bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Citrate – new functions for an old metabolite
Authors: Iacobazzi Vito , Infantino Vittoria 
Published: January 2014

Abstract
Citrate is an important substrate in cellular energy metabolism. It is produced in the mitochondria and used in the Krebs cycle or released into cytoplasm through a specific mitochondrial carrier, CIC. In the cytosol, citrate and its derivatives, acetyl-CoA and oxaloacetate, are used in normal and pathological processes. Beyond the classical role as metabolic regulator, recent studies have highlighted that citrate is involved in inflammation, cancer, insulin secretion, histone acetylation, neurological disorders, and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. Monitoring changes in the citrate levels could therefore potentially be used as diagnostic tool. This review highlights these new aspects of citrate functions.
Design and Digital Implementation of Constant Frequency Hysteresis Current Controller for Three-Phase Voltage Source Inverter Using TMS320F2812
Authors: Kalyanraj D. , Lenin Prakash S. 
Published: January 2014

Abstract
A constant frequency hysteresis current control technique for a three-phase voltage source inverter (VSI) has been developed for AC drives, power quality and renewable energy applications. This paper presents a digital implementation of a constant frequency hysteresis current control technique for a three-phase VSI feeding an inductive load, using digital signal controller TMS320F2812. The limitations of variable frequency hysteresis control have been discussed and overcoming these limitations by means of digital implementation has been proposed. The complete design procedure of the proposed technique has been presented with an illustrative example. The three-phase VSI feeding an inductive load has also been simulated by using MATLAB and the simulation results have been presented. The hardware results of hysteresis current controlled three-phase VSI feeding an inductive load have been presented. Also the performance analysis of the hysteresis current controller has been presented. Operation of this controller has also been explained with a help of phase plane trajectory of hysteresis controller.
An Improved Power Quality BIBRED Converter-Based VSI-Fed BLDC Motor Drive
Authors: Singh Bhim , Bist Vashist 
Published: January 2014

Abstract
This paper presents an IHQRR (integrated high-quality rectifier regulator) BIBRED (boost integrated buck rectifier energy storage DC-DC) converter-based VSI (voltage source inverter)-fed BLDC (brushless DC) motor drive. The speed control of BLDC motor is achieved by controlling the DC link voltage of the VSI using a single voltage sensor. This allows VSI to operate in fundamental frequency switching mode for electronic commutation of BLDC motor which reduces the switching losses due to high-frequency switching used in conventional approach of PWM (pulse width modulation)-based VSI-fed BLDC motor drive. A BIBRED converter is operated in a dual-DCM (discontinuous conduction mode) thus using a voltage follower approach for PFC (power factor correction) and DC link voltage control. The performance of the proposed drive is evaluated for improved power quality over a wide range of speed control and supply voltage variation for demonstrating the behavior of proposed drive. The power quality indices thus obtained are within the recommended limits by international PQ (power quality) standards such as IEC 61000-3-2.
Adaptive Control of Four-Leg VSC Based DSTATCOM in Distribution System
Authors: Singh Bhim , Arya Sabha Raj 
Published: January 2014

Abstract
This work discusses an experimental performance of a four-leg Distribution Static Compensator (DSTATCOM) using an adaptive filter based approach. It is used for estimation of reference supply currents through extracting the fundamental active power components of three-phase distorted load currents. This control algorithm is implemented on an assembled DSTATCOM for harmonics elimination, neutral current compensation and load balancing, under nonlinear loads. Experimental results are discussed, and it is noticed that DSTATCOM is effective solution to perform satisfactory performance under load dynamics.
Flux Behavior and Quality of Effluent from a Poultry Processing Plant Treated by Membrane Bioreactor
Authors: Nelson Heather M. , Singh Rakesh K. , Avula Ramesh Y. , Toledo Romeo T. 
Published: January 2014

Abstract
Membrane bioreactor (MBR) provided with spiral wound modules of polyacrylonitrile ultrafiltration membranes was used to treat the wastewater obtained from primary and secondary processing operations of a poultry plant. The membrane bioreactor consisted of 3 tanks; an aerobic bioreactor, anoxic settling tank, and a third tank from which a permeate was drawn across ultrafiltration membranes for final discharge to a municipal sewer or for reuse in the processing of raw product. The Cleaning and backflush schedules were conducted to determine the best regimen for maximum permeate flux and for their effect on retention times in each of the biological treatment tanks. Continuous operation of MBR for 24 h period with no backflushing resulted in flux decay that led to a substantial change in retention times. The best operating cycle was found to be 1 h filtration followed by 120 s backflush or 20 min filtration followed by 20 s backflush. Significant reduction in particle size, COD and BOD (>90%) and reduction of microbial load by 4 – log levels in MBR effluent made it fit for reuse.
Effect of Drying Pre-treatments on the Yield and Bioactive Content of Oil Extracted from Gac Aril
Authors: Kha Tuyen Chan , Nguyen Minh H. , Roach Paul D. , Stathopoulos Costas E. 
Published: January 2014

Abstract
Gac fruit (Momordica cochinchinensis Spreng) aril contains high levels of bioactive compounds including β-carotene, lycopene and fatty acids. Therefore, it is important to find an extraction method of Gac oil resulting in the highest content of bioactive compounds. The effects of microwave and air-drying pre-treatments of Gac aril prior to hydraulic pressing and Soxhlet extraction on the oil yield, nutrients and chemical properties of the oil were compared. Results showed that the highest oil yield could be obtained when the aril was microwave-dried before Soxhlet extraction. This finding was explained by microstructural changes of the dried arils. Microwave-drying prior to pressing resulted in the highest content of β-carotene (174 mg/100 mL) and lycopene (511 mg/100 mL) in the oil extract. Oleic acid (48%) and linoleic acid (18%) were found to be the dominant fatty acids in the oil extracts. Gac oil with the lowest acid (0.69 mg KOH/g) and peroxide values (1.80 meq O2/kg) was extracted when microwave-drying was applied prior to pressing. It can be concluded that the microwave drying pre-treatment before pressing was better than the air-drying pre-treatment for extracting Gac oil of high quality.
Spray Drying of Karkade (Hibiscus sabdariffa L.) Calyces and Evaluation of the Product
Authors: Sulieman Abdel Moneim 
Published: January 2014

Abstract
Karkade calyces’ samples (variety Rahad) collected from different local sites were spray dried, and the powder samples were analyzed physically, chemically and microbiologically. The particle size of the various karkade powder samples ranged from 11.8 to 14.1 μm, while the flowability (angle of repose) ranged from 41° to 43° 20′. The reconstitution properties slightly varied when the various karkade samples were compared. The ranges of wettability, sinkability and dispersibility were 320–370 s, 800–850 s and 0.04–0.05 OD, respectively. The bulk density ranged from 0.57 to 0.65 g/ml, and the yield of karkade powder of the various samples ranged between 31.4 and 34.3%. The spray-dried samples from different sites were comparable in most of the chemical components, and they contained relatively good amount of macro- and micronutrients and high nutritive value. Virtually, all the spray-dried karkade powder samples were devoid of coliform, staphylococci and Salmonella cells.
Differences between external and internal fetal heart rate monitoring during the second stage of labor: a prospective observational study
Authors: Nunes Inês , Ayres-de-Campos Diogo , Costa-Santos Cristina , Bernardes João 
Published: January 2014

Abstract

Objective: To compare fetal heart rate (FHR) signals acquired simultaneously by an external ultrasound probe and a scalp electrode during the second stage of labor.

Methods: This was a prospective observational study in a labor ward of a tertiary care university hospital. The population was women in labor with uneventful singleton pregnancies at term. Simultaneous external and internal FHR monitoring was performed in 67 consecutively recruited women during the second stage of labor. Cases were subsequently excluded if the trace length was under 40 min, cesarean birth occurred, or the interval between trace-end and birth exceeded 5 min, leaving a total of 33 traces for analysis. The last 40–60 min of these traces were analyzed by a computer system (Omniview-SisPorto® 3.5; Speculum®, Lisbon, Portugal) to quantify cardiotocographic parameters. Paired sample t-test and Bland-Altman limits of agreement (LoA) were used for statistical analysis, setting significance at 0.05. The main outcome measures were signal loss, FHR baseline, periodic events, and percentage of periodic events coinciding with contractions.

Results: A higher signal loss was observed with external monitoring [10% vs. 4%; P<0.001, LoA=(–6, 18)]. No differences were found in mean FHR baseline [129 bpm vs. 130 bpm, P=0.245, LoA=(–15, 12)], but more accelerations [12 vs. 8, P<0.001, LoA=(–5, 13)] and less decelerations [8 vs. 10, P<0.001, LoA=(–8, 4)] were detected with external monitoring. With this method there were also more accelerations (66% vs. 55%, P=0.036) and less decelerations (68% vs. 81%, P=0.017) coinciding with contractions.

Conclusions: External FHR monitoring during the second stage of labor results in higher signal loss, increased number of accelerations, and decreased number of decelerations when compared with internal monitoring.
Reference range for amniotic fluid index measurements in a Brazilian population
Authors: Júnior Edward Araujo , Martins Wellington P. , Pares David Baptista Silva , Pires Claudio Rodrigues , Filho Sebastião Marques Zanforlin 
Published: January 2014

Abstract

Objective: The aim of this study was to determine the reference range for amniotic fluid index (AFI) measurements in a large sample of the Brazilian population.

Methods: This was a retrospective cross-sectional study on 3837 normal singleton pregnancies between 18+0 and 38+6 weeks of pregnancy. The AFI was measured from the largest vertical pockets of amniotic fluid in the four quadrants of the uterine cavity. To assess the correlation between AFI and gestational age (GA), polynomial equations were calculated, with adjustments using the determination coefficient (R
2).

Results: The mean maternal age and gestational age were 27.01±6.57 years and 30.43±5.29 weeks, respectively. The mean AFI ranged from 12.2±2.6 cm at 18 weeks to 11.6±6.0 cm at 38 weeks of pregnancy. The correlation between AFI and GA was best represented by a linear equation: AFI=17.78–0.153*GA (R
2=0.027).

Conclusion: We established the reference range for the AFI in a large sample of the Brazilian population. This reference range can be used to monitor deviations in the volume of amniotic fluid in fetuses at high risk for intrauterine growth disturbances.
The influence of transport layers on the photodegradation stability of polymer solar cell structures
Authors: Možíšková Petra , Heinrichová Patricie , Šedina Martin , Vala Martin , David Jan , Weiter Martin 
Published: January 2014

Abstract
A light exposure degradation study of electrically active polymers – high-glass-transition-temperature poly(1,4-phenylenevinylene) (Tg-PPV); poly(3-hexylthiophene-2,5-diyl) (P3HT); and poly(2-methoxy-5-(3′-7′- dimethyloctyloxy)-1,4-phenylenevinylene) (MDMO-PPV) – in pure form and blends with [6,6]-phenyl C61-butyric acid methyl ester (PCBM) was conducted to assess the influence of the employed transport layers on the materials’ photodegradation stability. Devices were prepared on quartz glass and silicon (Si) substrates with a transport layer prepared from poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene):poly(4-styrene sulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS) or titanium dioxide (TiO2). Photodegradation processes in ambient air demonstrated that the polymers were thermally stable in the dark; thus, the material deteriorations not only were caused by thermal stress, but also from light-induced processes. Degradation processes of pure polymers may be considered as fast – in the order of hours – but retardable by blending of polymers with PCBM. The deposition of polymer blends on an additional layer of PEDOT:PSS or TiO2 revealed that the polymer blends studied in this work (except for P3HT) presented higher stability against polymer chain scission when deposited onto the TiO2 layer. Kinetic analysis undertaken during this work revealed that the photodegradation processes were followed by two degradation steps. Degradation kinetics were evaluated according to a Perrin-like model for absorption assessments and according to simple exponential for emission measurements.
Gegenbauer random fields
Authors: Espejo Rosa M. , Leonenko Nikolai N. , Ruiz-Medina María D. 
Published: January 2014

Abstract.
This paper introduces spatial long-range dependence time
series models, based on the consideration of fractional difference
operators associated with Gegenbauer polynomials. Their structural
properties are analyzed. The spatial autoregressive Gegenbauer case
is also studied, including the case of k factors with multiple
singularities. An extension to the Hilbert-valued context is
finally formulated leading to the introduction of a new class of
spatial functional time series models.
Reanalysis of CO2-silicalite-1 structure as monoclinic twinning
Authors: Fujiyama Shinjiro , Kamiya Natsumi , Nishi Koji , Yokomori Yoshinobu 
Published: January 2014

Abstract
Structural analysis of CO2-silicalite-1 crystals using the single-crystal X-ray diffraction method reveals that the crystal system is twinned monoclinic. The structure of silicalite-1 (MFI-type zeolites) loaded with CO2 has previously been solved in orthorhombic system [1], but the R value is still large. Since CO2 molecules are too small to maintain the orthorhombic structure, it is considered that the CO2-silicalite-1 crystals should be in the relaxed monoclinic twin phase. The diffraction data in the previous report is recalculated in P21
/n as the monoclinic twinning.
High-Intensity Training and Salivary Immunoglobulin A Responses in Professional Top-Level Soccer Players: Effect of Training Intensity
Authors: Owen Adam L. , Wong Del P. , Dunlop Gordon , Groussard Carole , Kebsi Wiem , Dellal Alexandre , Morgans Ryland , Zouhal Hassane 
Published: January 2014

Abstract
Owen, AL, Wong, DP, Dunlop, G, Groussard, C, Kebsi, W, Dellal, A, Morgans, R, and Zouhal, H. High-intensity training and salivary immunoglobulin A responses in professional top-level soccer players: Effect of training intensity. J Strength Cond Res 30(9): 2460–2469, 2016—This study aimed (a) to test the hypothesis that salivary immunoglobulin A (s-IgA) would vary with training intensity sessions (low-intensity [LI] vs. high-intensity sessions [HI]) during a traditional training program divided into 4 training periods and (b) to identify key variables (e.g., GPS data, rating of perceived exertion [RPE], and training duration), which could affect s-IgA. Saliva samples of 10 elite professional soccer players were collected (a) before the investigation started to establish the baseline level and (b) before and after each 4 training sessions (LI vs. HI). Training intensity was monitored as internal (through heart rate responses and RPE) and external (through GPS) loads. High-intensity sessions were associated with higher external load (GPS) and with higher RPE. Baseline and pretraining s-IgA did not differ between the 4 training sessions both for HI and LI. Post-training s-IgA were not different (in absolute value and in percentage of change) between HI and LI sessions at the first 3 periods. However, at the fourth period, s-IgA concentration for HI session was significantly lower (p ≤ 0.05) than the LI session. The percentage change between s-IgA post-training and s-IgA baseline concentrations differ significantly (p ≤ 0.05) between HI and LI training sessions. Significant correlations between s-IgA and training intensity were also noted. High-intensity soccer training sessions might cause a significant decrease in s-IgA values during the postexercise window as compared with LI sessions. This study encourages coaches to monitor s-IgA in routine, particularly during HI training periods, to take precautions to avoid upper respiratory tract infection in highly trained soccer players.
Fluorescence Quenching Kinetics of Py Excimer in PS Films
Authors: Jang Hyun-Sook , Lei Yu , Nieh Mu-Ping 
Published: January 2014

ABSTRACTExcimer fluorescence of two-component thin films made of pyrene (Py) and polystyrene (PS) can be quenched by the vapor of nitro-aromatic and nitro-ester explosives with a high selectivity and sensitivity. Normally, an electrospun film can be quenched in minutes by the vapor of the explosives. In order to understand the origin of the mechanism, we have investigated the fluorescence quenching rate of the binary thin films as functions of the molecular weights (MW) of the polystyrene (from 2,500 to 900,000 g/mol) and film thicknesses (110nm and 610 nm) in presence of the vapor of 2,4-dinitrotoluene (2,4-DNT, a type of nitro-explosives). The diffusion coefficients of 2, 4-DNT in the solid films are found nearly independent of MW but have strong dependence on the film thicknesses.
Using EIS/PEDRA to Describe Barrier Oxide Films on Irradiated Zirconium Alloys
Authors: Maguire Michael A. 
Published: January 2014

ABSTRACTElectrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS) and the Parallel Electrical Dielectric Response Analysis (PEDRA) application were used to describe the inner barrier oxide films on irradiated zirconium alloys. This is achieved with minimal surface preparation and without disturbing the outer porous oxide. These two distinguishable inner and outer oxide layers result from a growth-fracture oxidation mechanism. Key to success of the EIS technique in describing the barrier oxide layer are: 1) the model and procedure used to fit EIS spectra, 2) the validation of the fit, and 3) converting circuit parameters (R, C and n) into physical attributes of the barrier oxide.The barrier oxide is defined as the inner-dense layer adjacent to the metal-oxide interface. The integrity of barrier oxide is thought to effect both oxidation (i.e. access of water to the interface), and hydrogen pickup (i.e. failure hydrogen to escape away from the interface). Using EIS and the PEDRA application, the barrier oxide is described in terms of multiple independent dielectric responses to yield a unique 'micro-macro' picture of the barrier oxide that can be used to explain observed H pickup behavior.
Comparison of closure approximations for continuous dislocation dynamics
Authors: Monavari Mehran , Zaiser Michael , Sandfeld Stefan 
Published: January 2014

ABSTRACTWe discuss methods to describe the evolution of dislocation systems in terms of a limited number of continuous field variables while correctly representing the kinematics of systems of flexible and connected lines. We show that a satisfactory continuum representation may be obtained in terms of only four variables. We discuss the consequences of different approximations needed to formulate a closed set of equations for these variables and propose a benchmark problem to assess the performance of the resulting models. We demonstrate that best results are obtained by using the maximum entropy formalism to arrive at an optimal estimate for the dislocation orientation distribution based on its lowest-order angular moments.
“Three-Unit” Muscle Reconstruction in Secondary Cleft Lip Repair
Authors: Fan Qi , Li Yu , Danning Zheng , Zhang Bo , Chen Siqi , Wang Jian 
Published: January 2014

Background Secondary deformities are common in people born with unilateral cleft lip and palate. In recent years, more and more attempts and efforts have been directed toward muscle reconstruction. The authors present a new method of orbicularis oris repair in correction of secondary cleft lip deformities. Methods From April 2009 to April 2013, a total of 28 patients underwent this procedure in the authors' department and had a follow-up with a minimum length of 1 year. Muscle reconstruction was divided into three units that deal with the nasal floor, white lip, and red lip. Common anatomical pathologies including a deviated columella, blunted alar-facial groove, lack of philtral column, “free border” deficiency, and unapparent vermilion tubercle can be corrected in a single operation. Results The average follow-up period was 14.6 months (range, 12 to 24 months). Contractubex gel (Merz Pharma, Frankfurt, Germany) was used to treat prominent or reddish scars in 16 patients. No major complications occurred. All the patients were satisfied with their nasolabial appearance. Conclusions “Three-unit” muscle repair was found to be effective and practical in secondary repair. Improved aesthetic and functional results can be achieved with this comprehensive procedure.
Have CPAs Captured State Accountancy Boards?
Authors: Colbert Gary J. , Murray Dennis F. 
Published: January 2014

ABSTRACT
All states in the U.S. regulate the practice of public accounting. An important part of the regulatory apparatus is the state accountancy board (SAB). SABs implement the laws that govern public accounting. State societies of CPAs (SSCPAs), in contrast, are advocacy mechanisms that can potentially be used by members of the profession to achieve their regulatory objectives. Economic theory raises the possibility that regulatory bodies such as SABs might be captured by the profession that they regulate. We examine the composition of SABs and find that the majority of members are CPAs. A survey of CPA SAB members reveals that nearly one-third of the respondents are past leaders of their SSCPAs. We further find that the percentage of board members who are CPAs and the percentage of our respondents who are past leaders of their SSCPAs are positively associated with the rapidity with which states adopt two important accountancy laws (interstate mobility and the 150-hour education requirement) that can be viewed as being in the best interest of the profession. These findings support the hypothesis of regulatory capture and suggest that states may benefit from reconsidering the qualifications of SAB members.
Competitive Strategy and Voluntary Environmental Disclosure: Evidence from the Chemical Industry
Authors: Ling Qianhua , Mowen Maryanne M. 
Published: January 2014

ABSTRACT
In this paper, we investigate the relationship between corporate competitive strategy and environmental disclosure in the voluntary channel. Two major competitive strategies, investment in brand image and investment in research and development (R&D), are examined. Using a sample of companies in the chemical industry, we find that both strategies are associated with higher levels of environmental disclosure than chemical companies not emphasizing either of the two strategies. Additionally, companies emphasizing investment in brand image tend to disclose more when their actual environmental performance is low; conversely, companies emphasizing investment in R&D tend to disclose more when their environmental performance is good. When trying to interpret environmental disclosures, stakeholders should be aware of a company's strategy and adjust their assessment of environmental performance accordingly.
Data Availability: Data are available from sources identified in the text.