bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cross-Sectional Study to Assess Risk Factors for Leishmaniasis in an Endemic Region in Sri Lanka
Authors: Ranasinghe Shalindra , Wickremasinghe Rajitha , Munasinghe Asoka , Hulangamuwa Sanjeeva , Sivanantharajah Sundaramoorthy , Seneviratne Kamal , Bandara Samantha , Athauda Indira , Navaratne Chaturi , Silva Ositha , Wackwella Hasini , Matlashewski Greg , Wickremasinghe Renu
Published: August 2013

Sri Lanka reports significantly more cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) cases than visceral leishmaniasis (VL) cases, both of which are caused by Leishmania donovani MON-37. A cross-sectional study conducted in an area with a high prevalence of CL prevalent included 954 participants of an estimated population of 61,674 to estimate the number of CL cases, ascertain whether there is a pool of asymptomatic VL cases, and identify risk factors for transmission. A total of 31 cases of CL were identified, of whom 21 were previously diagnosed and 10 were new cases. Using rK39 rapid diagnostic test to detect antibodies against Leishmania spp., we found that only one person was seropositive but did not have clinical symptoms of CL or VL, which indicated low transmission of VL in this area. χ2 test, independent sample t-test, and multivariate analysis of sociodemographic and spatial distribution of environmental risk factors showed that living near paddy fields is associated with increased risk for transmission of CL (P ≤ 0.01).
Formation and Structure of Trivalent Chromium Process Coatings on Aluminum Alloys 6061 and 7075
Authors: Li Liangliang , Swain Greg M.
Published: August 2013

The formation mechanism and resulting structure of trivalent chromium process (TCP) conversion coatings on AA6061-T6 (UNS A96061) and AA7075-T6 (UNS A97075) were investigated. The formation of TCP on both alloys is driven by an increase in the interfacial pH caused by the dissolution of the passivating oxide layer, which leads to an elevated rate of proton-consuming cathodic reactions under open-circuit conditions. These reactions cause the interfacial pH to increase. This pH increase drives the hydrolysis of the fluorometalate precursors in the bath and results in the precipitation of a hydrated metal oxide coating on the surface. The coating appears to have a biphasic structure consisting of a hydrated zirconia (ZrO2·nH2O) and chromium hydroxide (Cr[OH]3) outer layer, and a fluoroaluminate (e.g., KxAlF3+x) interfacial layer. The coating thicknesses on both alloys are in the range of 80 nm to 100 nm. The TCP coating exhibited good stability on both alloys during full immersion testing in both naturally aerated sodium sulfate (Na2SO4) and sodium chloride (NaCl) electrolyte solutions. This was evidenced by no pits forming during immersion in chloride solution. The coating provided corrosion resistance to both alloys as polarization resistance (Rp) increased by about 100X in both Na2SO4 and the Na2SO4 + NaCl. Transient formation of Cr(VI) was detected in the coating on both alloys using Raman spectroscopy after immersion in air-saturated solutions.
Monte Carlo-based subgrid parameterization of vertical velocity and stratiform cloud microphysics in ECHAM5.5-HAM2
Authors: Tonttila J. , Räisänen P. , Järvinen H.
Published: August 2013

Abstract. A new method for parameterizing the subgrid variations of vertical velocity and cloud droplet number concentration (CDNC) is presented for general circulation models (GCMs). These parameterizations build on top of existing parameterizations that create stochastic subgrid cloud columns inside the GCM grid cells, which can be employed by the Monte Carlo independent column approximation approach for radiative transfer. The new model version adds a description for vertical velocity in individual subgrid columns, which can be used to compute cloud activation and the subgrid distribution of the number of cloud droplets explicitly. Autoconversion is also treated explicitly in the subcolumn space. This provides a consistent way of simulating the cloud radiative effects with two-moment cloud microphysical properties defined at subgrid scale. The primary impact of the new parameterizations is to decrease the CDNC over polluted continents, while over the oceans the impact is smaller. Moreover, the lower CDNC induces a stronger autoconversion of cloud water to rain. The strongest reduction in CDNC and cloud water content over the continental areas promotes weaker shortwave cloud radiative effects (SW CREs) even after retuning the model. However, compared to the reference simulation, a slightly stronger SW CRE is seen e.g. over mid-latitude oceans, where CDNC remains similar to the reference simulation, and the in-cloud liquid water content is slightly increased after retuning the model.
A 60 yr record of atmospheric carbon monoxide reconstructed from Greenland firn air
Authors: Petrenko V. V. , Martinerie P. , Novelli P. , Etheridge D. M. , Levin I. , Wang Z. , Blunier T. , Chappellaz J. , Kaiser J. , Lang P. , Steele L. P. , Hammer S. , Mak J. , Langenfelds R. L. , Schwander J. , Severinghaus J. P. , Witrant E. , Petron G. , Battle M. O. , Forster G. , Sturges W. T. , Lamarque J.-F. , Steffen K. , White J. W. C.
Published: August 2013

Abstract. We present the first reconstruction of the Northern Hemisphere (NH) high latitude atmospheric carbon monoxide (CO) mole fraction from Greenland firn air. Firn air samples were collected at three deep ice core sites in Greenland (NGRIP in 2001, Summit in 2006 and NEEM in 2008). CO records from the three sites agree well with each other as well as with recent atmospheric measurements, indicating that CO is well preserved in the firn at these sites. CO atmospheric history was reconstructed back to the year 1950 from the measurements using a combination of two forward models of gas transport in firn and an inverse model. The reconstructed history suggests that Arctic CO in 1950 was 140–150 nmol mol−1, which is higher than today's values. CO mole fractions rose by 10–15 nmol mol−1 from 1950 to the 1970s and peaked in the 1970s or early 1980s, followed by a ≈ 30 nmol mol−1 decline to today's levels. We compare the CO history with the atmospheric histories of methane, light hydrocarbons, molecular hydrogen, CO stable isotopes and hydroxyl radicals (OH), as well as with published CO emission inventories and results of a historical run from a chemistry-transport model. We find that the reconstructed Greenland CO history cannot be reconciled with available emission inventories unless unrealistically large changes in OH are assumed. We argue that the available CO emission inventories strongly underestimate historical NH emissions, and fail to capture the emission decline starting in the late 1970s, which was most likely due to reduced emissions from road transportation in North America and Europe.
HelioFTH: combining cloud index principles and aggregated rating for cloud masking using infrared observations from geostationary satellites
Authors: Dürr B. , Schröder M. , Stöckli R. , Posselt R.
Published: August 2013

Abstract. In this paper a cloud mask and cloud fractional coverage (CFC) retrieval scheme called HelioFTH is presented. The algorithm is self-calibrating and relies on infrared (IR) window-channel observations only. It needs no input from numerical weather prediction (NWP) or radiative transfer models, nor from other satellite platforms. The scheme is applicable to the full temporal and spatial resolution of the Meteosat Visible and InfraRed Imager (MVIRI) and the Spinning Enhanced Visible and InfraRed Imager (SEVIRI) sensors. The main focus is laid on the separation of middle- and high-level cloud coverage (HCC) from low-level clouds based on an internal cloud-top pressure (CTP) product. CFC retrieval employs a IR-only cloud mask based on an aggregated rating scheme. CTP retrieval is based on a Heliosat-like cloud index for the MVIRI IR channel. CFC from HelioFTH, the International Satellite Cloud Climatology Project (ISCCP) DX and the Satellite Application Facility on Climate Monitoring (CM SAF) were validated with CFC from the Baseline Surface Radiation Network (BSRN) and the Alpine Surface Radiation Budget (ASRB) network. HelioFTH CFC differs by not more than 5–10% from CM SAF CFC but it is higher than ISCCP-DX CFC. In particular the conditional probability to detect cloud-free pixels with HelioFTH is raised by about 35% compared to ISCCP-DX. The HelioFTH CFC is able to reproduce the day-to-day variability observed at the surface. Also, the HelioFTH HCC was inter-compared to CM SAF and ISCCP-DX over different regions and stations. The probability of false detection of cloud-free HCC pixels is in the same order as ISCCP-DX compared to the CM SAF HCC product over the full-disk area. HelioFTH could be used for generating an independent climate data record of cloud physical properties once its consistency and homogeneity is validated for the full Meteosat time series.
Cavity ring-down spectroscopy sensor for detection of hydrogen chloride
Authors: Hagen C. L. , Lee B. C. , Franka I. S. , Rath J. L. , VandenBoer T. C. , Roberts J. M. , Brown S. S. , Yalin A. P.
Published: August 2013

Abstract. A laser-based cavity ring-down spectroscopy (CRDS) sensor for measurement of hydrogen chloride (HCl) has been developed and characterized. The instrument uses light from a distributed-feedback diode laser at 1742 nm coupled to a high finesse optical cavity to make sensitive and quantifiable concentration measurements of HCl based on optical absorption. The instrument has a (1σ) limit of detection of < 20 pptv in 1 min and has high specificity to HCl. The measurement response time to changes in input HCl concentration is < 15 s. Validation studies with a previously calibrated permeation tube setup show an accuracy of better than 10%. The CRDS sensor was preliminarily tested in the field with two other HCl instruments (mist chamber and chemical ionization mass spectrometry), all of which were in broad agreement. The mist chamber and CRDS sensors both showed a 400 pptv plume within 50 pptv agreement. The sensor also allows simultaneous sensitive measurements of water and methane, and minimal hardware modification would allow detection of other near-infrared absorbers.
Photospheric high-frequency acoustic power excess in sunspot umbra: signature of magneto-acoustic modes
Authors: Zharkov S. , Shelyag S. , Fedun V. , Erdélyi R. , Thompson M. J.
Published: August 2013

Abstract. We present observational evidence for the presence of MHD (magnetohydrodynamic) waves in the solar photosphere deduced from SOHO/MDI (Solar and Heliospheric Observatory/Michelson Doppler Imager) Dopplergram velocity observations. The magneto-acoustic perturbations are observed as acoustic power enhancement in the sunspot umbra at high-frequency bands in the velocity component perpendicular to the magnetic field. We use numerical modelling of wave propagation through localised non-uniform magnetic field concentration along with the same filtering procedure as applied to the observations to identify the observed waves. Guided by the results of the numerical simulations we classify the observed oscillations as magneto-acoustic waves excited by the trapped sub-photospheric acoustic waves. We consider the potential application of the presented method as a diagnostic tool for magnetohelioseismology.
Electron beam relaxation in inhomogeneous plasmas
Authors: Voshchepynets A. , Krasnoselskikh V.
Published: August 2013

Abstract. In this work, we studied the effects of background plasma density fluctuations on the relaxation of electron beams. For the study, we assumed that the level of fluctuations was so high that the majority of Langmuir waves generated as a result of beam-plasma instability were trapped inside density depletions. The system can be considered as a good model for describing beam-plasma interactions in the solar wind. Here we show that due to the effect of wave trapping, beam relaxation slows significantly. As a result, the length of relaxation for the electron beam in such an inhomogeneous plasma is much longer than in a homogeneous plasma. Additionally, for sufficiently narrow beams, the process of relaxation is accompanied by transformation of significant part of the beam kinetic energy to energy of accelerated particles. They form the tail of the distribution and can carry up to 50% of the initial beam energy flux.
Summertime calcium carbonate undersaturation in shelf waters of the western Arctic Ocean – how biological processes exacerbate the impact of ocean acidification
Authors: Bates N. R. , Orchowska M. I. , Garley R. , Mathis J. T.
Published: August 2013

Abstract. The Arctic Ocean accounts for only 4% of the global ocean area, but it contributes significantly to the global carbon cycle. Recent observations of seawater CO2-carbonate chemistry in shelf waters of the western Arctic Ocean, primarily in the Chukchi Sea, from 2009 to 2011 indicate that bottom waters are seasonally undersaturated with respect to calcium carbonate (CaCO3) minerals, particularly aragonite. Nearly 40% of sampled bottom waters on the shelf have saturation states less than one for aragonite (i.e., Ωaragonite < 1.0), thereby exposing the benthos to potentially corrosive water for CaCO3-secreting organisms, while 80% of bottom waters present had Ωaragonite values less than 1.5. Our observations indicate seasonal reduction of saturation states (Ω) for calcite (Ωcalcite) and aragonite (Ωaragonite) in the subsurface in the western Arctic by as much as 0.8 and 0.5, respectively. Such data indicate that bottom waters of the western Arctic shelves were already potentially corrosive for biogenic and sedimentary CaCO3 for several months each year. Seasonal changes in Ω are imparted by a variety of factors such as phytoplankton photosynthesis, respiration/remineralization of organic matter and air–sea gas exchange of CO2. Combined, these processes either increase or enhance in surface and subsurface waters, respectively. These seasonal physical and biological processes also act to mitigate or enhance the impact of Anthropocene ocean acidification (OA) on Ω in surface and subsurface waters, respectively. Future monitoring of the western Arctic shelves is warranted to assess the present and future impact of ocean acidification and seasonal physico-biogeochemical processes on Ω values and Arctic marine ecosystems.
Lack of 13C-label incorporation suggests low turnover rates of thaumarchaeal intact polar tetraether lipids in sediments from the Iceland Shelf
Authors: Lengger S. K. , Lipsewers Y. A. , de Haas H. , Sinninghe Damsté J. S. , Schouten S.
Published: August 2013

Abstract. Thaumarchaeota are amongst the most abundant microorganisms in aquatic environments, however, their metabolism in marine sediments is still debated. Labeling studies in marine sediments have previously been undertaken, but focused on complex organic carbon substrates which Thaumarchaeota have not yet been shown to take up. In this study, we investigated the activity of Thaumarchaeota in sediments by supplying different 13C-labeled substrates which have previously been shown to be incorporated into archaeal cells in water incubations and/or enrichment cultures. We determined the incorporation of 13C-label from bicarbonate, pyruvate, glucose and amino acids into thaumarchaeal intact polar lipid-glycerol dibiphytanyl glycerol tetraethers (IPL-GDGTs) during 4–6 day incubations of marine sediment cores from three different sites on the Iceland Shelf. Thaumarchaeal intact polar lipids were detected at all stations and concentrations remained constant or decreased slightly upon incubation. No 13C incorporation in any IPL-GDGT was observed at stations 2 (clay-rich sediment) and 3 (organic-rich sediment). In bacterial/eukaryotic IPL-derived fatty acids at station 3, contrastingly, a large uptake of 13C label (up to +80‰) was found. 13C was also respired during the experiment as shown by a substantial increase in the 13C content of the dissolved inorganic carbon. In IPL-GDGTs recovered from the sandy sediments at station 1, however, some enrichment in 13C (1–4‰) was detected after incubation with bicarbonate and pyruvate. The low incorporation rates suggest a low activity of Thaumarchaeota in marine sediments and/or a low turnover rate of thaumarchaeal IPL-GDGTs due to their low degradation rates. Cell numbers and activity of sedimentary Thaumarchaeota based on IPL-GDGT measurements may thus have previously been overestimated.
Application of a model-based rainfall-runoff database as efficient tool for flood risk management
Authors: Brocca L. , Liersch S. , Melone F. , Moramarco T. , Volk M.
Published: August 2013

Abstract. A framework for a comprehensive synthetic rainfall-runoff database was developed to study catchment response to a variety of rainfall events. The framework supports effective flood risk assessment and management and implements simple approaches. It consists of three flexible components, a rainfall generator, a continuous rainfall-runoff model, and a database management system. The system was developed and tested at two gauged river sections along the upper Tiber River (central Italy). One of the main questions was to investigate how simple such approaches can be applied without impairing the quality of the results. The rainfall-runoff model was used to simulate runoff on the basis of a large number of rainfall events. The resulting rainfall-runoff database stores pre-simulated events classified on the basis of the rainfall amount, initial wetness conditions and initial discharge. The real-time operational forecasts follow an analogue method that does not need new model simulations. However, the forecasts are based on the simulation results available in the rainfall-runoff database (for the specific class to which the forecast belongs). Therefore, the database can be used as an effective tool to assess possible streamflow scenarios assuming different rainfall volumes for the following days. The application to the study site shows that magnitudes of real flood events were appropriately captured by the database. Further work should be dedicated to introduce a component for taking account of the actual temporal distribution of rainfall events into the stochastic rainfall generator and to the use of different rainfall-runoff models to enhance the usability of the proposed procedure.
Data compression to define information content of hydrological time series
Authors: Weijs S. V. , van de Giesen N. , Parlange M. B.
Published: August 2013

Abstract. When inferring models from hydrological data or calibrating hydrological models, we are interested in the information content of those data to quantify how much can potentially be learned from them. In this work we take a perspective from (algorithmic) information theory, (A)IT, to discuss some underlying issues regarding this question. In the information-theoretical framework, there is a strong link between information content and data compression. We exploit this by using data compression performance as a time series analysis tool and highlight the analogy to information content, prediction and learning (understanding is compression). The analysis is performed on time series of a set of catchments. We discuss both the deeper foundation from algorithmic information theory, some practical results and the inherent difficulties in answering the following question: "How much information is contained in this data set?". The conclusion is that the answer to this question can only be given once the following counter-questions have been answered: (1) information about which unknown quantities? and (2) what is your current state of knowledge/beliefs about those quantities? Quantifying information content of hydrological data is closely linked to the question of separating aleatoric and epistemic uncertainty and quantifying maximum possible model performance, as addressed in the current hydrological literature. The AIT perspective teaches us that it is impossible to answer this question objectively without specifying prior beliefs.
Temporal stability of soil moisture under different land uses/cover in the Loess Plateau based on a finer spatiotemporal scale
Authors: Zhou J. , Fu B. J. , Lü N. , Gao G. Y. , Lü Y. H. , Wang S.
Published: August 2013

Abstract. The Temporal stability of soil moisture (TSSM) is an important factor to evaluate the value of available water resources in a water-controlled ecosystem. In this study we used the evapotranspiration-TSSM (ET-TSSM) model and a new sampling design to examine the soil water dynamics and water balance of different land uses/cover types in a hilly landscape of the Loess Plateau under a finer spatiotemporal scale. Our primary focus is to examine the difference among soil water processes, including the wet-to-dry (WTD) process triggered by precipitation and the dry-to-wet (DTW) process caused by radiation among varied land uses/cover types. Three vegetation types and bare land were selected in the sampling scheme. For each land uses/cover type, four microplots (60 cm × 60cm) were established, and the soil moisture was measured at the central point (CP) and four ambient points (AP). The results indicated that (1) the bare land (plot1) was sensitive to the influence of rainfall and radiation compared with other land uses types; (2) Andropogon (plot2) and Spiraea pubescens (plot4) more efficiently represented the average soil moisture of the different land uses/cover in the WTD and DTW processes, respectively, in the CP position. In contrast, the bare land and Artemisia coparia (plot3) seemed to be more representative of the average soil water content in the AP position; (3) the ET-TSSM model demonstrated that, in the WTD processes, although Spiraea pubescens land use reached the net deficit of the soil water storage condition was longest, the vegetated land uses have a higher capacity of water consumption than bare land and more easily affected the serious condition of the soil water deficiency at the end of WTD processes. We concluded that a finer spatiotemporal scale in the TSSM study could be a new method to describe the effect of plant on soil moisture dynamics triggered by precipitation or radiation and that the improvement of the application of the TSSM-based model to hydrological processes could be a promising research subject in the future.
Predicting the Texas Windstorm Insurance Association claim payout of commercial buildings from Hurricane Ike
Authors: Kim J. M. , Woods P. K. , Park Y. J. , Son K.
Published: August 2013

Abstract. Following growing public awareness of the danger from hurricanes and tremendous demands for analysis of loss, many researchers have conducted studies to develop hurricane damage analysis methods. Although researchers have identified the significant indicators, there currently is no comprehensive research for identifying the relationship among the vulnerabilities, natural disasters, and economic losses associated with individual buildings. To address this lack of research, this study will identify vulnerabilities and hurricane indicators, develop metrics to measure the influence of economic losses from hurricanes, and visualize the spatial distribution of vulnerability to evaluate overall hurricane damage. This paper has utilized the Geographic Information System to facilitate collecting and managing data, and has combined vulnerability factors to assess the financial losses suffered by Texas coastal counties. A multiple linear regression method has been applied to develop hurricane economic damage predicting models. To reflect the pecuniary loss, insured loss payment was used as the dependent variable to predict the actual financial damage. Geographical vulnerability indicators, built environment vulnerability indicators, and hurricane indicators were all used as independent variables. Accordingly, the models and findings may possibly provide vital references for government agencies, emergency planners, and insurance companies hoping to predict hurricane damage.
Transit and residence times in the Adriatic Sea surface as derived from drifter data and Lagrangian numerical simulations
Authors: Poulain P.-M. , Hariri S.
Published: August 2013

Abstract. Statistics of transit and residence times in the Adriatic Sea surface, a semi-enclosed basin of the Mediterranean, are estimated from drifter data and Lagrangian numerical simulations. The results obtained from the drifters are generally underestimated given their short operating lifetimes (half life of ∼40 days) compared to the transit and residence times. This bias can be removed by considering a large amount of numerical particles whose trajectories are integrated over a long time (750 days) with a statistical advection–dispersion model of the Adriatic surface circulation. Numerical particles indicate that the maximum transit time to exit the basin is about 216–260 days for particles released near the northern tip of the Adriatic, and that a particle entering on the eastern Otranto Channel will typically exit on the other side of the channel after 170–185 days. A duration of 150–168 days is estimated as the residence time in the Adriatic Basin.
Reanalysing glacier mass balance measurement series
Authors: Zemp M. , Thibert E. , Huss M. , Stumm D. , Rolstad Denby C. , Nuth C. , Nussbaumer S. U. , Moholdt G. , Mercer A. , Mayer C. , Joerg P. C. , Jansson P. , Hynek B. , Fischer A. , Escher-Vetter H. , Elvehøy H. , Andreassen L. M.
Published: August 2013

Abstract. Glacier-wide mass balance has been measured for more than sixty years and is widely used as an indicator of climate change and to assess the glacier contribution to runoff and sea level rise. Until recently, comprehensive uncertainty assessments have rarely been carried out and mass balance data have often been applied using rough error estimation or without consideration of errors. In this study, we propose a framework for reanalysing glacier mass balance series that includes conceptual and statistical toolsets for assessment of random and systematic errors, as well as for validation and calibration (if necessary) of the glaciological with the geodetic balance results. We demonstrate the usefulness and limitations of the proposed scheme, drawing on an analysis that comprises over 50 recording periods for a dozen glaciers, and we make recommendations to investigators and users of glacier mass balance data. Reanalysing glacier mass balance series needs to become a standard procedure for every monitoring programme to improve data quality, including reliable uncertainty estimates.
RECLAIMING OF GROUND RUBBER TIRE BY SAFE MULTIFUNCTIONAL RUBBER ADDITIVES: II VIRGIN NATURAL RUBBER/RECLAIMED GROUND RUBBER TIRE VULCANIZATES
Authors: Mandal Swapan Kumar , Alam Md Najib , Roy Kumarjyoti , Debnath Subhas Chandra
Published: August 2013

Mechanochemically reclaimed ground rubber tire (GRT) was revulcanized in combination with virgin natural rubber (NR). The NR/GRT vulcanizates with GRT content 20–50 wt% were prepared and studied. Reclaiming of GRT was successfully carried out by tetra benzyl thiuram disulfide (TBzTD) in the presence of spindle oil at around ambient temperature. The cure characteristics and mechanical properties of the virgin NR/reclaimed GRT blend were studied. Increasing the reclaimed rubber (RR) content in the blend decreases the optimum cure time without altering the scorch time. The effect of carbon black was studied in NR/RR (80/20) blend vulcanizate for the ultimate use of NR/RR blend vulcanizate. Aging characteristics of different NR/RR blends were evaluated. The swelling behavior, thermo-gravimetric analysis, and dynamic mechanical properties of NR/RR blend vulcanizates were examined. The equilibrium swelling of the NR vulcanizates was reduced with increasing reclaimed rubber content. Thermal stability of the blend vulcanizates was increased with increase in reclaimed rubber content. The elastic and storage modulus of the NR/RR vulcanizates improved with increasing reclaimed rubber content. Scanning electron microscopy studies further indicate the coherency and homogeneity in the NR/RR vulcanizate.
FILLER NETWORKING OF A NANOGRAPHITE WITH A HIGH SHAPE ANISOTROPY AND SYNERGISM WITH CARBON BLACK IN POLY(1,4-CIS-ISOPRENE)–BASED NANOCOMPOSITES
Authors: Galimberti Maurizio , Kumar Vineet , Coombs Michele , Cipolletti Valeria , Agnelli Silvia , Pandini Stefano , Conzatti Lucia
Published: August 2013

A nanoGraphite (nanoG) having a high surface area and a high shape anisotropy, defined as the ratio between the crystallite dimensions in a direction orthogonal and parallel to structural layers, was used to prepare nanocomposites based on poly(1,4-cis-isoprene) (IR), in the neat polymer matrix and in the presence of carbon black (CB). Tensile and dynamic-mechanical measurements showed that nanoG forms a filler network at a relatively low concentration in neat IR and a hybrid filler network at a lower nanoG concentration in the presence of CB. A synergistic effect between the two carbon allotropes was found: composites containing both fillers present initial modulus values much higher than those calculated through the simple addition of the initial moduli of the composites containing only CB or nanoG.
EFFECT OF PARTICLE SIZE ON ULTRASONIC DEVULCANIZATION OF TIRE RUBBER IN TWIN-SCREW EXTRUDER
Authors: Isayev Avraam I. , Liang Tian , Lewis Todd M.
Published: August 2013

Ultrasonic devulcanization of tire rubber particles of 10 and 30 meshes by means of a new ultrasonic twin-screw extruder was investigated. The ultrasonic amplitude and devulcanization temperature were varied at a fixed frequency of 40 kHz. The die pressure and ultrasonic power consumption during devulcanization were recorded. The degree of devulcanization was investigated by measuring the cross-link density, gel fraction, and revulcanization behavior. Rubber of 30 mesh exhibited a lower die pressure and higher degree of devulcanization than that of rubber of 10 mesh. Because of the higher level of devulcanization and lower viscosity of devulcanized rubbers at higher amplitudes, the temperature of devulcanized rubbers at the die was reduced with an increase of the ultrasonic amplitude. Generally, the torque at the start of curing and maximum torque on the curing curve measured during revulcanization is higher for rubber of 10 mesh and rubbers devulcanized at a lower temperature. Rheological properties of devulcanized and revulcanized rubbers and mechanical properties of revulcanizates were measured. The complex viscosity of devulcanized and revulcanized rubbers of both meshes as a function of frequency exhibited a power-law behavior, with the power-law index being 0.06 for devulcanized rubbers and 0.02 for revulcanized rubbers. The consistency index of devulcanized and revulcanized rubbers was higher for rubber of 10 mesh; however, both rubbers showed a higher consistency index at a lower temperature. Cole–Cole plots, cross-link density, and gel fraction of devulcanized and revulcanized rubbers, revulcanization behavior, and modulus of revulcanizates separated in two distinct groups based on the level of devulcanization and effect on molecular structure of devulcanized rubber. Revulcanizates with a greater degree of devulcanization exhibited a higher elongation at break, whereas those with a lower degree of devulcanization exhibited higher strength and modulus. Revulcanizates of rubber of 30 mesh exhibited a consistently higher elongation at break. The normalized gel fraction versus normalized cross-link density was described by a unique function independent of the processing conditions and rubber particle size.
The International Court of Justice: Territorial and Maritime Dispute (Nicaragua v. Colombia)
Authors: Riesenberg David P.
Published: August 2013

In 2012, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) rendered its fourth judgment in Nicaragua v. Colombia. The case was first initiated by Nicaragua under the Bogotá Pact in 2001. The fourth judgment affirmed Colombia’s territorial sovereignty over a group of islands in the western Caribbean Sea and delimited a boundary between the two states’ zones of maritime jurisdiction. Even after eleven years of complicated proceedings, however, the parties’ conflicting claims are not yet completely resolved. The ICJ explicitly declined to address Nicaragua’s potential entitlement to the continental shelf beyond 200 nautical miles from its coastal baselines, including the portion of Nicaragua’s ‘‘outer’’ continental shelf that allegedly overlaps with Colombia’s maritime entitlements. For the foreseeable future, this aspect of the controversy will likely remain unresolved. One week after the ICJ rendered its fourth judgment, Colombia withdrew from the Bogotá Pact and thereby terminated its consent to the ICJ’s jurisdiction.
The European Court of Human Rights: Nada v. Switzerland
Authors: Zgonec-Rožej Miša
Published: August 2013

On September 12, 2012, the Grand Chamber of the European Court of Human Rights (the Court) ruled in Nada v. Switzerland that the implementation by Switzerland of the United Nations Security Council Al-Qaida Sanctions Regime violated the right to private and family life under Article 8, and the right to an effective remedy under Article 13 of the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR).
The African Union Convention for the Protection and Assistance of Internally Displaced Persons in Africa (Kampala Convention)
Authors: Asplet Mike , Bradley Megan
Published: August 2013

Known as the Kampala Convention, the African Union Convention for the Protection and Assistance of Internally Displaced Persons in Africa is the first regional treaty to comprehensively address the issue of internal displacement. Having entered into force with its fifteenth ratification on December 6, 2012, the Convention tackles a major humanitarian, human rights, and development issue for the African continent, as there are more than 9.7 million internally displaced persons (IDPs) in sub-Saharan Africa alone. The treaty builds on the 1998 Guiding Principles on Internal Displacement, integrating international human rights and humanitarian law norms as they relate to internal displacement, and incorporating principles from African regional standards such as the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, and the Great Lakes Protocol. While rooted in these standards, the Convention also reflects recent developments and the evolution of best practice regarding IDP protection. In so doing, the Convention advances the normative standard on internal displacement in a number of important areas, including in terms of the prohibition on arbitrary displacement; the responsibilities of international and regional organizations; internal displacement linked to the effects of climate change; and remedies for those affected by displacement.
Delving Deeper: Studying Baseball's Wild-Card Team Using Probability
Authors: Auer Richard E. , Knapp Michael P.
Published: August 2013

The modern era of professional baseball playoffs began in 1903, when the champions of the American League and the National League played the first World Series. Except for one year, 1904, this playoff system was maintained until 1969. Beginning in 1969, each of the two leagues in Major League Baseball (MLB) was divided into two divisions to accommodate the addition of extra teams in each league. From then through 1993, the two divisional champions in each league played against each other in an initial playoff round to determine which teams would go on to the World Series.
The Back Page: My Favorite Lesson: The Dog Pen Problem
Authors: Macks Judith
Published: August 2013

My favorite lesson is the Dog Pen problem: Suppose that you had 64 meters of fencing with which to build a rectangular pen for your large dog.
Escreviver o passado, cenaviver o presente: historiografia sobre cultura marginal no Piauí
Authors: Castelo Branco Edwar de Alencar , Brito Fábio Leonardo Castelo Branco
Published: August 2013

O trabalho visa a refletir sobre o processo de constituição de uma historiografia sobre a cultura e a arte marginais no Piauí. Para tanto, procura discutir as maneiras como tal produção se configura confaz dentro e fora do ambiente acadêmico, no qual ganha uma maior visibilidade, tendo em vista a formatação de grupos e projetos de pesquisa dedicados ao seu estudo. Também pretende analisar de que forma a escrita historiográfica piauiense sobre o tema se relaciona com a que é produzida em âmbito a nível nacional, observando, especialmente, a inserção de autores locais em publicações coletivas de maior abrangência.
Quando Clio toca as Pandoras: os arquivos entre histórias e memórias
Authors: Sagnes Sylvie
Published: August 2013

História e memória não são duas noções que podem sobrepor-se exatamente e isto tanto menos quanto o passado do qual elas dão conta traz a marca de um traumatismo da história. No coração das relações desarmônicas que têm Clio e Mnemósine, guarda-se o arquivo. Em semelhante caso, o tratamento do qual este é objeto constitui de modo incontestável um observatório das inumeráveis implicações que a rememoração do passado suscita. Se alguns duvidam dessa verdade, os trabalhos e ensaios franceses dos quais este artigo propõe a síntese o ilustram eloquentemente. Eles mostram, em contraposição às ambições que o arquivo suscita, o poder que nossas representações ocidentais imputam à sua posse. Alvo de uma violência de outro gênero, o arquivo negligenciado nutre polêmicas a favor das quais variam as alianças e se movem linhas de ruptura. Sobre o tabuleiro da memória, militantes, historiadores profissionais, políticos, legisladores e juízes jogam um jogo complicado, do qual, a contar dos anos 1980, participam as testemunhas assim como os historiadores provindos das fileiras das comunidades memoriais. À prova da prova, as memórias se entrechocam. Memórias dominadas e dominantes, vitimárias e heroicas, subjetivas e objetivas, memórias do coração e da razão se opõem em um estrépito cujos solavancos afetam infalivelmente a disciplina histórica.
The ER–Golgi intermediate compartment is a key membrane source for the LC3 lipidation step of autophagosome biogenesis
Authors: Ge Liang , Melville David , Zhang Min , Schekman Randy
Published: August 2013

Autophagy is a catabolic process for bulk degradation of cytosolic materials mediated by double-membraned autophagosomes. The membrane determinant to initiate the formation of autophagosomes remains elusive. Here, we establish a cell-free assay based on LC3 lipidation to define the organelle membrane supporting early autophagosome formation. In vitro LC3 lipidation requires energy and is subject to regulation by the pathways modulating autophagy in vivo. We developed a systematic membrane isolation scheme to identify the endoplasmic reticulum–Golgi intermediate compartment (ERGIC) as a primary membrane source both necessary and sufficient to trigger LC3 lipidation in vitro. Functional studies demonstrate that the ERGIC is required for autophagosome biogenesis in vivo. Moreover, we find that the ERGIC acts by recruiting the early autophagosome marker ATG14, a critical step for the generation of preautophagosomal membranes.
Computing away the magic?
Authors: Levine Michael
Published: August 2013

Computer simulations and quantitative imaging of Drosophila embryos have been used to recreate the dynamic activities of a complex transcriptional enhancer.
Didaktikk – i spennet mellom klassisk formidling og performativ praksis
Authors: Aure Venke
Published: August 2013

Denne artikkelen argumenterer for at overgripende vitenskapsteoretiske forhold ligger til grunn for forståelser av kunst og kunnskap. En eksponent for dette synet er Martin Jay slik han klassifiserer ulike former for kunstoppfatninger med utgangspunkt i disse forståelsesformenes vesensforskjellige epistemologiske tilhørighet (Jay 1995). Å vise til nivåsammenhengen mellom epistemologi og kunnskaps- og kunstforståelse kan vel nærmest fremstå som innlysende. Likevel er det sjelden å se at dette synspunktet, som vanligvis uttrykkes på et metaplan med generelle formuleringer om nivåsammenhenger, blir fulgt opp i form av mer spesifikke analyser av de påståtte relasjonene. Derfor vil jeg i denne innledende artikkelen konkret analysere og utvikle et teoretisk rammeverk for å undersøke sammenhengen mellom kunstdidaktiske forhold og epistemologi. Intensjonen er å bidra til en drøfting av hva en didaktikk på kunstens premisser kan innebære. Avslutningsvis sees dette temanummerets øvrige artikler i tilknytning til det teoretiske rammeverket som presenteres.
Identity in craft
Authors: Knutas Agneta
Published: August 2013

In contrast to efficiency, a bakery on the countryside in Norway is known for its slow pace of work. The slow pace allows the product, as well as the craftsperson, time in production and quality in relation to market. Therefore, the emphasis is on the importance of the aesthetic in craft, the building of identity as well as the association of tradition as part of the craft. Furthermore, allowing the time to understand both craft and tradition is what makes knowledge meaningful (Arendt, 1998/1958). Closely following craftsmen at a bakery in Norway, for two days, allowed the collection of observations and interviews. This paper is presented in narrative format. The study utilises support from Sennett (2009) and Arendt (1998/1958) in the analysis of the collected empirical data. The results regarding identity and enhancing vocational education in craft point towards the importance of concentration, judgement, an unhurried education process and a sociable master.
Perikhoresis' emansipatoriske impuls eller: Bert Brecht er død – leve Bert Brecht!
Authors: Valberg Tony
Published: August 2013

Hvilke likhetstrekk kan det være mellom så tilsynelatende forskjellige prosjekter som "lærestykkene" Bert Brechts publiserte i tiden 1929-1934 og den praksisen bandet Honningbarna utvikler i dag? Mest iøynefallende er kanskje det sterke emansipatoriske momentet begge prosjektene rommer. Begge representerer kunstforankrede strategier for å skape endring ved å intervenere i samfunnsveven. Ved å sammenligne prosjektenes ulike grep for intervensjon imøte med publikum, i møte med media, kollektive skapelsesprosesser og strategier for å utforske ennå navnløse sanselige felleskap, gir artikkelforfatteren slike estetiske spørsmål som blant andre Gregory Bateson, Jacques Rancière og Nicolas Bourriaud har ført i pennen en konkret forankring i en nordisk samtidspraksis.
Multiple Infections and Cancer: Implications in Epidemiology
Authors: Vedham Vidya , Divi Rao L. , Starks Vaurice L. , Verma Mukesh
Published: August 2013

Approximately 18% of the global cancer burden has been attributed to infectious agents, with estimates ranging from 7% in developed countries to about 22% in developing countries. Chronic infections caused by the hepatitis B and C viruses, human papilloma viruses (HPV), and Helicobacter pylori ( H. pylori) are reported to be responsible for approximately 15% of all human cancers. Interestingly, although many of the infectious agents that have been associated with cancer—such as HPV, Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), and H. pylori—are highly prevalent in the world, most infected individuals do not develop cancer but remain lifelong carriers. Malignancies associated with infectious agents may result from prolonged latency as a result of chronic infections. Pathogenic infections are necessary but are not sufficient for cancer initiation or progression. Cancer initiation may require additional cofactors, including secondary infections. Therefore, in patients with chronic infection with one agent, secondary co-infection with another agent may serve as an important co-factor that may cause cancer initiation and progression. Additionally, opportunistic co-infections could significantly inhibit response to cancer treatment and increase cancer mortality. Co-infections are relatively common in areas with a high prevalence of infectious agents, especially in developing countries. These co-infections can cause an imbalance in the host immune system by affecting persistence of and susceptibility to malignant infections. Several articles have been published that focus on infectious agents and cancer. In this article, we discuss the role of infectious agents in malignancies, highlight the role of multiple/co-infections in cancer etiology, and review implications for cancer epidemiology.
MicroRNA-145 Function as a Cell Growth Repressor by Directly Targeting c-Myc in Human Ovarian Cancer
Authors: Zhang Wenjing , Wang Qian , Yu Minglian , Wu Nan , Wang Hui
Published: August 2013

MiR-145 is reported to be significantly down-regulated in ovarian cancer. This study was aimed at elucidating the roles of miR-145 in regulating the biological behavior of epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) cells. In this report, we find out that up-regulation of miR-145 in OVCAR-3 and SKOV-3 cells inhibit cell proliferation and promote cell apoptosis. We show that miR-145 directly target the c-Myc 3′-UTR. Moreover, ectopic expression of c-Myc reduces the inhibition of cell proliferation caused by miR-145 transfection. Cell cycle assay showed that up-regulation of miR-145 reduces S phase population, and restoration of c-Myc can rescue this reduction. These findings indicate that miR-145 inhibits cell proliferation and promotes cell apoptosis by targeting c-Myc 3′-UTR. Therefore, the result indicated that miR-145 could be used as a potential therapeutic target in ovarian cancer.
Preoperative Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy for Retroperitoneal Sarcoma
Authors: El-Bared Nancy , Taussky Daniel , Mehiri Selma , Patocskai Erika , Roberge David , Donath David
Published: August 2013

The use of intensity modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) has allowed for the administration of high doses to retroperitoneal sarcomas (RSTS) while limiting toxicity to adjacent organs. The purpose of our study is to assess the outcome and toxicities of patients with RSTS treated with neo-adjuvant external beam radiation (EBRT) therapy using IMRT. This is a retrospective study of 21 patients treated with preoperative IMRT for primary or recurrent RSTS between 2005 and 2011. Overall survival (OS) and local recurrence free survival (LRFS) were computed using the Kaplan-Meier method (log-rank test). Acute and chronic toxicities were assessed using the CTCAE v. 3 criteria. The actuarial 2 and 3-year OS was 66% for both and the 5-year OS was 51%. As for LRFS it was 57% at 2 and 3-year and 51% for the 5-year LRFS. Factors predictive for local control were microscopically negative margins ( p = 0.022), a median tumor diameter <5 cm ( p = 0.007) and pathology of liposarcoma ( p = 0.021). Furthermore, patients treated for recurrent disease fared worse ( p = 0.04) in local control than patients treated for primary disease. As for OS, patients treated for Grade 1 histology had a better outcome ( p = 0.05). EBRT was generally well tolerated. Acute gastrointestinal (GI) Grade 1 or 2 toxicities occurred in 33% of patients and one patient had unexplained post-radiation Grade 2 fever that resolved after tumor resection. As for chronic toxicities 24% of our patients presented Grade 1 GI toxicity and one patient presented Grade 3 small bowel stenosis not clearly due to radiation toxicity. Despite the location and volume of the tumors treated, preoperative IMRT was very well tolerated in our patients with retroperitoneal sarcoma. Unfortunately local recurrences remain common and dose escalation is to be considered.
The Effects of Recent Sleep Duration, Sleep Quality, and Current Sleepiness on Eyewitness Memory
Authors: Thorley Craig
Published: August 2013

This study examined whether three sleep‐related variables (current sleepiness, the duration of the previous night's sleep and the quality of that sleep) were predictors of an eyewitness's ability to remember central and peripheral details from a crime. Participants first completed a self‐report questionnaire assessing their current sleepiness, then watched a video of a bank robbery, next completed a self‐report questionnaire about their previous night's sleep, and then had their memory of the crime tested. It was found that as the eyewitnesses' sleep quality decreased and their sleepiness increased, their ability to accurately recollect peripheral details from the crime was compromised. This is the first demonstration that variations in sleep prior to witnessing a crime, and sleepiness at the time of a crime, can predict eyewitness memory. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.