bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
PRESENTING CULTURAL HERITAGE LANDSCAPES – FROM GIS VIA 3D MODELS TO INTERACTIVE PRESENTATION FRAMEWORKS
Authors: Prechtel N. , Münster S. , Kröber C. , Schubert C. , Schietzold S.
Published: July 2013

Abstract. Two current projects of the authors try to approach cultural heritage landscapes from both cultural sciences and geography through a combination of customised geo-information (GIS) and visualisation/presentation technology. In excess of a mere academic use, easyto- handle virtual 3D web presentations may contribute to knowledge, esteem, commemoration and preservation. The examples relate to pre-historic Scythian burial sites in the South-Siberian Altay Mountains ("Uch Enmek") as well as to a "virtual memorial" of contemporary history ("GEPAM"), a chapter of Jewish prosecution in the "Third Reich", which historically connects the town of Dresden with the Czech Terezin (Theresienstadt). It is common knowledge that a profound understanding of (pre-)historic artefacts and places may reflect a larger environment as well as an individual geographic setting. Coming from this background, the presented projects try to find technical solutions. They start from GIS models and aim at customised interactive presentations of 3D models. In using the latter a widely-spanned public is invited to a land- or townscape of specific cultural importance. The geographic space is thought to work as a door to a repository of educational exhibits under the umbrella of a web application. Within this concept a landscape/townscape also accounts for the time dimension in different scales (time of construction/operation versus actual state, and in sense of a season and time of the day as a principal modulator of visual perception of space).
ANALYSIS OF THE FACTORS AFFECTING 3D MODELS RESOLUTION – APPLICATION TO THE RECORDING OF VAULTS IN SANGALLO'S HOUSE
Authors: Tucci G. , Bonora V. , Guardini N.
Published: July 2013

Abstract. The paper will present the extraction of information from a laser scanning survey aimed to support historical studies on the Sangallo's house in Florence. In order to verify some study's hypothesis related to the building history and constructive techniques, high resolution models were needed. The meaning of "resolution" applied to 3D scanning will be briefly discussed stressing the difference between resolution and accuracy. Starting from the analysis of technical specifications of the used instruments, the expected performance of the model is described. The results obtained from acquired data are shown and the paper will conclude proposing some answers to the historian's questions.
STUDY ON INFORMATION MANAGEMENT FOR THE CONSERVATION OF TRADITIONAL CHINESE ARCHITECTURAL HERITAGE – 3D MODELLING AND METADATA REPRESENTATION
Authors: Yen Y. N. , Weng K. H. , Huang H. Y.
Published: July 2013

Abstract. After over 30 years of practise and development, Taiwan's architectural conservation field is moving rapidly into digitalization and its applications. Compared to modern buildings, traditional Chinese architecture has considerably more complex elements and forms. To document and digitize these unique heritages in their conservation lifecycle is a new and important issue. This article takes the caisson ceiling of the Taipei Confucius Temple, octagonal with 333 elements in 8 types, as a case study for digitization practise. The application of metadata representation and 3D modelling are the two key issues to discuss. Both Revit and SketchUp were appliedin this research to compare its effectiveness to metadata representation. Due to limitation of the Revit database, the final 3D models wasbuilt with SketchUp. The research found that, firstly, cultural heritage databasesmustconvey that while many elements are similar in appearance, they are unique in value; although 3D simulations help the general understanding of architectural heritage, software such as Revit and SketchUp, at this stage, could onlybe used tomodel basic visual representations, and is ineffective indocumenting additional critical data ofindividually unique elements. Secondly, when establishing conservation lifecycle information for application in management systems, a full and detailed presentation of the metadata must also be implemented; the existing applications of BIM in managing conservation lifecycles are still insufficient. Results of the research recommends SketchUp as a tool for present modelling needs, and BIM for sharing data between users, but the implementation of metadata representation is of the utmost importance.
INTEGRATED TECHNOLOGIES FOR SURVEYING ARTEFACTS DAMAGED BY EARTHQUAKES. APPLICATION OF ALL-IN-ONE LIDAR TECHNIQUES IN THE CITY OF L'AQUILA
Authors: Clini P. , Quattrini R. , Fiori F. , Nespeca R.
Published: July 2013

Abstract. The purpose of this work is to demonstrate how, in post-earthquake intervention scenarios, the latest "all-in-one" laser technologies employed beyond their usual applications and integrated in more traditional survey methods, can define a comprehensive and original approach method in response to surveying issues, safety of the artefacts, speed and low cost of surveys, quality of data and of the models provided for damage assessments and any required action. The case study of L'Aquila is therefore significant. The red area has essentially two types of buildings: monuments and historical buildings characterised by compact urban centres. Here we document the convent of the Blessed Antonia and the Antenucci Block, as case studies and synthesis of the two types and ideal laboratories to test the chosen method. In the first case, we document the project on a building that is yet to be secured and that therefore presents delicate issues in terms of survey speed and completeness, also in relation to the precious decorations that it holds. In the other case, we document the survey of the typical block in Aquila, already secured which, given the size and complexity, requires an integrated approach, more complex and more time-consuming of methods of analysis.
THE QATAR NATIONAL HISTORIC ENVIRONMENT RECORD: A PLATFORM FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF A FULLY-INTEGRATED CULTURAL HERITAGE MANAGEMENT APPLICATION
Authors: Cuttler R. T. H. , Tonner T. W. W. , Al-Naimi F. A. , Dingwall L. M. , Al-Hemaidi N.
Published: July 2013

Abstract. The development of the Qatar National Historic Environment Record (QNHER) by the Qatar Museums Authority and the University of Birmingham in 2008 was based on a customised, bilingual Access database and ArcGIS. While both platforms are stable and well supported, neither was designed for the documentation and retrieval of cultural heritage data. As a result it was decided to develop a custom application using Open Source code. The core module of this application is now completed and is orientated towards the storage and retrieval of geospatial heritage data for the curation of heritage assets. Based on MIDAS Heritage data standards and regionally relevant thesauri, it is a truly bilingual system. Significant attention has been paid to the user interface, which is userfriendly and intuitive. Based on a suite of web services and accessed through a web browser, the system makes full use of internet resources such as Google Maps and Bing Maps. The application avoids long term vendor ''tie-ins'' and as a fully integrated data management system, is now an important tool for both cultural resource managers and heritage researchers in Qatar.
Evaluation and considerations about fundamental periods of damaged reinforced concrete buildings
Authors: Ditommaso R. , Vona M. , Gallipoli M. R. , Mucciarelli M.
Published: July 2013

Abstract. The aim of this paper is an empirical estimation of the fundamental period of reinforced concrete buildings and its variation due to structural and non-structural damage. The 2009 L'Aquila earthquake has highlighted the mismatch between experimental data and code provisions value not only for undamaged buildings but also for the damaged ones. The 6 April 2009 L'Aquila earthquake provided the first opportunity in Italy to estimate the fundamental period of reinforced concrete (RC) buildings after a strong seismic sequence. A total of 68 buildings with different characteristics, such as age, height and damage level, have been investigated by performing ambient vibration measurements that provided their fundamental translational period. Four different damage levels were considered according with the definitions by EMS 98 (European Macroseismic Scale), trying to regroup the estimated fundamental periods versus building heights according to damage. The fundamental period of RC buildings estimated for low damage level is equal to the previous relationship obtained in Italy and Europe for undamaged buildings, well below code provisions. When damage levels are higher, the fundamental periods increase, but again with values much lower than those provided by codes. Finally, the authors suggest a possible update of the code formula for the simplified estimation of the fundamental period of vibration for existing RC buildings, taking into account also the inelastic behaviour.
THE EFFECT OF ACRYLONITRILE CONTENT ON THE THERMO-OXIDATIVE AGING OF NITRILE RUBBER
Authors: Pazur Richard J. , Cormier J. G. , Korhan-Taymaz K.
Published: July 2013

The level of thermo-oxidative degradation in a series of unstabilized and unfilled nitrile rubbers (NBR) varying in acrylonitrile (ACN) content (18–43.5 wt%) was investigated on heat-aged samples (40–120 °C) by Attenuated Total Reflectance–Fourier Transform Infrared (ATR-FTIR) spectroscopy. A similar degradation profile evolution was observed regardless of ACN content with the generation of hydroxyl-, carbonyl-, and ester-based products with a concomitant loss of the 1,4-trans, 1,4-cis, and 1,2-vinyl butadienes. The magnitude of IR active group absorption loss is greatest in the lowest ACN NBR concentration and steadily lessens toward higher ACN levels (1,4-cis > 1,2-vinyl > 1,4-trans >> butadiene methylenes). The 18% ACN NBR possesses two distinct kinetically different degradation regimes (80–120 and 40–80 °C). Activation energies by carbonyl growth and 1,4-trans loss increase from 71 to 87 kJ mol−1 and from 71 to 79 kJ mol−1 respectively, for decreasing ACN (43.5–18%) content. The rate of consumption of the 1,4-trans butadiene group is mainly affected by thermo-oxidative carbonyl-based and addition-cross-linking reactions, the latter being lower in activation energy for low to mid ACN NBRs. The high oxidation rate behavior of the lowest acrylonitrile rubber is attributed to its higher oxygen permeability rates. Cross-linking due to addition-type reactions is favored for higher 1,4 unsaturation levels.
Conceptual design of a chickpea harvesting header
Authors: Golpira H.
Published: July 2013

Interest in the development of stripper headers is growing owing to the excessive losses of combine harvesters and costs of manually harvesting for chickpeas. The design of a new concept can enhance the mechanized process for chickpea harvesting. A modified stripper platform was designed, in which passive fingers with V-shape slots removes the pods from the anchored plant. The floating platform was accompanied by a reel to complete the harvesting header. Black-box modeling was used to redesign the functional operators of the header followed by an investigation of the system behavior. Physical models of the platform and reel were modified to determine the crucial variables of the header arrangement during field trials. The slot width was fixed at 40 mm, finger length at 40 mm, keyhole diameter at 10 mm and entrance width at 6 mm; the batted reel at peripheral diameter of 700 mm and speed at 50 rpm. A tractor-mounted experimental harvester was built to evaluate the work quality of the stripper header. The performance of the prototype was tested with respect to losses and results confirmed the efficiency of the modified stripper header for chickpea harvesting. Furthermore, the header with a 1.4 m working width produced the spot work rates of 0.42 ha h-1.
Fatty acid composition of muscle and internal fat depots of organic and conventional Payoya goat kids
Authors: De la Vega F. , Guzmán J. L. , Delgado-Pertíñez M. , Zarazaga L. A. , Argüello A.
Published: July 2013

Interest in the preservation of autochthonous breeds such as the Payoya goat (dairy breed), raised using extensive or semi-extensive grazing, has also recently increased among Spanish farmers. A study of the possibilities of transformation to organic production needs to analyze the quality of their products, specially the suckled kids. The objective of this study was to evaluate the fatty acid (FA) composition of Payoya goat kids under organic and conventional grazing–based management system. Forty-eight goat kids were selected (12 males and 12 females from each management system). The FA profile was determined in the Longissimus thoracis muscle, kidney and pelvic fat. Few gender differences were observed in the muscle and in the fat depots. The ratios of C14:0, C18:1 trans-11-(VA), and several n-3 FA were higher in organic kid meat than in conventionally reared kid meat. Conventional kid fat depots have presented higher percentage of conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), lower CLA desaturase index, lower percentage of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty-acid (PUFA) and, consequently, higher n6:n3 PUFA ratio than organic kids. In conclusion, significant differences were found only in some FA percentages of muscle and adipose tissues of suckling kids raised in organic and conventional livestock production systems, probably due because the dams, in both experimental farms, were raised with similar semi-extensive system based on the grazing of natural pastures. Due to this reason, conventional grazing–based management farms could easily be transformed into organic production facilities.
Pressure and specific energy requirements for densification of compost derived from swine solid fraction
Authors: Pampuro N. , Facello A. , Cavallo E.
Published: July 2013

Compost derived from swine solid fraction is a low density material (bulk density less than 500 kg m-3). This makes it costly to transport from production sites to areas where it could be effectively utilized for value-added applications such as in soil fertilization. Densification is one possible way to enhance the storage and transportation of the compost. This study therefore investigates the effect of pressure (20-110 MPa) and pressure application time (5-120 s) on the compaction characteristics of compost derived from swine solid fraction. Two different types of material have been used: composted swine solid fraction derived from mechanical separation and compost obtained by mixing the first material with wood chips. Results obtained showed that both the pressure applied and the pressure application time significantly affect the density of the compacted samples; while the specific compression energy is significantly affected only by the pressure. Best predictor equations were developed to predict compact density and the specific compression energy required by the densification process. The specific compression energy values based on the results from this study (6-32 kJ kg-1) were significantly lower than the specific energy required to manufacture pellets from biomass feedstock (typically 19-90 kJ kg-1).
Radiosurgery of Spinal Meningiomas and Schwannomas
Authors: Kufeld M. , Wowra B. , Muacevic A. , Zausinger Stefan , Tonn Jörg-Christian
Published: July 2013

Purpose of this study is to analyze local control, clinical symptoms and toxicity after image-guided radiosurgery of spinal meningiomas and schwannomas. Standard treatment of benign spinal lesions is microsurgical resection. While a few publications have reported about radiosurgery for benign spinal lesions, this is the first study analyzing the outcome of robotic radiosurgery for benign spinal tumors, treated exclusively with a non-invasive, fiducial free, single-fraction setup. Thirty-six patients with spinal meningiomas or schwannomas were treated, utilizing a robotic radiosurgery system (CyberKnife®, Accuray Inc. Sunnyvale CA), and were followed prospectively. Medical history, histology, clinical symptoms and radiographic outcome were recorded. Thirty-nine spinal lesions were treated because of tumor recurrence, remnants after microsurgery, multiple lesions, or rejection of open surgery. Median age was 45 years (range 18–80 years). Median target volume was 3.4 cm3 (range 0.2–43.4 cm3). Histology revealed 28 schwannomas and 11 meningiomas (WHO grade I). All spinal levels were affected. Median prescription dose was 14 Gray (95% C.I. 13.4–14 Gy) to the 70% isodose. After a median follow-up of 18 months (range 6–50 months) no local tumor progression was detected. 20 lesions (51%) remained stable, 19 tumors (49%) decreased in size. One patient with schwannomatosis was treated repeatedly for three new tumor locations. Pain was the initial symptom in 16 of 25 schwannoma patients, and in 3 of 11 patients with meningiomas. Pain levels decreased in 8/19 patients. All but one patient with motor deficits remained clinically stable. No myelopathic signs where found. Single-session radiosurgery for benign spinal tumors in selected patients has proven to inhibit tumor progression within the observed period without signs of early toxicity. Radiosurgery offers an additional treatment option, if microsurgery is not feasible in cases of tumor recurrence, post-resection remnants, multiple lesions, or medical comorbidity.
3D Dose Reconstruction of Pretreatment Verification Plans Using Multiple 2D Planes from the OCTAVIUS/Seven29 Phantom Array
Authors: Calvo O. , Stathakis S. , Gutiérrez A. N. , Esquivel C. , Papanikolaou N.
Published: July 2013

The purpose of this study is to evaluate 3D dose reconstruction of pretreatment verification plans using multiple 2D planes acquired from the OCTAVIUS phantom and the Seven29 detector array. Eight VMAT patient treatment plans of different sites were delivered onto the OCTAVIUS phantom. The plans span a variety of tumor site locations from low to high plan complexity. A patient specific quality assurance (QA) plan was created and delivered for each of the 8 patients using the OCTAVIUS phantom in which the Seven29 detector array was placed. Each plan was delivered four times by rotating the phantom in 45° increments along its longitudinal axis. The treatment plans were delivered using a Novalis Tx with the HD120 MLC. Each of the four corresponding planar doses was exported as a text file for further analysis. An in-house MATLAB code was used to process the planar dose information. A cylindrical geometry-based, linear interpolation method was utilized to generate the measured 3D dose reconstruction. The TPS calculated volumetric dose was exported and compared against the measured reconstructed volumetric dose. Dose difference, dose area histograms (DAH), isodose lines, profiles, 2D and 3D gamma were used for evaluation. The interpolation method shows good agreement (<2%) between the planned dose distributions in the high dose region but shows discrepancies in the low dose region. Horizontal profiles, dose area histograms and isodose lines show good agreement for the sagittal and coronal planes but demonstrate slight discrepancies in the transverse plane. The 3D gamma index average was 92.4% for all patients when a 5%/5 mm gamma passing rate criteria was employed but dropped to <80.1% on average when parameters were reduced to 2%/2 mm. A simple cylindrical geometry-based, linear interpolation method is able to predict good agreement in the high dose region between the reconstructed volumetric dose and the planned volumetric dose. It is important to mention that the interpolation algorithm introduces dose discrepancies in small regions within the high dose gradients due to the interpolation itself. However, the work presented serves as a good starting point to establish a benchmark for the level of manipulation necessary to obtain 3D dose delivery quality assurance using current technology.
Le nom indo-européen de l’hôte
Authors: Garnier Romain
Published: July 2013

The following paper is intended to propose a new morphological analysis of the PIE name for ‘guest’ (*ghós-ti-). This word has been widely assumed to be linked to the PIE root *ghes ‘eat’ (reflected by Ved. √ghas ‘eat, devour’), without explaining the oddity of this apparent o-grade agent-noun * ghós-ti- m. ‘table companion’. So far, no conclusive evidence can be found for a word built on the same pattern. Furthermore, it may seem quite difficult to give an account for the Lat. hospes m. meaning both ‘guest’ and ‘host’, like the French word hôte (borrowed as Engl. host at an early stage). We argue here that this PIE *ghós-ti- is a back-formation made on an old collective stem *ghós-t-ō̯i f. ‘table, group of table companions’ (including both the host and his guests). This very form *ghós-t-ō̯i would eventually reflect an acrostatic stem *ghós-t- f. ‘common meal’
Yet Again on the Unique Incantation Bowl BM 135563
Authors: Morgenstern Matthew
Published: July 2013

In a recent issue of this journal, Theodore Kwasman and Christa Müller-Kessler have taken issue with several of the present author’s writings, in particular his edition of the incantation bowl BM 135563, and presented serious claims of professional incompetence. The present contribution addresses several of the misleading arguments that they have raised, and demonstrates that they are often based upon misunderstandings, mis-citations, or inaccurate prejudices regarding the use of terminology.
“Mysteries” of Qumran: Mystery, Secrecy, and Esotericism in the Dead Sea Scrolls. By Samuel I. Thomas
Authors: Penner Jeremy
Published: July 2013

The “Mysteries” of Qumran: Mystery, Secrecy, and Esotericism in the Dead Sea Scrolls. By Samuel I. Thomas. Early Judaism and Its Literature, vol. 25. Atlanta: Society of Biblical Literature, 2009. Pp. xvii + 311. $39.95 (paper).
Le Temple d’Hathor à Dendara: Relevés et étude architecturale. By Pierre Zignani
Authors: Leprohon Ronald J.
Published: July 2013

Le Temple d’Hathor à Dendara: Relevés et étude architecturale. By Pierre Zignani. Bibliothèque d’Étude, vol. 146/1. Cairo: Institut français d’archéologie orientale, 2010. Pp. xii + 425, 39 plates.
Usama ibn Munqidh. The Book of Contemplation: Islam and the Crusades. Translated, with introduction and notes, by Paul M. Cobb
Authors: Christie Niall
Published: July 2013

Usama ibn Munqidh. The Book of Contemplation: Islam and the Crusades. Translated, with introduction and notes, by Paul M. Cobb. Penguin Classics. London: Penguin, 2008. Pp. xlviii + 339, map, family tree. $16 (paper).
Reconstruction‐based fault prognosis for flue gas turbines with independent component analysis
Authors: Ma Jie , Wang Qiuyan , Li Gang , Zhou Donghua
Published: July 2013

Online detection and prognosis are very important for the safe operation of flue gas turbines. Compared with univariate monitoring of the process, multivariate process monitoring is more effective and can capture abnormal situation in the early stage. This paper proposes a new multivariate fault prognosis framework for the flue gas turbine with a hidden fault process based on independent component analysis (ICA). ICA is a statistical method for identifying underlying independent factors or components in multivariate data. First of all, the non‐Gaussian measurements are modeled by the ICA model, and three indices are used for fault detection. Once several faulty samples are collected, fault directions can be extracted for the reconstruction. Then, a reconstruction‐based method is proposed to estimate the fault magnitude with the most sensitive index. At last, the fault magnitude is predicted by the support vector machine model. Test results for K‐103 catalytic flue gas turbine clearly showed that the proposed fault prognosis method is more efficient than traditional methods. The results also demonstrate support vector machine method has advantages over auto regression approach. © 2013 Curtin University of Technology and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Synthesis and application of an alternative plasticizer Di(2‐Ethylhexyl)‐1,2‐cyclohexane dicarboxylate
Authors: Ou Yuanhui , Ding Xuejia , Zhang Long
Published: July 2013

Cyclohexane dicarboxylic acid esters are environmentally friendly and non‐toxic plasticizers, and have similar performance with phthalates which have potential toxicity to human health. In this article, di(2‐ethylhexyl)‐1,2‐cyclohexane dicarboxylate (DEHCH) was synthesized via esterification between hexahydrophthalic anhydride (HHPA) with iso‐octanol by using concentrated sulfuric acid as a catalyst. The effects of reaction parameters on esterification were studied by investigating the temperature, reaction time, molar ratio of iso‐octanol‐to‐HHPA, and catalyst content. Conversions of HHPA to esters were determined. Functional group analysis was conducted by using FTIR and 1H‐NMR spectroscopy. PVC compounds after addition of the synthesized plasticizer DEHCH presented similar plasticizing performance with DEHP and DINCH, as demonstrated by comparisons of the results of mechanical properties, transparency, and volatilization and migration tests obtained for plasticized PVC compounds. DEHCH can also be considered as an alternative plasticizer for DEHP. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2014, 131, 39763.
Monitoring the West African heat low at seasonal and intra‐seasonal timescales using AMSU‐A sounder
Authors: Lavaysse C. , Eymard L. , Flamant C. , Karbou F. , Mimouni M. , Saci A.
Published: July 2013

The Saharan heat low (SHL) is defined as a stationary thermal depression below 700 hPa located over the Sahara during the boreal summer season. This feature has a significant impact on the seasonal and intra‐seasonal variability of rainfall over the Sahel. For various reasons, few observations are assimilated in operational numerical weather prediction models, especially surface sensitive observations. In this study we make use of the advanced microwave sounding unit (AMSU‐A) brightness temperatures measured at 52.8 GHz (noted A4 hereafter) and at 53.6 GHz (noted A5 hereafter) to detect the heat low and to characterize its intensity at the seasonal and intra‐seasonal scales. In terms of seasonal variability, AMSU‐based estimates of SHL are found in good agreement with those based on the European Center Medium‐range Weather Forecast ERA‐I reanalyses for the period ranging from 2000 to 2011. However, differences exist between the two datasets at intraseasonal timescale. They may be related to mismatches between the numerical weather prediction model levels and the level of maximum of sensitivity of the AMSU observations. Particular meteorological situations can also explain some differences between the two types of products, as there is a lack of assimilated observations in this region. Finally, we show that the A4 brightness temperature is a suitable proxy to provide a good estimate of the location and the intensity of the SHL from daily to seasonal timescales.
Energetics of a Southeastern Pacific cut‐off low
Authors: Gan Manoel Alonso , Dal Piva Everson
Published: July 2013

The occurrence of cut‐off lows (COLs) over South Pacific can be seen on different synoptic maps and on satellite imageries. However, the formation and maintenance mechanisms of the COLs are not well understood. An energetics analysis of a COL case through the eddy kinetic energy (EKE) equation is the aim of this study. The main terms analysed were ageostrophic flux convergence (AFC), baroclinic (BRC) and barotropic (BRT) conversions. This analysis shows that the formation mechanism of the COL was associated with BRC (COL western side) and AFC (COL eastern side). After the maximum intensity period, the BRC term was negative and the AFC positive.
Liquid films on shake flask walls explain increasing maximum oxygen transfer capacities with elevating viscosity
Authors: Giese Heiner , Azizan Amizon , Kümmel Anne , Liao Anping , Peter Cyril P. , Fonseca João A. , Hermann Robert , Duarte Tiago M. , Büchs Jochen
Published: July 2013

In biotechnological screening and production, oxygen supply is a crucial parameter. Even though oxygen transfer is well documented for viscous cultivations in stirred tanks, little is known about the gas/liquid oxygen transfer in shake flask cultures that become increasingly viscous during cultivation. Especially the oxygen transfer into the liquid film, adhering on the shake flask wall, has not yet been described for such cultivations. In this study, the oxygen transfer of chemical and microbial model experiments was measured and the suitability of the widely applied film theory of Higbie was studied. With numerical simulations of Fick's law of diffusion, it was demonstrated that Higbie's film theory does not apply for cultivations which occur at viscosities up to 10 mPa s. For the first time, it was experimentally shown that the maximum oxygen transfer capacity OTRmax increases in shake flasks when viscosity is increased from 1 to 10 mPa s, leading to an improved oxygen supply for microorganisms. Additionally, the OTRmax does not significantly undermatch the OTRmax at waterlike viscosities, even at elevated viscosities of up to 80 mPa s. In this range, a shake flask is a somehow self‐regulating system with respect to oxygen supply. This is in contrary to stirred tanks, where the oxygen supply is steadily reduced to only 5% at 80 mPa s. Since, the liquid film formation at shake flask walls inherently promotes the oxygen supply at moderate and at elevated viscosities, these results have significant implications for scale‐up. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2014;111: 295–308. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Polymer‐Templated Perylene‐Probe Noncovalent Self‐Assembly: A New Strategy for Label‐Free Ultrasensitive Fluorescence Turn‐On Biosensing
Authors: Wang Yan , Chen Jian , Jiao Huping , Chen Yang , Li Wenying , Zhang Qingfeng , Yu Cong
Published: July 2013

A new label‐free fluorescence turn‐on strategy for highly sensitive biosensing has been developed. A negatively charged perylene probe was synthesized. Polycations could induce aggregation of the perylene probe through noncovalent interactions and the fluorescence of the probe’s monomer was efficiently quenched. Upon addition of a single‐stranded nucleic acid, competitive binding of the negatively charged nucleic acid (a polyanion) to the cationic polymer resulted in the release of a monomer and thus a turn‐on fluorescence signal was detected. Without the use of any amplification techniques, a detection limit of 2 pM DNA was obtained. Based on these results, an assay strategy for the highly sensitive detection of alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity has been demonstrated. λ Exonuclease (λ exo) could degrade 5′‐phosphorylated single‐stranded DNA. However, when the DNA sample was treated with ALP, the phosphate functional group was removed by ALP and it could no longer be degraded by λ exo. Binding of the DNA to the perylene probe–polycation complex resulted in a turn‐on fluorescence signal, which could be used for sensing of ALP. The method is highly sensitive, a limit of detection as low as 0.02 mU mL−1 ALP was obtained. Our method is simple, convenient, highly sensitive, and inexpensive.
Response of Planktonic and Benthic Microbial Community to Urban Pollution from Sewage Discharge in Jilin Reach of the Second Songhua River, China
Authors: Lin Shanshan , Wang Ying , Lin Jifang , Quan Chengshi
Published: July 2013

To investigate the role of the planktonic/benthic bacterial community in sewage polluted water, the biomass, suspended solids (SS), and chemical oxygen demand (COD) were measured downstream from a discharge point (P0) and reference water point (U1) in the Second Songhua River, China. In addition, 16S rDNA community was analyzed using MOTHUR and the bacterial abundance was assayed by real‐time quantitative PCR. The results showed that the SS (14 mg L−1) and COD (11.80 mg L−1) in the reference water were much lower than in the polluted water (SS, 54 mg L−1; COD, 81.79 mg L−1). The bacterial diversity of polluted water had a lower richness than that of sediment at P0. Approximately 80% of the detected planktonic and benthic bacteria were anaerobic/facultative anaerobic bacteria at P0. The most abundance of planktonic bacteria (108 copies ng−1) was observed at 100 m downstream of P0 where more ecological nutrients (COD, 64.07 mg L−1) accumulated. However, the benthic bacterial abundance reached the highest value 50 m downstream of P0 where the COD were not the highest. The relationship between the density of planktonic/benthic microbes and COD suggested that planktonic/benthic microbes possessed high degradation capabilities in river and provided good potential purification for the organic materials discharged from urban sewage.
The effect of prior androgen synthesis inhibition on outcomes of subsequent therapy with docetaxel in patients with metastatic castrate‐resistant prostate cancer
Authors: Aggarwal Rahul , Halabi Susan , Kelly William Kevin , George Daniel , Mahoney John F. , Millard Frederick , Stadler Walter M. , Morris Michael J. , Kantoff Philip , Monk J. Paul , Carducci Michael , Small Eric J. ,   for the Alliance for Clinical Trials in Oncology
Published: July 2013

BACKGROUND

Preliminary data suggest a potential decreased benefit of docetaxel in patients with metastatic, castration‐resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) who previously received abiraterone acetate, a novel androgen synthesis inhibitor (ASI). Cancer and Leukemia Group B (CALGB) trial 90401 (Alliance), a phase 3 trial in patients with mCRPC who received docetaxel‐based chemotherapy, offered the opportunity to evaluate effect of prior ketoconazole, an earlier generation ASI, on clinical outcomes after docetaxel.

METHODS

In CALGB trial 90401, 1050 men with chemotherapy‐naive mCRPC were randomized to receive treatment with docetaxel and prednisone that included either bevacizumab or placebo. In total, 1005 men (96%) had data available regarding prior ketoconazole therapy. The observed effects of prior ketoconazole on overall survival (OS), progression‐free survival (PFS), prostate‐specific antigen (PSA) decline, and the objective response rate (ORR) were assessed using proportional hazards and Poisson regression methods adjusted for validated prognostic factors and treatment arm.

RESULTS

Baseline characteristics between patients who did (N = 277) and did not (N = 728) receive prior ketoconazole therapy were similar. There were no statistically significant differences between patients who did and those who did not receive prior ketoconazole therapy with respect to OS (median OS, 21.1 months vs 22.3 months, respectively; stratified log‐rankP = .635), PFS (median PFS, 8.1 months vs 8.6 months, respectively; stratified log‐rankP = .342), the proportion achieving a decline ≥50% in PSA (61% vs 66%, respectively; relative risk, 1.09; adjustedP = .129), or ORR (39% vs 43%, respectively; relative risk, 1.11; adjustedP = .366).

CONCLUSIONS

As measured by OS, PFS, PSA, and the ORR, there was no evidence that prior treatment with ketoconazole had an impact on the clinical outcomes of patients with mCRPC who received subsequent docetaxel‐based therapy. The current results highlight the need for prospective studies to assess for potential cross‐resistance with novel ASIs and to define the optimal sequence of therapy in mCRPC.Cancer2013;119:3636–3643. ©2013 American Cancer Society.
Adsorption of Polar and Nonpolar Molecules on Isolated Cationic C60, C70, and Their Aggregates
Authors: Echt Olof , Kaiser Alexander , Zöttl Samuel , Mauracher Andreas , Denifl Stephan , Scheier Paul
Published: July 2013

Physisorption on graphite, graphene, nanotubes, and other graphitic structures has been the subject of numerous studies, partly driven by interest in the nature of order in two‐dimensional systems, their phase transitions, and the use of graphitic scaffolds for reversible storage of hydrogen at high volumetric density and low mass. In contrast, physisorption on individual fullerenes or small aggregates of fullerenes has remained largely unexplored, last but not least, because of technical challenges. A summary of recent progress in identifying specific adsorption sites on positively charged C60, C70, and their aggregates is given in this Minireview. Adsorption energies and storage capacities for helium, hydrogen, methane, oxygen, nitrogen, water, and ammonia are determined. Mass spectrometric data reveal the formation of a commensurate phase in which all hollow sites of C60 or C70 are occupied. This phase is identified for all nonpolar molecules, including oxygen, which does not form a commensurate phase on planar graphite. The polar molecules, on the other hand, do not wet fullerenes and they do not form this commensurate phase. A hierarchy of other distinct adsorption sites are identified for nonpolar molecules, namely, groove sites for fullerene dimers and beyond, and dimple sites for fullerene trimers and beyond. Furthermore, evidence is presented for the preferential adsorption of hydrogen and methane in registered sites on fullerene dimers. The interpretation of experimental data that merely count the number of preferred adsorption sites is aided by molecular dynamics simulations, which utilize interaction potentials derived from ab initio calculations to determine adsorption energies.
Effect of chlorine ion on the crystalline and photocatalytic activity of BiOCl for the degradation of Rhodamine B
Authors: Mao Xiaoming , Fan Caimei , Zhang Xiaochao , Wang Yawen , Wang Yunfang , Ding Guangyue
Published: July 2013

Two kinds of layer‐structured BiOCl photocatalysts (BiOCl‐01 and BiOCl‐02) were synthesized using NaBiO3 and HCl as the raw materials, and KCl as the Cl− conditioning agent. These photocatalysts were characterized by X‐ray diffraction (XRD), high resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), and ultraviolet visible diffuse reflectance spectra (DRS) measurements. The effects of chlorine ion in the reaction solutions on the crystalline of BiOCl and photodegradation of Rhodamine B (RhB) under 365 nm and 530 nm monocharomatic light irradiation were investigated. The XRD spectra confirmed the formation and purity of BiOCl photocatalysts, revealed that Cl− ion existed in the preparation solution restrained the growth of BiOCl and influenced the surface configuration. The TEM and HRTEM analysis gave the similar results with XRD. The band gaps of BiOCl‐01 and BiOCl‐02 were estimated about 3.19 and 3.29 eV, respectively. The photocatalytic degradation results of RhB under 365 nm showed that the photocatalytic activity of BiOCl‐02 was better than that of BiOCl‐01, and the main active species were h+ and . Meanwhile, the photosensitized results of RhB under 530 nm indicated that the photosensitized activity of BiOCl‐01 and BiOCl‐02 was similar, and the main active species was .
Functional traits, the phylogeny of function, and ecosystem service vulnerability
Authors: Díaz Sandra , Purvis Andy , Cornelissen Johannes H. C. , Mace Georgina M. , Donoghue Michael J. , Ewers Robert M. , Jordano Pedro , Pearse William D.
Published: July 2013

People depend on benefits provided by ecological systems. Understanding how these ecosystem services – and the ecosystem properties underpinning them – respond to drivers of change is therefore an urgent priority. We address this challenge through developing a novel risk‐assessment framework that integrates ecological and evolutionary perspectives on functional traits to determine species’ effects on ecosystems and their tolerance of environmental changes. We define Specific Effect Function (SEF) as the per‐gram or per capita capacity of a species to affect an ecosystem property, and Specific Response Function (SRF) as the ability of a species to maintain or enhance its population as the environment changes. Our risk assessment is based on the idea that the security of ecosystem services depends on how effects (SEFs) and tolerances (SRFs) of organisms – which both depend on combinations of functional traits – correlate across species and how they are arranged on the species’ phylogeny. Four extreme situations are theoretically possible, from minimum concern whenSEFandSRFare neither correlated nor show a phylogenetic signal, to maximum concern when they are negatively correlated (i.e., the most important species are the least tolerant) and phylogenetically patterned (lacking independent backup). We illustrate the assessment with five case studies, involving both plant and animal examples. However, the extent to which the frequency of the four plausible outcomes, or their intermediates, apply more widely in real‐world ecological systems is an open question that needs empirical evidence, and suggests a research agenda at the interface of evolutionary biology and ecosystem ecology.
Critical indirect effects of climate change on sub‐Antarctic ecosystem functioning
Authors: Louise Allan E. , William Froneman P. , Durgadoo Jonathan V. , McQuaid Christopher D. , Ansorge Isabelle J. , Richoux Nicole B.
Published: July 2013

Sub‐Antarctic islands represent critical breeding habitats for land‐based top predators that dominate Southern Ocean food webs. Reproduction and molting incur high energetic demands that are sustained at the sub‐Antarctic Prince Edward Islands (PEIs) by both inshore (phytoplankton blooms; “island mass effect”; autochthonous) and offshore (allochthonous) productivity. As the relative contributions of these sustenance pathways are, in turn, affected by oceanographic conditions around the PEIs, we address the consequences of climatically driven changes in the physical environment on this island ecosystem. We show that there has been a measurable long‐term shift in the carbon isotope signatures of the benthos inhabiting the shallow shelf region of the PEIs, most likely reflecting a long‐term decline in enhanced phytoplankton productivity at the islands in response to a climate‐driven shift in the position of the sub‐Antarctic Front. Our results indicate that regional climate change has affected the balance between allochthonous and autochthonous productivity at the PEIs. Over the last three decades, inshore‐feeding top predators at the islands have shown a marked decrease in their population sizes. Conversely, population sizes of offshore‐feeding predators that forage over great distances from the islands have remained stable or increased, with one exception. Population decline of predators that rely heavily on organisms inhabiting the inshore region strongly suggest changes in prey availability, which are likely driven by factors such as fisheries impacts on some prey populations and shifts in competitive interactions among predators. In addition to these local factors, our analysis indicates that changes in prey availability may also result indirectly through regional climate change effects on the islands' marine ecosystem. Most importantly, our results indicate that a fundamental shift in the balance between allochthonous and autochthonous trophic pathways within this island ecosystem may be detected throughout the food web, demonstrating that the most powerful effects of climate change on marine systems may be indirect.
Structures of Hemi‐Curcuminoids in the Solid State and in Solution
Authors: Cornago Pilar , Cabildo Pilar , Sanz Dionisia , Claramunt Rosa M. , Torralba M. Carmen , Torres M. Rosario , Elguero José
Published: July 2013

Hemi‐curcuminoids are derivatives of the antioxidant radical scavenger curcumin in which one styryl moiety is missing but the β‐diketone functionality is maintained. Five such derivatives have been prepared, and the X‐ray molecular structures for all of them have been determined. The tautomerism of the five compounds has been studied by NMR in the solid state and in solution. An enol–enol proton transfer barrier has been determined.
Geothermobarometry of basaltic glasses from the Tamu Massif, Shatsky Rise oceanic plateau
Authors: Husen Anika , Almeev Renat R. , Holtz François , Koepke Jürgen , Sano Takashi , Mengel Kurt
Published: July 2013

We present the results of a petrological study of core samples from Tamu Massif (Site U1347), recovered during the Shatsky Rise Integrated Ocean Drilling Program (IODP) Expedition 324. The basaltic glasses from Site U1347 are evolved tholeiitic basalts containing 5.2–6.8 wt% MgO, and are principally located within the compositional field of mid‐ocean ridge basalts (MORBs) but they have systematically higher FeO, lower Al2O3, SiO2, and Na2O concentrations, and the CaO/Al2O3 ratios are among the highest known for MORBs. In this sense, glasses from Site U1347 more closely resemble basaltic magmas from the Ontong Java Plateau (OJP), although they still have lower SiO2 concentrations. In contrast to MORB and similar to OJP, our fractionation corrected values of Na2O and CaO/Al2O3 indicate more than 20% of partial melting of the mantle during the generation of the parental magmas of Tamu Massif. The water contents in the glasses, determined by midinfrared Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, are MORB‐like, and vary between 0.18 and 0.6 wt% H2O. The calculated pressure (P)‐temperature (T) conditions at which the natural glasses represent cotectic olivine‐plagioclase‐clinopyroxene compositions range from 0.1 to 240 MPa and 1100 to 1150°C reflecting magma storage at shallow depth. The variation of the glass compositions and the modeled P‐T conditions in correlation with the relative ages indicate that there were at least two different magmatic cycles characterized by variations in eruptive styles (massive flows or pillow lavas), chemical compositions, volatile contents, and preeruptive P‐T conditions. Each magmatic cycle represents the progressive differentiation in course of polybaric crystallization after the injection of a more primitive magma batch. Magma crystallization and eruption episodes are followed by magmatic inactivity reflected in the core sequence by a sedimentary layer. Our data for Tamu Massif demonstrate that, similar to Ontong Java ocean Plateau, the crystallization beneath Shatsky Rise occurs at different crustal levels.
Trends in prescription of strong opioids for 41–80 year old Norwegians, 2005–2010
Authors: Neutel C.I. , Skurtveit S. , Berg C. , Sakshaug S.
Published: July 2013

Background

The use of strong opioids is affected by various influences such as increasing emphasis on adequate pain control and increasing measures to counteract opioid abuse. This study will examine trends of analgesic strong opioid use in an older population.

Methods

The study population includes people aged 41–80 who filled at least one prescription for analgesic strong opioids in 2005–2010. Information was obtained from the Norwegian Prescription Database (NorPD), that is, all prescriptions filled in Norwegian pharmacies.

Results

Annual rates per 1000 population of opioid users increased from 8.6/1000 in 2005 to 13.3/1000 in 2010 with the greatest increases for the oldest. Oxycodone showed the highest use in Norway and the greatest increase. Buprenorphine showed little use in 2005 but ranked second highest in 2010 at 3.3/1000. Morphine use remained stable over the years. Mean annual amount in defined daily doses (DDDs)/person decreased in the youngest age groups over 2005–2010 and showed a pattern of decreasing amounts with increasing age. About 20% of the study population received opioids from more than two prescribers and annually 20% received more than one type of opioid. High end users were younger and used more prescribers.

Conclusions

Rate of analgesic strong opioid use, particularly oxycodone and buprenorphine, in this older age group increased annually. The pattern of increasing opioid use is consistent with an increased focus on pain control but may also be influenced by altered reimbursement policies and the new convenient pharmaceutical formulations.
High Society
Authors: Snyder Solomon H.
Published: July 2013

Book reviewed in this article:

Cocaine: A Drug and Its Social Evolution by Lester Grinspoon and James B. Bakalar
Open Secret
Authors: Bethe Hans
Published: July 2013

Book reviewed in this article:

The Secret History of the Atomic Bomb edited by Anthony Cave Brown and Charles B. MacDonald
Century of Matter
Authors: Feinberg Gerald
Published: July 2013

Book reviewed in this article:

The Key to the Universe by Nigel Calder
Book of Genesis
Authors: Smith John Maynard
Published: July 2013

Book reviewed in this article:

The Dragons of Eden: Speculations on the Evolution of Human Intelligence Carl Sagan