bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cocoa intake and arterial stiffness in subjects with cardiovascular risk factors
Authors: Recio-Rodríguez José Ignacio , Gómez-Marcos Manuel A , Patino-Alonso María C , Agudo-Conde Cristina , Rodríguez-Sánchez Emiliano , García-Ortiz Luis ,   Vaso-Risk group
Published: February 2012

Background

To analyze the relationship of cocoa intake to central and peripheral blood pressure, arterial stiffness, and carotid intima-media thickness in subjects with some cardiovascular risk factor.

Findings

Design: A cross-sectional study of 351 subjects (mean age 54.76 years, 62.4% males). Measurements: Intake of cocoa and other foods using a food frequency questionnaire, central and peripheral (ambulatory and office) blood pressure, central and peripheral augmentation index, pulse wave velocity, ambulatory arterial stiffness index, carotid intima-media thickness, and ankle-brachial index.

Results: Higher pulse wave velocity and greater cardiovascular risk were found in non-cocoa consumers as compared to high consumers (p < 0.05). In a multivariate analysis, these differences disappeared after adjusting for age, gender, the presence of diabetes, systolic blood pressure and antihypertensive and lipid-lowering drug use. All other arterial stiffness measures (central and peripheral augmentation index, ambulatory arterial stiffness index, ankle-brachial index, and carotid intima-media thickness) showed no differences between the different consumption groups.

Conclusions

In subjects with some cardiovascular risk factors, cocoa consumption does not imply improvement in the arterial stiffness values.

Trial Registration

Clinical Trials.gov Identifier: NCT01325064.
An assessment of the construct validity of the ASCOT measure of social care-related quality of life with older people
Authors: Malley Juliette N , Towers Ann-Marie , Netten Ann P , Brazier John E , Forder Julien E , Flynn Terry
Published: February 2012

Background

The adult social care outcomes toolkit (ASCOT) includes a preference-weighted measure of social care-related quality of life for use in economic evaluations. ASCOT has eight attributes: personal cleanliness and comfort, food and drink, control over daily life, personal safety, accommodation cleanliness and comfort, social participation and involvement, occupation and dignity. This paper aims to demonstrate the construct validity of the ASCOT attributes.

Methods

A survey of older people receiving publicly-funded home care services was conducted by face-to-face interview in several sites across England. Additional data on variables hypothesised to be related and unrelated to each of the attributes were also collected. Relationships between these variables and the attributes were analysed through chi-squared tests and analysis of variance, as appropriate, to test the construct validity of each attribute.

Results

301 people were interviewed and approximately 10% of responses were given by a proxy respondent. Results suggest that each attribute captured the extent to which respondents exercised choice in how their outcomes were met. There was also evidence for the validity of the control over daily life, occupation, personal cleanliness and comfort, personal safety, accommodation cleanliness and comfort, and social participation and involvement attributes. There was less evidence regarding the validity of the food and drink and dignity attributes, but this may be a consequence of problems finding good data against which to validate these attributes, as well as problems with the distribution of the food and drink item.

Conclusions

This study provides some evidence for the construct validity of the ASCOT attributes and therefore support for ASCOT's use in economic evaluation. It also demonstrated the feasibility of its use among older people, although the need for proxy respondents in some situations suggests that developing a version that is suitable for proxies would be a useful future direction for this work. Validation of the instrument on a sample of younger social care users would also be useful.
Nodal solutions of second-order two-point boundary value problems
Authors: Ma Ruyun , Yang Bianxia , Dai Guowei
Published: February 2012

We shall study the existence and multiplicity of nodal solutions of the nonlinear second-order two-point boundary value problems,

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.

The proof of our main results is based upon bifurcation techniques.

Mathematics Subject Classifications: 34B07; 34C10; 34C23.
Mitochondrial myopathy presenting as fibromyalgia: a case report
Authors: Abdullah Mishal , Vishwanath Sahana , Elbalkhi Amro , Ambrus Julian L
Published: February 2012

Introduction

To the best of our knowledge, we describe for the first time the case of a woman who met the diagnostic criteria for fibromyalgia, did not respond to therapy for that disorder, and was subsequently diagnosed by biochemical and genetic studies with a mitochondrial myopathy. Treatment of the mitochondrial myopathy resulted in resolution of symptoms. This case demonstrates that mitochondrial myopathy may present in an adult with a symptom complex consistent with fibromyalgia.

Case presentation

Our patient was a 41-year-old Caucasian woman with symptoms of fatigue, exercise intolerance, headache, and multiple trigger points. Treatment for fibromyalgia with a wide spectrum of medications including non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, antidepressants, gabapentin and pregabalin had no impact on her symptoms. A six-minute walk study demonstrated an elevated lactic acid level (5 mmol/L; normal < 2 mmol/L). Biochemical and genetic studies from a muscle biopsy revealed a mitochondrial myopathy. Our patient was started on a compound of coenzyme Q10 (ubiquinone) 200 mg, creatine 1000 mg, carnitine 200 mg and folic acid 1 mg to be taken four times a day. She gradually showed significant improvement in her symptoms over a course of several months.

Conclusions

This case demonstrates that adults diagnosed with fibromyalgia may have their symptom complex related to an adult onset mitochondrial myopathy. This is an important finding since treatment of mitochondrial myopathy resulted in resolution of symptoms.
Characterization of Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)-infected cells in EBV-associated hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis in two patients with X-linked lymphoproliferative syndrome type 1 and type 2
Authors: Yang Xi , Wada Taizo , Imadome Ken-Ichi , Nishida Naonori , Mukai Takeo , Fujiwara Mitsuhiro , Kawashima Haruka , Kato Fumiyo , Fujiwara Shigeyoshi , Yachie Akihiro , Zhao Xiaodong , Miyawaki Toshio , Kanegane Hirokazu
Published: February 2012

Background

X-linked lymphoproliferative syndrome (XLP) is a rare inherited immunodeficiency by an extreme vulnerability to Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection, frequently resulting in hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH). XLP are now divided into type 1 (XLP-1) and type 2 (XLP-2), which are caused by mutations of SH2D1A/SLAM-associated protein (SAP) and X-linked inhibitor of apoptosis protein (XIAP) genes, respectively. The diagnosis of XLP in individuals with EBV-associated HLH (EBV-HLH) is generally difficult because they show basically similar symptoms to sporadic EBV-HLH. Although EBV-infected cells in sporadic EBV-HLH are known to be mainly in CD8+ T cells, the cell-type of EBV-infected cells in EBV-HLH seen in XLP patients remains undetermined.

Methods

EBV-infected cells in two patients (XLP-1 and XLP-2) presenting EBV-HLH were evaluated by in EBER-1 in situ hybridization or quantitative PCR methods.

Results

Both XLP patients showed that the dominant population of EBV-infected cells was CD19+ B cells, whereas EBV-infected CD8+ T cells were very few.

Conclusions

In XLP-related EBV-HLH, EBV-infected cells appear to be predominantly B cells. B cell directed therapy such as rituximab may be a valuable option in the treatment of EBV-HLH in XLP patients.
Brief eclectic psychotherapy v. eye movement desensitisation and reprocessing therapy for post-traumatic stress disorder: randomised controlled trial
Authors: Nijdam Mirjam J. , Gersons Berthold P. R. , Reitsma Johannes B. , de Jongh Ad , Olff Miranda
Published: February 2012

Background

Trauma-focused cognitive–behavioural therapy (CBT) and eye movement desensitisation and reprocessing therapy (EMDR) are efficacious treatments for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), but few studies have directly compared them using well-powered designs and few have investigated response patterns.

Aims

To compare the efficacy and response pattern of a trauma-focused CBT modality, brief eclectic psychotherapy for PTSD, with EMDR (trial registration: ISRCTN64872147).

Method

Out-patients with PTSD were randomly assigned to brief eclectic psychotherapy (n = 70) or EMDR (n = 70) and assessed at all sessions on self-reported PTSD (Impact of Event Scale – Revised). Other outcomes were clinician-rated PTSD, anxiety and depression.

Results

Both treatments were equally effective in reducing PTSD symptom severity, but the response pattern indicated that EMDR led to a significantly sharper decline in PTSD symptoms than brief eclectic psychotherapy, with similar drop-out rates (EMDR: n = 20 (29%), brief eclectic psychotherapy: n = 25 (36%)). Other outcome measures confirmed this pattern of results.

Conclusions

Although both treatments are effective, EMDR results in a faster recovery compared with the more gradual improvement with brief eclectic psychotherapy.
Prenatal exposure to tobacco and future nicotine dependence: population-based cohort study
Authors: Rydell Mina , Cnattingius Sven , Granath Fredrik , Magnusson Cecilia , Galanti Maria Rosaria
Published: February 2012

Background

Maternal smoking during pregnancy may increase the risk of nicotine dependence, especially in girls, but data are conflicting and confounding by other familial factors cannot be ruled out.

Aims

To clarify the relationship between prenatal tobacco exposure and adolescent tobacco uptake and dependence in boys and girls respectively, while taking confounding factors into close consideration.

Method

We conducted a prospective longitudinal study, comprising 3020 Swedish youths followed from 11 to 18 years of age. Exposure and outcome information was elicited via self-administered parental and repeated youth questionnaires. Hazard ratios (HRs), odds ratios (ORs) and corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated as measures of associations.

Results

Girls prenatally exposed to maternal tobacco use had a two-to threefold increased odds of experiencing a high number of withdrawal symptoms (OR = 2.83, 95% CI 1.68–4.87), craving for tobacco (OR = 2.04, 95% CI 1.28–3.32) and heavy tobacco use (five or more cigarettes orsnusdips per day) (OR = 1.93, 95% CI 1.30–2.86). These associations were weaker among boys, and did not reach formal statistical significance. Associations between prenatal tobacco exposure and onset of regular tobacco use in both genders appeared to be mostly explained by parents' social position and postnatal smoking behaviour.

Conclusions

Prenatal exposure to tobacco is linked to an increased risk of nicotine dependence among adolescent girls.
Research Resource: The Pdx1 Cistrome of Pancreatic Islets
Authors: Khoo Cynthia , Yang Juxiang , Weinrott Samuel A. , Kaestner Klaus H. , Naji Ali , Schug Jonathan , Stoffers Doris A.
Published: February 2012

The homeodomain transcription factor pancreas duodenal homeobox 1 (Pdx1, also known as insulin promoter factor 1) is a master regulator of pancreas development, as mice or humans lacking Pdx1 function are a pancreatic. Importantly, heterozygous mutations in Pdx1 cause early and late onset forms of diabetes in humans. Despite these central roles in development and adult β-cell function, we have only rudimentary knowledge of the transcriptome targets of Pdx1 that mediate these phenotypes. Therefore, we performed global location analysis of Pdx1 occupancy in pancreatic islets. We used evolutionary conservation of target genes to identify the most relevant Pdx1 targets by performing chromatin immunoprecipitation sequencing on both human and mouse islets. Remarkably, the conserved target set is highly enriched for genes annotated to function in endocrine system and metabolic disorders, various signaling pathways, and cell survival, providing a molecular explanation for many of the phenotypes resulting from Pdx1 deficiency.
Chlorine-free alternatives to the synthesis of ionic liquids for biomass processing
Authors: Gurau Gabriela , Wang Hui , Qiao Yun , Lu Xingmei , Zhang Suojiang , Rogers Robin D.
Published: February 2012

Ionic liquids (ILs) are desirable for use in a large number of applications because of their unique properties; however, compositions comprising only a single IL are expensive to synthesize and difficult to purify, and the widely used chloride-based ILs can be toxic and corrosive. Therefore, there is a need for new IL compositions that minimize common disadvantages encountered with single IL composition and synthetic methods which avoid halide intermediates. In this study, IL mixtures, which are chloride-free, were synthesized by a one-pot process, and the mixtures were used to dissolve biopolymers. The synthesized IL mixtures show high capability to dissolve the two exemplary biopolymers, cellulose and chitin.
An Examination of the Indentation Size Effect and Bi-Linear Behavior of FCC Metals
Authors: Stegall D.E. , Crawford B. , Elmustafa A.A.
Published: February 2012

We investigated pure FCC metals including Aluminum, Nickel, Silver, and 70/30 Copper Zinc (alpha-brass) alloy for the indentation size effect (ISE) and the bilinear behavior using a single Berkovich indenter tip in a single test machine. The results were consistent with those reported by Elmustafa and Stone, 2003 of the ISE and the bilinear behavior using two separate indenter tips (Berkovich and Vickers) from two separate machines. This behavior is mechanistic in nature and is observed regardless of the type of the self similar indenter tip employed. Furthermore, the research presented in this paper would seem to also validate the conclusions that Elmustafa et al (2004) articulate that the Strain Gradient Plasticity collapses at small scales and that the bilinear behavior of these FCC metals is attributed to the presence of long range shear stresses induced by geometrically necessary dislocations. Also, we observed what has been defined as a “tapping” issue for materials with high E/H ratios when using the CSM. The CSM protocol results in erroneous hardness results at very shallow depths for high E/H ratio soft metals due to the so called “tapping” of the stylus as articulated by Pharr et al. (2009). This method should only be used as a secondary technique to the load control protocol when examining the ISE effect.
Cyclooxygenase‐2 Expression in Gingival Biopsies From Periodontal Patients Is Correlated With Connective Tissue Loss
Authors: Mesa Francisco , Aguilar Mariano , Galindo‐Moreno Pablo , Bravo Manuel , O'Valle Francisco
Published: February 2012

Background: The objective of this study is to compare cyclooxygenase‐2 (COX‐2) protein expression in gingival biopsies from patients with chronic periodontitis (CP), patients with gingivitis (GV), and individuals with no periodontal disease (control group) and to establish its relationship with clinical variables and connective tissue loss in the lamina propria.

Methods: A cross‐sectional and analytic study was conducted in 108 gingival biopsies from 52 patients with CP, 39 with GV, and 17 controls. All biopsies were processed for conventional histopathologic study, immunohistochemical determination of COX‐2 protein expression, and automatic quantification of connective tissue by image analysis.

Results: The protein expression of COX‐2, mainly produced by plasma cells and monocytes, was significantly related to the presence of periodontal disease, bleeding index, intensity of inflammatory infiltrate, and loss of connective tissue in the lamina propria of gingival biopsies (P <0.01, Spearman test). COX‐2 expression was also directly correlated with attachment loss (P <0.05, Spearman test).

Conclusions: COX‐2 protein expression is higher in patients with GV and CP than in individuals without periodontal disease and is inversely correlated with the amount of connective tissue in the lamina propria as determined by image analysis. This finding suggests that COX‐2 participates in mechanisms and pathway signaling related to the destruction of fibrillar support structures of the periodontium.
Partial versus Productive Immunoglobulin Heavy Locus Rearrangements in Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia: Implications for B-Cell Receptor Stereotypy
Authors: Tsakou Eugenia , Agathagelidis Andreas , Boudjoghra Myriam , Raff Thorsten , Dagklis Antonis , Chatzouli Maria , Smilevska Tatjana , Bourikas George , Merle-Beral Helene , Manioudaki-Kavallieratou Eleni , Anagnostopoulos Achilles , Brüggemann Monika , Davi Frederic , Stamatopoulos Kostas , Belessi Chrysoula
Published: February 2012

The frequent occurrence of stereotyped heavy complementarity-determining region 3 (VH CDR3) sequences among unrelated cases with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is widely taken as evidence for antigen selection. Stereotyped VH CDR3 sequences are often defined by the selective association of certain immunoglobulin heavy diversity (IGHD) genes in specific reading frames with certain immunoglobulin heavy joining (IGHJ) genes. To gain insight into the mechanisms underlying VH CDR3 restrictions and also determine the developmental stage when restrictions in VH CDR3 are imposed, we analyzed partial IGHD-IGHJ rearrangements (D-J) in 829 CLL cases and compared the productively rearranged D-J joints (that is, in-frame junctions without junctional stop codons) to (a) the productive immunoglobulin heavy variable (IGHV)-IGHD-IGHJ rearrangements (V-D-J) from the same cases and (b) 174 D-J rearrangements from 160 precursor B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia cases (pre-B acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL)). Partial D-J rearrangements were detected in 272/829 CLL cases (32.8%). Sequence analysis was feasible in 238 of 272 D-J rearrangements; 198 of 238 (83.2%) were productively rearranged. The D-J joints in CLL did not differ significantly from those in pre-B ALL, except for higher frequency of the IGHD7-27 and IGHJ6 genes in the latter. Among CLL carrying productively rearranged D-J, comparison of the IGHD gene repertoire in productive V-D-J versus D-J revealed the following: (a) overuse of IGHD reading frames encoding hydrophilic peptides among V-D-J and (b) selection of the IGHD3-3 and IGHD6-19 genes in V-D-J junctions. These results document that the IGHD and IGHJ gene biases in the CLL expressed VH CDR3 repertoire are not stochastic but are directed by selection operating at the immunoglobulin protein level.
Brands and consumer behavior
Authors: Chen Chih-Chung , Chen Ping-Kuo , Huang Chiung-En
Published: February 2012

In this research, on the basis of a review of the literature on brand image, brand equity, involvement, and purchase intention, we developed a questionnaire to explore the correlation of brand image and brand equity with consumer purchase intention. Respondents were university students
in Taiwan. After analysis with SPSS, the following results were found: brand image significantly affected brand equity, brand equity significantly affected purchase intention, and brand image significantly affected purchase intention, but involvement showed no significant effect across all
dimensions.
The relationships among recruitment channels, understanding of prospective job, job performance, and turnover intention among Taiwanese kindergarten teachers
Authors: Chen Yi-Gean , Cheng Jao-Nan
Published: February 2012

Private Taiwanese kindergarten management personnel contend that it is difficult to attract students; and that they must perform better than public kindergartens to recruit and retain teachers. The focus in this study was to determine the best way to recruit and retain teachers with
superior performances. We surveyed private teachers from 23 cities and counties in Taiwan, obtaining 732 valid samples. The results show that contemporary teachers have more education, are younger, and tend to focus on urbanized job searches through formal channels, such as newspapers, network
bulletins, posters, and human resource banks. The extent of understanding the prospective job is a primary factor in predicting teachers' performance and satisfaction, which can decrease teachers' turnover intentions. Teachers recruited through formal channels had higher turnover intentions;
however, their job performances showed no significant differences compared to informal channels, which suggests that understanding a prospective job can predict teachers' performance, satisfaction, and turnover intentions. Therefore, management should design a system that can provide a clear
understanding of a prospective job.
Neighbourhood Variation in the Link between Alcohol Use and Violence among Canadian Adolescents
Authors: Browning Sarah , Erickson Patricia
Published: February 2012

This study examines the combined impact of neighbourhood context and alcohol use on violent offending among a representative sample of Toronto area high school students. Our primary aim is to determine whether the alcohol/violence nexus is sustained in different social contexts. Given the enormous cultural diversity of Toronto and related norms for under-age drinking, this is an ideal site to test the alcohol/violence relationship across neighbourhoods. The protective effects of family and school in mitigating violent events may also vary by neighbourhood and were considered. The results indicate that there is significant variation in the strength of the link between alcohol use and violent offending across neighbourhood context. In particular, established middle- to upper-class immigrant neighbourhoods appeared to have the strongest link between alcohol and violence. In economically disadvantaged contexts, the link between alcohol use and violence is stronger in immigrant neighbourhoods where whites are still the dominant racial group. Contrasts between these results and those found in American samples are discussed, as are recommendations for further research.
Influence of the nature of an electric field applied during the solution heat treatment of the Al-Mg-Si-Cu Alloy AA6111 on subsequent natural aging
Authors: Conrad Hans , Wang Jun
Published: February 2012

The effect of a “non-contacting” electric field (Method A) applied during the solution heat treatment of the Al – Mg – Si – Cu alloy AA6111 on subsequent natural aging measured by resistivity was determined and compared with that without field and with a field in which the specimen is connected to the positive terminal of the power supply (Method B(+)). Method A gave an increase in the level of the aging curve compared to that without field, but the increase was less than that with Method B(+). Neither field method had an effect on the general form of the aging curve, which was in accord with the Avrami equation with n = 0.49 and k = 0.02. The maximum resistivity for natural aging increased linearly with the as-quenched resistivity for the range in solutionizing temperatures (475 – 550 °C) without and with an electric field (0.2 and 2.5 kV cm−1) considered. This relationship gave: (a) the magnitude of the contribution of the insoluble constituents to the resistivity and (b) the ratio of the resistivity due to clusters of solutes formed during natural aging to that due to the as-quenched solute distribution. An electric charge on vacancy – solute atom clusters appears to be an important factor in the influence of an applied electric field on solubility.
Isothermal dynamic thermal diffusivity studies of the reduction of NiO and NiWO4 precursors by hydrogen
Authors: Ahmed Hesham M. , Seetharaman Seshadri
Published: February 2012

Thermal diffusivity measurements of uniaxially cold pressed NiO and NiWO4 were carried out in a dynamic mode in order to monitor the kinetics of hydrogen reduction of the above-mentioned materials using a laser flash unit. The calculated activation energy was found to be higher than that for chemically-controlled reaction obtained earlier by thermogravimetry. The difference has been attributed to physical changes occurring along with the chemical reaction. The activation energy of sintering of the products was evaluated to be 33 and 36 kJ · mol−1 for NiO and NiWO4, respectively. Thermal conductivities were calculated taking into consideration the change in heat capacity considering the compositional and the structural changes with the progress of the reaction. The potentiality of the laser-flash method as a complementary technique to thermogravimetry in understanding the mechanism of gas – solid reactions is discussed.
Heating rate effects on reverse martensitic transformation in a Cu – Zn – Al shape memory alloy
Authors: Lohan Nicoleta Monica , Pricop Bogdan , Bujoreanu Leandru-Gheorghe , Cimpoeşu Nicanor
Published: February 2012

Different fragments of martensitic Cu-14.86 Zn-5.81 Al-0.5 Fe (mass.%) shape memory alloy were subjected to heating, up to 453 K, with different rates ranging from 1.66 ×10−2 K s−1 to 54.6 × 1.66 × 10−2 K s−1, performed by means of a differential scanning calorimeter. In all cases, during heating, an endothermic peak was observed which was associated with the martensite reversion to parent phase. By means of the differential scanning calorimeter charts the critical transformation temperatures of martensite reversion were determined using the tangent method. The effects of heating rate were evaluated from the point of view: (i) of variation tendencies of critical transformation temperatures; (ii) of deviations of experimental values from linear fit and extrapolation to zero heating rate; and (iii) of corroborating morphological changes of martensite (sub)plates with heat flow variation particularities. The results prove that there is an obvious tendency of critical transformation temperatures, of reverse martensitic transformation, to linearly increase with heating rate. The effectiveness of the linear relationships was checked for two heating rate values located inside and outside the above mentioned range, respectively and the difference between the experimental and calculated values of critical transformation temperatures fell within the range (−3 … +4) ‰.
Recovery stress and shape memory stability in Ni–Ti–Cu thin wires at high temperatures
Authors: Molnar Peter , Van Humbeeck Jan
Published: February 2012

The recovery stress evolution during thermal cycling (heating, isothermal holding, cooling) to temperatures significantly above the austenite finish temperature in Ni – Ti – Cu thin wires was evaluated in a dynamic mechanical analyser DMA TQ800. Ni – Ti – Cu wires were annealed at four different temperatures (350 °C, 450 °C, 550 °C and 650 °C). It was observed that the maximum recovery stress significantly decreases with increasing annealing temperature. It was also observed that the recovery stress during four isothermal holdings shows similar behaviour for all annealing temperatures, i. e. stress relaxation occurs after initial stress increase during the first isothermal holding and no stress relaxation is observed during isothermal holdings in subsequent thermal cycles. The maximum recovery stress after each thermal cycle decreases and shows a tendency to saturate with increasing number of thermal cycles. It is found that even when the recoverable strain is significantly decreased during thermal cycling, Ni – Ti – Cu wires are still able to generate very high recovery stresses.
Scientific Élan Vital: Entropy Deficit or Inhomogeneity as a Unified Concept of Driving Forces of Life in Hierarchical Biosphere Driven by Photosynthesis
Authors: Sato Naoki
Published: February 2012

Life is considered something different from non-living things, but no single driving force can account for all the different aspects of life, which consists of different levels of hierarchy, such as metabolism, cell physiology, multi-cellular development and organization, population dynamics, ecosystem, and evolution. Although free energy is evidently the driving force in biochemical reactions, there is no established relationship between metabolic energy and spatiotemporal organization of living organisms, or between metabolic energy and genetic information. Since Schrödinger pointed out the importance of exporting entropy in maintaining life, misunderstandings of entropy notion have been obstacles in constructing a unified view on the driving forces of life. Here I present a simplified conceptual framework for unifying driving forces of life at various different levels of hierarchy. The key concept is “entropy deficit”, or simply, ‘inhomogeneity’, which is defined as the difference of maximal possible entropy and actual entropy. This is equivalent to information content in genetic information and protein structure, and is also defined similarly for non-homogeneous structures in ecosystems and evolution. Entropy deficit or inhomogeneoity is a unified measure of all driving forces of life, which could be considered a scientific equivalent to ‘élan vital’ of Bergson.
Yeast Mitochondrial Interactosome Model: Metabolon Membrane Proteins Complex Involved in the Channeling of ADP/ATP
Authors: Clémençon Benjamin
Published: February 2012

The existence of a mitochondrial interactosome (MI) has been currently well established in mammalian cells but the exact composition of this super-complex is not precisely known, and its organization seems to be different from that in yeast. One major difference is the absence of mitochondrial creatine kinase (MtCK) in yeast, unlike that described in the organization model of MI, especially in cardiac, skeletal muscle and brain cells. The aim of this review is to provide a detailed description of different partner proteins involved in the synergistic ADP/ATP transport across the mitochondrial membranes in the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae and to propose a new mitochondrial interactosome model. The ADP/ATP (Aacp) and inorganic phosphate (PiC) carriers as well as the VDAC (or mitochondrial porin) catalyze the import and export of ADP, ATP and Pi across the mitochondrial membranes. Aacp and PiC, which appear to be associated with the ATP synthase, consist of two nanomotors (F0, F1) under specific conditions and form ATP synthasome. Identification and characterization of such a complex were described for the first time by Pedersen and co-workers in 2003.
Applications of Supercritical Fluid Extraction (SFE) of Palm Oil and Oil from Natural Sources
Authors: Akanda Mohammed Jahurul Haque , Sarker Mohammed Zaidul Islam , Ferdosh Sahena , Manap Mohd Yazid Abdul , Ab Rahman Nik Norulaini Nik , Ab Kadir Mohd Omar
Published: February 2012

Supercritical fluid extraction (SFE), which has received much interest in its use and further development for industrial applications, is a method that offers some advantages over conventional methods, especially for the palm oil industry. SC-CO2 refers to supercritical fluid extraction (SFE) that uses carbon dioxide (CO2) as a solvent which is a nontoxic, inexpensive, nonflammable, and nonpolluting supercritical fluid solvent for the extraction of natural products. Almost 100% oil can be extracted and it is regarded as safe, with organic solvent-free extracts having superior organoleptic profiles. The palm oil industry is one of the major industries in Malaysia that provides a major contribution to the national income. Malaysia is the second largest palm oil and palm kernel oil producer in the World. This paper reviews advances in applications of supercritical carbon dioxide (SC-CO2) extraction of oils from natural sources, in particular palm oil, minor constituents in palm oil, producing fractionated, refined, bleached, and deodorized palm oil, palm kernel oil and purified fatty acid fractions commendable for downstream uses as in toiletries and confectionaries.
Phenolic Compounds and Antioxidant Activities of Liriope muscari
Authors: Li Wen Jie , Cheng Xian Long , Liu Jing , Lin Rui Chao , Wang Gang Li , Du Shu Shan , Liu Zhi Long
Published: February 2012

Five phenolic compounds, namely N-trans-coumaroyltyramine (1), N-trans-feruloyltyramine (2), N-trans-feruloyloctopamine (3), 5,7-dihydroxy-8-methoxyflavone (4) and (3S)3,5,4′-trihydroxy-7-methoxy-6-methylhomoisoflavanone (5), were isolated from the fibrous roots of Liriope muscari (Liliaceae). Compounds 2–5 were isolated for the first time from the Liriope genus. Their in vitro antioxidant activities were assessed by the DPPH and ABTS scavenging methods with microplate assays. The structure-activity relationships of compounds 1–3 are discussed.
Pressurized Hot Ethanol Extraction of Carotenoids from Carrot By-Products
Authors: Mustafa Arwa , Trevino Leire Mijangos , Turner Charlotta
Published: February 2012

Carotenoids are known for their antioxidant activity and health promoting effects. One of the richest sources of carotenoids are carrots. However, about 25% of the annual production is regarded as by-products due to strict market policies. The aim of this study was to extract carotenoids from those by-products. Conventional carotenoid extraction methods require the use of organic solvents, which are costly, environmentally hazardous, and require expensive disposal procedures. Pressurized liquid extraction (PLE) utilizes conventional solvents at elevated temperatures and pressure, and it requires less solvent and shorter extraction times. The extraction solvent of choice in this study was ethanol, which is a solvent generally recognized as safe (GRAS). The extraction procedure was optimized by varying the extraction time (2–10 min) and the temperature (60–180 °C). β-Carotene was used as an indicator for carotenoids content in the carrots. The results showed that time and temperatures of extraction have significant effect on the yield of carotenoids. Increasing the flush volume during extraction did not improve the extractability of carotenoids, indicating that the extraction method was mainly desorption/diffusion controlled. Use of a dispersing agent that absorbs the moisture content was important for the efficiency of extraction. Analysing the content of β-carotene at the different length of extraction cycles showed that about 80% was recovered after around 20 min of extraction.
A Method Based on Multi-Sensor Data Fusion for Fault Detection of Planetary Gearboxes
Authors: Lei Yaguo , Lin Jing , He Zhengjia , Kong Detong
Published: February 2012

Studies on fault detection and diagnosis of planetary gearboxes are quite limited compared with those of fixed-axis gearboxes. Different from fixed-axis gearboxes, planetary gearboxes exhibit unique behaviors, which invalidate fault diagnosis methods that work well for fixed-axis gearboxes. It is a fact that for systems as complex as planetary gearboxes, multiple sensors mounted on different locations provide complementary information on the health condition of the systems. On this basis, a fault detection method based on multi-sensor data fusion is introduced in this paper. In this method, two features developed for planetary gearboxes are used to characterize the gear health conditions, and an adaptive neuro-fuzzy inference system (ANFIS) is utilized to fuse all features from different sensors. In order to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed method, experiments are carried out on a planetary gearbox test rig, on which multiple accelerometers are mounted for data collection. The comparisons between the proposed method and the methods based on individual sensors show that the former achieves much higher accuracies in detecting planetary gearbox faults.
A multidisciplinary analysis of the Crypt of the Holy Spirit in Monopoli (southern Italy)
Authors: Leucci Giovanni , Masini Nicola , Persico Raffaele , Quarta Giovanni , Dolce Carmen
Published: February 2012

Integrated geophysical surveys were undertaken in the Crypt of the Holy Spirit located in the Monopoli territory (Apulia region, southern Italy). The crypt is a remarkable example of a hypogeal church, sculptured in the rock. It is dated between the 12th and 13th century and underwent several architectural changes during the centuries. Geophysical surveys were performed in order to obtain information about the structural conditions of the crypt and to investigate the probable existence of features of archaeological interest (such as tombs) inside the crypt. Surveys were integrated into a comprehensive project for the restoration and the valorization of the crypt. Seismic (sonic and ultrasonic) and ground‐penetrating radar (GPR) methods were used. GPR investigations provided information on possible buried remains. Some of the anomalies were emphasized and enhanced by microwave inversion tomography. Seismic refraction tomography along with GPR was performed on the hypogeal vault of the crypt, to detect possible internal fractures.

The columns of the crypt were investigated by ultrasonic and GPR techniques that demonstrated the presence of cracks and deteriorations. Finally, GPR prospection was performed on a wall in the presbytery. The GPR results allowed us to characterize a detachment phenomenon and to indentify a previous door opening.
Online Semantic Knowledge Management for Product Design Based on Product Engineering Ontologies
Authors: Zhu Lijuan , Jayaram Uma , Kim Okjoon
Published: February 2012

This paper formulates an approach to use the semantic web for knowledge management in the product design domain to provide enhanced capabilities of authoring/updating, querying/reasoning, searching, and visualization of information. Engineering has unique challenges, due to the pervasive use of CAD models and underlying interoperability and integration issues. The authors propose a distributed model composed of a host hybrid-data repository, external public linked data sources, a semantic data management engine, and a web-based user interface layer. The hybrid-data repository consists of ontologies to preserve knowledge for the product design domain and a conventional product data base to utilize legacy design data. Near full integration with a web based environment is achieved. The importance of accessing product related CAD data that has been instantiated in ontology models, querying them, and then displaying the data on a web interface in real time with other legacy data, such as hand sketches and notes that have been scanned and relevant information from conventional rational databases public linked data sites, is a useful and transformational capability. The system clearly facilitates design and information management beyond traditional CAD capabilities and creates a foundation for important capability improvements in the domain.
Hardware Design of a Pipeline Inspection Robot
Authors: Zhang Hui , Zhao Li Na , Dai Xue Feng
Published: February 2012

Pipeline robot research has a broad prospect of application and value. Based on the study of the pipeline robot domestic and foreign and in the fully understanding of the questions and intrinsic request of the existing pipeline robot control and communication systems, a general design scheme of wheeled pipeline robot is proposed in this paper, and according to this idea, choice and analysis to the robot is made. After that, the moving carrier mechanism, the components selections and circuits of control system for this pipeline robot are designed in detail.
Characteristic Analysis on Heavy Hydrostatic Bearing of DVT500 Vertical Lathe
Authors: Li Xi Bing , Du Xian Feng , Wang Shi Gang , Li Dong Sheng , Yu Yue Qiang
Published: February 2012

With increasing demands for product quality, and the performance of assembly equipment plays a decisive role for product quality, national experts and scholars conduct in-depth research on the performance of the assembly equipment. In this paper, a research simulation on hydrostatic bearing performance of heavy-duty vertical lathes DVT(digital vertical tool) 500 is carried out by using finite element software FLUENT to simulate the fluid pressure field and temperature field distribution of sector oil recess at different work platform rotational speed. The law of these field distributions is also obtained. The results show that: the rotational speed of the work platform has a greater impact on pressure field and temperature field of gap fluid flow. Numerical results can reflect the true hydrostatic bearing fluid movement, the actual simulation results provide a theoretical basis for optimization design of the Engineering hydrostatic bearing oil cavity.
Code Created and Simulation Realized of Milling in High Speed on Typical Arc Surface of Transmission Box Based on Vericut
Authors: Jiao Ke Ru , Xin Long , Wang Xiao Qin , Zhang Zhi Gang
Published: February 2012

NC code to machine arc-surface of the transmission box had been obtained in UG CAM module. Then, the code was imported into Vericut in order to control the virtual machine to mill the box’s arc-surface. As a result, the simulation process machining the typical arc-surface of the transmission box was achieved. Meanwhile, the collision and interference were all verified as well. The accuracy of NC code was not only tested but also modified in this process. Due to this work has been finished, the production cost will be decreased and the production cycle will be shortened. It is of great guiding significance for the actual production process.
The Compiling of the Motorcycle Frame Load Spectrum Based on Dynamic Characteristic Analysis
Authors: Bao Li , Li Xi Zhao
Published: February 2012

The load spectrum of a frame, which is a key component of a motorcycle, can be used to frame loading experiment and life prediction of a motorcycle. Through the dynamic characteristics analysis of the motorcycle frame, we can get the dynamic model of the weak parts in line with the actual conditions, as well as the preparation of the load course make it to become the program load spectrum for experimental load. Taking a 125-type motorcycle for example, establish the finite element model of the frame for modal analysis and transient analysis. Establish the fatigue load spectrum of the hazardous locations by analysis. Provide a realistic experimental methodology of program load spectrum.
The Optimal Scheduling for PCB Flexible Assembling Automation
Authors: Wang Shi Gang , Wang Feng Juan , Wang Yu Juan
Published: February 2012

For improve the efficiency of the automation, the optimal scheduling problem in a PCB flexible assembling automation is studied. Automation within the system has flexibilities, so some assembly operations can be handled by different automation and assembling time can different. Based on this sort of assembling automation, the minimum balance algorithm is presented in this paper, and an example demonstrates its effectiveness.
Study on Hot Roll Profile in the Initial Stage of Twin-Roll Continuous Strip Casting
Authors: Zhu Guang Ming , Chang Zheng , Xian Xiao Ling
Published: February 2012

Using nonlinear finite element method, the changes of roll temperature and hot roll profile are studied in the initial casting stage, and the changing rule of hot roll profile is described in the initial casting stage which can be the evidence to decide the initial roll profile and casting process.
The Effects of Exfoliation Corrosion on Upper Wing Skins Structural Integrity
Authors: Yu Da Zhao , Han Wei , Liu Shu Yan
Published: February 2012

Based on initial discontinuity state (IDS) of material, this paper presents a preliminary analytical model which was developed to evaluate the effect of exfoliation corrosion on the residual fatigue life of upper wing skins. A life prediction was then carried out using constant amplitude compression dominated loading for various exfoliation corrosion levels by AFGROW, and the prediction agreed reasonably with the available test data. The result suggest that exfoliation can be treated as a process zone located initially at a surface, and then at the base of an evolving general stress concentration representing the loss of material in the exfoliation region. The major effect of the exfoliation corrosion on fatigue life is to cause a dramatic reduction in life with small corrosion depths, and most of the fatigue effect is associated with the introduction of small pits, rather than more general stress concentration associated with the bulk of the exfoliation attack. But the effect of pit on fatigue life is gradually reduced with increasing pit size. A pit with a constant depth can be applied to the model described in this paper for long exposure structure. A preliminary recommendation for the pit depth is about 0.3mm for LY12CZ.
Centering Deviation Auto-Detection and Angle Measuring Error Compensation Method of Photoelectric Theodolite
Authors: Pu Peng Cheng , Guo Xiao Song , Zhou Zhao Fa , Wang Kun Ming
Published: February 2012

The centering deviation auto-detection and angle measuring error compensation method based on computer vision was proposed in the paper, aim at the centering deviation in the process of measuring the angle. The effect law to angle measuring error by centering deviation was analyzed, and the error compensation model was founded, The value and direction of centering deviation was detected by CCD fixed on the surface below theodolite, then the angle measuring error by centering deviation could be compensated by the error model. The automation degree of angle measuring was improved and the operation time was reduced.
Study on Preparation and Dielectric Properties of Nano Ni/SiC Composite Particles
Authors: Xu Hui , Wang Guo Xing , Yu Xi Chun , Cao Mao Sheng
Published: February 2012

In order to alleviate the glomeration of nanometer (SiC)p and improve its compatibility and performance, the chemical plating method was applied to get high-quality surface modification, and achieve the Ni/SiC composite particles. The dielectric and absorbing properties of the Ni/SiC particles were studied. The results showed that the modified SiC particles is nearly spherical, homogeneous morphology, and has a distinct core and shell parts. The different contrast of the shell indicated that more Ni is deposited on the (SiC)p surface, and the silicon carbide-nickel core-shell structure is formed. The dielectric constant, dielectric loss and magnetic permeability of the Ni/SiC composite particles have significant improvements compared with those of the original one. The dielectric constant rises about 24%, and R reaches -25.15dB when magnetic permeability up to 16.11GHz.
Research on Magnetic Memory Characteristics of 2.25Cr1Mo Steel under Bend Deformation State
Authors: Long Fei Fei , Gao Guo Zhu
Published: February 2012

This paper has studied the feasibility of detection of bending deformation on hydrogenation reactor based on magnetic memory test. The bend specimens were made of 2.25Cr1Mo steel, which is always used in hydrogenation reactors. Specimens were divided into defect-free specimen, cracks specimen and welding specimen. And then three-point bending tests were done on the material test machine. The magnetic signals were detected by magnetic memory sensors to research different variation of magnetic signals on different bend stage. The ferromagnetic theory was used to explain the variation. It is feasible to preliminarily evaluate the bend state by the magnetic memory signal.
Modal Analysis of Laminated Composite Beams Based on Elastic Wave Theory
Authors: Shen Xue Jing , Lan Jiao Xia , Yang Xiao Rong , Ji Fang
Published: February 2012

The reverberation ray matrix method (MRRM) for analyzing dynamic response of elastic trusses is extended and used to solve the natural frequency and vibration mode of laminated beams. In this study, the MRRM is employed to obtain the frequency response function (FRF) of displacement of a laminated beam under the action of a unit impulse load. The natural frequencies are determined from the peak of the curve of FRF when a resonant frequency is approached. And the mode is retrieved from the ad joint matrix of the coefficient matrix of the governing equations of MRRM. The accuracy of result of MRRM is verified by a simply supported symmetrically laminated beam compared with the analytical solution of classical theory, which is also proved by finite element method (FEM).