bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Footbridge Design in the Urban Context
Authors: Giuliani Mauro Eugenio , Giuliani Gian Carlo
Published: June 2007

Among “our” foot bridge projects, we selected the following ones and illustrated their structural and architectural features along with the solution proposed for relevant problems; competition designs are also included to give a wide spectrum of the general, interesting aspects of the theme: 1) San Giuliano bridge in Venezia Mestre 2) Bridge over the East Ring Highway in Agrate - Italy 3) Bridge in Nicosia - Cyprus 4) Bridge in Formia - Italy 5) Competition for a bridge over Po river in Torino - Italy 6) Competition for a bridge over Brembo river in San Pellegrino - Italy 7) Competition for a bridge over Cidacos river in Calahorra - Spain

Several schemes, materials, and details were exploited to best fit the site conditions, like continuous girders and frames, bow strings, cable stayed structures; the materials range from steel, concrete and steel-concrete composites.

Ad hoc designed devices were used for the dynamic control of vibrations and for longitudinal releasing of continuous girders.

Erection methods include concrete prefabrication and segmental construction.,
On the Directivity and Spectra of Noise from Unheated and Heated Jets
Authors: Campos L.M.B.C. , Serrão P.G.T.A.
Published: June 2007

The present paper considers the transmission of sound from a source distribution inside a jet to a receiver or observer outside; the source can be represented by a combination of multipoles moving relative to the jet. The shear layer has a random shape with a plane mean position, and entrains a region of turbulence. The transmission across the plane shear layer involves: (i) scattering by the convected, irregular and unsteady interface across which occurs the transition from the jet to the ambient medium; (ii) refraction in the region of low Mach number turbulence entrained by the shear layer. If the jet Mach number does not exceed two the local turbulence can be taken as incompressible. The transmission involves: (i) a deterministic amplitude factor due to the difference in sound speed, mass density and velocity between the jet and ambient medium; (ii) a random phase shift due to the scattering of sound by the irregular interface and the convection of sound by the turbulence entrained with the shear layer. Since there is a random phase shift for the acoustic pressure, the acoustic power, which is quadratic in the acoustic pressure, involves the statistics of interference between two waves. The latter specify the spectral directivity, defined as the acoustic power radiated per unit solid angle and unit frequency band, i.e. either the spectrum received in each direction or the directivity of sound received outside the jet at each frequency. The statistics of sound scattering by irregular interfaces and convection by turbulence are subject to assumptions and constraints which affect critically the directivity and spectra. The evaluation of radiation integrals without low- or high-frequency approximations is also essential to reproduce experimental results on the noise of cold or hot jets. An accuracy of 3 dB can be expected for directivities and 6 dB for spectra, for directions not too far away from the vertical, (i.e perpendicular to the jet).
Aspiration Performance and Railroads’ Patterns of Learning from Train Wrecks and Crashes
Authors: Baum Joel A. C. , Dahlin Kristina B.
Published: June 2007

We link two influential organizational learning models—performance feedback and experiential learning—to advance hypotheses that help explain how organizations’ learning from their own and others’ experience is conditioned by their aspiration-performance feedback. Our focus is on learning from failure; this kind of learning is essential to organizational learning and adaptation, and a necessary complement to studies of learning from success. Our analysis of U.S. Class 1 freight railroads’ accident costs from 1975 to 2001 shows that when a railroad’s accident rate deviates from aspiration levels, the railroad benefits less from its own operating and accident experience and more from other railroads’ operating and accident experiences. These findings support the idea that performance near aspirations fosters local search and exploitive learning, while performance away from aspirations stimulates nonlocal search and exploration, providing a foundation for constructing more-integrated models of organizational learning and change.
Perspective—Administrative Behavior: Laying the Foundations for Cyert and March
Authors: Cohen Michael D.
Published: June 2007

A Behavioral Theory of the Firm by Cyert and March (1963) can be interpreted as a culmination of new intellectual directions in the study of organization that began with Herbert Simon’s Administrative Behavior (1947). This essay shows how Simon broke with major pre–World War II intellectual traditions and thereby laid the groundwork on which A Behavioral Theory depends. It also suggests the contemporary potential of returning to themes that were set aside by Simon, but were key for prewar pragmatists, such as emphasizing the roles of habit and emotion in organizational action.
Outcome of surgical fellow ships: road to nowhere or highway to higher surgical training?
Authors: Morgan MA , Hopper AN , Lewis WG
Published: June 2007

Compliance with the raft of recent legislation regarding surgical training in the United Kingdom has spawned a new breed of junior surgeon, the clinical fellow. Advertised and promoted by NHS Trusts with CV-strengthening potential, fellowships are in practice often of questionable training benefit, with a heavy service commitment. The aim of this study, therefore, was to assess the outcomes of such fellowships in one UK deanery. The principal measure of outcome was appointment to an SpR post in general surgery, with type 1 national training number (NTN).
Painlevé equations and the middle convolution
Authors: Dettweiler Michael , Reiter Stefan
Published: June 2007

We relate the theory of the middle convolution functor MCλ
to the study of algebraic solutions of the sixth Painlevé equation PVI. We interpret some recently found algebraic solutions by Boalch in terms of the middle convolution. Then we show how to obtain algebraic solutions of PVI by starting with triples in GL2 and applying MCλ
. The effect on the underlying Fuchsian systems can be described in a very simple manner.
On a 25-dimensional embedding of the Ree–Tits generalized octagon
Authors: Coolsaet Kris
Published: June 2007

We describe how to obtain the projective coordinates of the points of the Ree–Tits generalized octagon over a perfect field K in the 25-dimensional embedding of [K. Coolsaet, Algebraic structure of the perfect Ree-Tits generalized octagons. Innov. Incidence Geom.
1 (2005), 67–131. MR2213954 (2007a:51004) Zbl 05031723] from their Van Maldeghem coordinates (as defined in [H. Van Maldeghem, Generalized polygons. Birkhäuser 1998. MR1725957 (2000k:51004) Zbl 0914.51005, Section 3.6]). As an important bonus the explicit formulas which result from this may now serve as the definition of a 25-dimensional embedding also in the non-perfect case. We also give explicit formulas for the operations Ψ
i
and Φ
j
of the octagonal octanary ring associated with the octagon and its dual. (The latter are new.)

As an application we derive the dimensions of subspaces of this embedding generated by various special subsets of points of the octagon: the sets of points at a fixed distance from a given point or a given line, the Suzuki suboctagons, the traces and the hypertraces. In some of the cases these dimensions turn out to depend on whether K is the field of 2 elements, or not.
Characterization of NixCo1−xO/ZrO2(CaO) directionally solidified eutectic (DSE) ceramic composites with a ductile interphase
Authors: Alem Nasim , Dravid Vinayak P. , Li Shuyou
Published: June 2007

NixCo1−xO/ZrO2(CaO) directionally solidified eutectics (DSEs) form a ductile metallic interphase after they are chemically reduced at high temperatures. Vickers indentation tests have previously shown a significant change in the crack propagation behavior of the reduced composites due to plastic deformation and strain energy absorption mechanisms operating in the system after reduction. This paper focuses on structural and chemical characterization of NixCo1−xO/ZrO2(CaO) DSEs after reduction. Analytical transmission electron microscopy techniques such as energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy (EDXS) and electron energy loss spectroscopy (EELS) show elimination of oxygen and formation of nanoscale Ni(Co) solid.
Blue emission of Ce3+ in lanthanide silicon oxynitride phosphors
Authors: Dierre Benjamin , Xie Rong-Jun , Hirosaki Naoto , Sekiguchi T.
Published: June 2007

Ce3+-activated lanthanide silicon oxynitride (La5Si3O12N, La4SiO7N2, LaSiO2N, and La3Si8O4N11) phosphors were prepared by firing the mixture of La2O3, Si3N4, SiO2, and CeO2 at 1500–1600 °C under a 0.5 MPa nitrogen atmosphere. Diffuse reflection spectrum, photoluminescence spectra, and temperature-dependent luminescence of these phosphors are presented in this work. A blue emission of Ce3+ in all lanthanide silicon oxynitrides was observed under ultraviolet irradiation, which is strongest in La3Si8O4N11:Ce3+. The concentration quenching and thermal quenching of the samples were discussed.
Mechanical deformation-induced Sn whiskers growth on electroplated films in the advanced flexible electronic packaging
Authors: Lin Shih-kang , Yorikado Yuhi , Jiang Junxiang , Kim Keun-Soo , Suganuma Katsuaki , Chen Sinn-wen , Tsujimoto Masanobu , Yanada Isamu
Published: June 2007

In this study, we investigated mechanical deformation-induced Sn whisker growth, which is frequently encountered in advanced flexible substrate packaging. Concentrated compressive stresses are introduced around the leads and solder surface finish joints connected by compression fixing. Six types of pure Sn thin films were electroplated on Ni-protected Cu substrates. These were 2- and 6-μm-thick Sn films electroplated with three different current densities: 2, 10, and 20 A/dm2. These films were compressed at room temperature and ambient humidity. The surface and cross-sectional grain morphologies of the films were examined by scanning electron microscopy and focused ion beam spectroscopy, respectively. The grain orientations of the electroplated Sn films were analyzed by x-ray diffraction and electron backscatter diffraction. After compression, nodule hillocks and whiskers were found around the indents. Beneath the indents, the original columnar Sn grains were deformed, and recovery and recrystallization processes occurred. Rapid whisker formation was observed. The whiskers induced by mechanical deformation are closely related to the grain microstructures, and the initial compression stresses are critical to the types and distribution of whiskers as well.
Corrosion behavior of biomedical AZ91 magnesium alloy in simulated body fluids
Authors: Xin Yunchang , Liu Chenglong , Zhang Xinmeng , Tang Guoyi , Tian Xiubo , Chu Paul K.
Published: June 2007

Fast degradation rates in the physiological environment constitute the main limitation for magnesium alloys used in biodegradable hard tissue implants. In this work, the corrosion behavior of AZ91 magnesium alloy in simulated body fluids (SBF) was systematically investigated to determine its performance in a physiological environment. The influence of the main constituent phases on the corrosion behavior was studied by in situ visual observation and scanning electron microscopy. Energy dispersive x-ray spectrometry and Fourier transfer infrared spectroscopy revealed that both calcium and magnesium phosphates are present in the corroded products besides magnesium oxide. Electrochemical methods including open circuit potential evolution and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy were used to investigate the mechanism. The corresponding electrode controlled processes and evolution of the corrosion products layer were discussed. The degradation rate after immersion in SBF for seven days was calculated from both the weight loss and hydrogen evolution methods.
Simulation and experimental study of spray pyrolysis of polydispersed droplets
Authors: Widiyastuti W. , Wang Wei-Ning , Lenggoro I. Wuled , Iskandar Ferry , Okuyama Kikuo
Published: June 2007

The size distribution and morphology of particles (dense or hollow) produced from polydispersed droplets in spray pyrolysis were studied both experimentally and theoretically. Zirconia, generated from a zirconyl hydroxychloride precursor, was selected as a model material. The simulation method that was previously developed by our group [J. Mater. Res., 15, 733 (2000)], in which droplets were assumed to be uniform, was improved to evaluate the effect of polydispersity in droplets on the size and morphology of the resulting particles. Simultaneous equations for heat and mass transfer of solvent evaporation and solute mass transfer inside droplets were solved numerically for a number of discrete classes of droplet size distribution. The role of the decomposition reaction was also included after the evaporation stage of polydispersed droplets in an attempt to explain the densification of particles. In hollow particle generation, this simulation was used to evaluate the thickness of a particle shell. The experimental results were in good agreement with the simulation data, suggesting that the model provides a more realistic prediction.
Synthesis of nickel zinc ferrite nanoparticle/organic hybrid from metalorganics
Authors: Hayashimto Yasuaki , Sakamoto Wataru , Yogo Toshinobu
Published: June 2007

(Ni,Zn)Fe2O4 particle/organic hybrid was synthesized in situ from metalorganics below 100 °C. A mixture of nickel (II) acetylacetonate (NA), zinc acetylacetonate (ZA), and iron (III) 3-allylacetylacetonate (IAA) was hydrolyzed and polymerized yielding a spinel oxide particle/organic hybrid. X-ray diffraction analysis revealed that the crystallinity of spinel particles was dependent upon the hydrolysis conditions of NA-ZA-IAA. Nanocrystalline nickel zinc ferrite particles below 5 nm were uniformly dispersed in the organic matrix. The magnetization of hybrid increased with an increasing amount of water for hydrolysis. Nano-sized nickel zinc ferrite particle/organic hybrid showed a magnetization-applied field (BH) curve with no remanence above 40 K. The magnetization versus H/T curves from 40 to 100 K were superimposed on the same curve and satisfied the Langevin equation. The remanent magnetization and coercive field of the hybrid were 7.2 emu/g and 150 Oe, respectively, at 4.2 K. The absorption edge of the hybrid was blue-shifted compared with that of bulk ferrite.
Low-temperature growth and characterization of epitaxial ZnO nanorods by metalorganic chemical vapor deposition
Authors: Kim Dong Chan , Kong Bo Hyun , Jeon Sung-Yun , Yoo Ji-Beom , Cho Hyung Koun , Park Dong Jun , Lee Jeong Yong
Published: June 2007

By injecting additional argon gas, we were able to grow one-dimensional ZnO nanorod arrays with a uniform distribution on a large scale at a low temperature of less than 330 °C by metalorganic chemical vapor deposition. All of the nanorods grown on the sapphire substrate had a 30° in-plane rotation with respect to the substrate and showed the epitaxial characteristics of [10¯10]ZnO//[11¯20]sapphire, despite the low-temperature growth. These ZnO nanorods with high crystalline quality exhibited a high enhancement factor and low turn-on field value, thus having good potential to be used as a field emitter.
Further experiments and modeling for microscale compression molding of metals at elevated temperatures
Authors: Jiang J. , Meng W.J. , Sinclair G.B. , Lara-Curzio E.
Published: June 2007

Replication of metallic high-aspect-ratio microscale structures (HARMS) by compression molding has been demonstrated recently. Molding replication of metallic HARMS can potentially lead to low-cost fabrication of a wide variety of metal-based microdevices. Understanding the mechanics of metal micromolding is critical for assessing the capabilities and limitations of this replication technique. This paper presents results of instrumented micromolding of Al. Measured molding response was rationalized with companion high-temperature tensile testing of Al using a simple mechanics model of the micromolding process. The present results suggest that resisting pressure on the mold insert during micromolding is governed primarily by the yield stress of the molded metal at the molding temperature and a frictional traction on the sides of the insert. The influence of strain rate is also considered.
Influence of annealing on structural relaxation, crystallization, and deformation behavior of a Zr41.2Ti13.8Cu12.5Ni10Be22.5 bulk metallic glass
Authors: Lee Kwang Seok , Eckert Jürgen , Jun Hyun-Joon , Chang Young Won
Published: June 2007

The influence of annealing on the structural changes and the mechanical properties of Zr41.2Ti13.8Cu12.5Ni10Be22.5 (Vit-1) bulk metallic glass was systematically studied by varying the annealing times at 703 K. The evolution of the structural state at a relatively high temperature within the supercooled liquid region was studied by thermal analysis, x-ray diffraction, high-resolution transmission electron microscopy, extended x-ray absorption fine structure, and dilatometric measurements. The deformation behavior and the mechanical properties were also examined by carrying out hardness and compression tests for the specimens annealed for various times.
A new route to single crystalline vanadium dioxide nanoflakes via thermal reduction
Authors: Tian Jifa , Liu Fei , Shen Chengmin , Zhang Huairuo , Yang Tianzhong , Bao Lihong , Wang Xingjun , Liu Daotan , Li Hong , Huang Xuejie , Li Jianqi , Chen Liquan , Gao Hongjun
Published: June 2007

Large-area single-crystalline vanadium dioxide nanoflakes were first fabricated via a thermal reduction method in a tube furnace. The sample was characterized by x-ray diffraction, x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and transmission electron microscopy. The results show that VO2 nanoflakes are single-crystalline with a monoclinic structure. The VO2 nanoflakes have a width of 200–300 nm, a thickness of 50–100 nm, and a length up to 1–2 μm. It is found that single-crystalline VO2 nanoflakes show a novel and complicated 5–7-step Li-storage behavior for an insertion amount of <0.6 mol lithium per mol of VO2.
Active‐matrix organic light‐emitting displays employing two thin‐film‐transistor a‐Si:H pixels on flexible stainless‐steel foil
Authors: Kattamis Alex Z. , Giebink Noel , Cheng I‐Chun , Wagner Sigurd , Forrest Stephen R. , Hong Yongtaek , Cannella Vincent
Published: June 2007

Abstract— An active‐matrix organic light‐emitting diode (AMOLED) display driven by hydrogenated amorphous‐silicon thin‐film transistors (a‐Si:H TFTs) on flexible, stainless‐steel foil was demonstrated. The 2‐TFT voltage‐programmed pixel circuits were fabricated using a standard a‐Si:H process at maximum temperature of 280°C in a bottom‐gate staggered source‐drain geometry. The 70‐ppi monochrome display consists of (48 × 4) × 48 subpixels of 92 ×369 μm each, with an aperture ratio of 48%. The a‐Si:H TFT pixel circuits drive top‐emitting green electrophosphorescent OLEDs to a peak luminance of 2000 cd/m2.
Digital lithographic processing for large‐area electronics
Authors: Wong William S. , Chabinyc Michael L. , Limb Scott , Ready Steven E. , Lujan René , Daniel Jurgen , Street Robert A.
Published: June 2007

Abstract— A non‐contact jet‐printed mask‐patterning process is described. By combining digital imaging with jet printing, digital lithography was used to pattern a‐Si:H‐based electronics on glass and plastic substrates in place of conventional photolithography. This digital lithographic process is capable of layer‐to‐layer registration of ±5 μm using electronic mask files that are directly jet printed onto a surface. Aminimum feature size of 50 μm was used to create 180 × 180 element backplanes having 75‐dpi resolution for display and image‐sensor applications. By using a secondary mask process, the minimum feature size can be reduced down to ∼15 μm for fabrication of short‐channel thin‐film transistors. The same process was also used to pattern black‐matrix wells in fabricating color‐filter top plates in LCD panels.
Cadmium and Zinc in Vegetation and Litter of a Voluntary Woodland that has Developed on Contaminated Sediment‐Derived Soil
Authors: Lepp Nicholas W. , Madejón Paula
Published: June 2007

Vegetation that develops spontaneously on metal‐contaminated soils presents an opportunity to evaluate both metal bioavailability and the risks posed to biota. The behavior of Cd and Zn in the species of a spontaneously developed woodland, colonizing a canal embankment, has been investigated. Nitric‐acid‐extractable metal concentrations in the sediment‐derived substrate ranged between 5.0 to 376 mg kg−1dry wt. Cd and 83.0 to 784 mg kg−1dry wt. Zn. The woodland is dominated by Willow (Salix) species. Salix caprea selectively accumulated Cd in all stem tissues, in contrast to S. viminalis, which regulated tissue Cd content. Both species showed an effective regulation of tissue Zn. Cadmium uptake by S. caprea was correlated with differences in soil pH, while Zn uptake was not. There was no relationship between tissue metal concentrations and soil metal nitric acid‐extractable concentrations. Other aspects of ecosystem function appeared unaffected by the elevated Cd flux in S. caprea; leaf litter organisms present represented all major groups and there was no accumulation of organic matter. The woodland represents a potentially sustainable option for remediating a low value site with difficult access that does not involve removal of the contaminated material to a landfill or making a permanent inert cover.
Micro‐Trench Experiments on Interflow and Lateral Pesticide Transport in a Sloped Soil in Northern Thailand
Authors: Kahl G. , Ingwersen J. , Nutniyom P. , Totrakool S. , Pansombat K. , Thavornyutikarn P. , Streck T.
Published: June 2007

During recent decades, a change in land use in the mountainous regions of Northern Thailand has been accompanied by an increased input of agrochemicals. We identified lateral water flow and pesticide transport pathways and mechanisms in a Hapludult on a sloped litchi orchard in Northern Thailand. During two rainy seasons, two micro‐trench experiments were performed at the plot scale (2 by 3 m). The first experiment was performed at the footslope of the orchard; the second was performed at a midslope position. Two salt tracers (bromide and chloride) and two pesticides {methomyl [S‐methyl‐N‐(methylcarbamoyloxy)thioacetimidate] and chlorothalonil (2,4,5,6‐Tetrachlor‐1,3‐benzdicarbonitril)} were applied in stripes parallel to the slope 150 and 300 cm away from the trench. At the trench, soil water was collected by wick samplers. Tensiometers and time‐domain reflectometry probes were installed. At the end of the experiment, soil samples were taken and analyzed for residual concentrations of tracers and pesticides. Lateral subsurface flow of water occurred exclusively along preferential flow paths and was mainly observed at 0‐ to 30‐ and 60‐ to 90‐cm depth. Lateral transport of pesticides was negligible, but both pesticides were found beneath the application area at 90 cm depth. Therefore, they may pose a groundwater contamination risk. The amount of wick flow and the location of interflow were mainly a function of rain amount and antecedent soil water suction. During dry periods, water flow was restricted to the topsoil. After heavy rain events and wet periods, interflow was mainly observed in the subsoil. The cumulative rain amount between samplings necessary to induce interflow was 20 mm. At the footslope, the interflow was seven times higher, and the network of water‐bearing pores increased compared with the midslope position.
Influence of Alternative and Conventional Farming Practices on Subsurface Drainage and Water Quality
Authors: Oquist K. A. , Strock J. S. , Mulla D. J.
Published: June 2007

Agricultural runoff contributes nutrients to nonpoint‐source pollution of surface waters. This study was conducted to investigate the potential use of alternative farming practices to improve water quality. The study examined the effects of both alternative and conventional farming practices on subsurface drainage and nitrogen and phosphorus loss through subsurface drainage from glacial till soils (i.e., Calciaquolls, Endoaquolls, Eutrudepts, Hapludolls) in southwest Minnesota. Alternative farming practices included organic management practices, species biodiversity, and/or practices that include reduced inputs of synthetic fertilizer and pesticides. Conventional farming practices include corn–soybean (Zea mays L.–Glycine max L., respectively) rotations and their associated recommended fertilizer rates as well as pesticide usage. Precipitation was highly variable during the 3‐yr study period including a below‐average year (2003), an average year (2002), and an above‐average year (2004). Results indicate that alternative farming practices reduced subsurface drainage discharge by 41% compared with conventional practices. Flow‐weighted mean nitrate‐nitrogen (nitrate N) concentrations during tile flow were 8.2 and 17.2 mg L−1 under alternative and conventional farming practices, respectively. Alternative farming practices reduced nitrate N losses by between 59 and 62% in 2002 and 2004 compared with conventional practices. Ammonium‐nitrogen (ammonium N), orthophosphorus, and total phosphorus losses in subsurface drainage were very low and did not pose a substantial risk of pollution. Results suggest that alternative farming practices have the potential to reduce agricultural impacts on water quality.
Hydrophobicity of Soil Colloids and Heavy Metal Mobilization
Authors: Klitzke Sondra , Lang Friederike
Published: June 2007

Drying of soil may increase the hydrophobicity of soil and affect the mobilization of colloids after re‐wetting. Results of previous research suggest that colloid hydrophobicity is an important parameter in controlling the retention of colloids and colloid‐associated substances in soils. We tested the hypothesis that air‐drying of soil samples increases the hydrophobicity of water‐dispersible colloids and whether air‐drying affects the mobilization of colloid‐associated heavy metals. We performed batch experiments with field‐moist and air‐dried (25°C) soils from a former sewage farm (sandy loam), a municipal park (loamy sand), and a shooting range site (loamy sand with 25% Corg). The filtered suspensions (<1.2 μm) were analyzed for concentrations of dissolved and colloidal organic C and heavy metals (Cu, Cd, Pb, Zn), average colloid size, zeta potential, and turbidity. The hydrophobicity of colloids was determined by their partitioning between a hydrophobic solid and a hydrophilic aqueous phase. Drying increased hydrophobicity of the solid phase but did not affect the hydrophobicity of the dispersed colloids. Drying decreased the amount of mobilized mineral and (organo‐)mineral colloids in the sewage farm soils but increased the mobilization of organic colloids in the C‐rich shooting range soil. Dried samples released less colloid‐bound Cd and Zn than field‐moist samples. Drying‐induced mobilization of dissolved organic C caused a redistribution of Cu from the colloidal to the dissolved phase. We conclude that drying‐induced colloid mobilization is not caused by a change in the physicochemical properties of the colloids. Therefore, it is likely that the mobilization of colloids in the field is caused by increasing shear forces or the disintegration of aggregates.
National prevalence of underweight, overweight and obesity in Turkey: cross sectional study of a representative adult population
Authors: Delibasi Tuncay , Karaaslan Yasar , Ustun Ihsan , Koroglu Ertugrul , Hosgor Seref
Published: June 2007

The aim of this study was to determine underweight, overweight, and obesity prevalence in representative sample of adult (≥ 18 years old) Turkish population living in urban and rural area of Turkey. Turkish citizens aged ≥ 18 who can represent adult population and permanently resident in Turkey were taken to this study in 1999–2000. The nationally representative sample population was selected from the target population using the census which was performed by national institute of statistics at 1997. Target population was 13.570 individuals living in these houses and 8674 people who aged ≥ 18 are chosen for the study. BMI was used as widely accepted diagnostic criteria of obesity. This study demonstrated that the prevalence of underweight was 10.7% in men, 5.9% in women and 8.1% for overall. The prevalence of overweight was 17.4% in men, 20.4% in women and 19% for overall. The prevalence of obesity was 7.8% in men, 22.1% in women and 15.6% for overall. The prevalence of overweight is higher (19.6%) in urban areas but prevalence of obesity is higher (17%) in rural areas of Turkey. Age, educational level and marital status seem to have association with obesity prevalence. The data we obtained showed us that while the underweight is still an issue for men, the overweight and obesity prevalence is high and needs to take early prevention steps for Turkish population.
Hearing impairment among workers occupationally exposed to excessive levels of noise
Authors: Gidikova Pavlina , Prakova Gospodinka , Ruev Petar , Sandeva Gergana
Published: June 2007

Pure tone audiometry screening and ear examinations were conducted among 138 males working as machine and equipment operators occupationally exposed to intermittent noise of 85 to 105 dBA. Hearing loss up to 30 dB (preserved socially adequate hearing) was found in 25 workers. The hearing impairment was confirmed by distortion products of otoacoustic emissions measurements. A sharp increase in the frequency of cases can be found among the workers with service length over 10 years. While the frequency of the cases among workers with service length below 10 years is 5.45%, it is 26.5% among the subjects with service length over 10 years, with a gradual increase as a result of the increase in exposure duration. A positive correlation (p < 0.05) was found between the frequency of hearing impairment among the workers and the years of exposure to excessive noise levels. Some measures for preventing occupational noise-induced hearing loss were suggested.
Pulmonary response to airway instillation of autologous blood in horses
Authors: DERKSEN F. J. , WILLIAMS K. J. , UHAL B. D. , SLOCOMBE R. F. , de FEIJTER‐RUPP H. , EBERHART S. , BERNEY C. , ROBINSON N. E.
Published: June 2007

Reasons for performing study: Exercise‐induced pulmonary haemorrhage (EIPH) occurs in the majority of horses performing strenuous exercise. Associated pulmonary lesions include alveolar and airway wall fibrosis, which may enhance the severity of EIPH. Further work is required to understand the pulmonary response to blood in the equine airways.

Objectives: To confirm that a single instillation of autologous blood into horse airways is associated with alveolar wall fibrosis, and to determine if blood in the airways is also associated with peribronchiolar fibrosis.

Methods: Paired regions of each lung were inoculated with blood or saline at 14 and 7 days, and 48, 24 and 6 h before euthanasia. Resulting lesions were described histologically and alveolar and airway wall collagen was quantified.

Results: The main lesion observed on histology was hypertrophy and hyperplasia of type II pneumocytes at 7 days after blood instillation. This lesion was no longer present at 14 days. There were no significant effects of lung region, treatment (saline or autologous blood instillation), nor significant treatment‐time interactions in the amount of collagen in the interstitium or in the peribronchial regions.

Conclusion: A single instillation of autologous blood in lung regions is not associated with pulmonary fibrosis.

Potential relevance: Pulmonary fibrosis and lung remodelling, characteristic of EIPH, are important because these lesions may enhance the severity of bleeding during exercise. A single instillation of autologous blood in the airspaces of the lung is not associated with pulmonary fibrosis. Therefore the pulmonary fibrosis described in EIPH must have other causes, such as repetitive bleeds, or the presence of blood in the pulmonary interstitium in addition to the airspaces. Prevention of pulmonary fibrosis through therapeutic intervention requires a better understanding of these mechanisms.
Bringing the Background to the Foreground: What Do Classroom Environments That Support Authentic Discussions Look Like?
Authors: Hadjioannou Xenia
Published: June 2007

Authentic discussions are dialogically oriented classroom interactions where participants present and consider multiple perspectives and often use others’ input in constructing their contributions. Despite their instructional effectiveness, authentic discussions are reportedly rare in classrooms. This qualitative case study examines the features of the environment of a fifth-grade classroom community where authentic discussions were frequent. The examination used recorded class sessions, interviews, and field notes to identify seven aspects of the classroom environment that appeared to be essential to the presence of authentic discussions: physical environment, curricular demands and enacted curriculum, teacher beliefs, student beliefs about discussions, relationships among members, classroom procedures, and norms of classroom participation.
Die Rolle des Energieholzes in der Waldpolitik beider Basel (essay) | The role of firewood in the forest policy of both Basel (essay)
Authors: Meier Ueli
Published: June 2007

In the region of Basel, the intensive firewood production of the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries led to a threatening situation for the forest. Therefore, the anticipated increase of forestry operations for the wood cogeneration plant Basel is controversial. In addition to concerns about the impact on natural scenery, there is also concern about the amount of sustainable wood available.

An analysis of the current situation revealed that the use of wood for energy production plays a key role in the forestry policy of both Basel. This is because the existing public interests in the forest, which should lead to an increase of the firewood production, are only financially tolerable if the firewood production allows a marginal return. Such a marginal return is only realistic if there is also a market for less valuable wood products. Due to the wood cogeneration plant which will start operations in 2008, it can be expected that the previously side product firewood will become a main product. Overall, there are many reasons which support the idea that in both Basel the «Renaissance» of firewood as a source of energy will contribute significantly to a sustainable forest development.
Neue Wege im Allschwiler Wald – Erholungskonzept mit Pioniercharakter | New approaches in the forest of Allschwil – a recreation concept with pioneer character
Authors: Hasspacher Beate
Published: June 2007

The forest of Allschwil is a popular recreation area within the agglomeration of Basel. This forest also serves as a valuable resource for conservation and wood production, containing a high percentage of excellent quality timber. According to the research studies conducted by the University of Basel on the use of the forest for recreation,a concept for recreation was developed based on the Allschwil forest's current management and conservation practices.

The concept translates the employed superior approaches and objectives and applies them area-wide. For the entire forest, the diverse uses of the forest are integrated and differentiated geographically as well as according to their functions. Important elements of the recreation concept consist of the amount, type and development of the forest track network, the measures regarding the silvicultural design and the regulation of the visitors flow,as well as the regulations for the approval of organized activities and positioning of recreation infrastructure. The concept serves as the basis for a performance agreement between the local community and the forest owners. The financial estimates demonstrate that the planned measures will not enlarge the current budget.
Basel-Stadt und seine Wälder | Basel-Stadt and its forests
Authors: Bader Guido
Published: June 2007

The canton Basel-Stadt is forested on about 12% of its area. The broadleaved dominated stands cover an area of 429 hectares, of which 90 hectares are the property of 330 private forest owners. The forest has great importance to Basel-Stadt and its people. In respect to nature conservation, the forest accommodates several treasures but for 190 000 people, it also serves as a highly valued area for recreation and as a vital element of the landscape. At the Langen Erlen reservation, approximately half of the drinking water for the canton Basel-Stadt is produced. By redirecting water from the Rhine into forested recharge areas, pure drinking water is gained in a unique, natural and sustainable way with the help of the forest. All the desired functions of the forest require a continuous and goal-oriented forest management. To settle all the manifold requirements in and around the forest and to coordinate the required management measures within the forest as an ecosystem, a significant challenge faces the forest service both currently and in the future.
Settling of dilute and semidilute fiber suspensions at finite Re
Authors: Salmela J. , Martinez D. M. , Kataja M.
Published: June 2007

The motion of tracer fibers settling in a suspension made optically transparent using an index‐of refraction matching technique is studied as a function of concentration, aspect ratio, fluid viscosity, and fiber length distribution. At Re ∼ O (1), two different regimes of sedimentation are clearly identified. For small volume fractions we find that fibers settle with their long‐axis preferentially in the horizontal state. With increasing volume fraction, fibers settle preferentially with their long‐axis aligned in the direction of gravity. These findings are strikingly different than for those conducted with Re → 0 and qualitatively support the numerical simulations reported by Kuusela et al. © 2007 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 2007
Constructive modification of conducting polyaniline characteristics in unusual proportion through nanomaterial blend formation with the neutral polymer poly(vinyl pyrrolidone)
Authors: Subramanian E. , Anitha G. , Vijayakumar N.
Published: June 2007

The present work reports an investigation on the modification of conducting polyaniline (PANI) characteristics favorably on blending with the neutral polymer, poly(vinyl pyrrolidone) (PVP) in a systematic variation of their molar ratios (aniline : PVP = 4 : 1, 2 : 1, 1 : 1, 1 : 2, and 1 : 3). Prepared by precipitation technique by conventional in situ chemical oxidative polymerization with ammonium peroxodisulfate in aqueous H2SO4 medium (pH 1.0), these materials have nanometer sizes (∼ 50–200 nm) and, depending on the molar ratios, exhibit a distinct deviation in physicochemical characteristics from those of pristine PANI prepared in the identical condition. A gradual trend in characteristics is noticed in first three PANI–PVP blends, while an abnormal hike in conductivity, unusual spectral features in IR and UV–vis, hardened nature, and induction of characteristic morphology, crystallinity, and thermal stability are associated with the last two blends that have excess PVP. Thus a division of two sets of nanoblends, one set with less or equal content of PVP and another with excess of PVP, emerges. Evidently, PVP has a tuning effect on PANI through its dopant, supporting matrix and interpenetrating steric stabilizer acts in proportion quite unusual to its neutral nature. The study altogether brings to light a simple way of modification of PANI characteristics by conventional method of blend synthesis. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 2007
Autologous stem cell transplantation in children with severe progressive systemic or polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis: Long‐term followup of a prospective clinical trial
Authors: Brinkman D. M. C. , de Kleer I. M. , ten Cate R. , van Rossum M. A. J. , Bekkering W. P. , Fasth A. , van Tol M. J. D. , Kuis W. , Wulffraat N. M. , Vossen J. M.
Published: June 2007

Objective

To assess the safety and efficacy of intensive immunosuppression followed by T cell–depleted autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (ASCT) for induction of disease remission in children with refractory progressive juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA).

Methods

Twenty‐two patients with progressive refractory JIA were followed up over a median period of 80 months after pretreatment with intensive immunosuppression followed by ASCT in a multicenter, prospective, phase II clinical trial. Hematopoietic stem cells were harvested from the patients' bone marrow, depleted of T cells, and kept frozen until used for ASCT. Pretreatment of patients consisted of a combination of antithymocyte globulin, cyclophosphamide, and low‐dose total body irradiation. Patients were followed up for ASCT‐related complications, recovery of hematologic and immune system parameters, and disease outcomes.

Results

Reconstitution of hematologic values to normal range was rapid. Recovery of immune system parameters, especially normalization of CD4+, CD45RA+ naive T cells, was delayed, occurring at ≥6 months after ASCT. The prolonged period of immune deficiency resulted in a large number of viral infections and may have contributed to the development of macrophage activation syndrome (MAS), leading to death, in 2 patients. After ASCT, 8 of the 20 evaluable patients reached complete clinical remission of their JIA, 7 were partial responders, and 5 experienced a relapse of their disease (occurring 7 years after ASCT in 1 patient). Later during followup, 2 of the patients whose disease relapsed died from infections that developed after restarting immunosuppressive medication.

Conclusion

Intensive immunosuppression followed by ASCT resulted in sustained complete remission or marked improvement in 15 of 22 patients with progressive refractory JIA. The procedure, however, is associated with significant morbidity and risk of mortality due to prolonged and severe depression of T cell immunity. After fatal complications due to MAS were observed in some patients, the protocol was amended in 1999, to ensure less profound depletion of T cells, better control of systemic disease before transplantation, antiviral prophylaxis after transplantation, and slow tapering of corticosteroids. Following these protocol modifications, no additional ASCT‐related deaths were observed among the 11 patients who received the modified treatment.
Differential regulation of lubricin/superficial zone protein by transforming growth factor β/bone morphogenetic protein superfamily members in articular chondrocytes and synoviocytes
Authors: Niikura Takahiro , Reddi A. Hari
Published: June 2007

Objective

To investigate the role of transforming growth factor β (TGFβ)/bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) superfamily members on accumulation of superficial zone protein (SZP) in articular chondrocytes and synoviocytes.

Methods

Chondrocytes and synoviocytes were isolated from articular cartilage and synovium from calf stifle joints and cultured as monolayers in serum‐free chemically defined medium. Articular chondrocytes were isolated from 3 distinct zones of the cartilage: superficial, middle, and deep. Accumulation of SZP in the culture medium in response to various members of the TGFβ/BMP superfamily was demonstrated by immunoblotting and quantified by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay.

Results

TGFβ stimulated SZP accumulation in both superficial zone chondrocytes and synoviocytes. The 3 isoforms of TGFβ elicited a similar dose response. Inhibition of TGFβ receptor type I kinase by the specific inhibitor SB431542 abolished the TGFβ‐stimulated accumulation of SZP. BMPs up‐regulated SZP accumulation in the superficial zone; however, the magnitude of the effects was not as great as was observed with TGFβ. There was an additive action between TGFβ and BMP on SZP accumulation. The response of synoviocytes to BMP was stronger than that of superficial zone chondrocytes. Activin up‐regulated SZP accumulation in synoviocytes, but not in chondrocytes.

Conclusion

TGFβ is a critical regulator of SZP accumulation in both superficial zone articular chondrocytes and synoviocytes. TGFβ and BMP have an additive effect. Synoviocytes are more sensitive to BMP family members and activins than are superficial zone articular chondrocytes. Thus, regulation of SZP accumulation by TGFβ /BMP superfamily members is regulated differently in articular chondrocytes and synoviocytes.
Association of a haplotype in the promoter region of the interferon regulatory factor 5 gene with rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Sigurdsson Snaevar , Padyukov Leonid , Kurreeman Fina A. S. , Liljedahl Ulrika , Wiman Ann‐Christin , Alfredsson Lars , Toes René , Rönnelid Johan , Klareskog Lars , Huizinga Tom W. J. , Alm Gunnar , Syvänen Ann‐Christine , Rönnblom Lars
Published: June 2007

Objective

To determine whether genetic variants of the interferon regulatory factor 5 (IRF‐5) and Tyk‐2 genes are associated with rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

Methods

Five single‐nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in IRF5 and 3 SNPs in Tyk2 were analyzed in a Swedish cohort of 1,530 patients with RA and 881 controls. A replication study was performed in a Dutch cohort of 387 patients with RA and 181 controls. All patient sera were tested for the presence of autoantibodies against cyclic citrullinated peptides (anti‐CCP).

Results

Four of the 5 SNPs located in the 5′ region of IRF5 were associated with RA, while no association was observed with the Tyk2 SNPs. The minor alleles of 3 of the IRF5 SNPs, which were in linkage disequilibrium and formed a relatively common haplotype with a frequency of ∼0.33, appeared to confer protection against RA. Although these disease associations were seen in the entire patient group, they were mainly found in RA patients who were negative for anti‐CCP. A suggestive association of IRF5 SNPs with anti‐CCP–negative RA was also observed in the Dutch cohort.

Conclusion

Given the fact that anti‐CCP–negative RA differs from anti‐CCP–positive RA with respect to genetic and environmental risk factor profiles, our results indicate that genetic variants of IRF5 contribute to a unique disease etiology and pathogenesis in anti‐CCP–negative RA.