bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Analytical Refinement of Sandwich Plate Bending Problem Considering Local Effects-II
Authors: Polyakov V. , Zhigun I. , Shlitsa R. , Khitrov V.
Published: August 2009

The present study is devoted to the development of a method given in Reference [1] for determining the final expressions of bending and transverse shear stresses of a sandwich panel loaded by point forces continuously distributed along its width. The procedure for refining the displacements of a symmetric sandwich panel with respect to middle plane is based on separating summands, which take into account the cylindrical and membrane rigidities of the face layers, transverse rigidities of the core in shear and compression-separately. Analytical estimates of bending stresses at the central section. shear stresses close to the central and support sections of each layer of the panel are deduced. For the estimation of the concentration of the transverse shear stress, the possibility of a superposition of the solution of the slippage problem of the face layers and the classical solution allowing for shear is substantiated.
Skin Wrinkling of Impact Damaged Sandwich Composite
Authors: Thomson R. S. , Mouritz A. P.
Published: August 2009

The effect of impact damage on the edgewise compressive properties and failure mechanism of a sandwich polymer composite is investigated. The composite was made from a thick core of polyvinyl chloride foam sandwiched between thin face skins of glass fibre reinforced polymer laminate. This material was impacted at a low energy that caused damage to the skin and at a high energy that severely damaged the skin and core. The unimpacted sandwich composite failed in edgewise compression by crimping of the foam core. When damage created by the low and high energy impacts exceeded a critical size the failure mechanism changed suddenly to wrinkling of the impacted skin. Failure by skin wrinkling resulted in large reductions to the edgewise compressive stiffness and strength of the sandwich composite. A model is proposed to determine the edgewise compressive stress required to induce skin wrinkling in impact damaged sandwich composites. Good agreement was found between the theoretical and measured skin wrinkling stresses in some cases.
Case Presentation: Xenograft Resistance to Protease Degradation in a Vasculitic Ulcer
Authors: Mulder Gerit , Lee Daniel K.
Published: August 2009

Vasculitic ulcers are related to numerous underlying etiologies including autoimmune disease, rheumatoid arthritis and other inflammatory conditions.The resulting ulcerations are associated with high levels of pain, inflammation and tissue necrosis. Current therapies, including surgical intervention, are limited by the underlying inflammatory process and complications secondary to the wound etiology. conservative care has been relatively unsuccessful in promoting wound closure.This case presentations reviews the successful results of using a xenograft in the treatment of an inflammatory ulcer associated with cryoglobulinemia and vasculitis. Product integrity was maintained postoperatively, compared to an allograft, thereby allowing the wound treatment site to progress to closure.The type of cross linkage of acellular grafts may have a direct effect on product stability and treatment outcomes.
A Multidisciplinary Diabetic Foot Protocol at Chiang Mai University Hospital: Cost and Quality of Life
Authors: Rerkasem K. , Kosachunhanun N. , Tongprasert S. , Guntawongwan K.
Published: August 2009

The consensus is that a multidisciplinary approach for patients with diabetic foot ulcer is effective in reducing the number of leg amputations. Concern remains, however, about cost and health-related quality of life issues. From August 2005 to March 2007, a multidisciplinary diabetic foot protocol (DFP) was used at the authors’ teaching hospital.There were devices to reduce pressure on the foot.After healing, there were custom-fabricated orthoses and footwear, and monitoring of progress in ambulation. All subjects were educated about diabetic foot disease and its complications and prevention.They were also instructed to call and visit the hospital if there were any signs of new lesions.This study compared responses to the short form 36 questionnaires (SF-36) about health-related quality of life and the cost of medical care for patients receiving DFP care from August 2005 to March 2007 and those who had standard care from August 2003 to July 2005.There were 56 and 40 diabetic foot ulcer patients on DFP and standard care packages, respectively. Their gender distribution and mean age were similar. The average total cost of DFP patients was significantly lower than that for standard care patients ($1127.02 and $1824.58, respectively, P = .02). DFP patients had significantly higher scores on the SF-36 for both the physical and mental health dimensions than standard care patients. It was concluded that DFP was less expensive and gave patients a better quality of life, compared to standard care. On the basis of this finding, DFP should be used by every hospital to improve outcomes for patients with diabetic foot ulcer.
Platelet-associated complement factor H in healthy persons and patients with atypical HUS
Authors: Licht Christoph , Pluthero Fred G. , Li Ling , Christensen Hilary , Habbig Sandra , Hoppe Bernd , Geary Denis F. , Zipfel Peter F. , Kahr Walter H. A.
Published: August 2009

Atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome (aHUS) is associated with complement system dysregulation, and more than 25% of pediatric aHUS cases are linked to mutations in complement factor H (CFH) or CFH autoantibodies. The observation of thrombocytopenia and platelet-rich thrombi in the glomerular microvasculature indicates that platelets are intimately involved in aHUS pathogenesis. It has been reported that a releasable pool of platelet CFH originates from α-granules. We observed that platelet CFH can arise from endogenous synthesis in megakaryocytes and that platelets constitutively lacking α-granules contain CFH. Electron and high-resolution laser fluorescence confocal microscopy revealed that CFH was present throughout the cytoplasm and on the surface of normal resting platelets with no evident concentration in α-granules, lysosomes, or dense granules. Therapeutic plasma transfusion in a CFH-null aHUS patient revealed that circulating platelets take up CFH with similar persistence of CFH in platelets and plasma in vivo. Washed normal platelets were also observed to take up labeled CFH in vitro. Exposure of washed normal platelets to plasma of an aHUS patient with CFH autoantibodies produced partial platelet aggregation or agglutination, which was prevented by preincubation of platelets with purified CFH. This CFH-dependent response did not involve P-selectin mobilization, indicating a complement-induced platelet response distinct from α-granule secretion.
Multiparametric analysis of cytokine-driven human Th17 differentiation reveals a differential regulation of IL-17 and IL-22 production
Authors: Volpe Elisabetta , Touzot Maxime , Servant Nicolas , Marloie-Provost Marie-Annick , Hupé Philippe , Barillot Emmanuel , Soumelis Vassili
Published: August 2009

T helper 17 (Th17) cells produce IL-17 but can also make tumor necrosis factor, interleukin (IL)–6, IL-10, IL-21, and IL-22. These cytokines collectively contribute to the functional outcome of the Th response. IL-22 plays a critical role in some Th17-associated diseases, such as psoriasis, but its relationship to IL-17 remains controversial. Here, we used a systematic multiparametric analysis of Th-17-associated cytokines, which revealed the unexpected finding that the regulation pattern of IL-22 was most closely related to interferon-γ, the prototypical Th1 cytokine, and not to IL-17. To explain this observation, we systematically tested the role of Th1- and Th17-inducing cytokines. We could show that IL-12 and IL-23 induced high levels of IL-22 but no IL-17. Conversely, transforming growth factor-β inhibited IL-22 production but promoted IL-17. Thus, IL-17 and IL-22 are differentially regulated during cytokine-induced Th cell differentiation. This has important implications for the understanding and pharmacologic manipulation of Th17-associated pathologies.
Wittgensteinian “QUIETISM”
Authors: McDowell John
Published: August 2009

In his Philosophical Investigations Wittgenstein describes, and represents himself as pursuing, a way of doing philosophy without putting forward philosophical theses. I exemplify his approach with a sketch of his treatment of rule following. I focus in particular on the simple case of following a signpost, conceived as an expression of a rule for getting to a destination. Wittgenstein uncovers a threat that we will find it mysterious how one could learn from a signpost which way to go, and he dissolves the threat, not by putting forward philosophical theses, but by reminding us of things we already knew about signposts. Insofar as the point of Wittgenstein's procedure is to give philosophy peace, the label “quietism” fits. I take issue with readings of Wittgenstein's quietism that represent him as uncovering a need for positive philosophical work, but using quietism as a pretext for declining to do the work himself. Wittgensteinian quietism is not a stance of complacency or idleness. The kind of thing Wittgenstein does is difficult and laborious. It requires accurate and sympathetic engagement with frames of mind in which positive philosophy seems to be necessary.
Metal-controlled Reversal of Enantioselectivity in Catalyzed Asymmetric Ring-opening Reactions of meso-Epoxides in Water
Authors: Kokubo Masaya , Naito Takeshi , Kobayashi Shu
Published: August 2009

Reversal of enantioselectivity in Cu–chiral bipyridine catalyzed asymmetric ring-opening reactions of meso-epoxides with indole and aniline derivatives was observed compared to Sc–chiral bipyridine catalyzed reactions, where the same chiral ligand was used. It was revealed from X-ray crystal structural analysis that a square pyramidal structure for the Cu(II) complex and a pentagonal bipyramidal structure for the Sc(III) complex were formed, which could explain the reversal of the enantioselectivity.
Intramolecular Addition of Toluenesulfonamide to Unactivated Alkenes Catalyzed by Gold Nanoclusters under Aerobic Conditions
Authors: Kitahara Hiroaki , Kamiya Ikuyo , Sakurai Hidehiro
Published: August 2009

Gold nanoclusters stabilized by a hydrophilic polymer, poly(N-vinyl-2-pyrrolidone) (Au:PVP), catalyzed the intramolecular addition of toluenesulfonamide to unactivated alkenes in EtOH under aerobic conditions.
Lamellar Mesostructured Aluminum Organophosphonate with Unique Crystalline Framework
Authors: Kimura Tatsuo , Nakashima Daisuke , Miyamoto Nobuyoshi
Published: August 2009

Lamellar mesostructured aluminum organophosphonate (AOP-1) with unique inorganic–organic hybrid framework can be prepared from the reactions of aluminium triisopropoxide with methylene diphosphonic acid in the presence of alkyltrimethylammonium surfactants, which is the first example of the preparation of layered aluminum organophosphonate with pure hybrid framework mainly composed of Al, P, and organic group.
Heterogeneously Catalyzed One-pot Synthesis of Aldimines from Primary Alcohols and Amines by Supported Ruthenium Hydroxides
Authors: Kim Jung Won , He Jinling , Yamaguchi Kazuya , Mizuno Noritaka
Published: August 2009

The one-pot synthesis of aldimines from primary alcohols and amines via sequential reactions of alcohol oxidation and dehydrative condensation could efficiently be promoted by supported ruthenium hydroxide catalysts, in particular Ru(OH)x/TiO2. The observed catalysis was truly heterogeneous and the retrieved catalyst could be reused without an appreciable loss of high catalytic performance.
Oxidation of Unsymmetrically Substituted Quaterthiophene with Two Terminal Ferrocenyl Groups
Authors: Sato Masa-aki , Kamine Hirokazu
Published: August 2009

An unsymmetrically substituted quaterthiophene with two terminal ferrocenyl groups was prepared as a long π-conjugated system. Electrochemical and spectroscopic studies were carried out to evaluate the electronic and/or electrostatic communication between the two terminals. The one-electron oxidation would occur at one ferrocene moiety specified due to the unsymmetry of the oligothiophene moiety. The one-electron oxidizing species extended into the oligothiophene moiety apparently interacts with the other terminal ferrocene moiety.
Acaciaside-B-enriched fraction of Acacia auriculiformis is a prospective spermicide with no mutagenic property
Authors: Pal Durba , Chakraborty Pratip , Ray H N , Pal B C , Mitra Debashis , Kabir Syed N
Published: August 2009

As a part of our continued venture to develop a safe and effective spermicide, we have identified a triterpene glycoside (Acaciaside-B (Ac-B))-enriched fraction (Ac-B-en) isolated from the seeds ofAcacia auriculiformisand evaluated its spermicidal potentialin vitro. Sperm motility was completely inhibited within 20 s at a minimum effective concentration (MEC) of 120 μg/ml. Tests for sperm viability by dual fluoroprobe staining showed the effect to be spermicidal with an EC50of 35.20 μg/ml. A series of investigations including tests for hypo-osmotic swelling, membrane lipid peroxidation, and electron microscopy document that the spermicidal effect of the fraction involves loss of sperm plasma membrane integrity and dissolution of the acrosomal vesicle – the two most important structural components that play diverse roles in physiological functions of sperm including fertilization. The fraction at 10×MEC exerted no detrimental effects onin vitrogrowth ofLactobacillus acidophilus, which is considered the major constituent of vaginal microflora that maintains vaginal health. Ames tests performed with different strains ofSalmonella typhimuriumincluding TA 97a, 98, 100, and 102, which detect mutagens causing bp substitution or frameshifting at G-C or A-T bp, demonstrate no mutagenic potential of the fraction. Significant spermicidal potential with no possible mutagenic effect and adverse impacts on lactobacilli growth attests to the credential of Ac-B-enas a prospective future spermicide for the development of a safe and effective vaginal contraceptive formulation.
Magnetic nano- and microparticles in biotechnology
Authors: Safarik Ivo , Safarikova Mirka
Published: August 2009

Both synthetic and biologically produced magnetic nano- and microparticles exhibit several types of responses to external magnetic field which have been already employed in various areas of biosciences, biotechnology, medicine, environmental technology, etc. This short review shows selected important biotechnological applications of magnetic particles, and the biological processes leading to biogenic magnetic particles formation.
Ternary composites of multi-wall carbon nanotubes, polyaniline, and noble-metal nanoparticles for potential applications in electrocatalysis
Authors: Sapurina Irina , Stejskal Jaroslav
Published: August 2009

Multi-wall carbon nanotubes were coated with a conducting polymer, polyaniline phosphotungstate. Such composite structures have mixed electronic and proton conductivity, high surface area and porosity. These materials were decorated with catalytically-active noble metals — Pt, Pd, and Rh. Metal nanoparticles were uniformly distributed in the polymer matrix. Such ternary composites can be considered as electrode materials in sensors, electrolysers, supercapacitors, and especially in low-temperature fuel cells with a proton-conducting polymer membrane.
Growth performance of Tectona grandis Linn F. between two thinning operations at Shankarnagar, western Terai, Nepal
Authors: Thapa HB , Gautam SK
Published: August 2009

Tectona grandis plot was established on 7th July 1992 in 0.50 hectare at a spacing of 2.5m x 2.5m at Shankarnagar, Rupandehi district, in the western Terai of Nepal. Estimated average fresh wood production of 14.5 years old teak was found to be 226 kg (201 tons ha-1) before thinning and 125 kg (53 tons ha-1) in thinned trees and 318 kg (148 tons ha-1) for trees after thinning. Above ground green biomass was estimated to be 134 kg tree-1 (57 tons ha-1) for thinned trees, 240 kg tree-1 (214 tons ha-1) for trees before thinning and 337 kg tree-1 (157 tons ha-1) for trees after thinning. Prior to thinning, the mean over bark stem volume was 0.2313 m3. In thinning, 59 m3 per ha-1 volume was removed. The volume of standing trees before thinning at 14.5 years was 206 m3 ha-1. After thinning, per unit and mean basal area, biomass and over bark stem volume has been increased considerably during 7-years from 7.5 years to 14.5 years. Shankarnagar Community Forest User Group has earned NRs. 60,000.00 by selling thinned yield i.e. poles and fire wood Keywords: Tectona grandis, growth, biomass, volume, rotation, thinning, Nepal doi: 10.3126/banko.v17i2.2151 Banko Janakari, Vol. 17, No. 2, 11-17
Volume equation for Populus deltoides plantation in western Terai of Nepal
Authors: Gautam SK , Thapa HB
Published: August 2009

Allometric equations for estimating timber volume of Populus deltoides in plantation trial of Populus deltoides were developed. Direct measurement of 60 trees in western Nepal was done for this purpose. Six models were tested with simple linear regression analysis technique. The best fit equation for volume was quadratic (0.1500 - 0.0205DBH + 0.00105*DBH2) with diameter at breast height as an independent variable. Model recommended for estimating volume is based on diameter at breast height, because of the simplicity, easy to measure accurately in the field and the most common variable recorded in forest inventories. This model gave highest degree of determination (R2=0.88), and lowest standard error among the tested models. Keywords: Populus deltoids, volume, equation   doi: 10.3126/banko.v17i2.2158 Banko Janakari, Vol. 17, No. 2, 70-73
Commercial utilization of Allo (Girardinia diversifolia) by the Rais of Sankhuwasabha for income generation
Authors: Barakoti Tanka P , Shresta Keshav P
Published: August 2009

Studies carried out during 1999 and 2000 on utilization of Allo (Girardinia diversifolia L.) in the eastern hills revealed that traditional knowledge was highly used in developing commercial enterprise of this species. Surveys conducted on various aspects of this species through semi-structured interview identified that Allo has become an established income generating commodity in Bala, Sisuwa, Tamku and Mangtewa VDCs of Sankhuwasabha district. Time line showed that Allo activities were started by Kulung Rais from 1950, but increased after 1993. The community started to make fancy items, such as varieties of bags, jewellery purse to travel bags, coat cloth, and ladies items-shawl, brassier, when the outsiders took interest in Allo products. Dyeing was also practiced according to customers' demand using local plants: Majitho, Banmara, Chutro, Dar. For spinning, bamboo made hand spindle called Katuwa was used (94.8 % respondents). It is handy and easy to spin thread while walking. Weaving was done in locally made wooden handloom. Traditional processing method adopted was: green lokta- drying (2-3 days), boiling with wood ash, washing, drying, dry fibre- mixing with micaceous clay (Kamero). Wood ash was used to boil easily (39 %) and also make the fibre soft (20.8 %). No idea about the use of caustic soda instead of ash. The quantity of ash for one Dharni (2.5 kg) of lokta varied 4-24 Manas (1 Mana equals about 300g). White clay was used @ 2 kg for 2.5 kg dry lokta to make the fibre soft and easy for spinning (62.3 %). Keywords: Allo, Enterprise development,Indigenous knowledge, Rai, Sankhuwasabha.   doi: 10.3126/banko.v18i1.2162 Banko Janakari, Vol. 18, No. 1, 18-24
Who is benefiting more from common property forest resources: poor or less poor?
Authors: Bhandari AR , Uibrig H
Published: August 2009

This paper intends to assess the distribution of community forestry benefits among economic groups of the users comparing protected area buffer zone with the Department of Forests regime in Nepal. Following the case study approach two forest user groups of Nawalparasi district, each from buffer zone of Chitwan National Park and Department of Forests regime were selected for the study. The study results suggest that the users in the buffer zone receive less benefit from community forestry than the users in the Department of Forests regime. Analysis of inputs and outputs reveals that poor households receive less benefit than the better off households in both of the regimes. Insofar the results counteract the principles of equity as expected from national forest policy goals and approaches. Key words: benefits, buffer zone, community forestry, equity, heterogeneity, Nepal. doi: 10.3126/banko.v18i1.2165 Banko Janakari, Vol. 18, No. 1, 42-47
Need for Carrying Out National Forest Inventory in Nepal
Authors: Editor The
Published: August 2009

doi: 10.3126/banko.v18i2.2166Banko Janakari, Vol. 18, No. 2, 1-2
Improving the livelihoods of the poor and marginalized in Nepal through leasehold forestry and livestock program: A review of institutional constraints and opportunities
Authors: Regmi BR , Albano A , Kumar C , Sharma GB
Published: August 2009

The study looks at the opportunities and constraints of the contributions made by forest institutions to improve the livelihoods of the poorest, through an analysis of the Leasehold Forestry (LF) programme in Nepal - a forestry programme that aims to help alleviate poverty of forest dependent communities by leasing degraded land to the poorest. Data and analysis were primarily based from review of literature, consultations with key informants, field visits, and complemented by the authors' direct involvement in the implementation of LF programme. Although intended to improve the lives of the poorest, the LF programme could negatively affect the poorest when it excludes them or when it causes their displacement from the land that the poorest depend for their livelihoods. Such negative impacts of LF program can be attributed to its improper implementation and design. To improve its effectiveness and impact, awareness campaigns should be improved using diverse modes of communication, more line agencies should be involved in the implementation by transferring the implementation responsibility to a district-level project coordination committee, and some programme provisions should be changed in favour of the poor. Key words: Forest institutions, leasehold forestry, poverty alleviation, Nepal   doi: 10.3126/banko.v18i2.2168 Banko Janakari, Vol. 18, No. 2, 10-17
Monitoring of Gyps species vulture in Nawalparasi district, Nepal
Authors: Subedi P
Published: August 2009

Critically endangered White-rumped vulture (WRV), Gyps bengalensis and Slender-billed vulture (SBV), Gyps tenuirostris monitoring was conducted in Nawalparasi district in the winter of 2005 following Postupalsky criterion. The objectives of this study were to identify and monitor nest localities, behaviour and to explore information about the vultures. A total of 48 Gyps vulture nest was located at six colonies. Of these nests, 18 were found to be active nets, six nests belonged to SBV and 12 nests belonged to WRV. Hundred percent nestling successes were observed in the study area. Restricted pesticides i.e. BHC and DDT were found used in this area. Diclofenac was the commonly used veterinary drug in the treatment of livestock. Carcasses disposal practice was found favorable to the vulture's survival. Gyps vulture richness found in this area is due to the availability of food i.e. floating carcass along the edge of the Narayani river and suitable habitat for roosting and nesting. The majority of the respondents had found favorable attitude towards vulture conservation. Further studies on Gyps vulture to identify the breeding status, head droppings behavior as well as conservation awareness program for local people and school children are recommended for long-term survival of these lords of the sky in the study area. Key words: Gyps vulture, monitoring, diclofenac, pesticides   doi: 10.3126/banko.v18i2.2171 Banko Janakari, Vol. 18, No. 2, 35-43
Diversity of vascular plant communities along a disturbance gradient in a central mid-hill community forest of Nepal
Authors: Baral SK , Katzensteiner K
Published: August 2009

The ‘Community Forestry Program' has been considered successful in improving the environmental situation in the hills of Nepal by enhancing the vegetation coverage of degraded sites and by improving the supply of forest products to farmers. The restoration measures are considered sustainable if the ecosystems are self-supporting and resilient against perturbation. A community forest (CF) in the mid-hills of Nepal has been assessed for restoration success based on the comparison of vegetation structure and species diversity along a disturbance gradient, using a semi-protected natural forest as a reference site. In general, the community forest management (CFM) was able to re-establish forests on formerly severely degraded sites. Forest operations carried out during CFM have altered plant community composition, species richness and distribution, age class distribution of trees and vegetation structure. As a result, the CF was being transformed into a less diverse regular forest although the overall vascular plant diversity was retained with sufficient niches within the understorey vegetation. Keywords: Central mid-hills, community forest, disturbance regimes, Nepal, plant diversity doi: 10.3126/banko.v19i1.2176 Banko Janakari, Vol. 19, No. 1, 3-10
Scores for Effective Forest Conservation: A Village-to- Village Approach
Authors: Pokharel RK , Larsen HO
Published: August 2009

Community forestry in Nepal strives for forest conservation and sustainable forest management. Evaluating progress towards this end requires periodic measurements, and currently there are no standard tools for undertaking evaluations in a participatory way. The purpose of this paper is to suggest a standardized way for measuring effective forest conservation through the use of locally set scores. A village-to-village approach was used to assign scores on criteria and indicators developed earlier for forest conservation. A total of eight small meetings with forest users were conducted to elicit their perspectives and quantify their progress towards conservation by means of scores. For the 14 criteria specified, local forest users assigned higher scores to four criteria: two for social and one each for socio-economic and environmental spheres. This paper argues that a score of 59 or above is an effective cut off for determining "effective" forest conservation. Keywords: Community forest, criteria, forest management, indicator, village doi: 10.3126/banko.v19i1.2177 Banko Janakari, Vol. 19, No. 1, 11-15
Agrobiodiversity Conservation to deal with Climate Change
Authors: Nepal S
Published: August 2009

doi: 10.3126/banko.v19i1.2182Banko Janakari, Vol. 19, No. 1, 41
Ultrawideband Microwave Sensing and Imaging Using Time-Reversal Techniques: A Review
Authors: Yavuz Mehmet Emre , Teixeira Fernando L.
Published: August 2009

This paper provides an overview of some time-reversal (TR) techniques for remote sensing and imaging using ultrawideband (UWB) electromagnetic signals in the microwave and millimeter wave range. The TR techniques explore the TR invariance of the wave equation in lossless and stationary media. They provide superresolution and statistical stability, and are therefore quite useful for a number of remote sensing applications. We first discuss the TR concept through a prototypal TR experiment with a discrete scatterer embedded in continuous random media. We then discuss a series of TR-based imaging algorithms employing UWB signals: DORT, space-frequency (SF) imaging and TR-MUSIC. Finally, we consider a dispersion/loss compensation approach for TR applications in dispersive/lossy media, where TR invariance is broken.
Energy Balanced Strategies for Maximizing the Lifetime of Sparsely Deployed Underwater Acoustic Sensor Networks
Authors: Luo Hanjiang , Guo Zhongwen , Wu Kaishun , Hong Feng , Feng Yuan
Published: August 2009

Underwater acoustic sensor networks (UWA-SNs) are envisioned to perform monitoring tasks over the large portion of the world covered by oceans. Due to economics and the large area of the ocean, UWA-SNs are mainly sparsely deployed networks nowadays. The limited battery resources is a big challenge for the deployment of such long-term sensor networks. Unbalanced battery energy consumption will lead to early energy depletion of nodes, which partitions the whole networks and impairs the integrity of the monitoring datasets or even results in the collapse of the entire networks. On the contrary, balanced energy dissipation of nodes can prolong the lifetime of such networks. In this paper, we focus on the energy balance dissipation problem of two types of sparsely deployed UWA-SNs: underwater moored monitoring systems and sparsely deployed two-dimensional UWA-SNs. We first analyze the reasons of unbalanced energy consumption in such networks, then we propose two energy balanced strategies to maximize the lifetime of networks both in shallow and deep water. Finally, we evaluate our methods by simulations and the results show that the two strategies can achieve balanced energy consumption per node while at the same time prolong the networks lifetime.
Evaluating a methodology for assessing the strategic alignment of a mining company recruitment function
Authors: Janse van Rensburg Adelé , Roodt Gerhard
Published: August 2009

In the human capital era, the strategic importance of measurement is unmistakable.  Therefore, the  objective  of  this  study  was  to  qualitatively  evaluate  a  methodology  for  assessing  the strategic alignment of a recruitment function. Persons working in the recruitment best practice community of a mining company were targeted as the case study for this research.  Individual (one-on-one) and focus group interviews were conducted to elicit the research data.  Thematic coding was used to identify the emerging themes from the research data.  The findings indicated that  this methodology can be used effectively  to determine  the alignment of  the  recruitment function with the strategic objectives of the company.  However, the bottom line contribution is still unclear.
Integrated estimation of measurement error with empirical process modeling—A hierarchical Bayes approach
Authors: Chen Hongshu , Bakshi Bhavik R. , Goel Prem K.
Published: August 2009

Advanced empirical process modeling methods such as those used for process monitoring and data reconciliation rely on information about the nature of noise in the measured variables. Because this likelihood information is often unavailable for many practical problems, approaches based on repeated measurements or process constraints have been developed for their estimation. Such approaches are limited by data availability and often lack theoretical rigor. In this article, a novel Bayesian approach is proposed to tackle this problem. Uncertainty about the error variances is incorporated in the Bayesian framework by setting noninformative priors for the noise variances. This general strategy is used to modify the Sampling‐based Bayesian Latent Variable Regression (Chen et al., J Chemom., 2007) approach, to make it more robust to inaccurate information about the likelihood functions. Different noninformative priors for the noise variables are discussed and unified in this work. The benefits of this new approach are illustrated via several case studies. © 2009 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 2009
Efficient optimization strategies with constraint programming
Authors: Kotecha Prakash R. , Bhushan Mani , Gudi Ravindra D.
Published: August 2009

In this article, we propose novel strategies for the efficient determination of multiple solutions for a single objective, as well as globally optimal pareto fronts for multiobjective, optimization problems using Constraint Programming (CP). In particular, we propose strategies to determine, (i) all the multiple (globally) optimal solutions of a single objective optimization problem, (ii) K‐best feasible solutions of a single objective optimization problem, and (iii) globally optimal pareto fronts (including nonconvex pareto fronts) along with their multiple realizations for multiobjective optimization problems. It is shown here that the proposed strategy for determining K‐best feasible solutions can be tuned as per the requirement of the user to determine either K‐best distinct or nondistinct solutions. Similarly, the strategy for determining globally optimal pareto fronts can also be modified as per the requirement of the user to determine either only the distinct set of pareto points or determine the pareto points along with all their multiple realizations. All the proposed techniques involve appropriately modifying the search techniques and are shown to be computationally efficient in terms of not requiring successive re‐solving of the problem to obtain the required solutions. This work therefore convincingly addresses the issue of efficiently determining globally optimal pareto fronts; in addition, it also guarantees the determination of all the possible realizations associated with each pareto point. The uncovering of such solutions can greatly aid the designer in making informed decisions. The proposed approaches are demonstrated via two case studies, which are nonlinear, combinatorial optimization problems, taken from the area of sensor network design. © 2009 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 2010
Atmospheric and hydrological transport modelling of SOx emissions in a unique verification context
Authors: McLellan B. C. , Dicks A. , Diniz da Costa J. C.
Published: August 2009

In this work, we developed a conceptual model incorporating atmospheric transport and hydrological removal of sulfur compounds from a single isolated source. A process engineering approach with conceptual tanks, reactors, pipes, and valves is used for environmental transport modeling. The work includes verification of the model using current data and historical soil sulfur data from a study 23 yrs earlier, collected from sites in a forest and within 20 km from an isolated coal‐fired power plant. This verification opportunity is unique in that the power plant is the single major pollutant source within the airshed. In the conceptual process engineering model, environmental relationships with local soil conditions and climate are modeled. The model is validated for three sampling sites, and a sensitivity analysis shows that rainfall has the greatest variance among several other parameters, including sulfur emissions, dry deposition rate, runoff factor, permeability factor, and airshed dimensions. The model is shown to be suitable for a location‐specific sustainability metrics application, but it has limitations that further research could improve on including the incorporation of more complexity with the modeling of ground and surface water flows, atmospheric and soil reactions, and vegetation effects. © 2009 American Institute of Chemical Engineers, AIChE J, 2010
Synthesis, characterization and DNA binding and photocleavage studies of [Ru(bpy)2BDPPZ]2+, [Ru(dmb)2BDPPZ]2+ and [Ru(phen)2BDPPZ]2+ complexes and their antimicrobial activity
Authors: Ashwini Kumar K. , Reddy Kotha Laxma , Vidhisha S. , Satyanarayana S.
Published: August 2009

Polypyridyl ligand 9a,13a‐dihydro‐4,5,9,14‐tetraaza‐benzo[b]triphenylene‐11‐yl)‐phenyl‐methanone (BDPPZ) and its complexes [Ru(bpy)2BDPPZ]2+, [Ru(dmb)2BDPPZ]2+ and [Ru(phen)2BDPPZ]2+ (where bpy = 2,2′‐bipyridine, dmb = 4,4′‐dimethyl‐2,2′‐bipyridine, phen = 1,10‐phenanthroline) have been synthesized and characterized by elemental analysis, IR, UV–vis, 1H‐NMR, 13C‐NMR and mass spectra. The DNA‐binding properties of the complexes were investigated by absorption, emission, melting temperature and viscosity measurements. Experimental results indicate that the three complexes can intercalate into DNA base pairs. Photo activated cleavage of pBR‐322 DNA by the three complexes was also studied. Further, all three Ru(II) complexes synthesized were screened for their antimicrobial activity. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Extent of liver resection for hilar cholangiocarcinoma
Authors: Chen X-P , Lau W Y , Huang Z-Y , Zhang Z-W , Chen Y-F , Zhang W-G , Qiu F-Z
Published: August 2009

Background

The extent of liver resection for hilar cholangiocarcinoma (HC) remains controversial despite extensive studies. The aim of this study was to determine the safety and efficacy of minor and major hepatectomy, selected by predetermined criteria in patients with HC.

Methods

From 2000 to 2007, 187 patients with HC were studied prospectively; 138 patients underwent resection with curative intent. Minor hepatectomy was performed in 93 patients with Bismuth–Corlette type I, II or III HC without hepatic arterial or portal venous invasion, and major hepatectomy in 45 patients with type III HC with hepatic arterial or portal venous invasion, or type IV HC.

Results

Overall mortality and morbidity rates were 0 and 29·7 per cent respectively, and the bile leak rate was 1·4 per cent. Actuarial 1-, 3- and 5-year survival rates were 87, 54 and 34 per cent respectively in the minor liver resection group, and 80, 42 and 27 per cent for major resection (P = 0·300).

Conclusion

Minor liver resection for HC, selected by predetermined criteria, had good results. Major liver resection, which had a higher operative morbidity rate than minor resection, should be reserved for Bismuth–Corlette type III HC with vascular invasion, or type IV HC.
Teaching of power quality phenomenon based on modeling and simulation of boost type PFC converters
Authors: Genç Naci , İskender İres
Published: August 2009

The aim of this work is to introduce the power quality phenomenon to electrical engineering students by modeling and simulation of boost type power factor correction(PFC) circuits. In the study, after introducing the importance of the power factor, the methods of improving power factor and the topologies used for single‐phase ac–dc boost PFC are discussed. Then, single‐phase boost type PFC converters are analyzed and simulated via Simplorer 6.0 component‐level simulation program. Finally, an experimental setup is designed for a conventional boost PFC circuit and the results obtained from the experiments are compared with the simulation ones. By this way, a deeper understanding of power quality is supplied to electrical engineering students via simulation and experimental studies and a computer application is integrated into undergraduate power electronics courses. It is expected that, this work will be useful for students and researchers who are interested in studying and researching power quality and single‐phase boost PFC circuits. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Comput Appl Eng Educ 20: 149–160, 2012
Probing Surface Properties and Reaction Intermediates During Heterogeneous Catalytic Oxidation of Acetaldehyde
Authors: Kydd Richard , Teoh Wey Yang , Scott Jason , Ferri Davide , Amal Rose
Published: August 2009

The influence of Cu on various metal oxide supports was investigated for the catalytic oxidation of acetaldehyde (ACA). The activity of the catalysts towards ACA conversion and the CO2 yield decrease in the order: Cu/CeO2>Cu/TiO2≈Cu/ZrO2> Cu/Al2O3>Cu/SiO2. Spontaneous adsorptive conversion of ACA to surface carboxylates, such as bridging and bidentate acetates, was detected over the basic supports CeO2, TiO2, and ZrO2. Detailed temperature‐programmed studies found the high activity of Cu/CeO2 to stem mainly from the intrinsically high activity of the CeO2 support. In contrast, similar studies on Cu/TiO2 demonstrated the activity improvements imparted by Cu were predominantly additive. Despite the difference in origin of ACA oxidation activity over Cu/CeO2 and Cu/TiO2, the overall concerted effects of basicity‐induced carboxylate formation and availability of surface oxygen were thought to be overriding factors crucial in the overall catalytic reactivity.
ChemInform Abstract: Weak Interactions Between Trivalent Pnictogen Centers: Computational Analysis of Bonding in Dimers X3E···EX3 (E: Pnictogen, X: Halogen).
Authors: Moilanen Jani , Ganesamoorthy Chelladurai , Balakrishna Maravanji S. , Tuononen Heikki M.
Published: August 2009

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract of an article which was published elsewhere, please select a “Full Text” option. The original article is trackable via the “References” option.
ChemInform Abstract: Physicochemical Effects on Photocatalytic Water Oxidation by Titanium Fluorooxynitride Powder under Visible Light.
Authors: Maeda Kazuhiko , Lee Byongjin , Lu Daling , Domen Kazunari
Published: August 2009

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract of an article which was published elsewhere, please select a “Full Text” option. The original article is trackable via the “References” option.
ChemInform Abstract: To the Knowledge of Interpseudohalogens: A Contribution to Cyanogen Isocyanate (NC—NCO).
Authors: Schmidt Carsten L. , Fischer Dieter , Himmel Hans‐Joerg , Koeppe Ralf , Schnoeckel Hansgeorg , Jansen Martin
Published: August 2009

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract of an article which was published elsewhere, please select a “Full Text” option. The original article is trackable via the “References” option.
ChemInform Abstract: Selective‐Synthesis of High‐Performance Single‐Crystalline Sr2Nb2O7 Nanoribbon and SrNb2O6 Nanorod Photocatalysts.
Authors: Chen Di , Ye Jinhua
Published: August 2009

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract of an article which was published elsewhere, please select a “Full Text” option. The original article is trackable via the “References” option.
ChemInform Abstract: Aqueous Synthesis and Structural Comparison of Rare Earth Niobates and Tantalates: (La,K,□)2Nb2O7‐x(OH)2 and Ln2Ta2O7(OH)2 (□: vacancy; Ln: La—Sm).
Authors: Nyman May , Rodriguez Mark A. , Alam Todd M. , Anderson Travis M. , Ambrosini Andrea
Published: August 2009

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract of an article which was published elsewhere, please select a “Full Text” option. The original article is trackable via the “References” option.
ChemInform Abstract: Copper‐, Cobalt‐, and Manganese‐Containing 17‐Tungsto‐2‐germanates.
Authors: Nsouli Nadeen H. , Ismail Amal H. , Helgadottir Inga S. , Dickman Michael H. , Clemente‐Juan Juan M. , Kortz Ulrich
Published: August 2009

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract of an article which was published elsewhere, please select a “Full Text” option. The original article is trackable via the “References” option.
ChemInform Abstract: Ag9I(GeO4)2 — Containing Two‐Dimensionally Linked [IAg12] Metallo Complexes.
Authors: Pitzschke Dragan , Curda Jan , Jansen Martin
Published: August 2009

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract of an article which was published elsewhere, please select a “Full Text” option. The original article is trackable via the “References” option.
ChemInform Abstract: Mild and Efficient Debromination of vic‐Dibromides to Alkenes with FeCl3·6H2O/Indium System.
Authors: Yoo Byung Woo , Choi Jin Woo , Yang Min Hye
Published: August 2009

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract of an article which was published elsewhere, please select a “Full Text” option. The original article is trackable via the “References” option.
ChemInform Abstract: An Efficient Process for Pd‐Catalyzed C—N Cross‐Coupling Reactions of Aryl Iodides: Insight into Controlling Factors.
Authors: Fors Brett P. , Davis Nicole R. , Buchwald Stephen L.
Published: August 2009

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract of an article which was published elsewhere, please select a “Full Text” option. The original article is trackable via the “References” option.
ChemInform Abstract: Condensation of Dimethyl Malonate with Benzal‐4‐acetylanilines: A Chemoselective Reaction.
Authors: Sidhu Anjali , Rai Mangat
Published: August 2009

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract of an article which was published elsewhere, please select a “Full Text” option. The original article is trackable via the “References” option.
ChemInform Abstract: Product‐Catalyzed Addition of Alkyl Nitriles to Unactivated Imines Promoted by Sodium Aryloxide/Ethyl(trimethylsilyl)acetate (ETSA) Combination.
Authors: Poisson Thomas , Gembus Vincent , Oudeyer Sylvain , Marsais Francis , Levacher Vincent
Published: August 2009

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract of an article which was published elsewhere, please select a “Full Text” option. The original article is trackable via the “References” option.
ChemInform Abstract: Improved Process for the Preparation of Tamsulosin Hydrochloride.
Authors: Reddy A. Veera , Rao S. Udaya Bhaskara , Narasimha G. Lakshmi , Dubey P. K.
Published: August 2009

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract of an article which was published elsewhere, please select a “Full Text” option. The original article is trackable via the “References” option.
ChemInform Abstract: Preparation and Characterization of Some Substituted Benzyl N‐Nitrosocarbamates Containing an N‐2‐(Methylthio)ethyl or a Bis(2‐aminoethyl)sulfide Functionality.
Authors: Venkata Satya , Shamo Eric , Benin Vladimir
Published: August 2009

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract of an article which was published elsewhere, please select a “Full Text” option. The original article is trackable via the “References” option.
ChemInform Abstract: Gallium(III) Chloride Catalyzed Hydroarylation of Arylacetylenes with Naphthols and Phenols: A Facile Synthesis of Vinylarenes.
Authors: Yadav Jhillu S. , Reddy Basi V. Subba , Sengupta Sandip , Biswas Swapan Kumar
Published: August 2009

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract of an article which was published elsewhere, please select a “Full Text” option. The original article is trackable via the “References” option.
ChemInform Abstract: Gold‐Catalyzed Reaction of Enynols by a Dimerization—Fragmentation Process: An Expeditious Assembly of Enyne Molecular Architecture.
Authors: Zhang Yong‐Qiang , Chen Zhi‐Hua , Tu Yong‐Qiang , Fan Chun‐An , Zhang Fu‐Min , Wang Ai‐Xia , Yuan Dao‐Yi
Published: August 2009

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract of an article which was published elsewhere, please select a “Full Text” option. The original article is trackable via the “References” option.