bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Laboratory testing of non-standard original historic building materials and related implications for conservation
Authors: Erkal Aykut , D’Ayala Dina
Published: December 2014

For an assessment or an analysis of a historic building, determination of the material properties is always crucial. However, this is usually a challenging issue because material extraction from a historic building for standard laboratory testing is usually not allowed or the amount of material available for testing is very limited. Lack of comprehensive standards for testing irregularly shaped and non-standard-size specimens, taken from historic buildings, unfortunately compounds the uncertainty. This paper offers a discussion of such issues by using the case study of Odda’s Chapel in Gloucestershire, UK, and describing the systematic examination of a total of six lime mortar and Blue Lias stone samples extracted from this Grade I listed building. The programme of testing and the results obtained are compared with the latest European standards relating to sampling and testing of material of cultural properties. Internal microstructure, hygroscopic sorption and water absorption characteristics, and the density and mechanical properties of the materials are documented and alternative testing techniques are compared. Identification of some of the above-mentioned material properties shows that the agreement between results obtained from the various test methods is considered satisfactory, depending on the testing approach and material heterogeneity.
Hydrothermal alteration of Britain’s oldest palaeosols: saddle dolomite and smectite at the Lewisian–Torridon Group (early Neoproterozoic) unconformity, NW Scotland
Authors: Williams George E.
Published: December 2014

Weathering profiles 2–3 m thick mantle a palaeoplain formed on the Lewisian Complex and are overlain unconformably by fluvial conglomerates of the
c
. 980 Ma Applecross Formation (Torridon Group) in NW Scotland. Geological and palaeomagnetic data indicate that the profiles formed penecontemporaneously with deposition of the Applecross Formation and constitute the oldest known palaeosols in Britain. However, their degree of later alteration and burial depth are contentious. The weathering profiles are characterized by the presence of mixed-layer illite–smectite and smectite, which is anomalous for Precambrian palaeosols, raising doubts regarding a Precambrian age for the clay suite. Estimates of burial depth range from <1.5 km, based on the apparently limited burial alteration with the preservation of smectite, to
c
. 6 km and possibly
c
. 12 km following Caledonian tectonism.

Thin (1–10 mm) veins of saddle (baroque) dolomite are present in weathered amphibolite ≤1 m below the Lewisian–Torridon Group unconformity and also in overlying conglomerate 15 km SSW of Cape Wrath, indicating the flow of heated (
c
. 90–160 °C) saline fluids. The anomalous occurrence of mixed-layer illite–smectite and smectite in these Precambrian palaeosols implies ‘retrograde diagenesis’ of diagenetic illite and chlorite likewise induced by hydrothermal fluids. Alteration of the palaeosols is attributed to hydrothermal fluid flow along the Lewisian–Torridon Group unconformity that was related to fluid movement in the Moine Thrust zone during Silurian or Permian regional tectonism. Radiometric dating of the illite may illuminate the timing of alteration of the palaeosols and their burial history.
Cyclin I and p35 determine the subcellular distribution of Cdk5
Authors: Hagmann Henning , Taniguchi Yoshinori , Pippin Jeffrey W. , Kauerz Hans-Michael , Benzing Thomas , Shankland Stuart J. , Brinkkoetter Paul Thomas
Published: December 2014

The atypical cyclin-dependent kinase 5 (Cdk5) serves an array of different functions in cell biology. Among these are axonal guidance, regulation of intercellular contacts, cell differentiation, and prosurvival signaling. The variance of these functions suggests that Cdk5 activation comes to pass in different cellular compartments. The kinase activity, half-life, and substrate specificity of Cdk5 largely depend on specific activators, such as p25, p35, p39, and cyclin I. We hypothesized that the subcellular distribution of Cdk5 activators also determines the localization of the Cdk5 protein and sets the stage for targeted kinase activity within distinct cellular compartments to suit the varying roles of Cdk5. Cdk5 localization was analyzed in murine kidney and brain slices of wild-type and cyclin I- and/or p35-null mice by immunohistochemistry and in cultured mouse podocytes using immunofluorescence labeling, as well as cell fractionation experiments. The predominance of cyclin I mediates the nuclear localization of Cdk5, whereas the predominance of p35 results in a membranous localization of Cdk5. These findings were further substantiated by overexpression of cyclin I and p35 with altered targeting characteristics in human embryonic kidney 293T cells. These studies reveal that the subcellular localization of Cdk5 is determined by its specific activators. This results in the directed Cdk5 kinase activity in specific cellular compartments dependent on the activator present and allows Cdk5 to serve multiple independent roles.
Cigarette smoke extract induces aberrant cytochrome-c oxidase subunit II methylation and apoptosis in human umbilical vascular endothelial cells
Authors: Yang Min , Chen Ping , Peng Hong , Zhang Hongliang , Chen Yan , Cai Shan , Lu Qianjin , Guan Chaxiang
Published: December 2014

Cigarette smoke-induced apoptosis of vascular endothelial cells contributes to the pathogenesis of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. However, the mechanisms responsible for endothelial apoptosis remain poorly understood. We conducted an in vitro study to investigate whether DNA methylation is involved in smoking-induced endothelial apoptosis. Human umbilical vascular endothelial cells (HUVECs) were exposed to cigarette smoke extract (CSE) at a range of concentrations (0–10%). HUVECs were also incubated with a demethylating reagent, 5-aza-2′-deoxycytidinem (AZA), with and without CSE. Apoptosis was assessed by terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick-end labeling assay and flow cytometry using annexin V-FITC/propidium iodide staining. We found that CSE treatment significantly increased HUVEC apoptosis in a dose- and time-dependent manner. Quantitative real-time RT-PCR and immunoblot revealed that CSE treatment decreased cytochrome- c oxidase subunit II (COX II) mRNA and protein levels and decreased COX activity. Methylation-specific PCR and direct bisulfite sequencing revealed positive COX II gene methylation. AZA administration partly increased mRNA and protein expressions of COX II, and COX activity decreased by CSE and attenuated the toxic effects of CSE. Our results showed that CSE induced aberrant COX II methylation and apoptosis in HUVECs.
The truncated TrkB receptor influences mammalian sleep
Authors: Watson Adam J. , Henson Kyle , Dorsey Susan G. , Frank Marcos G.
Published: December 2014

Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is a neurotrophin hypothesized to play an important role in mammalian sleep expression and regulation. In order to investigate the role of the truncated receptor for BDNF, TrkB.T1, in mammalian sleep, we examined sleep architecture and sleep regulation in adult mice constitutively lacking this receptor. We find that TrkB.T1 knockout mice have increased REM sleep time, reduced REM sleep latency, and reduced sleep continuity. These results demonstrate a novel role for the TrkB.T1 receptor in sleep expression and provide new insights into the relationship between BDNF, psychiatric illness, and sleep.
Mechanical stress enhances CD9 expression in cultured podocytes
Authors: Blumenthal A. , Giebel J. , Warsow G. , Li L. , Ummanni R. , Schordan S. , Schordan E. , Klemm P. , Gretz N. , Endlich K. , Endlich N.
Published: December 2014

Elevated glomerular pressure represents a high risk for the development of severe kidney diseases and causes an increase in mechanical load to podocytes. In this study, we investigated whether mechanical stress alters gene expression in cultured podocytes using gene arrays. We found that tetraspanin CD9 is significantly upregulated in cultured podocytes after mechanical stress. The differential expression of CD9 was confirmed by RT-PCR and Western blotting under stretched and unstretched conditions. Furthermore, mechanical stress resulted in a relocalization of CD9. To get an insight into the functional role of CD9, podocytes were transfected with pEGFP-CD9. The expression of CD9 induced the formation of substratum-attached thin arborized protrusions. Ca2+depletion revealed that podocytes overexpressing CD9 possess altered adhesive properties in contrast to the control transfected cells. Finally, elevated CD9 expression increased migration of podocytes in a wound assay. In summary, our results suggest that upregulation of CD9 may play an important role in podocyte morphology, adhesion, and migration.
Dendritic spine dysgenesis contributes to hyperreflexia after spinal cord injury
Authors: Bandaru Samira P. , Liu Shujun , Waxman Stephen G. , Tan Andrew M.
Published: December 2014

Hyperreflexia and spasticity are chronic complications in spinal cord injury (SCI), with limited options for safe and effective treatment. A central mechanism in spasticity is hyperexcitability of the spinal stretch reflex, which presents symptomatically as a velocity-dependent increase in tonic stretch reflexes and exaggerated tendon jerks. In this study we tested the hypothesis that dendritic spine remodeling within motor reflex pathways in the spinal cord contributes to H-reflex dysfunction indicative of spasticity after contusion SCI. Six weeks after SCI in adult Sprague-Dawley rats, we observed changes in dendritic spine morphology on α-motor neurons below the level of injury, including increased density, altered spine shape, and redistribution along dendritic branches. These abnormal spine morphologies accompanied the loss of H-reflex rate-dependent depression (RDD) and increased ratio of H-reflex to M-wave responses (H/M ratio). Above the level of injury, spine density decreased compared with below-injury spine profiles and spine distributions were similar to those for uninjured controls. As expected, there was no H-reflex hyperexcitability above the level of injury in forelimb H-reflex testing. Treatment with NSC23766, a Rac1-specific inhibitor, decreased the presence of abnormal dendritic spine profiles below the level of injury, restored RDD of the H-reflex, and decreased H/M ratios in SCI animals. These findings provide evidence for a novel mechanistic relationship between abnormal dendritic spine remodeling in the spinal cord motor system and reflex dysfunction in SCI.
Dopamine regulates distinctively the activity patterns of striatal output neurons in advanced parkinsonian primates
Authors: Singh Arun , Liang Li , Kaneoke Yoshiki , Cao Xuebing , Papa Stella M.
Published: December 2014

Nigrostriatal dopamine denervation plays a major role in basal ganglia circuitry disarray and motor abnormalities of Parkinson's disease (PD). Studies in rodent and primate models have revealed that striatal projection neurons, namely, medium spiny neurons (MSNs), increase the firing frequency. However, their activity pattern changes and the effects of dopaminergic stimulation in such conditions are unknown. Using single-cell recordings in 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP)-treated primates with advanced parkinsonism, we studied MSN activity patterns in the transition to different motor states following levodopa administration. In the “off” state (baseline parkinsonian disability), a burst-firing pattern accompanied by prolonged silences (pauses) was found in 34% of MSNs, and 80% of these exhibited a levodopa response compatible with dopamine D1 receptor activation (direct pathway MSNs). This pattern was highly responsive to levodopa given that bursting/pausing almost disappeared in the “on” state (reversal of parkinsonism after levodopa injection), although this led to higher firing rates. Nonbursty MSNs fired irregularly with marked pausing that increased in the on state in the MSN subset with a levodopa response compatible with dopamine D2 receptor activation (indirect pathway MSNs), although the pause increase was not sustained in some units during the appearance of dyskinesias. Data indicate that the MSN firing pattern in the advanced parkinsonian monkey is altered by bursting and pausing changes and that dopamine differentially and inefficiently regulates these behaviorally correlated patterns in MSN subpopulations. These findings may contribute to understand the impact of striatal dysfunction in the basal ganglia network and its role in motor symptoms of PD.
The Increased Production Efficiency and Optimization Terms of Stationarity by Flat Grinding with Abrasive Circle Surface
Authors: Ahmad Husseinov Hassan , Abbas Bagirov Sahib , Kreheľ Radoslav , Kočiško Marek
Published: December 2014

This scientific work deals with the production area. The paper investigates the problems related to the uneven abrasive effect on the processed surface by flat grinding with the abrasive circle surface, and the analytical expression of pattern distribution of the working abrasive grain within the limits of various technological primitives and inaccuracy of geometric shape have been determined. The ways of stationary provision of the grinding surface have been suggested. This paper also focuses on the economic efficiency of the production.
Understanding Barriers and Facilitators to Healthy Eating and Active Living in Rural Communities
Authors: Seguin Rebecca , Connor Leah , Nelson Miriam , LaCroix Andrea , Eldridge Galen
Published: December 2014

Objective. Studies demonstrate that people’s food and physical activity (PA) environments influence behavior, yet research examining this in rural communities is limited.Methods. Focus groups of 8–15 women were conducted in rural communities in seven US states. Questions were designed to identify factors within residents’ food and PA environments they felt helped or hindered them from eating healthfully and being physically active.Results. Participants were aged 30–84 years; mean (SD) = 61 (14) (N=95). On average, communities had fewer than 5,000 residents. Limited time, social norms, and distances from or lack of exercise facilities were common PA barriers. Facilitators for PA included social support, dog walking, and availability of affordable facilities. Healthy eating barriers included the perception that healthy foods were too expensive; calorically dense large portion sizes served at family meals; and frequency of eating foods away from home, which were perceived as generally unhealthy. Healthy eating supports included culture/value around local food gathering (e.g., hunting and gardening) and preservation (e.g., canning and smoking). Friends and family were frequently identified as key influencers of eating and PA behavior.Conclusions. Targeting both social and built environment factors, particularly those unique to rural locales, may enhance support for healthy eating and PA behavior change interventions.
Outcome Determinants of Stroke in a Brazilian Primary Stroke Center
Authors: Kuster Gustavo W. , Dutra Lívia A. , Brasil Israel P. , Pacheco Evelyn P. , Arruda Márcio A. C. , Volcov Cristiane , Domingues Renan B.
Published: December 2014

Background.Stroke mortality in Brazil is one of the highest among Western countries. Nonetheless, stroke outcome determinants are still poorly known in this country. In this study we evaluate outcome determinants of stroke in a primary stroke center in São Paulo, Brazil.Methods.We evaluated demographic, clinical, and outcome data of patients with ischemic stroke (IS), transient ischemic attack (TIA), and intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) admitted at “Hospital Paulistano,” São Paulo, Brazil. In-hospital mortality and functional outcome determinants were assessed. Univariate and binary logistic regression analysis were performed.Results.Three hundred forty-one patients were included in the study, 52.2% being male with66.8±15.7years. The stroke type distribution was IS: 59.2%, TIA: 29.6%, and ICH: 11.1%. ICH was associated with greater severity and poorer functional outcome. The determinants of poorer functional outcome were higher NIHSS, lower Glasgow score, and lower oxygen saturation level. The most important mortality determinant was the presence of visual symptoms.Conclusions.The stroke mortality and stroke outcome determinants found in the present study do not remarkably differ from studies carried out in developed countries. Stroke prognosis studies are crucial to better understand the high burden of stroke in Brazil.
Fuzzy Logic Control of a Ball on Sphere System
Authors: Moezi Seyed Alireza , Zakeri Ehsan , Bazargan-Lari Yousef , Khalghollah Mahmood
Published: December 2014

The scope of this paper is to present a fuzzy logic control of a class of multi-input multioutput (MIMO) nonlinear systems called “system of ball on a sphere,” such an inherently nonlinear, unstable, and underactuated system, considered truly to be two independent ball and wheel systems around its equilibrium point. In this work, Sugeno method is investigated as a fuzzy controller method, so it works in a good state with optimization and adaptive techniques, which makes it very attractive in control problems, particularly for such nonlinear dynamic systems. The system’s dynamic is described and the equations are illustrated. The outputs are shown in different figures so as to be compared. Finally, these simulation results show the exactness of the controller’s performance.
Application of Electrical Resistivity Tomography Technique for Characterizing Leakage Problem in Abu Baara Earth Dam, Syria
Authors: Al-Fares Walid
Published: December 2014

Electrical Resistivity Tomography (ERT) survey was carried out at Abu Baara earth dam in northwestern Syria, in order to delineate potential pathways of leakage occurring through the subsurface structure close to the dam body. The survey was performed along two straight measuring profiles of 715 and 430 m length in up- and downstream sides of the dam’s embankment. The analysis of the inverted ERT sections revealed the presence of fractured and karstified limestone rocks which constitute the shallow bedrock of the dam reservoir. Several subsurface structural anomalies were identified within the fractured bedrock, most of which are associated with probable karstic cavities, voids, and discontinuity features developed within the carbonates rocks. Moreover, results also showed the occurrence of a distinguished subsiding structure coinciding with main valley course. Accordingly, it is believed that the bedrock and the other detected features are the main potential causes of water leakage from the dam’s reservoir.
Selection of Superior Lentil (Lens esculentaM.) Genotypes by Assessing Character Association and Genetic Diversity
Authors: Nath U. K. , Rani Santona , Paul M. R. , Alam M. N. , Horneburg B.
Published: December 2014

Lentil is one of the most important pulse crops in the world as well as in Bangladesh. It is now considered a main component for training and body building practising in first world countries. Yield varies tremendously from year to year and location to location. Therefore, it is very important to find genotypes that perform consistently well even in ecological farming systems without any intercultural operations. Twenty lentil genotypes were tested during the period from November 2010 to March 2011 and from December 2011 to March 2012 with three replicates in each season to determine genetic variability, diversity, characters association, and selection indices for better grain yield. The experiment was conducted at the breeding field of the Department of Genetics and Plant Breeding, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh. This study revealed that all the genotypes possess a high amount of genetic diversity. Plant height and 100-grain weight showed significant positive correlation with grain yield plant−1that was also confirmed by path analysis as the highest direct effect on grain yield. The genotypes BM-513 and BM-941 were found to be the best performer in both the seasons and were considered as consistent genotype. The genotypes were grouped into four clusters based on Euclidean distance following Ward’s method and RAPD analysis. However, discriminant function analysis revealed a progressive increase in the efficiency of selection and BM-70 ranked as the best followed by the genotypes BM-739, BM-680, BM-185, and BM-513. These genotypes might be recommended for farmers’ cultivation in ecological farming in Bangladesh.
Highly Branched Sn‐Doped ZnO Nanostructures for Sunlight Driven Photocatalytic Reactions
Authors: Liu Yangyang , Chen Xiaodong , Xu Ying , Zhang Quanhua , Wang Xianying
Published: December 2014

Ultralong, highly branched Sn‐doped zinc oxide (ZnO) nanostructures were fabricated using a simple substrate‐free chemical vapor deposition (CVD) method. The nanostructures exhibited efficient photocatalytic activities in degradation of methylene blue (MB) under natural sunlight. 100% of MB with the concentration of 10 mg/L could be completely removed within 36 minutes. Possible reasons for the enhanced photocatalytic effect were analyzed.
Feasibility and Acceptability of Utilizing a Smartphone Based Application to Monitor Outpatient Discharge Instruction Compliance in Cardiac Disease Patients around Discharge from Hospitalization
Authors: Layton Aimee M. , Whitworth James , Peacock James , Bartels Matthew N. , Jellen Patricia A. , Thomashow Byron M.
Published: December 2014

The purpose of this study was to determine the feasibility and acceptability of utilizing a smartphone based application to monitor compliance in patients with cardiac disease around discharge. For 60 days after discharge, patients’ medication compliance, physical activity, follow-up care, symptoms, and reading of education material were monitored daily with the application. 16 patients were enrolled in the study (12 males, 4 females, age 55 ± 18 years) during their hospital stay. Five participants were rehospitalized during the study and did not use the application once discharged. Seven participants completed 1–30 days and four patients completed >31 days. For those 11 patients, medication reminders were utilized 37% (1–30-day group) and 53% (>31-day group) of the time, education material was read 44% (1–30) and 53% (>31) of the time, and physical activity was reported 25% (1–30) and 42% (>31) of the time. Findings demonstrated that patients with stable health utilized the application, even if only minimally. Patients with decreased breath sounds by physical exam and who reported their health as fair to poor on the day of discharge were less likely to utilize the application. Acceptability of the application to report health status varied among the stable patients.
DBC1/CCAR2 and CCAR1 Are Largely Disordered Proteins that Have Evolved from One Common Ancestor
Authors: Brunquell Jessica , Yuan Jia , Erwin Aqeela , Westerheide Sandy D. , Xue Bin
Published: December 2014

Deleted in breast cancer 1 (DBC1, CCAR2, KIAA1967) is a large, predominantly nuclear, multidomain protein that modulates gene expression by inhibiting several epigenetic modifiers, including the deacetylases SIRT1 and HDAC3, and the methyltransferase SUV39H1. DBC1 shares many highly conserved protein domains with its paralog cell cycle and apoptosis regulator 1 (CCAR1, CARP-1). In this study, we examined the full-length sequential and structural properties of DBC1 and CCAR1 from multiple species and correlated these properties with evolution. Our data shows that the conserved domains shared between DBC1 and CCAR1 have similar domain structures, as well as similar patterns of predicted disorder in less-conserved intrinsically disordered regions. Our analysis indicates similarities between DBC1, CCAR1, and the nematode protein lateral signaling target 3 (LST-3), suggesting that DBC1 and CCAR1 may have evolved from LST-3. Our data also suggests that DBC1 emerged later in evolution than CCAR1. DBC1 contains regions that show less conservation across species as compared to the same regions in CCAR1, suggesting a continuously evolving scenario for DBC1. Overall, this study provides insight into the structure and evolution of DBC1 and CCAR1, which may impact future studies on the biological functions of these proteins.
Derivation of Field Equations in Space with the Geometric Structure Generated by Metric and Torsion
Authors: Yaremenko Nikolay
Published: December 2014

This paper is devoted to the derivation of field equations in space with the geometric structure generated by metric and torsion tensors. We also study the geometry of the space generated jointly and agreed on by the metric tensor and the torsion tensor. We showed that in such space the structure of the curvature tensor has special features and for this tensor we obtained analog Ricci-Jacobi identity and evaluated the gap that occurs at the transition from the original to the image and vice versa, in the case of infinitely small contours. We have researched the geodesic lines equation. We introduce the tensor παβ which is similar to the second fundamental tensor of hypersurfaces Yn-1, but the structure of this tensor is substantially different from the case of Riemannian spaces with zero torsion. Then we obtained formulas which characterize the change of vectors in accompanying basis relative to this basis itself. Taking into considerations our results about the structure of such space we derived from the variation principle the general field equations (electromagnetic and gravitational).
Mechanisms Underlying the Antinociceptive, Antiedematogenic, and Anti‐Inflammatory Activity of the Main Flavonoid from Kalanchoe pinnata
Authors: Ferreira Raquel Teixeira , Coutinho Marcela Araújo Soares , Malvar David do Carmo , Costa Elson Alves , Florentino Iziara Ferreira , Costa Sônia Soares , Vanderlinde Frederico Argollo
Published: December 2014

Kalanchoe pinnata (KP) is popularly used for treating inflammatory diseases. This study investigated the antinociceptive, antiedematogenic, and anti‐inflammatory potential of the subcutaneous administration of KP flower aqueous extract (KPFE), its ethyl acetate (EtOAcF) and butanol (BuOHF) fractions, and the main KP flavonoid [quercetin 3‐O‐α‐L‐arabinopyranosyl (1 → 2) α‐L‐rhamnopyranoside] (KPFV) in mice, as well as its possible mechanisms of action. KPFE (30–300 mg/kg) and KPFV (1–10 mg/kg) inhibited the acetic acid‐induced writhing (ID50 = 164.8 and 9.4 mg/kg, resp.). KPFE (300 mg/kg), EtOAcF (12 mg/kg), BuOHF (15 mg/kg), or KPFV (0.3–3.0 mg/kg) reduced leukocyte migration on carrageenan‐induced pleurisy (ID50 = 2.0 mg/kg for KPFV). KPFE (3–30 mg/kg) and KPFV (0.3–3.0 mg/kg) reduced the croton oil‐induced ear edema (ID50 = 4.3 and 0.76 mg/kg, resp.). KPFE and KPFV reduced the TNF‐α concentration in the pleural exudates on carrageenan‐induced pleurisy test. Moreover, KPFV inhibited COX‐1 (IC50 = 22.1 μg/mL) and COX‐2 (IC50 > 50 μg/mL). The selectivity index (COX‐/COX‐) was <0.44. These results indicate that KPFE and KPFV produced antinociceptive, antiedematogenic, and anti‐inflammatory activities through COX inhibition and TNF‐α reduction, revealing that the main flavonoid in KP flowers and leaves plays an important role in the ethnomedicinal use of the plant.
Does Climate Change Mitigation Activity Affect Crude Oil Prices? Evidence from Dynamic Panel Model
Authors: Dike Jude C.
Published: December 2014

This paper empirically investigates how climate change mitigation affects crude oil prices while using carbon intensity as the indicator for climate change mitigation. The relationship between crude oil prices and carbon intensity is estimated using an Arellano and Bond GMM dynamic panel model. This study undertakes a regional-level analysis because of the geographical similarities among the countries in a region. Regions considered for the study are Africa, Asia and Oceania, Central and South America, the EU, the Middle East, and North America. Results show that there is a positive relationship between crude oil prices and carbon intensity, and a 1% change in carbon intensity is expected to cause about 1.6% change in crude oil prices in the short run and 8.4% change in crude oil prices in the long run while the speed of adjustment is 19%.
Effect of Acacia Gum, NaCl, and Sucrose on Physical Properties of Lotus Stem Starch
Authors: Puri Ritika , Gill Balmeet Singh , Khetra Yogesh
Published: December 2014

Consumer preferences in east Asian part of the world pave the way for consumption of lotus stem starch (LSS) in preparations such as breakfast meals, fast foods, and traditional confectioneries. The present study envisaged the investigation and optimization of additives, that is, acacia gum, sodium chloride (NaCl), and sucrose, on water absorption (WA), water absorption index (WAI), and water solubility index (WSI) of LSS employing response surface methodology (RSM). Acacia gum resulted in increased water uptake and swelling of starch; however, NaCl reduced the swelling power of starch by making water unavailable to starch and also due to starch-ion electrostatic interaction. Sucrose restricted the water absorption by binding free water and decreased amylose leaching by building bridges with starch chains and thus forming rigid structure.
Comparative Assessment of SVC and TCSC Controllers on the Small Signal Stability Margin of a Power System Incorporating Intermittent Wind Power Generation
Authors: Ayodele T. R.
Published: December 2014

Wind power is highly variable due to the stochastic behavior of wind speeds. This intermittent nature could excite the electromechanical modes resulting in the small signal instability of a power system. In this study, the performance of static VAR compensation (SVC) and thyristor controlled series capacitor (TCSC) controllers in the damping of electromechanical modes is analyzed and compared. The study employs probabilistic modal analysis method using Monte Carlo simulation and Latin hypercube sampling techniques. Various scenarios are created to get insight into the study. The results obtained from the modal analysis are verified by using the time-domain simulation. Some of the key results show that SVC is more robust in the damping of electromechanical modes compared to TCSC. The result also reveals that allocation of power system stabilizer (PSS) using probabilistic method is more effective and robust compared to deterministic approach.
Does Gastrointestinal Dysmotility Predispose to Recurrent or Severe Forms ofClostridium difficileInfections?
Authors: Hritani Abdul wahab , Alkaddour Ahmad , House Jeff
Published: December 2014

Clostridium difficileinfection (CDI) is the most common cause of hospital-acquired diarrhea. A limited number of studies have looked at the risk factors for recurrent CDI. Mitochondrial NeuroGastroIntestinal Encephalopathy (MNGIE) is a rare multisystemic disorder that causes gastrointestinal dysmotility. Herein we present a patient with MNGIE who suffered recurrent and severeC. difficileinfection despite appropriate treatment. We aim to bring the gastroenterologist’s attention to gastrointestinal dysmotility as a possible risk factor for the development of recurrent or severe forms ofC. difficileinfections.
No-Reference Video Quality Assessment Model for Distortion Caused by Packet Loss in the Real-Time Mobile Video Services
Authors: Song Jiarun , Yang Fuzheng
Published: December 2014

Packet loss will make severe errors due to the corruption of related video data. For most video streams, because the predictive coding structures are employed, the transmission errors in one frame will not only cause decoding failure of itself at the receiver side, but also propagate to its subsequent frames along the motion prediction path, which will bring a significant degradation of end-to-end video quality. To quantify the effects of packet loss on video quality, a no-reference objective quality assessment model is presented in this paper. Considering the fact that the degradation of video quality significantly relies on the video content, the temporal complexity is estimated to reflect the varying characteristic of video content, using the macroblocks with different motion activities in each frame. Then, the quality of the frame affected by the reference frame loss, by error propagation, or by both of them is evaluated, respectively. Utilizing a two-level temporal pooling scheme, the video quality is finally obtained. Extensive experimental results show that the video quality estimated by the proposed method matches well with the subjective quality.
Effects of Polysaccharide Elicitors on Secondary Metabolite Production and Antioxidant Response inHypericum perforatumL. Shoot Cultures
Authors: Gadzovska Simic Sonja , Tusevski Oliver , Maury Stéphane , Delaunay Alain , Joseph Claude , Hagège Daniel
Published: December 2014

The effects of polysaccharide elicitors such as chitin, pectin, and dextran on the production of phenylpropanoids (phenolics and flavonoids) and naphtodianthrones (hypericin and pseudohypericin) inHypericum perforatumshoot cultures were studied. Nonenzymatic antioxidant properties (NEAOP) and peroxidase (POD) activity were also observed in shoot extracts. The activities of phenylalanine ammonia lyase (PAL) and chalcone-flavanone isomerase (CHFI) were monitored to estimate channeling in phenylpropanoid/flavonoid pathways of elicited shoot cultures. A significant suppression of the production of total phenolics and flavonoids was observed in elicited shoots from day 14 to day 21 of postelicitation. This inhibition of phenylpropanoid production was probably due to the decrease in CHFI activity in elicited shoots. Pectin and dextran promoted accumulation of naphtodianthrones, particularly pseudohypericin, within 21 days of postelicitation. The enhanced accumulation of naphtodianthrones was positively correlated with an increase of PAL activity in elicited shoots. All tested elicitors induced NEAOP at day 7, while chitin and pectin showed increase in POD activity within the entire period of postelicitation. The POD activity was in significantly positive correlation with flavonoid and hypericin contents, suggesting a strong perturbation of the cell redox system and activation of defense responses in polysaccharide-elicitedH. perforatumshoot cultures.
Influence of Sonication on the Stability and Thermal Properties of Al2O3 Nanofluids
Authors: Noroozi Monir , Radiman Shahidan , Zakaria Azmi
Published: December 2014

Nanofluids containing Al2O3 nanoparticles (either 11 or 30 nm in size) dispersed in distilled water at low concentrations (0.125–0.5 wt%) were prepared using two different ultrasonic devices (a probe and a bath sonicator) as the dispersant. The effect of the ultrasonic system on the stability and thermal diffusivity of the nanofluids was investigated. Thermal diffusivity measurements were conducted using a photopyroelectric technique. The dispersion characteristics and morphology of the nanoparticles, as well as the optical absorption properties of the nanofluids, were studied using photon cross correlation spectroscopy with a Nanophox analyzer, transmission electron microscopy, and ultraviolet‐visible spectroscopy. At higher particle concentration, there was greater enhancement of the thermal diffusivity of the nanofluids resulting from sonication. Moreover, greater stability and enhancement of thermal diffusivity were obtained by sonicating the nanofluids with the higher power probe sonicator prior to measurement.
Phytoremediation Potential of Vetiver System Technology for Improving the Quality of Palm Oil Mill Effluent
Authors: Darajeh Negisa , Idris Azni , Truong Paul , Abdul Aziz Astimar , Abu Bakar Rosenani , Che Man Hasfalina
Published: December 2014

Palm oil mill effluent (POME), a pollutant produced by the palm oil industry, was treated by the Vetiver system technology (VST). This technology was applied for the first time to treat POME in order to decrease biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) and chemical oxygen demand (COD). In this study, two different concentrations of POME (low and high) were treated with Vetiver plants for 2 weeks. The results showed that Vetiver was able to reduce the BOD up to 90% in low concentration POME and 60% in high concentration POME, while control sets (without plant) only was able to reduce 15% of BOD. The COD reduction was 94% in low concentration POME and 39% in high concentration POME, while control just shows reduction of 12%. Morphologically, maximum root and shoot lengths were 70 cm, the number of tillers and leaves was 344 and 86, and biomass production was 4.1 kg m−2. These results showed that VST was effective in reducing BOD and COD in POME. The treatment in low concentration was superior to the high concentration. Furthermore, biomass of plant can be considered as a promising raw material for biofuel production while high amount of biomass was generated in low concentration of POME.
Cytotoxic Activities against Breast Cancer Cells of Local Justicia gendarussa Crude Extracts
Authors: Ayob Zahidah , Mohd Bohari Siti Pauliena , Abd Samad Azman , Jamil Shajarahtunnur
Published: December 2014

Justicia gendarussa methanolic leaf extracts from five different locations in the Southern region of Peninsular Malaysia and two flavonoids, kaempferol and naringenin, were tested for cytotoxic activity. Kaempferol and naringenin were two flavonoids detected in leaf extracts using gas chromatography‐flame ionization detection (GC‐FID). The results indicated that highest concentrations of kaempferol and naringenin were detected in leaves extracted from Mersing with 1591.80 mg/kg and 444.35 mg/kg, respectively. Positive correlations were observed between kaempferol and naringenin concentrations in all leaf extracts analysed with the Pearson method. The effects of kaempferol and naringenin from leaf extracts were examined on breast cancer cell lines (MDA‐MB‐231 and MDA‐MB‐468) using MTT assay. Leaf extract from Mersing showed high cytotoxicity against MDA‐MB‐468 and MDA‐MB‐231 with IC50 values of 23 μg/mL and 40 μg/mL, respectively, compared to other leaf extracts. Kaempferol possessed high cytotoxicity against MDA‐MB‐468 and MDA‐MB‐231 with IC50 values of 23 μg/mL and 34 μg/mL, respectively. These findings suggest that the presence of kaempferol in Mersing leaf extract contributed to high cytotoxicity of both MDA‐MB‐231 and MDA‐MB‐468 cancer cell lines.
Skin Recurrence of Transformed Mycosis Fungoides Postumbilical Cord Blood Transplant despite Complete Donor Chimerism
Authors: Pawar Rahul , Kasi Loknath Kumar Anup , Woodroof Janet , Cui Wei , McGuirk Joseph , Abhyankar Sunil , Ganguly Sid , Singh Anurag , Lin Tara , Aljitawi Omar
Published: December 2014

Background.Allogeneic stem cell transplant is the treatment of choice for systemic cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL) which provides graft-versus-lymphoma effect. Herein we discuss a case of recurrence of CTCL skin lesions after cord blood transplant in a patient who continued to have 100% donor chimerism in bone marrow.Case Presentation.A 48-year-old female with history of mycosis fungoides (MF) presented with biopsy proven large cell transformation of MF. PET scan revealed multiple adenopathy in abdomen and chest suspicious for lymphoma and skin biopsy showed large cell transformation. She was treated with multiple cycles of chemotherapy. Posttherapy PET scan showed resolution of lymphadenopathy. Later she underwent ablative preparative regimen followed by single cord blood transplant. Bone marrow chimerism studies at day +60 after transplant showed 100% donor cells without presence of lymphoma. However 5 months after transplant she had recurrence of MF with the same genotype as prior skin lesion. Bone marrow chimerism study continued to show 100% donor cells.Conclusion.A differential graft-versus-lymphoma effect in our case prevented lymphoma recurrence systemically but failed to do so in skin. We hypothesize that this response may be due to presence of other factors in the bone marrow and lymph node microenvironments preventing recurrence in these sites.
A Finite Points Method Approach for Strain Localization Using the Gradient Plasticity Formulation
Authors: Pérez Pozo Luis , Campos Andy , Lascano Sheila , Oller Sergio , Rodríguez-Ferran Antonio
Published: December 2014

The softening elastoplastic models present an unsuitable behavior after reaching
the yield strength: unbounded strain localization. Because of the material
instability, which is reflected in the loss of ellipticity of the governing partial
differential equations, the solution depends on the discretization.
The present work proposes to solve this dependency using the meshless Finite
Points Method. This meshfree spatial discretization technique allows enriching
the governing equations using gradient’s plasticity and introducing an internal
length scale parameter at the material model in order to objectify the solution.
Studies on the Process Parameters of Rapid Prototyping Technique (Stereolithography) for the Betterment of Part Quality
Authors: Gowda Raju Bangalore Singe , Udayagiri Chandra Sekhar , Narendra Drakshayani Doulat
Published: December 2014

Rapid prototyping (RP) has evolved as frontier technology in the recent times, which allows direct transformation of CAD files into functional prototypes where it tremendously reduces the lead time to produce physical prototypes necessary for design verification, fit, and functional analysis by generating the prototypes directly from the CAD data. Part quality in the rapid prototyping process is a function of build parameters such as hatch cure depth, layer thickness, orientation, and hatch spacing. Thus an attempt was made to identify, study, and optimize the process parameters governing the system which are related to part characteristics using Taguchi experimental design techniques quality. The part characteristics can be divided into physical part and mechanical part characteristics. The physical characteristics are surface finish, dimensional accuracy, distortion, layer thickness, hatch cure, and hatch file, whereas mechanical characteristics are flexural strength, ultimate tensile strength, and impact strength. Thus, this paper proposes to characterize the influence of the physical build parameters over the part quality. An L9 orthogonal array was designed with the minimum number of experimental runs with desired parameter settings and also by analysis tools such as ANOVA (analysis of variance). Establishment of experimentally verified correlations between the physical part characteristics and mechanical part characteristics to obtain an optimal process parameter level for betterment of part quality is obtained. The process model obtained by the empirical relation can be used to determine the strength of the prototype for the given set of parameters that shows the dependency of strength, which are essential for designers and RP machine users.
A Survey of Computational Intelligence Techniques in Protein Function Prediction
Authors: Tiwari Arvind Kumar , Srivastava Rajeev
Published: December 2014

During the past, there was a massive growth of knowledge of unknown proteins with the advancement of high throughput microarray technologies. Protein function prediction is the most challenging problem in bioinformatics. In the past, the homology based approaches were used to predict the protein function, but they failed when a new protein was different from the previous one. Therefore, to alleviate the problems associated with homology based traditional approaches, numerous computational intelligence techniques have been proposed in the recent past. This paper presents a state-of-the-art comprehensive review of various computational intelligence techniques for protein function predictions using sequence, structure, protein-protein interaction network, and gene expression data used in wide areas of applications such as prediction of DNA and RNA binding sites, subcellular localization, enzyme functions, signal peptides, catalytic residues, nuclear/G-protein coupled receptors, membrane proteins, and pathway analysis from gene expression datasets. This paper also summarizes the result obtained by many researchers to solve these problems by using computational intelligence techniques with appropriate datasets to improve the prediction performance. The summary shows that ensemble classifiers and integration of multiple heterogeneous data are useful for protein function prediction.
A Review on Technical and Clinical Impact of Microsoft Kinect on Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation
Authors: Mousavi Hondori Hossein , Khademi Maryam
Published: December 2014

This paper reviews technical and clinical impact of the Microsoft Kinect in physical therapy and rehabilitation. It covers the studies on patients with neurological disorders including stroke, Parkinson’s, cerebral palsy, and MS as well as the elderly patients. Search results in Pubmed and Google scholar reveal increasing interest in using Kinect in medical application. Relevant papers are reviewed and divided into three groups: (1) papers which evaluated Kinect’s accuracy and reliability, (2) papers which used Kinect for a rehabilitation system and provided clinical evaluation involving patients, and (3) papers which proposed a Kinect-based system for rehabilitation but fell short of providing clinical validation. At last, to serve as technical comparison to help future rehabilitation design other sensors similar to Kinect are reviewed.
Identification of a MarineBacillusStrain C5 and Parathion-Methyl Degradation Characteristics of the Extracellular Esterase B1
Authors: Hao Jianhua , Liu Junzhong , Sun Mi
Published: December 2014

A bacterial strain C5 that can produce new type of marine esterase was isolated and screened from marine sludge. According to 16S rRNA sequence analysis and physiological and biochemical experiments, the strain was identified asBacillus subtilis. A single isozyme with a molecular weight of 86 kDa was observed by SDS-PAGE and native-PAGE. On this basis, the mechanism of esterase B1 secreted by strain C5 degrading parathion-methyl was explored, and the effects of temperature and pH on the degradation rate were investigated. From the results,p-nitrophenol was one of the degradation products of B1 degrading parathion-methyl, and the best degradation effect could be achieved at the temperature of 40°C and the neutral pH value.
Bioprocess Engineering Aspects of Biopolymer Production by the CyanobacteriumSpirulinaStrain LEB 18
Authors: Martins Roberta Guimarães , Severo Gonçalves Igor , de Morais Michele Greque , Costa Jorge Alberto Vieira
Published: December 2014

Microbial biopolymers can replace environmentally damaging plastics derived from petrochemicals. We investigated biopolymer synthesis by the cyanobacteriumSpirulinastrain LEB 18. Autotrophic culture used unmodified Zarrouk medium or modified Zarrouk medium in which the NaNO3content was reduced to 0.25 g L−1and the NaHCO3content reduced to 8.4 g L−1or increased to 25.2 g L−1. Heterotrophic culture used modified Zarrouk medium containing 0.25 g L−1NaNO3with the NaHCO3replaced by 0.2 g L−1, 0.4 g L−1, or 0.6 g L−1of glucose (C6H12O6) or sodium acetate (CH3COONa). Mixotrophic culture used modified Zarrouk medium containing 0.25 g L−1NaNO3plus 16.8 g L−1NaHCO3with the addition of 0.2 g L−1, 0.4 g L−1, or 0.6 g L−1of glucose or sodium acetate. The highest biopolymer yield was 44% when LEB 18 was growing autotrophically in media containing 0.25 g L−1NaNO3and 8.4 g L−1NaHCO3.