bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Application of Magnetorheological Fluid in Bulge Tests of Sheet Metal
Authors: Wang Zhong Jin , Wang Peng Yi
Published: December 2013

Magnetorheological (MR) fluid is a kind of smart material. In this paper, magnetorheological (MR) fluid is applied as a flexible-die, the rheological properties of which can be changed rapidly under a magnetic field, in sheet metal forming process. Bulge tests using a kind of MR fluid, MRF-J01T, are carried out on self-designed experimental device. Stainless steel 1Cr18Ni9Ti combined with different process parameters are adopted to investigate the effect of property of MR fluid on the formability of material tested. The results showed that MR fluid can be utilized successfully as a pressure-carrying medium in sheet forming process. The rheological properties of MR fluid can greatly influence the dome height and thickness strain distribution of specimens.
Investigation of Time Instability Factors in Ti-SbxTe Based Phase Change Memory
Authors: Ji Xing Long , Wu Liang Cai , Rao Feng , Song Zhi Tang , Zhu Min , Feng Song Lin
Published: December 2013

In this paper, the two time instability factors in phase change memory, amorphous resistance drift and spontaneous crystallization process, are studied based on Ti2.75(SbxTe)97.25 and Ti6.85(SbxTe)93.15. The drift coefficients of both components are calculated and compared under room temperature. The reason why the drift coefficient decreases with the Ti concentration increases is discussed based on the band structure model of amorphous phase change materials. And the data retention change trend is also presented. The experiment results and the physical explaination can also be extended to other metallic element doped SbxTe alloy phase change materials.
Monte Carlo Analysis of Effect of Alloy Scattering on Electron Transport in Wurtzite Zn1-xMgxO
Authors: Hu Lin Lin , Wang Ping , Shang Tao , Song Jiu Xu
Published: December 2013

Steady-state and transient electron characteristics of wurtzite Zn1xMgxO are studied in detail. An ensemble Monte Carlo model is established considering alloy scattering. From the steady-state characteristics, it is found that alloy scattering makes the drift velocity decrease at different electric fields. For 10% Mg, the transient peak drift velocity decreases from 2.48×107 cm/s to 2.13×107 cm/s at 2000 kV/cm. While for 20% Mg, a higher electric field is needed for the onset of the overshoot, which corresponds to the larger peak electric field in the steady-state velocity-field characteristics.
The Density Functional Study of Electronic Properties for Bismuth Aluminate
Authors: Shan Lian Wei , Li Wei , Fang Rui , Dong Li Min , Han Zhi Dong , Wang Lai Guo , Liu Bo
Published: December 2013

In this paper, the density functional theory calculations on the electronic structure of BiAlO3 by using ultrasoft pseudopotential plane wave method are carried out. The results show that cubic and trigonal BiAlO3 are indirect band gap semiconductor. And their conduction band is 0.70 and 1.49 eV, respectively. The broadening antibonding interaction range in conduction band is found. It is largely responsible for the decrease in the band gap of cubic BiAlO3. It can be also found that the CB width is obviously narrowed, while the VB width is slightly broadened.
An Overview of Intervertebral Disc Degeneration Therapies and an Evaluation of the Chondrogenic and Chemotactic Potential of CDMP-2
Authors: Zhou Frank Y. , Wei Ai Qun , Diwan Ashish D.
Published: December 2013

Intervertebral disc degeneration creates a significant healthcare burden on industrialized Western society. Recent research into treatment options has highlighted numerous biological strategies to replenish the native disc cells with minimal invasion, although their effectiveness and safety are still under intense investigation. This review provides an outline of the key biological therapies under research currently, including stem cells, biomaterial scaffolds and signaling molecules. Particularly, the focus will be on CDMP-2, a signaling molecule that has been found to possess properties that are therapeutic to disc degeneration. The review will assess the evidence of the molecule’s chondrogenic and chemotactic effects on disc cells and evaluate areas for further research in determining its regenerative potential in the intervertebral disc.
Non-Destructive Detection of Weld Seams in Extruded Aluminum Profiles
Authors: Engelhardt Marcus , Grittner N. , Reimche Wilfried , Bach Friedrich Wilhelm
Published: December 2013

The present study focuses on the feasibility of non-destructive testing methods for the detection of transverse and longitudinal weld seams in extruded aluminum alloys. Two extrusion trials using billet on billet extrusion with a porthole die producing both types of weld seams were conducted. First, two billets of different types of alloy, AlMgSi1 (EN AW-6082) and AlZn4.5Mg1 (EN AW-7020), were extruded. In a second trial, two billets of AlZn4.5Mg1 were processed. The produced profiles were then tested by non-destructive testing using a tactile eddy current sensor as well as an encasing sensor at room temperature. The measured signals of both sensors were then evaluated and compared. Microstructural analyses have been carried out to correlate the occurrence of transverse and longitudinal weld seams with the results of the non-destructive testing.
Research on the Influence of Die Shape in Complex Extrusion of Multi Billets
Authors: Hoshino Michihiko , Narahashi Daisuke
Published: December 2013

Multi-billet extrusion has been developed for a novel process in manufacturing of shapes with complex cross-section, for example a side-door impact beam for automobile. And furthermore, very wide shapes for roofs of railroad vehicles may be able to be manufactured. In this paper, fundamental experiment carried out by using modeling material and knowledge about bonding of some separated parts was obtained. It is clear that a unification angle is important for bonding intensity. The unification angle was adjusted by flow guides. It is success to manufacture a round pipe with inner liv.
Manufacturing of Steel-Reinforced Aluminum Parts by Co-Extrusion and Subsequent Forging
Authors: Behrens Bernd-Arno , Tekkaya A. Erman , Kosch Klaus Georg , Foydl Annika , Kammler Matthias , Jäger Andreas
Published: December 2013

The processes of manufacturing continuously and discontinuously steel-reinforced aluminum profiles by means of co-extrusion and subsequent forging were examined. In the co-extrusion and subsequent forging of discontinuously reinforced parts, influences of the reinforcing elements on forming behavior and material bonding for both processes were investigated. It was shown that forming temperature as well as ram speed have no influence on joining quality and forming behavior of the reinforcing elements in the co-extrusion of continuously reinforced profiles. The analyses of the joining zone between the composite partners revealed that a good connection of the two materials could be achieved.
Experimental Investigations of Friction Carried out with the Tribo-Torsion-Test and Frictional Modelling
Authors: Becker Christoph , Hora Pavel , Maier Joachim , Müller Sören
Published: December 2013

Complex frictional effects occur during the extrusion process between the extrusion die and the extruded material. The recently developed Tribo-Torsion-Test is used to measure friction under thermo-mechanical conditions similar to the extrusion process. Investigations have not been carried out only with nitrided but also with two different chemical vapour deposited CVD coated samples. In the context of this study the Tribo-Torsion-Test is introduced and laboratory results are presented.
A Novel Method for 3D-Die Design in the Extrusion Process Using Equi-Potential Lines
Authors: Tabatabei Seyed A. , Givi M.K. Besharati , Abrinia Karen , Karami Peyman , Zal V. , Mirjavadi S.
Published: December 2013

Die shape plays a key role in extrusion process through widely affects on the extrusion pressure and product quality. Therefore, prediction of the optimal die shape is the main objective for an effective extrusion process. In this study, the notion of Equi-Potential Lines (EPLs) was applied to 3D-die designing in extrusion process for the first time. To implement the analogy in the extrusion, the initial and final shapes were considered and two different potentials were assigned to them, and then EPLs were drawn between two shapes that show the minimum work path between the entry and exit cross sections. The drawn EPLs were connected to build up a 3D-die. The effectiveness of the proposed method was examined experimentally, by comparing the results between the designed die and the linear die (with the linear curve for the deformation zone). It was found that there was acceptable reduction in extrusion pressure for the designed die.
Die middel-adolessent se wiskundeprestasie: Die rol van emosionele intelligensie en studie-oriëntasie
Authors: Erasmus Petro
Published: December 2013

This study (quantitative-qualitative) focused especially on the extent to which (a combination of facets of) emotional intelligence (EI) and study orientation predict(s) the mathematics achievement of middle-adolescents, and also compared the performance of the different gender and grade groups (represented in this study). Altogether 435 learners in Grade 9 and Grade 11 from the three English medium high schools in the Mafikeng region took part in the study. The quantitative component of the study comprised the implementation of two standardised questionnaires: an EI questionnaire, the Bar-On EQ-i:YVTM, and the study orientation questionnaire in mathematics (SOM). The qualitative technique implemented in the study was focus group interviews. The results indicated that a combination of the facets of emotional intelligence and the dimensions of study orientation could be considered potential predictors of the middle adolescent’s mathematics achievement. The following EI components also emerged from the results as predictors of mathematics achievement: general mood, adaptability and intrapersonal behaviour. The following SOM dimensions were predictors of mathematics achievement: problem-solving behaviour, study habits, information processing and mathematics anxiety. Themes that emerged from the qualitative aspect of this study as potential contributors to learners’ inadequate mathematics achievement refer specifically to challenges in South Africa at the macro level: mainly the input of the national government (and by default the Department of Education); on meso level: mainly factors related to the school and family; and on micro level: personality factors of the learner The following themes manifested in both the qualitative and quantitative results during the process of triangulation: gender, study habits, role of emotions, the relationship between problem-solving, discipline and classroom management; and the role of stress and maths anxiety in the maths achievement of the middle adolescent.
Sharp Localized Inequalities for Fourier Multipliers
Authors: Osękowski Adam
Published: December 2013

In this paper we study sharp localized Lq → Lp estimates for Fourier multipliers resulting from modulation of the jumps of Lévy processes. The proofs of these estimates rest on probabilistic methods and exploit related sharp bounds for differentially subordinated martingales, which are of independent interest. The lower bounds for the constants involve the analysis of laminates, a family of certain special probability measures on 2×2 matrices. As an application, we obtain new sharp bounds for the real and imaginary parts of the Beurling–Ahlfors operator.
Enhanced timing accuracy for Cluster data
Authors: Yearby K. H. , Walker S. N. , Balikhin M. A.
Published: December 2013

Abstract. The standard timing accuracy for the Cluster mission is ±2 ms. However for inter-spacecraft comparisons of waveform data, a much higher accuracy is needed – for example a timing error of 1 ms results in a phase error of 65° for a signal at 180 Hz. Most Cluster data are recorded on an onboard solid state recorder and time-stamped using an onboard clock which is calibrated to coordinated universal time (UTC). Until recently, the error of this onboard clock was allowed to increase to the ±2 ms limit before a new calibration was applied. However, the timing error for real-time data is estimated to be only ~11 μs, so these data may be used to prepare a time correction data set which allows the standard timing accuracy to be improved considerably. This paper describes the details of the preparation and validation of this data set. Two independent source data sets are used: telemetry to European Space Agency (ESA) ground stations supporting the main operations of the Cluster spacecraft, and the real-time telemetry to the NASA Deep Space Network (DSN) stations supporting the Wide-Band Plasma Wave Investigation.
Post-earthquake ignition vulnerability assessment of Küçükçekmece District
Authors: Yildiz S. S. , Karaman H.
Published: December 2013

Abstract. In this study, a geographic information system (GIS)-based model was developed to calculate the post-earthquake ignition probability of a building, considering damage to the building's interior gas and electrical distribution system and the overturning of appliances. In order to make our model more reliable and realistic, a weighting factor was used to define the possible existence of each appliance or other contents in the given occupancy. A questionnaire was prepared to weigh the relevance of the different components of post-earthquake ignitions using the analytical hierarchy process (AHP). The questionnaire was evaluated by researchers who were experienced in earthquake engineering and post-earthquake fires. The developed model was implemented to HAZTURK's (Hazards Turkey) earthquake loss assessment software, as developed by the Mid-America Earthquake Center with the help of Istanbul Technical University. The developed post-earthquake ignition tool was applied to Küçükçekmece, Istanbul, in Turkey. The results were evaluated according to structure types, occupancy types, the number of storeys, building codes and specified districts. The evaluated results support the theory that post-earthquake ignition probability is inversely proportional to the number of storeys and the construction year, depending upon the building code.
Paul Ricœur: Variations et continuité d'un projet politique
Authors: Monteil Pierre-Olivier
Published: December 2013

Les commentateurs s’accordent pour constater une évolution dans la pensée politique de Ricœur conduisant d’un radicalisme à un réformisme. Par-delà ces variations, on se propose plutôt de mettre en évidence la continuité d’un projet. Non seulement la critique du capitalisme se poursuit jusqu’au bout, mais la perspective du socialisme semble très tôt tenue pour improbable. Dans les deux cas, la préoccupation centrale porte sur la nécessité de raviver les traditions et de faire émerger l’élan initial sous la doctrine “ossifiée ” en les situant en tension critique entre elles pour qu’elles se corrigent mutuellement. Le projet politique de Ricœur consiste à établir en vis-à-vis libéralisme et socialisme.
Hermeneutics and Truth: From Alētheia to Attestation
Authors: Purcell Sebastian
Published: December 2013

This essay aims to correct a prevalent misconception about Paul Ricoeur’s hermeneutics, which understands it to support a conception of human understanding as finite as Heidegger did, but in a more “conceptuallyconservative” way. The result is that Ricoeur’s work is viewed as incapable of addressing the most pressingproblems in contemporary Continental metaphysics. In response, it is argued that Ricoeur is in fact the firstto develop an infinite hermeneutics, which departs significantly from Heideggerian finitude. This positionis demonstrated by tracing the itinerary from Heidegger’s account of aletheia to Ricoeur’s account ofattestation. The conclusion, then, not only clears Ricoeur of the stated charges, but also presents a moreviable path for the future of hermeneutics.
Ricœur's Freud
Authors: Bernstein Richard J.
Published: December 2013

Ricoeur’s reading of Freud is one of the most comprehensive, perceptive and judicious explications of Freudianism—one that begins with his early “Project” of 1895 and culminates with the last book that Freud published, Moses and Monotheism. Ricoeur is successful in exposing some of the weaknesses in Freud, and even more importantly, why we need to move beyond Freud. I am deeply sympathetic with his claim that there is a dialectical relationship between a hermeneutics of suspicion and a restorative hermeneutics of meaning—and that they are integral to each other. And I also think he is successful in showing how, if we relentlessly pursue the logic of Freud’s thinking, we are led beyond Freud. But, even though he gives some indications of how such dialectic is to be developed, this remains a task (an Aufgabe) that lies before us.
Etre fidèle à soi: Féminisme, éthique et justice à la lumière de la philosophie de Paul Ricœur
Authors: Tissot Damien
Published: December 2013

En faisant dialoguer Paul Ricœur, Judith Butler, Emmanuel Levinas et Annie Léchenet, je montre comment l’œuvre de Ricœur offre des ressources intéressantes pour articuler une double exigence des discours féministes, à savoir une exigence de justice et une exigence de reconnaissance. Cet article se propose de montrer plus précisément comment l’herméneutique du sujet ricœurien, qui place l’estime de soi au cœur d’une recherche de la vie bonne, avec et pour les autres, dans des institutions justes, peut offrir un intérêt particulier pour la recherche féministe. En liant plus particulièrement les notions de promesse et d’estime de soi, l’article suggère que Ricœur nous aide à élaborer un concept qui semble implicite dans le féminisme, celui de fidélité à soi.
Textural properties of chicken breast treated by different means
Authors: Čurlej Jozef , Čurlejová Eva , Zajác Peter , Čapla Jozef
Published: December 2013

The aim of the study was to compare textural atributes of cooked chicken breast samples subjected to different storage or preparation conditions (raw meat after cooking, raw meat after freezing/subsequent thawing, after storage under modified – controlled conditions) using instrumental analysis. For this purpose, samples were subjected to texture testing by the use of Warner-Bratzler probe, to find changes in muscle hardness by determination of firmness and work of shear. As expected, various values of mentioned atributes were obtained for tested samples treated by three different ways. For statistical evaluation of the results, macro function of Exponent software and paired T test were used, statistically significant differences were taken at p <0.05. In conclussion, different forces were needed for cutting of tested samples, subjected to selected storage conditions, prior to cooking.
Arbuscular mycorrhiza of Deschampsia cespitosa (Poaceae) at different soil depths in highly metal-contaminated site in southern Poland
Authors: Gucwa-Przepióra Ewa , Błaszkowski Janusz , Kurtyka Renata , Małkowski Łukasz , Małkowski Eugeniusz
Published: December 2013

This study presents root colonization of Deschampsia cespitosa growing in the immediate vicinity of a former Pb/Zn smelter by arbuscular mycorhizal fungi (AMF) and dark septated endophytes (DSE) at different soil depths. AMF spores and species distribution in soil profile were also assessed. Arbuscular mycorrhiza (AM) and DSE were found in D. cespitosa roots at all investigated soil levels. However, mycorrhizal colonization in topsoil was extremely low with sporadically occurring arbuscules. AM parameters: frequency of mycorrhization of root fragments (F%), intensity of root cortex colonization (M%), intensity of colonization within individual mycorrhizal roots (m%), and arbuscule abundance in the root system (A%) were markedly higher at 20–40, 40–60 cm soil levels and differed in a statistically significant manner from AM parameters from 0–10 and 10–20 cm layers. Mycorrhizal colonization was negatively correlated with bioavailable Cd, Pb and Zn concentrations. The number of AMF spores in topsoil was very low and increased with soil depth (20–40 and 40–60 cm). At the study area spores of three morphologically distinctive AMF species were found: Archaeospora trappei, Funneliformis mosseae and Scutellospora dipurpurescens. The fourth species Glomus tenue colonized roots of D. cespitosa and was observed in the root cortex at 20–40 and 40–60 soil depth, however, its spores were not found at the site.
Leveraging the power of rebates: The difference is in the breakage
Authors: Goetz Melanie K.
Published: December 2013

Rebate programs, although typically used by marketers to create a perception of a discount without having to actually provide one, can be leveraged by utilities as a customer service experience to build trust between the customer and the utility.
Numerical study of Cu(In,Ga)Se2 solar cell performance toward 23% conversion efficiency
Authors: Hirai Yoshiaki , Kurokawa Yasuyoshi , Yamada Akira
Published: December 2013

The effects of conduction band grading in a Cu(In,Ga)Se2 (CIGS) thin film with an average bandgap of 1.4 eV on solar cell performance were investigated by changing the minimum bandgap (E
gmin) and its position, employing the software wxAMPS. The calculation was carried out, taking CdS/CIGS heterointerface recombination into account, by incorporating a thin defective layer into the interface. For CIGS with a flat conduction band profile, i.e., without conduction band grading, the effects of the valence band offset (ΔE
V) between a CdS layer and a CIGS layer with bandgaps from 1.05 to 1.6 eV were investigated. It was found that efficiency was increased by up to 3% by changing the conduction band profile from flat to double-graded, with a deep notch located in the vicinity of the CdS/CIGS interface. On the other hand, efficiency was increased by over 6% and reached 22% by increasing ΔE
V up to 0.3 eV in the case of CIGS with a bandgap of 1.35 eV. Finally, an efficiency of 23.4% was achieved by combining a single-graded conduction band profile with a ΔE
V of 0.3 eV. This result shows that a single-graded conduction band profile is required for high-efficiency wide-bandgap CIGS solar cells if the recombination at the CdS/CIGS heterointerface can be suppressed.
Application of dual-heterodyne mixing to optical phase-shift keying
Authors: Yamazaki Toshiaki , Shioda Tatsutoshi
Published: December 2013

Dual-heterodyne mixing has been developed to detect high-speed optical signal waveforms and measure not only the amplitude spectrum but also the phase spectrum. In the present study, this method was applied to a simple experiment that demodulated intensity-modulated terabit signals, and it successfully demodulated an 80 ps non monotonic optical pulse train of 12.5 Gbps 8 bit phase-modulated signals as arbitrary waveforms with dual-heterodyne mixing. These results will be the foundation for phase-shift-keying technology that increases future communication capacity.
Marketing de lugares: os recifes artificiais multifuncionais como proposta de atração turística
Authors: Ocke Marco Antonio Moraes , Ikeda Ana Akemi
Published: December 2013

O marketing de localidade enfoca a utilização das atividades de marketing como forma de alavancar o desenvolvimento socioeconômico de cidades, estados e países e, neste contexto, as atrações de uma determinada localidade são essenciais para o incremento turístico da região. A partir da revisão de literatura dos conceitos e tipologias das atrações, este artigo tem o objetivo de sugerir a convergência dos conceitos de atração natural e atração artificial aplicada aos recifes artificiais multifuncionais e descrever sua natureza híbrida de recuperação de áreas degradadas pela erosão costeira, aumento da biodiversidade marinha e a capacidade de melhoraria na qualidade de ondas para a prática do surfe, resultando em incremento do fluxo turístico para a localidade. A pesquisa utiliza o método de estudo de casos de regiões que investiram na implantação dos recifes artificiais multifuncionais para diferentes propósitos e os resultados apontam para uma dinâmica de possibilidades de implantação destas estruturas no que tange a melhoria de áreas costeiras gerando impacto positivo sobre o turismo e desenvolvimento socioeconômico dessas regiões. Neste contexto, este artigo considera a possibilidade de implantação dos recifes artificiais multifuncionais na costa brasileira como proposta de atrair visitantes e promover benefícios à localidade receptora.
Práticas de orçamento de capital: um estudo em empresas hoteleiras de São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro e Salvador
Authors: Zanini Manoela Quint dos Santos , Souza Paula de , Lunkes Rogério João
Published: December 2013

O orçamento é considerado um processo importante para a gestão e comunicação da companhia, para auxiliar a identificação de gargalos em potenciais, definir metas e objetivos e avaliar futuras performances. Sendo assim, tem-se como objetivo identificar e analisar as práticas de orçamento de capital adotadas pelas empresas hoteleiras das cidades São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro e Salvador. Os dados foram coletados por meio da aplicação de questionários nas três cidades, constituindo uma população de 12 hotéis associados à ABIH (Associação Brasileira da Indústria de Hotéis). Os resultados mostram que o Índice de Rentabilidade é considerado dominante na avaliação do orçamento pelas empresas hoteleiras brasileiras, assim como o Custo do Capital Próprio na definição da taxa mínima de retorno aceitável, a qual é geralmente igual para todos os investimentos. No tocante às etapas mais críticas do processo de análise de investimento, são consideradas pelos gestores à definição do projeto e a previsão do fluxo de caixa. Quanto ao grau de previsibilidade do ambiente hoteleiro, o comportamento dos fornecedores é avaliado como parcialmente imprevisível, o mercado financeiro como eventualmente previsível e o governo avaliado como totalmente imprevisível. E, adicionalmente a isso, obteve-se que os dados macroeconômicos e a expectativa de vida útil são informações obtidas com pouca ou nenhuma frequência pelo sistema de informação dos hotéis.
O Público do Museu da Inconfidência: da legitimação do patrimônio nacional às necessidades de fruição para os turistas
Authors: Brusadin Leandro Benedini
Published: December 2013

O debate que trata do patrimônio cultural no Brasil se faz presente quanto às suas formas de preservação e quanto às suas ferramentas de identidade. Entretanto, torna-se necessário refletir as formas de apropriação de quem o faz existir: o público. Nesse trabalho, por meio de análise documental, ponderamos os índices de visitação do Museu da Inconfidência, em Ouro Preto, desde sua criação em 1944 até o ano de 2009. Tais indicadores quantitativos nos permitem afirmar que o público do Museu da Inconfidência foi quem legitimou a tradição nacionalista inventada no Governo de Getúlio Vargas e materializada em sua exposição. Nesse artigo ainda foram considerados os testemunhos dos visitantes, registrados no Livro de Ocorrências, os quais forneceram subsídios para analisar a visitação ao longo dos anos sob o âmbito do Turismo. Conclui-se que o Museu da Inconfidência teve que se adaptar às necessidades de fruição do turista contemporâneo, muito embora não pode se desvincular das raízes nacionalistas que lhe deram origem.
Royal Statuary of Early Dynastic Mesopotamia. By Gianni Marchesi and Nicolò Marchetti
Authors: Eppihimer Melissa
Published: December 2013

Royal Statuary of Early Dynastic Mesopotamia. By Gianni Marchesi and Nicolò Marchetti. Mesopotamian Civilizations, vol. 14. Winona Lake, Ind.: Eisenbrauns, 2011. Pp. ix + 374, plates. $89.50.
Le Messie et son prophète: Aux origines de l’Islam. By Édouard-Marie Gallez
Authors: Lawson Todd
Published: December 2013

Le Messie et son prophète: Aux origines de l’Islam. By Édouard-Marie Gallez. Studia Arabica, vols. 1 and 2. 2 vols., 3rd ed. Versaille: Éditions de Paris, 2007. Pp. 526 (vol. 1), 588 (vol. 2). €35 and €39 (paper).
Sufism and Society: Arrangements of the Mystical in the Muslim World, 1200–1800. Edited by John J. Curry and Erik S. Ohlander
Authors: Kars Aydogan
Published: December 2013

Sufism and Society: Arrangements of the Mystical in the Muslim World, 1200–1800. Edited by John J. Curry and Erik S. Ohlander. Routledge Sufi Series, vol. 12. London: Routledge, 2012. Pp. xiv + 281. $125.
Yama/Yima: Variations indo-iraniennes sur la geste mythique / Variations on the Indo-Iranian Myth of Yama/Yima. Edited by Samra Azarnouche and Céline Redard with an introduction by Jean Kellens
Authors: Tucker Elizabeth
Published: December 2013

Yama/Yima: Variations indo-iraniennes sur la geste mythique / Variations on the Indo-Iranian Myth of Yama/Yima. Edited by Samra Azarnouche and Céline Redard with an introduction by Jean Kellens. Collège de France: Publications de l’Institut de Civilisation Indienne, fasc. 81. Paris: De Boccard, 2012. Pp. vii + 239, plates.
Arthaśāstra: Selections from the Classic Indian Work on Statecraft. Edited and Translated, with an Introduction, by Mark McClish and Patrick Olivelle
Authors: Scharfe Hartmut
Published: December 2013

The Arthaśāstra: Selections from the Classic Indian Work on Statecraft. Edited and Translated, with an Introduction, by Mark McClish and Patrick Olivelle. Indianapolis: Hackett, 2012. Pp. lxvi + 169. $52, £37.95 (cloth); $16.95, £12.95 (paper).
Molecular Modeling of Nucleic Acid Structure: Electrostatics and Solvation
Authors: Bergonzo Christina , Galindo‐Murillo Rodrigo , Cheatham Thomas E.
Published: December 2013

This unit presents an overview of computer simulation techniques as applied to nucleic acid systems, ranging from simple in vacuo molecular modeling techniques to more complete all‐atom molecular dynamics treatments that include an explicit representation of the environment. The third in a series of four units, this unit focuses on critical issues in solvation and the treatment of electrostatics.
UNITS 7.5 & 7.8
introduced the modeling of nucleic acid structure at the molecular level. This included a discussion of how to generate an initial model, how to evaluate the utility or reliability of a given model, and ultimately how to manipulate this model to better understand its structure, dynamics, and interactions. Subject to an appropriate representation of the energy, such as a specifically parameterized empirical force field, the techniques of minimization and Monte Carlo simulation, as well as molecular dynamics (MD) methods, were introduced as a way of sampling conformational space for a better understanding of the relevance of a given model. This discussion highlighted the major limitations with modeling in general. When sampling conformational space effectively, difficult issues are encountered, such as multiple minima or conformational sampling problems, and accurately representing the underlying energy of interaction. In order to provide a realistic model of the underlying energetics for nucleic acids in their native environments, it is crucial to include some representation of solvation (by water) and also to properly treat the electrostatic interactions. These subjects are discussed in detail in this unit. Curr. Protoc. Nucleic Acid Chem. 55:7.9.1‐7.9.27. © 2013 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Prompt energization of relativistic and highly relativistic electrons during a substorm interval: Van Allen Probes observations
Authors: Foster J. C. , Erickson P. J. , Baker D. N. , Claudepierre S. G. , Kletzing C. A. , Kurth W. , Reeves G. D. , Thaller S. A. , Spence H. E. , Shprits Y. Y. , Wygant J. R.
Published: December 2013

On 17 March 2013, a large magnetic storm significantly depleted the multi‐MeV radiation belt. We present multi‐instrument observations from the Van Allen Probes spacecraft Radiation Belt Storm Probe A and Radiation Belt Storm Probe B at ~6 Re in the midnight sector magnetosphere and from ground‐based ionospheric sensors during a substorm dipolarization followed by rapid reenergization of multi‐MeV electrons. A 50% increase in magnetic field magnitude occurred simultaneously with dramatic increases in 100 keV electron fluxes and a 100 times increase in VLF wave intensity. The 100 keV electrons and intense VLF waves provide a seed population and energy source for subsequent radiation belt enhancements. Highly relativistic (>2 MeV) electron fluxes increased immediately at L* ~ 4.5 and 4.5 MeV flux increased >90 times at L* = 4 over 5 h. Although plasmasphere expansion brings the enhanced radiation belt multi‐MeV fluxes inside the plasmasphere several hours postsubstorm, we localize their prompt reenergization during the event to regions outside the plasmasphere.
Rapid porosity and permeability changes of calcareous sandstone due to CO2‐enriched brine injection
Authors: Lamy‐Chappuis Benoit , Angus Doug , Fisher Quentin , Grattoni Carlos , Yardley Bruce W. D.
Published: December 2013

Reservoir injectivity and storage capacity are the main constraints for geologic CO2 sequestration, subject to safety and economic considerations. Brine acidification following CO2 dissolution leads to fluid‐rock interactions that alter porosity and permeability, thereby affecting reservoir storage capacity and injectivity. Thus, we determined how efficiently CO2‐enriched brines could dissolve calcite in sandstone cores and how this affects the petrophysical properties. During computerized tomography monitored flow‐through reactor experiments, calcite dissolved at a rate largely determined by the rate of acid supply, even at high flow velocities which would be typical near an injection well. The porosity increase was accompanied by a significant increase in rock permeability, larger than that predicted using classical porosity‐permeability models. This chemically driven petrophysical change might be optimized using injection parameters to maximize injectivity and storage.
A Taste for Safer Beef? How Much Does Consumers’ Perceived Risk Influence Willingness to Pay for Country‐of‐Origin Labeled Beef
Authors: Lim Kar H. , Hu Wuyang , Maynard Leigh J. , Goddard Ellen
Published: December 2013

Past studies have shown that country of origin labeling (COOL) affects consumers’ demand for food products. However, besides the rationale of ethnocentrism or the desire to support domestic farmers, the underlying motivation for such behavior is not well understood. This study assesses consumers’ preferences for imported and domestic beef through a choice experiment. We found that willingness to pay for country‐of‐origin labeled imported beefsteak is associated with (a) consumers’ perceptions of the categorical risk from consuming beef, (b) consumers’ risk aversion to risks from beef consumption, and (c) consumers’ perceptions of the food‐safety level of imported beef. Results from this study suggest that the advantage of domestic beef over imported beef can be partly explained by consumers’ risk handling behavior. [EconLit citations: Q130].
The Impact of Exchange Rate Volatility on World Broiler Trade
Authors: Davis Christopher G. , Muhammad Andrew , Karemera David , Harvey David
Published: December 2013

Studies of how exchange rate volatility affects aggregate trade flows implicitly assume a uniform response across individual sectors. This is highly unlikely given that the responsiveness of trade to exchange rate fluctuations could depend on the biological, marketing, and economic factors specific to a commodity. Consequently, we focused solely on broilers for this analysis, which is a leading sector in global meat trade. Using a gravity model, we assessed how two measures of exchange rate volatility (short‐ and long‐run) affect cross‐partner broiler trade. Our results indicated that long‐run exchange rate volatility has a negative and significant effect on broiler trade, albeit small when compared to the effects of population, regionalization, and sharing a common border; the short‐run effect of exchange rate volatility was insignificant. Overall, results suggest that exchange rate volatility has little or no effect on bilateral broiler trade. [EconLit citations: C32, F14, Q17].
The Impact of BSE on U.S. Exports of Beef and Pork
Authors: Taha Fawzi A. , Hahn William F.
Published: December 2013

An augmented vector‐autoregressive (VAR) model relating pre‐ and post‐BSE (bovine spongiform encephalopathy) exports of U.S. beef meat, beef offal, pork meat, and pork offal was used to test for structural changes following an outbreak of BSE in the United States in December 2003. The VAR, exogenous variables—intercepts, seasonal dummies, and export unit value first lags—and covariance estimates all had statistically significant changes for each of the four types of exports, indicating that BSE caused structural changes in U.S. exports of the four meats. To demonstrate the effects of these coefficient‐estimate shifts, post‐BSE exports were forecast using both sets of coefficients, the pre‐ and post‐BSE periods. These forecasts were in concordance with actual U.S. export data, showing that the structural changes lead to a decrease in U.S. beef meat and offal exports and a strong increase in U.S. pork meat and offal exports in the post‐BSE years. [Econ Lit Classification: F140, F170, and Q170.].
Novel association of neurofibromatosis type 1‐causing mutations in families with neurofibromatosis‐noonan syndrome
Authors: Ekvall Sara , Sjörs Kerstin , Jonzon Anders , Vihinen Mauno , Annerén Göran , Bondeson Marie‐Louise
Published: December 2013

Neurofibromatosis‐Noonan syndrome (NFNS) is a rare condition with clinical features of both neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) and Noonan syndrome (NS). All three syndromes belong to the RASopathies, which are caused by dysregulation of the RAS‐MAPK pathway. The major gene involved in NFNS is NF1, but co‐occurring NF1 and PTPN11 mutations in NFNS have been reported. Knowledge about possible involvement of additional RASopathy‐associated genes in NFNS is, however, very limited. We present a comprehensive clinical and molecular analysis of eight affected individuals from three unrelated families displaying features of NF1 and NFNS. The genetic etiology of the clinical phenotypes was investigated by mutation analysis, including NF1, PTPN11, SOS1, KRAS, NRAS, BRAF, RAF1, SHOC2, SPRED1, MAP2K1, MAP2K2, and CBL. All three families harbored a heterozygous NF1 variant, where the first family had a missense variant, c.5425C>T;p.R1809C, the second family a recurrent 4bp‐deletion, c.6789_6792delTTAC;p.Y2264Tfs*6, and the third family a splice‐site variant, c.2991‐1G>A, resulting in skipping of exon 18 and an in‐frame deletion of 41 amino acids. These NF1 variants have all previously been reported in NF1 patients. Surprisingly, both c.6789_6792delTTAC and c.2991‐1G>A are frequently associated with NF1, but association to NFNS has, to our knowledge, not previously been reported. Our results support the notion that NFNS represents a variant of NF1, genetically distinct from NS, and is caused by mutations in NF1, some of which also cause classical NF1. Due to phenotypic overlap between NFNS and NS, we propose screening for NF1 mutations in NS patients, preferentially when café‐au‐lait spots are present. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Preparation and dielectric properties of poly(ε‐caprolactone) compounded with “bucky gels”‐like mixture
Authors: Yoon Sang Won , Ren Xianqian , Chen Guang‐Xin
Published: December 2013

Poly(ε‐caprolactone) (PCL) was melt compounded with “Bucky gels”‐like mixture that prepared by grinding multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWNTs) and ionic liquids (ILs). Raman spectrum showed the significant interaction between ILs and MWNTs. The dielectric behavior of PCL nanocomposites based on unmodified and IL‐modified MWNTs was studied from 40 Hz to 30 MHz. The addition of ILs significantly enhanced the dielectric property of PCL/IL/MWNT ternary nanocomposites, which was much higher than that of the sum of PCL/IL with PCL/MWNT binary nanocomposites. The dielectric properties of PCL/IL/MWNT nanocomposites were mainly influenced by ILs in low frequency and were dominated by MWNTs in high frequency. SEM results revealed that a more uniform and fine dispersion of MWNTs were achieved throughout the PCL matrix because of ILs. The addition of ILs in nanocomposites changed the crystallinity of PCL. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2014, 131, 40231.
Amino‐functionalization of carbon fibers through electron‐beam irradiation technique
Authors: Mao Lian , Wang Yuansheng , Zang Zhenjuan , Zhu Shanshan , Zhang Haisheng , Zhou Huihui
Published: December 2013

Amino‐functinonalized carbon fibers were achieved via electron‐beam (EB) irradiation in Diethylenetriamine (DETA) solution and triethylene tetramine (TETA) solution at 200 kGy. Different graft monomer concentrations were investigated to find the optimal concentration of each graft monomer. X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and Raman spectroscopy were applied to investigate chemical composition and functional groups, topography and disorder degree of amino‐functionalized carbon fibers surface. Meanwhile, adsorption ability and interfacial adhesion between modified carbon fibers and epoxy resin were determined by TGA and interlaminar shear strength (ILSS). It is found that amino‐functionalized carbon fibers which had rougher and more active surface performed better adsorption ability on epoxy resin than untreated fibers. The optimal ILSS values of carbon fiber (treated with DETA and TETA) reinforced composites were 21.37 MPa and 18.28 MPa, which were much higher than that of untreated fiber reinforced composites. The comprehensive results demonstrated that in this condition, the optimal grafting concentrations of both DETA and TETA were 1.5 mol/L. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2014, 131, 40274.
The Role of Green Supply Management in the Development of Sustainable Supply Chain
Authors: Lintukangas Katrina , Hallikas Jukka , Kähkönen Anni‐Kaisa
Published: December 2013

This paper highlights the role of green supply management in the development of a sustainable supply chain. It examines if supply risks, supplier relationship management capability, and end‐customer orientation of supply management function are connected to the green supply management practices of a firm. These connections are studied using a survey data of 165 firms collected in Finland. The results of regression analysis show that the protection of a firm's reputation is highly related to the level of green supply management; consumer awareness of green requirements puts strong pressure on a firm's supply management to meet the end‐customers' expectations, and the high the level of supplier relationship management capability in firms increases the adoption of green supply management. Furthermore, it finds that larger firms exploit green supply management practices more than the smaller ones, and green purchasing activities are not applied in high‐volume‐buying Finnish companies. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment
Mediterranean diet and type 2 diabetes
Authors: Esposito Katherine , Giugliano Dario
Published: December 2013

Consumption of selected dietary components is favourably associated with prevention of type 2 diabetes, but discordant results for some foods or single nutrients continue to appear. The study of complete dietary patterns represents the most adequate approach to assess the role of diet on the risk of diabetes. The term ‘Mediterranean diet’ essentially refers to a primarily plant‐based dietary pattern whose greater consumption has been associated with higher survival for lower all‐cause mortality. At least five large prospective studies report a substantially lower risk of type 2 diabetes in healthy people or at risk patients with the highest adherence to a Mediterranean diet. Five randomized controlled trials have evaluated the effects of a Mediterranean diet, as compared with other commonly used diets, on glycaemic control in subjects with type 2 diabetes. Improvement of HbA1c levels was greater with a Mediterranean diet and ranged from 0.1% to 0.6% for HbA1c. No trial reported worsening of glycaemic control with a Mediterranean diet. Although no controlled trial specifically assessed the role of a Mediterranean diet in reducing cardiovascular events in type 2 diabetes, there is evidence that post‐infarct or high‐risk patients, including diabetic patients, may have cardiovascular benefits from a Mediterranean diet. The evidence so far accumulated suggests that adopting a Mediterranean diet may help prevent type 2 diabetes; moreover, a lower carbohydrate, Mediterranean‐style diet seems good for HbA1c reduction in persons with established diabetes. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Natural Gas Matters: Outlook—Natural Gas Is Poised for a Stellar Future
Authors: Smead Richard G.
Published: December 2013

The sustained low price for US natural gas is doing exactly what it is supposed to do—attract new demand into the market. Gas‐fired power generation, liquefied natural gas (LNG) exports, exports to Mexico, and new industrial demand are all expected to contribute to demand growth for many years to come. But is this a permanent shift in the market, or could the new demand result in increasing prices that would quash the benefits of natural gas abundance?
Astrocytes play a key role in EAE pathophysiology by orchestrating in the CNS the inflammatory response of resident and peripheral immune cells and by suppressing remyelination
Authors: Brambilla Roberta , Morton Paul D. , Ashbaugh Jessica Jopek , Karmally Shaffiat , Lambertsen Kate Lykke , Bethea John R.
Published: December 2013

Astrocytes respond to insult with a process of cellular activation known as reactive astrogliosis. One of the key signals regulating this phenomenon is the transcription factor nuclear factor‐kappa B (NF‐κB), which is responsible for modulating inflammation, cell survival, and cell death. In astrocytes, following trauma or disease, the expression of NF‐κB‐dependent genes is highly activated. We previously demonstrated that inactivation of astroglial NF‐κB in vivo (GFAP‐IκBα‐dn mice) leads to improved functional outcome in experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE), and this is accompanied by reduction of pro‐inflammatory gene expression in the CNS. Here we extend our studies to show that recovery from EAE in GFAP‐IκBα‐dn mice is associated with reduction of peripheral immune cell infiltration into the CNS at the chronic phase of EAE. This is not dependent on a less permeable blood‐brain barrier, but rather on a reduced immune cell mobilization from the periphery. Furthermore, once inside the CNS, the ability of T cells to produce pro‐inflammatory cytokines is diminished during acute disease. In parallel, we found that the number of total and activated microglial cells is reduced, suggesting that functional improvement in GFAP‐IκBα‐dn mice is dependent upon reduction of the overall inflammatory response within the CNS sustained by both resident and infiltrating cells. This results in preservation of myelin compaction and enhanced remyelination, as shown by electron microscopy analysis of the spinal cord. Collectively our data indicate that astrocytes are key players in driving CNS inflammation and are directly implicated in the pathophysiology of EAE, since blocking their pro‐inflammatory capability results in protection from the disease. GLIA 2014;62:452–467