) Estuary, covering its channel-like South Branch and the lagoon-like North Branch, shortly after a spring-tide period in April 2010. In the North Branch, with a water residence time of more than 2 months, biogeochemical additions of ammonium (7.4 to 65.7 μmol kg−1) and alkalinity (196 to 695 μmol kg−1) were detected along with high salinity of 4.5 to 17.4. In the South Branch upper-reach, unusual salinity values of 0.20 to 0.67 were detected, indicating spillover waters from the North Branch. The spillover waters enhanced the springtime Changjiang export fluxes of nutrients, dissolved inorganic carbon, and alkalinity. And they affected the biogeochemistry in the South Branch, by lowering water-to-air CO2 flux and continuing the nitrification reaction. In the North Branch, pCO2 was measured from 930 to 1518 μatm at the salinity range between 8 and 16, which was substantially higher than the South Branch pCO2 of 700 to 1100 μatm. Based on field data analyses and simplified stoichiometric equations, we suggest that the North Branch CO2 productions were quantified by biogeochemical processes combining organic matter decomposition, nitrification, CaCO3 dissolution, and acid-base reactions in the estuarine mixing zone. Although our study is subject to limited temporal and spatial coverage of sampling, we have demonstrated a procedure to quantificationally constrain net CO2 productions in eutrophic estuaries and/or coastal lagoons, by coupling the chemical dynamics of carbonate and dissolved inorganic nitrogen systems.
Soil microbial nutrient constraints along a tropical forest elevation gradient: a belowground test of a biogeochemical paradigm
Authors: Nottingham A. T. , Turner B. L. , Whitaker J. , Ostle N. , McNamara N. P. , Bardgett R. D. , Salinas N. , Meir P.
Published: April 2015

Abstract. Aboveground primary productivity is widely considered to be limited by phosphorus (P) availability in lowland tropical forests and by nitrogen (N) availability in montane tropical forests. However, the extent to which this paradigm applies to belowground processes remains unresolved. We measured indices of soil microbial nutrient status in lowland, sub-montane and montane tropical forests along a natural gradient spanning 3400 m in elevation in the Peruvian Andes. With increasing elevation there were marked increases in soil concentrations of total N, total P, and readily-extractable P, but a decrease in N mineralization determined by in situ resin bags. Microbial carbon (C) and N increased with increasing elevation, but microbial C:N:P ratios were relatively constant, suggesting homeostasis. The activity of hydrolytic enzymes, which are rich in N, decreased with increasing elevation, while the ratios of enzymes involved in the acquisition of N and P increased with increasing elevation, further indicating a shift in the relative demand for N and P by microbial biomass. We conclude that soil microorganisms shift investment in nutrient acquisition from P to N between lowland and montane tropical forests, suggesting that different nutrients regulate soil microbial metabolism and the soil carbon balance in these ecosystems.