Evaluation of the Technical and Economic Feasibility of Mixed Grade Cores in Transformer Design According to EN50588-1

Permissible maximum no-load and load losses of distribution transformers are given in EN50588-1 regulation. The main parameter in transformer design, which affects the core loss of a transformer, is core grade. Selecting the superior grades, which have better electromagnetic performance, transformer no-load losses could be minimized. However, such grades increase the cost of core. In this study, ability of designing distribution transformers, which correspond to the loss classes given in EN50588-1, is investigated using eleven different core steels. Then mixed graded core constructions are evaluated to minimize the core material cost, by means of technical and economical manner. Analytically calculated parameters of designed mixed graded transformer are investigated and verified by both electromagnetic simulations using finite element method and experimental tests of manufactured prototype transformer. Considering the current specific costs of different grades, core costs of mixed cores were calculated as 28,2%; 4,45% and 7,81% lower than the reference single graded cores for A0, AA0 and AAA0 loss classes, respectively

DFT based computational study on the molecular conformation, NMR chemical shifts and vibrational transitions for N-(2-methylphenyl) methanesulfonamide and N-(3-methylphenyl) methanesulfonamide

WOS: 000276653300018This paper presents a DFT quantum chemical investigation of the molecular conformation, NMR chemical shifts and vibrational transitions of N-(2-methylphenyl)methanesulfonamide and N-(3-methylphenyl)methanesulfonamide (C8H11NO2S) employing B3LYP exchange correlation. The vibrational wave-numbers were calculated and the complete assignments were performed on the basis of the total energy distribution (TED) of the vibrational modes, calculated with scaled quantum mechanics (SQM) method. The H-1 and C-13 NMR chemical shifts of the compounds were calculated in CDCl3 and DMSO using the GIAO method. Finally, calculations were compared with experimental values. (C) 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved

Identification of expression quantitative trait loci (eQTL) and candidate genes associated with water holding capacity in porcine meat

Consumer assessment of meat quality is defined by the characteristics of sensory experience such as juiciness, muscle pH, water-holding capacity and colour. Water-holding capacity in terms of drip loss has a genetic as well as environmental component with low to medium heritability. The number of genes involved in the development of drip loss is unknown. The aim of this study was to identify the candidate genes and their transcriptional regulation responsible for the drip loss in pig meat. Twenty genes were selected for the candidate gene analysis and for their eQTL study. For the expression of genes quantitative real-time PCR and GenomeLab GeXP multi-plex were used in 300 DUPI animals. Multiple housekeeping genes were used for the accurate gene expression normalization. Analysis revealed expression of peroxisome proliferator activated receptor gamma, coactivator 1 alpha (PPARGC1) and alpha 1 microglobulin/bikunin (AMBP) genes were differentially regulated in animals with higher drip loss compared to lower drip loss. Moreover, expression of other genes showed significant association with different meat quality parameters. eQTL analysis showed that these genes are trans-regulated in DUPI population. By using different QTL models, on SSC2 vicinity of marker S0141 was detected as the most promising chromosomal region for drip loss supported by the literature as well. Ovelapping of detected eQTL with QTL in DUPI population and other pig populations showed promising chromosomal regions for further fine mapping and association studies.Identifizierung von expressions quantitativ trait Loci (eQTL) und Kandidatengenen für das Wasserhaltevermögen im SchweinefleischDie Beurteilung von Fleischqualität durch den Konsumenten ist definiert durch sensorische Merkmale, wie Saftigkeit, Muskel pH, Wasserhaltevermögen und Farbe. Das Wasserhaltevermögen in Bezug auf den Tropfsaftverlust hat sowohl eine genetische als auch eine ökologische Komponente mit geringer bis mittlerer Heritabilität. Die Anzahl der Gene die an dem Merkmal Tropfsaftverlust beteiligt sind, sind bislang noch unbekannt. Das Ziel dieser Studie war es, geeignete Kandidatengene, die für den Tropfsaftverlust im Schweinefleisch verantwortlich sind, zu identifizieren. Für die Kandidatengenanalyse und ihre eQTL Positionen wurden zwanzig Gene selektiert. Zur Erstellung der Expressionsprofile von 300 DUPI Tieren wurde einerseits eine quantitative Real-Time PCR verwendet, sowie das GenomeLab GeXP Multiplex Verfahren. Zur Normalisierung der Expression wurden mehrere Referenz Gene eingesetzt. Die Analyse zeigte das die Gene Peroxisome proliferator activated receptor gamma, coactivator 1 alpha (PPARGC1) und Alpha 1 microglobulin/bikunin (AMBP) in Vergleich zwischen hohem und niedrigem Tropfsaftverlust unterschiedlich exprimierten. Darüber, hinaus zeigte die Expression weiterer Gene signifikante Assoziationen mit verschiedenen Parametern der Fleischqualität. Die Analyse der eQTL erbrachte das diese Gene in der DUPI Population trans-reguliert waren. Durch die Verwendung verschiedener QTL Modelle wurde auf SSC2 in der Nähe des Markers S0141 eine vielversprechende chromosomale Region für Tropfsaftverlust entdeckt, dies konnte durch Fachliteratur bestätigt werden. Durch die Übereinstimmung entdeckter eQTL mit QTL in der DUPI Population und in anderen Schweine Populationen konnten weitere vielversprechende chromosomale Regionen für zukünftige Feinkartierungen und Assoziationsstudien a werden

Chemical synthesis of LSGM powders for solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) electrolyte

Synthesis of LSGM (La0.9Sr0.1Ga0.8Mg0.2O3-delta), LSFM (La0.9Sr0.1Fe0.8Mg0.2O3-delta), and LSCM (La0.9Sr0.1Cr0.8Mg0.2O3-delta) powders were achieved via organic precursor method. Different organic "carrier" molecules were used for powder synthesis. Citric acid, tartaric acid, Pechini precursors, polyvinyl alcohol, and ethylene diaminetetraacetic acid were selected as organic carriers for their ability to stabilize the metal ions. Each organic carrier material exhibited a different degree of effectiveness in the synthesis of the mixed oxide powders. One of the main factors affecting the phase purity appears to be the interaction of the functional groups with the constituent cations. The effectiveness of the organic carrier with varying number and type of functional groups is evaluated and discussed in terms of the phase distribution in the powders after the calcination step

Tinnitus and Cochlear Functions in Hearing Impaired and Normal Hearing Individuals

Background: In order to determine the pathophysiology of tinnitus and deciding on treatment, the function of peripheral hearing organs is very important. Objective: To evaluate the cochlear functions in tinnitus patients with or without hearing-loss(HL). Methods: Participants with tinnitus were divided into two groups; 16 participants with accompanying HL were included in the first study group (SG-I), and 15 participants without HL were included in the second group (SG-II). 21 normal-hearing subjects without tinnitus included as control group(CG). Tinnitus discomfort levels was determined with Tinnitus Handicap Inventory(THI). Besides pure-tone audiometry, Otoacoustic Emissions, to evaluate cochlear functions and to decide dead regions (DR), Threshold Equalizing Noise-(TEN) was used. Results: The threshold-shift was observed with TEN in subjects in SG-I and these levels were statistically different from SG-II and CG. There were both threshold-shift and DR in SG-II according to TEN. TEOAEs did not differ between SG-II and CG. The DPOAE results for SG-II showed significant decreases in emission amplitudes at 6 & 8 kHz. Conclusion: While Tinnitus patients with HL can be evaluated with conventional tests, evaluating patients with normal hearing tinnitus with additional tests such as OAE and TEN allows us to get more precise results on the functions of peripheral hearing organs

X-ray single phase LSGM at 1350 °C

Synthesis of X-ray-phase-pure (La1−xSrxGa1−yMgyO3−δ, LSGM, where x = 0.1, y = 0.15 and 0.17) powders were achieved at temperatures as low as 1350 °C via organic precursor method using tartaric acid as the carrier material. LSGM materials were characterized for their phase purity, crystallization and electrical properties. Pellets sintered at 1350 °C for 6 h were single phase and dense (>99%). Electron microscopy analysis of X-ray single-phase pellets revealed MgO precipitates with sizes ranging from 50–300 nm. Phase formation and distribution in this complicated multi-cation-oxide system as a function of temperature were reported and discussed. Amorphous LSGM first crystallizes at 625 °C. However, elimination of undesired phases require higher temperatures. Impedance measurements as a function of temperature up to 545 °C revealed that the X-ray phase pure pellets may have extrapolated ionic conductivity values as high as 0.14–0.16 S/cm at 800 °C. Possible implications of limited MgO solubility on the ionic conductivity are presented

Evaluation of suitable reference genes for gene expression studies in porcine alveolar macrophages in response to LPS and LTA

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>To obtain reliable quantitative real-time PCR data, normalization relative to stable housekeeping genes (HKGs) is required. However, in practice, expression levels of 'typical' housekeeping genes have been found to vary between tissues and under different experimental conditions. To date, validation studies of reference genes in pigs are relatively rare and have never been performed in porcine alveolar macrophages (AMs). In this study, expression stability of putative housekeeping genes were identified in the porcine AMs in response to the stimulation with two pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs) lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and lipoteichoic acid (LTA). Three different algorithms (geNorm, Normfinder and BestKeeper) were applied to assess the stability of HKGs.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>The mRNA expression stability of nine commonly used reference genes (<it>B2M, BLM, GAPDH, HPRT1, PPIA, RPL4, SDHA, TBP </it>and <it>YWHAZ</it>) was determined by qRT-PCR in AMs that were stimulated by LPS and LTA <it>in vitro</it>. mRNA expression levels of all genes were found to be affected by the type of stimulation and duration of the stimulation (<it>P </it>< 0.0001). geNorm software revealed that <it>SDHA, B2M </it>and <it>RPL4 </it>showed a high expression stability in the irrespective to the stimulation group, while <it>SDHA, YWHAZ </it>and <it>RPL4 </it>showed high stability in non-stimulated control group. In all cases, <it>GAPDH </it>showed the least stability in geNorm. NormFinder revealed that <it>SDHA </it>was the most stable gene in all the groups. Moreover, geNorm software suggested that the geometric mean of the three most stable genes would be the suitable combination for accurate normalization of gene expression study.</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>There was discrepancy in the ranking order of reference genes obtained by different analysing algorithms. In conclusion, the geometric mean of the <it>SDHA, YWHAZ </it>and <it>RPL4 </it>seemed to be the most appropriate combination of HKGs for accurate normalization of gene expression data in porcine AMs without knowing the type of bacterial pathogenic status of the animals.</p

Detection of quantitative trait loci affecting serum cholesterol, LDL, HDL, and triglyceride in pigs

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Serum lipids are associated with many serious cardiovascular diseases and obesity problems. Many quantitative trait loci (QTL) have been reported in the pig mostly for performance traits but very few for the serum lipid traits. In contrast, remarkable numbers of QTL are mapped for serum lipids in humans and mice. Therefore, the objective of this research was to investigate the chromosomal regions influencing the serum level of the total cholesterol (CT), triglyceride (TG), high density protein cholesterol (HDL) and low density protein cholesterol (LDL) in pigs. For this purpose, a total of 330 animals from a Duroc × Pietrain F2 resource population were phenotyped for serum lipids using ELISA and were genotyped by using 122 microsatellite markers covering all porcine autosomes for QTL study in QTL Express. Blood sampling was performed at approximately 175 days before slaughter of the pig.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>Most of the traits were correlated with each other and were influenced by average daily gain, slaughter date and age. A total of 18 QTL including three QTL with imprinting effect were identified on 11 different porcine autosomes. Most of the QTL reached to 5% chromosome-wide (CW) level significance including a QTL at 5% experiment-wide (GW) and a QTL at 1% GW level significance. Of these QTL four were identified for both the CT and LDL and two QTL were identified for both the TG and LDL. Moreover, three chromosomal regions were detected for the HDL/LDL ratio in this study. One QTL for HDL on SSC2 and two QTL for TG on SSC11 and 17 were detected with imprinting effect. The highly significant QTL (1% GW) was detected for LDL at 82 cM on SSC1, whereas significant QTL (5% GW) was identified for HDL/LDL on SSC1 at 87 cM. Chromosomal regions with pleiotropic effects were detected for correlated traits on SSC1, 7 and 12. Most of the QTL identified for serum lipid traits correspond with the previously reported QTL for similar traits in other mammals. Two novel QTL on SSC16 for HDL and HDL/LDL ratio and an imprinted QTL on SSS17 for TG were detected in the pig for the first time.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>The newly identified QTL are potentially involved in lipid metabolism. The results of this work shed new light on the genetic background of serum lipid concentrations and these findings will be helpful to identify candidate genes in these QTL regions related to lipid metabolism and serum lipid concentrations in pigs.</p