Using scent to lift customers' moods

Faced with tougher and tougher online competition, traditional retailers are scrambling to find ways to exploit the advantages of realworld sales that e-commerce vendors can’t easily duplicate, such as taste and feel – and smell. Strong scents brighten attitudes and open wallets, and a recent study shows that the right scent at the right intensity can increase sales by nearly a third

A New Low Cost Biosorbent for a Cationic Dye Treatment

The aim of our study consists to investigate the adsorption of Methylene Blue from aqueous solution by a new biosorbent prepared from Papaya seed. Adsorption behavior of the cationic dye was analyzed by variation of solution pH, contact time, adsorbent dose, and temperature. Adsorption isotherms were studied according to the Langmuir and Freundlich Model, and adsorption kinetics according to pseudo first and second order. Results show that the maximum adsorption is obtained at ambient temperature with the yield of 98.82% and was reached in first 20min (pH = 10, adsorbent dose of 100 mg in 50 mL). The Langmuir isotherm shows a correlation coefficient of 99.4% higher than 95.4%obtained for Freundlich model and the adsorption kinetic model follow a pseudo-second order with a maximum adsorption capacity of 52.28 mg/g

Cr as a promoter for the In2O3-catalyzed hydrogenation of CO2 to methanol

The utility of Cr as a promoter for In2O3 catalysts in the hydrogenation of CO2 to methanol is investigated. Uniform precursors to binary CrOx-In2O3 and ternary NiO-CrOx-In2O3 catalysts are prepared by flame spray pyrolysis. For the CrOx-In2O3 samples, the highest methanol rate is obtained at a Cr content of 2 mol%, exceeding the methanol rate of In2O3 by 55 %. With increasing Cr content, the CO2 conversion rate does not increase, albeit the methanol selectivity decreases. Characterization of the samples supported by density functional theory calculations provides insight into the role of Cr. At low content, Cr is mainly doped into the lattice of In2O3, which leads to more oxygen vacancy (Ov) sites. The In2O3 surface sites close to Cr-oxide clusters present on the surface are also activated towards Ov formation, offsetting the decrease in Ov due to coverage of the In2O3 surface by Cr-oxide with increasing Cr content. Cr2O3 dispersed on the surface of the In2O3 particles suppresses sintering of In2O3 under reducing conditions, which is especially evident at a Cr content above 2 mol% and higher reaction temperatures. Introducing Ni to the CrOx-In2O3 catalysts results in a higher methanol formation rate compared to CrOx-In2O3. The methanol rate increases with the Ni content with the highest activity obtained at Ni and Cr contents of 22 mol% and 8 mol%, respectively. The optimum Ni(22)-Cr(8)-In2O3 catalyst displays twice the methanol rate of a Ni(22)-In2O3 reference. Ni and Cr play different promoting roles in achieving an increased and more stable rate of methanol formation compared to In2O3: Ni promotes the hydrogenation of formate and methoxy surface intermediates to methanol, while Cr results in more Ov sites and suppresses sintering of In2O3

Air-gap force distribution and vibration pattern of Induction motors under dynamic eccentricity

[EN] A method for determining the signatures of dynamic eccentricity in the airgap force distribution and vibration pattern of induction machine is presented. The radial electromagnetic force distribution along the airgap, which is the main source of vibration, is calculated and developed into a double Fourier series in space and time. Finite element simulations of faulty and healthy machines are performed. They show that the electromagnetic force distribution is a sensible parameter to the changes in the machine condition. The computations show the existence of low frequency and low order force distributions, which can be used as identifiable signatures of the motor condition by measuring the corresponding low order vibration components. These findings are supported by vibration measurements and modal testing. The low frequency components offer an alternative way to the monitoring of slot passing frequencies, bringing new components that allow to discriminate between dynamic eccentricity and rotor mechanical unbalance. The method also revealed a non linear relationship between loading, stress waves and vibration during dynamic eccentricity.Jover Rodríguez, PV.; Belahcen, A.; Arkkio, A.; Laiho, A.; Antonino-Daviu, J. (2008). Air-gap force distribution and vibration pattern of Induction motors under dynamic eccentricity. Electrical Engineering. 90(3):209-218. doi:10.1007/s00202-007-0066-2S209218903Rao JS (2000). Vibratory condition monitoring of machines. CRC Pr. Llc., Boca RatonTavner P, Penman J (1987) Condition monitoring of electrical machines. Research Studies Press, Letchworth, pp 203–205Pöyhönen S, Negrea M, Jover P, Arkkio A and Hyötyniemi H (2003). Numerical magnetic field analysis and signal processing for fault diagnostic of electrical machines. COMPEL Int J Comput Math Elect Eng 22(4): 969–981Finley W, Hodowanec M, Holter W (2000) An analytical approach to solving motor vibration problems. IEEE Trans Industry Appl 363(5)Cameron JR, Thomson WT, Eng C, Dow AB (1986) Vibration and current monitoring for detecting airgap eccentricity in large induction motors. IEE Proc Inst Elect Eng 133(Pt. B, No. 3)Smith AC, Dorrell DG (1996) Calculation and measurements of unbalance magnetic pull in cage induction motors with eccentric rotors. Part 1: Analytical model. IEE Proc Elect Power Appl 143(3)Dorrell DG, Smith AC (1996) Calculation and measurements of unbalance magnetic pull in cage induction motors with eccentric rotors. Part 2: Experimental investigation. IEE Proc Elect Power Appl 143(3)Dorrell DG, Thomson WT and Roach S (1997). Analysis of airgap flux, current, and vibration signals as a function of a combination of static and dynamic eccentricity in 3-phase induction motors. IEEE Trans Indus Appl 33: 24–34Verma SP, Balan A (1994) Determination of radial forces in relation to noise and vibrations problems of squirrel cage induction motors. IEEE Trans Energy Convers 9(2)Vandevelde L, Melkebeek AA (2001) Numerical analysis of vibrations of squirrel-cage induction motors based on magnetic equivalent circuits and structural finite element models. In: Industry Application Conference, 2001. Thirsty-six IAS Annual Meeting. Conference records of the 2001 IEEE, vol 4, September/October 2001, pp 2288–2295Belahcen A, Arkkio A, Klinge P, Linjama J, Voutilainen V, Westerlund J (1999) Radial forces calculation in a synchronous generator for noise analysis. In: Proceeding of the Third Chinese International Conference on Electrical Machines, August 29–31, 1999, Xi’an, China, pp 199–122Jover Rodríguez P, Belahcen A, Arkkio A (2007) Signatures of electrical faults in force distribution and vibration pattern of induction motors. IEE Proc Elect Power Appl (in press)Arkkio A (1987) Analysis of induction motor based on numerical solution of the magnetic field and circuits equations. Acta Polytechn. Scand Electri Eng Serie 59:97. Available at  Ewings DG (2000). MODAL TESTING: theory, practice and application, 2nd edn. Research studies press Ltd., BaldockDeBertoli MJ, Salon SJ, Burow DW, Slavik CJ (1993) Effects of rotor eccentricity and parallel windings on induction machine behaviour: a study using finite element analysis. IEEE Trans Magnet 29(2)Arkkio A, Antila M, Pokki K, Lanto E (2000) Electromagnetic force in a whirling cage rotor. IEE Proc Elect Power Appl 147(5

Cyclodextrin modulation of gallic acid in vitro antibacterial activity

The substitution of large spectrum antibiotics for natural bioactive molecules (especially polyphenolics) for the treatment of wound infections has come into prominence in the pharmaceutical industry. However, the use of such molecules depends on their stability during environmental stress and on their ability to reach the action site without losing biological properties. The application of cyclodextrins as a vehicle for polyphenolics protection has been documented and appears to enhance the properties of bioactive molecules. Therefore, the encapsulation of gallic acid, an antibacterial agent with low stability, by -cyclodextrin, (2-hydroxy) propyl--cyclodextrin and methyl--cyclodextrin, was investigated. Encapsulation by -cyclodextrin was confirmed for pH 3 and 5, with similar stability parameters. The (2-hydroxy) propyl--cyclodextrin and methyl--cyclodextrin interactions with gallic acid were only confirmed at pH 3. Among the three cyclodextrins, better gallic acid encapsulation were observed for (2-hydroxy) propyl--cyclodextrin, followed by -cyclodextrin and methyl--cyclodextrin. The effect of cyclodextrin encapsulation on the gallic acid antibacterial activity was also analysed. The antibacterial activity of the inclusion complexes was investigated here for the first time. According to the results, encapsulation of gallic acid by (2-hydroxy) propyl--cyclodextrin seems to be a viable option for the treatment of skin and soft tissue infections, since this inclusion complex has good stability and antibacterial activity.The authors are grateful for the FCT Strategic Project PEst-OE/EQB/LA0023/2013 and the Project "BioHealth-Biotechnology and Bioengineering approaches to improve health quality", Ref. NORTE-07-0124-FEDER-000027, co-funded by the "Programa Operacional Regional do Norte" (ON.2-O Novo Norte), QREN, FEDER. The authors also acknowledge the project "Consolidating Research Expertise and Resources on Cellular and Molecular Biotechnology at CEB/IBB", Ref. FCOMP-01-0124-FEDER-027462. This work is, also, funded by FEDER funds through the Operational Programme for Competitiveness Factors-COMPETE and National Funds through FCT-Foundation for Science and Technology under the project PEst-C/CTM/UI0264/2011. Additionally, the authors would like to thank the FCT for the grant for E. Pinho (SFRH/BD/62665/2009)

Sushi domain-containing protein 4 controls synaptic plasticity and motor learning

Fine control of protein stoichiometry at synapses underlies brain function and plasticity. How proteostasis is controlled independently for each type of synaptic protein in a synapse-specific and activity-dependent manner remains unclear. Here, we show that Susd4, a gene coding for a complement-related transmembrane protein, is expressed by many neuronal populations starting at the time of synapse formation. Constitutive loss-of-function of Susd4 in the mouse impairs motor coordination adaptation and learning, prevents long-term depression at cerebellar synapses, and leads to misregulation of activity-dependent AMPA receptor subunit GluA2 degradation. We identified several proteins with known roles in the regulation of AMPA receptor turnover, in particular ubiquitin ligases of the NEDD4 subfamily, as SUSD4 binding partners. Our findings shed light on the potential role of SUSD4 mutations in neurodevelopmental diseases.Agence Nationale de la Recherche ANR 9139SAMA90010901Agence Nationale de la Recherche ANR-15-CE37-0001-01ATIP-AVENIR RSE11005JSAEcole des Neurosciences de ParisFondation pour la Recherche Medicale DEQ20150331748Fondation pour la Recherche Medicale DEQ20140329514H2020 European Research Council SynID 724601Idex PSL ANR-10-IDEX-0001-02 PSL*Labex ANR-11-IDEX-0004-02Labex Memolife ANR-10-LABX-5

Devenir du peuplier blanc dans le Nord-Ouest algérien Diagnostic sanitaire de quelques peuplements sur la région de Tlemcen.

Cet article descriptif fait état du dépérissement du peuplier blanc dans la région de Tlemcen en Algérie. Les différentes observations suggèrent le rôle fragilisant du déficit hydrique récurrent. Dans le cadre du réchauffement planétaire actuel, il est plus que jamais indispensable de favoriser l'observation, la surveillance et la mise en place d'actions préventives sur ces peuplements

Model Order Reduction of Electrical Machines with Multiple Inputs

In this paper, proper orthogonal decomposition method is employed to build a reduced-order model from a high-order nonlinear permanent magnet synchronous machine model with multiple inputs. Three parameters are selected as the multiple inputs of the machine. These parameters are terminal current, angle of the terminal current, and rotation angle. To produce the lower-rank system, snapshots or instantaneous system states are projected onto a set of orthonormal basis functions with small dimension. The reduced model is then validated by comparing the vector potential, flux density distribution, and torque results of the original model,which indicates the capability of using the proper orthogonal decomposition method in the multi-variable input problems. The developed methodology can be used for fast simulations of the machine

β-Catenin-Independent Activation of TCF1/LEF1 in Human Hematopoietic Tumor Cells through Interaction with ATF2 Transcription Factors

The role of Wnt signaling in embryonic development and stem cell maintenance is well established and aberrations leading to the constitutive up-regulation of this pathway are frequent in several types of human cancers. Upon ligand-mediated activation, Wnt receptors promote the stabilization of β-catenin, which translocates to the nucleus and binds to the T-cell factor/lymphoid enhancer factor (TCF/LEF) family of transcription factors to regulate the expression of Wnt target genes. When not bound to β-catenin, the TCF/LEF proteins are believed to act as transcriptional repressors. Using a specific lentiviral reporter, we identified hematopoietic tumor cells displaying constitutive TCF/LEF transcriptional activation in the absence of β-catenin stabilization. Suppression of TCF/LEF activity in these cells mediated by an inducible dominant-negative TCF4 (DN-TCF4) inhibited both cell growth and the expression of Wnt target genes. Further, expression of TCF1 and LEF1, but not TCF4, stimulated TCF/LEF reporter activity in certain human cell lines independently of β-catenin. By a complementary approach in vivo, TCF1 mutants, which lacked the ability to bind to β-catenin, induced Xenopus embryo axis duplication, a hallmark of Wnt activation, and the expression of the Wnt target gene Xnr3. Through generation of different TCF1-TCF4 fusion proteins, we identified three distinct TCF1 domains that participate in the β-catenin-independent activity of this transcription factor. TCF1 and LEF1 physically interacted and functionally synergized with members of the activating transcription factor 2 (ATF2) family of transcription factors. Moreover, knockdown of ATF2 expression in lymphoma cells phenocopied the inhibitory effects of DN-TCF4 on the expression of target genes associated with the Wnt pathway and on cell growth. Together, our findings indicate that, through interaction with ATF2 factors, TCF1/LEF1 promote the growth of hematopoietic malignancies in the absence of β-catenin stabilization, thus establishing a new mechanism for TCF1/LEF1 transcriptional activity distinct from that associated with canonical Wnt signaling