bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Aplicação do Tourism Ecological Footprint Method para avaliação dos Impactos Ambientais do Turismo em Ilhas: um estudo em Fernando de Noronha
Authors: Feitosa Maria José da Silva , Gómez Carla Regina Pasa
Published: August 2013

O turismo pode gerar impactos positivos e negativos. Dentre os positivos, há o crescimento econômico, a geração de emprego e renda, a preservação ambiental, a disseminação do conhecimento. Em relação aos impactos negativos, observa-se a degradação dos recursos naturais. Essa interferência negativa pode ser mitigada por meio da aplicação de ferramentas como o Método da Pegada Ecológica do Turismo. Esse instrumento avalia o impacto ambiental da atividade turística em destinos turísticos insulares, como é o caso de Fernando de Noronha (FN) – PE. Assim sendo, esse estudo se propõe a verificar o impacto ambiental do turismo em Fernando de Noronha – PE, sob a ótica da Pegada Ecológica do Turismo. Para tanto, utilizou-se uma pesquisa descritiva, de abordagem quantitativa, com dados secundários. Esses foram analisados por meio das diretrizes propostas pelo referido método. Os resultados apontam que o turismo realizado em FN provoca um impacto ambiental negativo, o qual pode ser visualizado no déficit ecológico de 26,7548 hectares globais. Esse achado alerta para necessidade de se adotarem medidas como a substituição da matriz energética utilizada na ilha, bem como a conscientização dos turistas em relação à conservação dos recursos naturais do destino.
Atributos de escolha em serviços de restaurantes: Um estudo exploratório
Authors: Angnes Derli Luís , Mello Moyano Carlos Alberto
Published: August 2013

Existem aproximadamente um milhão de bares e restaurantes que geram em torno de seis milhões de empregos no Brasil. Um dos aspectos primordiais na escolha de um restaurante são os atributos do serviço. Atributos são julgamentos que o cliente realiza sobre o desempenho da qualidade de um determinado serviço. A identificação dos atributos de escolha de um restaurante é importante para a proposição de valor superior dos serviços e para a elaboração de estratégias de marketing. Este artigo tem como objetivo identificar os atributos de escolha em serviços de restaurantes. A metodologia empregada foi um estudo exploratório qualitativo a partir de entrevistas conduzidas pela técnica do incidente crítico. Utilizou-se uma amostra de 72 clientes de restaurantes. Para o tratamento e análise dos incidentes críticos obtidos nas entrevistas, empregou-se a técnica de análise de conteúdo e interpretação por especialistas. O resultado obtido foi uma relação de 615 incidentes críticos, que após analisados, geraram uma lista de 27 atributos que influenciam os clientes na escolha e na avaliação dos serviços de restaurantes. Dentre os atributos listados, há uma forte presença de atributos de busca, caracterizados pela sua tangibilidade no serviço. Os atributos identificados poderão subsidiar e contribuir para o aprimoramento de futuras pesquisas e estudos no âmbito acadêmico, além de contribuir para a gestão dos estabelecimentos de restaurantes.
Editorial
Authors: Anjos Sara Joana Gadotti dos , Corrêa Cynthia Harumy Watanabe
Published: August 2013

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Microfluidic Generation of Gradient Hydrogels to Modulate Hematopoietic Stem Cell Culture Environment
Authors: Mahadik Bhushan P. , Wheeler Tobias D. , Skertich Luke J. , Kenis Paul J. A. , Harley Brendan A. C.
Published: August 2013

The bone marrow provides spatially and temporally variable signals that impact the behavior of hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs). While multiple biomolecular signals and bone marrow cell populations have been proposed as key regulators of HSC fate, new tools are required to probe their importance and mechanisms of action. Here, a novel method based on a microfluidic mixing platform to create small volume, 3D hydrogel constructs containing overlapping patterns of cell and matrix constituents inspired by the HSC niche is described. This approach is used to generate hydrogels containing opposing gradients of fluorescent microspheres, MC3T3‐E1 osteoblasts, primary murine hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (HSPCs), and combinations thereof in a manner independent of hydrogel density and cell/particle size. Three different analytical methods are described to characterize local properties of these hydrogels at multiple scales: 1) whole construct fluorescent analysis; 2) multi‐photon imaging of individual cells within the construct; 3) retrieval of discrete sub‐regions from the hydrogel post‐culture. The approach reported here allows the creation of stable gradients of cell and material cues within a single, optically translucent 3D biomaterial to enable a range of investigations regarding how microenvironmental signals impact cell fate.
Cassava starch‐graft‐polymethacrylamide copolymers as flocculants and textile sizing agents
Authors: Nair Soumya B. , Jyothi Alummoottil N.
Published: August 2013

Cassava starch‐graft‐polymethacrylamide (PMAM) copolymers were synthesized by a free‐radical‐initiated polymerization reaction, and the products were tested for their efficiency as flocculants and textile sizing agents. The highest percentages of grafting and monomer conversion were 79.9 and 78.0%, respectively. The grafted starches were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X‐ray diffraction analysis, scanning electron microscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, and thermogravimetric analysis. The average molecular weight of PMAM chains in the grafted starches ranged from 15.9 to 30.8 × 105 g/mol. The grafted starches exhibited a higher peak viscosity and paste stability in comparison to the native starch (NS). Dynamic mechanical analysis showed that grafting provided fairly shear‐stable hydrogels, and the highest storage modulus obtained was 17,900 Pa compared to 1879 Pa for NS. The flocculation studies demonstrated the superiority of starch‐g‐PMAM over cassava starch and PMAM as an efficient flocculant. The tensile strength of cotton yarns sized with the starch‐grafted copolymer was significantly higher (104 MPa) compared to that sized with NS (34 MPa). © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2014, 131, 39810.
Interfacial modification of single‐walled carbon nanotubes for high‐loading‐reinforced polypropylene composites
Authors: Liu Siyang , Wang Zhe , Lu Guoming , Wang Yue , Zhang Yue , He Xiaodan , Zhao Lixia , Li Zewen , Xuan Lichun , Zhao Dongyu
Published: August 2013

In this article, we present a strategy for fabricating polypropylene (PP)/polypropylene‐regrafted single‐walled carbon nanotube (PP‐re‐g‐SWNT) composites with a high loading of single‐walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs; 20 wt %). The PP‐re‐g‐SWNTs were characterized by X‐ray photoelectron, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The PP‐re‐g‐SWNTs showed excellent interfacial adhesion and dispersion. Furthermore, PP molecules, about 72 wt % by mass, were homogeneously bonded onto the surface of the SWNTs according to TGA. In this hybrid nanocomposite system, the PP‐re‐g‐SWNTs were covalently integrated into the PP matrix and became part of the conjugated network structure (as evidenced by differential scanning calorimetry and dynamic mechanical analysis) rather than just a separate component. Accordingly, the PP/PP‐re‐g‐SWNT composites presented obvious improvements in mechanical properties and conductivity (from 10−10 to 10−2). Most importantly, the tensile and flexural strength of the PP/PP‐re‐g‐SWNT composites did not exhibit an obvious downturn with the addition of 20 wt % SWNTs; this was contrary to documented results. We believe that these new observations were due to the novel structure of the PP‐re‐g‐SWNTs. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2014, 131, 39817.
Renaissance of aliphatic polycarbonates: New techniques and biomedical applications
Authors: Xu Jianwen , Feng Ellva , Song Jie
Published: August 2013

Aliphatic polycarbonates (APCs) were discovered a long time ago, with their conventional applications mostly limited to low‐molecular‐weight oligomeric intermediates for copolymerization with other prepolymers or small molecules. Recent developments in polymerization techniques have overcome the difficulty in preparing high‐molecular‐weight APCs. These in turn, along with new functional monomers, have enabled the preparation of a wide range of APCs with diverse chemical compositions and structures. This review summarizes the latest polymerization techniques for preparing well‐defined functional APCs and the new applications of those APCs, especially in the biomedical field. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci., 2014, 131, 39822.
Simultaneous Optimization of Damper Parameters and Controllers for Building Vibration Attenuation over Finite Frequency Band
Authors: Zhan Wei , Gao Huijun , Cheung K.C. , Lam James , Du Haiping
Published: August 2013

This paper presents a simultaneous optimization approach to the design of the multiple active tuned mass damper (MATMD) and its controller for building vibration attenuation under seismic excitations. A model of an n‐storey building installed with the MATMD system, where the masses can be placed on different storeys, is considered, and its state‐space model is established by appropriately defining the state variables and the output signals. Considering that earthquake records exhibit higher strength over a certain range of frequency and the fact that not only the controller design but also the parameter optimization of the MATMD system have significant effects on the control performance, a simultaneous optimization approach based on the genetic algorithm (GA) is proposed to design the static output‐feedback controller and to obtain the MATMD's parameters for the attenuation of seismic building vibration over a finite frequency range. Using the proposed approach, a set of parameters and the constrained controller gains, which can guarantee the asymptotic stability of the closed‐loop system and attenuate the building vibration at a sufficiently low level, are obtained. Simulations are used to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed approach and the superiority of a strategy that places the masses on different storeys in attenuating building vibration under earthquake excitation.
Empathic Responsiveness of Children and Adolescents with High‐Functioning Autism Spectrum Disorder
Authors: Scheeren Anke M. , Koot Hans M. , Mundy Peter C. , Mous Larissa , Begeer Sander
Published: August 2013

Previous studies have shown reduced empathic responsiveness to others' emotions in preschoolers with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and an intellectual disability. However, age and intelligence may promote children's empathic responsiveness. Therefore, we examined the empathic responsiveness in normally intelligent school‐aged children and adolescents with a clinical diagnosis of ASD (n = 151) and in a typically developing comparison group (n = 50), using structured observations and parent reports. Based on the observations, participants' responses to the emotional displays of an interviewer were surprisingly similar. However, compared with parents from the comparison group, parents of a child with ASD reported significantly fewer empathic responses, particularly when the child received a high score on the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule. Even though parents report a reduced empathic responsiveness in school‐aged children and adolescents with ASD, it may be difficult to find these empathic limitations during brief observations in a structured setting. Autism Res 2013, ●●: ●●–●●. © 2013 International Society for Autism Research, Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Chemische Schalter als potenzielle Lernschalter
Authors: Schwarzer Stefan , Rudnik Julian , Parchmann Ilka
Published: August 2013

Eine stärkere Verknüpfung von Fachforschung, Bildung und Öffentlichkeitsarbeit bietet vielfältige Potenziale. Dieser Beitrag stellt die fachdidaktische Begleitung des Sonderforschungsbereichs 677 „Funktion durch Schalten“ vor, der molekulare Maschinen im Bereich der Nanowissenschaften beforscht. Es wird ein Schülerlaborkonzept für die Oberstufe, basierend auf dem Modell der Didaktischen Rekonstruktion, praxisnah erläutert. Für die Vorbereitung und Integration eines Schülerlaborbesuchs in den Unterricht werden entsprechende Materialien vorgestellt. Abschließend wird ein Ausblick auf empirische Untersuchungen, zu Forschungsfragen wie Erwartungen und Bewertungen des Schülerlaborbesuchs durch Schülerinnen und Schüler, gegeben.
Compatibility Assessment of Recharge Water with Native Groundwater Using Reactive Hydrogeochemical Modeling in Pinggu, Beijing
Authors: Lu Ying , Du Xinqiang , Yang Yuesuo , Fan Wei , Chi Baoming , Wang Zijia , Ye Xueyan
Published: August 2013

A hydrochemical assessment of the local harvested water and groundwater based on field data, lab experiments, and modeling was carried out for a groundwater artificial recharge (GAR) proposal in the Pinggu Basin aquifer. Harvested water chemically regulated by recharge water standard was chosen as an available recharge source in the basin. The sediments at the potential recharge site were characterized to determine the impact of GAR on subsurface hydrochemistry. To model the dynamic hydrochemical changes during GAR, transport process coupled with the geochemical equilibrium was resolved using PHREEQC and a reverse computing process. These were to simulate chemical reactions, soil soluble species dispersion, mineral dissolution and precipitation, and cation exchange in the recharge vadose zone in the Pinggu Basin. The model was validated by a column leaching experiment and applied for field conditions. The prediction results showed NO3−, SO42−, Cl−, and total dissolved solid had peak breakthroughs during the first period of recharge indicating a “washout” phenomenon and then settled down, whilst changes in HCO3−, Ca2+, Mg2+, and pH resulted from carbonate buffering and cation exchange. In the long run, recharge by the harvested water was unlikely to have a negative impact on groundwater quality. Rather caution should be taken for potential chemical clogging induced by dolomite precipitation for a sustainable GAR management.
Simulation of oxygen transfer in stented arteries and correlation with in‐stent restenosis
Authors: Caputo M. , Chiastra C. , Cianciolo C. , Cutrì E. , Dubini G. , Gunn J. , Keller B. , Migliavacca F. , Zunino P.
Published: August 2013

Computational models are used to study the combined effect of biomechanical and biochemical factors on coronary in‐stent restenosis, which is a postoperative remodeling and regrowth pathology of the stented arteries. More precisely, we address numerical simulations, on the basis of Navier–Stokes and mass transport equations, to study the role of perturbed wall shear stresses and reduced oxygen concentration in a geometrical model reconstructed from a real porcine artery treated with a stent. Joining in vivo and in silico tools of investigation has multiple benefits in this case. On one hand, the geometry of the arterial wall and of the stent closely correspond to a real implanted configuration. On the other hand, the inspection of histological tissue samples informs us on the location and intensity of in‐stent restenosis. As a result, we are able to correlate geometrical factors, such as the axial variation of the artery diameter and its curvature; the numerical quantification of biochemical stimuli, such as wall shear stresses; and the availability of oxygen to the inner layers of the artery, with the appearance of in‐stent restenosis. This study shows that the perturbation of the vessel curvature could induce hemodynamic conditions that stimulate undesired arterial remodeling. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Computational modeling of human head under blast in confined and open spaces: primary blast injury
Authors: Rezaei A. , Salimi Jazi M. , Karami G.
Published: August 2013

In this paper, a computational modeling for biomechanical analysis of primary blast injuries is presented. The responses of the brain in terms of mechanical parameters under different blast spaces including open, semi‐confined, and confined environments are studied. In the study, the effect of direct and indirect blast waves from the neighboring walls in the confined environments will be taken into consideration. A 50th percentile finite element head model is exposed to blast waves of different intensities. In the open space, the head experiences a sudden intracranial pressure (ICP) change, which vanishes in a matter of a few milliseconds. The situation is similar in semi‐confined space, but in the confined space, the reflections from the walls will create a number of subsequent peaks in ICP with a longer duration. The analysis procedure is based on a simultaneous interaction simulation of the deformable head and its components with the blast wave propagations. It is concluded that compared with the open and semi‐confined space settings, the walls in the confined space scenario enhance the risk of primary blast injuries considerably because of indirect blast waves transferring a larger amount of damaging energy to the head. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
On the distributed orchestration of stochastic discrete event simulations
Authors: Sui Zhiquan , Harvey Neil , Pallickara Shrideep
Published: August 2013

Discrete event simulations are a powerful technique for modeling stochastic systems with multiple components where interactions between these components are governed by the probability distribution functions associated with them. Complex discrete event simulations are often computationally intensive with long completion times. This paper describes our solution to the problem of orchestrating the execution of a stochastic, discrete event simulation where computational hot spots evolve spatially over time. Our performance benchmarks report on our ability to balance computational loads in these settings. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Dynamic task assignment and resource management in cloud services by using bargaining solution
Authors: Shin Kwang Sup , Park Myoung‐Ju , Jung Jae‐Yoon
Published: August 2013

Cloud computing provides infrastructure, platform and software as services to customers. For the purpose of providing reliable and truthful service, a fair and elastic resource allocation strategy is essential from the standpoint of service customers. In this paper, we propose a game theoretic mechanism for dynamic cloud service management, including task assignment and resource allocation to provide reliable and truthful cloud services. A user utility function is first devised considering the dynamic characteristics of cloud computing. The elementary stepwise system is then applied to efficiently assign tasks to cloud servers. A resource allocation mechanism based on bargaining game solution is also adopted for fair resource allocation in terms of quality of service of requested tasks. Through numerical experiments, it is shown that the proposed mechanism guarantees better system performance than several existing methods. The experimental results show that the mechanism completes the requested tasks earlier with relatively higher utility while providing a significant level of fairness compared with existing ones. The proposed mechanism is expected to support cloud service providers in elastically managing their limited resources in a cloud computing environment in terms of quality of service. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Organic epitaxial layers on organic substrates
Authors: Sassella Adele
Published: August 2013

“Adsorption, absorption, and crystal growth”: the controlled growth of crystalline organic thin films on top of another organic solid perfectly fits with the title of the school, being a specific example of crystal growth on a solid surface, where adsorption is the fundamental process. In this contribution, after illustrating why organic epitaxial layers on organic substrates can be interesting in materials science, the basic physical principles of organic epitaxy and in particular of the growth of organic epitaxial layers on organic substrates are discussed.
Modification of Marx generator with a doubling of output voltage
Authors: Tatur Valery V.
Published: August 2013

A multistage generator of high‐voltage pulses with a doubling of output voltage built according to the Marx scheme is presented. A specific feature of the generator circuit design is the substitution of charging diodes for charging resistors and connection of the supplying voltage through an inductor. Such a design makes it possible to double the amplitude of pulses across a load, which is proportional to the number of connected stages, and to minimize the power loss during the charging of storage capacitors. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The germinal matrices in the developing dentate gyrus are composed of neuronal progenitors at distinct differentiation stages
Authors: Sugiyama Taku , Osumi Noriko , Katsuyama Yu
Published: August 2013

Background: Differentiation of granule cells (GCs) begins from late embryonic stage in the developing dentate gyrus (DG). Migration of the neurogenic stem cells and progenitors in the developing DG makes understanding of the DG morphogenesis difficult. The proliferative area in the developing DG was divided into the three germinal matrices (GMs). However, the stage of the progenitor cells in each GM along the GC differentiation process is not clear. Results: Here, we extensively compared expression of neurogenic transcription factors (TFs) of which sequential expression in the neocortical development and the adult DG neurogenesis was reported. The GC differentiation marked by Prox1 expression takes place from embryonic day 16.5 in the tertiary GM. Although neurogenesis in each GM basically proceeds along the radial axis of the forming GC layer, cells expressing stem cell markers were observed intermingling with NeuroD/Prox1 expressing differentiated cells in the tertiary GM at postnatal day 5, and gradually restricted in the subgranular zone as the development went on. Conclusions: We describe expression pattern of neurogenic TFs during DG development, which suggests conserved sequential expression of TFs in the GC lineage, and spatiotemporal relationships of GC differentiation and DG morphogenesis during embryonic and early postnatal periods. Developmental Dynamics 242:1442–1453, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
rbm47, a novel RNA binding protein, regulates zebrafish head development
Authors: Guan Rui , El‐Rass Suzan , Spillane David , Lam Simon , Wang Yuodong , Wu Jing , Chen Zhuchu , Wang Anan , Jia Zhengping , Keating Armand , Hu Jim , Wen Xiao‐Yan
Published: August 2013

Background: Vertebrate trunk induction requires inhibition of bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) signaling, whereas vertebrate head induction requires concerted inhibition of both Wnt and BMP signaling. RNA binding proteins play diverse roles in embryonic development and their roles in vertebrate head development remain to be elucidated. Results: We first characterized the human RBM47 as an RNA binding protein that specifically binds RNA but not single‐stranded DNA. Next, we knocked down rbm47 gene function in zebrafish using morpholinos targeting the start codon and exon‐1/intron‐1 splice junction. Down‐regulation of rbm47 resulted in headless and small head phenotypes, which can be rescued by a wnt8a blocking morpholino. To further reveal the mechanism of rbm47's role in head development, microarrays were performed to screen genes differentially expressed in normal and knockdown embryos. epcam and a2ml were identified as the most significantly up‐ and down‐regulated genes, respectively. The microarrays also confirmed up‐regulation of several genes involved in head development, including gsk3a, otx2, and chordin, which are important regulators of Wnt signaling. Conclusions: Altogether, our findings reveal that Rbm47 is a novel RNA‐binding protein critical for head formation and embryonic patterning during zebrafish embryogenesis which may act through a Wnt8a signaling pathway. Developmental Dynamics 242:1395–1404, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Effects of structural connectivity on fine scale population genetic structure of muskrat, Ondatra zibethicus
Authors: Laurence Sophie , Smith Matthew J. , Schulte‐Hostedde Albrecht I.
Published: August 2013

In heterogeneous landscapes, physical barriers and loss of structural connectivity have been shown to reduce gene flow and therefore lead to population structuring. In this study, we assessed the influence of landscape features on population genetic structure and gene flow of a semiaquatic species, the muskrat. A total of 97 muskrats were sampled from three watersheds near Sudbury, Ontario, Canada. We estimated population genetic structure using 11 microsatellite loci and identified a single genetic cluster and no genetic differences were found among the watersheds as a result of high levels of gene flow. At finer scales, we assessed the correlation between individual pairwise genetic distances and Euclidean distance as well as different models of least cost path (LCP). We used a range of cost values for the landscape types in order to build our LCP models. We found a positive relationship between genetic distance and least cost distance when we considered roads as corridors for movements. Open landscapes and urban areas seemed to restrict but not prevent gene flow within the study area. Our study underlines the high‐dispersal ability of generalist species in their use of landscape and highlights how landscape features often considered barriers to animal movements are corridors for other species.
Mechanistic Approaches to Molecular Catalysts for Water Oxidation
Authors: Kikuchi Takashi , Tanaka Koji
Published: August 2013

Water oxidation, in which two water molecules undergo the coupled loss of four electrons and four protons to form an O–O bond, is one of the most appealing target reactions for molecular catalysts in view of hydrogen production by electrolytic or photolytic water splitting to cope with urgent energy and environmental problems. Inspired by a natural oxygen‐evolving multinuclear manganese cluster, a number of water oxidation catalysts based on multinuclear transition‐metal complexes have been developed over the last three decades. In recent years, in parallel with the discovery of mononuclear oxygen‐evolving complexes, both experimental and theoretical studies have yielded important insight into O–O bond‐formation pathways in these water‐oxidizing complexes. In this microreview, we will present an updated view of selected current literature focusing on the working mechanism of ruthenium‐based water oxidation catalysts and on the development of rationally designed ruthenium complexes that activate water at mild potentials.
Catalytic Staudinger/Aza‐Wittig Sequence by in situ Phosphane Oxide Reduction
Authors: van Kalkeren Henri A. , te Grotenhuis Colet , Haasjes Frank S. , Hommersom C. (Rianne) A. , Rutjes Floris P. J. T. , van Delft Floris L.
Published: August 2013

A Staudinger/aza‐Wittig reaction sequence is described that is catalytic in phosphorus. Towards this end, the phosphane oxide is reduced in situ by diphenylsilane, which allows for substoichiometric amounts of the catalyst 5‐phenyldibenzophosphole to be used. The substrate scope is investigated and benzoxazoles, benzodiazepine imidates and a 2‐methoxypyrrole were successfully synthesized. These investigations show that a fast aza‐Wittig reaction is required to obtain high yields.
Characterization and utilization of clay‐based construction and demolition wastes as adsorbents for zinc (II) removal from aqueous solutions: an equilibrium and kinetic study
Authors: Arabyarmohammadi Hoda , Salarirad Mohammad Mehdi , Behnamfard Ali
Published: August 2013

Clay‐based masonry materials such as brick and tile constitute a significant part among construction and demolition debris. These bulky materials, if not reused or recycled, are mostly landfilled for disposal. In this study, three types of these waste materials including hand‐made bricks (H‐bricks), machine‐made bricks (M‐bricks), and ceramic tiles were employed and their capability for adsorption of Zn2+ was investigated through batch experiments. The characterization of the adsorbents was performed by using X‐ray diffraction, X‐ray fluorescence, optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy imaging, and Brunauer–Emmett–Teller analysis. The effect of initial zinc concentration, contact time, solution pH, and adsorbent particle size on Zn2+ adsorption onto the adsorbents was studied. The results indicated that the removal efficiency is reduced by increasing initial zinc concentration. Furthermore, M‐brick and tile showed better adsorption capacity for finer sizes, whereas uptake capacity of H‐brick decreased by size reduction. Both linear and nonlinear regression were then applied to the data and revealed that adsorption onto M‐brick followed Redlich–Peterson isotherm, whereas the data of H‐brick and tile were best modeled by Koble–Corrigan isotherm. The maximum Zn2+adsorption capacities for M‐brick, H‐brick, and tile were obtained as 3.9, 2.45, and 1.76 mg g−1, respectively. Moreover, the kinetic data were modeled by using four well‐known models. The adsorption kinetics of Zn2+ onto M‐brick and tile was best represented by Elovich, and kinetic behavior of H‐brick was found to obey the pseudo‐second‐order model. © 2013 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 33: 777–789, 2014
Multi‐size‐mesh multi‐time‐step algorithm for noise computation on curvilinear meshes
Authors: Le Garrec T. , Gloerfelt X. , Corre C.
Published: August 2013

Aeroacoustic problems are often multi‐scale and a zonal refinement technique is thus desirable to reduce computational effort while preserving low dissipation and low dispersion errors from the numerical scheme. For that purpose, the multi‐size‐mesh multi‐time‐step algorithm of Tam and Kurbatskii [AIAA Journal, 2000, 38(8), p. 1331–1339] allows changes by a factor of two between adjacent blocks, accompanied by a doubling in the time step. This local time stepping avoids wasting calculation time, which would result from imposing a unique time step dictated by the smallest grid size for explicit time marching. In the present study, the multi‐size‐mesh multi‐time‐step method is extended to general curvilinear grids by using a suitable coordinate transformation and by performing the necessary interpolations directly in the physical space due to multidimensional interpolations combining order constraints and optimization in the wave number space. A particular attention is paid to the properties of the Adams–Bashforth schemes used for time marching. The optimization of the coefficients by minimizing an error in the wave number space rather than satisfying a formal order is shown to be inefficient for Adams–Bashforth schemes. The accuracy of the extended multi‐size‐mesh multi‐time‐step algorithm is first demonstrated for acoustic propagation on a sinusoidal grid and for a computation of laminar trailing edge noise. In the latter test‐case, the mesh doubling is close to the airfoil and the vortical structures are crossing the doubling interface without affecting the quality of the radiated field. The applicability of the algorithm in three dimensions is eventually demonstrated by computing tonal noise from a moderate Reynolds number flow over an airfoil. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Predicting orogenic wedge styles as a function of analogue erosion law and material softening
Authors: Mary Baptiste C. L. , Maillot Bertrand , Leroy Yves M.
Published: August 2013

The evolution of a compressive frictional wedge on a weak, frictional and planar décollement, subjected to frontal accretion, is predicted with a two step method called sequential limit analysis. The first step consists in finding, with the kinematic approach of limit analysis, the length of the active décollement and the dips of the emerging ramp and of the conjugate shear plane composing the emerging thrust fold. The second step leads to a modification of the geometry, first, because of the thrust fold development due to compression and, second, because of erosion. Erosion consists in removing periodically any material above a fictitious line at a selected slope, as done in analogue experiments. This application of sequential limit analysis generalizes the critical Coulomb wedge theory since it follows the internal deformation development. With constant frictional properties, the deformation is mostly diffuse, a succession of thrust folds being activated so that the topographic slope reaches exactly the theoretical, critical value. Frictional weakening on the ramps results in a deformation style composed of thrust sheets and horses. Applying an erosion slope at the critical topographic value leads to exhumation in the frontal, central, or rear region of the wedge depending on the erosion period and the weakening. Erosion at slopes slightly above or below the critical value results in exhumation toward the foreland or the hinterland, respectively, regardless of the erosion period. Exhumation is associated with duplexes, imbricate fans, antiformal stacks, and major backthrusting. Comparisons with sandbox experiments confirm that the thickness, dips, vergence, and exhumation of thrust sheets can be reproduced with friction and erosion parameters within realistic ranges of values.
Two‐dimensional viscosity structure of the northeastern Japan islands arc‐trench system
Authors: Muto Jun , Shibazaki Bunichiro , Ito Yoshihiro , Iinuma Takeshi , Ohzono Mako , Matsumoto Takumi , Okada Tomomi
Published: August 2013

Two‐dimensional viscosity profiles were constructed for the northeastern Japan islands arc‐trench system covering the source area of the 2011 Tohoku‐Oki earthquake. From seismologically determined models of lithospheric structure, experimentally derived constitutive laws of various rocks, and densely measured geothermal gradient data, we have predicted the steady state effective viscosity across the subduction zone. The profile reveals strong lateral viscosity gradients both parallel and normal to the trench axis. The detailed viscosity structures presented here contribute to accurate evaluation of viscoelastic relaxation components when modeling geodetically measured postseismic deformation at high spatial and temporal resolution.
Quantifying the sensitivity of wind farm performance to array layout options using large‐eddy simulation
Authors: Archer Cristina L. , Mirzaeisefat Sina , Lee Sang
Published: August 2013

This paper attempts to quantify the effects of array layout on the performance of offshore wind farms. Array layout is characterized by the spacing between wind turbines (along and across the prevailing wind direction) and by their alignment (aligned or staggered). A large‐eddy simulation code is utilized to create a turbulent boundary layer and is coupled with an actuator line model to simulate the effects of the rotating wind turbine blades. A control case (simulating the Lillgrund farm) and sensitivity runs are performed with various combinations of increased spacing, with and without staggering. Staggering every second row was found to be the simplest method to improve the capacity factor from 0.3 to 0.34 and array losses from 36% to 27%. The highest capacity factor (0.4) and the lowest array losses (14%) were obtained with a staggered layout with spacing across the prevailing wind direction that was twice the original. Smart layout choices can improve the array performance by 13%–33%.
Acrossocheilus paradoxus affects benthic resources and communities in a subtropical stream in Taiwan
Authors: Wang Yi‐Kuang
Published: August 2013

The effects of benthic fish on stream benthic resources and communities have not been effectively studied in subtropical East Asia. This study examined the effects of the Acrossocheilus paradoxus benthic fish on benthic resources and communities in Jiaolong Creek, Central Taiwan. A cage experiment with a no‐fish control and a fish treatment was used to study the effects of A. paradoxus on the mass of algae and detritus and on the density and community structure of algae and macroinvertebrates. Additional diets, nutrient excretion rates, and feeding scars of this fish were also examined. A. paradoxus fed primarily on algae and detritus. The fish treatment had lower chlorophyll a, phaeophytin a, and ash‐free dry mass than the no‐fish control. Areas of concentrated feeding scars by A. paradoxus had consistently lower chlorophyll a than adjacent non‐feeding areas. The mean density of macroinvertebrates was lower in the fish treatment; however, the taxa richness and diversity were higher. Algal and macroinvertebrate communities differed between treatments. A. paradoxus altered the benthic resources and communities in this study.
Graphene for improved femtosecond laser based pluripotent stem cell transfection
Authors: Mthunzi Patience , He Kuang , Ngcobo Sandile , Khanyile Thulile , Warner Jamie H.
Published: August 2013

Pluripotent stem cells are hugely attractive in the tissue engineering research field as they can self‐renew and be selectively differentiated into various cell types. For stem cell and tissue engineering research it is important to develop new, biocompatible scaffold materials and graphene has emerged as a promising material in this area as it does not compromise cell proliferation and accelerates specific cell differentiation. Previous studies have shown a non‐invasive optical technique for mouse embryonic stem (mES) cell differentiation and transfection using femtosecond (fs) laser pulses. To investigate cellular responses to the influence of graphene and laser irradiation, here we present for the first time a study of mES cell fs laser transfection on graphene coated substrates. First we studied the impact of graphene on Chinese Hamster Ovary (CHO‐K1) cell viability and cell cytotoxicity in the absence of laser exposure. These were tested via evaluating the mitochondrial activity through adenosine triphosphates (ATP) luminescence and breakages on the cell plasma membrane assessed using cytosolic lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) screening. Secondly, the effects of fs laser irradiation on cell viability and cytotoxicity at 1064 and 532 nm for cells plated and grown on graphene and pure glass were assessed. Finally, optical transfection of CHO‐K1 and mES cells was performed on graphene coated versus plain glass substrates. Our results show graphene stimulated cell viability whilst triggering a mild release of intracellular LDH. We also observed that compared to pure glass substrates; laser irradiation at 1064 nm on graphene plates was less cytotoxic. Finally, in mES cells efficient optical transfection at 1064 (82%) and 532 (25%) nm was obtained due to the presence of a graphene support as compared to pristine glass. Here we hypothesize an up‐regulation of cell adhesion promoting peptides or laminin‐related receptors of the extracellular matrix (ECM) in cell samples grown and irradiated on graphene substrates. By bringing together advances in optics and nanomaterial sciences we demonstrate pathways for enhancement of pluripotent stem cell biology. (© 2014 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Differential Activation of Signaling Pathways by Low‐Osmolar and Iso‐Osmolar Radiocontrast Agents in Human Renal Tubular Cells
Authors: Andreucci Michele , Faga Teresa , Russo Domenico , Bertucci Bernardo , Tamburrini Oscar , Pisani Antonio , Sabbatini Massimo , Fuiano Giorgio , Michael Ashour
Published: August 2013

Radiocontrast media (RCM)‐induced nephrotoxicity (CIN) is a major clinical problem accounting for 12% of all hospital‐acquired cases of acute kidney injury (AKI). The pathophysiology of AKI due to RCM is not well understood, but direct toxic effects on renal cells have been postulated as contributing to CIN. It is believed that iso‐osmolar RCM (IOCM) are less nephrotoxic than low‐osmolar RCM (LOCM) but clinical data have been controversial. We have investigated the intracellular signaling pathways that may be affected by the LOCM iomeprol (IOM) and the IOCM iodixanol (IOD). Both IOM and IOD caused a dramatic decrease in phosphorylation of the kinase Akt at Ser473 and Thr308 in human renal tubular (HK‐2) cells, with IOM having a greater effect; IOM also caused a greater decrease in cell viability. IOM also had a greater effect on phosphorylation of p38 MAP kinases, JNKs, and NF‐kB (Ser276), and caused a marked decrease in the phosphorylation of forkhead box O3a (FOXO3a) and signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3). However, IOD caused a greater decrease in the phosphorylation of mTOR (Ser2448) and phospho‐ERK 1/2 while both RCM caused a similar decrease in the phosphorylation of phospho‐p70S6 kinase (Ser371). In vivo studies showed that both IOM and IOD caused a significant decrease in both pAkt (Ser473) and pERK 1/2 in rat kidneys. Our study gives an insight into the possible mechanism of toxicity of RCM via their action on intracellular signaling pathways and may help in developing pharmacological interventions for their side‐effects. J. Cell. Biochem. 115: 281–289, 2014. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Environmentally Sustainable and Chemo‐selectively Favorable Synthesis of Substituted 2H‐Pyran‐2‐ones in Water under MWI
Authors: Cui Liang‐Yan , Wang Xin , He Yan , Fan Xue‐Sen
Published: August 2013

In this paper, a novel synthesis of diversely substituted 2H‐pyran‐2‐ones via the tandem reaction of 3‐hydroxyhexa‐4,5‐allenic esters in water under the promotion of MWI has been developed. Compared with those reactions carried out in organic solvents, water mediated synthesis of poly‐substituted 2H‐pyran‐2‐ones is not only environmentally sustainable, but also chemo‐selectively favorable.
Comparative Study of Surface Functionalization of Hydroxyapatite by One‐pot Grafting of Organophosphonates Species
Authors: Saoiabi Sanaa , Laghzizil Abdelaziz , El‐Hammari Larbi , Saoiabi Ahmed
Published: August 2013

The ability to graft apatite surface by specific ligand fields creates powerful new technology applications. Thus, grafted organophosphonate can provide an effective route to modify the surface properties of apatite materials. The ability to decorate the apatite surface with the desired functionality requires covalent attachment to solid interface; most commonly achieved using organophosphonate self‐assembly. The current study shows that various phosphonates can react with calcium ions and control the formation of the porous apatite with high surface areas as well as the porosity. The structural and surface properties are given some importance in this review.
Nickel Complexes Catalyzed Hydrodechlorination of Aryl Chlorides in Ionic Liquid
Authors: Sun Guanghui , Zhang Lirong , Zhang Guanlin , Fan Yuehui , Wang Yuhong , Lu Guanzhong
Published: August 2013

The hydrodechlorination performance of nickel complex catalysts, Ni[phen]2(PF6)2 and Ni[bpy]3(PF6)2, were investigated with [Bmim]Br as the ionic liquid solvent. It is proved that Ni[phen]2(PF6)2 is efficient for the hydrodechlorination of aryl chlorides under mild conditions with water as the hydrogen source. The hydrogen source of reaction is from the water which was confirmed by the deuterium incorporation experiments. Recycling experiments showed a decreasing activity of this catalyst due to a small leaching of nickel complex from the ionic liquid phase during the recycling process where n‐heptane was used as the extractant. A plausible reaction route has been suggested.
Piezoelectric Quartz Crystal Anti‐Protein Immunosensors Based on Immobilized Fullerene C60‐Proteins
Authors: Liao Yao‐Hsuan , Shih Jeng‐Shong
Published: August 2013

Various fullerene C60‐proteins such as C60‐myoglobin (C60‐Mb), C60‐hemoglobin (C60‐Hb) and C60‐gliadin, coated piezoelectric quartz crystals were prepared and applied in piezoelectric quartz crystal immunosensors for protein‐antibodies such as anti‐myoglobin (Anti‐Mb), anti‐hemoglobin (Anti‐Hb) and anti‐gliadin respectively. The immobilizations of myoglobin, hemoglobin and gliadin onto Fullerene C60 were studied with a C60‐coated piezoelectric crystal detection system, respectively. The partially irreversible frequency responses for theses proteins were observed by a desorption study, implying that C60 can strongly adsorb these proteins. Thus, immobilized C60‐Mb, C60‐Hb and C60‐gliadin coating materials were successfully prepared and identified with FTIR spectrometry. The C60‐Mb, C60‐Hb and C60‐gliadin coated piezoelectric (PZ) quartz crystal immunosensors with homemade computer interfaces for signal acquisition and data processing were developed and applied for detection of Anti‐Mb, Anti‐Hb and anti‐gliadin respectively. The C60‐protein coated PZ immunosensors for Anti‐Mb, Anti‐Hb and antigliadin exhibited linear frequency responses to the concentrations of theses anti‐proteins with sensitivities of 1.43 × 103, 2.59 × 103 and 8.05 × 103 Hz/(mg/mL) respectively. The detection limits of these PZ‐immunosensors were 4.36 × 10−3, 3.23 × 10−3 and 1.98 × 10−3 mg/mL for Anti‐Mb, Anti‐Hb and anti‐gliadin respectively. Effects of pH and temperature on the frequency responses of the anti‐protein PZ‐immunosensors were also investigated. The optimum pH of these anti‐proteins and the optimum temperature for the PZ‐immunosensors were observed at pH = 7 and around 30 °C respectively. The interferences of various common species in human blood, e.g., cysteine, tyrosine, urea, glucose, ascorbic acid and metal ions, to these anti‐protein PZ‐immunosensors were also investigated respectively. These species showed nearly no interference or quite small interference with the anti‐protein PZ‐immunosensors. The reproducibility and lifetime of these immobilized C60‐protein coated PZ crystal immunosensors were also investigated and discussed.
Self‐assembly of Carbon Particles as a Heat Sink Coating to Promote Radiative Cooling
Authors: Hsin Yu Lin , Chang Chih Kuang , Wang Mei Hua , Yeh Hsiao‐Chun , Su Ting‐Yao
Published: August 2013

Novel composite carbon particles are developed that can self‐assemble as a coating on a substrate without a binder. These carbon particles were used as a coating to enhance thermal dissipation and their thermal conductivity, surface emissivity and cooling performance were measured. Carbon particles with both thiol and epoxy functional groups self‐assembled to form a coating on the surface of a heat sink without a binder, which greatly improved the thermal conductivity of the coating. Coating a heat sink with the carbon particles yielded a higher thermal conductivity and emissivity than could be obtained with the addition of binder in the conventional approach, and significantly enhanced the cooling performance. In addition, the cooling performance of the carbon nanotube outperformed all other particles when coated on a substrate, because it had the highest thermal conductivity and good radiation emissivity. We developed an equation to describe the various parameters affecting the cooling performance of the thermally dissipative coating. This equation was confirmed by the experimental data.
Electrocatalytic Oxidation of Hydrogen Peroxide at a Sol‐gel Derived Carbon Ceramic Electrode Modified with Copper Iodide
Authors: Karim‐Nezhad Ghasem , Pashazadeh Sara , Pashazadeh Ali
Published: August 2013

A novel modified carbon ceramic electrode using CuI as modifier was fabricated. The copper iodide modified sol‐gel derived carbon ceramic (CIM‐SGD‐CC) electrode has high catalytic ability for electrooxidation of hydrogen peroxide. The charge transfer coefficient (α) and exchange current density (j0) for the modified electrode were calculated. It has been shown that using the CIM‐SGD‐CC electrode, hydrogen peroxide can be determined by cyclic voltammetry and amperometry with limit of detections 26 and 0.31 μmol L−1, respectively. The advantages of the modified CCE are its good stability and reproducibility of surface renewal by simple polishing, excellent catalytic activity.