bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Application of Electroforming Processes in the Mirror Transfer of Living Organisms’ Surface Micro-Structure
Authors: Wang Ze , Ye Xia , Dai Guo Hong
Published: February 2012

Abstract. The research shows that the specific microstructure exists on many organisms’ surface and has specific functions. In order to solve serious energy crisis, pollution problems that the human beings are facing, designing and producing the high performance products with special surface functions have become the hotspot. Two kinds of plant leaves that have specific functions are chose in the paper. Two kinds of plant leaves are the zoysia leaf and pontederia leaf .Two kinds of plant leaves are superhydrophobicity. Through characterizing the surface microstructures of two samples by SEM, two kinds of plant leaves have the specific microstructures. In order to duplicate the specific microstructures, the electroforming processes were used. First, the two plants leaves were coated silver before electroforming. Second, the two plants leaves surfaces that are conductive are electroformed. Finally, the nickel film and the sample surface was separated by thermal expansion and contraction after the electroforming was finished. Then the nickel films with a mirror image structure of the samples surfaces microstructures were obtained. This provides cavities for duplication.
Liquid-Liquid Two-Phase Flow Patterns and Mass Transfer Characteristics in a Circular Microchannel
Authors: Zhang Xu Bin , Chen Dan , Wang Yan , Cai Wang Feng
Published: February 2012

In this paper, flow patterns and mass transfer characteristics of two immiscible fluids in a T-junction circular microchannel were investigated. Four flow patterns, i.e. slug flow, irregular flow, parallel flow and annular flow, were captured by a CCD method, which were resulted from the competition among interfacial tension, viscous force and inertia force. Besides, the overall volumetric mass transfer coefficients ka for the four flow patterns was determined experimentally. The values of ka are in the range of 0.006~0.545s−1 and mainly dependent on the superficial velocity and the flow pattern regime.
Effects of NaOH Concentration on Properties of Micro Arc Coatings on Magnesium Alloys
Authors: Zhang Shu Fang , Zhang Rong Fa , Li Wen Kui , Zhong Yi Min
Published: February 2012

Anodic coatings were prepared by micro arc oxidation on AZ91HP in a base solution of 18 g/L Na2SiO3ּ9H2Oand 4 g/L tannic acid with 5-20 g/l NaOH. The influence of NaOH concentration on final voltage and corrosion resistance were studied. The morphologies of anodic coatings were determined by environmental scanning electron microscope (ESEM). Potentiodynamic polarization test was performed in 3.5wt.% NaCl solution to evaluate the corrosion resistance of anodic coatings. The results show that the NaOH concentration has greatly effect on the final voltage, the compositions, thickness, morphologies and corrosion resistance. The corrosion resistance of anodic coatings is the best in the base solution containing 10 g/l NaOH.
Preparation and Mechanical Properties of Cotton Stalk Bast Fibers Reinforced Polypropylene Composites
Authors: Wu Zheng , Wei Chun Yan , Lv Li Hua
Published: February 2012

The cotton stalk bast fibers are a new kind of natural cellulose fibers, which have the similar properties as the flax fibers. Polypropylene (PP) is a type of matrix material and commonly used in composites. The cotton stalk bast fibers as reinforced materials and PP as matrix were used to make a new kind of composite in the experiment. The composites were prepared by mixing, molding and cold forming. Orthogonal experiment table including mass fraction of fibers, molding temperature, molding pressure and molding time was devised. Then the flexural strength, tensile strength and impact strength were tested and the analysis of range was done. The optimal processing condition was obtained as follows: mass fraction of fibers was 30%, molding temperature was 190°C, molding pressure was 12MPa and molding time was 480s. The result showed that the cotton stalk bast fibers reinforced PP composites had good mechanical properties.
Processing and Abrasive Wear Study of Fe-Al2O3-TiC Composite by Pressureless Ti-Activated Reactive Melt Infiltration
Authors: Shi Yong Liang , Guo Zhi Meng , Hao Jun Jie , Lin Tao , Zeng Xian
Published: February 2012

Fe-Al2O3-TiC composite were fabricated by pressureless Ti-activated reactive melt infiltration. In this paper, a kind of Al2O3-Ti porous skeleton was prepared to be inﬁltrated with Fe-2Cr-3C alloy under vacuum. The microstructure and component analysis was investigated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD). Subsequently, the wear testing was conducted to investigate the wear resistance of the Fe-Al2O3-TiC composites. The result show that the Fe-2Cr-3C alloy melt can full infiltrate the two kinds of Al2O3-Ti porous skeleton at 1390°C for 2 h. In the Fe-Al2O3-TiC composite, the coarse Al2O3 particles was surrounded by the TiC layer, which was generated by the Ti-C in-situ reaction in the infiltration process. The abrasive wear resistance of Fe-Al2O3-TiC composite is better than that of the wear resistant cast iron commonly used in industry.
Finite-Time Observer Design for a Class of Markovian Jump Systems
Authors: Xiao Cheng Yong , Xiang Wei Ming
Published: February 2012

Markovian jump systems are often used to model occurrence of failures and repairs in manufacturing systems. This note concerns the state estimation problem for a class of Markovian jump systems, where the Markovian jump only occurs in some short time intervals. For this class of Markovian jump systems, the boundness of estimation error deserves our investigation. By introducing the concepts of finite-time stochastic stability, an observer ensuring the estimation error bounded in a prescribed boundary is constructed and the result is extended to γ-disturbance attenuation case. A design algorithm is proposed when some parameter optimization is involved. Numerical design examples are given to illustrate the effectiveness of our results.
An Improved Hybrid Genetic Algorithm and Performance Study
Authors: Ji Wei Dong , Wang Ke Qi
Published: February 2012

Put forward a kind of the hybrid improved genetic algorithm of particle swarm optimization method (PSO) combine with and BFGS algorithm of, this method using PSO good global optimization ability and the overall convergence of BFGS algorithm to overcome the blemish of in the conventional algorithm slow convergence speed and precocious and local convergence and so on. Through the three typical high dimensional function test results show that this method not only improved the algorithm of the global search ability, to speed up the convergence speed, but also improve the quality of the solution and its reliability of optimization results.
The Development of Control System for Lowcost Automatic Welding Equipment of Aluminum Radiator Head
Authors: Ma Ju Lian , Zhou Hao Bin , Xu Xiang Qian , Wang Xiao Wei
Published: February 2012

Considering the characteristic of welding process for all-aluminum radiator and meeting the needs of Chinese production site, low-cost automatic welding equipment for aluminum radiator head has been designed, and this paper focuses on its electrical controls. The microkernel of main control board is C8051F020. Based on this board the subsystems for the entire piece of this equipment has been established, which include LCD，automatic welding, manual operation , welding parameters setting ,etc. Through trial runs of the machine, it indicates that the design of the electrical controls for the equipment is rational, full-featured, and works reliably and efficiently. And the quality of welding is well.
The Design and Implementation of Interactive HMI Based on Bluetooth Technology
Authors: Ge Qian Qian
Published: February 2012

The response time and limited resources in embedded system graphic interactive interface is not a small risk. This paper describes an implementation based on Philips ARM7TDMI LPC2104 microcontroller and lightweight Bluetooth interactive graphical interface. The paper indicates from the hardware design, software application development two aspects and puts forward a graphical interface based on Bluetooth technology system implementation process, comparing the different systems of other graphic design features.
Studies on Photo-Catalysis Degradation of Rhodamine B Using Titanium Dioxide - Carbon Composite Materials
Authors: Sun Sheng Min
Published: February 2012

The composite materials was made using high-viscosity clay as carrier, activated carbon as adsorbent, and titanium dioxide as photocatalyst .The effect of its photocatalytic degradation activity of Rhodamine B was studied. The results showed that the catalytic activity got the maximun at pH of the reaction solution 10, the composite dosage of 5g, calcination temperature of 550°C, activated carbon: titanium dioxide as 0.75:1.
Experimental Study of the Tunnel Thermal Environment Adjustment
Authors: Shi Ling , Chen Hong Mei , Yu Xin Ming , Yang Wei Zhong , Deng Jin Can
Published: February 2012

Abstract. The purpose of the paper is study the tunnel air environment adjustment. We built a set-up according to the similarity law. Temperature, air flow velocity, and the humidity in the model tunnel were measured using a measurement system. Experimental data were obtained under the ventilation duct at the top of the tunnel. The results show that adjusting velocity and humidity of the supply air flow can satisfy the Safety Regulation for Metal and No-metal Mines.
Study on the Environmental Effects of Earth Berm in Deep Excavation
Authors: Liu Shuang Ju , Wan Dong Yuan , Liu Ju
Published: February 2012

Deep excavation in metropolitan areas causes more problems for the urban environment than before. Such environmental problems include surface ground subsidence, damages to the existing building, utility pipelines and safe construction of the new buildings, etc. Different excavation procedures have different influences on the environment. This paper explores the different excavation approaches and their influences on the ground environment by means of numerical analysis, and the methods to reduce the ground subsidence in the vicinity of the excavation, conclusions are helpful to urban construction.
Electrochemical Aptasensor for L-Histidine Detection via Self-Cleavage of DNAzymes and Amplification of End-Truncated Elongated Tetrahexaheral Gold Nanocrystals
Authors: Chen Zheng Bo , Mu Xiao Jiao , Li Jing , Li Li Dong , Guo Lin
Published: February 2012

A sensitive aptamer-based signal-on sensor for real-time detection of L-histidine via self-cleavage of DNAzymes and amplification of elongated tetrahexaheral gold nanocrystals (end-truncated-ETHH-Au-NCs) is presented. The introduction of target L-histidine induced self-cleavage of DNAzymes on the end-truncated-ETHH-Au-NCs modified glassy carbon electrode (GCE) into the solution. The resulting change in electron transfer efficiency is readily measured by square wave voltammetry (SWV) at target L-histidine concentrations as low as 0.1 pM, the increase in the SWV peak current is linear with the concentration of L-histidine in the range from 0.1 pM to 0.1 μM. The fabricated aptasensor shows a high speciﬁcity for L-histidine which is not affected by the coexistence of other amino acids, and an excellent enantio-selectivity toward L-histidine was achieved.
Effect of Nitrogen Fertilizer on Wheat Uptake of Soil N in a Pot Experiment
Authors: Huang Bao Tong , Zhou Hua
Published: February 2012

A pot experiment was conducted to determine the effect of nitrogen fertilizer on the uptake of soil native N and fertilizer N by spring wheat using15N isotopic dilution method. The results showed that fertilizer N addition restrained the uptake of soil N via a negative added nitrogen interaction (ANI), and the effect being more at higher rates of application. Additionly, fertilizer N increased the uptake of fertilizer N by wheat, in which grain uptook most of the nitrogen, followed by straw and root. The nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) ranged from 27%~51%, while 36%~63% of the fertilizer-N remained in soil ready for successive crop growth.
Environmental Performance Assessment for Heterogeneous Azeotropic Distillation Partitioned Distillation Column
Authors: Li Jun , Wang Jun , Ma Zhan Hua , Sun Lan Yi
Published: February 2012

A heterogeneous azeotropic distillation partitioned distillation column (HADPDC) for alcohol dehydration was investigated compared to a conventional heterogeneous azeotropic distillation sequence (CHADS) from environmental performance perspective by using the software Aspen Plus. HADPDC can eliminate the condenser of the second column and decrease the degree of back-mixing. The optimal design of HADPDC guaranteed the minimum energy consumption, which is related to the minimum CO2 emissions.
A Method of Fabric Defects Detection Based on Biorthogonal Wavelet Lifting Scheme
Authors: Chen Shu Yue , Xu Ming Qian
Published: February 2012

A new technique to inspect fabric defects based on biorthogonal wavelet lifting scheme is presented. In order to get fabric defect detection of rapidity and accuracy, the method is applied to constructs biorthogonal wavelet by lifting scheme and extracts the image characteristic features. The results show that its computing speed is increased by an average of 47% compared with the Mallat algorithm. And it overcomes the lack of space symmetry such as the orthogonal wavelet. The experimental results confirm that it can efficiently inspect four kinds of common fabric defects, warp-lacking, weft-lacking, oil stains, and holes with higher inspection speed.
Preparation and Ferroelectric Properties of Lead-Free Bi0.5Na0.5TiO3-BaTiO3 Ceramics Synthesized with Citrate Method
Authors: Zheng Xiu Cheng , Zheng Guang Ping , Lin Zheng , Jiang Zhi Yuan
Published: February 2012

Lead-free (1-x)Bi0.5Na0.5TiO3-xBaTiO3(BNT-xBT) nano-powders synthesized by a modified citrate method and the sintered ceramics were characterized using various techniques. The rSubscript textesults indicated that all the BNT-xBT samples were homogeneous with a pure perovskite crystal structure. It is found BNT-0.1BT exhibitSubscript texts the best ferroelectric properties. BNT-0.0Subscript text6BT has excellent performance in thermo-electrical energy conversion.
Measurement of Chlorophyll Content in Wheat Leaves Using Laser Scattering Image
Authors: Zhang Xiao Juan , Zhang Cui Hong , Li Yan
Published: February 2012

Laser back-scattering images of wheat leaves (green leaves, yellow leaves and dry leaves)are obtained with video imaging system, the optical parameters (absorption coefficient and reduced scatering coefficient)of the wheat leaves are reversed with diffusion approximation theory, the functional relations between optical parameters(at 670nm) and chlorophyll contents (SPAD value)of the leaves are studied. The results demonstrate that: wheat leaf optical parameters and chlorophyll content present linear correlation, it is feasible for determing plant chlorophyll content with laser back-scattering image technology. These researches are very valuable for diagnosis crop condition with the results of laser scattering image
Numerical Simulation of TLP Bonding Process of 20 Steel Tubes
Authors: Tang Heng Juan , Chen Si Jie
Published: February 2012

Finite element numerical dynamic simulation of the TLP bonding process of 20 steel tubes was conducted using ANSYS, finite element analysis software. The results show that there is a sharp decline in the performance of the joint and the neighboring parent material during the initial cooling stage in the transitional phase diffusion bonding process. When the isothermal solidification temperature is increased, the welding deformation becomes more apparent, and the residual stress on both sides of the joint is reduced. Thus, the weak area of TLP bonding can be found near the middle. A reasonable choice of interlayers can relieve stress concentration and increase the TLP bonding joint performance.
The Simulation of Natural Gas Production System by Using Nodal Analysis
Authors: Li Ling Feng , Liu Xiao Ming , Huang Zhi Qiang
Published: February 2012

The simulating software using nodal analysis of natural gas production is developed aimed at helping the natural gas production engineers to diagnose, analyze and design in natural gas production. This paper presents the development background, structure,technical contents of the software and examples for application. By testing,the software has a strong practicality and accuracy. It will provide a useful tool for natural gas production engineers
Influencing Parameters Analysis of Solar Energy Regenerator Performance
Authors: Li Xian Li , Li Chao , Lv Jian , Zhang Zhi Gang , You Shi Jun
Published: February 2012

The paper studied the effect of running and structural parameters on solar energy regenerator performance, in which pebble was storage material. Comparing simulated values to tested values of outlet air temperature, good agreement was achieved, which proved the model was correct. Taking average regenerative power as target function, the simulated results showed that the larger inlet air temperature, the larger average regenerative power. The smaller void fraction, the larger average regenerative power. The larger cross section velocity, the larger average regenerative power.
Study on the Contrast of Different Carriers on Degradation of Pollutants
Authors: Li Peng , Wang Qun Hui , Zheng Tian Long , Wang Juan
Published: February 2012

In this literature, two phases of contrast experiments on the removal of COD and ammonia by different carriers were carried out. The results showed that the removal ability of COD by saran lock carriers was superior to other carriers. The removal ability of ammonia by saran lock carriers and spiral carriers were better in contrast with other carriers in two phases experiment respectively. Saran lock carriers were the best and suspended carriers were the worst in the carriers we tested considering the results of two phases of contrast experiments.
Extraction Process of L-Theanine across Aiquat 336-Kerosene Bulk Liquid Membrane
Authors: Huang Du Shu , Huang Zhao Long , Wu Na , Wang Jing , Xu Chun , Liu Wei
Published: February 2012

L-theanine was extracted by bulk liquid membrane containing Aliquat 336 as a carrier and kerosene as solvent. The effects of theanine initial concentration, carrier concentration and ion concentration in the extracting phase on separation performance were discussed and appropriate extractive conditions were established.
Extending Fault Blocks to Avoid Livelock for a Logic-Based Distributed Fault-Tolerant Routing Algorithm of Networks-on-Chip
Authors: Chen Yan Cang , Xie Lun Guo
Published: February 2012

For logic-based distributed fault-tolerant routings, livelock is a troublesome challenge. In this paper, we prove the sufficient conditions which make the fault-tolerant routing PR-WF [1] to be livelock-free. Due to the diversity of fault blocks, it is almost impossible to verify the sufficient condition of livelock-free by a formal method. In this paper, both visual analysis and enumerative simulation methods are taken to prove livelock theorems. In order to avoid livelock, an algorithm is presented to extend fault blocks. Experimental results show that, it has to disable no more than 1.8% no-faulty links to avoid livelock if the true faulty link rate is 10%.
Structural Analysis and Optimal Design of Girders of a Special Astronomical Doom
Authors: Zhu Ping , Bai Ying
Published: February 2012

Static analysis and optimal design are applied into the designing process of a special astronomical doom. Using the software Solidworks Cosmos2004, original design is statically analyzed. According to the shortcoming, the mathematical model is constituted and the optimal design is given. The results of optimal design meet the design demand of the astronomical doom. The optimal design shows that there has been a great decline in the number of steel and the price of the doom. It is practical to put the optical design into the designing process of the mechanical products.
Modeling and Experimental Verification of Solid-Liquid Two-Phase Flow Long-Distance Pipeline Friction Drag Loss Based on LS-SVM
Authors: Wu Jian De , Yuan Xu Yi , Fan Yu Gang , Wang Xiao Dong
Published: February 2012

The mechanism model needs to assume a lot of prerequisites, but it is lack of these conditions in the solid-liquid two-phase flow in long-distance pipeline, therefore there will be a deviation between the friction drag loss of mechanism model and the actual value. This paper adopted the least square support vector machine (LS-SVM) to fix the value of the mechanism model, and increase the prediction accuracy. Meanwhile, for improving real-time online LS-SVM performance, introducing the local LS-SVM. The experiment result shows, LS-SVM and local LS-SVM greatly improved the forecast accuracy, compared with the mechanism model correction.
Simulation Based Optimization of Overhang Dimensions with Architectural Materials
Authors: Guo Chang
Published: February 2012

To determine the optimal overhang dimension, a typical building was modeled and its energy consumption was calculated by the conventional method which based on the formula of overhang coefficient and the simulation with software DeST-h, respectively. Results shows that the simulation method by DeST-h software provides more accurate shading dimensions compared to the conventional one.
The Determination of Eight Pesticides in Panax notoginseng of Chinese Traditional Medicine Using Solid-Phase Extraction and Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Wu Na , Zhang Yu Da , Liu Wei , Yi Ping , Wang Ze Feng , Huang Du Shu
Published: February 2012

A simple and effective extraction method based on solid-phase extraction (SPE) was developed to determine chlorothalonil, metalaxyl, triadimefon, dimetachlone, procymidone, flumetralin, oxadixyl and iprodione in Panax Notoginseng using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry with selected ion monitoring (GC/MS, SIM). The prepared samples were analysed with GC-MS in the selected ion monitoring mode (SIM) using one target and two or three qualitative ions for each analyte. In the method, hexane - dichloromethane（6:4，v/v）was selected to effectively extract the pesticides from the Panax Notoginseng samples. Solid-phase extraction was carried out using Supelclean ENVI-Carb/NH2 SPE Column with acetonitrile-toluene (3:1, v/v) as the eluted solvent. In the linear range of each pesticide, the correlation coefficient was R2≥0.99. The limit of detection ranged from 0.001 to 0.05 µg.mL-1, average recoveries ranged from 79.80% to 95.00%, with relative standard deviations between 1.96% and 4.32% for all 8 pesticides.They were readily achieved with this method for all tested pesticides.
RBM10 Modulates Apoptosis and Influences TNF-α Gene Expression
Authors: Wang Ke , Bacon Mackensey L. , Tessier Julie J. , Rintala-Maki Nina D. , Tang Vanessa , Sutherland Leslie C.
Published: February 2012

Recent evidence suggests that protein encoded by the RNA Binding Motif 10 (RBM10) gene has the ability to modulate apoptosis. The objective of this study was to test this hypothesis by manipulating RBM10 expression levels and examining the downstream consequences. The results showed that transient overexpression of RBM10 correlated with significantly elevated levels of tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) mRNA and soluble TNF-α (sTNF-α) protein, and increased apoptosis (phosphatidyl serine exposure on the outer cell membrane and nuclear condensation). Stable RNA interference-mediated RBM10 knockdown clones were less susceptible to TNF-α-mediated apoptosis, and had decreased sTNF-α protein levels. Elevated levels of TNF-α associated with RBM10 overexpression resulted from increased TNF-α transcription, not TNF-α mRNA stabilization. These results suggest that RBM10 has the ability to modulate apoptosis, and that it does so via a mechanism involving alterations to TNFR super family-mediated signaling. These data provide the first direct evidence that human RBM10 can function as an apoptosis modulator and cytokine expression regulator.
Indissociabilidade entre ensino e pesquisa: a qualidade da graduação em tempos de democratização
Authors: Da Cunha Maria Isabel
Published: February 2012

O texto discute a premissa da indissociabilidade do ensino e da pesquisa no contexto da pedagogia universitária. Procura compreender as formas de produção desse discurso e as recontextualizações necessárias para inserir-se na atualidade. Afi rma que a nebulosidade conceitual que envolve a relação ensino e pesquisa tem consequências nos processos de ensinar e aprender na universidade e no projeto de formação dos docentes que atuam nesse nível de ensino. Recupera a perspectiva epistemológica do ensino com pesquisa, enfatizando a necessidade de fazer rupturas com a concepção da ciência moderna que incide fortemente nas práticas cotidianas de ensinar e aprender. Analisa as exigências que esse movimento traz para a didática da educação superior, na direção de inovações pedagógicas que tomem a relação ensino e pesquisa como um princípio metodológico.
Educação superior e formação de professores: o papel da investigação na constituição identitária profissional docente
Authors: Dotta Leanete Thomas , Lopes Amélia , Giovanni Luciana Maria
Published: February 2012

Este artigo tem por objetivo discutir elementos ligados ao papel da pesquisa na constituição identitária de formadores de professores que atuam em cursos de Licenciaturas, no contexto da educação superior brasileira. A refl exão é resultado da análise de dados que emergiram de um estudo sobre identidades profissionais de formadores de professores, que, por sua vez, objetivou conhecer e analisar as identidades profissionais docentes de formadores de professores de cursos de Licenciaturas. As discussões centram-se na dupla face das identidades profissionais dos sujeitos – as identidades biográfi cas (para si) e as estruturais (para o outro). Os dados foram recolhidos por entrevista semi diretiva e a análise de conteúdo foi realizada com apoio do software Nvivo 8. Apresenta-se a caracterização dos sujeitos com relação ao gênero, estado civil, número de fi lhos e dados referentes às questões socioeconômicas. Apresenta-se ainda o seu perfi l de formação. Os dados referentes às questões que envolvem a pesquisa indicaram a ausência de contato com a pesquisa na formação inicial. Já na pós-graduação, nomeadamente no mestrado e doutorado, os sujeitos tiveram contato intenso com a pesquisa. Contudo, concluiu-se, a partir dos dados, que a pesquisa não é um encaminhamento usual no trabalho dos professores, nem mesmo que é elemento de significância para a docência dos sujeitos. Assim, apesar de os programas de pós-graduação serem portadores de propostas identitárias voltadas à pesquisa, não se percebeu uma ruptura com as identidades reais, ou seja, as identidades herdadas das gerações precedentes, da formação inicial e dos contextos de trabalho. Logo, identificam-se identidades ausentes do reconhecimento da importância da pesquisa como elemento constitutivo da docência.
Multi-scale meteorological conceptual analysis of observed active fire hotspot activity and smoke optical depth in the Maritime Continent
Authors: Reid J. S. , Xian P. , Hyer E. J. , Flatau M. K. , Ramirez E. M. , Turk F. J. , Sampson C. R. , Zhang C. , Fukada E. M. , Maloney E. D.
Published: February 2012

Abstract. Much research and speculation exists about the meteorological and climatological impacts of biomass burning in the Maritime Continent (MC) of Indonesia and Malaysia, particularly during El Nino events. However, the MC hosts some of the world's most complicated meteorology, and we wish to understand how tropical phenomena at a range of scales influence observed burning activity. Using Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) derived active fire hotspot patterns coupled with aerosol data assimilation products, satellite based precipitation, and meteorological indices, the meteorological context of observed fire prevalence and smoke optical depth in the MC are examined. Relationships of burning and smoke transport to such meteorological and climatic factors as the interannual El Nino-Southern Oscillation (ENSO), El Nino Modoki, Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD), the seasonal migration of the Intertropical Convergence Zone, the 30–90 day Madden Julian Oscillation (MJO), tropical waves, tropical cyclone activity, and diurnal convection were investigated. A conceptual model of how all of the differing meteorological scales affect fire activity is presented. Each island and its internal geography have different sensitivities to these factors which are likely relatable to precipitation patterns and land use practices. At the broadest scales as previously reported, we corroborate ENSO is indeed the largest factor. However, burning is also enhanced by periods of El Nino Modoki. Conversely, IOD influences are unclear. While interannual phenomena correlate to total seasonal burning, the MJO largely controls when visible burning occurs. High frequency phenomena which are poorly constrained in models such as diurnal convection and tropical cyclone activity also have an impact which cannot be ignored. Finally, we emphasize that these phenomena not only influence burning, but also the observability of burning, further complicating our ability to assign reasonable emissions.
A statistical study of the performance of the Hakamada-Akasofu-Fry version 2 numerical model in predicting solar shock arrival times at Earth during different phases of solar cycle 23
Authors: McKenna-Lawlor S. M. P. , Fry C. D. , Dryer M. , Heynderickx D. , Kecskemety K. , Kudela K. , Balaz J.
Published: February 2012

Abstract. The performance of the Hakamada Akasofu-Fry, version 2 (HAFv.2) numerical model, which provides predictions of solar shock arrival times at Earth, was subjected to a statistical study to investigate those solar/interplanetary circumstances under which the model performed well/poorly during key phases (rise/maximum/decay) of solar cycle 23. In addition to analyzing elements of the overall data set (584 selected events) associated with particular cycle phases, subsets were formed such that those events making up a particular sub-set showed common characteristics. The statistical significance of the results obtained using the various sets/subsets was generally very low and these results were not significant as compared with the hit by chance rate (50%). This implies a low level of confidence in the predictions of the model with no compelling result encouraging its use. However, the data suggested that the success rates of HAFv.2 were higher when the background solar wind speed at the time of shock initiation was relatively fast. Thus, in scenarios where the background solar wind speed is elevated and the calculated success rate significantly exceeds the rate by chance, the forecasts could provide potential value to the customer. With the composite statistics available for solar cycle 23, the calculated success rate at high solar wind speed, although clearly above 50%, was indicative rather than conclusive. The RMS error estimated for shock arrival times for every cycle phase and for the composite sample was in each case significantly better than would be expected for a random data set. Also, the parameter "Probability of Detection, yes" (PODy) which presents the Proportion of Yes observations that were correctly forecast (i.e. the ratio between the shocks correctly predicted and all the shocks observed), yielded values for the rise/maximum/decay phases of the cycle and using the composite sample of 0.85, 0.64, 0.79 and 0.77, respectively. The statistical results obtained through detailed analysis of the available data provided insights into how changing circumstances on the Sun and in interplanetary space can affect the performance of the model. Since shock arrival predictions are widely utilized in making commercially significant decisions re. protecting space assets, the present detailed archival studies can be useful in future operational decision making during solar cycle 24. It would be of added value in this context to use Briggs-Rupert methodology to estimate the cost to an operator of acting on an incorrect forecast.
Solar wind and geomagnetism: toward a standard classification of geomagnetic activity from 1868 to 2009
Authors: Zerbo J. L. , Amory Mazaudier C. , Ouattara F. , Richardson J. D.
Published: February 2012

Abstract. We examined solar activity with a large series of geomagnetic data from 1868 to 2009. We have revisited the geomagnetic activity classification scheme of Legrand and Simon (1989) and improve their scheme by lowering the minimum Aa index value for shock and recurrent activity from 40 to 20 nT. This improved scheme allows us to clearly classify about 80% of the geomagnetic activity in this time period instead of only 60% for the previous Legrand and Simon classification.
Web 2.0 collaboration tools to support student research in hydrology – an opinion
Authors: Pathirana A. , Gersonius B. , Radhakrishnan M.
Published: February 2012

Abstract. A growing body of evidence suggests that it is unwise to make the a-priori assumption that university students are ready and eager to embrace modern online technologies employed to enhance the educational experience. We present an opinion on employing Wiki, a popular Web 2.0 technology, in small student groups, based on a case-study of using it customized as a personal learning environment (PLE) for supporting thesis research in hydrology. Since inception in 2006 the system presented has proven to facilitate knowledge construction and peer-communication within and across groups of students of different academic years and to stimulate learning. Being an open ended and egalitarian system, it was a minimal burden to maintain, as all students became content authors and shared responsibility. A number of unintended uses of the system were also observed, like using it as a backup medium and mobile storage. We attribute the success and sustainability of the proposed web 2.0-based approach to the fact that the efforts were not limited to the application of the technology, but comprised the creation of a supporting environment with educational activities organized around it. We propose that Wiki-based PLEs are much more suitable than traditional learning management systems for supporting non-classroom education activities like thesis research in hydrology.
A tsunami wave recorded near a glacier front
Authors: Marchenko A. V. , Morozov E. G. , Muzylev S. V.
Published: February 2012

Abstract. We observed a tsunami wave near the glacier front in the Temple Fjord (Spitsbergen). Two temperature and pressure recorders were deployed on a wire from the ice approximately 300 m from the glacier front. A pressure recorder was located under them on the bottom. The vertical displacement of the ice was approximately 30 cm and the period of the tsunami wave was 90 s. We attribute the generation of this wave to the displacement of the glacier similarly to the landslide tsunami generated by the motion of a block of rocks down the sloping bottom. The glacier motion also generated a short-period (12 s) deformation wave in the ice cover. The measurements allowed us to estimate the wave number of these waves and the Young's modulus of the ice.
Dynamic Properties of the Predator–Prey Discontinuous Dynamical System
Authors: El-Sayed Ahmed M. A. , Nasr Mohamed E.
Published: February 2012

In this work, we study the dynamic properties (equilibrium points, local and global stability, chaos and bifurcation) of the predator-prey discontinuous dynamical system. The existence and uniqueness of uniformly Lyapunov stable solution will be proved
Construction of Quasi-Periodic Wave Solutions for Differential- Difference Equation
Authors: Hon Y. C. , Wang Qi
Published: February 2012

Based on the use of the Hirota bilinear method and the Riemann theta function, we develop in this paper a constructive method for obtaining explicit quasi-periodic wave solutions of a new integrable generalized differential-difference equation. Analysis on the asymptotic property of the quasiperiodic wave solutions is given, and it is shown that the quasi-periodic wave solutions converge to the soliton solutions under certain conditions.
Energies and Electric Dipole Transitions for Low-Lying Levels of Protactinium IV and Uranium V
Authors: Ürer Güldem , Özdemir Leyla
Published: February 2012

We have reported a relativistic multiconfiguration Dirac-Fock (MCDF) study on low-lying level structures of protactinium IV (Z =91) and uranium V (Z =92) ions. Excitation energies and electric dipole (E1) transition parameters (wavelengths, oscillator strengths, and transition rates) for these low-lying levels have been given. We have also investigated the influence of the transverse Breit and quantum electrodynamic (QED) contributions besides correlation effects on the level structure. A comparison has been made with a few available data for these ions in the literature.
Importance of patient history and physical examination in rheumatoid arthritis compared to other chronic diseases: Results of a physician survey
Authors: Castrejón Isabel , McCollum Lauren , Tanriover Mine Durusu , Pincus Theodore
Published: February 2012

Objective

To survey physicians' opinions concerning the relative importance of 5 clinical encounter components—vital signs, patient history, physical examination, laboratory tests, and ancillary studies—in the diagnosis and management of 8 chronic diseases.

Methods

A SurveyMonkey internet survey was e‐mailed to 7,265 US physicians, including 3,542 rheumatologists and 3,723 nonrheumatologists, with the following query: “Please indicate the relative importance of 5 sources of information—vital signs, patient history, physical examination, laboratory tests, and ancillary studies—in diagnosis of congestive heart failure (CHF), diabetes mellitus, hypercholesterolemia, hypertension, lymphoma, pulmonary fibrosis, rheumatoid arthritis (RA), and ulcerative colitis.” The response options were 0–20%, 21–40%, 41–60%, 61–80%, and 81–100%. A second query with an identical structure addressed management of the 8 diseases. The proportions of physicians who estimated each component as most (or tied for most) important in diagnosis or in management were computed.

Results

The survey was completed by 313 physicians (154 rheumatologists and 159 nonrheumatologists). More than 90% estimated vital signs as most important for hypertension, and laboratory tests for diabetes mellitus and hypercholesterolemia. More than 70% estimated ancillary studies as most important for lymphoma, pulmonary fibrosis, and ulcerative colitis. Patient history and physical examination were estimated as most important for RA and CHF by ≥50% of nonrheumatologists.

Conclusion

RA and CHF were the only 2 of the 8 diseases studied for which ≥50% of nonrheumatologists estimated a patient history and physical examination as most important for diagnosis and management. Confirmation and extension of these observations in actual care may have implications for reimbursement and organization of clinical care.
Copper Nanoparticles Grafted on a Silicon Wafer and Their Excellent Surface‐Enhanced Raman Scattering
Authors: Shao Qi , Que Ronghui , Shao Mingwang , Cheng Liang , Lee Shuit‐Tong
Published: February 2012

Copper nanoparticles grafted on a silicon wafer are fabricated by reducing copper ions with silicon–hydrogen bonds and assembling them in situ on the Si wafer. The nanoparticles, with an average size of 20 nm, grow uniformly and densely on the Si wafer, and they are used as substrates for surface‐enhanced Raman scattering. These substrates exhibit excellent enhancement in the low concentration detection (1 × 10−9 M) of rhodamine 6G with an enhancement factor (EF) of 2.29 × 107 and a relative standard deviation (RSD) of <20%. They are also employed to detect sudan‐I dye with distinguished sensitivity and uniformity. The results are interesting and significant because Cu substrates are otherwise thought to be poor. These effects might provide new ways to think about surface‐enhanced Raman scattering based on Cu substrates.
TMJ osteoarthritis: A new approach to diagnosis
Authors: Rando Carolyn , Waldron Tony
Published: February 2012

Disorders of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), including TMJ osteoarthritis (TMJ OA), are the topic of intensive clinical research; however, this is not the case in the archaeological literature, with the majority of work on the subject ceasing with the early 1990s. The methods employed in the diagnosis of TMJ OA within the archaeological work appear nonrepresentative of the disease and may have led to erroneous assumptions about the pattern and prevalence of OA. This current work presents a new method for evaluating OA specifically for the TMJ, considering both the biomechanics of the joint and the mechanisms of the disease. Totally, 496 specimens (including a group of modern documented specimens) were analyzed for the presence of TMJ OA using the following criteria: eburnation, osteophytes (marginal and new bone on joint surface), porosity, and alteration to joint contour. The results suggest that eburnation occurs rarely in the TMJ, so should not be used as an exclusive criterion. Rather a combination of at least two of the other criteria should be used, with osteophytes and porosity occurring the most frequently on both the mandibular condyle and articular eminence. Additionally, the prevalence of TMJ OA in the modern assemblage was similar to that observed in current clinical research, suggesting that the method employed here was able to produce a reasonable approximation of what is found in contemporary living populations. Am J Phys Anthropol, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Application of extinction risk and conservation criteria for assessing fish species in the lower La Plata River basin, South America
Authors: Baigún C. R. M. , Colautti D. , López H. L. , Van Damme P. A. , Reis R. E.
Published: February 2012

The Lower La Plata River basin contains between 160 and 260 native species depending on the river segment, with a few stretches containing locally endemic species.

Extinction risk analysis for 185 freshwater fish in the lower La Plata River basin is presented for the first time on the basis of regionally standardized International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List criteria and is compared with alternative methods within the region.

There were 11 threatened species (6%), of which three were considered as Endangered and eight as Vulnerable. A further three were rated as Near Threatened; while 121 (66%) were assessed as being of Least Concern, and 49 (26%) remained Data Deficient. The application of regional guidelines after using the global criteria did not change the categories established.

The application of the IUCN criteria A and B presented considerable challenges because of insufficient information, with criterion C being inapplicable; whereas criterion D proved valid in five instances where endemic species were found highly restricted in geographical range and only inhabiting small streams.

The use of other approaches, such as the Sum of Index (SUMIN) method and the Assessment Method of Threat Degree (MEGA), resulted in only an 11% agreement with the IUCN results for the main commercial and recreational target species.

The discrepancies between the IUCN and the other methods may be explained in that the former measures the extinction risk by population decline as the main criterion, whereas the latter two put more emphasis on the assessment of intrinsic vulnerability and the threat status, with these additional criteria being incorporated in order to define conservation priorities.

Further research is strongly recommended for the application and improvement of the IUCN regional criteria based on better ecological information, particularly data on non‐target species inhabiting small tributaries, wetlands, and headwaters across the basin. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Techno‐Economic Analysis of a Gas‐to‐Liquid Process with Different Placements of a CO2 Removal Unit
Authors: Rafiee A. , Hillestad M.
Published: February 2012

Five placements of a CO2 removal unit in a gas‐to‐liquid (GTL) process are evaluated from an economical point of view. The kinetic model is the one given by Iglesia et al. for a cobalt‐based Fischer‐Tropsch (FT) reactor. For each alternative, the process is optimized with respect to steam‐to‐carbon ratio, purge ratio of light ends, amount of tail gas recycled to syngas and FT units, reactor volume, and CO2 recovery. The results indicate that carbon and energy efficiencies and the annual net cash flow of the process with or without CO2 removal unit are not significantly different, and that there is not much to gain by removing CO2 from the process. It is optimal to recycle about 97 % of the light ends to the process (mainly to the FT unit) to obtain higher conversion of CO and H2 in the reactor.
Experimental Evaluation of Mass Transfer Coefficients from Sour Gas
Authors: Chavez R.‐H. , de J. Guadarrama J.
Published: February 2012

The degree of CO2 absorption by monoethanolamine (MEA) using metal structured packing material, ININ18, was studied. The aqueous solution contained 30 wt‐% MEA in countercurrent with CO2 flue gas. The capture process was carried out in an absorption column with dimensions 4.0 m in height and 0.3 m in diameter. The mass transfer coefficient and height of mass transfer were evaluated. Results show a volumetric mass transfer coefficient of 3.76 s–1, a height of mass transfer equivalent unit of 0.317 m, and an absorption efficiency of 90 % from flue gas.
Cascaded Membrane Processes for Post‐Combustion CO2 Capture
Authors: Zhao L. , Riensche E. , Weber M. , Stolten D.
Published: February 2012

CO2 fugacity difference is the driving force for CO2‐selective membranes used in post‐combustion capture. The ambient pressure of the flue gas makes it very difficult to use only a single membrane stage to achieve the CO2 purity required by pipeline transport and storage, e.g., 95 mol.‐%. On the basis of a general multi‐stage membrane concept, an energy‐efficient membrane cascade is developed. The correlation of energy consumption and membrane area of a cascaded membrane process is investigated, considering 50 %, 70 %, and 90 % degree of CO2 separation. In addition to an idealized flue gas consisting of N2 and CO2 only, also a quasi‐real flue gas is studied. Pressure loss in membrane modules and their influence on process energy consumption are discussed.
Synthesis and Structural Characterization of Iron(II) Complexes with Tris(imidazolyl)phosphane Ligands: A Platform for Modeling the 3‐Histidine Facial Triad of Nonheme Iron Dioxygenases
Authors: Bittner Michael M. , Baus Jacob S. , Lindeman Sergey V. , Fiedler Adam T.
Published: February 2012

Several monoiron(II) complexes containing tris(imidazolyl)phosphane (TIP) ligands have been prepared and structurally characterized by using X‐ray crystallography and NMR spectroscopy. Two TIP ligands were employed: tris(2‐phenylimidazol‐4‐yl)phosphane (4‐TIPPh) and tris(4,5‐diphenyl‐1‐methylimidazol‐2‐yl)phosphane (2‐TIPPh2). These tridentate ligands resemble the 3‐histidine (3His) facial triad found recently in the active sites of certain nonheme iron dioxygenases. Three of the reported complexes are designed to serve as convenient precursors to species that model the enzyme–substrate intermediates of 3His dioxygenases; thus, each contains an [Fe(κ3‐TIP)]2+ unit in which the remaining coordination sites are occupied by easily displaced ligands, such as solvent molecules and/or carboxylate groups. The viability of these complexes as precursors was demonstrated through the synthesis of TIP‐based complexes with β‐diketonate and salicylate ligands that represent faithful models of β‐diketone dioxygenase and salicylate 1,2‐dioxygenase, respectively.