bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Nanostructures to Probe Electrocatalytic Reactions II
Authors: Yagi Ichizo , Ohta Narumi , Inokuma Kiyoshi
Published: October 2011

Two dimensional plasmonic structures provide rigid and stable SERS-active substrate. For example, sphere segment void (SSV) structure seems to be attractive, since this structure can be prepared only by wet chemistry and the SERS enhancement coupled with various plasmon modes is available. On the other hand, the SERS-active sites become unclear from the contribution of various plasmon modes and the distribution of them should be understood to investigate the electrocatalytic reactions with in situ electrochemical SERS measurements. In this study, the localization of SERS-active sites in Au-SSV and the focusing the plasmon field to different metals are investigated.
Anisotropy and Edge Roughness Scattering in the Lattice Thermal Conductivity of Graphene Nanoribbons
Authors: Aksamija Zlatan , Knezevic Irena
Published: October 2011

We present a calculation of the thermal conductivity of graphene nanoribbons, based on solving the Boltzmann transport equation with the full phonon dispersions, a momentum-dependent model for boundary scattering, as well as three-phonon and isotope scattering. The interplay between strong edge roughness scattering and the anisotropy of the phonon dispersions results in thermal conduction that strongly depends on the chiral angle of the nanoribbon. A minimum occurs in the armchair direction and a maximum is attained in zig-zag nanoribbons. We also show that both the thermal conductivity and the amount of armchair/zig-zag anisotropy depend strongly on the width of the nanoribbon and the rms height of the edge roughness, with the smallest and most anisotropic thermal conductivities occuring in narrow GNRs with rough edges.
Correlation of Oscillation of Polymer Electrolyte Membrane Fuel Cells at Low Cathode Humidification with Nanoscale Membrane Properties
Authors: Sanchez Daniel G. , Hiesgen Renate , Wehl Ines , Friedrich K. Andreas
Published: October 2011

Oscillatory fluctuations of a single polymer electrolyte fuel cell appear upon operation with a dry cathode air supply and a fully humidified anode stream. Periodic transitions between a low and a high current operation point of the oscillating state were observed. An insight into the transitions is obtained by current density distributions at distinct times indicating a propagating active area with defined boundaries. Similar behavior is observed by conductive atomic force microscopy current images of the membrane showing a strong dependence of the ionic conductivity on the activation procedures with and the need for liquid water. Oscillatory behavior has been found after the membrane is activated. The activation process could be followed by applying a voltage pulse.
Modification of Electrolyte/Cathode Interfaces by Solid-State Electrolyte Thin Films
Authors: Chiu Kuo-Feng , Chen Cheng-Lun , Chen Bo-Shian , Leu Hoang-Jyh
Published: October 2011

In this study, the bilayers of the lithium phosphorus oxynitride (LiPON) film on LiCoO2 cathode have been deposited using radio frequency (RF) magnetron sputtering with in-situ substrate bias, followed by post-anneal. For the purpose of decreasing charge transfer resistances, the solid-state interfaces between the LiPON solid-state electrolyte and the LiCoO2 cathode have been modified. By controlling different in-situ substrate bias voltages and anneal times, the properties of both LiPON electrolyte thin films and LiPON/LiCoO2 interface have been altered, as characterized by scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, impedance spectroscopy, and electron spectroscopy for chemical analysis. It is found that the electrolyte/cathode interfaces are modified in terms of contact structures and interface resistances. After anneal of 30 min. at 200 oC in nitrogen environment, the seams and voids at the interface are eliminated. The charge transfer resistance at the interface has been greatly reduced. As a result, one order of reduction in both interfacial resistance and total cell resistance has been achieved.
Room Direct Methanol Solid Oxide Fuel Cell
Authors: Prokhorov Igor Y. , Radionova Olga I. , Akimov Gennady Y.
Published: October 2011

Direct methanol fuel cell with solid beta alumina ceramic membrane was studied at room temperature. Membrane electrode assembly consisted of two bipolar non-blocking silver coverings applied on the electrolyte plate. Highest open circuit voltage was reached at methanol/water volumetric ratio 3:2. Energy efficiency maximum had coincided with the cell power peak and reached 75% in absence of platinum metal catalysts.
Gas Chromatography Study of Reactions of Carbon Monoxide at Different Operating Temperatures within a PEMFC
Authors: Angelo Michael , St-Pierre Jean , Bethune Keith , Rocheleau Richard
Published: October 2011

This work used gas chromatography to study the reaction of carbon monoxide at a trace concentration of 1 part per million with oxygen and water in a proton exchange membrane fuel cell operated at temperatures of 10 and 80 ºC and an anode catalyst loading of 0.1 mg Pt cm-2. CO was found to enhance a carbon corrosion reaction that showed a strong thermal dependence over the temperatures tested. CO readily reacted with oxygen at 80 ºC while virtually no conversion to CO2 was observed at 10 ºC. The water gas shift reaction appeared to have been enhanced via electrochemical promotion since nearly 100 % conversion of CO was observed at both temperatures despite being kinetically limited at the temperatures used in this work. Potential oscillations were also observed for the first time for a cell with a Pt/C catalyst
Testing the Performance of High Capacity Li-Ion Batteries
Authors: Davolio Giovanni , Giovanardi Roberto , Lanciotti Claudio
Published: October 2011

This work aims at collecting data on the electrochemical behavior of high capacity cells of different chemistries in operative conditions. The final target is to define the most suitable battery for a given kind of usage, in our case neighborhood Electric Vehicle. Four different cells were tested: Li-ion type with Lithium Iron Phosphate cathode (LiFe), Li-ion type with Ni-Mn oxides (LiMn) and two different Li-ion Polymer (LiP) cells. The results obtained during field test show that the LiP cells exhibit lower dynamic polarization resistance with respect to both LiFe and LiMn ones and that the maximum power of LiP cells, in particular at low temperature conditions, is higher. The results suggest this method for a quick comparison (during field application) of different types of high capacity cells and for giving an index about the state of health of a cell.
A Study of the CoS2 Cathode for Thermal Batteries
Authors: Huang Haiyan , Gao Junli , Zhang Liping , Hu Hurong , Zhu Kai
Published: October 2011

A detailed evaluation of the Li(Si)/LiCl-LiBr-LiF/CoS2 electrochemical system and Li(Si)/LiCl-LiBr-LiF/FeS2 one is undertaken. Test results show that the internal resistance of batteries based on cobalt disulfide (CoS2) cathode is 24% less than that based on iron disulfide (FeS2) cathode, that the peak voltage in parallel of 17 cells based on CoS2 cathode is 32.3V, but that based on CoS2 cathode is 33.5V. The performance comparison of thermal batteries based on CoS2 cathode was evaluated at 25°, -47°, and +62°, respectively. Test results show that the discharge curves at different temperature almost lap over.
Binary Representations of Regular Graphs
Authors: Ionin Yury J.
Published: October 2011

For any 2-distance set in the n-dimensional binary Hamming space , let be the graph with as the vertex set and with two vertices adjacent if and only if the distance between them is the smaller of the two nonzero distances in .
The binary spherical representation number of a graph , or bsr(), is the least n such that is isomorphic to , where is a 2-distance set lying on a sphere in . It is shown that if is a connected regular graph, then bsr, where b is the order of and m is the multiplicity of the least eigenvalue of , and the case of
equality is characterized. In particular, if is a connected strongly regular graph, then
bsr if and only if is the block graph of a quasisymmetric 2-design. It is also shown that if a connected regular graph is cospectral with a line graph and has the same binary spherical representation number as this line graph, then it is a line graph.
Optoelectronic Heating for Fabricating Microfluidic Circuitry
Authors: Haulot Gauvain , Ho Chih-Ming
Published: October 2011

This work reports on optoelectronic-based heaters that can transduce low-power optical images into high-power heating to melt frozen liquids and form desired microfluidic circuitry. The mechanism of optoelectronic heating (OEH) was studied and characterized. OEH relies on photocurrent heating in the illuminated parts of actuating images. Resolution was affected by dark current heating. Photocurrents and dark currents were measured and related to the operating parameters. Successful melting of a frozen media within seconds with 2 mW light patterns and a 4 V operating voltage was demonstrated with feature sizes down to 200 μm × 200 μm. Strategies to increase resolution were addressed. It was shown that the size and location of heating areas can be reliably and rapidly reconfigured by changing the actuating image.
On Generalized Bell Polynomials
Authors: Corcino Roberto B. , Corcino Cristina B.
Published: October 2011

It is shown that the sequence of the generalized Bell polynomials Sn(x) is convex under some restrictions of the parameters involved. A kind of recurrence relation for Sn(x) is established, and some numbers related to the generalized Bell numbers and their properties are investigated.
18FDG-PET at 1-Month Intervals Is a Better Predictive Marker for GISTs That Are Difficult to Be Diagnosed Histopathologically: A Case Report
Authors: Otsuka Kazunori , Takahashi Masahiro , Nanjo Hiroshi , Miyazawa Hideaki , Iida Masatake , Abe Yuki , Jin Mario , Onishi Hirohide , Hashimoto Manabu , Yamamoto Yuzo , Shibata Hiroyuki
Published: October 2011

Imatinib mesylate is a tyrosine kinase inhibitor of c-KIT and PDGFRA. Imatinib mesylate is an effective drug that can be used as a first-choice agent for treatment of GISTs. Prior to treatment, molecular diagnosis of c-KIT or PDGFRA is necessary; however, in some types of GISTs, it is impossible to obtain a sufficient amount of specimen for diagnosis. An inoperable or marginally resectable GIST in a 79-year-old female was difficult to be diagnosed at a molecular pathological level, and hence, exploratory treatment was initiated using imatinib combined with18FDG-PET evaluation at 1-month intervals. PET imaging indicated a positive response, and so we continued imatinib treatment in an NAC setting for 4 months. As a result, curative resection of the entire tumor was successfully performed with organ preservation and minimally invasive surgery.18FDG-PET evaluation at 1-month intervals is beneficial for GISTs that are difficult to be diagnosed histopathologically.
Adolescent with Rhabdomyolysis due to Undiagnosed Hypothyroidism
Authors: Farias Moeller Raquel , Zecavati Nassim , Sherafat-Kazemzadeh Rosa , Aleinikoff Shoshana , Rennert Wolfgang
Published: October 2011

Exercise-induced rhabdomyolysis has been described in military recruits, trained athletes and daily runners. Statin use, quail ingestion, infection by Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), and hypothyroidism, though rare, are risk factors for the development of rhabdomyolysis. We describe the case of a 15-year-old female who presented with myalgias, weakness, and pigmenturia following marching band practice. Laboratory tests confirmed an elevated creatine kinase (CK) level as well as a profound hypothyroid state. Muscle biopsy revealed severe muscle necrosis and myositis. Treatment with levothyroxine resulted in obtaining an euthyroid state and regain of muscle strength as well as decrease in CK levels. Although rare, hypothyroidism should be considered as a potential cause of rhabdomyolysis in pediatric patients undergoing a myopathy workup.
Electrophysiological Characteristics of Focal Atrial Tachycardia Surrounding the Aortic Coronary Cusps
Authors: Wang Zulu , Liu Tong , Shehata Michael , Liang Yanchun , Jin Zhiqing , Liang Ming , Han Yaling , Amorn Allen , Liu Xiushi , Liu Enzhao , Chugh Sumeet S , Wang Xunzhang
Published: October 2011

Background—

Catheter ablation of atrial tachycardia (AT) arising near the coronary cusps has been reported in limited numbers of patients. We investigated the electrophysiological characteristics of these ATs in 22 consecutive patients.

Methods and Results—

This study included 22 patients (mean age±SD, 53±11 years; 86% female) with ATs arising near the aortic coronary cusps who underwent successful ablation. Activation mapping was performed during tachycardia to identify the earliest activation site. All patients achieved successful ablation through either a retrograde aortic (n=19) or a transseptal (n=3) approach. The successful ablation sites were located in the noncoronary cusp (NCC) (n=16), including 3 near the junction between the NCC and right coronary cusp. The remaining 6 cases were ablated from the left coronary cusp (LCC) (n=3) or the left atrium posterior to the LCC (n=3). For most tachycardias, there were distinctive P-wave morphological features recorded for each cusp location. Furthermore, analysis of the electrogram morphological features recorded during tachycardia at successful ablation sites revealed an atrial/ventricular (A/V) ratio >1 in 14 of 16 NCC ATs; the remaining 2, from the NCC near the junction with the right coronary cusp, showed an A/V ratio ≤1. At ablation sites in the LCC, the A/V ratio was <1 (4 of 6 patients) or 1 (remaining 2 patients). During a follow-up duration of 30±13 months, all patients were free of arrhythmias without antiarrhythmic drugs.

Conclusions—

ATs surrounding the aortic coronary cusps can be safely and effectively ablated, with good long-term outcomes. In addition to the P-wave morphological features, the A/V ratio of the local electrogram recording during tachycardia facilitated the localization of successful sites.
Death without Life: Grievability and IVF
Authors: Ellison David A. , Karpin Isabel
Published: October 2011

Although in vitro fertilization patients faced with the problem of surplus cryopreserved embryos have a number of disposition options, we focus on one procedure known as “compassionate transfer.” In this scenario the thawed embryo is placed in the patient's vagina, where it will not develop further, or it is transferred to the uterus without the benefit of fertility-enhancing hormones at a point in the menstrual cycle unreceptive to implantation. The embryo destined for disposal is removed from the realm of technological possibility and “returned” to the female body for a homely death. Arguably this is consistent with related mourning rituals that rely on embodied contact between the living and the dead such as the practice of wearing a lock of hair from a child or loved one. We document some contemporary practices that reconstitute the dead in keepsake form, where they may reside both inside and outside the body of the mourner. Our focus, though, is on the commemoration of embryo disposition in the form of compassionate transfer, as a ritual confounding the conditions of grievability: this is not-yet-life succumbing to something that resembles death. While debates continue over the embryo's status as life, new forms of disposition practices such as compassionate transfer are developing in response to the emotional experience of embryo loss. As a death scene in progress, we take the measure of its fabrication, considering its form, significance, and legal and cultural complexity.
Democracy and Minimal Politics: The Political Difference and Its Consequences
Authors: Marchart Oliver
Published: October 2011

This essay explores the consequences of a recent development in political thought: the differentiation between the concepts of politics and the political (in French, la politique and le politique) as it emerged in the work of Jean-Luc Nancy, Philippe Lacoue-Labarthe, Claude Lefort, Jacques Rancière, Alain Badiou, Ernesto Laclau, and others. It is claimed that, apart from very general ontological questions concerning the political structure of social being, consequences have to be considered along two lines: First, democracy as a regime in which the absence of any ultimate ground of the social is accepted has to be defended against the “new antidemocrats” (such as Slavoj Žižek, Alain Badiou, or the Invisible Committee). For this reason, a democratic notion of solidarity is proposed that is based on the never-ending play between politics and the political. Second, a notion of “minimal politics” has to be developed in order to counter recurring fantasies of “grand politics,” that is, of an ultimate revolutionary break or a decisive political act. For that reason, conditions—such as collectivity, strategy, organization, and conflictuality—are described that allow us to decipher given forms of action as political.
Embedded Advertising on Television: Disclosure, Deception, and Free Speech Rights
Authors: Cain Rita Marie
Published: October 2011

In 2008, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) initiated a docket to determine whether existing television sponsorship regulations needed to be revised to address embedded advertising. This article first discusses current embedded advertising practices on television and the alleged problems with those practices. It then explains the current legal framework applicable to the practices. Next, the article analyzes the major reform positions that were articulated in comments to the FCC. This analysis includes a discussion of the First Amendment protections for advertising and for the creative works in which the integrated marketing is embedded, because many times the advertising is difficult to separate from its entertainment platform. The article concludes with recommendations for next steps by the FCC and industry.
Pseudoeosinophilia of synovial fluid is caused by crystals mimicking the distinct light scattering fractions of eosinophilic granules
Authors: Robier Christoph , Quehenberger Franz , Neubauer Manfred , Stettin Mariana , Rainer Franz
Published: October 2011

Automated leukocyte differential counts of synovial fluid (SF) can be influenced by laboratory artefacts. Pseudoeosinophilia of SF has recently been first described in association with monosodium urate and calcium pyrophosphate crystals. This study compared automated measurements of the percentages of SF leukocyte fractions by two haematology analysers in order to elucidate the underlying mechanism of pseudoeosinophilia.

The percentages of the leukocyte fractions of 17 crystal-containing and 28 crystal-free specimens were compared using the Wilcoxon test. Measurements were performed using the Cell-Dyn 3200 and the ADVIA 2120i, which are based on different techniques.

The percentages of eosinophils of the crystal-positive samples determined by the Cell-Dyn 3200 were significantly higher than those assessed by the ADVIA (p<0.0001), whereas the percentages of eosinophils of the controls did not differ significantly between the two devices (p=0.95). The Cell-Dyn 3200 clearly showed the phenomenon of crystal-associated pseudoeosinophilia (p<0.0001), which did not occur in the ADVIA measurements (p=0.28). The percentage of neutrophils was to a lower degree elevated in the crystal group (p=0.015).

It was confirmed that SF crystals interfere with the typical light scattering fractions of leukocyte granules and may thus lead to spuriously elevated percentages of eosinophils and neutrophils in SF specimens.
In-Vitro Wear and Radiographic Analyses of High Flexion Posterior Stabilized Mobile- and Fixed-Bearing Knee Implants
Authors: Popoola Oludele , Yu Ning , Scuderi Giles
Published: October 2011

In vitro wear tests results and 2-year follow up radiographic analyses of implanted fixed- and mobile-bearing LPS Flex knees are compared. The two knee designs use gamma-sterilized GUR 1050 ultra high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) patellae and tibial inserts, and the same CoCrMo alloy (ASTM F 75) femoral components. The in vitro wear tests were performed on six fixed- and six mobile-bearing knee implants using modified ISO 14243-3 load and kinematic waveforms. Tests were conducted at a frequency of 1 Hz for 5 × 106 cycles (Mc) in bovine serum lubricant. Two year follow up radiographic analyses were performed on 341 patients implanted with 173 mobile- and 168 fixed-bearing implants. Average accumulative in vitro polyethylene wear rates of the mobile- and fixed-bearing knees were 19.9 ± 5.1 mg/Mc and 14.2 ± 2.1 mg/Mc, respectively. There is no statistically significant difference in the wear rates of both devices (p > 0.05, Mann–Whitney test). Overall survivorship at two years with revision for any reason as the endpoint was 99.3 % for the mobile group and 100 % in the fixed group. There was no evidence of tibial, femoral, or patella bone loss at the two year follow up. The mean active range of motion increased from 110.8° to 127.0° in the mobile- bearing group and from 110.7° to 127.2° in the fixed-bearing one. Overall, radiographic evaluation showed similar performance of both devices.
Composing Imitative Counterpoint around a Cantus Firmus: Two Motets by Heinrich Isaac
Authors: Cumming Julie E.
Published: October 2011

In the decades around 1500 composers learned to combine the new style of imitative polyphony with the older practice of basing a work on a cantus firmus. By applying Peter Schubert’s technique of modular analysis and his descriptions of common contrapuntal techniques to Heinrich Isaac's Inviolata integra et casta es Maria and Alma redemptoris mater, we can learn a great deal about compositional process in the period. Inviolata, which features a cantus firmus in strict canon after two measures, consists of two-, three-, and four-voice modules. Moreover, understanding the modular construction of the piece makes it possible to reconstruct the missing contratenor 2 part. In Alma redemptoris mater, which features a tenor cantus firmus that uses both long-note presentation and free paraphrase, Isaac uses four-voice modules, imitative presentation types involving modules, and nonmodular contrapuntal techniques probably derived from improvisatory practices. Understanding and labeling the contrapuntal techniques used in composition of this period allow us to analyze the music with a new precision, and to describe the differences between composers and genres.
The uremic toxin indoxyl sulfate reflects cardio-renal risk and intestinal-renal relationship
Authors: Kiss István
Published: October 2011

Uremic syndrome and condition is primarily a result of kidney failure in which uremic toxins are accumulated. More and more attention is paid to possibilities for removal of uremic toxins, which not only means dialysis, but also takes into account special dietary considerations and treatments, which aim to absorb the toxins or reduce their production. These uremic toxins, which also increase the cardiovascular risks, play a major part in morbidity and mortality of patients suffering from chronic renal failure and those receiving renal replacement therapy. One of them is a member of the indol group, the indoxyl sulfate. This toxin is difficult to remove with dialysis and is an endogenous protein-bound uremic toxin. Today we know that indoxyl sulfate is a vascular-nephrotoxic agent, which is able to enhance progression of cardiovascular and renal diseases. It is of particular importance that because of its redox potency, this toxin causes oxidative stress and antioxidant effects at the same time and, on top of that, it is formed in the intestinal system. Its serum concentration depends on the nutrition and the tubular function and, therefore, it can also signal the progression of chronic renal failure independently of glomerular filtration rate. Successful removal of indoxyl sulfate reduces the morbidity and mortality and improves survival. Therefore, it could be a possible target or area to facilitate the reduction of uremia in chronic renal failure. The use of probiotics and prebiotics with oral adsorbents may prove to be a promising opportunity to reduce indoxyl sulfate accumulation. Orv. Hetil., 2011, 152, 1724–1730.
Saccharinity
Authors: Kellner Jakob , Shelah Saharon
Published: October 2011

We present a method to iterate finitely splitting lim-sup tree forcings along non-wellfounded linear orders. As an application, we introduce a new method to force (weak) measurability of all definable sets with respect to a certain (non-ccc) ideal.
Degree invariance in the Π10classes
Authors: Weber Rebecca
Published: October 2011

Let denote the collection of all Π10 classes, ordered by inclusion. A collection of Turing degrees in is called invariant over if there is some collection of Π10 classes representing exactly the degrees such that is invariant under automorphisms of . Herein we expand the known degree invariant classes of , previously including only {0} and the array noncomputable degrees, to include all highn and non-lown degrees for n > 2. This is a corollary to a very general definability result. The result is carried out in a substructure G of , within which the techniques used model those used by Cholak and Harrington [6] to obtain the same definability for the c.e. sets. We work back and forth between G and to show that this definability in G gives the desired degree invariance over .
Presence and molecular characterization of alfalfa mosaic virus on tobacco in Serbia
Authors: Stankovic Ivana , Vucurovic Ana , Bulajic Aleksandra , Ristic Danijela , Berenji Janos , Krstic Branka
Published: October 2011

Three-year investigation of the presence and distribution of tobacco viruses
in Serbia revealed that Alfalfa mosaic virus (AMV) appeared every year with
different frequency in tobacco crops. During 2008, the presence of AMV was
detected in most of the tested samples (58.82%) and it was the second most
common compared to all other viruses which presence was confirmed in Serbia.
In 2006 and 2007, AMV was detected in a significantly lower percentage (2.80%
and 13.64%, respectively). This study showed that Alfalfa mosaic virus was
more commonly found in multiple infections with two, three or even four
detected viruses. Single infections were detected only in 2006, in one
tobacco field in the locality of Futog. During this investigation, a rapid
and simple protocol was optimized and developed for molecular detection of
AMV in tobacco leaves, using primers CPAMV1/CPAMV2 and commercially available
kits for total RNA extraction as well as for RT-PCR (reverse transcription -
polymerase chain reaction). Using RT-PCR and these primers that flank the AMV
coat protein gene, a DNA fragment of 751 bp was amplified, sequenced, and
compared with the sequences available in GenBank database. The sequence of
isolate 196-08 (GenBank Acc. No. FJ527749) proved to be identical at the
nucleotide level of 99 to 93% with those from other parts of the world.
Phylogenetic analysis of 27 isolates based on 528 bp sequences of the coat
protein gene did not show correlation of the isolates with their geographic
origin or plant host and showed that these isolates fall into four molecular
groups of strains. Serbian AMV isolate from tobacco belongs to group IV, the
group that includes most of the isolates selected for phylogenetic analysis.
Selenium based product and sinantrop rodents control in agricultural facilities
Authors: Djedovic Suzana , Vuksa Marina , Stojnic Bojan , Jokic Goran
Published: October 2011

In the function of environment preservation, chemical product used in plant
protection are being substituted by environmentally friendly substances. When
it comes to rodenticides and rodents not much is done for improvement of the
control of these pests on cattle farms and in field crops facilities. A
selenium based product, which for its mode of action is more acceptable than
chemical products, was investigated in this paper. Rodent death is achieved
with a single ingestion and there is no risk of intoxication of non-target
organisms. Symptoms of intoxication with this substance are not visible
before the death of an individual. The possibility of resistance development
is not known as the mode of action of this substance is based on cell death
caused by switch of S-H groups in functional cells by S-S bonds. Experiments
were conducted according to standard EPPO method. Paraffin baits in boxes
were placed at points where the greatest damage caused by rodents was
observed. For mice was used 20 g, and for rats 50-100 g. Dynamics of bait
ingestion was monitored daily and new quantities were added during the
experiment. The abundance of rodents was estimated by dividing the ratio of
the minimum and maximum amounts of daily eaten bait during the experiment by
daily food needs. The presence of rodents was monitored the following 20
days. The efficacy of tested paraffin products was calculated using Abbott?s
formula. The efficacy of this product was compared to the fast acting
products based on vitamin D3 and to slow acting bromadiolone based
anticoagulants in the experiments with Mus musculus and Rattus norvegicus.
Eco-friendly sodium-selenite based product expressed efficacy of 87,5% for
house mouse and 88,1% for the gray rat. It had higher efficacy than other
products in the experiment.
Water quality in cutaway peatland lakes in Seda mire, Latvia
Authors: Kļaviņš Māris , Kokorīte Ilga , Spriņge Gunta , Skuja Agnija , Parele Elga , Rodinovs Valērijs , Druvietis Ivars , Strāķe Solvita , Urtāns Andris
Published: October 2011

Water quality in cutaway peatland lakes in Seda mire, Latvia

Transformation into shallow lakes can be a major post-harvesting land-use option for cutaway peatlands. The aim of our study was to analyse factors influencing water quality and communities on lakes created in a cutaway bog in the Seda Mire, Latvia. The residual peat amount and the lake feeding conditions (the balance between ground water and inflow from adjacent river during the spring season) were found to be major factors influencing aquatic chemistry and studied habitats. The studied cutaway lakes cannot be considered as typical bog lakes regarding hydrochemical composition (especially regarding concentrations of major dissolved ions, pH and water colour) and hydrobiological features (metabolic activity, biomass and number of species of phytoplankton and zoobenthos). Considering aquatic chemistry and community structure of the cutaway lakes, a recommendation was made in respect to peat excavation to transform peat mining sites to lakes.
Facial Expression Recognition Based on Local Binary Patterns and Kernel Discriminant Isomap
Authors: Zhao Xiaoming , Zhang Shiqing
Published: October 2011

Facial expression recognition is an interesting and challenging subject. Considering the nonlinear manifold structure of facial images, a new kernel-based manifold learning method, called kernel discriminant isometric mapping (KDIsomap), is proposed. KDIsomap aims to nonlinearly extract the discriminant information by maximizing the interclass scatter while minimizing the intraclass scatter in a reproducing kernel Hilbert space. KDIsomap is used to perform nonlinear dimensionality reduction on the extracted local binary patterns (LBP) facial features, and produce low-dimensional discrimimant embedded data representations with striking performance improvement on facial expression recognition tasks. The nearest neighbor classifier with the Euclidean metric is used for facial expression classification. Facial expression recognition experiments are performed on two popular facial expression databases, i.e., the JAFFE database and the Cohn-Kanade database. Experimental results indicate that KDIsomap obtains the best accuracy of 81.59% on the JAFFE database, and 94.88% on the Cohn-Kanade database. KDIsomap outperforms the other used methods such as principal component analysis (PCA), linear discriminant analysis (LDA), kernel principal component analysis (KPCA), kernel linear discriminant analysis (KLDA) as well as kernel isometric mapping (KIsomap).
The establishment and early history of the South African Board for People Practices (SABPP), 1977–1991
Authors: Van Rensburg Huma , Basson Johan S. , Carrim Nasima M.H.
Published: October 2011

Orientation: Human resource (HR) management is recognised as a profession worldwide, especially in countries that are forerunners in the field. Research purpose: The main purpose of this study is to record the historical development of HR management as a profession. This study will provide a platform for evaluating the professional standing of HR management in South Africa.Motivation for the study: The motivation for the study is to record the historical development of HR management in South Africa because this is long overdue.Research design, approach and method: The researchers achieved triangulation by examining archived documents they obtained from the South African Board for People Practices (SABPP) and semi-structured interviews with five founding members of the SABPP who were involved during the whole period of the study. The founding members also verified the researchers’ interpretations of the information they obtained from the documents and the interviews. The researchers used content analysis and coding to analyse the data they obtained from the archived documents and the semi-structured interviews.Main findings: The history of HR management in South Africa shows that it meets the four founding pillars of professionalism.Practical/managerial implications: The study also gives HR professionals confidence because HR management is achieving recognition as a profession.Contribution/value-add: The main contribution of the study is that it has recorded the history of HR management as a profession in South Africa properly for the first time.
Experimental measurement and modelling of vapour-liquid equilibrium data for the C2F4-C3F6-s-C4F8 system
Authors: Conradie Francois J.
Published: October 2011

The vapour-liquid equilibrium data for the C2F4-C3F6-s-C4F8 system are presented. Each binary system was evaluated at three isotherms. The experimental data will be correlated to the Peng-Robinson equation of state, incorporating the Mathias-Copeman alpha function, with the Wong-Sandler mixing rule utilising the NRTL activity coefficient model.
Finite Groups Whose Certain Subgroups of Prime Power Order Are -Semipermutable
Authors: Obaid Mustafa
Published: October 2011

Let be a finite group. A subgroup of is said to be S-semipermutable in if permutes with every Sylow -subgroup of with . In this paper, we study the influence of S-permutability property of certain abelian subgroups of prime power order of a finite group on its structure.
A problematização dos saberes de gênero no ambiente escolar: uma proposta de intervenção à formação docente
Authors: França Fabiane Freire , Calsa Geiva Carolina
Published: October 2011

O objetivo deste estudo consiste em investigar as representações sociais de gênero de professores e professoras que atuam em 5ª e 6ª séries de uma escola pública da cidade de Sarandi/PR. Em razão da importância política e social da discussão sobre gênero, foram levantadas as seguintes problematizações: Quais as representações sociais de professores e professoras a respeito de gênero? Esse conceito pode ser repensado por meio de uma intervenção pedagógica? Para tanto, realizamos entrevistas com os/as docentes e um processo de intervenção pedagógica com discussões em grupo com o intuito de repensar o gênero em um contexto sócio-histórico que produz relações de poder. Tomou-se como fonte de dados as verbalizações dos professores e das professoras antes, durante e depois do processo de intervenção pedagógica. Os resultados deste artigo apontaram um movimento de opiniões e definições do conceito de gênero apresentado pelos/as professores/as após o processo de intervenção pedagógica diferente de sua postura inicial. Esse movimento evidenciou uma abertura maior à compreensão do conceito de gênero contrário às representações iniciais dos sujeitos. Consideramos que tais resultados revelam a necessidade de maiores discussões sobre o gênero no ambiente escolar.
Influence of the boundary conditions on capillary flow dynamics and liquid distribution in a porous medium
Authors: Markicevic B. , Li H. , Zand A. R. , Navaz H. K.
Published: October 2011

After depositing a wetting liquid onto a porous medium surface, and under the influence of the capillary pressure, the liquid is imbibed into the porous medium creating a wetted imprint. The flow within the porous medium does not cease once all the liquid is imbibed but continues as a secondary capillary flow, where the liquid flows from large pores into small pores along the liquid interface. The flow is solved using the capillary network model, and the influence of the boundary condition on the liquid distribution within the porous medium is investigated. The pores at the porous medium boundaries can be defined as open or closed pores, where an open pore is checked for the potential threshold condition for flow to take place. In contrast, the closed pore is defined as a static entity, in which the potential condition for flow to take place is never satisfied. By defining the pores at distinct porous medium boundaries as open or closed, one is able to obtain a very different liquid distribution within the porous medium. The liquid saturation profiles along the principal flow direction, ranging from constant to steadily decreasing, to the profile with a local maximum, are found numerically. It is shown that these saturation profiles are also related to the geometrical dimension that is perpendicular to the flow principal direction, and changing the boundary type from open to closed allows the liquid distribution within the porous medium to be controlled. In addition to the liquid distribution, the influence of the boundary conditions on capillary pressure and relative permeability is investigated, where both parameters are not influenced by variation of the boundary condition types. © 2011 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 2012
A CFD study on the effect of the characteristic dimension of catalytic wall microreactors
Authors: Arzamendi G. , Uriz I. , Navajas A. , Diéguez P. M. , Gandía L. M. , Montes M. , Centeno M. A. , Odriozola J. A.
Published: October 2011

A three‐dimensional computational fluid dynamics study of the steam methane reforming (SMR) in microreactors is presented. Emphasis has been made on investigating the effects of the characteristic dimension (d: 0.35, 0.70, 1.40, and 2.80 mm) on the performance of two microreactor geometries: square microchannels and microslits. Results have shown that for both geometries the SMR conversion decreases markedly as d increases. Conversely, the microchannels provide a methane conversion slightly higher than that of the microslits. The different performance of the microreactors is only partially due to the different surface‐to‐volume ratio. Pronounced transverse temperature and concentration gradients develop as the characteristic dimension increases especially for microslits in the first half of the reactor. Therefore, external transport limitations can affect the performance of microreactors for SMR, although the characteristic dimensions are of the order of very few millimeters. © 2011 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 2012
Birth history, physical characteristics, and medical conditions in long‐term survivors with full trisomy 13
Authors: Bruns Deborah
Published: October 2011

The purpose of the study is to provide data about long‐term survivors with full trisomy 13 (t13). Mothers of 30 long‐term survivors with full t13 completed an online survey. Survey data were downloaded into an SPSS database. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze survey data. Tracking Rare Incidence Syndrome (TRIS) Survey data on survival, birth information including maternal and paternal age at conception, physical characteristics, and medical conditions were compared. Data indicate longer mean survival rates (48.4 months for those living at the time of data collection, 40.8 months for those who died prior) than described in the literature. Means for gestations age, birth weight, and length are 38.11 weeks, 2,789.34 g and 48.45 cm, respectively. Long‐term survivors presented with syndrome‐related physical characteristics (e.g., low‐set ears, cleft lip and palate) and medical conditions (e.g., ventricular septal defect (VSD), feeding difficulties). We conclude that data indicate longer survival and a range in birth information (gestational age, birth weight, and length) along with presence of common presenting physical characteristics and medical conditions of long‐term survivors with full t13. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Associative properties of hydrophilic tip modified oxyethylene‐oxybutylene diblock copolymers in aqueous media: Effect of end‐group
Authors: Khan Abbas , Farooqi Zahoor H. , Siddiq Mohammad
Published: October 2011

The associative properties of Me2N (CH2)2OE58B7and I−Me3N+(CH2)2OE58B7in aqueous solution in the temperature range of 20–50°C have been investigated by dynamic and static laser light scattering. Here E represents an oxyethylene unit and B an oxybutylene unit. The results obtained were compared with results for EmBnanalog. Our result shows that for micelles of dimethylamino‐tipped, the hydrodynamic radius, was large as compared with the thermodynamic radiusrt, suggesting a “soft” micelle. For the trimethylammonium‐tipped copolymer,rhdecreases andrtincrease with the increase in temperature. Also the values of association number,Nw, were low but increase with increase in temperature, indicating a change from soft micelle at low temperature to small, less swollen micelles at high temperature. The high values of thermodynamic volume per molecule,rt/Nw, for a polymer with charged tip could be attributed to intermicellar charge effect. The effect of salt on various micellar parameters has also been discussed. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012
Effect of blending conditions on mechanical, thermal, and rheological properties of plasticized poly(lactic acid)/maleated thermoplastic starch blends
Authors: Wootthikanokkhan J. , Wongta N. , Sombatsompop N. , Kositchaiyong A. , Wong‐On J. , Isarankura na Ayutthaya S. , Kaabbuathong N.
Published: October 2011

This research work has concerned a study on relationship between structure and properties of maleated thermoplastic starch (MTPS)/plasticized poly(lactic acid) (PLA) blend. The aim of this work is to investigate the effects of blending time, temperature, and blend ratio on mechanical, rheological, and thermal properties of the blend. The MTPS was prepared by mixing the cassava starch with glycerol and maleic anhydride (MA). Chemical structure of the modified starch was characterized by using a FTIR technique, whereas the degree of substitution was determined by using a titration technique. After that, the MTPS prepared by 2.5 pph of MA was further used for blending with triacetin‐plasticized PLA under various conditions. Mechanical, thermal, and rheological properties of the blends were evaluated by using a tensile test, dynamic mechanical thermal analysis, and melt flow index (MFI) test, respectively. It was found that tensile strength and modulus of the MTPS/PLA blend increased with the starch content, blending temperature, and time, at the expense of their toughness and elongation values. The MFI values also increased with the above factors, suggesting some chain scission of the polymers during blending. SEM images of the various blends, however, revealed that the blend became more homogeneous if the temperature was increased. The above effect was discussed in the light of trans‐esterification. Last, it was found that mechanical properties of the PLA/MTPS blend were more superior to those of the normal PLA/TPS blends. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012
Lamellar arrangements of linear polyethylene in ultrathin films
Authors: Woo Euntaek , Park Manshik , Jeong Young Gyu , Shin Kyusoon
Published: October 2011

The crystal orientations of linear polyethylene films on silicon substrates are investigated using grazing incidence X‐ray diffraction and atomic force microscopy. From diffraction analysis, we can identify the structural arrangement of PE crystals in ultrathin film. The orientation of lamellar crystal in PE films changes from edge‐on to flat‐on with the decrease of film thickness in the film thickness below ∼ 100 nm. The slightly inclined lamellae relative to the substrate are found to coexist with the flat‐on lamellae in thin PE films that we have investigated. We find that the crystal orientation and structures is governed by the constraint imposed by film thickness rather than enthalpy gain as the film got thinner especially in the thickness below 200 nm. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012
Selective up‐regulation of the soluble pattern‐recognition receptor pentraxin 3 and of vascular endothelial growth factor in giant cell arteritis: Relevance for recent optic nerve ischemia
Authors: Baldini Mattia , Maugeri Norma , Ramirez Giuseppe A. , Giacomassi Chiara , Castiglioni Alessandra , Prieto‐González Sergio , Corbera‐Bellalta Marc , Di Comite Gabriele , Papa Ilenia , Dell'Antonio Giacomo , Ammirati Enrico , Cuccovillo Ivan , Vecchio Viviana , Mantovani Alberto , Rovere‐Querini Patrizia , Sabbadini Maria Grazia , Cid Maria C. , Manfredi Angelo A.
Published: October 2011

Objective

To assess local expression and plasma levels of pentraxin 3 (PTX3) in patients with giant cell arteritis (GCA).

Methods

Plasma and serum samples were obtained from 75 patients with GCA (20 of whom had experienced optic nerve ischemia in the previous 3 weeks and 24 of whom had experienced symptom onset in the previous 6 months and had no history of optic nerve ischemia) and 63 controls (35 age‐matched healthy subjects, 15 patients with rheumatoid arthritis, and 13 patients with chronic stable angina). In 9 patients in whom GCA was recently diagnosed, circulating levels of interleukin‐1β (IL‐1β), IL‐2, IL‐4, IL‐6, IL‐7, IL‐8, IL‐10, IL‐12p70, CCL2/monocyte chemotactic protein 1, CCL3/macrophage inflammatory protein 1α (MIP‐1α), CCL4/MIP‐1β, CCL11/eotaxin, CXCL9/monokine induced by interferon‐γ, CXCL10/interferon‐γ–inducible 10‐kd protein, tumor necrosis factor α (TNFα), interferon‐γ, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), granulocyte–macrophage colony‐stimulating factor, and FasL were measured via a multiplexed cytometric assay. PTX3 and VEGF concentrations were assessed by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. PTX3 and CD68 expression were determined by immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence on temporal artery samples.

Results

GCA patients with very recent optic nerve ischemia had significantly higher PTX3 and VEGF levels compared to other GCA patients and controls. GCA patients with a disease duration of <6 months had significantly higher PTX3 levels compared to other GCA patients and controls. Immunohistochemistry revealed selective PTX3 expression in the wall of inflamed arteries.

Conclusion

Our findings indicate that local expression of PTX3 is a feature of vascular inflammation in GCA; elevated circulating levels of PTX3 identify patients with very recent optic nerve ischemia or a recent diagnosis. Optic nerve ischemia is also associated with increased circulating VEGF levels.
Usage of Biomass for Energetic Conversion
Authors: Neubauer York
Published: October 2011

Die stoffliche und energetische Nutzung von Biomasse wird im Zuge der Bestrebungen nach einer nachhaltigen und klimaneutralen Energieversorgung stark gefördert aber auch, zum Teil recht kontrovers, diskutiert. Biomasse liefert bereits heute einen erheblichen Anteil regenerativer Energie in Deutschland, insbesondere im Wärmesektor. Aber auch für die Gewinnung von Elektrizität und Treibstoffen für den Transportsektor hat Biomasse inzwischen erwähnenswerte Anteile erreicht. Es wird ein Überblick über Verfahrenswege zur Energiewandlung aus Biomassen verschiedener Herkunft gegeben sowie der Forschungs‐ und Entwicklungsbedarf aussichtsreicher Verfahrenswege diskutiert.