bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Performance Analysis of a Stationary Fuel Cell Thermoelectric Cogeneration System
Authors: Kuo J.‐K. , Hwang J.‐J. , Lin C.‐H. 
Published: October 2012

AbstractThe main purpose of our study was to use an experimental method and system dynamic simulation technology to examine a proton exchange membrane fuel cell thermoelectric cogeneration system that provides both high‐quality electric power and heated water. In the second part of our study, we experimentally verified the development of key components of the fuel cell and conducted a comprehensive analysis of the subsystems, including the fuel cell module, hydrogen supply subsystem, air supply subsystem, humidifier subsystem, and heat recovery subsystem. Finally, we integrated all of the subsystems into a PEM fuel cell thermoelectric cogeneration system and performed efficiency tests and analysis of power generation, heat recovery, and thermoelectric cogeneration. After comparing this system's efficiency results using simulation and experimentation, we determined that the accuracy of the simulation values when compared to the experimental values was >95%, showing that this system's simulation nearly approached the efficiency of the actual experiment, including more than 53% for power generation efficiency, more than 39% for heat recovery efficiency, and more than 93% for thermoelectric cogeneration combined efficiency.
NATM – from a construction method to a system / NÖT – von der Bauweise zum System
Authors: Schubert Wulf , Lauffer Harald 
Published: October 2012

AbstractThe term NATM was introduced by Rabcewicz during a lecture at the Geomechanics Colloquium in 1962. In this lecture, he summarizes the development of tunnelling methods and insight into mechanical processes in the ground over the last decades, and points out the positive experience made with a combination of shotcrete and rock bolts instead of the traditional timber or steel supports. Building on experience and development around the world, it has been Austrian engineers who have systematically developed and applied the method. In the beginning technological questions played a major role, but it was also clear that traditional design methods were no longer applicable. Thus it was still unavoidable to rely heavily on experience and observation. The importance of measurements for observing the system behaviour has been acknowledged, and techniques have been developed considerably further since then. Parallel to gaining more experience with the method in all kinds of ground conditions, contractual practices have also been further developed with the aim of establishing rules, which allow fair compensation of the contractor in spite of all the inherent uncertainties. In Austria, tunnel design practice has been standardized by the introduction of a guideline.Some of the factors contributing to the success of the method are the awareness of the client of his responsibilities, appropriate site organization, qualified engineers and miners, practically oriented research and education, as well as extensive exchange of experience.Der Begriff NÖT wurde von Rabcewicz geschaffen, der ihn erstmalig beim Geomechanik Kolloquium 1962 verwendete. In seinem damaligen Beitrag fasst er die während der letzten Dekaden entwickelten Tunnelbaumethoden und die Vorstellungen über die Mechanik der Vorgänge im Gebirge zusammen. Aufbauend auf vorliegenden Erfahrungen und Erkenntnisse haben überwiegend österreichische Ingenieure diese Methode entwickelt und umgesetzt. Standen anfänglich Probleme einer praktischen Umsetzung im Vordergrund, so war doch klar, dass die traditionellen Planungsgrundsätze der Vergangenheit angehörten. Deswegen musste man sich noch überwiegend auf Erfahrungen und Beobachtungen stützen. Von Anfang an wurde die Bedeutung von Messungen zur ingenieurmäßigen Erfassung des Gebirgsverhaltens erkannt und deren Weiterentwicklung laufend vorangetrieben. Parallel zur erfolgreichen Anwendung der Methode in allen Gebirgsarten wurden auch Vertragsmodelle entwickelt, die eine faire Vergütung bei wechselhaftem und unvorhersehbarem Gebirgsverhalten ermöglichen.Zur Gewährleistung einer strukturieren geotechnischen Planung wurde eine eigene Richtlinie erarbeitet. Für den Erfolg der Methode sind entscheidungswillige und sachkundige Auftraggeber, eine entsprechende Baustellenorganisation, qualifizierte Ingenieure und Mineure, eine praxisorientiere Forschung und Ausbildung und schlussendlich ein intensiver Erfahrungsaustausch notwendig.
Anxiety Disorders and the Quality of Relationships With Friends, Relatives, and Romantic Partners
Authors: Priest Jacob B. 
Published: October 2012

ObjectivesThough research suggests support for the association between marital quality and anxiety disorders, less is known about relationship quality with relatives and friends and anxiety disorders.MethodUsing data from the Collaborative Psychiatric Epidemiology Surveys (n = 9912; mean age 44.8; 52.2% female), the association between relationship quality with relatives, friends, and romantic partners and anxiety disorders is examined for those who are divorced, single, or married.ResultsFor those who are single or divorced, relationship quality with relatives and friends was associated with many anxiety disorders including agoraphobia, social phobia, and generalized anxiety disorder. For those who are married, relationship quality with relatives and partners was associated with generalized anxiety disorder and posttraumatic stress disorder.ConclusionGiven that those with anxiety disorders have higher rates of divorce and are more likely to be single, examining the relationship quality with relatives and friends, in addition to romantic partners, may be important for understanding the onset and course of anxiety disorders.
Hearing impairment in Parkinson's disease: Expanding the nonmotor phenotype
Authors: Vitale Carmine , Marcelli Vincenzo , Allocca Roberto , Santangelo Gabriella , Riccardi Pasquale , Erro Roberto , Amboni Marianna , Pellecchia Maria Teresa , Cozzolino Autilia , Longo Katia , Picillo Marina , Moccia Marcello , Agosti Valeria , Sorrentino G. , Cavaliere Michele , Marciano Elio , Barone Paolo 
Published: October 2012

AbstractThe objective of this study was to evaluate hearing impairment in patients affected by Parkinson's disease compared with hearing scores observed in normal age‐ and sex‐matched controls. One hundred eighteen consecutive patients with a clinical diagnosis of Parkinson's disease were screened. Severity of motor symptoms and staging were measured with the Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale (section III) and the Hoehn and Yahr scale. Audiometric evaluation consisted of a comprehensive audiologic case history and questionnaire, visual otoscopic examination, acoustic immittance measures (tympanogram and acoustic reflexes), pure tone audiometry, and measurement of brain stem auditory‐evoked potentials. Healthy age‐ and sex‐matched subjects were selected as the control group. One hundred six of 118 patients were enrolled. Pure tone audiometry revealed age‐dependent high‐frequency hearing loss in patients with Parkinson's disease compared with both normative values and values for healthy age‐ and sex‐matched controls (75/106 [71%], χ2 = 5.959, P = .02; 92/106 [86.8%] vs 60/106 [56.6%], χ2 = 23.804, P < .001, respectively). Pure tone audiometry scores correlated with Hoehn and Yahr scale scores (P < .05). Brain stem auditory‐evoked potentials were normal in all patients. Our patients with Parkinson's disease showed age‐dependent peripheral, unilateral, or bilateral hearing impairment. Whether these auditory deficits are intrinsic to Parkinson's disease or secondary to a more complex impaired processing of sensorial inputs occurring over the course of illness remains to be determined. Because α‐synuclein is located predominately in the efferent neuronal system within the inner ear, it could affect susceptibility to noise‐induced hearing loss or presbycusis. It is feasible that the natural aging process combined with neurodegenerative changes intrinsic to Parkinson's disease might interfere with cochlear transduction mechanisms, thus anticipating presbycusis. © 2012 Movement Disorder Society
Experiences of Healthcare Provision for Foot Ulceration Occurring in People with Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: Firth Jill , Nelson Andrea , Briggs Michelle , Gorecki Claudia 
Published: October 2012

AbstractBackgroundParticipants with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) report that foot ulceration has an impact on their health‐related quality of life (HRQL) across physical, social and psychological domains. What is not known is how experiences of healthcare provision influence HRQL. The present study set out to map the patent journey while integrating the impact on HRQL.MethodsA purposive sample of RA patients with open foot ulceration was recruited from podiatry clinics in West Yorkshire (UK) between May 2008 and June 2009. Patients with diabetes were excluded (the impact of foot ulceration in this group is well established). In‐depth interviews were taped and transcribed. A framework approach to data management was used to facilitate a case‐ and theme‐based analysis.ResultsTwenty‐three RA patients (18 female, five male; aged 45–88 years) participated. Two themes and five sub‐themes were identified. The patient journey theme comprised the following sub‐themes: access to care; knowledge acquisition; care pathways and continuity of care. Patient–professional relationships comprised the sub‐themes: therapeutic patient–professional relationships and task‐orientated care. The journey took a highly variable course that was influenced by patient‐specific factors (past experience of ulceration; symptomology; knowledge and self‐efficacy); service‐specific factors (access to care and care pathways) and professional‐specific factors (knowing and trusting someone; holism).ConclusionsThe present study highlights the need for clearer care pathways for patients affected by foot ulceration improved patient education and better coordination of care. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Study on peroxide vulcanization thermodynamics of ethylene–vinyl acetate copolymer rubber using 2,2,6,6,‐tetramethylpiperidinyloxyl nitroxide
Authors: Posadas Pilar , Fernández‐Torres Alberto , Chamorro Celia , Mora‐Barrantes Irene , Rodríguez Andrés , González Luis , Valentín Juan L 
Published: October 2012

AbstractA step forward in the understanding of rubber vulcanization with organic peroxides is provided by combining a proper arrangement between polymer, vulcanizing agent and cure conditions. For this purpose, an ethylene–vinyl acetate copolymer with a high content of vinyl acetate (70 mol%) was used since a fully saturated polymer backbone allows its vulcanization via peroxide. For the range of conditions analysed here, it is shown that the predominant process taking place is crosslinking via radical recombination, minimizing or even avoiding undesirable secondary reactions such us polymer degradation. Once conditions had been optimized, peroxide vulcanization was analysed in more depth in the presence of 2,2,6,6‐tetramethylpiperidinyloxyl, which is a mediating stable free radical commonly used in controlled radical polymerization. Consequently, it was possible to differentiate the termination reaction from the initiation and propagation steps, allowing the determination of the enthalpy of formed C–C crosslinks as measured using calorimetry. It was possible to isolate and determine the contribution of the crosslinking pathway from the global vulcanization reaction by means of calorimetric methods at optimum conditions. In fact, this simple methodology could be an important tool for understanding in detail the complex peroxide vulcanization of elastomers since reactions involved in this process determine the final network structure, and thus the final elastic properties of these compounds.
LONG‐TERM VEGETATION DYNAMICS AFTER HIGH‐DENSITY SEEDLING ESTABLISHMENT: IMPLICATIONS FOR RIPARIAN RESTORATION AND MANAGEMENT
Authors: Bunting D. P. , Kurc S. , Grabau M. 
Published: October 2012

ABSTRACTHuman disturbances have contributed to the deterioration of many western US rivers in the past century. Cottonwood‐willow communities, present historically along the Colorado River, protect watersheds and provide wildlife habitat, but are now among the most threatened forests. As a result, restoration efforts have increased to re‐establish and maintain cottonwood‐willow stands. While successful establishment has been observed using multiple strategies with varying investments, few projects are evaluated to quantify efficacy and determine long‐term sustainability. We monitored a seeded cottonwood‐willow site over a five‐year period beginning in 2007, with particular interest in how density affected vegetation diversity and stand structure over time. Fremont cottonwood (Populus fremontii) and volunteer tamarisk (Tamarix ramosissma) were the only abundant riparian trees at the site after one year. P. fremontii, compared to T. ramosissma, had higher growth rates, lower mortality, and dominated overstory and total cover each year. Vegetation diversity decreased from 2007–2009, but was similar from 2009–2011 as a result of decreased herbaceous and increased shrub species richness. Diversity was highest in the lowest density class (1‐12 stems/m2), but similar among all other classes (13–24, 25–42, 43+). High initial woody species densities resulted in single‐stemmed trees with depressed terminal and radial growths. Allometry, relating height to DBH at different densities, could prove to be an important tool for long‐term restoration management and studying habitat suitability. Understanding long‐term trends at densely‐planted or seeded sites can benefit restoration managers who aim to establish specific community structure and vegetation diversity for wildlife habitat. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Clinical and biological features at diagnosis in mitochondrial fatty acid beta‐oxidation defects: a French pediatric study of 187 patients
Authors: Baruteau Julien , Sachs Philippe , Broué Pierre , Brivet Michèle , Abdoul Hendy , Vianey‐Saban Christine , Ogier de Baulny Hélène 
Published: October 2012

AbstractIntroductionMitochondrial fatty acid β‐oxidation defects (FAODs) are a group of severe inherited metabolic diseases, most of which can be treated with favorable prognosis following diagnosis. A description of the broad range of phenotypes resulting from these defects remains incomplete, and for this study, we sought to investigate the semiology at diagnosis in a country without a newborn screening program for FAODs.MethodsUsing a retrospective French multicentre study, we analyzed 187 children aged <6 years at diagnosis with FAOD confirmed by enzymatic and/or molecular analyses. Clinical and biological parameters at diagnosis were assessed to screen liver, heart, neurological, and muscle symptoms. Information concerning the long‐term prognosis was also collected.ResultsPredominant hepatic symptoms were observed in 89 % of patients regardless of the underlying defect. The most frequent symptoms observed were hepatomegaly (92 %), increased blood alanine aminotransferase (ALAT) level (82 %), and steatosis (88 %). Other frequent features included Reye syndrome (49 %), increased gamma‐glutamyltranspeptidase (GGT) (37 %), and liver failure (27 %). Extrahepatic features were often associated in the foreground. Hypoglycemia (75 %), neurological (64 %), muscle (61 %), or cardiac features (55 %) [as either cardiomyopathy (47 %) or arrhythmias (31 %)] were frequently documented. Hemodynamic events (41 %) were represented by shock (31 %) or sudden death (35 %). Hyperammonemia (73 %) and hyperlactacidemia (57 %) were the two main biochemical features. Total, very‐long‐chain acyl‐CoA dehydrogenase (VLCADD), long‐chain 3‐hydroxyacylCoA dehydrogenase (LCHADD), and medium‐chain acyl‐CoA dehydrogenase (MCADD) deficiency mortality rates were 48 %, 60 %, 63 %, and 20 % respectively.ConclusionThis study presents clinical features of a large cohort of patients with FAODs in a country without neonatal screening for FAODs. Our results highlight liver as the main organ involved at diagnosis regardless of age at diagnosis, classical phenotype (i.e., cardiac, hepatic, or muscular), or enzyme deficiency. Although steatosis may be observed in various inherited metabolic defects, it is a reliable indicator of FAOD and should prompt systematic screening when the diagnosis is suspected. The poor long‐term prognoses reported are a strong argument for inclusion of FAODs in newborn screening programs.
Prediction of the functional effect of novel SLC25A13 variants using a S. cerevisiae model of AGC2 deficiency
Authors: Wongkittichote Parith , Tungpradabkul Sumalee , Wattanasirichaigoon Duangrurdee , Jensen Laran T. 
Published: October 2012

AbstractAGC2, a member of the mitochondrial carrier protein family, is as an aspartate‐glutamate carrier and is important for urea synthesis and the maintenance of the malate‐aspartate shuttle. Mutations in SLC25A13, the gene encoding AGC2, result in two age dependent disorders: neonatal intrahepatic cholestasis caused by citrin deficiency (NICCD) and type II citrullinemia (CTLN2). The clinical features of CTLN2 are very similar to those of other urea cycle disorders making a clear diagnosis difficult. Analysis of the SLC25A13 gene sequence can provide a definitive diagnosis, however the predictive value of DNA sequencing requires that the disease association of variants be characterized. We utilized the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae lacking AGC1 as a model system to study the effect on the function of AGC2 variants and confirmed that this system is capable of distinguishing between AGC2 variants with normal (p.Pro632Leu) or impaired function (p.Gly437Glu, p.Gly531Asp, p.Thr546Met, p.Leu598Arg and p.Glu601Lys). Three novel AGC2 genetic variants, p.Met1? (c.2T>C), p.Pro502Leu (c.1505C>T), and p.Arg605Gln (c.1814G>A) were investigated and our analysis revealed that p.Pro502Leu and p.Arg605Gln substitutions in the AGC2 protein were without effect and these variants were fully functional. The p.Met1? mutant is capable of expressing a truncated p.Met1_Phe34del AGC2 variant, however this protein is not functional due to disruptions in a calcium binding EF hand as well as incorrect intracellular localization. Our study demonstrates that the characterization of AGC2 expressed in yeast cells is a powerful technique to investigate AGC2 variants, and this analysis should aid in establishing the disease association of novel variants.
Biofuel from plant biomass
Authors: Kerckhoffs Huub , Renquist Richard 
Published: October 2012

Abstract
Plant biomass can be used for multiple forms of bioenergy, and there is a very large potential supply, depending on which global assessment is most accurate in terms of land area that could be available for biomass production. The most suitable plant species must be identified before the potential biomass production in a particular region can be quantified. This in turn depends on the degree of climatic adaptation by those species. In the range of climates present in New Zealand, biomass crop growth has less restriction due to water deficit or low winter temperature than in most world regions. Biomass production for energy use in New Zealand would be best utilised as transport fuel since 70 % of the country’s electricity generation is already renewable, but nearly all of its transport fossil fuel is imported. There is a good economic development case for transport biofuel production using waste streams and biomass crops. This review identified the most suitable crop species and assessed their production potential for use within the climatic range present in New Zealand. Information from published work was used as a basis for selecting appropriate crops in a 2-year selection and evaluation process. Where there were knowledge gaps, the location-specific selections were further evaluated by field measurements. The data presented have superseded much of the speculative information on the suitability of species for the potential development of a biofuel industry in New Zealand.
Partial Acceptor Photobleaching-Based Quantitative FRET Method Completely Overcoming Emission Spectral Crosstalks
Authors: Li Huali , Yu Huaina , Chen Tongsheng 
Published: October 2012

AbstractBased on the quantitative fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) method named PbFRET we reported recently, we herein developed a partial acceptor photobleaching-based quantitative FRET algorithm named B-PbFRET method. B-PbFRET overcomes not only the acceptor excitation crosstalk and donor emission spectral crosstalk but also the acceptor emission spectral crosstalk that harasses previous methods including fluorescence lifetime (FLIM), fluorescence recovery of donor after acceptor photobleaching, and acceptor sensitized emission (SE)-based methods. B-PbFRET method is implemented by simultaneously measuring the fluorescence intensity of both donor and acceptor channels at donor excitation before and after partial acceptor photobleaching, and it can directly measure the FRET efficiency (E) without any verified references. Based on the theoretical analysis of B-PbFRET, we also developed a more straightforward correction method named C-PbFRET to obtain the absolute E from the value measured by PbFRET for a given donor-acceptor pair. We validated both B-PbFRET and C-PbFRET methods by measuring the E of two linked constructs, 18AA and SCAT3 proteins, in single living cells, and our data demonstrated that both B-PbFRET and C-PbFRET methods can directly measure the absolute E of the linked constructs inside living cells under different degrees of acceptor emission spectral crosstalk.
Polarization and direction of arrival of Jovian quasiperiodic bursts observed by Cassini
Authors: Kimura T. , Cecconi B. , Zarka P. , Kasaba Y. , Tsuchiya F. , Misawa H. , Morioka A. 
Published: October 2012

Jovian quasiperiodic (QP) radio bursts are suspected to be associated with relativistic particle accelerations occurring with a quasiperiodicity between a few minutes and a few tens of minutes in Jupiter's polar magnetosphere. Understanding the excitation and propagation of QP bursts could help us to better understand this periodic energization process. A first necessary step is to measure the wave mode, source location, and directivity of QP bursts. For that purpose, we performed a statistical analysis of goniopolarimetric measurements of QP bursts made with the Radio and Plasma Wave Science investigation (RPWS) onboard Cassini spacecraft during the Jupiter flyby of 2000–2001. We studied two groups of QP bursts on 22 and 23 December 2000, and we found consistent source directions about 50 RJ north of Jupiter with an error bar ≤20 RJ. Statistics of the Stokes parameters indicate that QP bursts are partially left‐handed polarized (V > 0, Q, U < 0). Together with the direction finding results, these polarization statistics imply that QP bursts observed from low latitudes are L‐O mode waves which have been excited in the northern polar source, have propagated toward high latitudes, and then got refracted equatorward in the magnetosheath. Dependence of the Stokes parameters on the longitude indicates that QP bursts are excited within a particular phase range of the planetary rotation, when the system III longitude of the sub‐solar point is between 260° and 480°. This implies that QP radio bursts and associated particle accelerations always occur within the same rotational sector, suggesting the existence of a recurrent magnetospheric disturbance at the planetary rotation period. Finally, we propose a possible scenario for the generation and propagation of QP bursts by combining the results of the present study with those of other recent observational and theoretical studies.