bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mouse Plasminogen Has Oxidized Phosphatidylcholine Adducts That Are Not Metabolized by Lipoprotein-Associated Phospholipase A2 under Basal Conditions
Authors: Edelstein Celina , Pfaffinger Ditta , Reichert Ethan C. , Stafforini Diana M. , Scanu Angelo M.
Published: December 2010

We previously showed that plasminogen (Plg) isolated from the plasma of normal human subjects contains 1–2 moles of oxidized phosphatidylcholine (oxPtdPC) adducts/mole of protein. Moreover, we suggested that these species are generated at the hepatic site and speculated that they may play a role in the reported cardiovascular pathogenicity of Plg. We aimed to determine whether mouse Plg also harbors linked oxPtdPCs and whether these molecules are metabolized by lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2/PAF acetylhydrolase (Lp-PLA2/PAF-AH), an enzyme specific for hydrolysis of oxPtdPCs. We determined the total concentration of Plg in plasma samples from control (WT) and Lp-PLA2-deficient (KO) mice, we isolated Plg, and assessed its content of oxPtdPCs by immunoblot analyses. We also evaluated whether human recombinant Lp-PLA2 metabolized Plg-linked oxPtdPCs in vivo and in vitro. WT and KO mice expressed comparable levels (14.4–15.8 mg/dL) of plasma Plg, as determined by ELISA. We observed no differences in the content of oxPtdPC in Plg isolated from the two mouse strains and in parallel no changes in oxPtdPC content in mouse Plg following incubation with pure recombinant Lp-PLA2. Plg from mouse plasma contains oxPtdPC adducts that are not affected by the action of Lp-PLA2, suggesting that linkage to Plg protects oxPtdPCs from metabolism during their transport in the plasma. This modification may have important physio-pathological implications related to the function of Plg, oxPtdPCs, or both.
Seasonal Variation in Total Phenolic and Flavonoid Contents and DPPH Scavenging Activity of Bellis perennis L. Flowers
Authors: Siatka Tomáš , Kašparová Marie
Published: December 2010

Variations in total phenolic and flavonoid contents as well as antioxidant activity of Bellis perennis (common daisy) flowers were investigated. The flowers were collected monthly (from March to October, i.e., during the usual flowering season of the plant) at three localities in three different years. Total flavonoids were determined spectrophotometrically by two methods: by formation of a complex with aluminium chloride after acidic hydrolysis of flower extracts (method 1) and by reaction with boric and oxalic acids in extracts without their modification (method 2). Total phenolics were determined spectrophotometrically using the Folin-Ciocalteu reagent. The antioxidant activity was determined spectrophotometrically by a 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging assay. The contents of flavonoids varied from 0.31 to 0.44 mg quercetin equivalent/100 mg dry weight (method 1) and from 1.37 to 2.20 mg pigenin-7-glucoside equivalent/100 mg dry weight (method 2). Total phenolics ranged from 2.81 to 3.57 mg gallic acid equivalent/100 mg dry weight. The antioxidant activity expressed as IC50 values varied from 66.03 to 89.27 µg/mL; it is about 50, 30, 20, and 10 times lower as compared with quercetin, ascorbic acid, Trolox®, and butylhydroxytoluene, respectively, and about five times higher in comparison with apigenin-7-glucoside. There is a significant correlation between antioxidant activity and total phenolics. No correlation between total flavonoid contents and antioxidant activity was observed. Contents of phenolics and flavonoids as well as antioxidant activity of daisy flowers vary to a relatively small extent during the year and are not dependant on the time of collection. Thus, the flowers possess comparable quality as to these characteristics over the whole flowering season of Bellis perennis. Effects of environmental factors on the amounts of secondary metabolites in plants are also discussed.
A General Synthetic Procedure for 2-chloromethyl-4(3H)-quinazolinone Derivatives and Their Utilization in the Preparation of Novel Anticancer Agents with 4-Anilinoquinazoline Scaffolds
Authors: Li Hong-Ze , He Hai-Yun , Han Yuan-Yuan , Gu Xin , He Lin , Qi Qing-Rong , Zhao Ying-Lan , Yang Li
Published: December 2010

In our ongoing research on novel anticancer agents with 4-anilinoquinazoline scaffolds, a series of novel 2-chloromethyl-4(3H)-quinazolinones were needed as key intermediates. An improved one-step synthesis of 2-chloromethyl-4(3H)-quinazolinones utilizing o-anthranilic acids as starting materials was described. Based on it, 2-hydroxy-methyl-4(3H)-quinazolinones were conveniently prepared in one pot. Moreover, two novel 4-anilinoquinazoline derivatives substituted with chloromethyl groups at the 2-position were synthesized and showed promising anticancer activity in vitro.
Efficient Lewis Acid Ionic Liquid-Catalyzed Synthesis of the Key Intermediate of Coenzyme Q10 under Microwave Irradiation
Authors: Chen Yue , Zu Yuangang , Fu Yujie , Zhang Xuan , Yu Ping , Sun Guoyong , Efferth Thomas
Published: December 2010

An efficient synthesis of a valuable intermediate of coenzyme Q10 by microwave-assisted Lewis acidic ionic liquid (IL)-catalyzed Friedel-Crafts alkylation is reported. The acidity of six [Etpy]BF4-based ionic liquids was characterized by means of the FT-IR technique using acetonitrile as a molecular probe. The catalytic activities of these ionic liquids were correlated with their Lewis acidity. With increasing Lewis acid strength of the ionic liquids, their catalytic activity in the Friedel-Crafts reaction increased, except for [Etpy]BF4-AlCl3. The effects of the reaction system, the molar fraction of Lewis acid in the Lewis acid ILs and heating techniques were also investigated. Among the six Lewis acid ionic liquids tested [Etpy]BF4-ZnCl2 showed the best catalytic activity, with a yield of 89% after a very short reaction time (150 seconds). This procedure has the advantages of higher efficiency, better reusability of ILs, energy conservation and eco-friendliness. The method has practical value for preparation of CoQ10 on an industrial scale.
Sub-Frequency Interval Approach in Electromechanical Impedance Technique for Concrete Structure Health Monitoring
Authors: Yang Yaowen , Divsholi Bahador Sabet
Published: December 2010

The electromechanical (EM) impedance technique using piezoelectric lead zirconate titanate (PZT) transducers for structural health monitoring (SHM) has attracted considerable attention in various engineering fields. In the conventional EM impedance technique, the EM admittance of a PZT transducer is used as a damage indicator. Statistical analysis methods such as root mean square deviation (RMSD) have been employed to associate the damage level with the changes in the EM admittance signatures, but it is difficult to determine the location of damage using such methods. This paper proposes a new approach by dividing the large frequency (30–400 kHz) range into sub-frequency intervals and calculating their respective RMSD values. The RMSD of the sub-frequency intervals (RMSD-S) will be used to study the severity and location of damage. An experiment is carried out on a real size concrete structure subjected to artificial damage. It is observed that damage close to the PZT changes the high frequency range RMSD-S significantly, while the damage far away from the PZT changes the RMSD-S in the low frequency range significantly. The relationship between the frequency range and the PZT sensing region is also presented. Finally, a damage identification scheme is proposed to estimate the location and severity of damage in concrete structures.
Sustainability Paradigm: Intelligent Energy System
Authors: Afgan Naim Hamdia
Published: December 2010

The promotion of sustainable development is the European affirmation in the international arena and is European policy for the Union. However, the current situation—where the Sustainability is more intention than a practice—risks such European affirmation. In our analysis, we have assumed that the energy system is a complex system, which may interact with its surrounding by utilizing resources, exchange conversion system products, utilizing economic benefits from conversion processes and absorbing the social consequences of conversion processes. Information and communication technologies are recognized as one of the pillars in the development of sustainable global life support systems. Information and communication technologies improve the capability to monitor and manage energy systems and to help to reduce the impact of natural and human-induced disasters through prediction, early warning and registration of potential changes which may lead to the unexpected disasters. With the respective methodology and monitoring system, the resilience of an energy system can be evaluated as the safety parameter of the energy system. In this respect, it is of the paramount importance to introduce the ICT (Information and Communication Technology) in the online evaluation of an energy system. The main attention of this paper is devoted to: (1) Energy efficiency as a complex problem, which has to be defined with an additive function of agglomerated economic efficiency, environment efficiency and social efficiency; (2) Information and communication technologies recognized as the tool for the development of sustainable and safe global life support systems. This comprises monitoring tools for the assessment and evaluation of potential degradation and resilience of the energy system; (3) Multi-criteria evaluation method is verified as an appropriate procedure for the Sustainability Index determination.
Assessment of the Role of Local Strawberry Rhizosphere—Associated Streptomycetes on the Bacterially—Induced Growth and Botrytis cinerea Infection Resistance of the Fruit
Authors: Eccleston Karen L. , Brooks Peter R. , Kurtböke D. İpek
Published: December 2010

The future need for sustainable agriculture will be met in part by wider use of biological control of plant pathogens over conventional fungicides hazardous to the environment and to public health. Control strategies involving both (i) direct use of microorganisms antagonistic to the phytopathogen, and (ii) use of bioactive compounds (secondary metabolites/antibiotic compounds) from microorganisms on the phytopathogen were both adapted in order to investigate the ability of streptomycetes isolated from the rhizosphere of strawberry plants to promote the growth of the fruit and suppress Botrytis cinerea causing strawberry rot on the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, Australia. In vitro studies showed that 25/39 streptomycetes isolated from strawberry field soils inhibited B. cinerea growth by antifungal activity, ranging from antibiosis to volatile compound production. However, when non-volatile antifungal compounds were extracted and applied aerially to the actively growing strawberry fruits infected with B. cinerea, a significant disease reduction was not recorded. On the other hand, plant and fruit growth was promoted by the presence of actively growing streptomycetes in container media. Findings might indicate that live streptomycete inoculum can be used as growth promoting agent in container media for this economically important crop.
Modeling the HIV-1 Intasome: A Prototype View of the Target of Integrase Inhibitors
Authors: Yin Zhiqi , Craigie Robert
Published: December 2010

The HIV-1 integrase enzyme is essential for integrating the viral DNA into the host chromosome. Infection is aborted in the absence of integration, making integrase an attractive antiviral target. Recently approved inhibitors of integrase bind tightly to integrase assembled in a nucleoprotein complex with the viral DNA ends (intasome), but have only low affinity for free integrase. High-resolution structures of HIV-1 intasomes are therefore required to understand the detailed mechanisms of inhibition and resistance. Although the structure of the HIV-1 intasome has not yet been determined, the structure of the related prototype foamy virus (PFV) intasome was recently solved. A new study [1] exploits the PFV structure to model the HIV-1 intasome. The model provides the most reliable picture to date of the active site region of the HIV-1 intasome and is an important advance in studies of inhibition of this essential HIV-1 enzyme.
A collisional model for AFM manipulation of rigid nanoparticles
Authors: Gnecco Enrico
Published: December 2010

The trajectories of differently shaped nanoparticles manipulated by atomic force microscopy are related to the scan path of the probing tip. The direction of motion of the nanoparticles is essentially fixed by the distance b between consecutive scan lines. Well-defined formulas are obtained in the case of rigid nanospheres and nanowires. Numeric results are provided for symmetric nanostars. As a result, orienting the fast scan direction perpendicular to the desired direction of motion and reducing b well below the linear size of the particles turns out to be an efficient way to control the nanomanipulation process.
Cognitive Prescriptions
Authors: Vance David E. , Eagerton Greg , Harnish Brenna , McKie Peggy , Fazeli Pariya L.
Published: December 2010

Nonpathological cognitive declines occur with aging and negatively affect everyday functioning and reduce quality of life. Many older adults, aware of such cognitive changes, seek ways to bolster their cognitive functioning. Evidence based on the cognitive aging literature supports a number of factors associated with cognitive functioning. These factors include physical exercise, intellectual exercise, nutrition, sleep hygiene, social interaction, and mood and emotional state. These factors can be manipulated and woven together by nurses and other health professionals to develop an easy-to-use, non-invasive cognitive prescription for improving the cognitive health of older adults. An example and directions for developing and implementing cognitive prescriptions are described.
Meeting the Mental Health Needs of the Aging Veteran Population
Authors: Sorrell Jeanne M. , Durham Susan
Published: December 2010

The growth in the veterans population parallels the graying of America, accompanied by an increasing need for health care and mental health services from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) health care system. With the incidence of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) rising in veterans of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan and the already strained mental health resources in use by veterans with persistent PTSD from previous wars, the VA mental health system is and will continue to be in overload. In addition, recent research has noted an increased incidence of dementia in veterans with PTSD. The VA’s long-term care facilities cannot meet their current demands, nevermind provide support for veterans with cognitive deficits who can no longer be cared for at home. It is imperative that immediate measures be taken to strengthen resources for research, manpower, and training to accommodate the future mental health needs of our aging veterans.
Sleep Interventions for the Treatment of Depression
Authors: Howland Robert H.
Published: December 2010

Sleep disturbances are common in depressed patients. Insomnia may predate the onset of major depression, increases the likelihood of a depressive relapse, and is associated with an impaired response to treatment. Benzodiazepine drugs may have inherent antidepressant effects; thus, these and other sedative-hypnotic drugs can be beneficial for treating insomnia in depressed patients and may enhance the overall effectiveness of antidepressant drugs. Sedating antidepressant drugs are used for treating primary insomnia, but their sleep-promoting effects have been demonstrated primarily in depressed patients. Several second-generation antipsychotic drugs are used in low doses to promote sleep, but they also have inherent antidepressant effects. Cognitive-behavioral therapy targeting insomnia can effectively enhance the response to antidepressant medication. Sleep deprivation, which is also associated with a transient antidepressant effect, is difficult to use in routine clinical practice but might be an appropriate strategy for treatment-resistant forms of depression.
The Vector Population Monitoring Tool (VPMT): High-Throughput DNA-Based Diagnostics for the Monitoring of Mosquito Vector Populations
Authors: Bass Chris , Nikou Dimitra , Vontas John , Donnelly Martin J. , Williamson Martin S. , Field Linda M.
Published: December 2010

Regular monitoring of mosquito vector populations is an integral component of most vector control programmes. Contemporary data on mosquito species composition, infection status, and resistance to insecticides are a prerequisite for effective intervention. For this purpose we, with funding from the Innovative Vector Control Consortium (IVCC), have developed a suite of high-throughput assays based on a single “closed-tube” platform that collectively comprise the “Vector Population Monitoring Tool” (VPMT). The VPMT can be used to screen mosquito disease vector populations for a number of traits including Anopheles gambiae s.l. and Anopheles funestus species identification, detection of infection with Plasmodium parasites, and identification of insecticide resistance mechanisms. In this paper we focus on the Anopheles-specific assays that comprise the VPMT and include details of a new assay for resistance todieldrin Rdl detection. The application of these tools, general and specific guidelines on their use based on field testing in Africa, and plans for further development are discussed.
Benefits from Treatment and Control of Patients with Resistant Hypertension
Authors: Doumas Michael , Papademetriou Vasilios , Douma Stella , Faselis Charles , Tsioufis Konstantinos , Gkaliagkousi Eugene , Petidis Konstantinos , Zamboulis Chrysanthos
Published: December 2010

Resistant hypertension is commonly found in everyday clinical practice. However, the risks of resistant hypertension, as well as the benefits of treatment and control of blood pressure in patients with resistant hypertension remain vaguely clarified. Data from small clinical studies and observational cohorts suggest that patients with resistant hypertension are at increased cardiovascular risk, while control of blood pressure offers substantial benefits. It has to be noted however that data from appropriate large randomized studies are missing, and resistant hypertension remains remarkably understudied. Resistant hypertension has attracted significant scientific interest lately, as new therapeutic modalities become available. The interventional management of resistant hypertension either by carotid baroreceptor stimulation or renal sympathetic denervation is currently under investigation with promising preliminary results. This review presents available evidence regarding the benefits of treatment and control of blood pressure in patients with resistant hypertension and offers a critical evaluation of existing data in this field.
Unique Evolution of Symbiobacterium thermophilum Suggested from Gene Content and Orthologous Protein Sequence Comparisons
Authors: Oshima Kenro , Ueda Kenji , Beppu Teruhiko , Nishida Hiromi
Published: December 2010

Comparisons of gene content and orthologous protein sequence constitute a major strategy in whole-genome comparison studies. It is expected that horizontal gene transfer between phylogenetically distant organisms and lineage-specific gene loss have greater influence on gene content-based phylogenetic analysis than orthologous protein sequence-based phylogenetic analysis. To determine the evolution of the syntrophic bacterium Symbiobacterium thermophilum, we analyzed phylogenetic relationships among Clostridia on the basis of gene content and orthologous protein sequence comparisons. These comparisons revealed that these 2 phylogenetic relationships are topologically different. Our results suggest that each Clostridia has a species-specific gene content because frequent genetic exchanges or gene losses have occurred during evolution. Specifically, the phylogenetic positions of syntrophic Clostridia were different between these 2 phylogenetic analyses, suggesting that large diversity in the living environments may cause the observed species-specific gene content. S. thermophilum occupied the most distant position from the other syntrophic Clostridia in the gene content-based phylogenetic tree. We identified 32 genes (14 under relaxed selection and 18 under functional constraint) evolving under Symbiobacterium-specific selection on the basis of synonymous-to-nonsynonymous substitution ratios. Five of the 14 genes under relaxed selection are related to transcription. In contrast, none of the 18 genes under functional constraint is related to transcription.
Dyssynchrony Assessment with Tissue Doppler Imaging and Regional Volumetric Analysis by 3D Echocardiography Do Not Predict Long-Term Response to Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy
Authors: Kuppahally Suman S. , Fowler Michael B. , Vagelos Randall , Wang Paul , Al-Ahmad Amin , Hsia Henry , Liang David
Published: December 2010

Background. Currently there are no reliable predictors of response to cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) before implantation. We compared pre-CRT left ventricular (LV) dyssynchrony by tissue Doppler imaging (TDI) and regional volumetric analysis by 3-dimensional transthoracic echocardiography (3DTTE) in predicting response to CRT.Methods. Thirty-eight patients (79% nonischemic cardiomyopathy) with symptomatic heart failure who underwent CRT were enrolled. Clinical and echocardiographic responses were defined as improvement in one NYHA class and reduction in LV end-systolic volume by ≥15% respectively. Functional status was assessed by Minnesota Living with Heart Failure questionnaire and 6-minute walk distance.Results. In 33 patients, after CRT for 7.86 ± 2.27 months, there were 24 (73%) clinical and 19 (58%) echocardiographic responders. Functional parameters, LV dimensions, volumes and synchrony by TDI and 3DTTE improved significantly in responders. There was no difference in the number of responders and nonresponders when cut-off values for dyssynchrony by different measurements validated in other trials were applied. Area under receiver-operating-characteristic curve ranged from 0.4 to 0.6.Conclusion. CRT improves clinical and echocardiographic parameters in patients with systolic heart failure. The dyssynchrony measurements by TDI and 3DTTE are not comparable and are unable to predict response to CRT.
Causal Relationships Between Communication Confidence, Beliefs About Group Work, and Willingness to Communicate in Foreign Language Group Work
Authors: FUSHINO KUMIKO
Published: December 2010

This article reports on the causal relationships between three factors in second language (L2) group work settings: communication confidence (i.e., confidence in one's ability to communicate), beliefs about group work, and willingness to communicate (WTC). A questionnaire was administered to 729 first‐year university students in Japan. A model that reflected the hypothesis that WTC in L2 group work would be influenced by Beliefs in L2 Group Work strengthened by Communication Confidence was constructed and tested. Data were randomly split in two, with one‐half used for model specification and the other half for confirmation. The structural equation modeling confirmed this hypothesis, which implies that L2 WTC and WTC in L2 group work differed. This model marks the first step toward identifying the causal relationships among factors that affect WTC in L2 group work.
Recent progress in understanding physical and chemical properties of mineral dust
Authors: Formenti P. , Schuetz L. , Balkanski Y. , Desboeufs K. , Ebert M. , Kandler K. , Petzold A. , Scheuvens D. , Weinbruch S. , Zhang D.
Published: December 2010

Abstract. This paper presents a review of recently acquired knowledge of the physico-chemical properties of mineral dust from Africa and Asia based on data and discussion during the Third International Dust Workshop, held in Leipzig (Germany) in September 2008. Various regional experiments have been conducted in the last few years, mostly close to source regions or after short-range transport. Significant progress has been made in characterising the mineralogy of iron and the description of particle shape close to source regions. We consider that future research should focus on the evolution of dust properties during transport. In particular, the prediction of the characteristics of the size distribution of mineral dust at emission and their dynamics evolution during transport should be considered as a high-priority. The presence of large airborne particles above 20 μm in diameter, suggested by various studies, has limited implication for radiation, but should be important for deposition-based studies such as those on ocean productivity. Modelling the uplifting and transport of such large particles will represent a new serious challenge for transport models. A critical assessment and standardisation of the experimental and analytical methods is recommended.
Inherent calibration of a blue LED-CE-DOAS instrument to measure iodine oxide, glyoxal, methyl glyoxal, nitrogen dioxide, water vapour and aerosol extinction in open cavity mode
Authors: Thalman R. , Volkamer R.
Published: December 2010

Abstract. The combination of Cavity Enhanced Absorption Spectroscopy (CEAS) with broad-band light sources (e.g. Light-Emitting Diodes, LEDs) lends itself to the application of cavity enhanced Differential Optical Absorption Spectroscopy (CE-DOAS) to perform sensitive and selective point measurements of multiple trace gases and aerosol extinction with a single instrument. In contrast to other broad-band CEAS techniques, CE-DOAS relies only on the measurement of relative intensity changes, i.e. does not require knowledge of the light intensity in the absence of trace gases and aerosols (I0). We have built a prototype LED-CE-DOAS instrument in the blue spectral range (420–490 nm) to measure nitrogen dioxide (NO2), glyoxal (CHOCHO), methyl glyoxal (CH3COCHO), iodine oxide (IO), water vapour (H2O) and oxygen dimers (O4). We demonstrate the first direct detection of methyl glyoxal, and the first CE-DOAS detection of CHOCHO and IO. The instrument is further inherently calibrated for light extinction from the cavity by observing O4 or H2O (at 477 nm and 443 nm) and measuring the pressure, relative humidity and temperature independently. This approach is demonstrated by experiments where laboratory aerosols of known size and refractive index were generated and their extinction measured. The measured extinctions were then compared to the theoretical extinctions calculated using Mie theory (3–7 × 10−7cm−1). Excellent agreement is found from both the O4 and H2O retrievals. This enables the first inherently calibrated CEAS measurement at blue wavelengths in open cavity mode, and eliminates the need for sampling lines to supply air to the cavity, i.e., keep the cavity enclosed and/or aerosol free. Measurements in open cavity mode are demonstrated for CHOCHO, CH3COCHO, NO2, H2O and aerosol extinction. Our prototype LED-CE-DOAS provides a low cost, yet research grade innovative instrument for applications in simulation chambers and in the open atmosphere.
Organic sediment formed during inundation of a degraded fen grassland emits large fluxes of CH4 and CO2
Authors: Hahn-Schöfl M. , Zak D. , Minke M. , Gelbrecht J. , Augustin J. , Freibauer A.
Published: December 2010

Abstract. Peatland restoration by inundation of drained areas can alter local greenhouse gas emissions by altering rates of CO2 and CH4 emissions. Factors that can influence these emissions include the quality and amount of substrates available for anaerobic degradation processes and the sources and availability of electron acceptors. In order to learn about possible sources of high CO2 and CH4 emissions from a rewetted degraded fen grassland, we performed incubation experiments that tested the effects of fresh plant litter in the flooded peats on pore water chemistry and CO2 and CH4 production and emission. The position in the soil profile of the pre-existing drained peat substrate affected initial rates of anaerobic CO2 production subsequent to flooding, with the uppermost peat layer producing the greatest specific rates of CO2 evolution. CH4 production rates depended on the availability of electron acceptors and was significant only when sulfate concentrations were reduced in the pore waters. Very high specific rates of both CO2 (maximum of 412 mg C d−1 kg−1 C) and CH4 production (788 mg C d−1 kg−1 C) were observed in a new sediment layer that accumulated over 2.5 years since the site was flooded. This new sediment layer was characterized by overall low C content, but represented a mixture of sand and relatively easily decomposable plant litter from reed canary grass killed by flooding. Samples that excluded this new sediment layer but included intact roots remaining from flooded grasses had specific rates of CO2 (max. 28 mg C d−1 kg−1 C) and CH4 (max. 34 mg C d−1 kg−1 C) production that were 10–20 times lower, and were comparable to those of newly flooded upper peat layer. Lowest rates of anaerobic CO2 and CH4 production (range of 4–8 mg C d−1 kg−1 C and <1 mg C d−1 kg−1 C) were observed when all fresh organic matter sources (plant litter and roots) were excluded. In conclusion, the presence of fresh organic substrates such as plant and root litter originating from plants killed by inundation has a high potential for CH4 production, whereas peat without any fresh plant-derived material is relatively inert. Anaerobic CO2 and CH4 production in peat only occurs when some labile organic matter is available, e.g. from remaining roots or root exudates.
Scenario-based earthquake hazard and risk assessment for Baku (Azerbaijan)
Authors: Babayev G. , Ismail-Zadeh A. , Le Mouël J.-L.
Published: December 2010

Abstract. A rapid growth of population, intensive civil and industrial building, land and water instabilities (e.g. landslides, significant underground water level fluctuations), and the lack of public awareness regarding seismic hazard contribute to the increase of vulnerability of Baku (the capital city of the Republic of Azerbaijan) to earthquakes. In this study, we assess an earthquake risk in the city determined as a convolution of seismic hazard (in terms of the surface peak ground acceleration, PGA), vulnerability (due to building construction fragility, population features, the gross domestic product per capita, and landslide's occurrence), and exposure of infrastructure and critical facilities. The earthquake risk assessment provides useful information to identify the factors influencing the risk. A deterministic seismic hazard for Baku is analysed for four earthquake scenarios: near, far, local, and extreme events. The seismic hazard models demonstrate the level of ground shaking in the city: PGA high values are predicted in the southern coastal and north-eastern parts of the city and in some parts of the downtown. The PGA attains its maximal values for the local and extreme earthquake scenarios. We show that the quality of buildings and the probability of their damage, the distribution of urban population, exposure, and the pattern of peak ground acceleration contribute to the seismic risk, meanwhile the vulnerability factors play a more prominent role for all earthquake scenarios. Our results can allow elaborating strategic countermeasure plans for the earthquake risk mitigation in the Baku city.
Three land-snail species new to the Norwegian fauna: Pupilla pratensis (Clessin, 1871), Vertigo ultimathule von Proschwitz, 2007 and Balea sarsii Philippi, 1847 [= B. heydeni von Maltzan, 1881]
Authors: Von Proschwitz Ted
Published: December 2010

Three land-snail species are reported as new to Norway: Pupilla pratensis, which has been segregated from P. muscorum s. lat., occurs in three isolated, calcareous wetland sites in the counties of Hedmark and Oppland and two calcareous rock habitats in Nordland County; Vertigo ultimathule, recently described from the northernmost part of Swedish Lapland, has been found in seven localities in the adjacent Norwegian county of Finnmark – the species is probably endemic to northernmost Scandinavia; finally Balea sarsii [= B. heydeni], a pronounced Atlantic element, which has been segregated from B. perversa s. lat., is found in five sites in Hordaland County and one in Sogn og Fjordane County – the locality at Florø in the latter province is the northernmost known for the species.
A preboreal Elk (Alces alces L., 1758) antler from south-eastern Norway
Authors: Grøndahl Finn Audun , Hufthammer Anne Karin , Dahl Svein Olaf , Rosvold Jørgen
Published: December 2010

In 1895 a shed elk antler was found in a mire on a farm near Fluberg, in Søndre Land municipality in south-eastern Norway. The antler was first radiocarbon dated in 2008 and yielded the age 9,100 ± 50 BP (8,340 – 8,250 BC), which is the oldest dated elk remain from Norway. Elk (Alces alces L., 1758) are a pioneer colonising species; they were already established south of the ice front in Denmark and southern Sweden in the Late Glacial period. This antler shows that the species had arrived in south-eastern Norway in the late Preboreal period. This could tie in with the earliest arrival of elk once the colonizing routes from southern Sweden were established 9,300-9,200 BP. The antler is clearly of the palmate morph, and strongly resembles elk antlers found in Denmark and southern Sweden from the Late Glacial and Early Holocene periods. This find also reveals that the vegetation at the end of the Preboreal period suited large herbivores such as elk.
Osedax mucofloris (Polychaeta, Siboglinidae), a bone-eating marine worm new to Norway
Authors: Schander Christoffer , Rapp Hans Tore , Dahlgren Thomas G.
Published: December 2010

The bone-eating siboglinid polychaete Osedax mucofloris Glover, Källström, Smith & Dahlgren, 2005 is reported from Norwegian waters for the first time. Dense growth was found on bovine bones deposited at 118 meters depth off western Norway. Dwarf males were observed for the first time. The two specimens sequenced were identical to haplotypes previously found at a Swedish whale fall. The possibility of finding additional species of Osedax is discussed.
High Angle of Attack Aerodynamics
Authors: Gursul Ismet , Wang Zhijin
Published: December 2010

In this chapter, low‐speed aerodynamics of highly swept wings is discussed. Highly swept wings, known asdeltawings, can fly at high angle of attack without stall. This quality is invaluable for military aircraft during a high angle of attack maneuver. Leading‐edge vortices develop on highly swept wings as a result of flow separation and contribute to the lift force. Highly energetic vortices break down or burst at high angles of attack, resulting in highly unsteady flows. Vortex breakdown may cause wing or fin vibrations, called buffeting, which is the structural response due to the unsteady flow. Aircraft configurations may have forebody vortices, leading‐edge vortices that originate from strakes, and the main wing vortices, which may interact with each other during a maneuver. Leading‐edge vortices in unsteady flows exhibit substantial time lag and hysteresis effects. They may also cause self‐induced roll oscillations of aircraft, known as wing rock. Finally, vortex control techniques are briefly discussed.
Missile Aerodynamics
Authors: Platzer Max F.
Published: December 2010

In this chapter, the aerodynamics of bodies of revolution, low‐aspect‐ratio wings, and wing–body combinations is discussed. Typical projectiles and missiles reach subsonic, transonic, or supersonic flight speeds, and the angle of attack may vary over a substantial range. Therefore, the major phenomena caused by compressible or viscous flow effects such as wave drag, flow separation, and vortex generation, need to be part of this discussion. It is shown that the aerodynamics of slender missile configurations flying at zero or small angles of attack can be described by a relatively simple inviscid flow theory, called slender body theory. At zero angle of attack, the flow is composed of two contributions: a flow in planes perpendicular to the flight direction, the so‐called cross flow, and a flow that depends only on the variation of the missile cross section in the flight direction. This recognition leads to the equivalence or area rule that states that the transonic/supersonic wave drag is the same for missiles with equal cross‐sectional area distributions. This same slender body theory also leads to the recognition that the lifting forces on missiles flying at small angle of attack depend only on the cross flow. In contrast, the flow generated by missiles flying at large angles of attack is very complex due to strong vortices shed from the missile body and wings, requiring the solution of the full three‐dimensional viscous flow equations.
Rotorcraft Aerodynamics
Authors: Leishman J. Gordon
Published: December 2010

Helicopters and other types of rotorcraft have become an indispensable part of modern aviation. Such aircraft are capable of taking off and landing vertically from almost any surface, although this capability comes at a significant price, including higher power requirements for flight and the eventual onset of several aeromechanical “barrier” problems that limit flight performance. This chapter reviews the basic methods used for the aerodynamic analysis of rotary wings, primarily as applied to helicopter rotors, and exposes the fundamental performance characteristics of helicopters during hovering, climbing, descending, and forward flight. While classical methods for analysis such as momentum theory and blade element theory still have much value for the purposes of design and performance analysis, research is leading to advanced aerodynamic methods that will help to further understand and mitigate the various aeromechanical problems that are encountered on rotorcraft.
Low Reynolds Number Aerodynamics of Fixed Wings
Authors: Mueller Thomas J. , Pelletier Alain
Published: December 2010

Interest in the design of small, efficient, radio‐controlled aircraft began with model airplanes in the 1930s and continues to this day because of the developments in sensors and actuators for a wide variety of small unmanned aerial vehicles. The combination of small scale and low velocities results in a flight regime with low chord Reynolds numbers. The range of chord Reynolds number from about 60000 to 200000 is of particular interest. The design of airfoils in the low Reynolds number regime and the experimental validation of these designs are discussed in this chapter. The design and performance of low aspect ratio (LAR) wings for micro air vehicle (MAV) applications including the effect of camber have been discussed. Examples of the application of LAR wings to the design of rigid and flexible fixed wing MAVs are presented.
Aircraft Wake Vortices
Authors: Jacquin Laurent
Published: December 2010

Trailing vortices are an unavoidable and potentially harmful by‐product of fixed‐wing aircraft and can persist for many miles behind the vehicle. The imposition of trailing‐vortex airplane‐separation requirements in 1970 has been a catalyst for significant advances in vortex dynamics – a fundamental discipline at the crossroads of mechanics and physics. A heightened interest in the field came about in the 1990s, motivated by the need to improve airport throughput and by the introduction of a new giant aircraft, the A380. This has stimulated new studies seeking to predict and/or control the natural development of the vortices. This chapter aims to provide the reader with basic notions on fluid mechanics, vortex dynamics, and aerodynamics, which are necessary to appraise both the fundamental and practical facets of the topic. Recent wake vortex research has benefited considerably from concurrent analytical, numerical, and experimental research, and we used results from these different domains to exemplify the concepts. The chapter ends with a short summary on current research and on perspectives of the topic.
Complex Internal Compressible Flows
Authors: Kontis Konstantinos , Jagadeesh Gopalan , Srisha Rao M.V.
Published: December 2010

The control volume approach, if appropriately applied, can yield information on the dependencies among various variables on compressible flow systems, which is very useful for parametric studies. The complex internal compressible flows presented here fall into the following categories: steady flows through variable area ducts with and without heat addition and friction, nozzle starting and choking, shock trains, shock tubes, and unsteady flows inside angled‐bend ducts. Ram/Scram jet engines and ejectors are described, as they are representative examples of complex flow systems.
External Transonic Flows
Authors: Lawson Nicholas J.
Published: December 2010

Transonic flows are found across many aerodynamic applications. This chapter reviews fundamental aspects of external transonic flow aerodynamics and swept wing design. Initially, simple inviscid approximations are introduced to account for transonic effects and then the typical flow features found on actual 2D transonic aerofoils are outlined where the effect of viscosity is shown to have a significant effect on the flow field. The chapter also introduces the advantages of swept wing design but emphasizes the flow complexities present on actual swept wings. These are due to a combination of 3D flow effects and shock modification on the wing, which requires complex 3D treatment to remove.
Complex Shock Wave Phenomena
Authors: Rider William J.
Published: December 2010

Complexity in shock wave phenomena arises in almost every natural or technological system with shock waves. Shock waves are responsible for some of the most beautiful structures in the universe as well as some of the most destructive creations of mankind. Even the most basic shock wave phenomena are fundamentally nonlinear in nature, thus rendering it difficult to subject to precise analysis. Nonetheless, the basic phenomena are best understood by breaking the complex system of shocks into simpler pieces more amenable to study including analysis, simulation, observations, and experiments. Modern practice in computational science can integrate each of these elements together via verification and validation to quantify our understanding and assist advances in our knowledge.
Fundamentals of Compressible Turbulent Mixing
Authors: Yoder Dennis A. , Georgiadis Nicholas J.
Published: December 2010

This chapter provides a brief introduction to the fundamentals of compressible turbulent mixing in flows such as jets and mixing layers, which are of considerable importance in aerospace applications. Two key changes are found to occur when these types of flows are compressible: (i) the shear layer growth rate is reduced compared with incompressible flow, and (ii) the turbulence structure becomes altered. While several theories have been proposed for why these changes occur, the current belief is that the propagation of pressure fluctuations is hindered by the finite speed of sound in a compressible medium. This reduced communication across the shear layer disrupts the natural agglomeration of turbulent eddies.
Unsteady Transonic Aerodynamics
Authors: Platzer Max F.
Published: December 2010

At flight speeds close to the speed of sound unique unsteady aerodynamic and aeroelastic phenomena are encountered. It is the objective of this chapter to provide an overview of the unsteady transonic flow phenomena and the flight mechanical and aeroelastic problems they may cause. The most prominent ones are wing rock and wing drop, buffeting, control surface buzz, flutter and limit cycle oscillations. An overview is also given of the current status of analysis methods to predict these phenomena.
Introduction to Hypersonic Flow
Authors: Gaitonde Datta V.
Published: December 2010

This chapter introduces the main aerodynamic physical phenomena encountered in hypersonic flow. The vehicle environment is first set into context by examining flight paths of typical vehicles, for missions from ballistic to access‐to‐space. The principal engineering problems arising in the harsh environment are outlined together with preliminary considerations on the manner in which these impact the mission‐dependent shape of the vehicle. The physics of high‐speed flow are introduced by first discussing strong inviscid and viscous interactions encountered at higher Mach numbers. This is followed by a brief description of some of the most striking features distinguishing hypersonic from supersonic flow. These include high‐altitude low‐density effects that need recourse to molecular dynamics, thermo‐chemistry effects that are triggered at high temperatures and enthalpies, the effects of ablation for thermal protection, the potential impact of thermal radiation, and the newly energized field of flow control with natural or artificially enhanced ionization.
Analytical Foundation of Hypersonic Flow
Authors: Shang Joseph J.S.
Published: December 2010

Classical hypersonic theories are summarized for both inviscid and viscous flows. Theoretical developments are derived in the continuum regime, with focus on the systematic approximations that have been developed from the characteristics of hypersonic flow. These theories describe some of the most important hypersonic flow observations with relatively simple analysis. However, the effects of internal degrees of freedom of molecules are not considered, and thus the detailed treatment of the phenomena of rarefied flow, real gas effects, and radiation are excluded here.
Non‐Continuum Phenomena in Hypersonic Flow
Authors: Boyd Iain D.
Published: December 2010

At high altitude in the trajectory of a hypersonic entry vehicle, the atmospheric density is low, leading to relatively infrequent intermolecular collisions. The low collision rate produces physical flow phenomena which cannot be predicted accurately using a continuum description. This chapter describes the most important of these non‐continuum phenomena for hypersonic flow analysis and the conditions under which they occur. A numerical technique for analysis of non‐continuum flows is described and its success demonstrated through comparison with measurements collected in laboratory and flight experiments, and with results generated using the continuum approach.
Engineering Analysis of Heat Transfer
Authors: Klausner James F.
Published: December 2010

As was discussed in the Volume 1, Chapter 37, thermal energy transport can be quite complex and typically involves multimode heat transfer. In order to provide useful tools for engineering designers to analyze multimode heat transfer problems, idealizations and simplifications are necessary so that the dominant direction and mode of energy flow can be captured. Concepts such as thermal resistance and thermal circuits are thus very useful for analyzing such problems in conjunction with the energy conservation principle as will be discussed. In addition, these ideas will be extended to analyze heat transfer equipment using the log mean temperature difference (LMTD) and the number of transfer units (NTU).
Verification and Validation of
CFD
Based Turbulent Flow Experiments
Authors: Grinstein Fernando F.
Published: December 2010

Accurate predictions with quantifiable uncertainty are essential to many practical flow applications exhibiting extreme geometrical complexity and broad ranges of length and time scales. Under‐resolved computer studies are typically unavoidable in such applications. Critical issues involved in the flow experiments based on computational fluid dynamics relate to the treatment of unresolved
subgrid
scale flow features and required initial and boundary condition
supergrid
scale modeling. Flow characterization issues become very challenging ones in validation exercises based on laboratory data where potential sources of discrepancies between predictions and measurements need to be clearly evaluated and controlled. A special focus of the discussion in this chapter is devoted to turbulent flows.
The inherently
intrusive nature of numerical and laboratory turbulent flow experiments is noted in this context
.