bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Nitrogen removal from reject water with primary sludge as denitrification carbon source
Authors: Zhang L. , Zhang S. J. , Zhou J. , Wang S. Y. , Gan Y. P. , Peng Y. Z.
Published: June 2010

A novel system was used for nitrogen removal from reject water. This system includes one anoxic/oxic reactor for nitrification and a special reactor for denitrification in which primary sludge was added intermittently as electron donor. In denitrification reactor, sludge fermentation and denitrification reaction took place simultaneously and promoted each other. It was found that effluent recycle could improve nitrogen removal efficiency due to reclaiming of alkalinity. Under steady state conditions, the average solid retention time (SRT) in denitrification reactor was 12–15 d, a total nitrogen loading rate was 0.2 kg N/(m3 day) and TN removal efficiency was more than 90% without extra carbon source addition. Primary sludge was degraded so that volatile suspended solid (VSS) decreased by 50%. Further investigation showed that ORP could be taken as a control parameter for sludge addition.
Fluoride removal from brackish groundwater by direct contact membrane distillation
Authors: Hou D. Y. , Wang J. , Wang B. Q. , Luan Z. K. , Sun X. C. , Ren X. J.
Published: June 2010

The direct contact membrane distillation (DCMD) applied for fluoride removal from brackish groundwater is presented. The self-prepared polyvinylidene fluoride membrane exhibited high rejection of inorganic salt solutes and a maximum permeate flux 35.6 kgm−2 h−1 was obtained. The feed concentration had no marked impact on the permeate flux and the rejection of fluoride. The precipitation of CaCO3 would clog the hollow fiber inlets and foul the membrane surface with the increase of concentration factor when natural groundwater was used directly as the feed, which resulted in a rapid decline of the module efficiency. This phenomenon was diminished by acidification of the feed. The experimental results showed that the permeate flux and the quality of obtained distillate kept stable before concentration factor reached 5.0 with the acidified groundwater as feed. The membrane module efficiency began to decline gradually when the feed continued to be concentrated, which can be mainly attributed to the formation of CaF2 deposits on the membrane surface. Finally, a 300 h continuous fluoride removal experiment on acidified groundwater was carried out with concentration factor at 4.0, the permeate flux kept stable and the permeate fluoride was not detected.
Tracking disinfection by-products and arsenic removal during various drinking water treatment trains
Authors: Tubić Aleksandra , Dalmacija Božo , Agbaba Jasmina , Ivančev-Tumbas Ivana , Klašnja Mile , Dalmacija Milena
Published: June 2010

In the central Banat region (Northern Serbia), groundwater is used as a drinking water source. Raw water originates from a 40–80 m and 100–150 m deep layer. It contains a high amount of natural organic matter (DOC = 9.17 ± 0.87 mg C/L) with a trihalomethanes formation potential of 448 ± 88.2 μg/L and a haloacetic acid formation potential of 174 ± 68.9 μg/L. A high amount of arsenic (86.0 ± 3.4 μg/L) is also found in this water. This study used a pilot-scale system to investigate the possibilities of combining polyaluminium chloride and ferrous-chloride to remove disinfection by-products precursors and arsenic by coagulation. Two treatment trains with different pre-treatment steps were investigated (ozone vs. H2O2/O3). For the final water polishing, filtration with granulated activated carbon (GAC) was applied. Both investigated treatment lines achieved a satisfactory chemical water quality. Simulation of disinfection conditions was performed and the contents of trihalomethanes and haloacetic acids measured, to investigate whether the chemical quality of the water remained satisfactory over a 48 hour period.
New Voices, New Knowledges and the New Politics of Education Research: The Gathering of a Perfect Storm?
Authors: Ball Stephen J.
Published: June 2010

This article outlines and discusses a set of related developments in the governance, reform and privatisation of knowledge production in the field of education policy. It argues that knowledge about, performative knowledge, and knowledge for leadership knowledge are key facets of the new governance and ongoing reform of public sector education but increasingly are created and sold to governments by private sector and philanthropic organisations. In all of this public sector higher education institutions are being displaced as knowledge brokers, and at the same time ‘enterprised’ and ‘hybridised’, in a new education policy knowledge market. Increasingly the idea of a public/private divide in education is redundant.
Two Solitudes: Educational Research and the Pedagogical Realm
Authors: Reichenbach Roland
Published: June 2010

There is much to be positive about in the current field of educational research. Now a burgeoning research domain in many European countries, diverse national and international studies are currently officially supported both politically and economically. However, on closer examination the actual effect of many prominent studies is sobering. The general claim that our research domain is full of pseudo-questions is probably unfair and unacceptable, yet it is worth considering how often educational research truly deals with educational questions. The gap between pedagogical thought and educational research has achieved grand proportions. The ideal of mutual profit between the two realms is now arguably simplistic, naïve, and functional.
Vocational Teachers between Educational Institutions and Workplaces
Authors: Isopahkala-Bouret Ulpukka
Published: June 2010

The aim of this study is to analyze discursively how the relationship between educational institutions and workplaces materializes in the position of a vocational teacher. Several studies have pointed out that the role of vocational teachers is changing as a result of current educational reforms, which can be understood in terms of bringing education and work closer together. Along these lines, the author focuses particularly on the requirement of vocational teachers to work in close collaboration with industry and workplaces, and to serve economic interests. Vocational teachers are asked, for instance, to be networkers outside of educational institutions and to coach students who enter work life in order to enable favourable ‘learning at work’ experiences. Students' on-the-job learning is a normatively regulated, goal-oriented, guided, and evaluated study practice. The pedagogical responsibility for what happens to students at work remains with vocational teachers; however, the success of educational programmes depends on the willingness of employees to offer learning opportunities to students, and to guide and evaluate student learning according to the rules set by the educational curricula. How do these new practices challenge the traditional position of vocational teachers? How do vocational teachers negotiate and enact their agency in these circumstances?
Gender Patterns and Student Agency: Secondary School Students' Perceptions over Time
Authors: Holm Ann-Sofie
Published: June 2010

This article focuses on students' perceptions of gender relations in school over the last three decades. The analysis is based on data from three inquiry surveys in Swedish secondary schools from 1974, 1992 and 2005, and compares how young students (a) perceive the behaviour of boys and girls in a classroom situation, (b) value different aspects of family and work in their future lives, and (c) experience the power relations between girls/women and boys/men. The analysis indicates both stability and change. In some aspects, the students perceive certain classroom behaviour as highly gendered, but in parallel there is a trend that girls have taken on a more active role in the classroom and are more career-oriented than before. But even though girls seem to have expanded their positions of agency over time, they have not improved their overall status in the gender hierarchy. Rather, the results point in the opposite direction, since the general opinion is that it is more favourable to be male than female. Compared to 1974, this is expressed even more strongly in 2005.
Using Google Scholar to Estimate the Impact of Journal Articles in Education
Authors: van Aalst Jan
Published: June 2010

This article discusses the potential of Google Scholar as an alternative or complement to the Web of Science and Scopus for measuring the impact of journal articles in education. Three handbooks on research in science education, language education, and educational technology were used to identify a sample of 112 accomplished scholars. Google Scholar, Web of Science, and Scopus citations for 401 journal articles published by these authors during the 5-year period from 2003 to 2007 were then analyzed. The findings illustrate the promise and pitfalls of using Google Scholar for characterizing the influence of research output, particularly in terms of differences between the three subfields in publication practices. A calibration of the growth of Google Scholar citations is also provided.
What Teacher Education Can Learn From Blackface Minstrelsy
Authors: Lensmire Timothy J. , Snaza Nathan
Published: June 2010

Research on the racial identities of White future teachers has assumed and circulated an overly simplified, and ultimately unhelpful, conception of White racial identity. An alternative is needed, which the authors develop with reference to scholarship that explores White people’s participation in blackface minstrelsy. They argue that at the core of White racial selves is a profound ambivalence that must be accounted for if future research is to better illuminate what the racial identities of White future teachers mean for their development as educators.
Class Attendance in College
Authors: Credé Marcus , Roch Sylvia G. , Kieszczynka Urszula M.
Published: June 2010

A meta-analysis of the relationship between class attendance in college and college grades reveals that attendance has strong relationships with both class grades ( k = 69, N = 21,195, ρ = .44) and GPA ( k = 33, N = 9,243, ρ = .41). These relationships make class attendance a better predictor of college grades than any other known predictor of academic performance, including scores on standardized admissions tests such as the SAT, high school GPA, study habits, and study skills. Results also show that class attendance explains large amounts of unique variance in college grades because of its relative independence from SAT scores and high school GPA and weak relationship with student characteristics such as conscientiousness and motivation. Mandatory attendance policies appear to have a small positive impact on average grades ( k = 3, N = 1,421, d = .21). Implications for theoretical frameworks of student academic performance and educational policy are discussed.
Chinese Number Words, Culture, and Mathematics Learning
Authors: Ngan Ng Sharon Sui , Rao Nirmala
Published: June 2010

This review evaluates the role of language—specifically, the Chinese-based system of number words and the simplicity of Chinese mathematical terms—in explaining the relatively superior performance of Chinese and other East Asian students in cross-national studies of mathematics achievement. Relevant research is critically reviewed focusing on linguistic and cultural influences. The review (a) provides equivocal findings about the extent to which number words in the Chinese language afford benefits for mathematics learning; (b) indicates that cultural and contextual factors are gaining prominence in accounting for the superior performance of East Asian students in cross-national studies; and (c) yields emerging evidence from neuroscience that highlights interrelationships among language, cultural beliefs, and mathematics learning. Although it is not possible to disentangle the influences of linguistic, cultural, and contextual factors on mathematics performance, language is still seen as contributing to early cross-national differences in mathematics attainment.
Nanocharacterization in Dentistry
Authors: Sharma Shivani , Cross Sarah E. , Hsueh Carlin , Wali Ruseen P. , Stieg Adam Z. , Gimzewski James K.
Published: June 2010

About 80% of US adults have some form of dental disease. There are a variety of new dental products available, ranging from implants to oral hygiene products that rely on nanoscale properties. Here, the application of AFM (Atomic Force Microscopy) and optical interferometry to a range of dentistry issues, including characterization of dental enamel, oral bacteria, biofilms and the role of surface proteins in biochemical and nanomechanical properties of bacterial adhesins, is reviewed. We also include studies of new products blocking dentine tubules to alleviate hypersensitivity; antimicrobial effects of mouthwash and characterizing nanoparticle coated dental implants. An outlook on future “nanodentistry” developments such as saliva exosomes based diagnostics, designing biocompatible, antimicrobial dental implants and personalized dental healthcare is presented.
Ricin Toxin Activates the NALP3 Inflammasome
Authors: Lindauer Meghan , Wong John , Magun Bruce
Published: June 2010

Ricin exhibits well characterized ribotoxic actions that lead to the inhibition of protein synthesis and the phosphorylation of stress activated protein kinases (SAPKs). Proinflammatory effects of ricin are thought to be caused by upregulation of genes encoding proinflammatory transcripts as a result of the activation of c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) and p38 MAPK. We reported previously that macrophages and interleukin-1β (IL-1β) signaling are required for murine host immune responses to ricin delivered to the lungs. Here we report that ricin-mediated IL-1β release from bone-marrow derived macrophages is dependent on the NALP3 inflammasome, a scaffolding complex that mediates pro-IL-1β cleavage to active IL-1β by caspase-1. Release of IL-1β from macrophages was suppressed by the reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavenger N-acetyl cysteine (NAC) and high extracellular K+, which are two agents known to inhibit NALP3/cryopyrin/CIAS1 inflammasome formation. By employing inhibitors of p38 MAPK and JNK, we demonstrated that ricin-mediated release of IL-1β was enhanced, rather than suppressed, by inhibition of SAPK phosphorylation. In contrast, proteasomal inhibitors bortezomib and MG-132 completely suppressed ricin-induced IL-1β release from macrophages. These data suggest that ricin-mediated translational inhibition itself, by fostering the disappearance of labile protein(s) that normally suppress inflammasome formation, may constitute the mechanism underlying IL-1-dependent inflammatory signaling by ricin.
Loin des yeux du monde : quelques rêveries au cœur des conduites addictives
Authors: Grange David
Published: June 2010

Résumé Au cœur du discours des personnes boulimiques, alcooliques, toxicomanes, joueuses pathologiques… se retrouve, étonnamment récurrente, la même famille de rêveries, à base de déserts, de grottes profondes, de bouts du monde, de forêts oubliées… bref d’endroits où se cacher de la vie en général et de la société en particulier. Notre article s’attachera à explorer ces rêveries d’échappatoire, à les recenser, à les sérier, à en élucider la logique et les ressorts fondamentaux. Nous conclurons alors en nous demandant dans quelle mesure, au-delà de leur caractère évidemment douloureux et délétère, les conduites addictives peuvent également être envisagées comme des adaptations cohérentes à un sentiment particulier, lui-même reflet d’une certaine condition sociale : le sentiment d’être toujours et partout un intrus, le sentiment d’illégitimité.
Les jeux d'argent : un nouvel enjeu social ?
Authors: Järvinen-Tassopoulos Johanna
Published: June 2010

Résumé Le succès contemporain des jeux d’argent peut être expliqué par leur banalisation et par la popularité de certains jeux comme le poker. En dépit de cela, les conséquences négatives du jeu excessif sont connues. Dans plusieurs pays européens, le jeu pathologique est considéré comme un problème de santé publique. La responsabilité est devenue le nouvel emblème dans la lutte contre la dépendance au jeu. Les jeux d’argent sont une source de profits financiers considérables pour les États européens. L’enjeu social est de réguler le marché ludique en ligne et de trouver l’équilibre nécessaire entre les bénéfices et les coûts sociaux.
Narcotiques Anonymes, une expertise profane dans le champ des conduites addictives centrée sur le rétablissement, la gestion des émotions et l'entre-soi communautaire
Authors: Jauffret-Roustide Marie
Published: June 2010

Résumé En France, le modèle du soin aux toxicomanes est actuellement dominé par le paradigme de la réduction des risques. Les groupes Narcotiques Anonymes proposent à leurs membres une offre alternative basée sur l’abstinence de tout produit modifiant le comportement. Ces groupes d’entraide promeuvent une expertise profane empruntant au registre du sensible et des émotions, et présentant l’usage de drogues comme une souffrance, et la participation au groupe comme une forme de rédemption. Une double approche centrée à la fois sur l’analyse des interactions au sein du groupe NA et des relations avec les autres approches professionnelles est proposée dans cet article.
Séparation et refus : considérations sur le choix de l'anorexie
Authors: Recalcati Massimo
Published: June 2010

Dans cet article l’auteur montre, sur la toile de fond d’une relecture critique de Lacan et de sa propre expérience clinique, l’existence de différentes déclinaisons possibles du refus anorexique; le refus comme manœuvre de séparation, comme “refus du corps”, comme défense et comme “appétit de mort”.
La toxicomanie comme tenant lieu de symptôme
Authors: Macary-Garipuy Pascale
Published: June 2010

Prenant à la fois appui sur le fait clinique de l’angoisse surgissant à l’arrêt de la prise du produit, et sur la fonction logique du symptôme dans la structure, l’auteur soutient que la « toxicomanie » n’est pas une solution symptomatique. L’apparition de l’intoxication, fréquente au temps dit de « l’adolescence », pose la question d’un second temps du symptôme, temps qui serait évité par le sujet qui choisirait de fuir dans une jouissance non phallique, évitant d’assumer la rencontre avec l’Autre sexe et le non-rapport sexuel, soit reculerait devant la castration.
« Qu'importe qui parle, quelqu'un a dit qu'importe qui parle »
Authors: Charrier Thérèse
Published: June 2010

L’ expérience de ce cartel comme « plus une » fut une expérience de corps à corps avec le dispositif, sa mythologie et ses rituels : fonction du plus un ; déclaration ; titre ; production ; adresse ; dissolution .La question de l’usage de la cure et de l’intime s’y est posée de manière vive, interrogeant la place de différents dispositifs dans une association et la césure qu’ils créent entre sacré et profane.
Le réel, la jouissance, le hors-discours
Authors: Leblanc Jean-Pierre
Published: June 2010

A travers ce propos et cette réflexion sur l’analyse de pratique, il s’agit de montrer comment peut opérer une clinique qui s’oriente sur la question de la jouissance et du réel. Clinique engagée, qui ne recule pas devant ce qui objecte à la parole : ce qui affecte, ce qui trouble, ce qui se donne au plus opaque, peut être le signe du surgissement d’un réel qui, lorsqu’on peut en reconnaitre l’émergence, devient un chemin possible pour entendre la part d’inouï, la part d’ « impensable » à laquelle le sujet qu’on rencontre a à faire.
Cinética de separación de Cu (II) por técnicas de flotación iónica, en celdas con dispersores flexibles
Authors: Reyes M. , Tavera F. J. , Escudero R. , Patiño F. , Salinas E. , Rivera I.
Published: June 2010

Este estudio investiga y determina experimentalmente los parámetros cinéticos y el efecto de la modificación de las condiciones químicas e hidrodinámicas de las dispersiones aire-líquido, durante la separación de Cu (II) mediante técnicas de flotación iónica en celdas con dispersores porosos. Los resultados muestran que la eliminación de Cu (II) de la solución se puede llevar acabo por flotación iónica en una etapa, con 68 y 56 % de recuperación y una concentración de xantato de 0,02 g/l, para los difusores de burbujas cilíndrico y plano, respectivamente. En sistemas multi etapas cinco celdas, se lograron recuperaciones superiores al 92 % para ambas geometrías de dispersión. La constante cinética de flotación aparente mantiene un comportamiento lineal con los parámetros que caracterizan una dispersión (Jg, eg y Db), hasta un punto donde la inestabilidad del proceso vuelve inoperable el sistema. Los resultados muestran que la remoción de iones de metal base por técnicas de flotación iónica se ve fuertemente afectado por los factores: concentración de colector [C], Jg, eg, Db, Jl y Sb.
ACUTE AND SUBACUTE ORAL TOXICITY TESTS OF SINTERED DICALCIUM PYROPHOSPHATE ON OVARIECTOMIZED RATS FOR OSTEOPOROSIS TREATMENT
Authors: Yang Kai-Chiang , Wang Chen-Chie , Wu Chang-Chin , Hung Tsai-Yi , Chang Hsiu-Chi , Chang Hsiu-Kang , Lin Feng-Huei
Published: June 2010

Sintered dicalcium pyrophosphate (SDCP) is a synthetic pyrophosphate analog that could be utilized in the treatment for osteoporosis. In this study, an ovariectomized rat model is used to evaluate the systematic toxicity of orally administered SDCP relative to its effects on bone mass. Ovariectomized Wistar rats were treated with experimental medication with different dosing strategies (0.5 mg/kg five days weekly, and 2.5 mg/kg once weekly) for once (acute oral toxicity test) and four weeks (subacute oral toxicity test) followed by recovery period. Clinical signs of toxicity, body weight, and food consumption of rats were recorded. Blood samples were collected for hematological and blood biochemical analyses. Rats were sacrificed for necropsy and major visceral organs were harvested for histological examination after the recovery period. Long bones of four limbs were harvested to evaluate the effects of SDCP on bone mass. Results showed that there was no change in clinical signs, body weight, food consumption, hematology, blood biochemistry, necropsy, and histological examination attributable to the oral administration with SDCP to rats during the dosing period and the recovery period. Analysis of bone ashes revealed that the ovariectomized rats ingested with 0.5 mg/kg SDCP five days weekly continually for four weeks increased bone mineral contents significantly. In the ovariectomized rats ingested with 2.5 mg/kg SDCP once weekly continually for four weeks, the bone mineral contents were increased to normal bone quality. This study indicates that the SDCP can increase bone mass in the ovariectomized rat with no deleterious effects.
AN ADDITIVE POISSON DATA MODELING OF ATTENUATION MAP RECONSTRUCTION FROM POST-INJECTION POSITRON EMISSION TOMOGRAPHY TRANSMISSION SCAN
Authors: Chang Ming-Yue , Hsu Ching-Han , Lin Ming-Chao , Hsiao Ing-Tsung
Published: June 2010

We present an additive Poisson data modeling of attenuation map reconstruction from post-injection positron emission tomography transmission scan. The transmission scan data are modeled as a collection of independent Poisson observations which consist of true transmission, cross-contamination emission and random coincidences. The mean values of cross-contamination emission and random data are estimated by using Luk's approximation and Zaers' method, respectively. The unknown attenuation map is also modeled using a Gibbs image prior. Under the paradigm of Bayesian statistics, a pre-conditioned conjugate gradient algorithm is then used to compute a maximum a posteriori estimate of the attenuation map by maximizing over the posterior density. Evaluations are conducted on clinical data collected from a CTI EXACT HR+ scanner. Experimental results have indicated that the reconstructed results of attenuation map by the proposed reconstruction algorithm match well with theoretical values of soft tissue, bone and lung under 511 keV photons.
PLATINUM-BASED CONE MICROELECTRODES FOR IMPLANTABLE NEURAL RECORDING APPLICATIONS
Authors: Zarifi Mohammad Hossein , Frounchi Javad , Tinati Mohammad Ali , Judy Jack W.
Published: June 2010

There have been significant advances in fabrication of high-density microelectrode arrays using silicon micromachining technology in neural signal recording systems. The interface between microelectrodes and chemical environment is of great interest to researchers, working on extracellular stimulation. This interface is quite complex and must be modeled carefully to match experimental results. Computer simulation is a method to increase the knowledge about these arrays and to this end the finite element method (FEM) provides a strong environment for investigation of relative changes of the electrical field extension surrounding an electrode positioned in chemical environment. In this paper FEM simulation environment is used for modeling the metal–chemical interface, which provides helpful information about noise, impedance, and bandwidth for circuit designers to design the front-end electronics of these systems, more efficiently and reliable.
Designing of E-learning for Engineering Education in Developing Countries
Authors: Noroozi B. , Valizadeh M. , Sorial G. A.
Published: June 2010

Traditional education for engineers has shifted towards new methods of teaching and learning through the proliferation of Information and Communication Technologies (ICT). The continuous advances in technology enable the realization of a more distributed structure of knowledge transfer. This becomes critically important for developing countries that lack the resources and infrastructure for implementing engineering education practices. The two main themes of technology in designing e-Learning for engineering education in developing countries focus either on aspects of technological support for traditional methods and localized processes, or on the investigation of how such technologies may assist distance learning. Commonly such efforts are threefold, relating to content delivery, assessment and provision of feedback. This chapter is based on the authors ‘10 years’ experience in e-Learning, and reviews themost important key issues and success factors regarding the design of e-Learning for engineering education in developing countries.
Online Automated Essay Grading System as a Web Based Learning (WBL) Tool in Engineering Education
Authors: Ghosh Siddhartha
Published: June 2010

Automated Essay Grading (AEG) or Scoring (AES) systems are not more a myth they are reality. As on today, the human written (not hand written) essays are corrected not only by examiners / teachers also by machines. The TOEFL exam is one of the best examples of this application. The students’ essays are evaluated both by human & web based automated essay grading system. Then the average is taken. Many researchers consider essays as the most useful tool to assess learning outcomes, implying the ability to recall, organize and integrate ideas, the ability to supply merely than identify interpretation and application of data. Automated Writing Evaluation Systems, also known as Automated Essay Assessors, might provide precisely the platform we need to explicate many of the features those characterize good and bad writing and many of the linguistic, cognitive and other skills those underline the human capability for both reading and writing. They can also provide time-to-time feedback to the writers/students by using that the people can improve their writing skill. A meticulous research of last couple of years has helped us to understand the existing systems which are based on AI & Machine Learning techniques, NLP (Natural Language Processing) techniques and finding the loopholes and at the end to propose a system, which will work under Indian context, presently for English language influenced by local languages. Currently most of the essay grading systems is used for grading pure English essays or essays written in pure European languages. No one in today’s world can ignore the use of English in Engineering education. Better to tell in professional courses. All the Engineering branches or streams are normally supported with modern English and sometimes known as English-for-Engineers. This write-up focuses on the existing automated essay grading systems, basic technologies behind them and proposes a new framework to show that how best these AEG systems can be used for Engineering Education. E-learning has created the path of alternate education. Whereas the Web-based-learning (WBL) has made the path much easier. Use of AEG systems in a web based learning environment helps the students to know, use, and understand English much better than they used to do in normal classroom based study. Such kinds of AEG systems are very useful mainly for non-English spoken students, better to say – students whose mother tongue is not English. Normally found that English used by such students are influenced by local languages. Use of a AEG system will not only help students to write better English essay, score better in English and others subjects written in English.
Designing Animated Simulations and Web-Based Assessments to Improve Electrical Engineering Education
Authors: Holton Douglas L. , Verma Amit
Published: June 2010

Over the past decade, our research group has uncovered more evidence about the difficulties undergraduate students have understanding electrical circuit behavior. This led to the development of an AC/DC Concept Inventory instrument to assess student understanding of these concepts, and various software tools have been developed to address the identified difficulties students have when learning about electrical circuits. In this chapter two software tools in particular are discussed, a web-based dynamic assessment environment (Inductor) and an animated circuit simulation (Nodicity). Students showed gains over time when using Inductor, and students using the simulation showed significant improvements on half of the questions in the AC/DC Concept Inventory. The chapter concludes by discussing current and future work focused on creating a more complete, well-rounded circuits learning environment suitable for supplementing traditional circuits instruction. This in-progress work includes the use of a contrasting cases strategy that presents pairs of simulated circuit problems, as well as the design of an online learning community in which teachers and students can share their work.
The Use of Applets in an Engineering Chemistry Course
Authors: Trigo B.M. , Olguin G.S. , Matai P.H.L.S.
Published: June 2010

This chapter deals with the use of Applets, which are examples of software applications, combined with a specific methodology of teaching, based on Paulo Freire’s education concepts. According to his methods, co-creation between its participants is fundamental for the effectiveness of learning process. In that way, to promote a cooperative learning, the Applet should have interactive features. The Chemistry course of Polytechnic School of the University of São Paulo, in which students take in the first semester of the first year of the engineering course, was the case study. First, a research with the teachers of the Chemical Engineering Department was carried out, to identify the main problems and difficulties teachers and students face. Then, a topic was selected to be explored with the Applet, which was developed and applied to a small group of students. To identify the success of this experiment a questionnaire was created and the results are presented in this chapter. Some conclusions were drawn and the interactive features of the Applet received a positive feedback.
17β-Estradiol Promotes TLR4-Triggered Proinflammatory Mediator Production through Direct Estrogen Receptor α Signaling in Macrophages In Vivo
Authors: Calippe Bertrand , Douin-Echinard Victorine , Delpy Laurent , Laffargue Muriel , Lélu Karine , Krust Andrée , Pipy Bernard , Bayard Francis , Arnal Jean-François , Guéry Jean-Charles , Gourdy Pierre
Published: June 2010

17β-estradiol (E2) has been shown to promote the expression of inflammatory mediators by LPS-activated tissue resident macrophages through estrogen receptor α (ERα) signaling. However, it remained to be determined whether E2 similarly influences macrophages effector functions under inflammatory conditions in vivo, and whether this action of E2 resulted from a direct effect on macrophages. We show in this study that chronic E2 administration to ovariectomized mice significantly increased both cytokine (IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α) and inducible NO synthase mRNA abundance in thioglycolate (TGC)-elicited macrophages. The proinflammatory action of E2 was also evidenced at the level of released IL-1β and IL-6 by ex vivo LPS-activated macrophages. E2 concomitantly inhibited PI3K activity as well as Akt phosphorylation in TGC-elicited macrophages, suggesting that E2 promoted TLR-dependent macrophage activation by alleviating this suppressive signaling pathway. Indeed, this effect was abolished in the presence of the inhibitor wortmannin, demonstrating a key functional link between inhibition of PI3K activity and the E2 action on macrophage functions. Endogenous estrogens levels circulating in ovary-intact mice were sufficient to promote the above described actions. Finally, thanks to a CreLox strategy, targeted disruption of ERα gene in macrophages totally abolished the effect of E2 on the expression of inflammatory mediators by both resident and TGC-elicited peritoneal macrophages. In conclusion, we demonstrate that estrogens, through the activation of ERα in macrophages in vivo, enhance their ability to produce inflammatory mediators and cytokines upon subsequent TLR activation.
Deletion of IgG-Switched Autoreactive B Cells and Defects in Faslpr Lupus Mice
Authors: Aït-Azzouzene Djemel , Kono Dwight H. , Gonzalez-Quintial Rosana , McHeyzer-Williams Louise J. , Lim Min , Wickramarachchi Dilki , Gerdes Tobias , Gavin Amanda L. , Skog Patrick , McHeyzer-Williams Michael G. , Nemazee David , Theofilopoulos Argyrios N.
Published: June 2010

During a T cell-dependent Ab response, B cells undergo Ab class switching and V region hypermutation, with the latter process potentially rendering previously innocuous B cells autoreactive. Class switching and hypermutation are temporally and anatomically linked with both processes dependent on the enzyme, activation-induced deaminase, and occurring principally, but not exclusively, in germinal centers. To understand tolerance regulation at this stage, we generated a new transgenic mouse model expressing a membrane-tethered γ2a-reactive superantigen (γ2a-macroself Ag) and assessed the fate of emerging IgG2a-expressing B cells that have, following class switch, acquired self-reactivity of the Ag receptor to the macroself-Ag. In normal mice, self-reactive IgG2a-switched B cells were deleted, leading to the selective absence of IgG2a memory responses. These findings identify a novel negative selection mechanism for deleting mature B cells that acquire reactivity to self-Ag. This process was only partly dependent on the Bcl-2 pathway, but markedly inefficient in MRL-Faslpr lupus mice, suggesting that defective apoptosis of isotype-switched autoreactive B cells is central to Fas mutation-associated systemic autoimmunity.
Presumptive Acute Neural Toxoplasmosis in a Captive Red-Necked Wallaby (Macropus rufogriseus)
Authors: Hermosilla Carlos , Pantchev Nikola , Gies Nicole , Taubert Anja
Published: June 2010

A red-necked male wallaby (Macropus rufogriseus) from a German zoo was presented for acute onset of severe neurological signs, including head tremor, lethargy, unresponsiveness, and weakness. Serum biochemical abnormalities included increased LDH- and AST-levels, hyperproteinaemia, and reduced ALT-, ALP-, and creatinine-levels. The wallaby was found serologically positive forToxoplasma gondiiby the indirect haemagglutination test. After initiation of therapy by subcutaneous injections of trimethoprim/sulfadoxin, amelioration of neurological signs was noted and after 10 days the affected wallaby recovered.T. gondiican be confirmed rapidly by serology, and immediate therapy may reduce clinical illness and fatality of the disease within captive macropods.
The role of refugee-established churches in integrating forced migrants: A case study of Word of Life Assembly in Yeoville, Johannesburg
Authors: Nzayabino Vedaste
Published: June 2010

The increasing embeddedness of religious issues within contemporary global phenomena has increased the role religion plays in migrants’ spiritual, social, and economic lives. Drawing on the findings of the study, conducted within one of the Pentecostal migrant churches in Johannesburg, this paper explored ways in which a (migrant) church shapes a refugee’s motivation to integrate and his resultant quest for a transient alternative belonging and inclusion within diasporic communities through church affiliation. Through interviews with members of the Word of Life Assembly (WOLA), one of the independent churches established by forced migrants in Yeoville, the study revealed that refugees tend to integrate themselves within their own churches, while the refugee church itself – labelled a ‘foreign’ entity by South African community members – works to garner approval and acceptance from South Africans and faith-based institutions. Cultural and linguistic problems were identified as major barriers to a refugee’s attempts to integrate into local churches, thereby becoming important issues that need to be considered in the establishment of migrant churches within the South African host community.
Water quality and treatment of river bank filtrate
Authors: de Vet W. W. J. M. , van Genuchten C. C. A. , van Loosdrecht M. C. M. , van Dijk J. C.
Published: June 2010

Abstract. In drinking water production, river bank filtration has the advantages of dampening peak concentrations of many dissolved components, substantially removing many micropollutants and removing, virtually completely, the pathogens and suspended solids. The production aquifer is not only fed by the river bank infiltrate but also by water percolating through covering layers. In the polder areas, these top layers consist of peat and deposits from river sediments and sea intrusions. This paper discusses the origin and fate of macro components in river bank filtrate, based on extensive full-scale measurements in well fields and treatment systems of the Drinking Water Company Oasen in the Netherlands. First, it clarifies and illustrates redox reactions and the mixing of river bank filtrate and PW as the dominant processes determining the raw water quality for drinking water production. Next, full-scale results are elaborated on to evaluate trickling filtration as an efficient and proven one-step process to remove methane, iron, ammonium and manganese. The interaction of methane and manganese removal with nitrification in these systems is further analyzed. Methane is mostly stripped during trickling filtration and its removal hardly interferes with nitrification. Under specific conditions, microbial manganese removal may play a dominant role.
HESS Opinions "Ensembles, uncertainty and flood prediction"
Authors: Dance S. L. , Zou Q. P.
Published: June 2010

Abstract. Ensemble predictions are being used more frequently to model the propagation of uncertainty through complex, coupled meteorological, hydrological and coastal models, with the goal of better characterising flood risk. In this paper, we consider the issues that we judge to be important when designing and evaluating ensemble predictions, and make recommendations for the guidance of future research.
Soil-gas radon/helium surveys in some neotectonic areas of NW Himalayan foothills, India
Authors: Mahajan S. , Walia V. , Bajwa B. S. , Kumar A. , Singh S. , Seth N. , Dhar S. , Gill G. S. , Yang T. F.
Published: June 2010

Abstract. The present research is aimed at accessing the relationship between variation in the soil gases radon (222Rn) and helium (4He) and recently developed fissures and other neotectonic features in Nurpur and Nadha areas of the NW Himalayas, India. Two soil-gas surveys were conducted on/near known faults to reconfirm their position using soil gas technique and to check their present activity. During these surveys, soil-gas samples were collected along traverses crossing the observed structures. The data analysis reveals that the concentrations of radon and helium along the Dehar lineament and the longitudinal profile (Profile D) are very high compared to any other thrust/lineament of the Nurpur area. The Nadha area shows high values of radon and helium concentrations along/near the Himalayan Frontal Fault (HFF) as compared to the adjoining areas. This indicates the presence of some buried fault/fault zone running parallel to the HFF, not exposed to the surface and not delineated by satellite data but is geochemically active and might be tectonically active too. Hence, soil helium and radon gas patterns have been combined with morphological and geological observations to supply useful constraints for deformation of tectonic environments.
Water-induced granular decomposition and its effects on geotechnical properties of crushed soft rocks
Authors: Aziz M. , Towhata I. , Yamada S. , Qureshi M. U. , Kawano K.
Published: June 2010

Abstract. The widespread availability of soft rocks and their increasing use as cheap rockfill material is adding more to geotechnical hazards because time-dependent granular decomposition causes significant damage to their mechanical properties. An experimental study was conducted through monotonic torsional shear tests on crushed soft rocks under fully saturated and dry conditions and compared with analogous tests on standard Toyoura sand. Due to the sensitivity of material to disintegration upon submergence, saturated conditions accelerated granular decomposition and, hence, simulated loss of strength with time, whereas, dry test condition represented the response of the soil with intact grains. A degradation index, in relation to gradation analyses after each test, was defined to quantify the degree of granular decomposition. Possible correlations of this index, with strength and deformation characteristics of granular soils, were explored. Enormous volumetric compression during consolidation and monotonic loading of saturated specimens and drastic loss of strength parameters upon submergence were revealed. It is revealed that the observed soil behaviour can be critical for embankments constructed with such rockfill materials. Moreover, the enhanced ability of existing soil mechanics models to predict time-dependent behaviour by incorporating water-induced granular decomposition can simplify several in situ geotechnical problems.
Numerical modelling of historical landslide-generated tsunamis in the French Lesser Antilles
Authors: Poisson B. , Pedreros R.
Published: June 2010

Abstract. Two historical landslide-induced tsunamis that reached the coasts of the French Lesser Antilles are studied. First, the Martinique coast was hit by a tsunami down the western flank of Montagne Pelée at the beginning of the big eruption of May 1902. More recently, the northeastern coast of Guadeloupe was affected by a tsunami that had been generated around Montserrat by pyroclastic flows entering the sea, during the July 2003 eruption of the Soufrière Hills volcano. We use a modified version of the GEOWAVE model to compute numerical simulations of both events. Two source hypotheses are considered for each tsunami. The comparison of the simulation results with reported tsunami height data helps to discriminate between the tested source decriptions. In the Martinique case, we obtain a better fit to data when considering three successive lahars entering the sea, as a simplified single source leads to an overstimation of the tsunami wave heights at the coast. In the Montserrat case, the best model uses a unique source which volume corresponds to published data concerning the peak volume flow. These findings emphasize the importance of an accurate description of the relevant volume as well as the timing sequence of the source event in landslide-generated tsunami modelling. They also show that considering far-field effects in addition to near-field effects may significantly improve tsunami modelling.
Motor Neurons and Spinal Control of Movement
Authors: Carp Jonathan S , Wolpaw Jonathan R
Published: June 2010

Motor neurons are among the largest neurons in the central nervous system and have long axons that travel along peripheral nerves to innervate skeletal muscles. They are the final common pathway through which the brain controls bodily movement. Motor neurons receive excitatory and inhibitory synaptic inputs from sensory afferents and from pathways of supraspinal origin either directly or via interneurons. The intrinsic properties of motor neurons determine how these inputs are transformed into a sequence of action potentials that elicit muscle contraction. Motor neuron intrinsic properties are affected by neuromodulatory inputs from supraspinal and spinal pathways. Motor neurons are recruited in ways that make effective use of the muscle fibres they innervate. All motor actions – whether stereotyped behaviours (such as locomotion or withdrawal reflexes), or uniquely specified sequences of muscle contraction – reflect the interaction of supraspinal commands, sensory inputs and spinal cord interneurons.

Key Concepts:

Motor neurons are large neurons in the brainstem and spinal cord that innervate skeletal muscle; those innervating the same muscle are grouped in proximity to form a motor neuron pool.

The electrophysiological properties of an individual motor neuron are appropriately matched to the contractile properties of the muscle fibres it innervates; together, a motor neuron and its muscle fibres form a motor unit.

Motor neurons receive two types of synaptic inputs from descending pathways, spinal interneurons and segmental afferents: (1) excitatory and inhibitory inputs that directly affect membrane potential and (2) neuromodulatory inputs that alter the effects of the excitatory and inhibitory inputs on membrane potential.

The intrinsic properties of a motor neuron and the neuromodulatory influences it receives determine how its excitatory and inhibitory synaptic inputs are translated into a firing pattern that elicits muscle contraction.

Motor neurons are recruited in a stereotyped order according to the ‘size principle’, in which low‐force motor units are activated first, and sequentially higher force motor units are subsequently added to produce the total muscle force appropriate for the current action.

Networks (often called central pattern generators) composed of spinal interneurons support locomotion and other cyclical movement patterns by distributing rhythmic synaptic activity among different motor neuron pools in appropriate temporal sequences.