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A resource estimate (calculation of total tonnes and grade within a deposit) is generally underpinned by a clear understanding of the geometry, orientation and control of mineralization and set of assays with assigned 3D spatial locations. The proper interpretation and handling of outliers in a data set is crucial to estimating a mineral resource that is representative of the deposit. Without a firm understanding of the distribution of metal in a deposit, mine planning, scheduling, process planning and economic analysis will likely be flawed. Three of the most important issues in the mineral resource estimation process are the recognition of outlier values in a data set, the source of the outlier values, and the subsequent handling of these high values. Treatment of outliers in mineral resource estimations is a perplexing problem for which there is no generally accepted solution. Each deposit may have a unique distribution of outlier values which may require multiple methods of treatment to fully understand the issues and their effect on the mineral resource estimate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography (GC×GC-TOFMS) was used to detect recently discovered condensates in the Cambrian dolomite reservoir beneath gypsum rocks of Tarim Basin. It was found that the thioadamantane and dibenzothiophene compounds are rich in the dolomite reservoirs, which indicates that the gas condensates have undergone hydrocarbon charging with TSR genesis. Based on the contents of SO42−and Mg2+in the formation water of the Well ZS-1 reservoirs, the dolomite reservoirs and gypsum caps of intraplatform tidal flat facies sediments have been proven to be an effective geological combination to provide sulfate contact-ion pairs for TSR initiation. Compared with typical high-sulfur gas reservoirs with TSR throughout the world, the TSR extent in the Lower Cambrian dolomite reservoirs of ZS-1 is lower, and the liquid hydrocarbons in the Lower Cambrian of Well ZS-1 at the buried depth close to 7,000 m have not intensively cracked. Therefore, it is speculated that abundant cracking gas may occur in deeper slopes and basins (about 9,000 m) with high content of H2S and CO2. It is also revealed that deep dolomite reservoirs beneath gypsum rocks are the actual geological conditions for the accumulation and preservation of secondary H2S-bearing gas condensates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Spatial data modelling information-based systems in current mining operations in Ghana are introduced with particular emphasis on the concepts and the hierarchical structure for three-dimensional (3D) mine. The integration of the various components of a mine is presented, and a queryable 3D mine simulation is also discussed. The conceptual and logical models of 3D tetrahedral model are discussed. This paper discusses the concepts and background knowledge for 3D mine development in general, and then goes further to demonstrate the implementation of the unified spatial data model for mine development. The results showed that a singular spatial data model can be developed to show man-made objects above and below the mine surface. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to increase the production capacity of the Lonea mine, Jiu Valley coal basin, a decision was made to achieve an investment program to improve the mine technical and economic performances. For this, it was necessary to develop a very complex study. The works were based on the actual situation of the Lonea mine, and generated certain possible development scenarios to be applied, argued in detail in terms of technical, scientific and economic efficiency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

RATIONALE The identification of key acid metabolites ('signature' metabolites) has allowed significant improvements to be made in our understanding of the biodegradation of petroleum hydrocarbons, in reservoir and in contaminated natural systems, such as aquifers and seawater. On this basis, anaerobic oxidation is now more widely accepted as one viable mechanism, for instance. However, identification of metabolites in the complex acid mixtures from petroleum degradation is challenging and would benefit from use of more highly resolving analytical methods. METHODS Comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography/time-of-flight mass spectrometry (GCxGC/TOFMS) with both nominal mass and accurate mass measurement was used to study the complex mixtures of aromatic acids (as methyl esters) in petroleum fractions. RESULTS Numerous mono- and di-aromatic acid isomers were identified in a commercial naphthenic acids fraction from petroleum and in an acids fraction from a biodegraded petroleum. In many instances, compounds were identified by comparison of mass spectral and retention time data with those of authentic compounds. CONCLUSIONS The identification of a variety of alkyl naphthalene carboxylic and alkanoic and alkyl tetralin carboxylic and alkanoic acids, plus identifications of a range of alkyl indane acids, provides further evidence for 'signature' metabolites of biodegradation of aromatic petroleum hydrocarbons. Identifications such as these now offer the prospect of better differentiation of metabolites of bacterial processes (e.g. aerobic, methanogenic, sulphate-reducing) in polar petroleum fractions. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ti-based alloys are finding ever-increasing applications in biomaterials due to their excellent mechanical, physical and biological performance. Nowdays, low modulus β-type Ti-based alloys are still being developed. Meanwhile, porous Ti-based alloys are being developed as an alternative orthopedic implant material, as they can provide good biological fixation through bone tissue ingrowth into the porous network. This paper focuses on recent developments of biomedical Ti-based alloys. It can be divided into four main sections. The first section focuses on the fundamental requirements titanium biomaterial should fulfill and its market and application prospects. This section is followed by discussing basic phases, alloying elements and mechanical properties of low modulus β-type Ti-based alloys. Thermal treatment, grain size, texture and properties in Ti-based alloys and their limitations are dicussed in the third section. Finally, the fourth section reviews the influence of microstructural configurations on mechanical properties of porous Ti-based alloys and all known methods for fabricating porous Ti-based alloys. This section also reviews prospects and challenges of porous Ti-based alloys, emphasizing their current status, future opportunities and obstacles for expanded applications. Overall, efforts have been made to reveal the latest scenario of bulk and porous Ti-based materials for biomedical applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present work evaluates the feasibility of tracking protein aggregation voltammetrically by taking advantage of the intrinsic electroactivity of tyrosine residues. The electrocatalytic current due to the oxidation of tyrosine, mediated by tris-(2,2′-bipyridine)osmium(II) chloride, is used to report changes in protein aggregation state. We demonstrate, by the use of square wave voltammetry, that this system is able to differentiate between peptides containing equimolar tyrosine concentrations, and even detect tyrosine within large entities such as antibodies and insoluble amyloid fibrils. We also determine the aggregation time course of a model peptide, amyloid beta, detecting species with sizes from monomeric to insoluble aggregate. The method offers the prospect of monitoring biopharmaceutical aggregation and has potential to establish itself as a technique that is orthogonal to existing methods of aggregation detection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The blending of different refined, intermediate, or finished diesel products is a common practice for a petroleum refinery to maximize profit by reducing the giveaway of final diesel products with desired specifications and to avoid the reprocessing of in-stored off-spec products. Because the diesel combustion in engines has a significant impact on air quality in terms of NOx emission, diesel blending should also be evaluated with a new prospect of NOx emission. A comprehensive diesel blending model for petroleum refineries is developed which can simultaneously predict blending oil properties and potential NOx emissions and additionally optimize blending ratios among different blends to maximize the blending profit of diesel fuels subject to blending quantity, blending property, and potential NOx emission constraints. Based on the study, a Microsoft Excel tool has also been developed. The efficacy of the development is demonstrated by a comprehensive case study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: CCS is a R&D priority for China, covering all capture options, transport and storage. With regard to progression beyond research, there are some very significant large industrial scale trials that are being funded and implemented by various Chinese power generation, coal and oil companies. From a technical perspective, China is well positioned to move forward from these trials towards demonstrations of various CO2 capture and utilisation/storage options. While the primary focus will be on the power sector, the prospect of establishing CCS on coal to chemicals gasification units in certain regions of China offers the prospect of some early opportunities for demonstration. The attraction of demonstrating CCS on such gasifiers is that the results would be applicable to the overall development of the technology for many coal using sectors, and projects could be undertaken at significantly lower costs compared to operations on a coal fired power plant. This is because the CO2 is already produced as a concentrated stream and so the CCS marginal costs are essentially those of CO2 compression, transport and injection. Depending on the size and number of gasifiers in operation, the annual quantity of CO2 released at a site ranges from about 0.5Mt to well over 2Mt. Equally importantly, many of these individual gasification projects are located quite close to one another within industrial zones. This offers the prospect of establishing a CCS network, which would comprise a shared or interconnected system for transporting CO2 from multiple capture sources to one or more underground injection sites. Such networks should offer economies of scale and hence lower overall transport and (potentially lower) storage costs compared to an unintegrated single-source–single-storage project. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The Cambridge Crystallographic Data Centre (CCDC) was established in 1965 to record numerical, chemical and bibliographic data relating to published organic and metal-organic crystal structures. The Cambridge Structural Database (CSD) now stores data for nearly 700 000 structures and is a comprehensive and fully retrospective historical archive of small-molecule crystallography. Nearly 40 000 new structures are added each year. As X-ray crystallography celebrates its centenary as a subject, and the CCDC approaches its own 50th year, this article traces the origins of the CCDC as a publicly funded organization and its onward development into a self-financing charitable institution. Principally, however, we describe the growth of the CSD and its extensive associated software system, and summarize its impact and value as a basis for research in structural chemistry, materials science and the life sciences, including drug discovery and drug development. Finally, the article considers the CCDC's funding model in relation to open access and open data paradigms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT The routine availability of key component materials has been highlighted as a potential constraint to both extensive deployment and reduction in production costs of thin-film photovoltaic (PV) technologies. This paper examines the effect of material availability on the maximum potential growth of thin-film PV by 2050 using the case of tellurium (Te) in cadmium telluride (CdTe) PV, currently the dominating thin-film technology with the lowest manufacturing cost. The use of system dynamics (SD) modelling allows for a dynamic treatment of key Te supply features and prospects for reductions in PV demand via material efficiency improvements, as well as greater transparency and a better understanding of future recycling potential. The model's projections for maximum Te-constrained CdTe PV growth by 2050 are shown to be higher than a number of previous studies using static assumptions-suggesting that a dynamic treatment of the resource constraints for CdTe inherently improves the outlook for future deployment of this technology. In addition, the sensitivity analysis highlights certain complex correlations between the maximum potential CdTe growth by 2050 and the rated lifetime of PV modules as well as the reported size of global Te resources. The highest observed sensitivities are to the recovery rate of Te from copper anode slimes, the active layer thickness, the module efficiency and the utilisation rate of Te during manufacturing, all of which are highlighted as topics for further research. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper develops a bi-directional prediction approach to predict the production parameters and performance of differential fibers based on neural networks and a multi-objective evolutionary algorithm. The proposed method does not require accurate description and calculation for the multiple processes, different modes and complex conditions of fiber production. The bi-directional prediction approach includes the forward prediction and backward reasoning. Particle swam optimization algorithms with K-means algorithm are used to minimize the prediction error of the forward prediction results. Based on the forward prediction, backward reasoning uses the multi-objective evolutionary algorithm to find the reasoning results. Experiments with polyester filament parameters of differential production conditions indicate that the proposed approach obtains good prediction results. The results can be used to optimize fiber production and to design differential fibers. This study also has important value and widespread application prospects regarding the spinning of differential fiber optimization.` [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this article, I investigate the ethical potential of Victorian literature that markedly discourages readerly sympathy with the protagonists. Generating sympathy for fictional characters was, and often still is, considered to be the primary way in which the novel promotes ethical thoughts, feelings, and behavior in readers. For this reason, the ethical prospects of novels that fail or refuse to make their main characters appealing and instead inspire aversion in readers have received very little critical attention. Taking an unpopular novel by Anthony Trollope as my primary example, I analyze how the formal narrative strategy of "disnarration" (theorized by Gerald Prince) creates profound dislike for the book's protagonists. Further, I propose that these same passages of disnarration, by emphasizing the text's fictionality, can encourage readers to seek the sympathetic fulfillment that the text refuses them by engaging with the real world. In this way, I argue, even Victorian realist novels that defy the conventions of sympathy might still share an investment in realizing the ethical potential of fiction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recent success with the fabrication of high-performance GaN-on-Si high-voltage HFETs has made this technology a contender for power electronic applications. This paper discusses the properties of GaN that make it an attractive alternative to established silicon and emerging SiC power devices. Progress in development of vertical power devices from bulk GaN is reviewed followed by analysis of the prospects for GaN-on-Si HFET structures. Challenges and innovative solutions to creating enhancement-mode power switches are reviewed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: A simple estimation method for estuarine turbidity that may be helpful for management purposes is used to predict SPM concentrations for the strongly tidal estuaries of the northeast Irish Sea. It demonstrates a systematic tendency for the longer, more slowly flushed estuaries to have greater ‘intrinsic’ SPM concentrations within their high turbidity regions than the shorter estuaries. Predicted maximum SPM concentrations for the mainland estuaries vary from ∼10 mg l−1 (Bladnoch) to ∼10 g l−1 (Solway, Mersey and Dee). The Isle of Man estuaries are predicted to have maximum SPM concentrations that are less than 10 mg l−1. These small predicted concentrations are largely a consequence of their short lengths and short residence times. Geomorphology is the ultimate reason for this difference in Isle of Man and mainland estuarine turbidity. The Isle of Man has steep slopes and small rivers that flow rapidly to sea via short estuaries, whereas the mainland has a number of large, long, coastal plain estuaries that allow strong tidal currents to develop and provide storage for large quantities of fine sediment. Survey data for the Solway Esk and the Forth and Clyde Estuaries are used to illustrate the effects of uncertainty in the definition of an estuary's tidal length, which is a problem both for estuarine science and estuarine management. Despite the dearth of published, good quality field data for the estuaries described herein, there is nevertheless a good qualitative agreement between the predicted values of SPM and the majority of these observations. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

This paper contains information regarding several geotechnical standards with emphasis on Eurocode 7. Both intrusive and non-destructive methods exist, but these are not routinely practiced and their interpretation requires expert knowledge. They have the potential to explore shallow layers of soil, other soil and structural components, as well as relicts of past human activity. Two case studies are discussed and the methods of soil appraisal and non-destructive prospecting are reviewed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The current study endeavors to put together evolution, developments, and future prospects of internal model control strategy. Due efforts have been made to include all the techniques and philosophies used to that end. The brief account of the most recent techniques for near optimal and robust control has been provided along with a summary of conventional control schemes. At the same time, more emphasis is given on the issues in IMC design for single-input, single-output systems, like quantitative filter selection and tuning guidelines, modified structures, and related aspects of contemporary research developments. A set of references of all concerned papers, and a brief summary in them is provided. This paper also presents the results of these techniques as provided in the respective references. Illustrative example is given to show the effectiveness and the merits of the IMC based various forms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose. To develop new variants of bayonet pipe connections which will include special additional elements assuring tension in order to prevent disconnection of deep water pipes and allowing fast mounting and dismounting. Methodology. Studies were carried out on the basis of critical analysis of about 1200 national and foreign patent constructions, scientific generalization and systematization of constructions corresponding to the pipe connection requirements. Findings. The selecting criteria of necessary constructions to analyze were: easiness of mantling and dismantling at high loads and multiple assembling and disassembling, which is very important in difficult operating conditions caused by the change of the vertical load due to sea waves. Therefore bayonet connections appeared the most acceptable for use in such conditions as they provide fast installation and removal of pipe compositions with the small number of connection parts. However, the bayonet connections have some disadvantages, for example, impossibility of initial stress creation. Thus possibility of self-disconnecting brings into question the rationality of use of the bayonet connection without its design improvement. We can achieve the initial stress creation by introduction of an additional special element in the bayonet connection which will decrease the possibility of self-disconnecting. Originality. To provide intensity of the bayonet connections we suggest using elastic rings, disc springs placed in the space between the face ends of pipe sections or union threaded bushing screwed on the nipple end of the pipe section and therefore squeezing the bellmouthed end of the connection section. Practical value. Developed variants of bayonet pipe connections can be implemented into offshore drilling equipment used in petroleum and gas industry, provide state of tension and prevent disconnection of deep-water pipes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The use of simple models for decay of conductive targets under conductive overburden and for the decay of magnetically permeable conductive steel objects allows quantitative consideration of the advantages of the use of magnetic-field detectors in time-domain electromagnetic (TEM) measurements, or more generally, the advantage of step response over impulse response TEM systems. We identified eight advantages of the step response versus impulse-response systems. The first two advantages relate to the inductive limit (early time) decay behavior, in which a target response amplitude is largely dependent on geometrical rather than conductivity parameters. Five further advantages occur when measuring response of a target in a conductive host or under conductive overburden; the maximum target-to-overburden response occurs 25%-30% earlier in time, the earliest target detection time occurs a factor 2-4 earlier, and the amplitude advantage of target-to-overburden response is a factor in the range of 1-10 for the step versus impulse-response systems, respectively. These advantages agree quantitatively with field observations on a chalcopyrite orebody under conductive cover. We used a model response for a conductive permeable sphere to derive mathematically consistent approximations for the power-law and exponential decay behaviors for step and impulse responses of metal objects, from which the onset of late-time exponential decay of EM responses of unexploded ordnance occurs about a factor of two earlier in time for the step response. This earlier-time transition together with the higher signal-to-noise ratio available from the step-response measurement makes measurement of the fundamental time-constant of unexploded ordnance (UXO) possible for medium and large UXO where the time constant is in the range of tens of milliseconds. This time-constant thus becomes accessible as an additional parameter for UXO characterization and discrimination. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The event-related potential (ERP) effect of mismatch negativity (MMN) was the first electrophysiological probe to evaluate cognitive processing (change detection) in newborn infants. Initial studies of MMN predicted clinical utility for this measure in identification of infants at risk for developmental cognitive deficits. These predictions have not been realized. We hypothesized that in sleeping newborn infants, measures derived from wavelet assessment of power in the MMN paradigm would be more robust markers of the brain's response to stimulus change than the ERP-derived MMN. Consistent with this premise, we found increased power in response to unpredictable and infrequent tones compared to frequent tones. These increases were present at multiple locations on the scalp over a range of latencies and frequencies and occurred even in the absence of an ERP-derived MMN. There were two predominant effects. First, theta band power was elevated at middle and late latencies (200 to 600 ms), suggesting that neocortical theta rhythms that subserve working memory in adults are present at birth. Second, late latency (500 ms) increased power to the unpredictable and infrequent tones was observed in the beta and gamma bands, suggesting that oscillations involved in adult cognition are also present in the neonate. These findings support the expectation that frequency dependent measures, such as wavelet power, will improve the prospects for a clinically useful test of cortical function early in the postnatal period. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article addresses the open pit mining of lightly pitching coal below different surface topography. Based on the analysis of the effect exerted by highwall angle on the current stripping ratio, suggestions are made on possible improvement in the open pit mine performance and extension of its life by changing the slope angle of the open pit highwall. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper considers the method for determining a contact angle of coal surface prepared by pressing the coal powder into cylindrical pellets of a target size. The authors analyze the relationships between the contact angle and chemical properties of coal surface. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses the concerns related to data mining practices and the role of humans and machines for defining personal data analysis. It addresses four central alternative strategies to achieve governmental objectives of security and law enforcement without engaging in data mining. It emphasizes to develop a methodology for examining alternatives of data mining to get attention of academics and policymakers.

The objective of this study was to review and analyze geomechanical data, primarily for the Lower Cretaceous Mannville Group coals in the Pembina-Warburg area of west-central Alberta, Canada. These coals have been the target for coalbed methane exploration and development via vertical and horizontal drilling. The data focused on the mechanical and acoustic laboratory-derived properties available in the public domain as well as on the compressional and shear velocity data and calculated dynamic and static elastic properties. The review showed that rock mechanical data could be used for a range of drilling and reservoir engineering applications, such as borehole stability and fracture stimulation design. The velocity and dynamic elastic property data could also be used for petrophysical and geophysical applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Abstract: Smallpox, caused by the Variola major virus, is considered to be one of the most lethal of all potential biological weapons and has far-reaching consequences. Real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assays are available as a reliable diagnostic tool to detect members of the genus Orthopoxvirus. In addition real-time PCR assays specific for the variola virus have been developed that distinguish it from other orthopoxviruses. However, a positive identification of variola spp. does not classify the virus as the one that causes smallpox (V. major) or as the variant (Variola minor) that causes a much less severe form of the disease. This study reports the development of a real-time PCR minor groove binder (MGB)-Eclipse probe assay utilizing a sequence within the variola B9R/B10R gene complex that reliably differentiates V. major from V. minor by specific probe melting temperatures (T ms) and genotyping analysis. The MGB-Eclipse probe assay is an important step beyond the standard TaqMan-MGB assay and we feel this is a significant addition to our current variola species identification algorithm with TaqMan-MGB assays that target the B9R and B10R genes. The probe T ms for V. major and V. minor were 62.71 (±0.05) and 53.97 (±0.44)°C, respectively (P =<0.001). We also used the identical sequence to develop a TaqMan®-MGB assay that specifically detected V. minor but not V. major variants by qualitative analysis. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Cortisol detection in saliva is of great interest for the diagnosis of various disease states and the monitoring of stress in humans. Currently, measurements are performed predominantly by radioimmunoassay (RIA) which is expensive, labour intensive, uses hazardous radioisotopes and involves extensive delays in obtaining results. A rationally designed cortisol-linker conjugate allowing high assay sensitivity was employed as a coating antigen in a microfluidic surface plasmon resonance (SPR) biosensor immunoassay for the ultrasensitive and rapid detection of salivary cortisol. Detection of cortisol is by competitive immunoassay using a secondary antibody for signal enhancement. The method requires no chemical extraction or complex sample pre-treatment despite high saliva viscosity. The cortisol assay was optimized for maximum sensitivity in buffer before being adapted for the salivary matrix, where it showed a limit of detection of 49 pg/mL. The results showed good correlation to RIA (r= 0.94). The biosensor assays showed an inter-assay coefficient of variation (CV) of 13.5% and recoveries close to 100%. The covalently immobilized sensor surface provided stable responses for more than 140 binding and regeneration cycles, enabling re-use. Cortisol in saliva was detected across the physiologically relevant range using the SPR immunobiosensor by employing a rationally designed assay format including signal enhancement for maximum sensitivity. The system can handle saliva matrix effects by use of chemical treatment during the assay to reduce non-specific binding to sensor surfaces. This sensor system provides an automated, high sensitivity analytical tool capable of yielding results in approximately 15 min. This biosensor could potentially be used for active stress-monitoring and in the diagnosis of disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The E2F-associated phosphoprotein (EAPP) is a ubiquitous nuclear protein that interacts with the activating members of the E2F family of transcription factors and increases the activity of several cell-cycle regulated promoters in an E2F-dependent manner. Our previous studies also showed that EAPP levels are elevated in most transformed human cells. To examine the molecular basis of this increase of EAPP we isolated and studied the nucleotide sequence at the 5′ end of the EAPP gene. In silico analysis revealed a TATA-less promoter with several putative binding sites for transcription factors, the most probable ones being Sp1, Sp3 and Egr-1. We could confirm the binding of these factors in vitro by electrophoretic mobility shift assays, supershift experiments and competition assays. Additionally we could validate the binding in vivo by chromatin-immunoprecipitation assays. To analyse the function of these transcription factors in the expression of EAPP, we performed reporter-assays with the promoter and truncations thereof. We found that Sp1 and Egr-1 stimulate the EAPP promoter, whereas Sp3 acts as a repressor that could even overcome the positive effect of the activators. Increasing the amounts of Sp3 also caused a strong reduction of EAPP, but the overexpression of Sp1 or Egr-1 resulted in only marginally higher EAPP levels. Our results suggest that the elevated EAPP levels in transformed cells can be caused by reduced Sp3 activity, but higher Sp1 activity might also play a role. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs) are important targets for drugs used in the treatment of atherosclerosis, dyslipidaemia, obesity, type 2 diabetes, and other diseases caused by abnormal regulation of the glucose and lipid metabolism. We applied a virtual screening workflow based on a combination of pharmacophore modeling with 3D shape and electrostatic similarity screening techniques to discover novel scaffolds for PPAR ligands. From the resulting 10 virtual screening hits, five tested positive in human PPAR ligand-binding domain (hPPAR-LBD) transactivation assays and showed affinities for PPAR in a competitive binding assay. Compounds 5, 7, and 8were identified as PPAR-α agonists, whereas compounds 2and 9showed agonistic activity for hPPAR-γ. Moreover, compound 9was identified as a PPAR-δ antagonist. These results demonstrate that our virtual screening protocol is able to enrich novel scaffolds for PPAR ligands that could be useful for drug development in the area of atherosclerosis, dyslipidaemia, and type 2 diabetes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The prospects for supplying zirconium and hafnium-the main structural and prospective absorbing material for thermal reactors-are examined in accordance with the strategy for the development of nuclear power in our country up to 2030. The present situation concerning the use of Russian nuclear fuel is described. The characteristics of the main zirconium alloys used in domestic and foreign thermal reactors and the approximate requirements for baddeleyite and zirconium concentrates, the distribution of balance zirconium reserves, and the requirements of the nuclear industry for hafnium metal and hafnium compounds are presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The BD Directigen™ EZ RSV (BD) assay and the Binax NOW® RSV (BN) assays are lateral flow immunochromatographic assays used in the rapid diagnosis of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection. A prospective study was undertaken to compare the performance characteristics of the BD and BN assays using 99 fresh nasopharyngeal aspirate specimens from children. All specimens were cultured by tube cultures and R-mix shell vials. Culture-negative specimens that tested positive by 1 or both antigen tests were analyzed by reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) for the presence of RSV nucleic acids. Specimens positive by culture and/or RT-PCR were considered true positives. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value for BD were 90%, 94%, 94%, and 90%, respectively, and those for BN were 90%, 100%, 100%, and 90% respectively. The overall agreement between the 2 assays was 93% (confidence interval, 86.3–96.6%). Three specimens negative by both assays were positive by viral culture. The rapid lateral flow immunochromatographic assays were easy to perform and easy to interpret, and the results are available in less than 30 min. The reduced turnaround time offered by these assays is particularly useful in the rapid detection of RSV infections in children from outpatient settings. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The historical development, current status and future prospects of chlor-alkali electrolysis with oxygen depolarized cathodes (ODCs) are summarized. Over the last decades, membrane chlor-alkali technology has been optimized to such an extent that no substantial reduction of the energy demand can be expected from further process modifications. However, replacement of the hydrogen evolving cathodes in the classical membrane cells by ODCs allows for reduction of the cell voltage and correspondingly the energy consumption of up to 30%. This replacement requires the development of appropriate cathode materials and novel electrolysis cell designs. Due to their superior long-term stability, ODCs based on silver catalysts are very promising for oxygen reduction in concentrated NaOH solutions. Finite-gap falling film cells appear to be the technically most mature design among the several ODC electrolysis cells that have been investigated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Dengue (DEN) and chikungunya (CHIK) have emerged as the 2 most important arboviral infections of global significance. The similarities in clinical presentations, their circulation in the same geographic area, and the transmission through the same vector necessitate an urgent need for the differential diagnosis of these 2 infections. So far, no single assay is reported for differential diagnosis of these 2 infections. In this study, we report the development and evaluation of a 1-step single-tube duplex reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (D-RT-PCR) assay by targeting E1 gene of CHIK and C-prM gene junction of DEN virus (DENV), respectively. The sensitivity of this assay was found to be better than conventional virus isolation and could detect as low as 100 copies of genomic RNA, which is equivalent to respective virus-specific RT-PCR. The evaluation was carried out with 360 clinical samples from recent CHIK and DEN outbreaks in India. This assay could also be able to detect dual infection of CHIK and DEN in 3 patients. The phylogenetic analysis based on the nucleotide sequencing of D-RT-PCR amplicon could precisely identify the genotypes of all the serotypes of DENV and CHIK viruses (CHIKV). These findings demonstrate the potential clinical and epidemiologic application of D-RT-PCR for rapid sensitive detection, differentiation, and genotyping of DENV and CHIKV in clinical samples. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The mechanisms of colorimetric assays based on aggregation of gold nanoparticles (GNPs) have been separated into two categories, crosslinking, and noncrosslinking aggregation. The noncrosslinking aggregation has recently been emerging as a simple and rapid mechanism and has been applied to enzymatic activity assays and DNA detection. We report here the detailed study of an enzymatic activity assay for protein kinases based on noncrosslinking aggregation. The principle of the assay is to detect kinase activity by utilizing the difference of coagulating ability of a cationic substrate peptide and its phosphorylated form toward GNPs with anionic surface charge. The critical coagulation concentrations (CCCs) of the peptides were about 10 3times lower than those of the metal cations with the same cationic charges. The multivalent coordination bonds of the functional groups of the peptides with the GNP surface will strongly support the adsorption of the peptide on the GNP surface. The effect of the GNP size (10, 20, 40, 60 nm) on the dynamic range of OD before and after aggregation was studied. The dynamic range became a maximum for 20 nm GNP among those studied. The difference of CCC between the phosphorylated and nonphosphorylated peptides was governed by (1) the ratio between the peptide concentration and the surface area concentration of GNP and (2) the net charge of the peptides. When the assay system was applied to the activity assessment of protein kinase A, the dynamic range of OD was largest for 20 nm GNPs. However, when the peptide concentration was lowered, the largest 60 nm GNP was advantageous because of its smaller specific surface area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper provides a history of the development of regional geochemical mapping. Modern geochemistry was born in the Soviet Union in the 1930s, and the basic methodologies for regional mapping had been developed by the late 1960s, with important extensions being made in the 1980s. The paper records the development of regional geochemical surveys, or mapping, in the context of spatial scale and transition from a mineral exploration and resource assessment tool to an environmental mapping exercise supporting multi-disciplinary research. Attention is drawn to the role of the International Geological Correlation Program's Projects 259 and 360, and the continuing role of the International Union of Geological Sciences, in providing an international focus and dimension to global geochemical mapping. The paper closes with a section on some of the current research issues, opportunities and challenges for regional geochemical mapping. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Many whole cell-based assays in use today rely on flat, two-dimensional (2D) glass or plastic substrates that may not produce results characteristic of in vivo conditions. In this study, a three-dimensional (3D) cell-based assay platform was established by integrating 3D synthetic polymer scaffolds with standard cell culture dishes and multi-well plates. This technology can be used to feasibly modify any traditional 2D cell-based assay vessels for 3D cell-based assay with currently used high throughput screening (HTS) systems. We examined neural stem (NS) cells'' growth profile, morphology, cell–matrix interaction, gene expression and voltage gated calcium channel (VGCC) functionality of this novel 3D assay platform. Our results showed that unlike the NS cells cultured on traditional 2D planar surfaces, cells in 3D scaffolds are more physiologically relevant with respect to in vivo characteristics exhibited by in-vivo surrogates such as neural spheres. This new biomimetic cell-based assay platform may provide a broadly applicable 3D cell-based system for use in drug discovery programs and other research fields. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract  Effect of the nature of carbon-graphite materials on the kinetics of intercalation of lithium ions into the matrix of electrodes of lithium power cells, on the physicochemical characteristics of lithium intercalation-deintercalation, and discharge characteristics of compacted graphite-containing electrodes was subjected to a comparative study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

One of the greatest puzzles of human nature concerns the poorly understood interplay between affect and cognition—the rational and emotional ways of dealing with the social world around us. Affect is a ubiquitous and powerful phenomenon in our lives, yet research on human affectivity has been neglected until quite recently. This article reviews traditional and contemporary approaches to this issue, and recent theoretical and empirical work exploring the links between affect and cognition is considered. The major achievements and shortcomings of this now-thriving research area are discussed, and the future prospects of psychological research on human affectivity are considered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective To evaluate the antioxidant potential in herbal extract barks of five therapeutically important medicinal plants native to India, i.e. Crataeva nurvala Buch.-Ham., Buchanania lanzan Spreng., Aegle marmelos Corr., Dalbergia sissoo Roxb. ex DC., and Cedrela toona Roxb. Methods Standardized aqueous alcoholic extracts from the selected barks having different target radicals, such as superoxide radical, nitric oxide, ABTS radical, and peroxidative decomposition of phospholipids, were prepared and screened by multiple in vitro assays. These extracts were also tested for total phenolic and tannin Content and correlated with antioxidant capacity. Results Total phenolic and tannin Contents were found to be the highest in C. nurvala (195 GAE mg/g and 218.3 mg/g CE). SOD mimetic activity was found to be the highest in Crataeva nurvula, although all barks showed activity more than 100 units/mg extract. Lipid peroxidation inhibitory potential was found to be the highest in Crataeva nurvala (83.4% inhibition of MDA formation/10 µg extract), and also showed a comparatively high NO quenching capacity (45.5% per 10 µg extract). The highest NO quenching potential was found in Aegle marmelos (47.3% per 10 µg extract). Cedrela toona showed the lowest LPO inhibitory potential and NO quenching capacity (50.5% and 30.5%, respectively). Buchanan in lanzan, a medicinal plant extensively used for inflammatory disorders and Dalbergia sissoo also showed 72.5% and 69.1% LPO inhibitory potential/10 µg extract. Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity ranged from 0.24 to 0.39 mmol/L TEAC/mg extract, indicating that all the barks tested had ABTS+ radical quenching capacity. Conclusion Bark of Crataeva nurvula has the highest antioxidant capacity and a positive correlation between antioxidant activity and their plendic content was found. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Objective: To optimize the ELISA for the determination of tetrodotoxin. Methods: A competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used. In the ELISA, 100 μl antigen (1.0 μg/ml) was coated on the microtiter plate for 60 min at 37 C or over night at 4 C. The plate was then washed 3 times with PBS-T for 3-5 s each time. The optimal incubation time for monoclonal antibody (mAb), goat anti-mice IgG peroxidase conjugate and OPD were 30 min. 20 min and 10 min at 37 C, respectively. Results: The detection limit is 0.05 ng in each well. The curve was linear for TTX doses between 5-5 000 ng/ml (0.25-250 ng for every assay). The linear regress equation was Y = 0.30 88X — 0.17 41 (R. = 0.99 01). The average callback for TTX of muscles and gonads were 99.74% and 100.30%, respectively. The sensitivity of optimization ELISA was 5 times than traditional method and the time of 1.8 h were saved. Conclusion: The optimized ELISA is an idealmethod for the determination of tetrodotoxin. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: In this contribution, polyurethane foams are proposed as new polymeric phases for stir bar sorptive extraction (SBSE). Assays performed for polyurethane synthesis demonstrated that four series of formulations (P1, P2, P3 and P4) present remarkable stability and excellent mechanical resistance to organic solvents. For polymer clean-up treatment, acetonitrile proved to be the best solvent under sonification, ensuring the reduction of the contamination and interferences. SBSE assays performed on these polyurethane polymers followed by liquid desorption and high-performance liquid chromatography-diode array detection (LD–HPLC-DAD) or large volume injection-capillary gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (LD–LVI-GC–MS), showed that P2 presents the best recovery yields for atrazine, 2,3,4,5-tetrachlorophenol and fluorene, used as model compounds in water samples at a trace level. SBSE(P2) assays performed on this polymer mixed up with several adsorbent materials, i.e. activated carbon, a mesoporous material and a calixarene, did not bring any advantages in relation with the polymeric matrix alone. The comparison between assays performed by SBSE(P2) and by the conventional SBSE(PDMS) showed much better performance for the former phase on aqueous samples spiked with atrazine, 2,3,4,5-tetrachlorophenol and fluorene, in which the foremost two analytes present recovery values 3- and 10-fold higher, respectively. The polyurethanes proposed as new polymeric phases for SBSE provided powerful capabilities for the enrichment of organic compounds from aqueous matrices, showing to be indicated mainly in the case of the more polar analytes. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: A bromothymol blue-based colorimetric assay has been devised to screen for acetyl xylan esterase or cephalosporin C (CPC) deacetylase activities using 7-amino cephalosporanic acid (7-ACA), CPC, or acetylated xylan as substrate. These enzymes are not screened with their natural substrates because of the tedious procedures available previously. Acetyl xylan esterase from Bacillus pumilus CECT 5072 was cloned, expressed in Escherichia coli Rosetta (DE3), and characterized using this assay. Similar K M values for 7-ACA and CPC were obtained when compared with those described using HPLC methods. The assay is easy to perform and can be carried out in robotic high-throughput colorimetric devices normally used in directed evolution experiments. The assay allowed us to detect improvements in activity at a minimum of twofold with a very low coefficient of variance in 96-well plates. This method is significantly faster and more convenient to use than are known HPLC and pH-stat procedures. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: This study deals with application of bioluminescent assay systems to evaluate the detoxifying effect of humic substances (HS) on the solutions of organic oxidizers – quinones. A series of homologous quinones with different redox characteristics: 1,4-benzoquinone, tetrafluoro-1,4-benzoquinone, methyl-1,4-benzoquinone, tetramethyl-1,4-benzoquinone, and 1,4-naphtoquinone, was used. Bioluminescent bacteria Photobacterium phosphoreum, and NADH:FMN-oxidoreductase-luciferase enzyme system isolated from these bacteria were used as assay systems. The toxicity was compared in the presence and in the absence of HS. Variation of complexity of bioassays (in vivo or in vitro) combined with spectrometric and microscopic methods, provides insight into the process of detoxification in quinone solutions. Two ways of HS effect were studied: the reduction activity of HS and intensification of self-protection of bacterial cells on HS addition. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Several studies of utterance planning and attention processes in stuttering have raised the prospect of working memory involvement in the disorder. In this paper, potential connections between stuttering and two elements of Baddeley''s [Baddeley, A. D. (2003). Working memory: Looking back and looking forward. Neuroscience, 4, 829–839] working memory model, phonological memory and central executive, are posited. Empirical evidence is drawn from studies on phonological memory and dual-task performance among children and adults who stutter to examine support for the posited connections. Implications for research to examine working memory as one of the psycholinguistic bases of stuttering are presented. Educational objectives: The reader will learn about and be able to: (1) appraise potential relationships between working memory and stuttering; (2) evaluate empirical evidence that suggests the possibility of working memory involvement in stuttering; and (3) identify research directions to explore the role of working memory in stuttering. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Bioassay-guided fractionation of an EtOAc-soluble extract of the stem bark of Erythrina addisoniae (Leguminosae), using an in vitro PTP1B inhibitory assay, resulted in the isolation of three new (1–3) and three known (4–6) 2-arylbenzofuran derivatives. The new compounds were identified as 2-[2′,4′-dihydroxy-3′-(3-methylbut-2-enyl)phenyl]-6-hydroxybenzofuran (1), 2-[2′-methoxy-4′-hydroxy-5′-(3-methylbut-2-enyl)phenyl]-6-hydroxybenzofuran (2), and 2-(2′-methoxy-4′-hydroxyphenyl)-5-(3-methylbut-2-enyl)-6-hydroxybenzofuran (3). The new 2-arylbenzofurans 1–3 inhibited PTP1B activity with IC50 values ranging from 13.6±1.1 to 17.5±1.2μM in vitro assay. On the basis of the data obtained, 2-arylbenzofurans with prenyl group may be considered as a new class of PTP1B inhibitors. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]