bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Krek’s Views on Folk Poetry
Authors: Klobčar Marija
Published: November 2010

Prispevek z razumevanjem okoliščin, v katerih je deloval Gregor Krek, analizira njegov zbirateljski in uredniški koncept in na podlagi teh spoznanj išče razločke med podobo resnične ljudske ustvarjalnosti in Krekovimi pričakovanji. S tem razumevanjem skuša pojasniti razloge za njegov odstop od uredništva, hkrati pa ugotavlja razhajanje in bližino s Štrekljevimi pogledi. Ob tem se sprašuje, kaj je Krek s svojimi pogledi na ljudsko pesem sporočal svojemu času in kaj sporoča današnjemu razpiranju obzorij.
***
Considering the circumstances in which Gregor Krek had lived and worked, the author discusses his concept of folk song collecting and editing. This forms the basis for a comparison between true folk creativity and Krek’s expectations of it. In view of this, the author tries to explain the reasons for Krek’s resignation from the post of editor of a comprehensive collection of folk songs, comparing Krek’s views on the subject with those of Krek’s successor, Karel Štrekelj. She then proceeds to ascertain what Gregor Krek and his position on folk songs wished to convey to the public of his time, and what he communicates to us in the present.
Gregor Krek. With a Bibliography Tracing His Footsteps
Authors: Samec Drago
Published: November 2010

Bibliografija del in prispevkov Gregorja Kreka obsega njegovo pesniška dela, publicistične spise, strokovna in znanstvena besedila in monografije. Prav tako pa so vanjo uvrščeni tudi spisi in besedila o Gregorju Kreku, pesniku in znanstveniku.
***
The bibliography of Gregor Krek’s work comprises his poems, popular articles, scientific treatises, and monographs. It also contains articles about Krek himself as a poet and a scholar.
A evolução do setor soja no Mato Grosso
Authors: Arvor Damien , Gonçalves Mariane Marcheti , Moine Sébastien , Vitter Maxime
Published: November 2010

Esta pesquisa trata sobre a expansão da soja na região amazônica por meio dos grandes produtores de soja. Teve como objetivo descrever a organização do espaço geográfico regional por meio da identificação dos elementos básicos da geopolítica da soja propostos por Becker (2007) : abertura de fronteiras, como a disponibilidade de terra barata e mercados, favorecendo a instalação de atividades produtivas com rapidez, em grande escala e a baixos custos ; a logística caracterizada pelas redes técnicas que viabilizam a integração produtiva-mercantil-financeira ; a integração política que corresponde a alianças estratégicas estabelecidas pelos produtores ; as relações de trabalho do grande produtor com seus funcionários ; e a ciência e tecnologia, responsável pela movimentação de toda a base produtiva. O estudo permitiu entender a evolução dos territórios da soja definida em quatro fases a partir da década de 1980. Estas fases baseiam-se acerca de uma idéia comum de melhoria da situação econômica da soja ; de uma ruptura na maneira de pensar o desenvolvimento da agricultura no estado do Mato Grosso e questionamentos sobre o impacto desta ruptura.
Molecular Characterization of the 16S rRNA Gene ofHelicobacter fennelliaeIsolated from Stools and Blood Cultures from Paediatric Patients in South Africa
Authors: Smuts Heidi E. M. , Lastovica Albert Joseph
Published: November 2010

Forty strains ofH. fennelliaecollected from paediatric blood and stool samples over an 18 year period at a children's hospital in Cape Town, South Africa, were amplified by PCR of the 16S rRNA. Two distinct genotypes ofH. fennelliaewere identified based on the phylogenetic analysis. This was confirmed by sequencing a portion of the beta subunit of the RNA polymerase (rpoB) gene. All isolates from South Africa clustered with a proposed novelHelicobacterstrain (accession number AF237612) isolated in Australia, while threeH. fennelliaetype strains from the northern hemisphere, NCTC 11612, LMG 7546 and CCUG 18820, formed a separate branch. A large (355bp) highly conserved intervening sequence (IVS) in the 16S rRNA was found in all isolates. Predicted secondary structures of the IVS from the 16S rRNA and 23S rRNA were characterised by a primary stem structure formed by base pairing of the 3′and 5′ends and internal loops and stems. This phylogenetic analysis is the largest undertaken ofH. fennelliae. The South AfricanH. fennelliaeisolates are closely related to an Australian isolate previously reported to be a possible novel species of Helicobacter. This study suggests that the latter is strain ofH. fennelliae.
A study to establish the most plausible background to the Fourth Gospel (John)
Authors: Magezi Vhumani , Manzanga Peter
Published: November 2010

The quest to establish a conceptual background of the fourth gospel has led to converging and diverging opinions. This study reviewed and compared literature on the fourth gospel to establish its most plausible background. In doing so, attention was given to the development of the debate on the religious backgrounds that possibly influenced the author in order to discover some fresh connections between the gospel and these suggested backgrounds. Reference is made to primary material such as the Dead Sea Scrolls, first century Palestinian Judaism, Josephus and Philo of Alexandria. The following proposed backgrounds were reviewed: Hellenistic Judaism, Philo of Alexandria, Gnosticism, Hermetic Literature, Mandaism, the Old Testament, Rabbinic Judaism, the Dead Sea Scrolls and the Samaritan background.
Family Medicine: A profession for the world’s upper and middle class?
Authors: Downing Raymond
Published: November 2010

Family medicine is a medical speciality, or at least an approach to medical care, that was developed and thrives in high-income countries. Some of the key principles of family medicine were developed in response to the disease pattern prevalent in those high-income countries – that is, the predominance of chronic, non-communicable diseases. Yet, the burden of disease in low-income countries, such as in much of sub-Saharan Africa, involves substantially more communicable disease and trauma than that in high-income countries. Consequently, the design of family medicine as developed in high-income countries may not be applicable in sub-Saharan Africa.
In Vitro and In Vivo Phagocytic Ability of Mouse B-1 Cells
Authors: Brito RR Novaes E , Cortez BA , Machado-Santelli GM , Xander P , De Lorenzo BH , Oliveira HC , Thies FG , Kioshima ES , Maricato JT , Lopes JD , Mariano M
Published: November 2010

B-1 cells are a peculiar subpopulation of B cells found in the peritoneal and pleural cavities in mice. These cells are typically IgM+ and CD11b+. B-1 cells are able to migrate from the peritoneal cavity to non-specific inflammatory sites in mice. In addition, they can differentiate into mononuclear phagocyte-like cells in vitro; however, it is still unknown whether B-1 cells are capable of performing phagocytosis in vivo. Here we further characterized B-1 cells as phagocytes in vitro, and we investigated their ability to phagocytose apoptotic cells and bacteria in vivo. Our results demonstrate that B-1 phagocytes are able to uptake apoptotic thymocytes and Escherichia coli bacteria, both in vitro and in vivo. These findings indicate that along with macrophages, B-1 phagocytic cells might play a role in fundamental processes such as tissue remodeling, resolution of inflammation and pathogen clearance.
Testing Social Preferences Through Differential Attention to Own and Partner’s Payoff in a Prisoner’s Dilemma Game
Authors: Tanida Shigehito , Yamagishi Toshio
Published: November 2010

Cooperation in one-shot public good games, where future returns are unavailable, is observed in numerous experimental studies. Economists and psychologists explain such behavior as a reflection of social preferences—utilities deriving from payoffs to others as well as to themselves. We tested validity of this explanation by measuring how long cooperators and defectors looked at payoffs to themselves and to the partner with an eye tracking device. Cooperators spent more time than defectors looking at payoffs to the partner only when the payoff matrix was difficult for the players to perceive as an instance of social exchange. When the matrix was easy to comprehend as an instance of social exchange, cooperators paid less attention to payoff to the partner than did defectors. The results indicate that the deliberate processes assumed in social utility models take place only when the other, faster and cue-driven process is unavailable.
Sunphotometry of the 2006–2007 aerosol optical/radiative properties at the Himalayan Nepal Climate Observatory-Pyramid (5079 m a.s.l.)
Authors: Gobbi G. P. , Angelini F. , Bonasoni P. , Verza G. P. , Marinoni A. , Barnaba F.
Published: November 2010

Abstract. In spite of being located at the heart of the highest mountain range in the world, the Himalayan Nepal Climate Observatory (5079 m a.s.l.) at the Ev-K2-CNR Pyramid is shown to be affected by the advection of pollution aerosols from the populated regions of southern Nepal and the Indo-Gangetic plains. Such an impact is observed along most of the period April 2006–March 2007 addressed here, with a minimum in the monsoon season. Backtrajectory-analysis indicates long-range transport episodes occurring in this year to originate mainly in the west Asian deserts. At this high altitude site, the measured aerosol optical depth is observed to be about one order of magnitude lower than the one measured at Ghandi College (60 m a.s.l.), in the Indo-Gangetic basin. As for Ghandi College, and in agreement with the in situ ground observations at the Pyramid, the fine mode aerosol optical depth maximizes during winter and minimizes in the monsoon season. Conversely, total optical depth maximizes during the monsoon due to the occurrence of elevated, coarse particle layers. Possible origins of these particles are wind erosion from the surrounding peaks and hydrated/cloud-processed aerosols. Assessment of the aerosol radiative forcing is then expected to be hampered by the presence of these high altitude particle layers, which impede an effective, continuous measurement of anthropogenic aerosol radiative properties from sky radiance inversions and/or ground measurements alone. Even though the retrieved absorption coefficients of pollution aerosols were rather large (single scattering albedo of the order of 0.6–0.9 were observed in the month of April 2006), the corresponding low optical depths (~0.03 at 500 nm) are expected to limit the relevant radiative forcing. Still, the high specific forcing of this aerosol and its capability of altering snow surface albedo provide good reasons for continuous monitoring.
Stable carbon isotope fractionation during methanogenesis in three boreal peatland ecosystems
Authors: Galand P. E. , Yrjälä K. , Conrad R.
Published: November 2010

Abstract. The degradation of organic matter to CH4 and CO2 was investigated in three different boreal peatland systems in Finland, a mesotrophic fen (MES), an oligotrophic fen (OLI), and an ombrotrophic peat (OMB). MES had similar production rates of CO2 and CH4, but the two nutrient-poor peatlands (OLI and OMB) produced in general more CO2 than CH4. δ13C analysis of CH4 and CO2 in the presence and absence methyl fluoride (CH3F), an inhibitor of acetoclastic methanogenesis, showed that CH4 was predominantly produced by hydrogenotrophic methanogenesis and that acetoclastic methanogenesis only played an important role in MES. These results, together with our observations concerning the collective inhibition of CH4 and CO2 production rates by CH3F, indicate that organic matter was degraded through different paths in the mesotrophic and the nutrient-poor peatlands. In the mesotrophic fen, the major process is canonical fermentation followed by acetoclastic and hydrogenotrophic methanogenesis, while in the nutrient-poor peat, organic matter was apparently degraded to a large extent by a different path which finally involved hydrogenotrophic methanogenesis. Our data suggest that degradation of organic substances in the oligotrophic environments was incomplete and involved the use of organic compounds as oxidants.
Physically-based data assimilation
Authors: Levy G. , Coon M. , Nguyen G. , Sulsky D.
Published: November 2010

Abstract. Ideally, a validation and assimilation scheme should maintain the physical principles embodied in the model and be able to evaluate and assimilate lower dimensional features (e.g., discontinuities) contained within a bulk simulation, even when these features are not directly observed or represented by model variables. We present such a scheme and suggest its potential to resolve or alleviate some outstanding problems that stem from making and applying required, yet often non-physical, assumptions and procedures in common operational data assimilation. As proof of concept, we use a sea-ice model with remotely sensed observations of leads in a one-step assimilation cycle. Using the new scheme in a sixteen day simulation experiment introduces model skill (against persistence) several days earlier than in the control run, improves the overall model skill and delays its drop off at later stages of the simulation. The potential and requirements to extend this scheme to different applications, and to both empirical and statistical multivariate and full cycle data assimilation schemes, are discussed.
Using Ab Initio Calculations in Designing bcc MgLi–X Alloys for Ultra‐Lightweight Applications
Authors: Counts William Art , Friák Martin , Raabe Dierk , Neugebauer Jörg
Published: November 2010

Body centered cubic (bcc) Mg–Li‐based alloys are a promising light‐weight structural material. In order to tailor the Mg–Li composition with respect to specific industrial requirements, systematic materials‐design concepts need to be developed and applied. Quantum‐mechanical calculations are increasingly employed when designing new alloys as they accurately predict basic thermodynamic, structural, and functional properties using only the atomic composition as input. We have therefore performed a quantum‐mechanical study using density functional theory (DFT) to systematically explore fundamental physical properties of a broad set of bcc MgLi‐based compounds. These DFT‐determined properties are used to calculate engineering parameters such as (i) the specific Young's modulus (Y/ρ) or (ii) the bulk over shear modulus ratio (B/G) which allow differentiating between brittle and ductile behavior. As we have recently shown, it is not possible to increase both specific Young's modulus, as a measure of strength, and B/G ratio, as a proxy for ductility, by changing only the composition in the binary bcc Mg–Li system. In an attempt to bypass such fundamental materials‐design limitations, a large set of MgLi–X substitutional ternaries derived from stoichiometric MgLi with CsCl structure are studied. Motivated by the fact that for Mg–Li alloys (i) 3rd row Si and Al and (ii) 4th row Zn are industrially used as alloying elements, we probe the alloying performance of the 3rd (Na, Al, Si, P, S, Cl) and 4th row transition metal (Sc, Ti, V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn) elements. The studied solutes offer a variety of properties but none is able to simultaneously improve both specific Young's modulus and ductility. Therefore, in order to explore the alloying performance of yet a broader set of solutes, we predict the bulk modulus of MgX and LiX B2‐compounds running over 40 different elements.
Anti‐CD20 monoclonal antibodies and their use in adult autoimmune hematological disorders
Authors: Dierickx Daan , Delannoy André , Saja Khalid , Verhoef Gregor , Provan Drew
Published: November 2010

Autoimmune hematological disorders encompass a broad group of hematological conditions characterized by the loss of self‐tolerance to a variety of antigens. Despite good response to first‐line therapy in the majority of patients, relapses are common, necessitating new and safe therapeutic options. The anti‐CD20 monoclonal antibody rituximab has led to substantial improvement in the treatment of malignant and immune‐mediated disorders involving B cells. Although experience with rituximab in immune‐mediated hematological disorders is rarely supported by randomized trials, there is now substantial experience with rituximab suggesting that anti‐CD20 therapy is an effective and well‐tolerated alternative to immunosuppressive therapy in these disorders. However, caution is needed based on recent reports describing—sometimes severe—rituximab‐related complications. Am. J. Hematol. 2011. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Case–control study of risk factors of myelodysplastic syndromes according to World Health Organization classification in a Chinese population
Authors: Lv Ling , Lin Guowei , Lin Guowei , Gao Xiang , Wu Cuie , Dai Junmin , Yang Yongchen , Zou Hejian , Sun Hengjuan , Gu Minghua , Chen Xi , Fu Hua , Bao Liming
Published: November 2010

Risk factors of mydelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) remain largely unknown. We conducted a hospital‐based case–control study consisting of 403 newly diagnosed MDS patients according to World Health Organization classification and 806 individually gender and age‐matched patient controls from 27 major hospitals in Shanghai, China, to examine relation of lifestyle, environmental, and occupational factors to risk of MDS. The study showed that all MDS (all subtypes combined) risk factors included anti tuberculosis drugs [odds ratio (OR)adj = 3.15; 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.22–8.12] as an independent risk factor, benzene (ORadj = 3.73; 95% CI = 1.32–10.51), hair dye use (OR = 1.46; 95% CI = 1.03–2.07), new building and renovations (OR = 1.69; 95% CI = 1.11–2.00), pesticides (OR = 2.16; 95% CI = 1.22–3.82), and herbicides (OR = 5.33; 95% CI = 1.41–20.10) as relative risk factors. Risk factors of MDS subtype refractory cytopenia with multiple dysplasia (RCMD) were benzene (ORadj = 5.99; 95% CI = 1.19–30.16) and gasoline (ORadj = 11.44; 95% CI = 1.31–100.03) as independent risk factors, and traditional Chinese medicines (OR = 2.17; 95% CI = 1.15–4.07), pesticides (OR = 2.92; 95% CI = 1.37–6.25), and herbicides (OR = 12.00; 95% CI = 1.44–99.67) as relative risk factors. Smoking tobacco was significantly associated with refractory anemia with excess of blasts (RAEB) (ORadj = 2.43; 95% CI = 1.02–5.77). Education is shown as an independent protective factor against all MDS (ORadj = 0.90; 95% CI = 0.83–0.99) and RCMD (ORadj = 0.89; 95% CI = 0.79–0.99). These findings suggest that multiple modifiable behavioral, environmental, and occupational factors play a role in MDS etiology, and various MDS subtypes may have different susceptibility. Am. J. Hematol. 86:163–169, 2011. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Plasma epidermal growth factor levels predict cognitive decline in Parkinson disease
Authors: Chen‐Plotkin Alice S. , Hu William T. , Siderowf Andrew , Weintraub Daniel , Goldmann Gross Rachel , Hurtig Howard I. , Xie Sharon X. , Arnold Steven E. , Grossman Murray , Clark Christopher M. , Shaw Leslie M. , McCluskey Leo , Elman Lauren , Van Deerlin Vivianna M. , Lee Virginia M.‐Y. , Soares Holly , Trojanowski John Q.
Published: November 2010

Objective

Most people with Parkinson disease (PD) eventually develop cognitive impairment (CI). However, neither the timing of onset nor the severity of cognitive symptoms can be accurately predicted. We sought plasma‐based biomarkers for CI in PD.

Methods

A discovery cohort of 70 PD patients was recruited. Cognitive status was evaluated with the Mattis Dementia Rating Scale‐2 (DRS) at baseline and on annual follow‐up visits, and baseline plasma levels of 102 proteins were determined with a bead‐based immunoassay. Using linear regression, we identified biomarkers of CI in PD, that is, proteins whose levels correlated with cognitive performance at baseline and/or cognitive decline at follow‐up. We then replicated the association between cognitive performance and levels of the top biomarker, using a different technical platform, with a separate cohort of 113 PD patients.

Results

Eleven proteins exhibited plasma levels correlating with baseline cognitive performance in the discovery cohort. The best candidate was epidermal growth factor (EGF, p < 0.001); many of the other 10 analytes covaried with EGF across samples. Low levels of EGF not only correlated with poor cognitive test scores at baseline, but also predicted an 8‐fold greater risk of cognitive decline to dementia‐range DRS scores at follow‐up for those with intact baseline cognition. A weaker, but still significant, relationship between plasma EGF levels and cognitive performance was found in an independent replication cohort of 113 PD patients.

Interpretation

Our data suggest that plasma EGF may be a biomarker for progression to CI in PD. Ann Neurol 2010
Stabilized protein waste as a source for removal of color from wastewaters
Authors: Fathima Nishter Nishad , Aravindhan Rathinam , Rao Jonnalagadda Raghava , Nair Balachandran Unni
Published: November 2010

Seeking solution to pollution problems is a prime concern of many researchers today. The waste from one industry can be judiciously used to treat another waste. This concept has been used in this study, wherein, the fleshing, a solid waste (biopolymer) emanating from leather industry has been used as an adsorbent for removal of dyes from wastewater. Fleshing has been crosslinked with glutaraldehyde to stabilize it against degradation. The various parameters like effect of pH, role of salt concentration, adsorbent dosage, and initial concentration of dye have been standardized. About 90% dye removal has been achieved by treating 100 mg/L dye solution with 12 g/L of glutaraldehyde‐crosslinked fleshing. The dye removal has been found to follow Langmuir type of adsorption isotherm. The optimized parameters of batch adsorption studies have been applied to treat sectional wastewater from a commercial tannery. The study also explores the possibility of reusing the dye loaded fleshing as a reductant in the manufacture of a tanning salt, which is used in leather industry for tanning of leathers. Thus, a holistic solution to both solid and liquid waste has been presented in this work. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2010
Effect of plasma pretreatment on the wrinkle‐resistance properties of cotton fibers treated with a 1,2,3,4‐butanetetracarboxylic acid–sodium hypophosulfite system with titanium dioxide as a cocatalyst
Authors: Lam Y. L. , Kan C. W. , Yuen C. W. M.
Published: November 2010

A 1,2,3,4‐butanetetracarboxylic acid (BTCA)–sodium hypophosulfite (SHP) wrinkle‐resistance system played an important role in improving the wrinkle‐resistance properties of cotton fibers. In this study, titanium dioxide (TiO2) was used as a cocatalyst to further enhance the wrinkle‐resistance properties of BTCA–SHP‐treated cotton fabrics, that is, those treated with (1) 5% BTCA and 10% SHP; (2) 5% BTCA, 10% SHP, and 0.1% TiO2; and (3) 5% BTCA, 10% SHP, and 0.2% TiO2. In addition, the effect of plasma as a pretreatment process on the wrinkle‐resistance properties of the three treatment systems was also studied. The experimental results reveal that the wrinkle‐resistance properties of cotton fibers were improved after different wrinkle‐resistance treatments. In addition, the plasma pretreatment further enhanced the wrinkle‐resistance treatments to different extents, depending on the process parameters. Scanning electron microscopy images confirmed that such plasma pretreatment conditions imparted the best crosslinking effect on the cotton fibers. However, the wrinkle‐resistance‐treated cotton specimens had lower tensile strength and tearing strength values compared to the control sample, whereas the plasma pretreatment and cocatalyst may have compensated for the reduction in the mechanical strength caused by the wrinkle‐resistance agents. In this article, the optimum conditions for the plasma pretreatment on the basis of the result of the wrinkle‐recovery angle were analyzed with an L9(3)3 orthogonal array testing strategy technique. The results showed that plasma treatment conditions with (1) a 10 mm/s speed, (2) a 0.1 L/min oxygen flow rate, and (3) a 4‐mm jet‐to‐substrate distance together caused a significant improvement in the wrinkle‐resistance properties of the cotton fibers treated with the three different BTCA treatments. Moreover, the treatment speed was the dominant factor, followed by jet‐to‐substrate distance and oxygen flow rate, in affecting the extent of improvement. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011
Graft polymerization of acrylonitrile onto paper and characterization of the grafted product
Authors: Sayyah S. M. , Abd El‐Salam H. M. , Khaliel A. B. , Mohamed E. H.
Published: November 2010

The chemical graft copolymerization reaction of acrylonitrile (AN) onto paper sheet was performed. The effect of initiator concentration, monomer concentration, and temperature on the reaction rate was studied. The reaction rate equation of the graft copolymerization reaction is found to be RP = K2 [initiator]0.54[monomer]1.13. The apparent activation energy (Ea) of the copolymerization reaction is found to be 35.99 KJ/mol. The infrared characteristic absorption bands for cellulosic paper structure and the paper gr‐AN are studied. Tensile break load, porosity, and burst strength were measured for the grafted and pure paper sheet. It was found that the mechanical properties are improved by grafting. The chemical resistance of the graft product against strong acid (HCl), strong alkali (NaOH), polar and nonpolar solvents was investigated. It was found that the resistance to these chemicals is enhanced by grafting. From the TGA and DTA data, it is clear that the grafted paper sheet is more thermally stable than pure paper sheet. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011
Mechanical properties and reinforcement mechanisms of hydrogenated acrylonitrile butadiene rubber composites containing fibrillar silicate nanofibers and short aramid microfibers
Authors: Tian Ming , Su Lili , Cai Weiting , Yin Shi , Chen Qi , Fong Hao , Zhang Liqun
Published: November 2010

Short‐fiber‐reinforced rubber composites (SFRCs) with hydrogenated acrylonitrile butadiene rubber (HNBR) as the matrix and fibrillar silicate (FS) nanofibers and short aramid microfibers (DCAFs) as the fillers were developed, and their tensile properties, compression moduli, and mechanical anisotropies were investigated. The results indicated that the properties of the HNBR/DCAF/FS composites were determined by the loadings of the FS nanofibers and DCAF microfibers. A small amount of the microfibers combined with an appropriate amount of the nanofibers resulted in synergetic reinforcement and imparted to the SFRCs significantly improved mechanical properties without substantially compromising the rubbery characteristics. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2010
A new approach for determination of gel time of a glass/epoxy prepreg
Authors: Hayaty Mehran , Beheshty Mohammad Hosain , Esfandeh Masoud
Published: November 2010

Gel time of a glass/epoxy prepreg, HexPly®1454, was investigated by a parallel plate rheometer. The prepreg is based on dicyandiamide (DICY)‐cured diglycidyl ether of bisphenol A epoxy resin system. It is found that the application of the G′‐G″ crossover method for gel time determination is not suitable for this system. A new approach was proposed in which the maximum tan δ is regarded as the gel point. This can accurately define the gel point at various temperatures. The results proved that this point is independent of the applied frequency. The activation energy for the cure reaction of the system was determined via gel time determination of the prepreg at different isothermal temperatures and found to be 75.0 ± 10.2 kJ/mol. This is in good agreement with the activation energy obtained from the dynamic DSC studies. The steady‐shear rheology experiment was used to study the viscosity profile and subsequently to determine the gel point and verify the new approach for gel time determination. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011
Studies on novel nanosuperabsorbent composites: Swelling behavior in different environments and effect on water absorption and retention properties of sandy loam soil and soil‐less medium
Authors: Singh Anupama , Sarkar Dhruba Jyoti , Singh Anil Kumar , Parsad Rajender , Kumar Anil , Parmar Balraj Singh
Published: November 2010

A novel nanosuperabsorbent composite (NSAPC) was prepared by in situ grafting polymerization and cross‐linking on to a novel biopolymer of plant origin (complex heteropolysaccharide in nature) in the presence of a clay mineral using a green chemistry technique. The optimization studies of various synthesis parameters, namely, type of clay, backbone/clay ratio, monomer concentration, cross‐linker concentration, initiator concentration, quantity of water per unit reaction mass, particle size of backbone, etc., were done. The NSAPC was characterized by X‐ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy. Swelling behavior of NSAPC in response to external stimuli namely salt solutions, fertilizer solutions, temperature, and pH was studied and compared with the performance of P‐gel, a commercial superabsorbent material developed earlier in our laboratory. The NSAPC exhibited significant swelling in various environments. Effect of NSAPC on water absorption and retention characteristics of sandy loam soil and soil‐less medium was also studied as a function of temperature and tensions. Addition of NSAPC significantly improved the moisture characteristics of plant growth media (both soil and soil‐less), showing that it has tremendous potential for diverse applications in moisture stress agriculture. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2010
Fabrication and properties of solution processed all polymer thin‐film ferroelectric device
Authors: Xu Haisheng , Fang Xuerang , Liu Xiaobing , Wu Shan , Gu Yingjun , Meng Xiangjian , Sun Jinglan , Chu Junhao
Published: November 2010

A ferroelectric device, making use of a flexible plastic, polyethylenterephtalate (PET), as a substrate was fabricated by all solution processes. PET was globally coated by a conducting polymer, poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene) poly(styrenesulfonate) acid (PEDOT/PSSH), which is used as bottom electrode. The ferroelectric copolymer, poly(vinylidenefluoride–trifluoroethylene) (PVDF–TrFE), thin film was deposited by spin‐coating process from solution. The top electrode, polyaniline, was coated by solution process as well. The ferroelectric properties were measured on this all solution processed all polymer ferroelectric thin‐film devices. A square and symmetric hysteresis loop was observed with high‐polarization level at 15‐V drive voltage on a all polymer device with 700 Å (PVDF–TrFE) film. The relatively inexpensive conducting polyaniline electrode is functional well and therefore is a good candidate as electrode material for ferroelectric polymer thin‐film device. The remnant polarization Pr was 8.5 μC/cm2 before the fatigue. The ferroelectric degradation starts after 1 × 103 times of switching and decreases to 4.9 μC/cm2 after 1 × 105 times of switching. The pulse polarization test shows switching take places as fast as a few micro seconds to reach 90% of the saturated polarization. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011
Study of surface‐functionalized nano‐SiO2/polybenzoxazine composites
Authors: Yan Chun , Fan Xinyu , Li Juan , Zhiqi Shen Shirley
Published: November 2010

A series of the surface‐functionalized nano‐SiO2/polybenzoxazine (PBOZ) composites was produced, and an attempt was made to improve the toughness of PBOZ material, without sacrificing other mechanical and thermal properties. A benzoxazine functional silane coupling agent was synthesized to modify the surface of nano‐SiO2 particles, which were then mixed with benzoxazine monomers to produce the nano‐SiO2‐PBOZ nanocomposites. The notched impact strength and the bending strength of the nano‐SiO2‐PBOZ nanocomposites increase 40% and 50%, respectively, only with the addition of 3 wt % nano‐SiO2. At the same load of nano‐SiO2, the nano‐SiO2‐PBOZ nanocomposites exhibit the highest storage modulus and glass‐transition temperature by dynamic viscoelastic analysis. Moreover, the thermal stability of the SiO2/PBOZ nanocomposites was enhanced, as explored by the thermogravimetric analysis. The 5% weight loss temperatures increased with the nano‐SiO2 content and were from 368°C (of the neat PBOZ) to 379°C or 405°C (of the neat PBOZ) to 426°C in air or nitrogen with additional 3 wt % nano‐SiO2. The weight residue of the same nanocomposite was as high as 50% in nitrogen at 800°C. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011
Production of hydrophobic surfaces in biodegradable and biocompatible polymers using polymer solution electrospinning
Authors: Buruaga L. , González A. , Irusta L. , Iruin J. J.
Published: November 2010

In this work, the electrospinning of polymer solutions was used to produce mats with hydrophobic properties from a series of commercially available biodegradable and biocompatible polymers, such as poly(3‐hydroxybutyric acid‐co‐3‐hydroxyvaleric acid), poly(DL‐lactide), polycaprolactone, and poly(L‐lactide). According to the results, to obtain hydrophobic properties, bead‐like morphologies were the most adequate. For obtaining this type of morphology, the polymer concentration of the electrospun solution had to be sufficiently low, although below a limit concentration it was not possible to obtain hydrophobic surfaces. The results also showed that the crystallinity of the materials may influence the final hydrophobic properties. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2010
Inflammation‐independent defective early B cell tolerance checkpoints in rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Menard Laurence , Samuels Jonathan , Ng Yen‐Shing , Meffre Eric
Published: November 2010

Objective

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients who have never received treatment for RA have been found to have defective early B cell tolerance checkpoints, resulting in impaired removal of developing autoreactive B cells. However, it is unclear whether these defects in B cell tolerance checkpoints are a primary aspect of the disease or are the result of ongoing inflammatory processes in these patients. The aim of this study was to assess the impact of standard immunosuppressive treatments, methotrexate and anti–tumor necrosis factor α (anti‐TNFα) agents, on early B cell tolerance checkpoints in RA patients.

Methods

Blood samples were obtained from RA patients before and after treatment with methotrexate and/or anti‐TNFα agents. B cells were tested pre‐ and posttherapy for reactivity of recombinant antibodies cloned from single B cells, which allowed us to determine the evolution of the frequency of autoreactive clones in the mature naive B cell compartment in RA patients before and after treatment. B cells from healthy donors were used as controls.

Results

Posttreatment frequencies of autoreactive mature naive B cells were elevated in the blood of RA patients. Nevertheless, the frequencies after treatment remained similar to those observed in the same patients before treatment.

Conclusion

Despite the achievement of clinical improvement in RA patients following treatment with methotrexate and/or anti‐TNFα agents, these therapies did not correct the accumulation of peripheral autoreactive mature naive B cells in these patients, suggesting that inflammation is not responsible for the defective early B cell tolerance checkpoints in RA.
Interferon‐α priming promotes lipid uptake and macrophage‐derived foam cell formation: A novel link between interferon‐α and atherosclerosis in lupus
Authors: Li Jia , Fu Qiong , Cui Huijuan , Qu Bo , Pan Wen , Shen Nan , Bao Chunde
Published: November 2010

Objective

An increased risk of premature atherosclerosis has been associated with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), and type I interferon (IFN) has been shown to play a pathogenic role in human SLE. The aim of this study was to determine whether IFNα is involved in the development of atherosclerosis in patients with SLE by promoting lipid uptake and macrophage‐derived foam cell formation, which is a crucial step in early atherosclerosis.

Methods

The effects of IFNα on lipid uptake and foam cell formation were determined by flow cytometry and oil red O staining. Messenger RNA and protein expression of scavenger receptors (SRs) was examined. Promoter activity was detected by luciferase reporter assay. Expression of macrophage SR class A (SR‐A) and IFN‐inducible genes (IFIGs) was measured in peripheral blood mononuclear cells obtained from 42 patients with SLE and 42 healthy donors.

Results

IFNα priming increased the uptake of oxidized low‐density lipoprotein and hence enhanced foam cell formation by up‐regulating SR‐A expression. IFNα increased SR‐A expression via enhancing its promoter activities. Examination using signaling inhibitors revealed that a phosphatidylinositol 3‐kinase/Akt signaling pathway appeared to be involved in this process. Notably, SR‐A messenger RNA was significantly increased in patients with SLE compared to normal subjects and positively correlated with IFIG expression.

Conclusion

Our data suggest that IFNα priming up‐regulated the expression of SR‐A in human monocyte/macrophages, leading to increased lipid uptake and foam cell formation. Activation of the IFN signaling pathway may be linked to the risk of atherosclerosis by affecting plaque formation in patients with SLE. These findings provide novel insights into the mechanisms of and potential therapeutic approaches to premature atherosclerosis in patients with SLE.
Learning automata based multi‐agent system algorithms for finding optimal policies in Markov games
Authors: Masoumi Behrooz , Meybodi Mohammad Reza
Published: November 2010

Markov games, as the generalization of Markov decision processes to the multi‐agent case, have long been used for modeling multi‐agent systems (MAS). The Markov game view of MAS is considered as a sequence of games having to be played by multiple players while each game belongs to a different state of the environment. In this paper, several learning automata based multi‐agent system algorithms for finding optimal policies in Markov games are proposed. In all of the proposed algorithms, each agent residing in every state of the environment is equipped with a learning automaton. Every joint‐action of the set of learning automata in each state corresponds to moving to one of the adjacent states. Each agent moves from one state to another and tries to reach the goal state. The actions taken by learning automata along the path traversed by the agent are then rewarded or penalized based on the comparison of the average reward received by agent per move along the path with a dynamic threshold. In the second group of the proposed algorithms, the concept of entropy has been imported into learning automata based multi‐agent systems to improve the performance of the algorithms. To evaluate the performance of the proposed algorithms, computer experiments have been conducted. The results of experiments have shown that the proposed algorithms perform better than the existing algorithms in terms of speed and accuracy of reaching the optimal policy.

Copyright © 2010 John Wiley and Sons Asia Pte Ltd and Chinese Automatic Control Society
Einfluss des Mikroklimas auf das energetische und thermische Verhalten von Gebäuden am Beispiel des Standortes Kassel
Authors: Maas Anton , Schneider Andrea
Published: November 2010

Unter Verwendung von an drei verschiedenen Standorten in Kassel gemessenen Klimadatensätzen der Jahre 2001, 2002 und 2003 sowie des Testreferenzjahres 07 des Deutschen Wetterdienstes wird der Einfluss des Standortfaktors Klima auf den Heizwärmebedarf und den Kühlkältebedarf mit Hilfe dynamischer Gebäudesimulation ermittelt und dargestellt. Hierzu werden für typische Wohnnutzungen Randbedingungen gewählt, für die das thermische Gebäudeverhalten basierend auf unterschiedlichen wärmetechnischen Standards verschiedener Baualtersklassen untersucht wird. Zur Beurteilung des thermischen Raumklimas wird die Anzahl der Übertemperaturgradstunden ermittelt und eine Beurteilung mittels PMV‐Indexes vorgenommen. Um die Unterschiede in den gemessenen Klimawerten an den Messorten aufzuzeigen, werden einige wichtige Einflussgrößen anhand von ausgewählten Windrosen, Ereignistagen, mittleren Jahreslufttemperaturen und Globalstrahlungswerten dargestellt. Aus der Bandbreite der Ergebnisse lässt sich feststellen, dass eine genauere Betrachtung des vorherrschenden Standortklimas für die Innenraumbetrachtungen sinnvoll ist und weitere Untersuchungen zur Bereitstellung solcher Daten erfolgen müssen.

The effect of microclimate on the energy‐related and thermal behaviour of buildings, taking the German town Kassel as an example. The effect of local climatic conditions on heating and cooling requirements is determined and illustrated with the help of dynamic building simulation, using climate data sets measured at three different locations in Kassel in the years 2001, 2001 and 2003, as well as those of test reference year (TRY) 2007 of the German Meteorological Service (DWD). For the properties, which represent typical residential uses, boundary conditions were select ed for which the thermal behaviour was studied for the different thermal insulation standards of buildings of different constructions dates. In order to determine the thermal room climate, the number of excess temperature degree hours is determined and the assessment carried out using the PMV index. Some important parameters are presented with selected wind roses, event days, average annual air temperatures and global radiation values in order to illustrate the difference in climate values measured at the respective locations. The range of results allows the conclusion that a more detailed study of the prevailing local climate is merit ed for the study of indoor climate and that it is therefore necessary to carry out further studies so that such data can be established.
Model assumptions and their influence on the predicted heating load of an office building
Authors: Kiesel Kristina , Orehounig Kristina , Mahdavi Ardeshir
Published: November 2010

Using the example of an existing office building, the present paper explores the influence of different simulation input assumptions such as set point temperatures and ventilation behavior on the heating load of a building. Moreover, heating load simulation results with empirically‐based input assumptions are compared with simulation that uses standardized input assumptions.

Modellannahmen und ihre Auswirkungen auf die berechnete Heizlast eines Bürogebäudes. Anhand eines beispielhaften bestehenden Bürogebäudes wird der Einfluss verschiedener Simula tionsannahmen wie zum Beispiel Temperatursollwerte und Lüftungsverhalten auf die Heizlast eines Gebäudes untersucht. Weiterhin werden auf empirischen Annahmen basierende Heizlast‐Simulationsergebnisse mit auf standardisierten Annahmen beruhenden Ergebnissen verglichen.
Möglichkeiten und Grenzen bei der Modellierung von Einflussfaktoren auf die menschliche Leistungsfähigkeit
Authors: Urlaub Susanne , Hellwig Runa Tabea , van Treeck Christoph , Sedlbauer Klaus
Published: November 2010

Zunehmende Globalisierung und das Erfordernis, immer kostensparender zu wirtschaften, stellt für viele Unternehmen eine Herausforderung dar. Um wettbewerbsfähig zu sein, sollen die Mitarbeiter leistungsfähig und motiviert sein und optimal ihr Wissen einbringen können, andererseits sollen sie möglichst wenig Kosten verursachen. In den kommenden Jahren werden immer mehr Menschen im Büro beschäftigt sein. Daher beschäftigt sich dieser Artikel mit den Einflussfaktoren auf die Leistungsfähigkeit bei Büroarbeit. Der Schwerpunkt liegt hierbei auf dem thermischen Raumklima, da es dazu sehr gegensätzliche Diskussionen in der Literatur gibt. Neben einer Definition der Leistungsfähigkeit und einer Übersicht über mögliche Einflüsse auf diese, stellt sich auch die Frage, wie Leistung adäquat erfasst werden kann. Nach Auswertung der zugänglichen Literatur ergeben sich widersprüchliche Ergebnisse. Die Ableitung einer Ursache‐Wirkungs‐Beziehung ist daher nicht trivial. Außerdem ist anzunehmen, dass das thermische Raumklima offensichtlich nicht den einzigen Einflussparameter auf die Leistungsfähigkeit darstellt. Vielmehr besteht eine weite Verzweigung sowohl mit anderen physikalischen Faktoren wie der Akustik oder der Beleuchtung und mit Aspekten wie Raumgestaltung oder psychosozialen Effekten.

Possibilities and limitations of modeling the influencing factors on human performance. Increasing globalization and the necessity to reduce costs of economic activities poses a challenge for many companies. To act competitively on a global market, employees should be able to perform at their best, to be highly motivated and, on the other hand, to work in a costeffective manner. Furthermore, it is expected that within the next years people tend to work in offices to an increasing tendency. For this reason, this paper addresses factors that primarily affect the performance of office work. The focus is on the thermal indoor climate as this issue is controversially discussed in the literature. In addition to the definition of the terms performance and productivity and an overview over potential influences, it is not clear how performance can be measured adequately. Evaluation of the relevant literature shows contradictory results. Apparently, the derivation of a relationship between temperature and working performance is not trivial. Furthermore, it is anticipated that the thermal indoor climate is not the only performance indicator that affects working performance. In fact, there are mutual connections between other physical para meters like acoustics or lighting and, as well, with psycho‐social factors and aesthetical issues in terms of the interior design.
Einsatz von Latentwärmespeichern und Solarthermie
Authors: Leonhardt Corinna , Müller Dirk
Published: November 2010

Moderne Heizsysteme können mit Vorlauftemperaturen im Bereich von 35 °C betrieben werden. Dieses Temperaturniveau bietet sich für den Einsatz von Niedertemperaturspeichern an, wodurch die Speicherverluste aufgrund einer reduzierten Temperaturdifferenz zur Umgebung verringert werden können. Um die bestehende Technik der Pufferspeichersysteme zu verbessern, wird in das Speichervolumen makroverkapseltes Latentwärmespeichermaterial eingesetzt. In einem Betriebstemperaturbereich von 30 bis 40 °C können als Phasenwechselmaterialien (PCM) Paraffine und Salzhydrate genutzt werden. Das niedrige Temperaturniveau ermöglicht den Einsatz der Solarthermie in den Übergangsmonaten (Herbst und Frühjahr), so dass ein höherer Beitrag zur Heizungsunterstützung geleistet werden kann. Die energetische Bewertung der Kombination aus PCM‐ Speicher und Solarthermie wird in Gesamtsystemanalysen untersucht.

Application of latent heat storage devices and thermal solar collectors. Modern heating systems for buildings need a supply temperature of approximately 35 °C. In this temperature range it is possible to use low temperature storage systems. Therefore the heat losses over the envelope can be reduced because of the smaller temperature difference between the ambient air and the storage. In order to use the existing technique of the buffer storages more efficiently, latent heat storage devices are put into the storage volume. For the operating temperature range of 30 to 40 °C paraffins or salt hydrates can be used. Because of the low operating temperature it is possible to integrate solar thermal systems in the heating system (especially in spring and autumn). The overall system performance will be analysed.