bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Acoustically Driven Device for Introducing Solid Samples into an Inductively Coupled Plasma
Authors: Starn Timothy K. , Hieftje Gary M.
Published: October 2009

A device is described that couples acoustic energy into powdered solid samples to facilitate their transport into an inductively coupled plasma. The system, entitled a sonic suspension device, is inexpensive and simple to build. In an experiment to illustrate its performance, calcium carbonate in a graphite matrix was introduced into an ICP; it offered moderate precision (relative standard deviation of 5% without the use of an internal standard) and acceptable sample-introduction efficiency.
Potential of Near-Infrared Fourier Transform Raman Spectroscopy in Food Analysis
Authors: Ozaki Y. , Cho R. , Ikegaya K. , Muraishi S. , Kawauchi K.
Published: October 2009

The 1064-nm excited Fourier transform (FT) Raman spectra have been measured in situ for various foods in order to investigate the potential of near-infrared (NIR) FT-Raman spectroscopy in food analysis. It is demonstrated here that NIR FT-Raman spectroscopy is a very powerful technique for (1) detecting selectively the trace components in foodstuffs, (2) estimating the degree of unsaturation of fatty acids included in foods, (3) investigating the structure of food components, and (4) monitoring changes in the quality of foods. Carotenoids included in foods give two intense bands near 1530 and 1160 cm−1 via the pre-resonance Raman effect in the NIR FT-Raman spectra, and therefore, the NIR FT-Raman technique can be employed to detect them nondestructively. Foods consisting largely of lipids such as oils, tallow, and butter show bands near 1658 and 1443 cm−1 due to C=C stretching modes of cis unsaturated fatty acid parts and CH2 scissoring modes of saturated fatty acid parts, respectively. It has been found that there is a linear correlation for various kinds of lipid-containing foods between the iodine value (number) and the intensity ratio of two bands at 1658 and 1443 cm−1 ( I1658/ I1443), indicating that the ratio can be used as a practical indicator for estimating the unsaturation level of a wide range of lipid-containing foods. A comparison of the Raman spectra of raw and boiled egg white shows that the amide I band shifts from 1666 to 1677 cm−1 and the intensity of the amide III band at 1275 cm−1 decreases upon boiling. These observations indicate that most α-helix structure changes into unordered structure in the proteins constituting egg white upon boiling. The NIR FT-Raman spectrum of old-leaf (about one year old) Japanese tea has been compared with that of its new leaf. The intensity ratio of two bands at 1529 and 1446 cm−1 ( I1529/ I1446), assignable to carotenoid and proteins, respectively, is considerably smaller in the former than in the latter, indicating that the ratio is useful for monitoring the changes in the quality of Japanese tea.
Near-Infrared Molecular Emission from a Gas Fountain
Authors: Nelson-Avery Bonnie A. , Tilotta David C.
Published: October 2009

An electrothermal fountain is used to heat gas-phase samples in the range of 300 to 400°C in order to observe their near-infrared (NIR) emissions. In conjunction with the fountain, a 1/8-m Ebert monochromator and an uncooled PbS detector are shown to be sufficiently sensitive for recording the NIR fingerprints of CH4, CO2, N2O, and C2H6. At fountain temperatures of approximately 400°C, the molecular emission is confined to the long wavelength NIR region (1600–2500 nm) and yields limits of detection in the range of 4 to 10% v/v (3–10 mg/s). Reproducibilities have relative standard deviations of 3.0%. The calibration curves for the gases examined in this study have small linear dynamic ranges (factors of 2 to 10) and exhibit some degree of upward curvature. Ramifications of the application of NIR molecular emission spectroscopy to the qualitative and quantitative analyses of mixtures are discussed.
Evaluation of Chloroparaffin/PVC Phases for ATR/FT-IR Analyses
Authors: Ertan-Lamontagne Marc C. , Parthum Kimberly A. , Seitz W. Rudolph , Tomellini Sterling A.
Published: October 2009

A significant limitation to the use of ATR/FT-IR analysis for aqueous solutions is the relatively high bulk concentration of analyte that is required. One approach to improving the detection of an analyte is to incorporate a thin polymeric phase at the surface of the ATR element. The purpose of the polymeric phase is to extract the analyte of interest and concentrate it within the depth of penetration of the evanescent wave. With the use of a very high molecular weight polyvinyl chloride phase, the time necessary to reach equilibrium for a 0.05% (v/v) nitrobenzene in a 1.5% (w/v) methanol/water solution was over 60 min. A study was undertaken to determine whether incorporating a chloroparaffin plasticizer into the polymeric phase would reduce the time required to reach the maximum level of absorbance achieved for the analyte. Specifically, the ability of phases which are mixtures of PVC and chloroparaffin plasticizers to concentrate the analyte from aqueous solutions has been investigated. The results indicate that incorporating chloroparaffin into a PVC phase reduces the time required to reach the maximum absorbance for the analyte in an aqueous solution containing 1.5% methanol by approximately 45%. The addition of chloroparaffin also results in an increase in the magnitude of absorbance observed for the analytes investigated in this study.
Magneto-Optic Spectroscopy on Neon Using Laser-Induced Forward Scattering
Authors: Lindberg Åsa
Published: October 2009

The forward-scattered light observed when a single-mode dye laser interacts with the three neon transitions 1 s5( J = 2)-2 ps( J = 2), 1s3( J = 0)-2 p5( J = 1), and 1 s4( J = 1)-2 p7( J = 1) has been investigated as an applied longitudinal magnetic field is varied. The 1 s5 and the 1 s3 states are metastable. This condition allows a comparison of the spectra for the cases 1 s5( J = 2)-2 p8( J = 2) and 1 s3( J = 0)-2 p5( J = 1) in order to discuss whether the complex line shapes obtained for the J = 2 to J = 2 atomic system are due to higher-order coherences or whether they originate from coherences between m = ±1 states. Experimental and calculated line shapes are presented. The calculations have been performed with the use of a semiclassical model for the light/matter interaction. A J = 0 to J = 1 (or a J = 1 to J = 1) model reproduces the overall shapes of the recorded spectra for all three transitions. The results show that, even when laser beam spatial effects and the sample isotopic effects are taken into account, interpretations of forward-scattering spectra in order to determine atomic parameters can reliably be done for simple J = 0 to J = 1 systems only.
Temperature Measurement of Single Levitated Microparticles Using Stokes/Anti-Stokes Raman Intensity Ratios
Authors: Rassat Scot D. , Davis E. James
Published: October 2009

A method has been developed to determine the temperature of single microparticles levitated in an electrodynamic balance. Particle temperatures were ascertained from the measured intensities of the Stokes and anti-Stokes Raman spectra. Temperatures near ambient were obtained for titanium dioxide and calcium nitrate microparticles with the use of a Raman-based calibration of the optical system to correct for wavelength-dependent effects. Higher temperatures were also measured with the use of a carbon dioxide infrared laser to electromagnetically heat the particle. In an effort to minimize particle instabilities caused by the heating beam, the Gaussian intensity profile of the beam was modified with an axicon beam expander to produce a doughnut-like intensity distribution. The temperature measurement technique and quantitative Raman composition analysis were applied to study dehydration of a calcium nitrate tetrahydrate particle.
Impact of the Sinusoidal Drive on the Instrumental Line Shape Function of a Michelson Interferometer with Rotating Retroreflector
Authors: Haschberger Peter
Published: October 2009

In Fourier spectrometers using the classical Michelson setup, conventionally a plane mirror travels with constant speed to generate an optical pathlength alteration. Recently, different types of Michelson interferometers have been developed that use one or more rotating retroreflectors for pathlength variation. They all exhibit a sinusoidal dependence of the pathlength on time. This paper discusses the effects of the nonlinear mirror motion on the interferogram and the calculated spectrum. The requirements necessary for the acquisition system are deduced, and distortions due to nonideal analog electronics are calculated quantitatively. The investigations concentrate on the influence of a nonconstant electronic transfer function and differences in the delay times of the measurement channel and the reference channel, which generates the sampling pulses. The results are applied to the laboratory model of a Michelson interferometer with rotating reflector (spectral resolution ≈0.5 cm−1). It is proved by measuring the instrumental line shape function (ILS) that there can be compensations for the effects mentioned above, with a residual error of less then 1% in comparison to the results for the ideal ILS.
Absorption Spectroscopy Using Microdroplet Resonance Fluorescence Intensities
Authors: Eversole J. D. , Lin H.-B. , Merritt C. D. , Campillo A. J.
Published: October 2009

Emission spectra from fluorophor-containing microdroplets exhibit a series of sharp peaks due to microcavity effects, superimposed on the usual broad-band dye emission seen in bulk liquid. The amplitudes of these resonance peaks are shown here to be sensitive absorption indicators, and the decrease in apparent resonance intensities may be used as a practical in situ absorption diagnostic procedure in spectroscopy. We illustrate this concept with two examples using a microdroplet stream (with diameters between 13 to 18 μm) of an ethanol/rhodamine dye solution, additionally doped with either bromocresol green or cresyl violet dye. An ability to obtain spectral absorption information, as well as quantitative absorption coefficient estimates in the range of 10 to 10−3 cm−1, and to infer changes in pH in the droplets is demonstrated. Use of this approach in conjunction with suitable indicator dyes should permit measurement of specific chemical changes occurring in microdroplets.
Spectroelectrochemical Investigation of the Behavior of Tetra-Chloro-p-Benzoquinone in Molten Sodium Chloroaluminates
Authors: Hondrogiannis E. M. , Coffield J. C. , Trimble D. S. , Edwards A. E. , Mamantov G.
Published: October 2009

The Raman, UV-visible, electron spin resonance spectroscopic, and spectroelectrochemical (SEC) behavior of tetrachloro- p-benzoquinone (chloranil) in molten aluminum chloride/sodium chloride mixtures has been examined. The results support previous findings suggesting that the chloranil is complexed by AlCl3or A12C17– in acidic melts [>50 mole percent (m/o) A1C13], while in basic melts (< 50 m/o A1C13) the chloranil remains uncomplexed. The results further support the previously proposed stepwise one-electron reductions in the acidic melt to produce the radical anion and the dianion. The present work, however, reveals that chloranil is also reduced through two closely spaced one-electron reductions in the basic melt.
Evolving Factor Analysis of Synchronous Fluorescence Spectra of Fulvic Acids in the Presence of Aluminum
Authors: Silva Carla S.P.C.O. , Da Silva Joaquim C.G. Esteves , Machado Adélio A.S.C.
Published: October 2009

The variations observed in synchronous fluorescence spectra of aqueous solutions (pH = 4) of three fulvic acids (fua) upon variation of the concentration of Al3+ were analyzed by evolving factor analysis (EFA). The three fua samples were extracted from materials present in a pine-wood soil: dry pine needles and the upper and lower soil horizons. The presence of Al3+ induces quenching and enhancement of bands in the synchronous fluorescence spectra, and concentration constraints are proposed for the EFA analysis that allow the calculation, on a self-modeling curve resolution basis, of the number of components that show linearly independent variations, their spectra, and corresponding concentration profiles. Simulated and experimental data sets of simple known compounds (catechol, caffeic acid, salicylic acid, and morin) were also studied as the first validation of the experimental and data treatment procedures.
Near-IR Spectroscopic Examination of Thin-Layer Chromatography Plates in the Diffuse Transmittance Mode
Authors: Fong Andrew , Hieftje Gary M.
Published: October 2009

The nondestructive detection of analyte spots on high-performance thin-layer chromatography (HPTLC) plates is demonstrated with the use of near-IR spectrometry (NIRS). The resulting hyphenated technique is called Thin-Layer Chromatography-Near-Infrared Spectrometry (TLC-NIRS). A transmittance geometry is employed, and a set of 18 interference filters is used for wavelength selectivity. Plate-thickness nonuniformity and varying amounts of water vapor adsorption onto the silica-gel TLC plates were found to be the major complications. Variations in silica-gel thickness could be compensated for by obtaining reference spectral scans of the HPTLC plates before performing the chromatography. The effects of water-vapor adsorption were reduced through use of a partial least-squares calibration model. Detection limits near 1 μg were obtained.
Diagnostics in a High-Flow-Rate (>6 L min−1) Helium Capacitively Coupled Microwave Plasma: Aqueous versus Organic Solution
Authors: Spencer B. M. , Smith B. W. , Winefordner J. D.
Published: October 2009

A helium capacitively coupled microwave plasma (CMP) with a high plasma gas flow rate (>6 L min−1) is described. Plasma gas flow rates above 6–8 L min−1 produce a cylindrical-shaped plasma. Diagnostic studies were performed. Electronic excitation ( Texc), rotational ( Trot), and ionization-recombination ( Tion) temperatures were determined, along with the electron number density ( ne). Texc was calculated from the slope of the Boltzmann plot with the use of Fe as the thermometric species. Values for Texc in aqueous and organic solution were 3430 and 3450 K, respectively. Trot determined with the use of both OH and N2+. With OH, Trot values were 1620 and 1660 K for aqueous and organic solutions, respectively. If no solution was introduced, a Trot value of 2350 K was determined with N2+. N2+ also gave Trot values of 1900 and 1930 K with aqueous and organic solutions, respectively. The Tion values were 6220 and 5610 K with the use Cd and Mg, respectively. The ne value was on the order of 4 × 1014 cm−3. Background spectra and limits of detection are also presented.
Temperature Effects on a Fiber-Optic Evanescent Wave Absorption Sensor
Authors: Klunder G. L. , BÜrck J. , Ache H.-J. , Silva R. J. , Russo R. E.
Published: October 2009

A coiled fiber-optic chemical sensor has proven to be effective for the remote detection of volatile organic compounds, such as trichloroethylene (TCE), 1,1-dichloroethylene (DCE), and gasoline, in aqueous solutions. The analyte diffuses into the hydrophobic cladding and evanescent wave absorption spectra are measured in the near-infrared (1600–1850 nm) without the presence of the water absorption bands. In order for fiberoptic chemical sensors to operate effectively in remote environments, the influence of temperature on the sensor response must be known. The C-H bonds of the polysiloxane cladding material also have absorption bands in the near-infrared (NIR). Changes in temperature will change the density (i.e., concentration of C-H bonds) and refractive index of the cladding. Due to these effects, a temperature change of only 3°C from the reference has been shown to significantly alter the background absorbance. The temperature-dependent background absorption is found to be linear with the slope, and the values are proportional to the absorption coefficient of the cladding material. The intercept of the absorbance vs. temperature plot is found to follow the first derivative of the fiber sensor transmission spectrum. Evanescent wave absorption spectra of TCE solutions have been corrected for temperature.
Spectroscopic Method for Measuring Surface Temperature That is Independent of Material Emissivity, Surrounding Radiation Sources, and Instrument Calibration
Authors: Markham James R. , Best Philip E. , Solomon Peter R.
Published: October 2009

A novel optical measurement technique for the in situ determination of surface temperature is presented. The technique employs modulation of the object temperature by an energy source of high intensity, such as a laser. By modulation of the temperature at the point from which the emitted spectrum of electro-magnetic radiation is being monitored, routine calculations involving the observed modulated component of the radiation spectrum will determine the temperature and, for some conditions, emissivity. The region to be measured is thus defined by the intersection of the laser and the beam which enters the collection optics of the Fourier transform Infrared spectrometer. Analysis of the modulated radiation results in a temperature determination which is independent of material emissivity, surrounding radiation sources, and instrument calibration for optical path.
Measurement of Modal Dispersion for a Step-Index Multimode Optical Fiber in the UV-Visible Region Using a Pulsed Laser
Authors: Alaruri Sami , Brewington Andy , Bijak Gregory
Published: October 2009

A simple treatment for different dispersive pulse-broadening mechanisms in optical fibers is given. The modal dispersion coefficients for a high-OH multimode step-index optical fiber were measured at the wavelengths 532, 355, and 266 nm with the use of a pulsed Nd:YAG laser. An empirical relationship expressing the modal dispersion coefficients as a function of wavelength for the range 532 to 266 nm was calculated.
Correction for Unequal Intensities of Left and Right Circularly Polarized Light in Steady-State and Lifetime-Resolved Fluorescence-Detected Circular Dichroism
Authors: Geng Lei , McGown Linda B.
Published: October 2009

A major difficulty in fluorescence-detected circular dichroism (FDCD) and lifetime-resolved fluorescence-detected circular dichroism (LRFDCD) is the generation of equal excitation intensities of left circularly polarized light (LCPL) and right circularly polarized light (RCPL). In the presence of unequal intensities, the observed FDCD signal of an optically active sample, or the resolved FDCD signals of a multicomponent system in the case of LRFDCD, will be contaminated by a factor that is the ratio of the two unequal intensities. For optically inactive samples, a sample-independent, artifactual, nonzero signal of constant magnitude is observed. A general scheme is presented for the correction of these inaccuracies caused by unequal intensities of LCPL and RCPL. Large differences between LCPL and RCPL excitation intensities were artificially introduced in steady-state FDCD measurements, and the artifact was accurately corrected by the scheme. Corrected results for the different experimental approaches that have been described for LRFDCD showed similarly good accuracy. In a related consideration, inclusion of the total absorbance and absorption circular dichroism of the sample in the calculation of the FDCD signal is shown to be essential for samples with high absorbances.
In Situ Labeling of Transcription Sites in Marine Medaka
Authors: So Leo K.Y. , Cheung Sarah K.C. , Ma Hok L. , Chen Xue P. , Cheng Shuk H. , Lam Yun W.
Published: October 2009

Transcription factories have been characterized in cultured mammalian cells, but little is known about the regulation of these nuclear structures in different primary cell types. Using marine medaka, we observed transcription sites labeled by the metabolic incorporation of 5-fluorouridine (5-FU) into nascent RNA. Medaka was permeable to 5-FU in ambient water and became fully labeled within 4 hr of incubation. The incorporation of 5-FU was inhibited by the transcription inhibitor actinomycin D. The 5-FU incorporation sites were detected in the cell nucleus, and could be abolished by RNase digestion. The tissue distribution of 5-FU incorporation was visualized by immunocytochemistry on whole-mount specimens and histological sections. The 5-FU labeling appeared highly cell type specific, suggesting a regulation of the overall transcription activities at tissue level. Mapping of transcription factories by 5-FU incorporation in fish provides a useful and physiologically relevant model for studying the control of gene expression in the context of the functional organization of the cell nucleus. This manuscript contains online supplemental material at http://www.jhc.org . Please visit this article online to view these materials.
Die Entstehung des periphrastischen Perfekts mit haben und sein im Deutschen – eine längst beantwortete Frage?
Authors: Öhl Peter
Published: October 2009

The rise of the periphrastic perfect tenses – past participle + have or be – is a phenomenon for which the analysis is especially promising with regards to the research on grammaticalisation. Firstly, it involved several steps of syntactic reanalysis and lexical recategorisation leading to a construction-specific auxiliary verb form. This allows for conclusions to be drawn about processes involved in grammaticalisation in general. Secondly, it is a grammatical change in which both Germanic and Romance languages converged. This allows for conclusions about universal conditions underlying such kinds of change. Thirdly, in German, the rise occurred rather late and within a relatively short period of time. This allows for the observation of the periphrasis in statu nascendi. In this paper, the grammaticalisation process is modeled and explained in a formal framework of generative syntax, also taking into account performance-based changes and contextual aspects providing the conditions for the relevant changes in the grammar. The main claim is that this process of grammaticalisation was terminated by an abrupt parametric change, leading to a syntactically reanalysed form of analytic inflection and the recategorisation of have as an auxiliary. The result was a full paradigm of periphrastic perfect tense. The preconditions for this grammatical change were provided by a sequence of performance-based changes and minor formal reanalyses, giving the process its gradual nature.
Considerations in Ceramic Friction and Wear Measurements
Authors: Gates RS , Yellets JP , Deckman DE , Hsu SM
Published: October 2009

Technical ceramic materials offer tremendous potential in a wide variety of engineering applications. Their unique blend of physical, chemical, and mechanical properties provide innovative design opportunities for advanced concepts such as low-heat rejection engines, high-efficiency gas turbines, high temperature bearings, and high-speed, high-precision cutting tools. Unfortunately, many of the critical friction and wear (tribological) properties of advanced ceramics are not well defined or understood. Research in materials science of advanced ceramics is developing very rapidly. As materials change and new materials are constantly being developed, the evaluation of these materials for tribological applications becomes a critical issue. This paper explores several important considerations in friction and wear testing of ceramic materials. Detailed test sample characterization is required to define the materials pair. Sample preparation, selection of load and speed, environmental control, and contamination effects are crucial to the meaningful tribological evaluation of ceramic materials. Specific examples are given using a modified four-ball wear tester with alumina specimens.
Friction and Wear Testing of Ion Beam Modified Ceramics for High Temperature Low Heat Rejection Diesel Engines
Authors: Wei W , Beaty K , Vinyard S , Lankford J
Published: October 2009

This paper describes an experimental program that investigated the friction and wear behavior of ceramic materials considered for use for piston rings and cylinder liners in high-temperature, low-heat rejection diesel engines. Candidate materials include silicon carbide, silicon nitride, titanium carbide, nickel-molybdenum bonded titanium carbide cermets, and partially stabilized zirconia (PSZ); and ceramics whose surfaces have been modified by the ion beam mixing of several oxide-forming metal ions including chromium, cobalt, nickel, and a double layer of nickel and titanium. Friction and wear testing is performed in two stages. Various material couples are tested using laboratory bench tests (pin-on-disk) in simulated diesel environments at 800°C, in order to determine those couples most likely to be successfully applied to actual engine operating conditions. Cylinder liners and piston rings are produced from those materials, and tested under actual operating conditions in one of two test rigs: a heated, single-cylinder test rig designed by Southwest Research Institute (SwRI) for ceramic engine component analysis; and a single-cylinder research engine. The various testing procedures and equipment are described, and the advantages and disadvantages of the test methodology are discussed. The results of testing to date are reviewed and discussed. Bench tests have shown that most unmodified ceramic couples have relatively high wear rates, and coefficients of friction above about 0.25. Certain combinations of pins and ion-beam modified disks, however, produce coefficients of friction as low as 0.06 with minimal wear, characteristics close to those required for liquid lubricated metal couples run at much lower temperatures. Promising combinations include titanium carbide on titanium-nickel modified silicon nitride, and titanium carbide cermet on titanium-nickel or cobalt modified PSZ. These materials were fashioned into cylinder liners and piston rings for testing in the test rig and in the research engine. Details of these engine tests are presented, and plans and suggestions for future testing and research are discussed.
A Unique Formulation of Glyphosate in the Acid Form
Authors: Volgas Gregory , Mack Robert E. , Roberts Johnnie , Wayland Mark , Alford Bobby
Published: October 2009

Glyphosate is a broad-spectrum herbicide effective on deep-rooted perennial species and on annual and biennial species of grasses, sedges, and broadleaf weeds. The solubility of glyphosate acid is relatively low in water, 12 g/L (25°C). Since glyphosate is an acid, however, numerous water-soluble salts can be formed. Recently, formulations have been developed that avoid the need to make salts. Instead, the glyphosate is presented in the acid form. Unlike traditional glyphosate salt formulations, that need surfactants to enhance their uptake, the acid formulation of HM-2028 does not rely on reduced surface tension or other surfactant effects to provide excellent uptake and herbicide efficacy.
Assessment of the Ozone Formation Potential from Pesticide Solvents Using a Mobile Ozone Chamber Assay Approach
Authors: Kumar Anuj , Yang Wenli , Howard Cody J. , Kleeman Michael J. , Derrick Doniche , Green Peter G.
Published: October 2009

The use of pesticides in California's agricultural industry plays a role in air quality with emissions of organic compounds thought to contribute to the formation of ground level ozone. Ozone levels in many regions of California exceed the prescribed Federal and State standards every year. The actual contribution from pesticide applications (as well as other agricultural sources) is largely unknown, and relies on assumptions of reactivity and tendency to evaporate. Progress on accurate determinations of either parameter is limited by many factors, including the proprietary nature of formulations. We have developed an approach which can measure the ozone formation potential of many agricultural sources, in the field. This approach was previously validated and described during a recently completed and published study of emissions from dairy cattle, their feed, as well as their fresh waste. With accompanying measurements of the most abundant volatile organic compounds (VOCs) involved there, we showed agreement between laboratory studies, field measurements, and a computer model of atmospheric photochemical reactions that improves upon past efforts, which were limited to urban/industrial VOCs. Our goal is to reach the same level of understanding for VOCs contained in pesticide formulations.Two sets of field experiments were performed to assess the ozone formation potential of pesticide solvents using a set of transportable smog chambers in the summer of 2007. The first set of experiments were conducted for a solvent-based emulsifiable concentrate (EC) base-spray on a one-acre bare field, and the second set of experiments were conducted for an agricultural application of Lorsban 4E in a three-acre citrus orchard. By comparing the upwind and downwind measurements, the experiments indicated that the emission of pesticide solvent after field application led to increased ozone formation. After a 180 min UV exposure, the ozone formation potential measured at the downwind side averaged 14 ppb higher than that of upwind air, while the average difference was around 3 ppb for background levels on both the day before and the day after pesticide spray. Laboratory experiments were also conducted for different doses of EC base with various levels of nitrogen oxides using the transportable smog chambers. The experimental isopleth demonstrates that VOCs emitted from the EC base could result in high ozone formation. Future work will provide full VOC speciation and application of the results in a regional photochemical model to predict ozone impacts.
Evaporation of Pesticide Droplets on Surfaces under Various Relative Humidity Conditions
Authors: Yu Y. , Zhu H. , Ozkan H. E.
Published: October 2009

It is important to understand the evaporation process of pesticide droplets on targets for increasing the efficiency and efficacy of foliar applied insecticide and fungicide spray applications. Evaporation characteristics of five droplet sizes (246, 343, 575, 762, and 886 μm) under three relative humidity (RH) conditions (30, 60, and 90 %) were studied in a laboratory. Sequential images of evaporating droplets placed inside a small environmentally controlled chamber were obtained using a stereoscope for determination of droplet evaporation time and residual patterns. The spray mixtures included different combinations of water, a nonionic colloidal polymer drift retardant, an alkyl polyoxyethylene surfactant, and an insecticide. The droplet evaporation was investigated on the surfaces of hydrophilic and hydrophobic glass slides which represented ideal non-waxy and waxy leaf surfaces, respectively. Among the spray mixtures investigated, the droplets containing the drift retardant had the longest evaporation time, and the droplets containing the surfactant had the shortest evaporation time after these additives were added into insecticide mixtures. The mean evaporation time of 246, 343, 575, 762, and 886 μm droplets containing water and the insecticide without additives at 60 % RH on the hydrophilic surface were 43, 77, 133, 226, and 384 s, respectively. The mean evaporation times of the same size droplets containing the same insecticide but mixed with the surfactant were 26, 47, 77, 156, and 251 s, respectively. The evaporation time of 575 urn droplets containing the drift retardant at 60 % RH increased from 159 s to 224 s when the deposition surface changed from the hydrophilic slide to the hydrophobic slide. The evaporation time of droplets greatly increased as RH increased, and also increased exponentially as the droplet size increased. Therefore, spray additives, target surface fine structure and RH greatly influenced the evaporation time of spray droplets.
Morpholine Amide Solvent: A New Inert
Authors: Stern Alan J. , Ferguson David C.
Published: October 2009

A new solvent for agricultural formulation use is described. The solvent, an amide derived from a short chain fatty acid and morpholine, has many desirable physical and chemical properties. In addition to the physical and chemical properties, this paper will present the theoretical Hansen solubility parameters, and present data on solubility of selected agricultural chemicals in the solvent. Briefly, TSCA and FIFRA regulatory requirements for the solvent are covered.
Cortical Representation of Ipsilateral Arm Movements in Monkey and Man
Authors: Ganguly Karunesh , Secundo Lavi , Ranade Gireeja , Orsborn Amy , Chang Edward F. , Dimitrov Dragan F. , Wallis Jonathan D. , Barbaro Nicholas M. , Knight Robert T. , Carmena Jose M.
Published: October 2009

A fundamental organizational principle of the primate motor system is cortical control of contralateral limb movements. Motor areas also appear to play a role in the control of ipsilateral limb movements. Several studies in monkeys have shown that individual neurons in primary motor cortex (M1) may represent, on average, the direction of movements of the ipsilateral arm. Given the increasing body of evidence demonstrating that neural ensembles can reliably represent information with a high temporal resolution, here we characterize the distributed neural representation of ipsilateral upper limb kinematics in both monkey and man. In two macaque monkeys trained to perform center-out reaching movements, we found that the ensemble spiking activity in M1 could continuously represent ipsilateral limb position. Interestingly, this representation was more correlated with joint angles than hand position. Using bilateral electromyography recordings, we excluded the possibility that postural or mirror movements could exclusively account for these findings. In addition, linear methods could decode limb position from cortical field potentials in both monkeys. We also found that M1 spiking activity could control a biomimetic brain–machine interface reflecting ipsilateral kinematics. Finally, we recorded cortical field potentials from three human subjects and also consistently found evidence of a neural representation for ipsilateral movement parameters. Together, our results demonstrate the presence of a high-fidelity neural representation for ipsilateral movement and illustrates that it can be successfully incorporated into a brain–machine interface.
Cerebellar Contributions to Adaptive Control of Saccades in Humans
Authors: Xu-Wilson Minnan , Chen-Harris Haiyin , Zee David S. , Shadmehr Reza
Published: October 2009

The cerebellum may monitor motor commands and through internal feedback correct for anticipated errors. Saccades provide a test of this idea because these movements are completed too quickly for sensory feedback to be useful. Earlier, we reported that motor commands that accelerate the eyes toward a constant amplitude target showed variability. Here, we demonstrate that this variability is not random noise, but is due to the cognitive state of the subject. Healthy people showed within-saccade compensation for this variability with commands that arrived later in the same saccade. However, in people with cerebellar damage, the same variability resulted in dysmetria. This ability to correct for variability in the motor commands that initiated a saccade was a predictor of each subject's ability to learn from endpoint errors. In a paradigm in which a target on the horizontal meridian jumped vertically during the saccade (resulting in an endpoint error), the adaptive response exhibited two timescales: a fast timescale that learned quickly from endpoint error but had poor retention, and a slow timescale that learned slowly but had strong retention. With cortical cerebellar damage, the fast timescale of adaptation was effectively absent, but the slow timescale was less impaired. Therefore, the cerebellum corrects for variability in the motor commands that initiate saccades within the same movement via an adaptive response that not only exhibits strong sensitivity to previous endpoint errors, but also rapid forgetting.
Activated Actin-Depolymerizing Factor/Cofilin Sequesters Phosphorylated Microtubule-Associated Protein during the Assembly of Alzheimer-Like Neuritic Cytoskeletal Striations
Authors: Whiteman Ineka T. , Gervasio Othon L. , Cullen Karen M. , Guillemin Gilles J. , Jeong Erica V. , Witting Paul K. , Antao Shane T. , Minamide Laurie S. , Bamburg James R. , Goldsbury Claire
Published: October 2009

In Alzheimer's disease (AD), rod-like cofilin aggregates (cofilin–actin rods) and thread-like inclusions containing phosphorylated microtubule-associated protein (pMAP) tau form in the brain (neuropil threads), and the extent of their presence correlates with cognitive decline and disease progression. The assembly mechanism of these respective pathological lesions and the relationship between them is poorly understood, yet vital to understanding the causes of sporadic AD. We demonstrate that, during mitochondrial inhibition, activated actin-depolymerizing factor (ADF)/cofilin assemble into rods along processes of cultured primary neurons that recruit pMAP/tau and mimic neuropil threads. Fluorescence resonance energy transfer analysis revealed colocalization of cofilin-GFP (green fluorescent protein) and pMAP in rods, suggesting their close proximity within a cytoskeletal inclusion complex. The relationship between pMAP and cofilin–actin rods was further investigated using actin-modifying drugs and small interfering RNA knockdown of ADF/cofilin in primary neurons. The results suggest that activation of ADF/cofilin and generation of cofilin–actin rods is required for the subsequent recruitment of pMAP into the inclusions. Additionally, we were able to induce the formation of pMAP-positive ADF/cofilin rods by exposing cells to exogenous amyloid-β (Aβ) peptides. These results reveal a common pathway for pMAP and cofilin accumulation in neuronal processes. The requirement of activated ADF/cofilin for the sequestration of pMAP suggests that neuropil thread structures in the AD brain may be initiated by elevated cofilin activation and F-actin bundling that can be caused by oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, or Aβ peptides, all suspected initiators of synaptic loss and neurodegeneration in AD.
Diversity of the Arabidopsis Mitochondrial Genome Occurs via Nuclear-Controlled Recombination Activity
Authors: Arrieta-Montiel Maria P , Shedge Vikas , Davila Jaime , Christensen Alan C , Mackenzie Sally A
Published: October 2009

The plant mitochondrial genome is recombinogenic, with DNA exchange activity controlled to a large extent by nuclear gene products. One nuclear gene, MSH1, appears to participate in suppressing recombination in Arabidopsis at every repeated sequence ranging in size from 108 to 556 bp. Present in a wide range of plant species, these mitochondrial repeats display evidence of successful asymmetric DNA exchange in Arabidopsis when MSH1 is disrupted. Recombination frequency appears to be influenced by repeat sequence homology and size, with larger size repeats corresponding to increased DNA exchange activity. The extensive mitochondrial genomic reorganization of the msh1 mutant produced altered mitochondrial transcription patterns. Comparison of mitochondrial genomes from the Arabidopsis ecotypes C24, Col-0, and Ler suggests that MSH1 activity accounts for most or all of the polymorphisms distinguishing these genomes, producing ecotype-specific stoichiometric changes in each line. Our observations suggest that MSH1 participates in mitochondrial genome evolution by influencing the lineage-specific pattern of mitochondrial genetic variation in higher plants.
Disaster Preparedness in Pediatric Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Renukuntla Venkat S. , Hassan Krishnavathana , Wheat Suzanne , Heptulla Rubina A.
Published: October 2009

OBJECTIVE: The goal was to assess emergency preparedness among families caring for children with type 1 diabetes mellitus.

METHODS: A total of 115 English-speaking families caring for children with type 1 diabetes mellitus who were attending the diabetes clinic at Texas Children's Hospital agreed to a questionnaire study designed to ascertain their level of preparedness for a disaster or emergency. The study was conducted from June through September 2008 and ended just before Hurricane Ike made landfall.

RESULTS: Families were better prepared for self-management of diabetes, compared with general disaster preparedness. Sixty-two percent of the families were generally unprepared for a major disaster. For self-management of diabetes specifically, however, 75% of families had adequate supplies to maintain care for 3 days. Families in higher and moderate socioeconomic status strata were better equipped for an emergency (P < .002). Preparedness was found to be independent of age, gender, ethnicity, and previous experience of a disaster.

CONCLUSION: Disaster preparedness still lags in families of lower socioeconomic status.
Audio-Recorded Guided Imagery Treatment Reduces Functional Abdominal Pain in Children: A Pilot Study
Authors: van Tilburg Miranda A.L. , Chitkara Denesh K. , Palsson Olafur S. , Turner Marsha , Blois-Martin Nanette , Ulshen Martin , Whitehead William E.
Published: October 2009

OBJECTIVE: This study was designed to develop and to test a home-based, guided imagery treatment protocol, using audio and video recordings, that is easy for health care professionals and patients to use, is inexpensive, and is applicable to a wide range of health care settings.

METHODS: Thirty-four children, 6 to 15 years of age, with a physician diagnosis of functional abdominal pain were assigned randomly to receive 2 months of standard medical care with or without home-based, guided imagery treatment. Children who received only standard medical care initially received guided imagery treatment after 2 months. Children were monitored for 6 months after completion of guided imagery treatment.

RESULTS: All treatment materials were reported to be self-explanatory, enjoyable, and easy to understand and to use. The compliance rate was 98.5%. In an intention-to-treat analysis, 63.1% of children in the guided imagery treatment group were treatment responders, compared with 26.7% in the standard medical care–only group (P = .03; number needed to treat: 3). Per-protocol analysis showed similar results (73.3% vs 28.6% responders). When the children in the standard medical care group also received guided imagery treatment, 61.5% became treatment responders. Treatment effects were maintained for 6 months (62.5% responders).

CONCLUSION: Guided imagery treatment plus medical care was superior to standard medical care only for the treatment of abdominal pain, and treatment effects were sustained over a long period.
Intimate Partner Violence and Death Among Infants and Children in India
Authors: Ackerson Leland K. , Subramanian S. V.
Published: October 2009

OBJECTIVE: The goal was to test the association between maternal intimate partner violence (IPV) victimization and child death.

METHODS: Information was collected regarding 39096 children <60 months of age in the nationally representative 2005–2006 National Family Health Survey of India. The exposures were maternal reports of physical, sexual, psychological, and any IPV. Outcomes included infant (0 to <12 months), older child (12 to <60 months), and any child (0 to <60 months) deaths.

RESULTS: Maternal experience of physical IPV was associated with increased mortality rates among all children (risk ratio [RR]: 1.21 [95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.13–1.30]), infants (RR: 1.24 [95% CI: 1.01–1.53]), and older children (RR: 1.25 [95% CI: 1.00–1.56]). Sexual and psychological IPV were less strongly associated with child death. The associations between maternal IPV and death did not differ according to the child's gender.

CONCLUSION: The robust association between exposure to household IPV and infant and child death could be attributable to the mother's inability to care for her child, psychological stress associated with witnessing violence, and the use of maternal violence victimization as a proxy for child violence victimization.
Torsion units in integral group ring of Higman-Sims simple group
Authors: Bovdi Victor , Konovalov Alexander
Published: October 2009

Using the Luthar-Passi method, we investigate the classical Zassenhaus conjecture for the normalized unit group of the integral group ring of the Higman-Sims simple sporadic group HS. As a consequence, we confirm Kimmerle’s conjecture on prime graphs for this sporadic group.
Radicals of submodules in modules
Authors: Yeşіlot Gürsel
Published: October 2009

The radical radN of a submodule N of a module M is defined as the intersection of all prime submodules containing N. In this paper, we show that if the ideals (N: M) and (L: M) are comaximal then the equality rad (N ∩ L) = radN ∩ rad L holds. We also discuss some properties of finitely generated R-modules.
Growth and low temperature photoluminescence of silicon nanowires for different catalysts
Authors: Demichel Olivier , Oehler Fabrice , Calvo Vincent , Noé Pierre , Besson Adrien , Pauc Nicolas , Gentile Pascal , Baron Thierry , Magnea Noël
Published: October 2009

We report the growth of silicon nanowires (SiNWs) by chemical vapor deposition (CVD) with several catalysts. We performed low temperature photoluminescence (PL) experiments on as-grown SiNWs for the following catalysts: Au, Cu, TiSi, PdSi and PtSi. Nanowires are chemically treated with an aqua regia solution to remove the catalyst droplets, this step is followed by a thermal oxidation process. We compared the PL of as-grown and processed SiNWs for each catalyst.
Using CAD-CAM Technology for the Full-Mouth, Fixed, Retrievable Implant Restoration: A Clinical Report
Authors: Piermatti Jack
Published: October 2009

Computer-assisted design (CAD) and computer-assisted manufacture (CAM) are technologic advancements used in dentistry today. These technologies have been developed to fabricate a complete arch substructure from a solid piece of titanium for a fixed, screw-retained implant-supported prosthesis. This clinical report demonstrates a treatment approach which uses CAD-CAM technology to incorporate a milled, titanium framework with retrievable metal ceramic crowns.
Evaluation of Zooplankton in Hatchery Diets for Channel Catfish Fry
Authors: Mischke Charles C , Wise David J , Byars Todd S
Published: October 2009

The efficacy of zooplankton as a supplemental hatchery diet for fry of channel catfish Ictalurus punctatus was evaluated. When a commercial diet is used as a reference, fry fed exclusively on zooplankton—either live or dried—performed poorly in their growth rate. However, when live or dried zooplankton were fed to fry in conjunction with the commercial diet, fry weight increased 40–50% over the weight of fry fed the commercial diet alone in a 19-d feeding trial. Data from this study indicate that zooplankton may serve as a sustainable and reliable supplement during hatchery production. These data also reaffirm the importance of zooplankton as a feed source in the growth of channel catfish fry. Zooplankton are important in catfish fry culture, and when zooplankton are present with commercial diets, improved growth results. Based on results of this study, supplemental feeding of zooplankton to hatchery fry and managing fry ponds for increased zooplankton densities should increase fry growth during the nursery phase of culture.