bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pedestrian democracy and the geography of hope
Authors: Gray Kevin
Published: May 2010

A notable feature of the contemporary evolution of property law has been an increasing recognition of public entitlements of access to wild or scenic natural landscape. The right to traverse someone else's land for recreational purposes is one component of what some have called ‘pedestrian democracy’. The following pages trace the origin of liberalizing developments in this area, relating these innovations to the paucity and fragility of pre-existing entitlements of recreational user. But can it now be said that there exists a human right of access to nature? This article addresses some of the arguments that might underlie such a claim. It explores the nexus between moral landscape, aesthetic experience, personal and psychological well-being, social equity, citizenship and environmental responsibility. The paper draws upon convergent themes in law, literature and landscape theory in order to identify the ‘geography of hope’ which Wallace Stegner famously associated with the proximity and accessibility of raw earthscape. The article concludes by suggesting that the modern paramountcy of environmental obligation is beginning to import a correlative human right to engage more closely with the natural world and to enjoy access to the regenerative benefits afforded by wild and open spaces.
Telemedicine
Authors: Holtz B. , LaPlante C. , Whitten P.
Published: May 2010

As the health care industry is facing many challenges and is undergoing extensive change, telemedicine is in the position to address these challenges and be an important part of health care’s development. Telemedicine has been used for approximately a half century, in which researchers have explored the different technologies utilized, clinical outcomes, cost benefits, perceptions, and adoption challenges of its use. This paper reviews and summarizes these findings and presents possible future research endeavors. Examining what is known about telemedicine can aid in the development of innovative, sustainable and beneficial health technologies that could positively impact health care delivery and outcomes.

Citation: Whitten P, Holz B, LaPlante C. Telemedicine – what have we learned? Appl Clin Inf 2010; 1: 132–141 http://dx.doi.org/10.4338/ACI-2009-12-R-0020
The importance of aerosol mixing state and size-resolved composition on CCN concentration and the variation of the importance with atmospheric aging of aerosols
Authors: Wang J. , Cubison M. J. , Aiken A. C. , Jimenez J. L. , Collins D. R.
Published: May 2010

Abstract. Aerosol microphysics, chemical composition, and CCN concentrations were measured at the T0 urban supersite in Mexico City during Megacity Initiative: Local and Global Research Observations (MILAGRO) in March 2006. The aerosol size distribution and composition often showed strong diurnal variation associated with traffic emissions and aging of aerosols through coagulation and local photochemical production of secondary aerosol species. CCN concentrations (NCCN) are derived using Kohler theory from the measured aerosol size distribution and various simplified aerosol mixing state and chemical composition, and are compared to concurrent measurements at five supersaturations ranging from 0.11% to 0.35%. The influence of assumed mixing state on calculated NCCN is examined using both aerosols observed during MILAGRO and representative aerosol types. The results indicate that while ambient aerosols often consist of particles with a wide range of compositions at a given size, NCCN may be derived within ~20% assuming an internal mixture (i.e., particles at a given size are mixtures of all participating species, and have the identical composition) if great majority of particles has an overall κ (hygroscopicity parameter) value greater than 0.1. For a non-hygroscopic particle with a diameter of 100 nm, a 3 nm coating of sulfate or nitrate is sufficient to increase its κ from 0 to 0.1. The measurements during MILAGRO suggest that the mixing of non-hygroscopic primary organic aerosol (POA) and black carbon (BC) particles with photochemically produced hygroscopic species and thereby the increase of their κ to 0.1 take place in a few hours during daytime. This rapid process suggests that during daytime, a few tens of kilometers away for POA and BC sources, NCCN may be derived with sufficient accuracy by assuming an internal mixture, and using bulk chemical composition. The rapid mixing also indicates that, at least for very active photochemical environments such as Mexico City, a substantially shorter timescale during daytime for the conversion of hydrophobic POA and BC to hydrophilic particles than the 1–2 days used in some global models. The conversion time scale is substantially longer during night. Most POA and BC particles emitted during evening hours likely remain non-hygroscopic until efficiently internally mixed with secondary species in the next morning. The results also suggest that the assumed mixing state strongly impacts calculated NCCN only when POA and BC represent a large fraction of the total aerosol volume. One of the implications is that while physically unrealistic, external mixtures, which are used in many global models, may also sufficiently predict NCCN for aged aerosol, as the contribution of non-hygroscopic POA and BC to overall aerosol volume is often substantially reduced due to the condensation of secondary species.
On the roles of sulphuric acid and low-volatility organic vapours in the initial steps of atmospheric new particle formation
Authors: Paasonen P. , Nieminen T. , Asmi E. , Manninen H. E. , Petäjä T. , Plass-Dülmer C. , Flentje H. , Birmili W. , Wiedensohler A. , Hõrrak U. , Metzger A. , Hamed A. , Laaksonen A. , Facchini M. C. , Kerminen V.-M. , Kulmala M.
Published: May 2010

Abstract. Sulphuric acid and organic vapours have been identified as the key components in the ubiquitous secondary new particle formation in the atmosphere. In order to assess their relative contribution and spatial variability, we analyzed altogether 36 new particle formation events observed at four European measurement sites during EUCAARI campaigns in 2007–2009. We tested models of several different nucleation mechanisms coupling the formation rate of neutral particles (J) with the concentration of sulphuric acid ([H2SO4]) or low-volatility organic vapours ([org]) condensing on sub-4 nm particles, or with a combination of both concentrations. Furthermore, we determined the related nucleation coefficients connecting the neutral nucleation rate J with the vapour concentrations in each mechanism. The main goal of the study was to identify the mechanism of new particle formation and subsequent growth that minimizes the difference between the modeled and measured nucleation rates. At three out of four measurement sites – Hyytiälä (Finland), Melpitz (Germany) and San Pietro Capofiume (Italy) – the nucleation rate was closely connected to squared sulphuric acid concentration, whereas in Hohenpeissenberg (Germany) the low-volatility organic vapours were observed to be dominant. However, the nucleation rate at the sulphuric acid dominant sites could not be described with sulphuric acid concentration and a single value of the nucleation coefficient, as K in J=K [H2SO4]2, but the coefficients seemed to vary between the sites. This inter-site variation was substantially smaller when the heteromolecular homogenous nucleation between H2SO4 and organic vapours was assumed to take place in addition to homogenous nucleation of H2SO4 alone, i.e. J=KSA1 [H2SO4]2+KSA2 [H2SO4][org]. By adding in this equation a term describing homomolecular organic vapour nucleation, Ks3 [org]2, equally good results were achieved. In general, our results suggest that organic vapours do play a role, not only in the condensational growth of the particles, but as well in the nucleation process, with a site specific degree.
Near-infrared laser desorption/ionization aerosol mass spectrometry for measuring organic aerosol at atmospherically relevant aerosol mass loadings
Authors: Geddes S. , Nichols B. , Todd K. , Zahardis J. , Petrucci G. A.
Published: May 2010

Abstract. A new method, near-infrared laser desorption/ionization aerosol mass spectrometry (NIR-LDI-AMS), is described for the real time analysis of organic aerosols at atmospherically relevant total mass loadings. Particles are sampled with an aerodynamic lens onto an aluminium probe and moderate energy NIR laser pulse at 1064 nm is directed onto the probe to vaporize and ionize particle components. Delayed pulse extraction is then used to sample the ions into a reflectron time of flight mass spectrometer for chemical analysis. The soft ionization afforded by the NIR photons results in minimal fragmentation (loss of a hydrogen atom) producing intact pseudo-molecular anions at [M-H]−. The limit of detection measured for pure oleic acid particles (geometric mean diameter and standard deviation of 180 nm and 1.3, respectively) was 140 fg (or 1.7 ng m−3 per minute sampling time). As an example of the utility of NIR-LDI-AMS to measurements of atmospheric importance, the method was applied to laboratory chamber measurements of the secondary organic aerosol formation from ozonolysis of α-pinene. High quality mass spectra were recorded with a 2-min time resolution for total aerosol mass loadings ranging from 1.5 to 8.7 μg m−3. These results demonstrate the potential of NIR-LDI-AMS to allow for more accurate measurements of the organic fraction of atmospheric particulate at realistic mass loadings. Measurements at ambient-levels of SOA mass loading are important to improve parameterizations of chamber-based SOA formation for modeling regional and SOA fluxes and to aid in remediating the discrepancy between modeled and observed atmospheric total SOA production rates and concentrations.
Individual and interacting effects of pCO2 and temperature on Emiliania huxleyi calcification: study of the calcite production, the coccolith morphology and the coccosphere size
Authors: De Bodt C. , Van Oostende N. , Harlay J. , Sabbe K. , Chou L.
Published: May 2010

Abstract. The impact of ocean acidification and increased water temperature on marine ecosystems, in particular those involving calcifying organisms, has been gradually recognised. We examined the individual and combined effects of increased pCO2 (180 ppmV CO2, 380 ppmV CO2 and 750 ppmV CO2 corresponding to past, present and future CO2 conditions, respectively) and temperature (13 °C and 18 °C) during the exponential growth phase of the coccolithophore E. huxleyi using batch culture experiments. We showed that cellular production rate of Particulate Organic Carbon (POC) increased from the present to the future CO2 treatments at 13 °C. A significant effect of pCO2 and of temperature on calcification was found, manifesting itself in a lower cellular production rate of Particulate Inorganic Carbon (PIC) as well as a lower PIC:POC ratio at future CO2 levels and at 18 °C. Coccosphere-sized particles showed a size reduction with both increasing temperature and CO2 concentration. The influence of the different treatments on coccolith morphology was studied by categorizing SEM coccolith micrographs. The number of well-formed coccoliths decreased with increasing pCO2 while temperature did not have a significant impact on coccolith morphology. No interacting effects of pCO2 and temperature were observed on calcite production, coccolith morphology or on coccosphere size. Finally, our results suggest that ocean acidification might have a larger adverse impact on coccolithophorid calcification than surface water warming.
Towards ground-truthing of spaceborne estimates of above-ground biomass and leaf area index in tropical rain forests
Authors: Köhler P. , Huth A.
Published: May 2010

Abstract. The canopy height of forests is a key variable which can be obtained using air- or spaceborne remote sensing techniques such as radar interferometry or lidar. If new allometric relationships between canopy height and the biomass stored in the vegetation can be established this would offer the possibility for a global monitoring of the above-ground carbon content on land. In the absence of adequate field data we use simulation results of a tropical rain forest growth model to propose what degree of information might be generated from canopy height and thus to enable ground-truthing of potential future satellite observations. We here analyse the correlation between canopy height in a tropical rain forest with other structural characteristics, such as above-ground biomass (AGB) (and thus carbon content of vegetation) and leaf area index (LAI). The process-based forest growth model FORMIND2.0 was applied to simulate (a) undisturbed forest growth and (b) a wide range of possible disturbance regimes typically for local tree logging conditions for a tropical rain forest site on Borneo (Sabah, Malaysia) in South-East Asia. It is found that for undisturbed forest and a variety of disturbed forests situations AGB can be expressed as a power-law function of canopy height h (AGB=a·hb) with an r2~60% for a spatial resolution of 20 m×20 m (0.04 ha, also called plot size). The regression is becoming significant better for the hectare wide analysis of the disturbed forest sites (r2=91%). There seems to exist no functional dependency between LAI and canopy height, but there is also a linear correlation (r2~60%) between AGB and the area fraction in which the canopy is highly disturbed. A reasonable agreement of our results with observations is obtained from a comparison of the simulations with permanent sampling plot data from the same region and with the large-scale forest inventory in Lambir. We conclude that the spaceborne remote sensing techniques have the potential to quantify the carbon contained in the vegetation, although this calculation contains due to the heterogeneity of the forest landscape structural uncertainties which restrict future applications to spatial averages of about one hectare in size. The uncertainties in AGB for a given canopy height are here 20–40% (95% confidence level) corresponding to a standard deviation of less than ±10%. This uncertainty on the 1 ha-scale is much smaller than in the analysis of 0.04 ha-scale data. At this small scale (0.04 ha) AGB can only be calculated out of canopy height with an uncertainty which is at least of the magnitude of the signal itself due to the natural spatial heterogeneity of these forests.
Strain‐Gradient Elasticity for Bridging Continuum and Atomistic Estimates of Stiffness of Binary Lennard‐Jones Crystals
Authors: Gusev Andrei A. , Lurie Sergey A.
Published: May 2010

Lagrangian variational approach is employed to derive the equations of equilibrium of strain‐gradient elasticity. For a periodic lamellar‐morphology strain‐gradient medium, we present an exact formula for the overall, system stiffness. We compare the formula with direct atomistic estimates of stiffness of binary Lennard‐Jones crystals. The comparison reveals that the strain‐gradient formula remains fairly accurate for all the crystals studied, including those with order of unity atoms in the crystal unit cell. Thus, one can surmise that the strain‐gradient correction alone can already be sufficient to extend the scope of validity of continuum‐level elasticity to near atomistic length scales.
Simultaneous Optimization of Luminance and Color Chromaticity of Phosphors Using a Nondominated Sorting Genetic Algorithm
Authors: Sharma Asish Kumar , Son Kyung Hyun , Han Bo Yong , Sohn Kee‐Sun
Published: May 2010

Acquiring materials that simultaneously meet two or more conflicting requirements is very difficult. For instance, a situation wherein the color chromaticity and photoluminescence (PL) intensity of phosphors conflict with one another is a frequent problem. Therefore, identification of a good phosphor that simultaneously exhibits both desirable PL intensity and color chromaticity is a challenge. A high‐throughput synthesis and characterization strategy that was reinforced by a nondominated sorting genetic algorithm (NSGA)‐based optimization process was employed to simultaneously optimize both the PL intensity and color chromaticity of a MgO–ZnO–SrO–CaO–BaO–Al2O3–Ga2O3–MnO system. NSGA operations, such as Pareto sorting and niche sharing, and the ensuing high‐throughput synthesis and characterization resulted in identification of promising green phosphors, i.e., Mn2+‐doped AB2O4 (A = alkali earth, B = Al and Ga) spinel solid solutions, for use in either plasma display panels or cold cathode fluorescent lamps.
Synthesis and Lithium Storage Properties of Co3O4 Nanosheet‐Assembled Multishelled Hollow Spheres
Authors: Wang Xi , Wu Xing‐Long , Guo Yu‐Guo , Zhong Yeteng , Cao Xinqiang , Ma Ying , Yao Jiannian
Published: May 2010

Single‐, double‐, and triple‐shelled hollow spheres assembled by Co3O4 nanosheets are successfully synthesized through a novel method. The possible formation mechanism of these novel structures was investigated using powder X‐ray diffraction, scanning and transmission electron microscopies, Fourier transform IR, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and thermogravimetric analysis. Both poly(vinylpyrrolidone) (PVP) soft templates and the formation of cobalt glycolate play key roles in the formation of these novel multishelled hollow structures. When tested as the anode material in lithium‐ion batteries (LIBs), these multishelled microspheres exhibit excellent cycling performance, good rate capacity, and enhanced lithium storage capacity. This superior cyclic stability and capacity result from the synergetic effect of small diffusion lengths in the nanosheet building blocks and sufficient void space to buffer the volume expansion. This facile strategy may be extended to synthesize other transition metal oxide materials with hollow multishelled micro‐/nanostrucutures, which may find application in sensors and catalysts due to their unique structural features.
Poly(2‐(dimethylamino)ethyl methacrylate) Brushes with Incorporated Nanoparticles as a SERS Active Sensing Layer
Authors: Gupta Smrati , Agrawal Mukesh , Conrad Marc , Hutter Naima Aurelia , Olk Phillip , Simon Frank , Eng Lukas M. , Stamm Manfred , Jordan Rainer
Published: May 2010

A simple, fast, and versatile approach to the fabrication of outstanding surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) substrates by exploiting the optical properties of the Ag nanoparticles and functional as well as organizational characteristics of the polymer brushes is reported. First, poly(2‐(dimethylamino)ethyl methacrylate) brushes are synthesized directly on glassy carbon by self‐initiated photografting and photopolymerization and thoroughly characterized in terms of their thickness, wettability, morphology, and chemical structure by means of ellipsometry, contact angle, AFM, and XPS, respectively. Second, Ag nanoparticles are homogeneously immobilized into the brush layer, resulting in a sensor platform for the detection of organic molecules by SERS. The surface enhancement factor (SEF) as determined by the detection of Rhodamine 6G is calculated as 6 × 106.
A Versatile Solvent‐Free “One‐Pot” Route to Polymer Nanocomposites and the in situ Formation of Calcium Phosphate/Layered Silicate Hybrid Nanoparticles
Authors: Weickmann Hans , Gurr Matthias , Meincke Olaf , Thomann Ralf , Mülhaupt Rolf
Published: May 2010

Poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA), polystyrene (PS), and polyurethane (PU) nanocomposites containing well‐dispersed calcium phosphate/layered silicate hybrid nanoparticles were prepared in a versatile solvent‐free “one‐pot” process without requiring separate steps, such as organophilic modification, purification, drying, dispersing, and compounding, typical for many conventional organoclay nanocomposites. In this “one‐pot” process, alkyl ammonium phosphates were added as swelling agents to a suspension of calcium/layered silicate in styrene, methyl methacrylate, or polyols prior to polymerization. Alkyl ammonium phosphates were prepared in situ by reacting phosphoric acid with an equivalent amount of alkyl amines such as stearyl amine (SA) or the corresponding ester‐ and methacrylate‐functionalized tertiary alkyl amines, obtained via Michael Addition of SA with methyl acrylate or ethylene 2‐methacryloxyethyl acrylate. Upon contact with the calcium bentonite suspension, the cation exchange of Ca2+ in the silicate interlayers for alkyl ammonium cations rendered the bentonite organophilic and enabled effective swelling in the monomer accompanied by intercalation and in situ precipitation of calcium phosphates. According to energy dispersive X‐ray analysis, the calcium phosphate precipitated exclusively onto the surfaces of the bentonite nanoplatelets, thus forming easy‐to‐disperse calcium phosphate/layered silicate hybrid nanoparticles. Incorporation of 5–15 wt% of such hybrid nanoparticles into PMMA, PS, and PU afforded improved stiffness/toughness balances of the polymer nanocomposites. Functionalized alkyl ammonium phosphate addition enabled polymer attachment to the nanoparticle surfaces. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) analyses of PU and PU‐foam nanocomposites, prepared by dispersing hybrid nanoparticles in the polyols prior to isocyanate cure, revealed the formation of fully exfoliated hybrid nanoparticles.
Glass Fibers with Carbon Nanotube Networks as Multifunctional Sensors
Authors: Gao Shang‐lin , Zhuang Rong‐Chuan , Zhang Jie , Liu Jian‐Wen , Mäder Edith
Published: May 2010

A simple approach to deposit multiwalled carbon nanotube (MWNT) networks onto glass fiber surfaces achieving semiconductive MWNT–glass fibers is reported, along with application of fiber/polymer interphases as in‐situ multifunctional sensors. This approach demonstrates for the first time that the techniques of conducting electrical resistance measurements could be applicable to glass fibers for in situ sensing of strain and damage; the techniques were previously limited to conductive and semiconductive materials. The electrical properties of the single MWNT–glass fiber and the “unidirectional” fiber/epoxy composite show linear or nonlinear stress/strain, temperature, and relative humidity dependencies, which are capable of detecting piezoresistive effects as well as the local glass transition temperature. The unidirectional composites containing MWNT–glass fibers exhibit ultrahigh anisotropic electrical properties and an ultralow electrical percolation threshold. Based on this approach, the glass fiber—the most widely used reinforcement in composites globally—along with the surface electrical conductivity of MWNTs will stimulate and realize a broad range of multifunctional applications.
Copper(I)‐Catalyzed Synthesis of Novel 4‐(Trifluoromethyl)‐[1,2,3]triazolo[1,5‐a]quinoxalines via Cascade Reactions of N‐(o‐Haloaryl)alkynylimine with Sodium Azide
Authors: Chen Zixian , Zhu Jiangtao , Xie Haibo , Li Shan , Wu Yongming , Gong Yuefa
Published: May 2010

Novel tricyclic 4‐(trifluoromethyl)‐[1,2,3]triazolo[1,5‐a]quinoxalines were readily prepared from N‐(o‐haloaryl)alkynylimines and sodium azide via copper(I)‐catalyzed tandem reactions. This synthetic strategy provides an efficient way to access a library of novel heterocyclic compounds that are of interest in drug discovery.
Heterogeneously Catalyzed Oxidative Cyanation of Tertiary Amines with Sodium Cyanide/Hydrogen Peroxide using Polymer‐Supported Iron(II) Phthalocyanines as Catalyst
Authors: Singhal Sweety , Jain Suman L. , Sain Bir
Published: May 2010

The first report on heterogeneously catalyzed oxidative cyanation of various tertiary amines to the corresponding α‐amino nitriles with high yields and selectivity by using hydrogen peroxide oxidant in presence of sodium cyanide and Fe(II) phthalocyanine supported on a polymer as catalyst is described. The present method has the added benefits of facile recovery of the catalyst from the reaction mixture and its subsequent use without further activation. Consistent catalytic activity with no metal leaching was observed during this course.
New and Easily Accessible Nitrogen Acyclic Gold(I) Carbenes: Structure and Application in the Gold‐Catalyzed Phenol Synthesis as well as the Hydration of Alkynes
Authors: Hashmi A. Stephen K. , Hengst Tobias , Lothschütz Christian , Rominger Frank
Published: May 2010

A series of gold(I) isonitrile complexes were prepared and converted to the corresponding diaminocarbene gold(I) complexes by reactions with primary and symmetrical secondary amines. Twelve crystal structure analyses of the gold(I) complexes could be obtained, in addition NMR studies allowed an analysis of the different diastereomers present in solution. In the gold‐catalyzed phenol synthesis these complexes were very successful as pre‐catalysts, reaching an unprecedented 3050 turnovers with a problematic substrate. Good conversions in the hydration of phenylacetylene could also be achieved.
Scope and Limitations of Palladium‐Catalyzed Cross‐Coupling Reactions with Organogold Compounds
Authors: Hashmi A. Stephen K. , Döpp René , Lothschütz Christian , Rudolph Matthias , Riedel Dominic , Rominger Frank
Published: May 2010

Five different alkenylgold(I) phosphane complexes were prepared and then investigated in [1,1′‐bis(diphenylphosphino)ferrocene]palladium(II) dichloride‐catalyzed cross‐coupling reactions with different aryl halides, heterocyclic halides, an alkenyl halide, an alkynyl halide, allylic substrates, benzyl bromide and an acid chloride. With regard to the halides, the iodides were highly reactive, bromides or chlorides gave significantly reduced yields or failed, allylic acetates failed, too. The cross‐coupling partners contained a number of different functional groups, while free carboxylic acids did not deliver cross‐coupling products and o,o‐disubstituted arenes failed as well, a broad range of other functional groups like nitro groups, nitrile groups, ester groups, α,β‐unsaturated ester groups and lactones, aldehydes, alkoxy groups, pyridyl groups, thienyl groups, unprotected phenols and anilines, even aryl azides were tolerated. The structures of one alkenylgold(I) species and of four of the cross‐coupling products were proved by crystal structure analyses.
The effect of anisotropic dispersion on the convective mixing in long‐term CO2 storage in saline aquifers
Authors: Ghesmat Karim , Hassanzadeh Hassan , Abedi Jalal
Published: May 2010

Carbon dioxide storage in deep saline aquifers is considered a possible option to bring greenhouse gas emissions under control. The understanding of the underlying mechanisms, such as convective mixing and associated mechanisms, affecting this mixing may have an impact on the long‐term sequestration process in deep saline aquifers. One of the significant aspects of the flow of miscible species in porous media is velocity dependent dispersion. The effect of dispersion on dissolution of carbon dioxide (CO2) into brine is investigated by full nonlinear numerical simulations. This study reveals that dispersion may dramatically change the trend of CO2 dissolution into brine. It was found that the dissolution of CO2 increases as dispersion strength increases. The mixing pattern also shows three different mechanisms: diffusion, convection, and a highly nonlinear interaction mechanism. However, the medium dispersivity ratios were found to slightly affect the mixing, while having an impact on the fingering pattern. © 2010 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 2011
Ethics commentary: subjects of knowledge and control in field primatology
Authors: Malone N.M. , Fuentes A. , White F.J.
Published: May 2010

Our primate kin are routinely displaced from their habitats, hunted for meat, captured for trade, housed in zoos, made to perform for our entertainment, and used as subjects in biomedical testing. They are also the subjects of research inquiries by field primatologists. In this article, we place primate field studies on a continuum of human and alloprimate relationships as a heuristic device to explore the unifying ethical implications of such inter‐relationships, as well as address specific ethical challenges arising from common research protocols “in the field” (e.g. risks associated with habituation, disease transmission, invasive collection of biological samples, etc.). Additionally, we question the widespread deployment of conservation‐ and/or local economic development‐based justifications for field‐based primatological pursuits. Informed by decades of combined fieldwork experience in Indonesia and the Democratic Republic of Congo, we demonstrate the process by which the adherence to a particular ethical calculus can lead to unregulated and ethically problematic research agendas. In conclusion, we offer several suggestions to consider in the establishment of a formalized code of ethics for field primatology. Am. J. Primatol. 72:779–784, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Environmental challenges in the energy sector: a chemical engineering perspective
Authors: Tanguy Philippe A.
Published: May 2010

The supply of energy in sufficient quantities and the access to clean water are among the most significant global challenges to address in the decades to come, as these are key elements of human well‐being and further development. These challenges are of course related, and future practices must consider their connectivity. As the present energy system is clearly reaching its limits in terms of sustainability, new approaches have been proposed based on much improved energy efficiency, development of renewable and new energy sources, and the use of carbon capture and storage for fossil resources. The industrial deployment of these alternate scenarios is intrinsically related to the availability of water on a large scale. Because the access to freshwater is becoming scarce in many countries, better water practices and the exploitation of new water resources must be developed for the supply of industrial water. This paper begins with a brief description of our present energy system based on fossil resources, this being a legacy of the industrial revolution. We then review the main drivers supporting the energy and water demand, and the constraints they are facing. The final section considers several chemical engineering challenges that arise when proposing ways of dealing with the energy‐environment nexus in the future. Copyright © 2010 Curtin University of Technology and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Modelling air flow and ambient temperature effects on the biological self‐heating of compost piles
Authors: Luangwilai T. , Sidhu H. S. , Nelson M. I. , Chen X. D.
Published: May 2010

We formulate and investigate a one‐dimensional model for self‐heating in compost piles. The self‐heating occurs through a combination of biological and chemical mechanisms. Biological heat generation is known to be present in most industrial processes handling large volumes of bulk organic materials. The heat release rate due to biological activity is modelled by a function which at sufficiently low temperatures is a monotonic increasing function of temperature. At higher temperatures, it is a monotonic decreasing function of temperature. This functionality represents the fact that micro‐organisms die or become dormant at high temperature. The heat release due to oxidation reaction is modelled by Arrhenius kinetics. The model consists of mass balance equations for oxygen and energy. Steady‐state temperature diagrams are determined as a function of the size of the compost pile and the flow rate of air through the pile. We show that there is a range of flow rates for which elevated temperatures, including the possibility of spontaneous ignition, occur within the pile. We also investigate the effects of variations in the ambient temperature. Copyright © 2010 Curtin University of Technology and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Specific critical concentrations of low dosage hydrate inhibitors in a THF–NaCl hydrate formation solution
Authors: Ding Ailin , Wang Shuo , Pelemis Tina , Crisafio Carmelo , Lou Xia
Published: May 2010

Hydrate formation and its attendant problems are well known in the oil and gas industry. The desire to reduce the costs and environmental impact of traditional hydrate inhibitors has led to a focus on the design, development and evaluation of novel and environmentally friendly low dosage hydrate inhibitors (LDHIs). In this study, two LDHIs, namely Luvicap® EG and Gaffix® VC‐713, were tested using tetrahydrofuran (THF) as a hydrate promoter and a ball‐stop rig. The ball stop‐time was used to determine the inhibition efficiency. The concentration effect of inhibitors, salts and solvents on the ball‐stop time was investigated. Results indicated that the inhibition efficiency of an inhibitor is sensitive to the micro‐environment of the THF‐hydrates activities which includes the concentration and types of these additives. The reproducibility and consistency of the test results were also largely dependent on the concentration of inhibitors. Reliable information was provided only if the concentration of the inhibitor was above a critical concentration, below which the testing results scattered drastically and were inconsistent. As the critical concentration was inhibitor‐dependent, a specific critical concentration (SCC) was proposed which is the first reported in such investigations. We concluded that the inhibition efficiency of an LDHI should be determined by both the ball‐stop time and its SCC. Comparison of ball‐stop times between two inhibitors should be made above their SCCs. Salt and solvent concentrations and other additives present in the operating systems should also be considered when a suitable LDHI concentration is determined for a particular field application. Copyright © 2010 Curtin University of Technology and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Pilot plant study on biodiesel production from Karanja and Jatropha oils
Authors: Sahu Gajanan , Das L. M. , Sharma B. K. , Naik S. N.
Published: May 2010

Biodiesel is a promising alternative fuel. This pilot plant study highlights the production of biodiesel from two nonedible oils, i.e. Karanja (Pongamia pinnata) oil and Jatropha (Jatropha curcas) oil, by transesterification process with methanol using KOH as alkali catalyst. Yield percentages of biodiesel obtained and its flash point ( °C), cloud point ( °C), pour point ( °C), kinematic viscosity (mm2/s at 40 °C) and other relevant fuel properties of pure and blended biodiesel were compared. The fuel properties of pure and blended biodiesel produced were found to be well within the range of ASTM specifications. The process optimization study on catalyst concentration and time to get maximum yield is presented, i.e. 1% catalyst concentration and time duration of 3 h were found to be suitable conditions to obtain the maximum yield. Copyright © 2010 Curtin University of Technology and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Viscosity models for New Zealand black liquor at low solids concentrations
Authors: Alabi S.B. , Williamson C. J. , Lee J.
Published: May 2010

Availability of accurate models for prediction of the viscosity of black liquor (BL) from the chemical pulping of pine will facilitate its online monitoring and control and subsequently the optimisation of combustion in a recovery boiler. New Zealand (NZ) BL viscosity data are limited, and no predictive model is available. The viscosities of the NZ BL samples at solids concentrations (SCs) < 50% were obtained at temperature of 25–85 °C and shear rate up to ∼2000 s−1. The samples showed Newtonian behaviour. Existing models from the literature and a binomial model developed in this work were used to fit the viscosity data as a function of SC and temperature. Accuracies of these models were examined for both the log‐transformed and the untransformed viscosity data using coefficient of correlation (R) and maximum absolute relative error (MARE) (between the actual and predicted viscosities), respectively, as indices. Although the existing models fit NZ BL viscosity data well when they were log‐transformed, they performed poorly when not transformed. Conversely, the new binomial model gave accurate predictions with both the log‐transformed and untransformed viscosity data (R = 0.9997; MARE = 5.7%). It is concluded that at low SCs, the viscosity of Newtonian BL can be accurately predicted using the new binomial model. Copyright © 2010 Curtin University of Technology and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Development of a biological system employing Aspergillus lentulus for Cr removal from a small‐scale electroplating industry effluent
Authors: Sharma Shweta , Malik Anushree , Satya Santosh , Mishra Abhishek
Published: May 2010

In spite of the abundant work on biological Cr removal from simple synthetic solutions, very few studies demonstrate the potential of the tested strain for treatment of potentially toxic and complex industrial effluents. In the present study, the efficiency of an environmental isolate, Aspergillus lentulus AML05, to remove Cr from a small‐scale electroplating industry effluent (pH 2.5, Cr (VI) 259 mg l−1 and total Cr 295 mg l−1), was investigated. To bring about Cr removal using growing biomass, dilution and nutrient supplementation of the effluent was tested. The removal of Cr (VI) after 9 days of treatment was 100% in the diluted effluent (1:1; effluent:growth media) and 99% in the undiluted nutrient supplemented effluent. About 73% of the total Cr was also removed. While using the non‐growing (pre‐cultivated) biomass, Cr (VI) removal within 2 h of contact was 75% (resting biomass) and 91% (autoclaved biomass). The maximum Cr (VI) removal was 90–92% after 24 h of treatment at various doses in the non‐growing mode. Comparison with earlier studies revealed that A. lentulus is a promising strain that can be efficiently utilized for Cr removal from industrial effluents. Overall, the study reveals that integrated system incorporating A. lentulus in both growing as well as non‐growing modes assumes significance in terms of an inbuilt assurance of the proper functioning of the biological system under any unforeseen fungal growth situation in the field. Copyright © 2010 Curtin University of Technology and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Fusion characteristics of capsicum stalk ash
Authors: Niu Yanqing , Tan Houzhang , Wang Xuebin , Xu Tongmo , Liu Zhengning , Liu Yang
Published: May 2010

Biomass is an important energy source and the ash formed in thermochemical conversion processes requires analysis and interpretation. Capsicum stalk ashes prepared by ashing at 400, 600 and 815 °C were studied by X‐ray fluorescence, X‐ray diffractometer, thermogravimetry and ash fusion temperature tests. Melting and slagging did not occur in the ashing process; however, the fusion characteristic indices showed that there was a tendency for slagging. Meanwhile, it was found that deformation, softening, hemispherical and fluid temperatures were consistent in fusion temperature tests, and were all above 1100 °C. The fusion characteristics of capsicum stalk ash were mainly dependent upon the high‐temperature molten material built up by periclase, quartz, potassium iron oxide, microcline, zeolite and calcium silicate. Therefore, ash fusion characteristics were independent of the ashing temperature. The evaluation of the ash fusion characteristics of capsicum stalk biomass should not be based upon the fusion characteristic indices of coal, but should be related to the high‐temperature molten material, which provides a supporting effect to the skeleton structure in biomass ash. Copyright © 2010 Curtin University of Technology and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Safety and efficacy of rituximab in systemic lupus erythematosus: Results from 136 patients from the French autoimmunity and rituximab registry
Authors: Terrier Benjamin , Amoura Zahir , Ravaud Philippe , Hachulla Eric , Jouenne Romain , Combe Bernard , Bonnet Christine , Cacoub Patrice , Cantagrel Alain , De Bandt Michel , Fain Olivier , Fautrel Bruno , Gaudin Philippe , Godeau Bertrand , Harlé Jean‐Robert , Hot Arnaud , Kahn Jean‐Emmanuel , Lambotte Olivier , Larroche Claire , Léone Jean , Meyer Olivier , Pallot‐Prades Béatrice , Pertuiset Edouard , Quartier Pierre , Schaerverbeke Thierry , Sibilia Jean , Somogyi Alexandre , Soubrier Martin , Vignon Eric , Bader‐Meunier Brigitte , Mariette Xavier , Gottenberg Jacques‐Eric
Published: May 2010

Objective

A number of open‐label studies have suggested the potential benefit of rituximab (RTX) in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). However, in 2 recent randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of RTX, the primary end points were not met. We undertook this study to evaluate the safety and efficacy of RTX in off‐trial patients with SLE seen in regular clinical practice.

Methods

We analyzed prospective data from the French AutoImmunity and Rituximab (AIR) registry, which includes data on patients with autoimmune disorders treated with RTX.

Results

One hundred thirty‐six patients received treatment for SLE. The mean ± SD score on the Safety of Estrogens in Lupus Erythematosus: National Assessment (SELENA) version of the SLE Disease Activity Index (SLEDAI) was 11.3 ± 8.9 at baseline. Severe infections were noted in 12 patients (9%), corresponding to a rate of 6.6/100 patient‐years. Most severe infections occurred within the first 3 months after the last RTX infusion. Five patients died, due to severe infection (n = 3) or refractory autoimmune disease (n = 2). Overall response was observed in 80 of 113 patients (71%) by the SELENA–SLEDAI assessment. Efficacy did not differ significantly between patients receiving RTX monotherapy and those receiving concomitant immunosuppressive agents (who had higher baseline disease activity). Articular, cutaneous, renal, and hematologic improvements were noted in 72%, 70%, 74%, and 88% of patients, respectively. Among responders, 41% experienced a relapse of disease, with a response in 91% after retreatment with RTX.

Conclusion

Data from the AIR registry show a satisfactory tolerance profile and clinical efficacy of RTX in patients with SLE. The contrasting results with those from recent RCTs leave open the question of the therapeutic use of RTX in SLE. Additional controlled studies with new designs are needed to define the place of RTX in the therapeutic arsenal for SLE.
A20 suppresses inflammatory responses and bone destruction in human fibroblast‐like synoviocytes and in mice with collagen‐induced arthritis
Authors: Hah Young‐Sool , Lee Young‐Rae , Jun Jin‐Su , Lim Hye‐Song , Kim Hyun‐Ok , Jeong Yong‐Geun , Hur Gang Min , Lee Sang Yong , Chung Myoung Ja , Park Jin‐Woo , Lee Sang‐Il , Park Byung‐Hyun
Published: May 2010

Objective

Nuclear factor‐κB (NF‐κB) has been implicated as a therapeutic target for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). The purpose of this study was to determine whether A20, a universal inhibitor of NF‐κB, might have antiarthritic effects.

Methods

An adenovirus containing A20 complementary DNA (AdA20) was used to deliver A20 to human rheumatoid fibroblast‐like synoviocytes (FLS) in vitro as well as to mice with collagen‐induced arthritis (CIA) in vivo via intraarticular injection into the ankle joints bilaterally.

Results

In vitro experiments demonstrated that AdA20 suppressed NF‐κB activation, chemokine production, and matrix metalloproteinase secretion induced by tumor necrosis factor α in FLS. Mice with CIA that were treated with AdA20 had a lower cumulative disease incidence and severity of arthritis, based on hind paw thickness, radiologic and histopathologic findings, and inflammatory cytokine levels, than did control virus–injected mice. The protective effects of AdA20 were mediated by the inhibition of the NF‐κB signaling pathway. The severity of arthritis was also significantly decreased in the untreated front paws, indicating a beneficial systemic effect of local suppression of NF‐κB. Surprisingly, mice treated with AdA20 after the onset of CIA had significantly decreased arthritis severity from the onset of clinical signs to the end of the study.

Conclusion

These results suggest that using A20 to block the NF‐κB pathway in rheumatoid joints reduces both the inflammatory response and the tissue destruction. The development of an immunoregulatory strategy based on A20 may therefore have therapeutic potential in the treatment of RA.
Introducing a geographic information system as computer tool to apply the problem‐based learning process in public buildings indoor routing
Authors: Ariza‐Villaverde A. B. , de Ravé E. Gutiérrez , Jiménez‐Hornero F. J. , Pavón‐Domínguez P. , Muñoz‐Bermejo F.
Published: May 2010

A geographic information system (GIS) is presented in this work with the aim of helping the application of problem‐based learning process to show the students how to adopt the appropriate decisions for the adaptation of architectural barriers to ensure the universal accessibility in public buildings. The GIS developed here consists of three layers based on vector maps corresponding to buildings, potential routes and architectural barriers. Hyperlinks in the last layer allow access to some relevant information about each barrier, such as type, description and adaptation cost. Several tests have been carried out to show the capability of the implemented GIS to locate indoor barriers, determine suitable indoor routes by considering criteria such as paths lengths or the total cost of barrier elimination, and update the information corresponding to each architectural barrier. In addition, the application of the proposed GIS has also been explored for indoor route guidance with promising results. This investigation has been carried out with the aim of being combined with the problem‐based learning process. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Comput Appl Eng Educ 21: 573–580, 2013
Solid‐State NMR Characterization of Wilkinson’s Catalyst Immobilized in Mesoporous SBA‐3 Silica
Authors: Grünberg Anna , Yeping Xu , Breitzke Hergen , Buntkowsky Gerd
Published: May 2010

The Wilkinson’s catalyst [RhCl(PPh3)3] has been immobilized inside the pores of amine functionalized mesoporous silica material SBA‐3 and The structure of the modified silica surface and the immobilized rhodium complex was determined by a combination of different solid‐state NMR methods. The successful modification of the silica surface was confirmed by 29Si CP‐MAS NMR experiments. The presence of the Tn peaks confirms the successful functionalization of the support and shows the way of binding the organic groups to the surface of the mesopores. 31P‐31P J‐resolved 2D MAS NMR experiments were conducted in order to characterize the binding of the immobilized catalyst to the amine groups of the linkers attached to the silica surface. The pure catalyst exhibits a considerable 31P‐31P J‐coupling, well resolvable in 2D MAS NMR experiments. This J‐coupling was utilized to determine the binding mode of the catalyst to the linkers on the silica surface and the number of triphenylphosphine ligands that are replaced by coordination bonds to the amine groups. From the absence of any resolvable 31P‐31P J‐coupling in off‐magic‐angle‐spinning experiments, as well as slow‐spinning MAS experiments, it is concluded, that two triphenylphosphine ligands are replaced and that the catalyst is bonded to the silica surface through two linker molecules.
Effect of method of preparation on activity of Pd/Al2O3 monolith catalysts
Authors: Mogalicherla Aswani Kumar , Kunzru Deepak
Published: May 2010

Pd/Al2O3 monolithic catalyst of different washcoat thicknesses were prepared by two methods and tested for the activity of hydrogenation of α‐methyl styrene. These catalysts were prepared by two methods; either the palladium was impregnated on γ‐alumina and this Pd/Al2O3 powder was used to prepare the slurry for washcoating (Cat 1) or γ‐alumina washcoating was followed by impregnation of palladium (Cat 2). The effect of slurry concentration, pH of the slurry, and addition of binders on the catalyst properties was investigated. The monolithic catalysts were characterised by determination of metal dispersion, surface area, scanning electron microscopy, and weight loss of washcoat during ultrasonication. Well‐adhered washcoats were obtained with slurry prepared using milled γ‐alumina, whereas the adhesion of the washcoat prepared using Pd/Al2O3 powders was very poor. Addition of binders significantly improved the adhesion of the washcoats prepared from Pd/Al2O3. Metal dispersion for Cat 2 decreased with washcoat loading but did not change with loading for Cat 1. The activity tests were conducted at different washcoat loadings and the productivity of the monolithic catalyst prepared in both methods has been compared.