Gravure offset printing of polymer inks for conductors

A gravure offset printing process has been developed for Ag-filled polymer conductor ink. Pad printing and roller type printing have been used. Curing and electrical properties have been studied. A roller type of gravure offset printing has been used to evaluate the printing process and pad printing to print on the non-planar substrates. Based on differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and resistivity measurements during ink curing, it was found that the ink had an optimum curing temperature of 140 °C. Square resistance of 300 and 150 μm wide lines can be as low as 20 and 28 mΩ/sq., respectively, for 7–8.5 μm thick line. The minimum line width was 70 μm. This minimum line width can be reduced with different ink solvents, but in this case the line thickness suffers and the square resistance increases, respectively.     

A framework for local and regional energy system integration between industry and municipalities—Case study UPM-Kymmene Kaukas

The integration of different energy systems, e.g., industrial and municipal, is potentially important for the efficient utilization of energy. It is important that the tools for analysing this type of integration can handle the energy systems on different levels, e.g., regional, site, plant and process levels. In this work, a framework for investigating the cost-efficient integration of large-scale energy systems is presented and tested at the UPM-Kymmene Kaukas pulp and paper plant and in the municipality of Lappeenranta, Finland. In addition to the different levels, the framework also aims to take into account several sub-problems, e.g., fuel logistic, optimal heat exchanger network and overall efficiency versus flexibility. The case in question shows that the presented framework can be used as a systematic tool for analysing the potential of integrating large energy systems and that it is able to handle both the synthesis of flexible heat exchanger networks and analyse the cost-efficiency of changes to the existing systems.     

Comparison of Two Integrated BiCMOS 950 MHz Direct I/Q Modulators

Two integrated direct I/Q modulators suitable for directupconversion with an output frequency of 950 MHz and baseband frequencies of60 to 500 kHz are fabricated in a 1.2 µm and 0.8 µm BiCMOSprocess, respectively, and their performance under various operatingconditions is discussed. The modulators use different phase shiftertopologies, one of which is based on digital CML latches and the other ondifferential pairs with resistive and capacitive emitter degeneration. Bothcircuits are operated using a single 5 V supply and they consume 50 mA or115 mA depending on the topology. The main properties of the CML modulatorare, for example, an output power of –11 ± 0.5 dBm at 100 MHzand –15 ± 2.25 dBm at 950 MHz over the temperature range of–10 to +85°C, LO suppression of 38 dBc and image rejection of41 dBc.     

Effect of three countermeasures against the illegal crossing of railway tracks

This study was designed to investigate the effects of three countermeasures – landscaping, building a fence and prohibitive signs – on the frequency of trespassing, which in this case means crossing the track at places where it is forbidden. At each location the official route was no more than 300 m away. The main results showed that the effect of each countermeasure on the frequency of trespassing was statistically significant. Specifically, the fencing reduced trespassing by 94.6%, followed by landscaping (91.3%) and prohibitive signs (30.7%). The majority of illegal crossings were committed alone and the persons trespassing were mostly adults and men. In addition, the results demonstrated some tendencies of how the effects of the selected countermeasures can vary with the characteristics of the trespassers. The main implication of this study is that the building of physical barriers such as landscaping or fencing is recommended for reducing trespassing. However, if the required resources are not available or the site is not suitable for such measures, the use of prohibitive signs is recommended. Further, there is a need to tailor the countermeasures to the characteristics of the trespassers in order to ensure that the most appropriate countermeasures are applied.     

Inhomogeneous compression of PEMFC gas diffusion layer: Part II. Modeling the effect

The effect of inhomogeneous compression of GDL on the mass and charge transfer in PEMFC is studied. The model utilizes experimentally evaluated GDL parameters as a function of thickness. The modeling results are compared with a conventional model that excludes the effects. As a result, it is shown that the inhomogeneous compression has a significant effect on the current density distribution because of the varying contact resistance between GDL and electrode. This also implies that there are possible hot spots occurring inside the electrode, and thus inhomogeneous compression can have significant effects on the lifetime and local performance of the cell. According to the achieved results, the inhomogeneous compression of GDL cannot be neglected.     

Sex difference in the incidence of insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus: an analysis of the recent epidemiological data. World Health Organization DIAMOND Project Group

Myocarditis is thought to be commonly caused by various viruses, and accumulating evidence links viral myocarditis with the eventual development of dilated cardiomyopathy. Recently, the importance of hepatitis C virus infection was noted in patients with dilated and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. Cytokines are being increasingly recognized as an important factor in the pathogenesis and pathophysiology of myocarditis and cardiomyopathy. Elevated levels of circulating cytokines have been reported in patients with heart failure, and various cytokines have been shown to depress myocardial contractility in vitro and in vivo. A number of reports have shown that cytokines generated by activated immune cells cause an increase in nitric oxide (NO) via induction of NO synthase. Increased generation of NO may induce negative inotropism and myocardial damage. This review discusses the etiology and pathogenesis of myocarditis and cardiomyopathy from this point of view.     

Determination of the Henry's Coefficient and Mass Transfer for Ozone in a Bubble Column at Different pH Values of Water

In this study, the ozone gas-liquid mass transfer into water in a bubble column was investigated for different pH values. The ozone volumetric mass transfer coefficient and the Henry's coefficient were determined simultaneously by parameter estimation using a nonlinear optimization method. A sensitivity analysis was conducted to obtain information on the reliability and identifiability of the estimated parameters. A minor dependence of the Henry's law constant on pH was detected at the pH range 4 to 9.     

Neuropeptide Y: a novel link between the neuroendocrine system and cholesterol metabolism

High serum total and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels constitute the main risk factor for atherosclerotic vascular diseases. Both genetic and environmental factors are involved in the regulation of serum cholesterol levels. Neuropeptide Y (NPY), which is widely expressed in both the central and peripheral nervous systems, is known to regulate food intake and energy balance but its role in cholesterol metabolism has remained almost untouched in former literature. A newly discovered association between a leucine(7)-to-proline(7) polymorphism (Pro(7)) in the signal peptide of NPY and a high cholesterol level may provide new ideas for the genetic regulation of cholesterol metabolism. The presence of the Pro(7) in NPY results in serum total cholesterol levels 0.6-1.4 mmol/L higher compared with subjects without this gene variant. The Pro(7) in NPY was detected in 14% of Finns but only in 6% of Dutchmen, and its impact on serum cholesterol concentration seems to be stronger in obese than in normal-weight subjects. At least among Finns, the Pro(7) in NPY is one of the strongest genetic factors identified thus far affecting serum cholesterol levels.