bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Self-transcendence and Eros: The human condition between desire and the infinite
Authors: Du Toit Cornel W.
Published: July 2011

This article treats self-transcendence – like all transcendence – as a fact of human life. Inter alia this means that the human mind perforce operates in terms of binary concepts such as finitude–infinity, inner world–outside world, self–other, desire–fulfilment, separation–union and the like. We find these concepts in most myths of origin. The concept of desire (Eros), combining unfulfilment and the infinite, particularly epitomises self-transcendence. Ralph Waldo Emerson is cited as a precursor of the mid-19th century transcendentalists, whose ideas are resurfacing in present-day secular spirituality. In this article, we examined desire in the Christian conception of the Fall as envisioned by the Jewish philosopher Martin Buber and by Hegel, who integrates mind and nature in his philosophy of Spirit. The works of Emmanuel Levinas and Paul Ricoeur are used as points of reference to help us understand self and other in a framework of self-transcendence. The impact of these ideas on a postmetaphysical epistemology was also explored. Affectivity is a neglected area in Western thought and displays the same infinitude as rationality. The article concluded with present-day strategies of self-construction in a techno-scientific consumer culture.
Modelling the effect of denitrification on polar ozone depletion for Arctic winter 2004/2005
Authors: Feng W. , Chipperfield M. P. , Davies S. , Mann G. W. , Carslaw K. S. , Dhomse S. , Harvey L. , Randall C. , Santee M. L.
Published: July 2011

Abstract. A three-dimensional (3-D) chemical transport model (CTM), SLIMCAT, has been used to quantify the effect of denitrification on ozone loss for the Arctic winter 2004/2005. The simulated HNO3 is found to be highly sensitive to the polar stratospheric cloud (PSC) scheme used in the model. Here the standard SLIMCAT full chemistry model, which uses a thermodynamic equilibrium PSC scheme, overpredicts the ozone loss for Arctic winter 2004/2005 due to the overestimation of denitrification and stronger chlorine activation than observed. A model run with a coupled detailed microphysical denitrification scheme, DLAPSE (Denitrification by Lagrangian Particle Sedimentation), is less denitrified than the standard model run and better reproduces the observed HNO3 as measured by Airborne SUbmillimeter Radiometer (ASUR) and Aura Microwave Limb Sounder (MLS) instruments. Overall, denitrification is responsible for a ~30 % enhancement in O3 depletion compared with simulations without denitrification for Arctic winter 2004/2005, which is slightly larger than the inferred impact of denitrification on Arctic ozone loss for previous winters from different CTMs simulations. The overestimated denitrification from standard SLIMCAT simulation causes ~5–10 % more ozone loss at ~17 km compared with the simulation using the DLAPSE PSC scheme for Arctic winter 2004/2005. The calculated partial column ozone loss from SLIMCAT using the DLAPSE scheme is about 130 DU by mid-March 2005, which compares well with the inferred column ozone loss from ozonesondes and satellite data (127±21 DU).
Effects of temperature on the heterogeneous oxidation of sulfur dioxide by ozone on calcium carbonate
Authors: Wu L. Y. , Tong S. R. , Wang W. G. , Ge M. F.
Published: July 2011

Abstract. The heterogeneous oxidation of sulfur dioxide by ozone on CaCO3 was studied as a function of temperature (230 to 298 K) at ambient pressure. Oxidation reactions were followed in real time using diffuse reflectance infrared Fourier transform spectrometry (DRIFTS) to obtain kinetic and mechanistic data. From the analysis of the spectral features, the formation of sulfate was identified on the surface in the presence of O3 and SO2 at different temperatures from 230 to 298 K. The results showed that the heterogeneous oxidation and the rate of sulfate formation were sensitive to temperature. An interesting stage-transition region was observed at temperatures ranging from 230 to 257 K, but it became ambiguous gradually above 257 K. The reactive uptake coefficients at different temperatures from 230 to 298 K were acquired for the first time, which can be used directly in atmospheric chemistry modeling studies to predict the formation of secondary sulfate aerosol in the troposphere. Furthermore, the rate of sulfate formation had a turning point at about 250 K. The sulfate concentration at 250 K was about twice as large as that at 298 K. The rate of sulfate formation increased with decreasing temperature at temperatures above 250 K, while there is a contrary temperature effect at temperatures below 250 K. The activation energy for heterogeneous oxidation at temperatures from 245 K to 230 K was determined to be 14.63 ± 0.20 kJ mol−1. A mechanism for the temperature dependence was proposed and the atmospheric implications were discussed.
Importance of fossil fuel emission uncertainties over Europe for CO2 modeling: model intercomparison
Authors: Peylin P. , Houweling S. , Krol M. C. , Karstens U. , Rödenbeck C. , Geels C. , Vermeulen A. , Badawy B. , Aulagnier C. , Pregger T. , Delage F. , Pieterse G. , Ciais P. , Heimann M.
Published: July 2011

Abstract. Inverse modeling techniques used to quantify surface carbon fluxes commonly assume that the uncertainty of fossil fuel CO2 (FFCO2) emissions is negligible and that intra-annual variations can be neglected. To investigate these assumptions, we analyzed the differences between four fossil fuel emission inventories with spatial and temporal differences over Europe and their impact on the model simulated CO2 concentration. Large temporal flux variations characterize the hourly fields (~40 % and ~80 % for the seasonal and diurnal cycles, peak-to-peak) and annual country totals differ by 10 % on average and up to 40 % for some countries (i.e., the Netherlands). These emissions have been prescribed to seven different transport models, resulting in 28 different FFCO2 concentrations fields. The modeled FFCO2 concentration time series at surface sites using time-varying emissions show larger seasonal cycles (+2 ppm at the Hungarian tall tower (HUN)) and smaller diurnal cycles in summer (−1 ppm at HUN) than when using constant emissions. The concentration range spanned by all simulations varies between stations, and is generally larger in winter (up to ~10 ppm peak-to-peak at HUN) than in summer (~5 ppm). The contribution of transport model differences to the simulated concentration std-dev is 2–3 times larger than the contribution of emission differences only, at typical European sites used in global inversions. These contributions to the hourly (monthly) std-dev's amount to ~1.2 (0.8) ppm and ~0.4 (0.3) ppm for transport and emissions, respectively. First comparisons of the modeled concentrations with 14C-based fossil fuel CO2 observations show that the large transport differences still hamper a quantitative evaluation/validation of the emission inventories. Changes in the estimated monthly biosphere flux (Fbio) over Europe, using two inverse modeling approaches, are relatively small (less that 5 %) while changes in annual Fbio (up to ~0.15 % GtC yr−1) are only slightly smaller than the differences in annual emission totals and around 30 % of the mean European ecosystem carbon sink. These results point to an urgent need to improve not only the transport models but also the assumed spatial and temporal distribution of fossil fuel emission inventories.
Remarkable dynamics of nanoparticles in the urban atmosphere
Authors: Dall'Osto M. , Thorpe A. , Beddows D. C. S. , Harrison R. M. , Barlow J. F. , Dunbar T. , Williams P. I. , Coe H.
Published: July 2011

Abstract. Nanoparticles emitted from road traffic are the largest source of respiratory exposure for the general public living in urban areas. It has been suggested that adverse health effects of airborne particles may scale with airborne particle number, which if correct, focuses attention on the nanoparticle (less than 100 nm) size range which dominates the number count in urban areas. Urban measurements of particle size distributions have tended to show a broadly similar pattern dominated by a mode centred on 20–30 nm diameter emitted by diesel engine exhaust. In this paper we report the results of measurements of particle number concentration and size distribution made in a major London park as well as on the BT Tower, 160 m aloft. These measurements taken during the REPARTEE project (Regents Park and BT Tower experiment) show a remarkable shift in particle size distributions with major losses of the smallest particle class as particles are advected away from the traffic source. In the Park, the traffic related mode at 20–30 nm diameter is much reduced with a new mode at <10 nm. Size distribution measurements also revealed higher number concentrations of sub-50 nm particles at the BT Tower during days affected by higher turbulence as determined by Doppler Lidar measurements and are indicative of loss of nanoparticles from air aged during less turbulent conditions. These results are suggestive of nanoparticle loss by evaporation, rather than coagulation processes. The results have major implications for understanding the impacts of traffic-generated particulate matter on human health.
On the effect of water-soluble compounds removal on EC quantification by TOT analysis in aerosol samples
Authors: Piazzalunga A. , Bernardoni V. , Fermo P. , Valli G. , Vecchi R.
Published: July 2011

Abstract. In this work, three different thermal protocols were tested on untreated and water-washed aerosol samples to study the influence of soluble organic and inorganic compounds on EC measurements. Moreover, analyses on the water soluble extracts were carried out. The aim was to find out the most suitable protocol to analyse samples collected in a heavily polluted area. Indeed, the tests were performed on real samples collected at an urban background station in the Po Valley, which is one of the main pollution hot-spots in Europe. The main differences among the tested protocols were the maximum temperature of the He step (i.e. 870 °C, 650 °C, and 580 °C) and the duration of the plateaus during the heating procedure. Our measurements evidenced the presence of a significant amount of weakly light-absorbing aerosol evolving during the highest temperature step in He (i.e. 870 °C), which makes lower temperature protocols not suitable for EC determination in samples collected in heavily polluted areas like Milan.
Aerosol shortwave daily radiative effect and forcing based on MODIS Level 2 data in the Eastern Mediterranean (Crete)
Authors: Benas N. , Hatzianastassiou N. , Matsoukas C. , Fotiadi A. , Mihalopoulos N. , Vardavas I.
Published: July 2011

Abstract. The mean daily shortwave (SW) radiation budget was computed on a 10 km × 10 km resolution above FORTH-CRETE AERONET station in Crete, Greece, for the 9-yr period from 2000 to 2008. The area is representative of the Eastern Mediterranean region, where air pollution and diminishing water resources are exacerbated by high aerosol loads and climate change. The present study aims to quantify the aerosol direct effect and forcing on the local energy budget. A radiative transfer model was used, with daily climatological data from the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS), on board NASA's Terra and Aqua satellites. The radiative fluxes were computed at the surface, within the atmosphere and at the top of atmosphere (TOA). Downward surface fluxes and aerosol optical thickness (AOT) were validated against ground measurements. Daily fluxes reveal the direct radiative effects of dust events, with mean daily values reaching up to −100, 55 and −30 W m−2 at the surface (cooling), within the atmosphere (warming) and at TOA (cooling), respectively. Mean monthly values show a decreasing trend of the aerosol direct radiative effect, in agreement with a similar trend in AOT. The analysis of the contribution of anthropogenic and natural aerosol show major peaks of natural aerosol direct effect occurring mainly in spring, while a summer maximum is attributed to anthropogenic aerosol. During their peaks, anthropogenic aerosol forcing can reach values of −15 W m−2 at the surface, 8 W m−2 in the atmosphere and over −4 W m−2 at TOA (monthly mean values). The corresponding daily peak values for natural aerosol are over −10 W m−2, 6 W m−2 and −3 W m−2. Annual mean values and standard deviations (interannual variability) of anthropogenic aerosol forcing are −10 ± 3 W m−2 at the surface, 5 ± 1 W m−2 in the atmosphere and −3 ± 1 W m−2 at TOA, while the corresponding values for natural aerosol are −6 ± 2 W m−2, 3 ± 1 W m−2 and −3 ± 1 W m−2.
Microbial food webs and metabolic state across oligotrophic waters of the Mediterranean Sea during summer
Authors: Christaki U. , Van Wambeke F. , Lefevre D. , Lagaria A. , Prieur L. , Pujo-Pay M. , Grattepanche J.-D. , Colombet J. , Psarra S. , Dolan J. R. , Sime-Ngando T. , Conan P. , Weinbauer M. G. , Moutin T.
Published: July 2011

Abstract. The abundance and activity of the major members of the heterotrophic microbial community – from viruses to ciliates – were studied along a longitudinal transect across the Mediterranean Sea in the summer of 2008. The Mediterranean Sea is characterized by a west to-east gradient of deepening of DCM (deep chlorophyll maximum) and increasing oligotrophy reflected in gradients of biomass and production. However, within this well documented longitudinal trend, hydrological mesoscale features exist and likely influence microbial dynamics. Here we present data from a W-E transect of 17 stations during the period of summer stratification. Along the transect the production and fate of organic matter was investigated at three selected sites each one located in the centre of an anticyclonic eddy: in the Algero-Provencal Basin (St. A), the Ionian Basin (St. B), and the Levantine Basin (St. C). The 3 geographically distant eddies showed low values of the different heterotrophic compartments of the microbial food web, and except for viruses in site C, all integrated (0–150 m) stocks were higher in reference stations located in the same basin outside the eddies. During our study the 3 eddies showed equilibrium between GPP (Gross Primary Production) and DCR (Dark Community Respiration). Integrated PPp (Particulate Primary Production) values at A, B and C varied from ~140 to ~190 mg C m−2.
Deepwater Horizon oil spill impacts on Alabama beaches
Authors: Hayworth J. S. , Clement T. P. , Valentine J. F.
Published: July 2011

Abstract. From mid June 2010 to early August 2010, the white sandy beaches along Alabama's Gulf coast were inundated with crude oil discharged from the Deepwater Horizon well. The long-term consequences of this environmental catastrophe are still unfolding. Although BP has attempted to clean up some of these beaches, there still exist many unanswered questions regarding the physical, chemical, and ecological state of the oil contaminated beach system. In this paper, we present our understanding of what is known and known to be unknown with regard to the current state of Alabama's beaches in the aftermath of the Deepwater Horizon disaster. Motivated by our observations of the evolving distribution of oil in Alabama's beaches and BP's clean-up activities, we offer our thoughts on the lessons learned from this oil spill disaster.
Groundwater flow inverse modeling in non-MultiGaussian media: performance assessment of the normal-score Ensemble Kalman Filter
Authors: Li L. , Zhou H. , Hendricks Franssen H. J. , Gómez-Hernández J. J.
Published: July 2011

Abstract. The normal-score ensemble Kalman filter (NS-EnKF) is tested on a synthetic aquifer characterized by the presence of channels with a bimodal distribution of its hydraulic conductivities. Fourteen scenarios are analyzed which differ among them in one or various of the following aspects: the prior random function model, the boundary conditions of the flow problem, the number of piezometers used in the assimilation process, or the use of covariance localization in the implementation of the Kalman filter. The performance of the NS-EnKF is evaluated through the ensemble mean and variance maps, the connectivity patterns of the individual conductivity realizations and the degree of reproduction of the piezometric heads. The results show that (i) the localized NS-EnKF can identify correctly the channels when a large number of conditioning piezometers are used even when an erroneous prior random function model is used, (ii) localization plays an important role to prevent filter inbreeding and results in a better logconductivity characterization, and (iii) the NS-EnKF works equally well under very different flow configurations.
Towards a real-time susceptibility assessment of rainfall-induced shallow landslides on a regional scale
Authors: Montrasio L. , Valentino R. , Losi G. L.
Published: July 2011

Abstract. In the framework of landslide risk management, it appears relevant to assess, both in space and in time, the triggering of rainfall-induced shallow landslides, in order to prevent damages due to these kind of disasters. In this context, the use of real-time landslide early warning systems has been attracting more and more attention from the scientific community. This paper deals with the application, on a regional scale, of two physically-based stability models: SLIP (Shallow Landslides Instability Prediction) and TRIGRS (Transient Rainfall Infiltration and Grid-based Regional Slope-stability analysis). A back analysis of some recent case-histories of soil slips which occurred in the territory of the central Emilian Apennine, Emilia Romagna Region (Northern Italy) is carried out and the main results are shown. The study area is described from geological and climatic viewpoints. The acquisition of geospatial information regarding the topography, the soil properties and the local landslide inventory is also explained. The paper outlines the main features of the SLIP model and the basic assumptions of TRIGRS. Particular attention is devoted to the discussion of the input data, which have been stored and managed through a Geographic Information System (GIS) platform. Results of the SLIP model on a regional scale, over a one year time interval, are finally presented. The results predicted by the SLIP model are analysed both in terms of safety factor (Fs) maps, corresponding to particular rainfall events, and in terms of time-varying percentage of unstable areas over the considered time interval. The paper compares observed landslide localizations with those predicted by the SLIP model. A further quantitative comparison between SLIP and TRIGRS, both applied to the most important event occurred during the analysed period, is presented. The limits of the SLIP model, mainly due to some restrictions of simplifying the physically based relationships, are analysed in detail. Although an improvement, in terms of spatial accuracy, is needed, thanks to the fast calculation and the satisfactory temporal prediction of landslides, the SLIP model applied on the study area shows certain potential as a landslides forecasting tool on a regional scale.
Determinism and Liability in Complication of Prostate Biopsy
Authors: Boscolo-Berto Rafael , Viel Guido , Iafrate Massimo , Raduazzo Daniela I. , Cecchetto Giovanni , Zattoni Filiberto
Published: July 2011

We report the case of a 53-year-old man suffering from the contemporary onset of penile Mondor's disease and high-flow priapism 10 days after a transrectal prostate biopsy We analyzed whether these pathological conditions were causally related to the biopsy, and the role of urologist regarding the onset of one or both the diseases.

Critically evaluating the clinical picture and the procedure used for the biopsy, we were able to recognize a connection between the office procedure and the onset of the high-flow priapism, otherwise than for penile Mondor's disease. Our report is of value for urologists, making them aware of such possible complications, and for forensic experts that might have to deal with similar cases, as it demonstrates only a partial involvement of urologist in this clinical setting.
Culture Models for Studying Thyroid Biology and Disorders
Authors: Toda Shuji , Aoki Shigehisa , Uchihashi Kazuyoshi , Matsunobu Aki , Yamamoto Mihoko , Ootani Akifumi , Yamasaki Fumio , Koike Eisuke , Sugihara Hajime
Published: July 2011

The thyroid is composed of thyroid follicles supported by extracellular matrix, capillary network, and stromal cell types such as fibroblasts. The follicles consist of thyrocytes and C cells. In this microenvironment, thyrocytes are highly integrated in their specific structural and functional polarization, but monolayer and floating cultures cannot allow thyrocytes to organize the follicles with such polarity. In contrast, three-dimensional (3-D) collagen gel culture enables thyrocytes to form 3-D follicles with normal polarity. However, these systems never reconstruct the follicles consisting of both thyrocytes and C cells. Thyroid tissue-organotypic culture retains 3-D follicles with both thyrocytes and C cells. To create more appropriate experimental models, we here characterize four culture systems above and then introduce the models for studying thyroid biology and disorders. Finally, we propose a new approach to the cell type-specific culture systems on the basis of in vivo microenvironments of various cell types.
ANN-Based Approach for Predicting Rating Curve of an Indian River
Authors: Goel Arun
Published: July 2011

Prediction of stage-discharge relation or a rating curve is of immense importance for reliable planning, design, and management of most of the water resources projects. Measurement of discharge in a river is a time-consuming, expensive, and difficult process, and the conventional approach of regression analysis of stage-discharge relation does not provide encouraging results especially during the floods. Therefore, the present study is aimed at the application of soft computing techniques such as back propagation feed forward neural network-based algorithm for modelling stage-discharge relation. A data set of discharge-measuring station located on an Indian river has been used for analysis in the present study. A multilinear regression model was also employed on the same data in order to compare the performance of the results. The performance of each model has been compared by calculating correlation coefficient and root mean square error for the used data set. The outcome of the study suggests that the back propagation feed forward ANN works quite well for the data sets and produced promising results in comparison to the linear regression technique.
The Fox and the Rabbits—Environmental Variables and Population Genetics (1) Replication Problems in Association Studies and the Untapped Power of GWAS (2) Vitamin A Deficiency, Herpes Simplex Reactivation and Other Causes of Alzheimer's Disease
Authors: Carter C. J.
Published: July 2011

Classical population genetics shows that varying permutations of genes and risk factors permit or disallow the effects of causative agents, depending on circumstance. For example, genes and environment determine whether a fox kills black or white rabbits on snow or black ash covered islands. Risk promoting effects are different on each island, but obscured by meta-analysis or GWAS data from both islands, unless partitioned by different contributory factors. In Alzheimer's disease, the foxes appear to be herpes, borrelia or chlamydial infection, hypercholesterolemia, hyperhomocysteinaemia, diabetes, cerebral hypoperfusion, oestrogen depletion, or vitamin A deficiency, all of which promote beta-amyloid deposition in animal models—without the aid of gene variants. All relate to risk factors and subsets of susceptibility genes, which condition their effects. All are less prevalent in convents, where nuns appear less susceptible to the ravages of ageing. Antagonism of the antimicrobial properties of beta-amyloid by Abeta autoantibodies in the ageing population, likely generated by antibodies raised to beta-amyloid/pathogen protein homologues, may play a role in this scenario. These agents are treatable by diet and drugs, vitamin supplementation, pathogen detection and elimination, and autoantibody removal, although again, the beneficial effects of individual treatments may be tempered by genes and environment.
Impact of 6-Month Exercise Program on Weight Status and Associated Biomarkers in Mild Cognitive Impairment
Authors: Spitznagel Mary Beth , Miller Lindsay A. , Potter Vanessa , Glickman Ellen , Gunstad John
Published: July 2011

Unintentional weight loss in Alzheimer's disease (AD) predicts morbidity and mortality, but effectiveness of dietary supplementation is reduced in those with low body mass index. Exercise may be beneficial, particularly if started early. Thirty-one participants with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) completed measures of cardiovascular fitness, eating behavior, cognitive function, and body composition before and following a 6-month exercise program. Ghrelin, leptin, and brain-derived neurotrophic factor were measured to elucidate the relationship between cognition and response to exercise. Significant baseline relationships emerged among appetite and both cardiovascular fitness and neurocognition. Following the exercise program, improvements in cardiovascular fitness and healthy eating habits occurred, body composition and biomarkers remained stable, and cognition declined. This study suggests exercise may benefit persons with MCI by promoting healthier eating habits and possibly stabilizing body composition and biomarkers. Although increased fitness did not stabilize cognitive decline in MCI, exercise may positively impact eating behavior.
Spinal versus General Anaesthesia in Postoperative Pain Management during Transurethral Procedures
Authors: Tyritzis Stavros I. , Stravodimos Konstantinos G. , Vasileiou Ioanna , Fotopoulou Georgia , Koritsiadis Georgios , Migdalis Vasileios , Michalakis Anastasios , Constantinides Constantinos A.
Published: July 2011

We compared the analgesic efficacy of spinal and general anaesthesia following transurethral procedures. 97 and 47 patients underwent transurethral bladder tumour resection (TUR-B) and transurethral prostatectomy (TUR-P), respectively. Postoperative pain was recorded using an 11-point visual analogue scale (VAS). VAS score was greatest at discharge from recovery room for general anaesthesia (). The pattern changed significantly at 8 h and 12 h for general anaesthesia's efficacy (
and
resp.). A higher VAS score was observed in pT2 patients. Patients with resected tumour volume >10  exhibited a VAS score >3 at 8 h and 24 h (, resp.). Multifocality of bladder tumours induced more pain overall. It seems that spinal anaesthesia is more effective during the first 2 postoperative hours, while general prevails at later stages and at larger traumatic surfaces. Finally, we incidentally found that tumour stage plays a significant role in postoperative pain, a point that requires further verification.
Improving Accuracy for Range-Based Localization in Multiple
Target Wireless Sensor Networks
Authors: Rodríguez Oscar , Ohtsuki Tomoaki
Published: July 2011

We introduce a system for multiple target range-based localization
systems, such as those based on time-of-arrival (TOA) and received
signal strength indicator (RSSI) for distance measurement estimations.
In order to improve the accuracy of the location estimation for all
target nodes, our system makes use of distance estimations between
target nodes as well as between anchor and target nodes, and weights
for all nodes. We propose variations on two popular localization
algorithms and compare their accuracy against that of the conventional
algorithms using simulations and experiments. Our results show that
our proposal consistently offers a better localization accuracy than
the conventional algorithms.
Memoria histórica en Chile: una perspectiva intergeneracional desde Concepción
Authors: Guichard Eduardo , Henriquez Guillermo
Published: July 2011

El artículo trata sobre la memoria histórica en Chile desde la perspectivateórica del transcurso de la vida. Para esto se conceptualiza el temaa partir de un componente colectivo e histórico generacional en tornoal recuerdo de diferentes grupos etarios en los seis municipios delGran Concepción (Chile). La información fue recogida por medio de uncuestionario estandarizado, y la muestra está constituida por sujetosde cinco diferentes clases de edad. Los resultados dan cuenta de unamemoria sobre la historia reciente centrada en acontecimientos nacionalespara el conjunto de la muestra, integrando en las cohortes másjóvenes elementos supranacionales. Se constata la existencia tanto dememorias nacionales como de memorias generacionales en torno a losdiversos cambios sociohistóricos que se presentan como relevantes enla memoria nacional.
Enhancing Community Disaster Resilience Through Mass Sporting Events
Authors: McCarthy Danielle M. , Chiampas George T. , Malik Sanjeev , Cole Kendra , Lindeman Patricia , Adams James G.
Published: July 2011

Disaster response requires rapid, complex action by multiple agencies that may rarely interact during nondisaster periods. Failures in communication and coordination between agencies have been pitfalls in the advancement of disaster preparedness. Recommendations of the Federal Emergency Management Agency address these needs and demonstrate commitment to successful disaster management, but they are challenging for communities to ensure. In this article we describe the application of Federal Emergency Management Agency guidelines to the 2008 and 2009 Chicago Marathon and discuss the details of our implementation strategy with a focus on optimizing communication. We believe that it is possible to enhance community disaster preparedness through practical application during mass sporting events.

(Disaster Med Public Health Preparedness. 2011;5:310–315)
Temporospatial quantification of fluorescein‐labeled sinonasal irrigation delivery
Authors: Bleier Benjamin S. , Debnath Indranil , Harvey Richard J. , Schlosser Rodney J.
Published: July 2011

Background:

Treatment of sinonasal disease is predicated on the delivery and retention of the agent at the desired location. Despite multiple distribution studies, there remains a need for a method capable quantifying not only the site and amount of agent deposition but the rate of clearance as well.

Methods:

Five patients underwent endoscopic image capture of 3 subsites over 15 minutes following fluorescein‐dyed irrigation using a squeeze bottle, nasal saline spray, or nasal gel spray. Area and intensity staining were quantified using a graphics editing program. Total intensity scores were compared using a Student t test.

Results:

The squeeze bottle was the only method demonstrating delivery to the oropharynx (37 ± 22 mm2). The nasal gel resulted in the greatest coverage of the middle turbinate region (10 ± 15 mm2) while the nasal saline spray (75 ± 31 mm2) resulted in the greatest inferior turbinate coverage. No significant differences in clearance rates were found between delivery methods at any subsite.

Conclusion:

This method is capable of quantifying both the area and intensity of fluorescein deposition using a variety of delivery methods. While small variations in subsite coverage were noted, all methods resulted in significant internal valve deposition. Despite differences in delivery volume and viscosity, all methods resulted in similar rates of fluorescein clearance. © 2011 ARS‐AAOA, LLC.
Multifunktionelle Poly(ethylenglycole)
Authors: Obermeier Boris , Wurm Frederik , Mangold Christine , Frey Holger
Published: July 2011

Maßgeschneiderte makromolekulare Strukturen stellen auf dem sich stetig entwickelnden Feld der Polymertherapeutika die Schlüsselkomponente dar, um das Potential bioaktiver Konjugate auszuschöpfen. Die jüngsten Entwicklungen auf dem Gebiet der Wirkstoffkonjugate zur Krebsbehandlung zeigen, dass multifunktionelle Polymere als Wirkstoffträger immer bedeutender werden. Die Anwendung des vermeintlich am besten geeigneten Polymers, Poly(ethylenglycol) (PEG), ist hier jedoch durch die limitierte Zahl funktioneller Gruppen eingeschränkt. Als Resultat ziehen multifunktionelle Copolymere basierend auf Ethylenoxid (EO) und einem entsprechenden Epoxid als Comonomer (mf‐PEGs) zunehmend Aufmerksamkeit auf sich. Wohldefiniert dargestellt durch lebende anionische Polymerisation in Kombination mit modernen Charakterisierungsmethoden – beispielsweise Messungen der Polymerisationskinetik über 1H‐NMR‐Spektroskopie in Echtzeit –, repräsentiert diese aufkommende Klasse an Polymeren eine leistungsstarke Plattform zur Synthese von Bio‐ und Wirkstoffkonjugaten.
Synthesis and characterization of carboxymethyl cellulose powder and films from Mimosa pigra
Authors: Rachtanapun Pornchai , Rattanapanone Nithiya
Published: July 2011

Mimosa pigra peel was sun‐dried for 2 days and then ground before being boiled with 30%w/v sodium hydroxide (NaOH) at 100°C for 3 h, washed and then dried at 55°C to constant weight. The cellulose was then synthesized using different NaOH concentrations and monochloroacetic acid (MCA) in isopropyl alcohol (IPA). Effects of various NaOH concentrations on degree of substitution (DS), viscosity and thermal of carboxymethyl cellulose from Mimosa pigra peel (CMCm) were investigated. The increasing of NaOH concentration resulted in increasing DS and viscosity. However, viscosity of CMCm decreased as temperature increased. Thermal properties were studied using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The melting point of the samples decreased as %NaOH increased. The effects of various NaOH concentrations in CMCm synthesis on the mechanical properties and water vapor permeability (WVP) of the CMCm films were investigated as well. With increasing NaOH concentrations (30–50%) were also found to result in improved mechanical properties. However, when the level of NaOH concentration was 60%, the mechanical properties of the CMC films decreased. This result indicates that the highest mechanical properties were found for 50% NaOH‐synthesized CMCm films. The WVP of the CMCm films increased as %NaOH increased. In addition, the CMCm films were tested to determine the effect of glycerol as a plasticizer on the mechanical properties. Increasing the amount of glycerol showed an increase in elongation at break but also led to a decrease in tensile strength. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011
Electron beam (EB) radiation curing—a unique technique to introduce mixed crosslinks in cured rubber matrix to improve quality and productivity
Authors: Chakraborty Sunity K. , Sabharwal Sunil , Das Pradip K. , Sarma Krupa S. S. , Manjula A. K.
Published: July 2011

Effect of electron beam (EB) pretreatment on tire components has been investigated. The technique proved to be incredibly useful for reducing curing time of thick rubber products in the press and enhancing or retaining the properties required by a tire. This unique technique can be use to incorporate mixed crosslink in rubber products. Investigations were performed both on experimental compounds and industrial compounds. Experimental compound study was limited to development of theoretical data, effect of particular ingredients on EB radiation curing, and evaluating optimum dose required for obtaining optimum properties and reduction in cure time. The same sequence of study was followed on the compounds of tire components obtained from a reputed tire manufacturer. Components of tire such as inner liner and tread were irradiated with optimum doses selected in line with the study conducted on the experimental and industrial compounds. These components were then used to build the green tire. Properties of compound and tire as a whole were checked and are reported in detail in the article. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011
Synthesis and thermal decomposition of poly(dodecamethylene terephthalamide)
Authors: Liu Minying , Li Kaifeng , Yang Shaohui , Fu Peng , Wang Yudong , Zhao Qingxiang
Published: July 2011

A kind of semiaromatic polyamide, poly(dodecamethylene terephthalamide) (PA12T) was synthesized via a polycondensation reaction of terephthalic acid and 1,12‐dodecanediamine. The structure of prepared PA12T was characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, proton nuclear magnetic resonance (1H‐NMR), and elemental analysis. The mechanical properties of PA12T were also studied. The thermal behavior of PA12T was determined by differential scanning calorimetry, thermogravimetric analysis, and dynamic mechanical analysis. Pyrolysis products and thermal decomposition mechanism of PA12T were analyzed by pyrolysis‐gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (Py‐GC/MS). Melting temperature (Tm), glass transition temperature (Tg), and decomposition temperature (Td) of PA12T are 310°C, 144°C, and 429°C, respectively. The Py‐GC/MS results showed that the pyrolysis products were mainly composed of 32 kinds of compounds, such as benzonitrile, 1,4‐benzenedicarbonitrile, N‐methylbenzamide, N‐hexylbenzamide, and aromatic compounds. The major pyrolysis mechanisms were β‐CH hydrogen transfer process, main‐chain random scission, and hydrolytic decomposition. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011.
Thermal, thermo‐mechanical, and dynamic mechanical properties of polypropylene/cycloolefin copolymer blends
Authors: Fambri Luca , Kolarik Jan , Pegoretti Alessandro , Penati Amabile
Published: July 2011

Interaction of the components and physical properties of the polypropylene (PP)/cycloolefin copolymer (COC) blends were studied by means of differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), dynamic mechanical thermal analysis (DMTA), Vicat softening temperature (VST), and measurements of the coefficient of linear thermal expansion (CLTE) and of the density. The attention was focused on the blends with 90–60% of PP by wt, where the COC minority component was present in the form of short fibers. DSC, DMTA, and density measurements concurrently prove the immiscibility of PP and COC. DSC measurements reveal that crystallinity and melting temperature of the PP component slightly decrease with the fraction of COC in blends, in the range of 56–47% and 164–161°C, respectively. Storage modulus and loss modulus of the blends are in a good accord with the model predictions based on (i) the equivalent box model (EBM) and on (ii) modified equations of the percolation theory. The dependence of the VST on the blend composition is in a good correlation with the previous morphological analysis. Measurements of the coefficient of thermal expansion provide useful data as the functions of temperature and blend composition. Density of the blends was found to obey the volume additivity. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011.
Binding of Organic Dyes with Human Serum Albumin: A Single‐Molecule Study
Authors: Das Dibyendu Kumar , Mondal Tridib , Mandal Amit Kumar , Bhattacharyya Kankan
Published: July 2011

Kinetics of binding of dyes at different sites of human serum albumin (HSA) has been studied by single‐molecule spectroscopy. The protein was immobilized on a glass surface. To probe different binding sites (hydrophobic and hydrophilic) two dyes, coumarin 153 (C153, neutral) and rhodamine 6G (R6G, cationic) were chosen. For both the dyes, a major (ca. 96‐98 %) and minor (ca. 3 %) binding site were detected. Rate constants of association and dissociation were simultaneously determined from directly measuring fluctuations in fluorescence intensity (τoff and τon) and from this the equilibrium (binding) constants were calculated. Fluorescence lifetimes at individual sites were obtained from burst‐integrated lifetime analysis. Distributions of lifetime histograms for both the probes (C153 and R6G) exhibit two maxima, which indicates the presence of two binding domains in the protein. Unfolding of the protein has been studied by adding guanidinium hydrochloride (GdnHCl) to the solution. It is observed that addition of GdnHCl affects the dissociation and association kinetics and hence, binding equilibrium of the association of C153. However, the effect of binding of R6G is not affected much. It is proposed that GdnHCl affects the hydrophobic binding sites more than the hydrophilic site.
Relaxation of protostellar accretion shocks using the smoothed particle hydrodynamics
Authors: Nejad‐Asghar M.
Published: July 2011

It is believed that protostellar accretion disks are formed from nearly ballistic infall of molecular matter in rotating core collapse. Collisions of this infalling matter leads to formation of strong supersonic shocks, which if they cool rapidly, result in accumulation of that material in a thin structure in the equatorial plane. Here, we investigate the relaxation time of the protostellar accretion post‐shock gas using the smoothed particle hydrodynamics (SPH). For this purpose, a one‐dimensional head‐on collision of two molecular sheets is considered, and the time evolution of the temperature and density of the post‐shock region simulated. The results show that in strong supersonic shocks, the temperature of the post‐shock gas quickly increases proportional to square of the Mach number, and then gradually decreases according to the cooling processes. Using a suitable cooling function shows that in appropriate time‐scale, the center of the collision, which is at the equatorial plane of the core, is converted to a thin dense molecular disk, together with atomic and ionized gases around it. This structure for accretion disks may justify the suitable conditions for grain growth and formation of proto‐planetary entities (© 2011 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
O'Connell effect in early‐type contact binaries: DU Boo and AG Vir
Authors: Pribulla T. , Vaňko M. , Chochol D. , Hambálek Ľ. , Parimucha Š.
Published: July 2011

The paper presents new photoelectric observations of the eclipsing binary systems DU Boo and AG Vir. The systems are somewhat similar – both are A‐type contact binaries with the maximum following the primary minimum being the brighter one. This light curve asymmetry is extremely temporally stable. The phase dependence of the color indices is unexpectedly small for the observed amplitude of the O'Connell effect, amounting to about 0.1 mag in the optical wavelength range which indicates a very large heated area with a temperature contrast of ΔT ≈ 1000–1500 K. The broadening functions (BFs) of the systems do not show any dark solar‐type photospheric spots. On the other hand, there are significant differences of BFs between the quadratures (surprisingly similar in both systems) indicative of stream of matter or bright region causing additional emission seen between the components around the phase 0.25. Absolute parameters of the components slightly depend on the adopted model. Long orbital period of both contact binaries combined with late spectral type indicate that the primary components of either of the systems (but particularly in case of DU Boo) already evolved off the main sequence (© 2011 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
An Evaluation of Peptide‐Bond Isosteres
Authors: Choudhary Amit , Raines Ronald T.
Published: July 2011

Peptide‐bond isosteres can enable a deep interrogation of the structure and function of a peptide or protein by amplifying or attenuating particular chemical properties. In this Minireview, the electronic, structural, and conformational attributes of four such isosteres—thioamides, esters, alkenes, and fluoroalkenes—are examined in detail. In particular, the ability of these isosteres to partake in noncovalent interactions is compared with that of the peptide bond. The consequential perturbations provide a useful tool for chemical biologists to reveal new structure–function relationships, and to endow peptides and proteins with desirable attributes.
Numerical simulation of the transient temperature distribution inside moving particles
Authors: Schmidt Robin , Nikrityuk Petr A.
Published: July 2011

This work is devoted to the two‐dimensional (2D) numerical simulation of heat and fluid flow by granular mixing in a horizontally rotating kiln. The heat and fluid flow in the gas phase are solved directly using a fixed Eulerian grid. At the same time, the particle dynamics and their collisions are solved on a Lagrangian grid. The no‐slip boundary condition on the particle surface is implemented using the fictitious boundary method. The heat transfer inside the particles is calculated utilising two models: the first is the direct solution of the energy conservation equation in Lagrangian and Eulerian space and the second is the so‐called linear model, which assumes a homogeneous distribution of the temperature inside each particle. Numerical simulations showed that if the thermal diffusivity of the gas phase significantly exceeds the same parameter of the particles, the linear model over‐predicts the heating rate of the particles. The analysis of the time‐averaged flow field inside the kiln showed that in the gas phase a double vortex structure is formed which increases the convective heat transfer in the upper part of the particulate bed. The influence of the particle size, the angular velocity of the drum and the fluid on the heating rates of particles is studied and discussed.
Kinetics, equilibrium and thermodynamic studies on the adsorptive removal of nickel, cadmium and cobalt from wastewater by superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoadsorbents
Authors: Nassar Nashaat N.
Published: July 2011

Because of its unique properties, such as specific functionality and large specific surface area, iron oxide nanoadsorbents had showed potential for energy and environmental applications. This work investigated the adsorptive removal of different metal ions from wastewater by superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoadsorbents (Fe3O4). Batch‐adsorption technique was employed to assess the kinetic behaviour and adsorption equilibrium of cadmium, cobalt and nickel. Accordingly, the effect of the following variables on the adsorption reaction was tested, namely: solution pH, contact time and temperature. Metal ion adsorption was found to be highly pH dependent with a maximum uptake achieved around pH 5.5. Kinetic studies showed that adsorption was fast and equilibrium was achieved in less than 60 min. The external mass transfer kinetic model was applied to the experimental results and provided reasonable overall volumetric mass transfer coefficients. Adsorption isotherms were determined and appropriately described by the Freundlich and Langmuir models, with a better fit to the Freundlich model. The amount of metal ion adsorbed increased as the temperature increased, suggesting an endothermic adsorption process. The thermodynamics studies indicated that the adsorption process was spontaneous and endothermic in nature. © 2011 Canadian Society for Chemical Engineering