bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
INVESTING INTO MICROFINANCE
Authors: Janda Karel , Svárovská Barbora
Published: September 2010

This paper investigates investment performance of microfinance investment funds. The examined funds have recorded lower total risk than global stocks and bonds (measured by four benchmark indices) with moderate but stable returns. The analysis revealed that investment in microfinance investment funds that focus especially on debt instruments represents an attractive opportunity for the portfolio diversification as this asset class does not show any positive correlation with global or emerging capital markets. At the same time, it provides adequate risk-adjusted returns and may be therefore attractive not only for investors with a particular interest in the socially responsible aspect of investment into microfinance. Santrauka Šiame straipsnyje nagrinejamos investicijos i investicinius mikrofinansu fondus. Nagrinejami fondai yra žemesnes bendrosios rizikos nei pasaulio akcijos ir obligacijos (apskaičiuotos pagal keturis atskaitos rodiklius) su vidutiniška, bet stabilia graža. Analize parode, kad investavimas i investicinius mikrofinansu fondus, ypač i susijusius su isiskolinimo priemonemis, yra patraukli galimybe verslo portfolio diversifikacijai, nes ši turto kategorija nerodo jokios teigiamos koreliacijos su pasaulio ar naujomis kapitalo rinkomis. Tuo pačiu metu tai teikia adekvačia graža pagal rizika ir todel gali būti patrauklūs ne tik investuotojams, turintiems tam tikru interesu.
Analysis of the intestinal microbiota of oligosaccharide fed mice exhibiting reduced resistance to Salmonella infection
Authors: Petersen A. , Bergström A. , Andersen J. , Hansen M. , Lahtinen S. , Wilcks A. , Licht T.
Published: September 2010

Certain indigestible carbohydrates, known as prebiotics, are claimed to be beneficial for gut health through a selective stimulation of certain gut microbes including bifidobacteria. However, stimulation of such microbes does not necessarily imply a preventive effect against pathogen infection. We recently demonstrated a reduced resistance to Salmonella infection in mice fed diets containing fructo-oligosaccharides (FOS) or xylo-oligosaccharides (XOS). In the present study, faecal and caecal samples from the same mice were analysed in order to study microbial changes potentially explaining the observed effects on the pathogenesis of Salmonella. Denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis revealed that the microbiota in faecal samples from mice fed FOS or XOS were different from faecal samples collected before the feeding trial as well as from faecal profiles generated from control animals. This difference was not seen for caecal profiles. Further analysis of faecal samples by real-time PCR demonstrated a significant increase in the Bacteroidetes phylum, the Bacteroides fragilis group and in Bifidobacterium spp. in mice fed FOS or XOS. The observed bifidogenic effect was more pronounced for XOS than for FOS. The Firmicutes phylum and the Clostridium coccoides group were reduced by both FOS and XOS. Surprisingly, no significant differences were detected between faecal samples collected before and after pathogen challenge in any of the groups. Furthermore, no effect of diets on caecal concentrations of short-chain fatty acids was recorded. In conclusion, diets supplemented with FOS or XOS induced a number of microbial changes in the faecal microbiota of mice. The observed effects of XOS were qualitatively similar to those of FOS, but the most prominent bifidogenic effect was seen for XOS. An increased level of bifidobacteria is thus not in itself preventive against Salmonella infection, since the same XOS or FOS-fed mice were previously reported to be more severely affected by Salmonella than control animals.
Identification and characterisation of lactobacilli isolated from Kimere, a spontaneously fermented pearl millet dough from Mbeere, Kenya (East Africa)
Authors: Njeru P. , Rösch N. , Ghadimi D. , Geis A. , Bockelmann W. , de Vrese M. , Schrezenmeir J. , Heller K.
Published: September 2010

The objective of the study was to isolate potential probiotic lactobacilli from Kimere, a pearl millet dough prepared in the Mbeere community of Kenya, East Africa, by fermentation for 18-24 hours. Kimere samples, collected from 11 different homesteads in Mbeere, showed average pH values of 3.63±0.29. Counts of presumptive lactobacilli were 8.52±0.02 log10 colony forming units per gram, respectively. 48 presumptive Lactobacillus isolates were characterised and identified by biochemical and molecular methods. Lactobacillus fermentum (46 isolates) was the dominant Lactobacillus species detected. Analysis of strain diversity with pulsed-field gel electrophoresis indicated relatively large biodiversity among L. fermentum isolates. All L. fermentum isolates were able to grow in MRS medium containing 0.3% ox gall. Twelve of them were able to grow in the presence of 3% ox gall, and of these 60% survived incubation at pH 3 in the presence of 2 mg pepsin per ml for three hours.
Expression of clpL1 and clpL2 genes in Lactobacillus rhamnosus VTT E-97800 after exposure to acid and heat stress treatments or to freeze-drying
Authors: Simões C. , Alakomi H. , Maukonen J. , Saarela M.
Published: September 2010

The aim of the study was to evaluate the potential of utilising the information on expression levels of selected stress genes in assessing the quality of probiotic products. For this purpose RT-qPCR methods were developed to study the expression of clpL1 and clpL2 stress genes in Lactobacillus rhamnosus VTT E-97800 (E800) cells after exposure to processing-related stress conditions or to freeze-drying. Heat treatments in laboratory scale were performed with E800 cells incubated at 47 °C or 50 °C for 60 min. Acid treatments were performed both at laboratory and fermenter scale. At laboratory scale E800 cells were inoculated into General Edible Medium (GEM) adjusted to pH 4.0 and pH 3.5 and incubated at 37 °C for 180 min, whereas fermenter-grown cells were exposed to pH 4.0 for 60 min at the end of the fermentation. RNA from fresh cells and freeze-dried powders was reverse transcribed after isolation, quantification and standardisation. clpL1 and clpL2 transcripts were analysed by RT-qPCR with SYBR Green I. clpL1 was induced in L. rhamnosus E800 cells exposed to 50 °C and to a much lesser extent to 47 °C. No induction was observed for clpL2 in E800 cells during either acid or heat treatment, in any of the conditions applied. RNA isolation from freeze-dried powders was unsuccessful although several attempts were made with high quality products. In conclusion, our results suggest that developing quality indicators for probiotic products based on differences in the expression of stress genes is a challenging task for several reasons: at least with some genes (like in the present study with clpL) quite harsh conditions are needed to detect differences in the gene expression; mRNA isolation from freeze-dried powders was unsuccessful which hampers the quality analysis of large proportion of probiotic products; and furthermore RT-qPCR proved to be a too laborious procedure for routine use.
Highly time-resolved chemical characterization of atmospheric submicron particles during 2008 Beijing Olympic Games using an Aerodyne High-Resolution Aerosol Mass Spectrometer
Authors: Huang X.-F. , He L.-Y. , Hu M. , Canagaratna M. R. , Sun Y. , Zhang Q. , Zhu T. , Xue L. , Zeng L.-W. , Liu X.-G. , Zhang Y.-H. , Jayne J. T. , Ng N. L. , Worsnop D. R.
Published: September 2010

Abstract. As part of Campaigns of Air Quality Research in Beijing and Surrounding Region-2008 (CAREBeijing-2008), an Aerodyne High-Resolution Time-of-Flight Aerosol Mass Spectrometer (HR-ToF-AMS) was deployed in urban Beijing to characterize submicron aerosol particles during the time of 2008 Beijing Olympic Games and Paralympic Games (24 July to 20 September 2008). The campaign mean PM1 mass concentration was 63.1 ± 39.8 μg m−3; the mean composition consisted of organics (37.9%), sulfate (26.7%), ammonium (15.9%), nitrate (15.8%), black carbon (3.1%), and chloride (0.87%). The average size distributions of the species (except BC) were all dominated by an accumulation mode peaking at about 600 nm in vacuum aerodynamic diameter, and organics was characterized by an additional smaller mode extending below 100 nm. Positive Matrix Factorization (PMF) analysis of the high resolution organic mass spectral dataset differentiated the organic aerosol into four components, i.e., hydrocarbon-like (HOA), cooking-related (COA), and two oxygenated organic aerosols (OOA-1 and OOA-2), which on average accounted for 18.1, 24.4, 33.7 and 23.7% of the total organic mass, respectively. The HOA was identified to be closely associated with primary combustion sources, while the COA mass spectrum and diurnal pattern showed similar characteristics to that measured for cooking emissions. The OOA components correspond to aged secondary organic aerosol. Although the two OOA components have similar elemental (O/C, H/C) compositions, they display differences in mass spectra and time series which appear to correlate with the different source regions sampled during the campaign. Back trajectory clustering analysis indicated that the southerly air flows were associated with the highest PM1 pollution during the campaign. Aerosol particles in southern airmasses were especially rich in inorganic and oxidized organic species. Aerosol particles in northern airmasses contained a large fraction of primary HOA and COA species, probably due to stronger influences from local emissions. The lowest concentration levels for all major species were obtained during the Olympic game days (8 to 24 August 2008), possibly due to the effects of both strict emission controls and favorable meteorological conditions.
Features of the F3 layer occurrence over the equatorial location of Trivandrum
Authors: Sreeja V. , Ravindran S. , Pant T. K.
Published: September 2010

Abstract. The general features of the F3 layer occurrence over the magnetic equatorial location of Trivandrum (8.5° N; 77° E; dip lat ~0.5° N) in India during the period from 1996–2005 are presented using the ionosonde observations. The study brings out that the F3 layer occurrence over Trivandrum is weak and rare compared to the other equatorial locations. The F3 layer occurrence is relatively more pronounced during the magnetically active conditions, thus indicating the dependence of the layer formation over Trivandrum on magnetic activity. It is also observed that the percentage occurrence of the F3 layer decreases with increasing solar activity.
CO2-induced seawater acidification affects physiological performance of the marine diatom Phaeodactylum tricornutum
Authors: Wu Y. , Gao K. , Riebesell U.
Published: September 2010

Abstract. CO2/pH perturbation experiments were carried out under two different pCO2 levels (39.3 and 101.3 Pa) to evaluate effects of CO2-induced ocean acidification on the marine diatom Phaeodactylum tricornutum. After acclimation (>20 generations) to ambient and elevated CO2 conditions (with corresponding pH values of 8.15 and 7.80, respectively), growth and photosynthetic carbon fixation rates of high CO2 grown cells were enhanced by 5% and 12%, respectively, and dark respiration stimulated by 34% compared to cells grown at ambient CO2. The half saturation constant (Km) for carbon fixation (dissolved inorganic carbon, DIC) increased by 20% under the low pH and high CO2 condition, reflecting a decreased affinity for HCO3– or/and CO2 and down-regulated carbon concentrating mechanism (CCM). In the high CO2 grown cells, the electron transport rate from photosystem II (PSII) was photoinhibited to a greater extent at high levels of photosynthetically active radiation, while non-photochemical quenching was reduced compared to low CO2 grown cells. This was probably due to the down-regulation of CCM, which serves as a sink for excessive energy. The balance between these positive and negative effects on diatom productivity will be a key factor in determining the net effect of rising atmospheric CO2 on ocean primary production.
A transfer function for the prediction of gas hydrate inventories in marine sediments
Authors: Marquardt M. , Hensen C. , Piñero E. , Wallmann K. , Haeckel M.
Published: September 2010

Abstract. A simple prognostic tool for gas hydrate (GH) quantification in marine sediments is presented based on a diagenetic transport-reaction model approach. One of the most crucial factors for the application of diagenetic models is the accurate formulation of microbial degradation rates of particulate organic carbon (POC) and the coupled formation of biogenic methane. Wallmann et al. (2006) suggested a kinetic formulation considering the ageing effects of POC and accumulation of reaction products (CH4, CO2) in the pore water. This model is applied to data sets of several ODP sites in order to test its general validity. Based on a thorough parameter analysis considering a wide range of environmental conditions, the POC accumulation rate (POCar in g/m2/yr) and the thickness of the gas hydrate stability zone (GHSZ in m) were identified as the most important and independent controls for biogenic GH formation. Hence, depth-integrated GH inventories in marine sediments (GHI in g of CH4 per cm2 seafloor area) can be estimated as: GHI = a · POCar · GHSZb · exp (– GHSZc/POCar/d) + e with a = 0.00214, b = 1.234, c = –3.339,         d = 0.3148, e = –10.265. The transfer function gives a realistic first order approximation of the minimum GH inventory in low gas flux (LGF) systems. The overall advantage of the presented function is its simplicity compared to the application of complex numerical models, because only two easily accessible parameters need to be determined.
A dynamic approach for evaluating coarse scale satellite soil moisture products
Authors: Loew A. , Schlenz F.
Published: September 2010

Abstract. Validating coarse scale remote sensing soil moisture products requires a comparison of gridded data to point-like ground measurements. The necessary aggregation of in situ measurements to the footprint scale of a satellite sensor (>100 km2) introduces uncertainties in the validation of the satellite soil moisture product. Observed differences between the satellite product and in situ data are therefore partly attributable to these aggregation uncertainties. The present paper investigates different approaches to disentangle the error of the satellite product from the uncertainties associated to the up-scaling of the reference data. A novel approach is proposed, which allows for the quantification of the remote sensing soil moisture error using a temporally adaptive technique. It is shown that the point-to-area sampling error can be estimated within 0.0084 [m3/m3].
TeleSpeech Therapy Pilot Project: Stakeholder Satisfaction
Authors: Crutchley Sena , Campbell Michael
Published: September 2010

This pilot study of a school-based telepractice pilot project in a rural, remote county of North Carolina investigated the satisfaction of parents/caregivers, teachers, and administrators with a year-long telespeech therapy program delivered by a university clinic. Upon completion of the almost year-long project, a satisfaction survey incorporating a 5-point equal-appearing Likert scale (1= strongly disagree; 5= strongly agree) was disseminated to the stakeholders.  The results sorted by the three populations surveyed, indicated stakeholder satisfaction with student progress toward their speech and language goals, and clinician accessibility and responsiveness (mean ratings > 4 points). The respondents (N=23) also indicated they would “recommend TeleSpeech Therapy to other school districts” (mean rating: 4.3).  The only mean rating below 4.0 was associated with teacher responses to the statement: “My expectations for the TeleSpeech Therapy program have been met” (mean rating: 3.92).   Overall, parents/caregivers, teachers, and administrators appeared to find telepractice a satisfactory service delivery model for school-based speech-language therapy.
Viewpoint: Telecommunications and Internet Broadband Policy: Sorting Out the Pieces for Telerehabilitation
Authors: Seelman Kate D.
Published: September 2010

Technological change is accelerating and with it regulatory upheaval.  Most of us agree that providing universal telecommunication services to all our citizens is a worthy ideal.  Nonetheless, many of us do not agree that regulation should be the means to make broadband Internet services widely available. This Viewpoint begins sorting out pieces of the emerging United States, regulatory and policy puzzle for broadband Internet with an eye to the interests of telerehabilitation providers and consumers. Just how might changes in legal authority, regulation and agency jurisdictions impact us?Key words: telecommunications regulation, telerehabilitation, Federal Communications Commission (FCC), Telecommunications Act of 1996, National Broadband Plan; Comcast vs. FCC; electronic health records (EHR); personal health records (PHR); health information technology (HIT),
Texture Dependent Mechanical Anisotropy of X80 Pipeline Steel
Authors: Mouriño N. Sanchez , Petrov R. , Bae J.‐ho , Kim K. , Kestens L. A. I.
Published: September 2010

Pipeline steel grades API X80 are used for oil and gas transport. The most important mechanical properties of these steel grades are strength and fracture toughness. A remarkable directional anisotropy of toughness and strength were often observed in the plates. The effect of the thermomechanical processing parameters on the mechanical properties and texture of several commercial pipeline API X80 plates were investigated with a particular emphasis on the effect of the slab reheating temperature and the finish cooling temperature on the directional anisotropy. The crystallographic texture gave rise to a specific anisotropy profile in yield strength and in Charpy fracture energy in the ductile–brittle transition temperature domain. The observed anisotropy pattern could be understood on the basis of crystal plasticity and crystal fracture principles.
Development of Microstructure and Texture of Hematite Ores Deformed to Large Strain in Torsion: Can Texture Identify the Prevailing Strength and Creep Mechanisms During Deformation?
Authors: Siemes Heinrich , Rybacki Erik , Kunze Karsten , Klingenberg Birgit , Naumann Michael , Brokmeier Heinz‐Günter , Jansen Ekkehard
Published: September 2010

Samples of fine‐grained (approximately 9 µm) and coarse‐grained (approximately 45 µm) hematite ores with almost random crystallographic preferred orientation (CPO) were deformed in high pressure, high temperature (400 MPa, 850–1 000 °C) torsion experiments up to shear strains of 4.7. Samples with large initial grain size, preferably deformed by dislocation creep attended by dynamic recrystallization, showed grain size reduction and a weak CPO (J ∼ 1.4 at 950 °C). In contrast, fine‐grained ores, deformed mainly by grain boundary sliding accompanied by dislocation activity with slip on the dominant basal glide system, showed grain growth and a strong CPO (J ∼ 2.9). At high strain both ores attained similar strength and grain size, but different CPOs. The experiments demonstrate that the texture intensity of highly deformed rocks strongly depends on initial microstructure and may not reflect unambiguously the prevailing deformation mechanism and strength as often assumed in field studies.
The Zintl Compound Ca5Al2Sb6 for Low‐Cost Thermoelectric Power Generation
Authors: Toberer Eric S. , Zevalkink Alexandra , Crisosto Nicole , Snyder G. Jeffrey
Published: September 2010

Understanding transport in Zintl compounds is important due to their unusual chemistry, structural complexity, and potential for good thermoelectric performance. Resistivity measurements indicate that undoped Ca5Al2Sb6 is a charge‐balanced semiconductor with a bandgap of 0.5 eV, consistent with Zintl–Klemm charge counting rules. Substituting divalent calcium with monovalent sodium leads to the formation of free holes, and a transition from insulating to metallic electronic behavior is observed. Seebeck measurements yield a hole mass of ∼2me, consistent with a structure containing both ionic and covalent bonding. The structural complexity of Zintl compounds is implicated in their unusually low thermal conductivity values. Indeed, Ca5Al2Sb6 possesses an extremely low lattice thermal conductivity (0.6 W mK−1 at 850 K), which approaches the minimum thermal conductivity limit at high temperature. A single parabolic band model is developed and predicts that Ca4.75Na0.25Al2Sb6 possesses a near‐optimal carrier concentration for thermoelectric power generation. A maximum zT > 0.6 is obtained at 1000 K.Beyond thermoelectric applications, the semiconductor Ca5Al2Sb6 possesses a 1D covalent structure which should be amenable to interesting magnetic interactions when appropriately doped.
Kinetics‐Controlled Formation of Gold Clusters Using a Quasi‐Biological System
Authors: Zhang Ming‐Xi , Cui Ran , Tian Zhi‐Quan , Zhang Zhi‐Ling , Pang Dai‐Wen
Published: September 2010

By kinetically controlling a biomimetic reduction in a quasi‐biological system (an aqueous solution containing electrolyte, peptide, and coenzyme), water‐soluble, glutathione‐capped Au clusters with a mean diameter of 1.3 nm are successfully synthesized via a new route. Opportunities that facilitate the control of the reaction are created in such a quasi‐biological system. The relatively slow rate of the biomimetic reduction, the pH‐dependent reducibility of the reducing agent, and the favorable structure of the capping molecules conspire together for the realization of a kinetics‐controlled formation of the Au clusters under mild conditions. Compared to existing methods of synthesizing gold clusters by stoichiometrically controlling the molar ratio of the Au atoms and the ligands, our current method is based on slowing down the reduction of the Au precursors in the initial stage by adjusting the activity of the reducing agent in real time, instead of using a strong reducing agent such as NaBH4. This strategy of rationally utilizing biological or biomimetic processes with unique features to provide a beneficial complement to conventional chemical syntheses could open a new way for the sustainable development of nanotechnology.
Protein Particles Formed by Protein Activation and Spontaneous Self‐Assembly
Authors: Mak Wing Cheung , Georgieva Radostina , Renneberg Reinhard , Bäumler Hans
Published: September 2010

In this article, a non‐chemical crosslinking method is used to produce pure protein microparticles with an innovative approach, so‐called protein activation spontaneous and self‐assembly (PASS). The fabrication of protein microparticles is based on the idea of using the internal disulfide bridges within protein molecules as molecular linkers to assemble protein molecules into a microparticle form. The assembly process is triggered by an activating reagent–dithiothreitol (DTT), which only involved in the intermediate step without being incorporated into the resulting protein microparticles. Conventional protein microparticle fabrication methods usually involve emulsification process and chemical crosslink reactions using amine reactive reagents such as glutaraldehdye or EDC/NHS. The resulting protein microparticles are usually having various size distributions. Most importantly crosslinking reactions using amine reactive reagents will result in producing protein microparticles with undesired properties such as auto‐fluorescence and high toxicity. In contrast to the conventional methods, our technology provides a simple and robust method to produce highly homogeneous, stable and non‐fluorescence pure protein microparticles under mild conditions at physiological pH and temperature. The protein microparticles are found to be biodegradable, non‐toxic to MDCK cells and with preserved biological activities. Results on the cytotoxcity study and enzyme function demonstrate the potential applications of the protein microparticles in the area of pharmaceutics and analytical chemistry.
Carbon Nanotubes: High Electromechanical Response of Ionic Polymer Actuators with Controlled‐Morphology Aligned Carbon Nanotube/Nafion Nanocomposite Electrodes (Adv. Funct. Mater. 19/2010)
Authors: Liu Sheng , Liu Yang , Cebeci Hülya , de Villoria Roberto Guzmán , Lin Jun‐Hong , Wardle Brian L. , Zhang Q. M.
Published: September 2010

Recent advances in fabricating controlled‐morphology vertically aligned carbon nanotubes (VA‐CNTs) with ultrahigh volume fraction create unique opportunities for markedly improving the electromechanical performance of ionic polymer conductor network composite (IPCNC) actuators. Continuous paths through inter‐VA‐CNT channels allow fast ion transport, and high electrical conduction of the aligned CNTs in the composite electrodes lead to fast device actuation speed (>10% strain/second). One critical issue in developing advanced actuator materials is how to suppress the strain that does not contribute to the actuation (unwanted strain) thereby reducing actuation efficiency. Here, experiments demonstrate that the VA‐CNTs give an anisotropic elastic response in the composite electrodes, which suppresses the unwanted strain and markedly enhances the actuation strain (>8% strain under 4 V). The results reported here suggest pathways for optimizing the electrode morphology in IPCNCs using ultrahigh volume fraction VA‐CNTs to further enhanced performance.
Temperature‐Responsive Substrates: Adhesion and Mechanical Properties of PNIPAM Microgel Films and Their Potential Use as Switchable Cell Culture Substrates (Adv. Funct. Mater. 19/2010)
Authors: Schmidt Stephan , Zeiser Michael , Hellweg Thomas , Duschl Claus , Fery Andreas , Möhwald Helmuth
Published: September 2010

Thermoresponsive poly(N‐isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAM) microgel films are shown to allow controlled detachment of adsorbed cells via temperature stimuli. Cell response occurs on the timescale of several minutes, is reversible, and allows for harvesting of cells in a mild fashion. The fact that microgels are attached non‐covalently allows using them on a broad variety of (charged) surfaces and is a major advantage as compared to approaches relying on covalent attachment of active films. In the following, the microgels’ physico‐chemical parameters in the adsorbed state and their changes upon temperature variation are studied in order to gain a deeper understanding of the involved phenomena. By means of atomic force microscopy (AFM), the water content, mechanical properties, and adhesion forces of the microgel films are studied as a function of temperature. The analysis shows that these properties change drastically when crossing the critical temperature of the polymer film, which is the basis of the fast cell response upon temperature changes. Furthermore, nanoscale mechanical analysis shows that the films posses a nanoscopic gradient in mechanical properties.
Architecture of Supramolecular Soft Functional Materials: From Understanding to Micro‐/Nanoscale Engineering
Authors: Li Jing‐Liang , Liu Xiang‐Yang
Published: September 2010

This article gives an overview of the current progress of a class of supramolecular soft materials consisting of fiber networks and the trapped liquid. After discussing the up‐to‐date knowledge on the types of fiber networks and the correlation to the rheological properties, the gelation mechanism turns out to be one of the key subjects for this review. In this concern, the following two aspects will be focused upon: the single fiber network formation and the multi‐domain fiber network formation of this type of material. Concerning the fiber network formation, taking place via nucleation, and the nucleation‐mediated growth and branching mechanism, the theoretical basis of crystallographic mismatch nucleation that governs fiber branching and formation of three‐dimensional fiber networks is presented. In connection to the multi‐domain fiber network formation, which is governed by the primary nucleation and the subsequent formation of single fiber networks from nucleation centers, the control of the primary nucleation rate will be considered. Based on the understanding on the the gelation mechanism, the engineering strategies of soft functional materials of this type will be systematically discussed. These include the control of the nucleation and branching‐controlled fiber network formation in terms of tuning the thermodynamic driving force of the gelling system and introducing suitable additives, as well as introducing ultrasound. Finally, a summary and the outlook of future research on the basis of the nucleation‐growth‐controlled fiber network formation are given.
Nanostructure and Optoelectronic Characterization of Small Molecule Bulk Heterojunction Solar Cells by Photoconductive Atomic Force Microscopy
Authors: Dang Xuan‐Dung , Tamayo Arnold B. , Seo Junghwa , Hoven Corey V. , Walker Bright , Nguyen Thuc‐Quyen
Published: September 2010

Photoconductive atomic force microscopy is employed to study the nano­scale morphology and optoelectronic properties of bulk heterojunction solar cells based on small molecules containing a benzofuran substituted diketopyrrolopyrrole (DPP) core (3,6‐bis(5‐(benzofuran‐2‐yl)thiophen‐2‐yl)‐2,5‐bis(2‐ethylhexyl)pyrrolo[3,4‐c]pyrrole‐1,4‐dione, DPP(TBFu)2, and [6,6]–phenyl‐C71‐butyric acid methyl ester (PC71BM), which were recently reported to have power conversion efficiencies of 4.4%. Electron and hole collection networks are visualized for blends with different donor:acceptor ratios. Formation of nanostructures in the blends leads to a higher interfacial area for charge dissociation, while maintaining bicontinuous collection networks; conditions that lead to the high efficiency observed in the devices. An excellent agreement between nanoscale and bulk open‐circuit voltage measurements is achieved by surface modification of the indium tin oxide (ITO) substrate by using aminopropyltrimethoxysilane. The local open‐circuit voltage is linearly dependent on the cathode work function. These results demonstrate that photoconductive atomic force microscopy coupled with surface modification of ITO substrate can be used to study nanoscale optoelectronic phenomena of organic solar cells.
Direct C‐3‐Alkenylation of Quinolones via Palladium‐Catalyzed CH Functionalization
Authors: Li Mingzong , Li Liangxi , Ge Haibo
Published: September 2010

An unprecedented C‐3‐alkenylation of quinolones was reported through palladium‐catalyzed CH functionalization with 1% catalyst loading. This method provides an efficient route to a variety of new quinolone derivatives.
Making use of process tomography data for multivariate statistical process control
Authors: Boonkhao Bundit , Li Rui F. , Wang Xue Z. , Tweedie Richard J. , Primrose Ken
Published: September 2010

A novel strategy for making effective use of on‐line process tomography measurements for process monitoring is described. The electrical resistance tomography (ERT) sensing system equipped with sixteen electrodes provides 104 conductivity measurements every 25 ms. The data has traditionally been used for construction of images for display purpose. In this study, ERT data was used for multivariate statistical process control. Data at predefined normal operational conditions was processed using principal component analysis. The compressed data was used to derive two statistics, T2 and squared prediction error (SPE). T2 and SPE charts predict the probability that the process being monitored has undergone statistically significant changes from previous state or the so‐called normal operational state, in terms of mixing quality. The methodology is illustrated by reference to a case study of a sunflower oil/water emulsion process. © 2010 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 2011
Metacarpal trabecular architecture variation in the chimpanzee (Pan troglodytes): Evidence for locomotion and tool‐use?
Authors: Lazenby Richard A. , Skinner Matthew M. , Hublin Jean‐Jacques , Boesch Christophe
Published: September 2010

Trabecular architecture was assessed by 3D micro‐computed tomography from spherical volumes of interest located within the head and base of metacarpals (MC) 1, 2, and 5 fromn= 19 adult common chimpanzees. Two subspecies, West AfricanPan troglodytes verusfrom the Taï Forest, Côte d'Ivoire (n= 12) and Central AfricanP. t. troglodytesfrom Cameroon (n= 7), were studied. For the combined sample, the metacarpal head is distinguished by greater bone volume fraction across all metacarpals, though the MC 1 is distinctive in having thicker, more plate‐like trabeculae. The architecture in the MC 2 and MC 5 can be related to strains associated with terrestrial knuckle‐walking. In particular, the relatively robust MC 5 head architecture may result from functional loading incurred during braking and use of a palm‐in hand posture. Examining differences between samples, we found that the Cameroon chimpanzees possess a more robust architecture across all metacarpals in the form of greater bone volume fraction, higher connectivity, and somewhat more plate‐like structure. These differences are not explicable in terms of population distinctions in body size or daily travel distance, but possibly reflect a combination of more terrestrial knuckle‐walking in the Cameroon sample and more diverse hand postures and precision handling required of nut‐cracking in West African chimpanzees. Am J Phys Anthropol, 2011. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Age estimation from stages of epiphyseal union in the presacral vertebrae
Authors: Cardoso Hugo F.V. , Ríos Luis
Published: September 2010

The presacral vertebrae have various secondary centers of ossification, whose timing of fusion can be used for age estimation of human skeletal remains up to the middle to the latter third decade. However, detailed information about the age at which these secondary centers of ossification fuse has been lacking. In this study, the timing of epiphyseal union in presacral vertebrae was studied in a sample of modern Portuguese skeletons (57 females and 47 males) between the ages of 9 and 30, taken from the Lisbon documented skeletal collection. A detailed photographic record of these epiphyses and the age ranges for the different stages of epiphyseal union are provided. Partial union of epiphyses was observed from 11 to 27 years of age. In general, centers of ossification begin to fuse first in the cervical and lumbar vertebrae, followed by centers of ossification in the thoracic region. The first center of ossification to complete fusion is usually that of the mammillary process in lumbar vertebrae. This is usually followed by that of the transverse process, spinous transverse process, and annular ring, regardless of vertebra type. There were no statistically significant sex differences in timing of fusion, but there was a trend toward early maturation in females for some vertebra or epiphyses. Bilateral epiphyses did not show statistically significant differences in timing of fusion. This study offers information on timing of fusion of diverse epiphyseal locations useful for age estimation of complete or fragmented human skeletal remains. Am J Phys Anthropol, 2011. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Human ancient and extant mtDNA from the Gambier Islands (French polynesia): Evidence for an early Melanesian maternal contribution and new perspectives into the settlement of Easternmost Polynesia
Authors: Deguilloux Marie‐France , Pemonge Marie‐Hélène , Dubut Vincent , Hughes Sandrine , Hänni Catherine , Chollet Lionel , Conte Eric , Murail Pascal
Published: September 2010

Molecular anthropology has been widely used to infer the origin and processes of the colonization of Polynesia. However, there are still a lack of representative geographical studies of Eastern Polynesia and unchallenged genetic data about ancient Polynesian people. The absence of both of these elements prevents an accurate description of the demographic processes of internal dispersion within the Polynesian triangle. This study provides a twofold analysis of ancient and modern mtDNA in the eastern part of French Polynesia: the Gambier Islands. The paleogenetic analyses conducted on burials of the Temoe Atoll (14th−17th centuries) represent the first fully authenticated ancient human sequences from Polynesia. The identification of the “Melanesian” Q1 mtDNA lineage in ancient human remains substantiates the Near Oceanic contribution to the early gene pool of this region. Modern samples originate from Mangareva Island. Genealogical investigations enable us to reliably identify the conservation of the Melanesian component in Easternmost Polynesia, despite recent European colonization. Finally, the identification of rare mutations in sequences belonging to haplogroup B4a1a1a provides new perspectives to the debate on the internal peopling of the Polynesian region. Altogether, the results laid out in our study put the emphasis on the necessity of controlled sampling when discussing the internal settlement of Polynesia. Am J Phys Anthropol, 2011. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Ancient DNA evidence supports the contribution of Di‐Qiang people to the han Chinese gene pool
Authors: Zhao Yong‐Bin , Li Hong‐Jie , Li Sheng‐Nan , Yu Chang‐Chun , Gao Shi‐Zhu , Xu Zhi , Jin Li , Zhu Hong , Zhou Hui
Published: September 2010

Han Chinese is the largest ethnic group in the world. During its development, it gradually integrated with many neighboring populations. To uncover the origin of the Han Chinese, ancient DNA analysis was performed on the remains of 46 humans (∼1700 to 1900 years ago) excavated from the Taojiazhai site in Qinghai province, northwest of China, where the Di‐Qiang populations had previously lived. In this study, eight mtDNA haplogroups (A, B, D, F, M*, M10, N9a, and Z) and one Y‐chromosome haplogroup (O3) were identified. All analyses show that the Taojiazhai population presents close genetic affinity to Tibeto‐Burman populations (descendants of Di‐Qiang populations) and Han Chinese, suggesting that the Di‐Qiang populations may have contributed to the Han Chinese genetic pool. Am J Phys Anthropol, 2011. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Brief communication: MaqFACS: A muscle‐based facial movement coding system for the rhesus macaque
Authors: Parr L.A. , Waller B.M. , Burrows A.M. , Gothard K.M. , Vick S.J.
Published: September 2010

Over 125 years ago, Charles Darwin (1872) suggested that the only way to fully understand the form and function of human facial expression was to make comparisons with other species. Nevertheless, it has been only recently that facial expressions in humans and related primate species have been compared using systematic, anatomically based techniques. Through this approach, large‐scale evolutionary and phylogenetic analyses of facial expressions, including their homology, can now be addressed. Here, the development of a muscular‐based system for measuring facial movement in rhesus macaques (Macaca mulatta) is described based on the well‐known FACS (Facial Action Coding System) and ChimpFACS. These systems describe facial movement according to the action of the underlying facial musculature, which is highly conserved across primates. The coding systems are standardized; thus, their use is comparable across laboratories and study populations. In the development of MaqFACS, several species differences in the facial movement repertoire of rhesus macaques were observed in comparison with chimpanzees and humans, particularly with regard to brow movements, puckering of the lips, and ear movements. These differences do not seem to be the result of constraints imposed by morphological differences in the facial structure of these three species. It is more likely that they reflect unique specializations in the communicative repertoire of each species. Am J Phys Anthropol, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The influence of enzymatic treatment on the surface modification of PET fibers
Authors: Kardas Iwona , Lipp‐Symonowicz Barbara , Sztajnowski Slawomir
Published: September 2010

The paper deals with the assessment of the surface modification of glossy continuous poly(ethylene terephthalate) fibers from the point of view of changes in their surface structure in terms of its micro‐topography and the molecular and supermolecular structure of the filament surface layers. The performed SEM and AFM investigations have shown differences in the fiber surface carving before and after modification (smoothing or increased roughness), depending on the type of applied enzymatic preparation. Measurements with the use of the ATR‐IR method have shown changes in the physicochemical character of the investigated fiber surface. The cleavage of the ester bonds in PET macromolecular chains, resulting from the modifications used, leads to the formation of reactive OH and COOH groups. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011
Molecular weight‐dependent antifungal activity and action mode of chitosan against Fulvia fulva (cooke) ciffrri
Authors: Li Meiqin , Chen Xiguang , Liu Jianmin , Zhang Weifen , Tang Xuexi
Published: September 2010

Antifungal activities of chitosans (CTS) with different molecular weights (Mw) and different concentrations against Fulvia fulva (cooke) ciffrri (F. fulva) causing leaf mold in tomato plants were studied in vitro and in vivo; the action mode and its inhibition at different stages during the life cycle of F. fulva were observed. The results showed that: (1) in vitro, CTS exhibited strong antifungal activity against F. fulva, especially for the medium Mw (213 and 499 KDa) CTS. Almost complete inhibition of F. fulva conidia germination and mycelia colony radial growth was found when CTS was at concentration of 0.5 and 2 mg mL−1, respectively; however, inhibitory effect on sporulation was not very obvious for all CTSs tested in this experiment. In vivo, CTS of 213 KDa CTS at 6 mg mL−1 concentration produced stronger antifungal effect than others. (2) The morphological study by scanning electron microscope (SEM) showed that CTS could induce the hyphal swelling, and the surface of hypha which was treated with low Mw (82 KDa) chitosan was smooth, but was rough treated with high Mw (1320 KDa) chitosan. The further study using a confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) coupled with fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC)‐fluorescence detection system showed fluorescence of the FITC‐labeled chitosans of which Mws were below 500 KDa could enter into the inner of hypha; however, 1320 KDa chitosan was blocked off the outer of hypha. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011
Decomposition characteristics of biodegradable plastics made from sago starch‐extraction residue
Authors: Igura Masato , Okazaki Masanori , Ohmi Masaharu
Published: September 2010

Biodegradable plastics were synthesized for the effective use of sago starch‐extraction residue, which has been discarded as a waste. Two types of esterified sago starch‐extraction residue, P‐SP and L‐SP, were obtained. It had black color for P‐SP160 (esterified by palm oil) to light yellow color for L‐SP80 (esterified by lauric acid) and showed high carbon content, ranging from 399.3 to 537.1 g kg−1. Biodegradable plastics from the residue, which had high esterification degree showed thermoplasticity and slower decomposition in Andisols in Japan and Inceptisols in Philippines. The esterification degrees of P‐SP160 and L‐SP were 3.23 and 2.95 to 5.18 mmol g−1, respectively. In addition, L‐SP80 exhibited the most appropriate thermal softening behavior by heating. The cumulative decomposition of P‐SP160 in Andisols and Inceptisols showed 16.7 and 32.8% of total carbon during 31 day of the incubation. On the other hand, the decomposition rates of L‐SP80 in Andisols and Inceptisols were less than 10% of total carbon during 31 day of the incubation. The addition of triacetin as plasticizer to P‐SP160 and L‐SP80 remarkably influenced the decomposition rate of both molded P‐SP160 and L‐SP80. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011
Effective surface treatments for enhancing the thermal conductivity of BN‐filled epoxy composite
Authors: Wattanakul Karnthidaporn , Manuspiya Hathaikarn , Yanumet Nantaya
Published: September 2010

To improve the thermal conductivity of BN‐filled epoxy composite, admicellar polymerization was used to coat polystyrene and polymethyl methacrylate on the BN surface to improve the interfacial adhesion in the composite. The treated surface was characterized by FTIR and contact angle measurements. The results show that the admicellar treatment led to improved wettability of epoxy resin on the treated surface. Thermal conductivity of the composite increased from 1.5 W/mK for untreated BN to 2.69 W/mK when the admicellar‐treated BN was used, indicating improvement in the interfacial adhesion between BN and epoxy resin in the composite. The mechanical properties of the composite also improved significantly. The surfactant : monomer molar ratio of 1 : 10 was found to be the optimum condition for the admicellar polymerization process. The solubility parameter concept was used to explain the difference in the effectiveness of polystyrene and polymethyl methacrylate. When compared to the more conventional silane treatment, admicellar treatment was found to be more effective in improving the interfacial adhesion between the BN particles and epoxy resin. SEM micrographs of the fractured surface of the composite further confirm the improvement in the interfacial adhesion after the admicellar treatment. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011
Effect of poly(etherimide) chemical structures on the properties of epoxy/poly(etherimide) blends and their carbon fiber‐reinforced composites
Authors: Chen Weiming , Tao Zhiqiang , Fan Lin , Yang Shiyong , Jiang Wenge , Wang Junfeng , Xiong Yanli
Published: September 2010

Poly(etherimide)s (PEIs) with different chemical structures were synthesized and characterized, which were employed to toughen epoxy resins (EP/PEI) and carbon fiber‐reinforced epoxy composites (CF/EP/PEI). Experimental results revealed that the introduction of the fluorinated groups and meta linkages could help to improve the melt processability of EP/PEI resins. The EP/PEI resins showed obviously improved mechanical properties including tensile strength of 89.2 MPa, elongation at break of 4.7% and flexural strength of 144.2 MPa, and good thermal properties including glass transition temperature (Tg) of 211°C and initial decomposition temperature (Td) of 366°C. Moreover, CF/EP/PEI‐1 and CF/EP/PEI‐4 composites showed significantly improved toughness with impact toughness of 13.8 and 15.5 J/cm2, respectively. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011
Physical properties of polyamide 6/H‐NBR blends and the effects of dynamic vulcanization on them
Authors: Hwang S. W. , Kim S. W. , Park H. Y. , Jeon I. L. , Seo K. H.
Published: September 2010

Polyamide 6 (PA 6) and hydrogenated nitrile rubber (H‐NBR) were blended with various blend ratios in a brabender plasticoder at 240°C/100 rpm. The processing characteristics with a mixing torque of the blends were investigated. The effect of the blend ratio on physical properties such as tensile strength, Young's modulus, elongation at break, permanent set, hardness, and swelling behavior of blends was analyzed. Most mechanical properties were found to decrease with an addition of H‐NBR. The morphology of the blends was observed, and the results show a two phase system where the component with high proportions exists as a continuous phase. A cocontinuous phase was observed in blend ratios of 50/50 and 40/60. Dynamic mechanical properties were observed to study a viscoelastic property of the blends. In addition, the effect of dynamic vulcanization with peroxide on physical properties was studied, and the influence of peroxide on PA 6 was also examined. It was found that the peroxide can have an effect on PA 6 as well as act as a crosslinker to H‐NBR. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011