bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of Exogenous Melatonin on Serum Steroid Hormones, GSI, Survival Ratio and Sex Reversal in Rice Field Eel, (Monopterus albus)
Authors: Yuan Han Wen , Chen Fang , Xu Qiao Qing , Gong Shi Yuan , Yu Deng Hang , Yang Dai Qin
Published: November 2011

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of exogenous melatonin on sex reversal in the rice eel (Monopterus albus). This was carried out by evaluating the estradiol (E2) and testosterone (T) concentrations, gonadosomatic index (GSI) and sex ratio. Fish (9.80 ± 1.20 g average initial weight; n = 3 per group) were fed with one of five practical diets containing 0 (control), 10, 30, 50 or 70 mg kg-1 dietary melatonin contents to apparent satiation for fifteen months. Serum E2 and T concentrations were determined by radio immunoassays. E2 and T concentrations, GSIs and survival rates significantly decreased with increased concentrations of exogenous melatonin. Fish fed 70 mg kg-1 of dietary melatonin showed significantly lower rates of E2, T, GSIs and survival ratio than those fed with lower melatonin concentrations or the control group. The shift of sex ratio towards more male and intersex fish was correlated with increasing dietary melatonin contents. Therefore, a high dosage of melatonin may inhibit gonadal development and promote sex change from female to male in M. albus.
Stress Analysis and Modal Analysis of Robot Manipulator
Authors: Zhang Wei Chun , Chen Jie , Pei Bao Hao , Ma Bing Bing , Du Xian Bin
Published: November 2011

The Working devices act as the direct-effect device of the emergency dealing vehicle in an emergency disaster relief, which includes the manipulator. We can use Pro/E to build parts models and assemble them into a whole. We should make sure no movement interference before we import them into ANSYS. In ANSYS, we need to make stress analysis of manipulator when the fire robot grabs objects, carry objects and uninstall objects, which will ensure the size of each part perfect. Afterwards, we do modal analysis to avoid resonance.
Marketing Dynamic Simulation Modelling in High Tech Laboratories
Authors: Terzi Marina C. , Sakas Damianos P. , Vlachos Dimitrios
Published: November 2011

The paper considers the role of Integrated Marketing Communication in enhancing the brand awareness of high-tech laboratories. By acknowledging the great interaction of public and private laboratories with high-tech companies, the study is aimed at developing a simulation model to be incorporated in the marketing strategy of laboratories. The comprehensive dynamic simulation model that was developed highlights the emphasis that should be placed when B2B marketing activities are the matter of concern. Marketing Dynamic Simulation Modelling is based on the principles of Integrated Marketing. It has been tested in both private and public laboratories, concluding that marketing in the private sector receives more attention than in the public sector. The proposed model incorporates all the components for successfully marketing laboratories by taking their budget restrictions into consideration.
Possibilities for Thick, Simple-Structure Silicon X-Ray Detectors Operated by Peltier Cooling
Authors: Matsuura Hideharu , Hullinger Derek , Okada Ryota , Kitanoya Seigo , Nishikawa Seiji , Decker Keith
Published: November 2011

We have proposed two types of simple-structure silicon (Si) X-ray detectors with 1.5-mm-thick high-resistivity Si substrates, which are able to be operated at reasonably low negative bias and cooled by Peltier cooling. Since the device structures are simple and the detectors require only one high voltage, the cost of the X-ray detection system can be reduced very much. Moreover, the absorption of cadmium X-ray fluorescence (energy: 23.1 keV) in 1.5-mm-thick Si is approximately 65%, whereas in commercial silicon drift detectors (Si thickness: approximately 0.3 mm), it is approximately 19%. We have simulated the electric potential distribution within the proposed detectors and carried out fundamental experiments towards the realization of the detectors.
Fast Diagnosis of Volatile Organic Compounds with a Temperature-Modulated Chemoresistor
Authors: Amini Amir , Hosseini-Golgoo Seyed Mohsen
Published: November 2011

Virtual arrays formed by operating temperature modulation of a commercial non selective chemoresistor have been utilized for gas identification. Here, we are reporting the details of a refined system which distinctly classifies methanol, ethanol, 1-butanol, acetone and hydrogen contaminations in a wide concentration range. A staircase voltage waveform of 5 plateaus is applied to the sensor’s microheater and gas recognition is achieved in 25 s. Sensor’s output is modeled by an “autoregressive moving average with exogenous variables” (ARMAX) model. The modeling parameters obtained for an unknown analyte are utilized as the components of its feature vectors which afford its classification in a feature space. Cross-validation in the 5 to 100 ppm concentration range for H2, and 200 to 2000 ppm for the other analytes examined, resulted in an overall classification success rate of 100%.
Temperature Response of Magnetostrictive/Piezoelectric Polymer Magnetoelectric Laminates
Authors: Gutiérrez Jon , Lasheras Andoni , Barandiaran Jose Manuel , Vilas Jose Luis , San Sebastián María , León Luis Manuel
Published: November 2011

Magnetostrictive/piezoelectric hybrid composites have recently attracted renewed interest as high sensitivity sensors and actuators. One of the most common used geometry consists in laminated amorphous magetostrictive metal/piezoelectric layers, and the maximum magnetoelectric effect has been found at the electromechanical resonance of the system. Here we present results concerning the fabrication of such laminate composites sensor by using Vitrovac 4040® (Fe39Ni39Mo4Si6B12) as the magnetostrictive amorphous component and two different piezoelectric polymers: poly (vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) and 2,6(β-CN)APB/ODPA (poli 2,6) polyimide, a new high temperature piezoelectric polymer. We have measured room temperature induced magnetoelectric voltages of 79.6 and 0.35 V/cm.Oe at the magnetoelastic resonance of the laminate when using PVDF and poli 2,6 polyimide as piezoelectric components. We have also tested the magnetoelectric response of both laminated composites at temperatures up to 85 °C, and we have observed that the PVDF polymer piezoelectric response quickly decays. Even if the induced magnetoelectric voltage is low, we discuss the advantage of using new piezoelectric polymers due to their good performance at high temperatures, up to 200 °C, making these laminate composites suitable for high temperature applications.
Metrological Performances of Smart Structures Based on Bragg Grating Sensors
Authors: De Cais Enrico , Borotto Marco , Belloli Marco , Bernasconi Andrea , Manzoni Stefano
Published: November 2011

The fiber optic Bragg grating (FBG) sensors have been recently introduced: they presenta photo-record grating on the fiber itself, which allows the reflection of a certain wavelength of theinput light spectrum. The applied strain is estimated based on changes of the reflected wavelength.The metrological characteristics of FBGs have been tested and compared to strain gages ones, whichrepresent the actual reference measurement systems. It was decided to integrate the measurementsystem directly into a composite material, having achieved good results during the static and dynamictests [1]. We made carbon fiber specimens (two for traction and two for bending tests) with FBGsintegrated into them. The results were surprising: the integration of ``nude'' fiber optic sensor didnot cause damage or deterioration in the quality of measurement, the signal noise was maintained atbaseline levels and response to dynamic stress was definitely comparable to that offered by electricalstrain gauges
Using the Own Flexibility of a Climbing Robot as a Double Force Sensor
Authors: Somolinos Jose Andrés , Morales Rafael , Morón Carlos , Garcia Alfonso
Published: November 2011

Force sensors are used when interaction tasks are carried out by robots in general, and by climbing robots in particular. If the mechanics and electronics systems are contained inside the own robot, the robot becomes portable without external control. Commercial force sensors cannot be used due to limited space and weight. By selecting the links material with appropriate stiffness and placing strain gauges on the structure, the own robot flexibility can be used such as force sensor. Thus, forces applied on the robot tip can be measured without additional external devices. Only gauges and small internal electronic converters are necessary. This paper illustrates the proposed algorithm to achieve these measurements. Additionally, experimental results are presented.
Study and Application of Micrometric Alignment on the Prototype Girders of the CLIC Two-Beam Module
Authors: Gazis Nikolaos , Anastasopoulos Michail , Riddone Germana , Samochkine Alexandre , Mainaud-Durand Helene
Published: November 2011

The Compact LInear Collider (CLIC), currently under study at CERN, aims at the development of a Multi-TeV e+ e- collider. The micro-precision CLIC RF-structures will have an accelerating gradient of 100 MV/m and will be mounted and aligned on specially developed supporting girders. The girder fabrication constraints are dictated by stringent physics requirements. The micrometric pre-alignment over several kilometers of girders, allow for the CLIC structures to fulfill their acceleration and collision functionality. Study of such girders and their sophisticated alignment method, is a challenging case involving dedicated mechanical design as well as prototype production and experimental testing.
Power Distribution in Propulsion System of Semiautonomous Underwater Vehicle
Authors: Garus Jerzy
Published: November 2011

This paper presents methods of power distribution in propulsion system of a small torpedo-shape underwater vehicle maneuverable in three dimensions. It concentrates on finding an optimal thrust allocation among thrusters for demanded values of propulsive forces and moments. The proposed approach is directed towards obtain high propulsive efficiency necessary to realize required mission. Two described methods allow minimizing the propulsion system’s power consumption necessary to produce required thrusts.
Implementation of Integrated Thermal and Humidification Subsystems of 6 kW PEM Fuel Cell System
Authors: Grzeczka Grzegorz
Published: November 2011

Improper humidification of reactant gasses and operating with non optimal temperature values are main factors influencing fast degradation of the most expensive element of PEM fuel cell stack, i.e. polymer electrolyte membrane. The thermal subsystem keeps fuel cell stack temperature at desired level to achieve optimal conditions of fuel cell operation . The humidification subsystem ensures the ionic conduction which is a basic element of working the PEM. Since water as a by-product of the fuel cell is an element used in both subsystems whereas heat supports a humidification process, both subsystem were integrated. The paper focuses on modeling and implementation of the both subsystems of 6 kW PEM fuel cell stack. In the first chapter of the paper, a mathematical model of the thermal subsystem is presented. Then, a selection of the thermal and humidification subsystems elements were considered. At the end of the paper, conclusions are included and further researches are shortly presented.
The Investigation of Turbine Engine in Aspect of Output Torque Control
Authors: Pojawa Bogdan
Published: November 2011

In the process of the routine exploitation of naval gas turbine the most important, for the exploiter, is the nature of the cooperation between the engine and its power receiver. In particular, if it is a controllable pitch propeller. Due to the fact that ship's documentation does not often contain that type of characterization, there was an attempt to its designation. Given the preliminary nature of the research, it was decided to perform them on gas turbine engine GTD-350. Appointment of a mathematical model of the above characteristics is a complex issue, requiring the application of the theory of planning experiments. The article demonstrates how to implement the preliminary tests and their results, the results of statistical analysis and substantive research results obtained and formulated on the basis of their conclusions.
Phase Morphology and Mechanical Properties of PTT/POE-g-MAH Blends
Authors: Run Ming Tao , Zhong Yu , Xing Bing Tao , Han Qing , Zhang Qing Chang
Published: November 2011

In this article, the phase morphology and mechanical properties of poly (trimethylene terephthalate)/maleinized poly (octene-ethylene) copolymer blends are studied by using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), polarized optical microscopy (POM), universal material tester and charpy impact tester. The results suggest that the crystal size of the blends decreases obviously and POE component is partly served as nucleating agent for the crystallization of PTT. PTT and POE have good compatibility in blends because the dispersed phase of POE has even dispersion in blends when POE content is lower than 5%; however, the dispersion state of POE becomes poor when POE content is larger than 5%. The impact strength increases to maximum when the POE content is about 4 %. The tensile strength gets to maximum when POE content is 1-2 %.
Defect Inspection of LED Chips Using Generalized Regression Neural Network
Authors: Pan Zhong Liang , Chen Ling
Published: November 2011

The inspection of the defects in LED chip has become a critical task for manufacturers in order to enhance product quality. In this paper, a new approach for the defect inspection of LED chip is presented, which uses both the features of defects and the generalized regression neural networks. The approach consists of following three steps. First of all, preprocess of LED chip image is performed by using the image operations such as image enhancement. Secondly, the chip image is divided into a lot of sub-regions, the features of each sub-region are extracted, the database of features is built. Thirdly, an initial structure of generalized regression neural network is constructed, then the neural network is trained by using the features in database. The generalized regression neural network has the ability to converge to the underlying function of the data with only few training samples available, and the additional knowledge needed to input by the user is relatively small. The experimental results show that the defect inspection approach in this paper can effectively identify the LED chips with defects.
Design of Backward-Detection Optical System in Biological Cell Subclass Identification
Authors: Wang Ya Wei , Jiang Shou Wang , Wang Xian Kai , Tian Xiang Long , Yue Qu Wei , Xu Yuan Yuan , Shang Xue Fu
Published: November 2011

In order to improve the classification accuracy of cell subsets, a telecentric system which is based on the characteristics of cell’s scattering is designed. The irradiating and receiving light work collinearly in this system, and the optical receiving efficiency of back scatter light increases to twice the origin by using a special mirror. The optical design parameters and structures are given by using aberration theories and optical design software. The performance and signal collection of the optical system are analysised. When the resolution is 100lp/mm, the MTF is more than 0.17. The stray light is effectively filtered out and the accuracy of scattering signal is improved. The optical system can be used to identify eukocyte.
Reflective Chiral-Homeotropic Liquid Crystal Displays
Authors: Ren Zhi , Li Song Tao , Liu Xi Pai
Published: November 2011

The performance of a reflective chiral-homeotropic (R-CH) liquid crystal (LC) is simulated by the dynamic parameter space method. The normally black reflective chiral-homeotropic display shows weak color dispersion, high contrast ratio, and fast response time.
Research on Non-Electric Readout Infrared Thermal Imaging Detection Technology Based on the Liquid Crystal
Authors: Cai Chang Long , Zhang Ya , Niu Xiao Ling , Liu Wei Guo
Published: November 2011

Liquid crystal, as a condensed matter, is a phase state between crystal and isotropic liquid. On the one hand, it has mobility and continuity as a liquid, and on the other hand, it has arranging ordering as a crystal, then it has many unique properties. Because the factors, such as heat, electric field, magnetic field, pressure, and so on, will easily influence the arranging of liquid crystal molecular, so once it is excited externally, its optical properties will be changed. At present, most research on the theory and application of liquid crystal mainly focus on the display. Thermo-optic effect is defined as the phenomenon that the optical properties of liquid crystal change with the changing of temperature. At the phase transition point, the thermo-optic effect of liquid crystal is very obvious. In this paper, non-electric readout infrared thermal imaging detection technology based on the optical rotation property of the cholesteric liquid crystals is mainly researched. Through the research, the cholesteric liquid crystals’ light curves, gray value curves and CCD image were obtained under different temperatures; it proved that using the optical rotation property of cholesteric liquid crystals to achieve the infrared imaging of hot objects is possible.
Influence of Morphology of Vacuum-Evaporated Oligothiophene Derivative Films on Oganic Photovoltaic Performance
Authors: Zhao Xue Quan , Guan Li , Zhong Yi Ping , Liu Ping , Deng Wen Ji
Published: November 2011

In order to understand the influence of morphology of vacuum-evaporated conjugated organic thin film on organic photovoltaic performance, oligothiophene derivatives, 2,3,4,5-tetrathienylthiophene (X-5T) and 2,5-dithienyl-3,4-di ((2,2') bithiophene-5yl) thiophene (X-7T), were prepared. The thermal behaviour and morphologies of vacuum-deposited X-5T and X-7T films were examined by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and x-ray diffraction (XRD). The influence of morphologies of vacuum-evaporated X-5T and X-7T films on organic photovoltaic performance was hen investigated. It was found that vacuum-evaporated oligothiophene derivative films possessing crystalline morphology could be beneficial to improve organic photovoltaic performance of device by promoting forward interfacial electron transfer and transport.
Extension of the Optical Absorption of TiO2 Nanopaticles to Visible Light Region by Doping with Cobalt
Authors: Ding Yi , Xu Xiao Jun , Gan Zhang Hua , Xiong Rui , Liu Hai Lin
Published: November 2011

TiO2 nanoparticles doped with different cobalt concentrations were fabricated by using so-gel method. The crystal structures and the morphology of the samples were characterized by using x-ray diffractmetry (XRD) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM), respectively. It was found that all the samples are anatase phase and the nanoparticles are of the size around 10 nm. Investigations of the binding energies of different element with X-ray photoelectron spectrometry (XPS) revealed that Co ions are in Co2+ state and take the substitutional sites. No Co clusters were detected in the samples. The optical absorption properties of the samples were studied by using UV-vis absorption spectroscopy. It was noticed that cobalt doped TiO2 has a significant visible light absorption in contrast to pure TiO2: besides a noticeable red shift in absorption edge, an extra visible light absorption peak appears at a wavelength around 600 nm. The visible absorption in cobalt doped TiO2 may attribute to the electron transition from impurity levels induced by the substitutional Co ions and the oxygen vacancies to the conduct band.
Investigation of Quantum Beatings at 608 cm-1 and 70 cm-1 in Rb Vapor
Authors: Zhu Chang Jun , He Jun Fang , Zhai Xue Jun , Xue Bing , Zhang Chong Hui
Published: November 2011

Two coupled axially phase matched parametric four-wave mixings have been achieved in Rb vapor by using broad bandwidth laser pulses. Coherent radiations at 420 nm produced by difference-frequency optical wave mixing processes were detected and a pump-probe scheme was employed to record time varying characteristics of the parametric four-wave mixing signals. Quantum beatings at 608 cm-1 and 70 cm-1 were retrieved from the time varying signals by Fourier transform. Moreover, time dependent Fourier transform was utilized to analyze the dynamics of quantum beatings. The results indicate that two wave packets associated with the two quantum beating frequency components interact strongly and the quantum beating dynamics can be controlled by adjusting Rb number density.
Synthesis and Characterization of a Novel Liquid Crystalline Polymer Bearing Azobenzene
Authors: Tang Xin De , Chen Ye , Wang Xin , Yu Fa Qi , Pei Mei Shan
Published: November 2011

A novel liquid crystalline polymer bearing azobenzene groups in both main chain and side chain has been successfully synthesized by atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP). Dual bromide-terminated azobenzene was used as the initiator for the ATRP of azobenzene-containing monomer (M6C). The structure of the resulting polymer was confirmed by nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), and the molecular weight and its dispersity was characterized by gel permeation chromatography (GPC). The mesomorphic properties of this novel polymer were characterized by means of polarized optical microscopy (POM) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The results demonstrated that this polymer can form mesophases.
Viewing Angle Measurement of Polymer-Dispersed Liquid Crystal
Authors: Jiang Xing Fang , Wu Shu Xin
Published: November 2011

Polymer-dispersed liquid crystals are one kind of important devices. With a He-Ne laser and a photoelectric detector, we measured the driving-voltage dependent and viewing-angle dependent transmission for a polymer-dispersed liquid crystal device. Our results showed that the polymer-dispersed liquid crystal device worked at the driving voltage of 4 V and the effective viewing angle of about 65 degree.
Novel pH-Responsive Triply Hydrophilic Block Copolymer with Reversible Micellization Property
Authors: Tang Xin De , Chen Ye , Yu Fa Qi , Pei Mei Shan
Published: November 2011

Stimuli-responsive water-soluble and amphiphilic polymers have attracted much attention because their micelles can be produced or destroyed by changing the temperatute, pH, ionic strength, and solvent polarity. In this work, a triply hydrophilic block copolymer of poly (ethylene glycol) and poly (methacrylic acid-co-dimethylamine ethyl methacrylate) [PEO-P(MAA-co-DMAEMA)] was synthesized and characterized. The copolymer system is believed to have the potential for drug delivery applications due to the biocompatibility of MAA and DMAEMA.
The theology and praxis of practical theology in the context of the Faculty of Theology
Authors: Steyn Tobias H. , Masango Maake J.
Published: November 2011

Notwithstanding the carefully defined parameters of the various departments within theology, the aspirant student sometimes finds it difficult to define the precise department within which a specific study would best be located. We have discovered that these various fields and departments have many areas of commonality and the borders between them are tested often, even in our own studies. However, we have learned that crossing between one field and another should not be seen as a problem but as strength, as it will enable the researcher to motivate and test his or her theological convictions. It is in this context that the subject of this article finds its motivation. Through it we have argued for a practical theology that will be responsible for engaging with its own theology, in order to find the necessary energy to sustain itself. Not only should practical theology be energised by its theology, it should also, as its name implies, be practical in its nature, offering help to all people in need of pastoral care.
Isolated primary extranodal lymphoma of the oral cavity: A series of 15 cases and review of literature from a tertiary care cancer centre in India
Authors: Shah Gunjan H , Panwar Sajid Khan , Chaturvedi Pankaj P , Kane Shubhada N
Published: November 2011

Background: Non-Hodgkin′s lymphomas (NHL) have a great tendency to affect organs and tissues that do not ordinarily contain lymphoid cells. Involvement of the oral cavity by NHL is very rare. Materials and Methods: Retrospective analysis was carried out by chart review of patients who presented to our hospital between 1990 and 2008. All those patients whose histopathology at our hospital was confirmed as lymphoma were included. Results: Although we register nearly 2000 new oral cancers every year, most of which are squamous cell cancers, we could trace only 15 cases of oral lymphoma in the last 18 years. Of these, hard palate and alveolus were most common sites (5 each). The median age at presentation was 42.6 years. A vast majority (12/15) were NHL. Most patients (70%) reported with painless progressive swelling without systemic signs, such as fever, weight loss, and so on. Only 2 patients were HIV positive. Nearly two thirds received combinations of CT and RT. Cyclophosphamide, hydroxydaunorubicin, oncovin (vincristine), prednisolone regime was the most common regime offered (12/15). Most of them (67%) had good response to 6 cycles of CT that was followed by RT. 10/15 patients completed treatment. Follow-up data of more than 2 years of follow-up was present in 11/15 patients. With median follow-up of 27 months, 5 were disease free, 5 died, and 1 controlled following 2nd line of CT, 2 were lost to follow-up and 2 were alive with disease. Discussion: Head and neck lymphoma is the second most common region for extranodal lymphoma. The nasopharynx, tonsils, and base tongue are most often involved. Unlike the western world, oral cavity involvement is extremely rare. Interestingly, only 2 patients tested positive for HIV and most were young patients. Oral lymphoma may mimic benign oral conditions that often lead to misdiagnosis. Conclusion: Although oral cavity may be the preferred site of NHL in immunocompromised patients it does occur in immunocompetent patients as well. Isolated oral lymphoma is extremely rare and from our data we can say that oral NHL in Indian sub population is more aggressive compared with western literature.
Changing trends of chronic myeloid leukemia in greater Mumbai, India over a period of 30 years
Authors: Dikshit Rajesh P , Nagrani Rajini , Yeole Balkrishna , Koyande Shravani , Banawali Shripad
Published: November 2011

Background: Little is known about burden of chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) in India. There is a recent interest to observe incidence and mortality because of advent of new diagnostic and treatment policies for CML. Materials and Methods: We extracted data from the oldest population-based cancer registry of Mumbai for 30 years period from 1976−2005 to observe incidence and mortality rates of CML. We classified the data into four age groups 0−14, 15−29, 30−54 and 55−74 to observe incidence rates in the respective age groups. Results: The age specific rates were highest for the age group of 55−74 years. No significant change in trends of CML was observed for 30 years period. However, there was a significant reduction in incidence rate for recent 15-years period (Estimated average annual percentage change=-3.9). No significant reduction in mortality rate was observed till 2005. Conclusion: The study demonstrates that age-specific rates for CML are highest in age group of 55-74 years, although they are lower compared to western populations. Significant reduction in incidence of CML in recent periods might be because of reduced misclassification of leukemias. The data of CML has to be observed for another decade to witness reduction in mortality because of changes in treatment management.
Incorporation of the C-GOLDSTEIN efficient climate model into the GENIE framework: "eb_go_gs" configurations of GENIE
Authors: Marsh R. , Müller S. A. , Yool A. , Edwards N. R.
Published: November 2011

Abstract. A computationally efficient, intermediate complexity ocean-atmosphere-sea ice model (C-GOLDSTEIN) has been incorporated into the Grid ENabled Integrated Earth system modelling (GENIE) framework. This involved decoupling of the three component modules that were re-coupled in a modular way, to allow replacement with alternatives and coupling of further components within the framework. The climate model described here (referred to as "eb_go_gs" for short) is the most basic version of GENIE in which atmosphere, ocean and sea ice all play an active role. Among improvements on the original C-GOLDSTEIN model, latitudinal grid resolution is generalized to allow a wider range of surface grids to be used. The ocean, atmosphere and sea-ice components of the "eb_go_gs" configuration of GENIE are individually described, along with details of their coupling. The setup and results from simulations using four different meshes are presented. The four alternative meshes comprise the widely-used 36 × 36 equal-area-partitioning of the Earth surface with 16 depth layers in the ocean, a version in which horizontal and vertical resolution are doubled, a setup matching the horizontal resolution of the dynamic atmospheric component available in the GENIE framework, and a setup with enhanced resolution in high-latitude areas. Results are presented for a spin-up experiment with a baseline parameter set and wind forcing typically used for current studies in which "eb_go_gs" is coupled with the ocean biogeochemistry module of GENIE, as well as for an experiment with a modified parameter set, revised wind forcing, and additional cross-basin transport pathways (Indonesian and Bering Strait throughflows). The latter experiment is repeated with the four mesh variants, with common parameter settings throughout, except for time-step length. Selected state variables and diagnostics are compared in two regards: (i) between simulations at lowest resolution that are obtained with the baseline and modified configurations, predominantly in order to evaluate the revision of the wind forcing, the modification of some key parameters, and the effect of additional transport pathways across the Arctic Ocean and the Indonesian Archipelago; (ii) between simulations with the four meshes, in order to explore various effects of mesh choice.
Integrating Disability into Development in Eastern Indonesia: a Case Study in Theory versus Reality
Authors: Berman Laine
Published: November 2011

This paper looks at patterns of Community Based Rehabilitation (CBR) in two rural, isolated regions of Flores, Eastern Indonesia. It examines methods adapted by local NGOs to integrate children with disabilities (CWD) into the community as it also examines the major constraints that ensure CBR as an approach is far from being realized. While the paper argues for the necessity of a stronger guideline in defining disability and a more gendered focus in research and practice, it also shows how the various methods embraced by the donor agency (as well as the local implementing NGOs) raise many questions that need to be better understood for future disability activities in rural, low income communities.
Tracing the Evolution of American Health Care through Medicare
Authors: Garner Craig Boyd , Berry Judith M. , McCabe David A.
Published: November 2011

With President Obama’s health care reform currently under intense partisan scrutiny in the United States, this article is an objective resource for understanding the ways in which Medicare has historically served as a weather vane for charting the changes to the American health care system. During its nearly fifty-year tenure as the standard for the provision of medical care in the U.S., Medicare has evolved in fits and spurts, with its core structure shifting over time as the result of each decade’s economic and political climate. It is only by understanding these past revisions, both independently and in the context of the concurrent changes in other nations around the world, that we can fully comprehend the state of America’s health care system today, and make the necessary allowances to ensure that the nation’s health care will survive to provide for its constituents in the years to come.
Existence for Nonoscillatory Solutions of Higher-Order Nonlinear Differential Equations
Authors: Tian Yazhou , Meng Fanwei
Published: November 2011

The existence of nonoscillatory solutions of the higher-order nonlinear differential equation [r(t)(x(t)+P(t)x(t-τ))(n-1)]′+∑i=1mQi(t)fi(x(t-σi))=0,  t≥t0, where m≥1,n≥2 are integers, τ>0,  σi≥0,  r,P,Qi∈C([t0,∞),R),  fi∈C(R,R)  (i=1,2,…,m), is studied. Some new sufficient conditions for the existence of a nonoscillatory solution of above equation are obtained for general Qi(t)  (i=1,2,…,m) which means that we allow oscillatory Qi(t)  (i=1,2,…,m). In particular, our results improve essentially and extend some known results in the recent references.
Effects of the Reactive Compatibilizer CPE‐g‐GMA on Water‐Absorbing Ability and Mechanical Property of Blending‐Type Water‐Swellable Rubber
Authors: Zhang Yuhong , Gong Feng , Zhang Xingning , He Peixin
Published: November 2011

A water‐swellable rubber (WSR) compatibilized by a functional graft copolymer, CPE‐g‐GMA, has been prepared by blending chlorinated polyethylene (CPE) with a superabsorbent resin (SAR) poly(acrylic acid‐co‐acrylamide) [P(AA–AM)]. The dependence of the WSR's water‐absorbent properties on the SAR and the CPE‐g‐GMA contents was investigated, such as two cycles of swelling and drying by weight, and the weight percentage loss. The mechanical behavior of WSR was also studied. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Adv Polym Techn 32: E83–E89, 2013; View this article online at wileyonlinelibrary.com. DOI 10.1002/adv.20272
Die Harnstoff‐Renaissance
Authors: Volz Nicole , Clayden Jonathan
Published: November 2011

Im letzten Jahrzehnt hat die Verwendung von Harnstoffderivaten als wertvolle Reagentien, Katalysatoren und Struktureinheiten in der organischen Chemie rasch zugenommen. Sie finden nun Verwendung als Wasserstoffbrückendonoren in Organokatalysatoren und Anionentransportern, als wichtige Struktureinheit in der supramolekularen Chemie, für die Steuerung von Lithiierungen, als Aminierungssubstrate, für die Vermittlung von Metallierungen und als Substrate für neuartige Umlagerungen. In diesem Aufsatz wird die bemerkenswert rasche aktuelle Entwicklung der Chemie des Harnstoffs hervorgehoben, der für viele Jahre als unreaktiv, schwer zu handhaben und vergleichsweise wertlos betrachtet wurde.
The Urea Renaissance
Authors: Volz Nicole , Clayden Jonathan
Published: November 2011

Over the last decade the use of urea derivatives as useful reagents, catalysts, and structural features in organic chemistry has increased rapidly. They now find utility as hydrogen‐bond donors in organocatalysts and anion transporters, as important scaffolds in supramolecular chemistry, as lithiation directors, amination substrates, and promoters of metalation, and as substrates for novel rearrangement reactions. Highlighted herein is the remarkably rapid and recent development of the chemistry of ureas, which for many years had been considered unreactive, intractable, and of little value.
User models as revealed in web‐based research services
Authors: Bodoff David , Raban Daphne
Published: November 2011

The user‐centered approach to information retrieval emphasizes the importance of a user model in determining what information will be most useful to a particular user, given their context. Mediated search provides an opportunity to elaborate on this idea, as an intermediary's elicitations reveal what aspects of the user model they think are worth inquiring about. However, empirical evidence is divided over whether intermediaries actually work to develop a broadly conceived user model. Our research revisits the issue in a web research services setting, whose characteristics are expected to result in more thorough user modeling on the part of intermediaries. Our empirical study confirms that intermediaries engage in rich user modeling. While intermediaries behave differently across settings, our interpretation is that the underlying user model characteristics that intermediaries inquire about in our setting are applicable to other settings as well.
Enhancing the Sustainability of Household Fe0/Sand Filters by Using Bimetallics and MnO2
Authors: Noubactep Chicgoua , Caré Sabine , Btatkeu K. Brice Donald , Nanseu‐Njiki Charles Péguy
Published: November 2011

Filtration systems containing metallic iron as reactive medium (Fe0 beds) have been intensively used for water treatment during the last two decades. The sustainability of Fe0 beds is severely confined by two major factors: (i) reactivity loss as result of the formation of an oxide scale on Fe0 and (ii) permeability loss due to pore filling by generated iron corrosion products. Both factors are inherent to iron corrosion at pH > 4.5 and are common during the lifespan of a Fe0 bed. It is of great practical significance to improve the performance of Fe0 beds by properly addressing these key factors. Recent studies have shown that both reactivity loss and permeability loss could be addressed by mixing Fe0 and inert materials. For a non‐porous additive like quartz, the threshold value for the Fe0 volumetric proportion is 51%. Using the Fe0/quartz system as reference, this study theoretically discusses the possibility of (i) replacing Fe0 by bimetallic systems (e.g., Fe0/Cu0), or (ii) partially replacing quartz by a reactive metal oxide (MnO2 or TiO2) to improve the efficiency of Fe0 beds. Results confirmed the suitability of both tools for sustaining Fe0 bed performance. It is shown that using a Fe0:MnO2 system with the volumetric proportion 51:49 will yield a filter with 40% residual porosity at Fe0 depletion (MnO2 porosity 62%). This study improves Fe0 bed design and can be considered as a basis for further refinement and detailed research for efficient Fe0 filters.
Epidermal growth factor receptor and insulinlike growth factor 1 receptor expression predict poor survival in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma
Authors: Valsecchi Matias E. , McDonald Mary , Brody Jonathan R. , Hyslop Terry , Freydin Boris , Yeo Charles J. , Solomides Charalambos , Peiper Stephen C. , Witkiewicz Agnieszka K.
Published: November 2011

BACKGROUND:

The aim of this study was to evaluate the expression of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and insulinlike growth factor 1 receptor (IGF‐1R) proteins and IGF‐1R gene copy numbers in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma in relation to patients' characteristics and prognosis.

METHODS:

Immunohistochemical staining was performed on formalin‐fixed paraffin‐embedded tissue derived from tumor specimens recovered during surgery. Slides were evaluated for membranous EGFR and IGF‐1R staining using both the HercepTest and the semiquantitative H‐score systems. Chromogenic in situ hybridization was performed to quantify IGF‐1R gene copy number. The primary outcome was the association between EGFR expression, IGF‐1R expression—in both neoplastic epithelial and stromal cells—or IGF‐1R gene copy number and overall survival. Secondary outcomes included associations between EFGR and IGF‐1R expression and pathologic variables.

RESULTS:

A total of 105 patients were included. EGFR expression was present in 30.4% of cases and was associated with lymph node metastasis (P = .038). IGF‐1R was overexpressed in 53% of tumors and correlated with higher tumor grade (P = .033). High membranous expression of EGFR (P < .001) and/or IGF‐1R (P = .004), the cytoplasmic detection of EGFR (P = .027), and high expression levels of IGF‐1R in the tumoral stroma (P < .001) were all associated with shorter overall survival, being significantly better in patients who simultaneously do not express membranous EGFR or stromal IGF‐1R.

CONCLUSIONS:

EGFR and IGF‐1R expression, in neoplastic and stromal cells, seems to be an important prognostic factor. Cancer 2012;3484–3493. © 2011 American Cancer Society.
Arago’s Best Paper
Authors: Kahr Bart , Arteaga Oriol
Published: November 2011

The year 2011 is the bicentennial of François Arago’s discovery of optical rotation. The immediate usurpation of the study of optical activity by Jean‐Baptiste Biot led to the first well‐known judgments of the arrangements of atoms in space. Scientists are less aware that Arago achieved something far greater than his contributions to optics, by signing the 1848 decree that abolished slavery throughout the French Empire. Opposing attitudes of Arago and Biot toward abolition, foreshadowed in their early rift over optical rotation, were surprisingly exposed in mid‐century developments in chiroptics. As shown in a recent book by Levitt, Arago sought a reinvention of the whole colonial plantation system consistent with Republican principles, while Biot tried to place the cane sugar industry and slave‐based economy on the quantitative foundation of saccharimetry. A reevaluation of the circumstances of abolition can celebrate both societal evolution and optical rotation on the 200th birthday of the latter. Episodes from Arago’s life that arguably created his predisposition toward abolition are emphasized: He was imprisoned several times as a young man and knew the loss of liberty, his brother Jacques witnessed slavery in Brazil and advocated abolition in travel books prepared with François, and finally, in writing the biography of the Marquis de Condorcet, the spirit behind the first, albeit impermanent French abolition of slavery in 1794, Arago found proof of concept for his comparable challenge. Curiously, the measurement of the optical rotation of crystals and sugar, the foci of Arago and Biot, respectively, remain among the greatest challenges in polarimetry. Current developments are reviewed with respect to chiroptical anisotropy and in vivo glucose detection driven by the pandemic of diabetes, a disease diagnosed polarimetrically by Biot that claimed the life of Arago.
Optical Modulation and Selective Recovery of Cy5 Fluorescence
Authors: Fan Chaoyang , Hsiang Jung‐Cheng , Dickson Robert M.
Published: November 2011

Fluorescence modulation offers the opportunity to detect low‐concentration fluorophore signals within high background. Applicable from the single‐molecule to bulk levels, we demonstrate long‐wavelength optical depopulation of dark states that otherwise limit Cy5 fluorescence intensity. By modulated excitation of a long‐wavelength Cy5 transient absorption, we dynamically modulate Cy5 emission. The frequency dependence enables specification of the dark‐state timescales enabling optical‐demodulation‐based signal recovery from high background. These dual‐laser illumination schemes for high‐sensitivity fluorescence‐signal recovery easily improve signal‐to‐noise ratios by well over an order of magnitude, largely by discrimination against background. Previously limited to very specialized dyes, our utilization of long‐lived dark states in Cy5 enables selective detection of this very common single‐molecule and bulk fluorophore. Although, in principle, the “dark state” can arise from any photoinduced process, we demonstrate that cis–trans photoisomerization, with its unique transient absorption and lifetime enables this sensitivity boosting, long‐wavelength modulation to occur in Cy5. Such studies underscore the need for transient absorption studies on common fluorophores to extend the impact of fluorescence modulation for high‐sensitivity fluorescence imaging in a much wider array of applications.
Synthesis of Neoglycoconjugates Containing 4‐Amino‐4‐deoxy‐L‐arabinose Epitopes Corresponding to the Inner Core of Burkholderia and Proteus Lipopolysaccharides
Authors: Blaukopf Markus , Müller Bernhard , Hofinger Andreas , Kosma Paul
Published: November 2011

Disaccharides that contain 3‐deoxy‐D‐manno‐oct‐2‐ulosonic acid (Kdo) and D‐glycero‐D‐talo‐oct‐2‐ulosonic acid (Ko) substituted at the 8‐position by 4‐amino‐4‐deoxy‐β‐L‐arabinopyranosyl (Ara4N) residues have been prepared. Coupling an N‐phenyltrifluoroacetimidate‐4‐azido‐4‐deoxy‐L‐arabinosylglycosyl donor to acetyl‐protected allyl glycosides of Kdo and Ko afforded anomeric mixtures of disaccharide products in 74 and 90 % yield, respectively, which were separated by chromatography. Further extension of an intermediate Ara4N‐(1→8)‐Kdo disaccharide acceptor, which capitalized on a regioselective glycosylation with a Kdo bromide donor under Helferich conditions, afforded the branched trisaccharide α‐Kdo‐(2→4)[β‐L‐Ara4N‐(1→8)]‐α‐Kdo derivative. Deprotection of the protected di‐ and trisaccharide allyl glycosides was accomplished by TiCl4‐promoted benzyl ether cleavage followed by the removal of ester groups and reduction of the azido group with thiol or Staudinger reagents, respectively. The reaction of the anomeric allyl group with 1,3‐propanedithiol under radical conditions afforded the thioether‐bridged spacer glycosides, which were efficiently coupled to maleimide‐activated bovine serum albumin. The neoglycoconjugates serve as immunoreagents with specificity for inner core epitopes of Burkholderia and Proteus lipopolysaccharides.
Task Palatability, But Not Structure, Differentially Influences Mother–Child Interactions in Attention‐Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder Children With and Without Oppositional Defiant Disorder
Authors: Gopin Chaya B. , Healey Dione M. , Grossman Bella R. , Campbel Susan B. , Halperin Jeffrey M.
Published: November 2011

Objective

To assess whether preschoolers with attention‐deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) behave differently during mother–child interaction tasks as a function of task palatability and whether differences are associated with the presence of comorbid oppositional defiant disorder (ODD).

Methods

Typically developing, ADHD, and ADHD + ODD children and their mothers participated in digitally recorded interactions, which included three 5‐min tasks, differing in level of palatability/engagement and parental structure (Free Play Task = highly engaging, not structured; Paper and Pencil Task = not engaging, highly structured; Duplo Task = highly engaging, structured).

Results

Mixed ANOVAs revealed that positive engagement, but not structure, differentially improved the behaviour of children with ADHD + ODD.

Discussion

Although ADHD and ODD are associated with more negative behaviours during the mother–child interaction, those with comorbid ADHD + ODD exhibit differentially greater impairment during relatively boring tasks. Implications for treatment are discussed. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Edge preserving filter of side scan sonar images with wavelet modulus maxima shift‐correlative technique
Authors: Tao Wei‐Liang , Liu Yan
Published: November 2011

An edge preserving filter algorithm of side scan sonar (SSS) image based on wavelet modulus maxima shift‐correlative (WMMS) technique is proposed in this article. First, the proposed WMMS algorithm decomposes SSS image into multiscale wavelet coefficients. Then the modulus maxima, which are produced by catastrophe points, are extracted from wavelet coefficients. The algorithm matches these maxima across the different scales to identify signal or noise. After correcting the “drifting” phenomenon of modulus maxima, a correlation factor array of wavelet coefficients is constructed by strengthening the maxima dominated by signal and suppressing those maxima dominated by noise. By correlating wavelet coefficients with the correlation factor array, the WMMS strengthens the useful high‐frequency signal and weakens the noise. Finally, the algorithm restores SSS image from revised wavelet coefficients. We apply the WMMS algorithm to filter SSS images of the experimental sea areas. Results show that WMMS has advantages over traditional algorithms in suppressing noise and preserving useful high‐frequency information. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Imaging Syst Technol, 21, 349–355, 2011