bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ice formation and development in aged, wintertime cumulus over the UK: observations and modelling
Authors: Crawford I. , Bower K. N. , Choularton T. W. , Dearden C. , Crosier J. , Westbrook C. , Capes G. , Coe H. , Connolly P. J. , Dorsey J. R. , Gallagher M. W. , Williams P. , Trembath J. , Cui Z. , Blyth A.
Published: June 2012

Abstract. In situ high resolution aircraft measurements of cloud microphysical properties were made in coordination with ground based remote sensing observations of a line of small cumulus clouds, using Radar and Lidar, as part of the Aerosol Properties, PRocesses And InfluenceS on the Earth's climate (APPRAISE) project. A narrow but extensive line (~100 km long) of shallow convective clouds over the southern UK was studied. Cloud top temperatures were observed to be higher than −8 °C, but the clouds were seen to consist of supercooled droplets and varying concentrations of ice particles. No ice particles were observed to be falling into the cloud tops from above. Current parameterisations of ice nuclei (IN) numbers predict too few particles will be active as ice nuclei to account for ice particle concentrations at the observed, near cloud top, temperatures (−7.5 °C). The role of mineral dust particles, consistent with concentrations observed near the surface, acting as high temperature IN is considered important in this case. It was found that very high concentrations of ice particles (up to 100 L−1) could be produced by secondary ice particle production providing the observed small amount of primary ice (about 0.01 L−1) was present to initiate it. This emphasises the need to understand primary ice formation in slightly supercooled clouds. It is shown using simple calculations that the Hallett-Mossop process (HM) is the likely source of the secondary ice. Model simulations of the case study were performed with the Aerosol Cloud and Precipitation Interactions Model (ACPIM). These parcel model investigations confirmed the HM process to be a very important mechanism for producing the observed high ice concentrations. A key step in generating the high concentrations was the process of collision and coalescence of rain drops, which once formed fell rapidly through the cloud, collecting ice particles which caused them to freeze and form instant large riming particles. The broadening of the droplet size-distribution by collision-coalescence was, therefore, a vital step in this process as this was required to generate the large number of ice crystals observed in the time available. Simulations were also performed with the WRF (Weather, Research and Forecasting) model. The results showed that while HM does act to increase the mass and number concentration of ice particles in these model simulations it was not found to be critical for the formation of precipitation. However, the WRF simulations produced a cloud top that was too cold and this, combined with the assumption of continual replenishing of ice nuclei removed by ice crystal formation, resulted in too many ice crystals forming by primary nucleation compared to the observations and parcel modelling.
The impact of circulation patterns on regional transport pathways and air quality over Beijing and its surroundings
Authors: Zhang J. P. , Zhu T. , Zhang Q. H. , Li C. C. , Shu H. L. , Ying Y. , Dai Z. P. , Wang X. , Liu X. Y. , Liang A. M. , Shen H. X. , Yi B. Q.
Published: June 2012

Abstract. This study investigated the air pollution characteristics of synoptic-scale circulation in the Beijing megacity, and provided quantitative evaluation of the impacts of circulation patterns on air quality during the 2008 Beijing Summer Olympics. Nine weather circulation types (CTs) were objectively identified over the North China region during 2000–2009, using obliquely rotated T-mode principal component analysis (PCA). The resulting CTs were examined in relation to the local meteorology, regional transport pathways, and air quality parameters, respectively. The FLEXPART-WRF model was used to calculate 48-h backward plume trajectories for each CT. Each CT was characterized with distinct local meteorology and air mass origin. CT 1 (high pressure to the west with a strong pressure gradient) was characterized by a northwestern air mass origin, with the smallest local and southeasterly air mass sources, and CT 6 (high pressure to the northwest) had air mass sources mostly from the north and east. On the contrary, CTs 5, 8, and 9 (weak pressure field, high pressure to the east, and low pressure to the northwest, respectively) were characterized by southern and southeastern trajectories, which indicated a greater influence of high pollutant emission sources. In turn, poor air quality in Beijing (high loadings of PM10, BC, SO2, NO2, NOx, O3, AOD, and low visibility) was associated with these CTs. Good air quality in Beijing was associated with CTs 1 and 6. The average visibilities (with ±1σ) in Beijing for CTs 1 and 6 during 2000–2009 were 18.5 ± 8.3 km and 14.3 ± 8.5 km, respectively. In contrast, low visibility values of 6.0 ± 3.5 km, 6.6 ± 3.7 km, and 6.7 ± 3.6 km were found in CTs 5, 8, and 9, respectively. The mean concentrations of PM10 for CTs 1, 6, 5, 8, and 9 during 2005–2009 were 90.3 ± 76.3 μg m−3, 111.7 ± 89.6 μg m−3, 173.4 ± 105.8 μg m−3, 158.4 ± 90.0 μg m−3, and 151.2 ± 93.1 μg m−3, respectively. Analysis of the relationship between circulation pattern and air quality during the emission control period suggests that CTs are the primary drivers of day-to-day variations in pollutant concentrations over Beijing and its vicinity. During the Olympics period, the frequency of CT 6 was twice that of the mean in August from 2000 to 2009. This CT had northerly transport pathways and favorable meteorological conditions (e.g. frequent precipitation) for clean air during the Olympics. Assuming that relationships between CTs and air quality parameters in the same season are fixed in different years, the relative contributions of synoptic circulation to decreases in PM10, BC, SO2, NO2, NOx, CO, and horizontal light extinction during the Olympics were estimated as 19 ± 14%, 18 ± 13%, 41 ± 36%, 12 ± 7%, 10 ± 5%, 19 ± 11%, and 54 ± 25%, respectively.
Modeling SOA formation from the oxidation of intermediate volatility n-alkanes
Authors: Aumont B. , Valorso R. , Mouchel-Vallon C. , Camredon M. , Lee-Taylor J. , Madronich S.
Published: June 2012

Abstract. The chemical mechanism leading to SOA formation and ageing is expected to be a multigenerational process, i.e. a successive formation of organic compounds with higher oxidation degree and lower vapor pressure. This process is here investigated with the explicit oxidation model GECKO-A (Generator of Explicit Chemistry and Kinetics of Organics in the Atmosphere). Gas phase oxidation schemes are generated for the C8–C24 series of n-alkanes. Simulations are conducted to explore the time evolution of organic compounds and the behavior of secondary organic aerosol (SOA) formation for various preexisting organic aerosol concentration (COA). As expected, simulation results show that (i) SOA yield increases with the carbon chain length of the parent hydrocarbon, (ii) SOA yield decreases with decreasing COA, (iii) SOA production rates increase with increasing COA and (iv) the number of oxidation steps (i.e. generations) needed to describe SOA formation and evolution grows when COA decreases. The simulated oxidative trajectories are examined in a two dimensional space defined by the mean carbon oxidation state and the volatility. Most SOA contributors are not oxidized enough to be categorized as highly oxygenated organic aerosols (OOA) but reduced enough to be categorized as hydrocarbon like organic aerosols (HOA), suggesting that OOA may underestimate SOA. Results show that the model is unable to produce highly oxygenated aerosols (OOA) with large yields. The limitations of the model are discussed.
Chemical and microphysical properties of the aerosol during foggy and nonfoggy episodes: a relationship between organic and inorganic content of the aerosol
Authors: Kaul D. S. , Gupta T. , Tripathi S. N.
Published: June 2012

Abstract. An extensive field measurement during winter was carried out at a site located in the Indo-Gangetic Plain (IGP) which gets heavily influenced by the fog during winter almost every year. The chemical and microphysical properties of the aerosols during foggy and nonfoggy episodes and chemical composition of the fogwater are presented. Positive matrix factorization (PMF) as a tool for the source apportionment was employed to understand the sources of pollution. Four major sources viz. biomass burning, refractory, secondary and mineral dust were identified. Aerosols properties during foggy episodes were heavily influenced by almost all the sources and they caused considerable loading of almost all the organic and inorganic species during the period. The biomass generated aerosols were removed from the atmosphere by scavenging during foggy episodes. The wet removal of almost all the species by the fog droplets was observed. The K+, water soluble organic carbon (WSOC), water soluble inorganic carbon (WSIC) and NO3- were most heavily scavenged among the species and their concentrations consequently became lower than the nonfoggy episode concentrations. The production of secondary inorganic aerosol, mainly sulfate and ammonium, during foggy episodes was considerably higher than nitrate which was rather heavily scavenged and removed by the fog droplets. The fogwater analysis showed that dissolved inorganic species play a vital role in processing of organic carbon such as the formation of organo-sulfate and organo-nitrate inside the fog droplets. The formation of organo-sulfate and organo-nitrate in aerosol and the influence of acidity on the secondary organic aerosol (SOA) formation were rather found to be negligible. The study average inorganic component of the aerosol was considerably higher than the carbonaceous component during both foggy and nonfoggy episode. The secondary production of the aerosol changed the microphysical properties of aerosol which was reflected by increase in the modal diameter of the size distribution during foggy episodes and growth in the diameter of the particles upon the fog evaporation.
Differential long-term effects of climate change and management on stocks and distribution of soil organic carbon in productive grasslands
Authors: De Bruijn A. M. G. , Calanca P. , Ammann C. , Fuhrer J.
Published: June 2012

Abstract. We studied the impact of climate change on the dynamics of soil organic carbon (SOC) stocks in productive grassland systems undergoing two types of management, an intensive type with frequent harvests and fertilizer applications and an extensive system without fertilization and fewer harvests. Simulations were conducted with a dedicated newly developed model, the Oensingen Grassland Model. It was calibrated using measurements taken in a recently established permanent sward in Central Switzerland, and run to simulate SOC dynamics over 2001–2100 under various climate change scenarios assuming different elements of IPCC A2 emission scenarios. We found that: (1) management intensity dominates SOC until approximately 20 years after grassland establishment. Differences in SOC between climate scenarios become significant after 20 years and climate effects dominate SOC dynamics from approximately 50 years after establishment. (2) Carbon supplied through manure contributes about 60 % to measured organic C increase in fertilized grassland. (3) Soil C accumulates particularly in the top 10 cm of the soil until 5 years after establishment. In the long-term, C accumulation takes place in the top 15 cm of the soil profile, while C content decreases below this depth. The transitional depth between gains and losses of C mainly depends on the vertical distribution of root senescence and root biomass. We discuss the importance of previous land use on carbon sequestration potentials that are much lower at the Oensingen site under ley-arable rotation with much higher SOC stocks than most soils under arable crops. We further discuss the importance of biomass senescence rates, because C balance estimations indicate that these may differ considerably between the two management systems.
MODELING AN APPLICATION DOMAIN EXTENSION OF CITYGML IN UML
Authors: van den Brink L. , Stoter J. , Zlatanova S.
Published: June 2012

Abstract. This paper presents key aspects of the development of a Dutch 3D standard IMGeo as a CityGML ADE. The new ADE is modeled using UML class diagrams. However the OGC CityGML specification does not provide clear rules on modeling an ADE in UML. This paper describes how the extension was built, which provides general insight how CityGML can be extended for a specific applications starting from the UML diagrams. Several alternatives for modeling ADEs in UML have been investigated and compared. The best suited for the 3D standard option is selected and applied. Open issues and challenges are discussed in the conclusions.
REPRESENTATION AND RECONCONSTRUCTION OF TRIANGULAR IRREGULAR NETWORKS WITH VERTICAL WALLS
Authors: Gorte B. , Lesparre J.
Published: June 2012

Abstract. Point clouds obtained by aerial laser scanning are a convenient input source for high resolution 2.5d elevation models, such as the Dutch AHN-2. More challenging is the fully automatic reconstruction of 3d city models. An actual demand for a combined 2.5d terrain and 3d city model for an urban hydrology application led to the design of an extension to the well-known Delaunay triangulated irregular networks (TINs) as to accommodate vertical walls. In addition we introduce methods to generate and refine models adhering to our data structure. These are based on combining two approaches: a representation of the TIN using stars of vertices and triangles, together with segmenting the TIN on the basis of coplanarity of adjacent triangles. The approach is supposed to deliver the complete model including walls at the correct locations, without relying on additional map data, as these often lack completeness, actuality and accuracy, and moreover most of the time do not account for parts facades not going down to street level. However, automatic detection of height discontinuities to obtain the exact location of the walls is currently still under implementation.
3D geospatial modelling and visualization for marine environment: Study of the marine pelagic ecosystem of the south-eastern Beaufort Sea, Canadian Arctic
Authors: Sahlin J. , Mostafavi M. A. , Forest A. , Babin M. , Lansard B.
Published: June 2012

Abstract. Geospatial modelling of the marine pelagic ecosystem is challenging due to its dynamic and volumetric nature. Consequently, conventional oceanographic spatial analysis of this environment is in a 2D environment, limited to static cutting planes in horizontal and vertical sections to present various phenomena. In this paper, we explore the contribution of recent 3D development in GIS and in scientific visualization tools for representation and analyses of oceanographic data sets. The advantages of a 3D solution are illustrated with a 3D geospatial voxel representation of water masses distribution in the southeastern Beaufort Sea (west of the Canadian Arctic).
EXPLORING CULTURAL HERITAGE RESOURCES IN A 3D COLLABORATIVE ENVIRONMENT
Authors: Respaldiza A. , Wachowicz M. , Vázquez Hoehne A.
Published: June 2012

Abstract. Cultural heritage is a complex and diverse concept, which brings together a wide domain of information. Resources linked to a cultural heritage site may consist of physical artefacts, books, works of art, pictures, historical maps, aerial photographs, archaeological surveys and 3D models. Moreover, all these resources are listed and described by a set of a variety of metadata specifications that allow their online search and consultation on the most basic characteristics of them. Some examples include Norma ISO 19115, Dublin Core, AAT, CDWA, CCO, DACS, MARC, MoReq, MODS, MuseumDat, TGN, SPECTRUM, VRA Core and Z39.50. Gateways are in place to fit in these metadata standards into those used in a SDI (ISO 19115 or INSPIRE), but substantial work still remains to be done for the complete incorporation of cultural heritage information. Therefore, the aim of this paper is to demonstrate how the complexity of cultural heritage resources can be dealt with by a visual exploration of their metadata within a 3D collaborative environment. The 3D collaborative environments are promising tools that represent the new frontier of our capacity of learning, understanding, communicating and transmitting culture.
Brief communication "Hurricane Irene: a wake-up call for New York City?"
Authors: Aerts J. C. J. H. , Botzen W. J. W.
Published: June 2012

Abstract. The weakening of Irene from a Category 3 hurricane to a tropical storm resulted in less damage in New York City (NYC) than initially was anticipated. It is widely recognized that the storm surge and associated flooding could have been much more severe. In a recent study, we showed that a direct hit to the city from a hurricane may expose an enormous number of people to flooding. A major hurricane has the potential to cause large-scale damage in NYC. The city's resilience to flooding can be increased by improving and integrating flood insurance, flood zoning, and building code policies.
Diffusion in periclase by combination of analytical formulas and thermodynamic model
Authors: Dologlou E.
Published: June 2012

Abstract. Analytical formulas for the temperature dependence of elastic constants of MgO combined with a thermodynamic model, which interconnects bulk properties to point defect parameters, can successfully reproduce the self diffusion coefficients of periclase at temperatures representative of the Earth's mantle conditions. Although the calculated diffusion coefficients are estimated from a single measurement and cover a broad range of values (i.e. five orders of magnitude), an almost excellent agreement with the experimental ones is observed. The slight discrepancy at the highest temperature lies at error margins.
A vertical-mode decomposition to investigate low-frequency internal motion across the Atlantic at 26° N
Authors: Szuts Z. B. , Blundell J. R. , Chidichimo M. P. , Marotzke J.
Published: June 2012

Abstract. Hydrographic data from full-depth moorings maintained by the Rapid/\\-MOCHA project and spanning the Atlantic at 26° N are decomposed into vertical modes in order to give a dynamical framework for interpreting the observed fluctuations. Vertical modes at each mooring are fit to pressure perturbations using a Gauss-Markov inversion. Away from boundaries, the vertical structure is almost entirely described by the first baroclinic mode, as confirmed by high correlation between the original signal and reconstructions using only the first baroclinic mode. These first baroclinic motions are also highly coherent with altimetric sea surface height (SSH). Within a Rossby radius (45 km) of the western and eastern boundaries, however, the decomposition contains significant variance at higher modes, and there is a corresponding decrease in the agreement between SSH and either the original signal or the first baroclinic mode reconstruction. Compared to the full transport signal, transport fluctuations described by the first baroclinic mode represent <25 km of the variance within 10 km of the western boundary, in contrast to 60 km at other locations. This decrease occurs within a Rossby radius of the western boundary. At the eastern boundary, a linear combination of many baroclinic modes is required to explain the observed vertical density profile of the seasonal cycle, a result that is consistent with an oceanic response to wind-forcing being trapped to the eastern boundary.
Exploring the Best Practices of “Work With Less—Better”
Authors: Baird Gregory M.
Published: June 2012

Washington, D.C., has been sending various messages to the U.S. water industry over the past couple of years, but one clear message seems to be “work with less ‐ better.” The message comes at a time when the water and wastewater industry has gathered a significant mountain of evidence about the rising costs and issues that utilities are facing.
Desafios da relação entre movimentos sociais e instituições políticas. O caso do movimento de moradia da cidade de São Paulo – Primeiras reflexões
Authors: Tatagiba Luciana
Published: June 2012

This article presents a preliminary analysis on the relation between social movements and political institutions, a subject which has not been sufficiently explored by literature. The analysis is based on a case study on the relationship between the housing movement in Sao Paulo and the Marta Suplicy government (2001-2004), and from the Workers’ Party (PT). The discussion is divided in two parts: in the first one, we develop the argument that the relationship between social movements and the political system is permeated by an intrinsic tension between the principles of autonomy and political efficacy. In the second part, we explore this discussion relating it to the specific dilemmas that bound participation in the city of Sao Paulo, using the housing movement as an empirical reference.
Movilizaciones afrodescendientes en América Latina. Una visión panorámica de algunas experiencias contra la exclusión y por el derecho a la identidad
Authors: Agudelo Carlos
Published: June 2012

In a global context especially influenced by the obviousness and the recognition of the multicultural feature of contemporary societies, and in which the idea of citizenship is changing, this text refers to the case of Afro-descendant populations in Latin America. We present an overview of some of their experiences of organization and political mobilization that is part of an ongoing study. The examples presented show the continuity between specific claims related to racial discrimination and cultural rights articulated with a discourse of civic integration.
Spatial modifications of three-dimensional elliptic Gaussian beam scattered by two-dimensional periodic array.
Authors: Gribovsky A. , Yeliseyev O.
Published: June 2012

The diffraction problem of a three-dimensional elliptic p- polarized Gaussian beam on an aperture array of rectangular holes is solved. The new algorithm for the solution of three-dimensional scattering problems of linearly polarized wave beams on two-dimensional periodic structures is offered. The given algorithm allows exploring of wave beams with any allocation of a field on cross section. The case of oblique incidence of linearly polarized elliptic Gaussian wave beam on two-dimensional periodic structure is viewed. As structure the rectangular waveguides phased antenna array is chosen. The elliptic shape of a beam cross section gives the chance to proportion energy of an incident field in a plane of an antenna array in the chosen direction. The frequency dependence of the reflection coefficient intensity for the Gaussian beam is calculated. For the analysis of patterns of the reflected and transmitted beams in a far zone the frequencies on which the strongest interaction between next waveguides channels is observed have been chosen. Dynamics of patterns transformation of the reflected and transmitted beams depending on the form of cross-section and a polarization direction of an incident beam on different frequencies is investigated. It is determined that shape of the pattern of reflected and transmitted beams (symmetry, asymmetry, bifurcation, amplitude, width) depends on chosen spatial orientation of the ellipse axes of the cross section in the incident beam. Frequency ranges, in which the form of the reflected and transmitted beams is not Gaussian, are defined. The nature of transformation of the patterns of scattered beams was examined. Narrowing effect of the pattern of transmitted beam and deformation of the pattern of reflected beam is detected. A physical explanation of these effects is given. The results are presented in the form of two- and three-dimensional patterns of the scattered field of beams in the far field.
Optimal integration for biodiesel production using bioethanol
Authors: Severson Kristen , Martín Mariano , Grossmann Ignacio E.
Published: June 2012

The production of biodiesel from algae is optimized using bioethanol following four different transesterification paths: alkali, enzymatic, and heterogeneous catalysts and supercritical conditions. The reactors are modeled using response surface methodology based on experimental results from the literature. These reactor models are implemented together with short‐cut methods for the other equipment (distillation columns, gravity separators, etc.) in order to recover the ethanol, separate the polar and nonpolar phases, and purify the glycerol and biodiesel produced to formulate the problem as a superstructure of alternatives. The aim is to simultaneously optimize and heat integrate the production of biodiesel using ethanol in terms of the reaction technology and the operating conditions. The optimal conditions in the reactors differ from the ones traditionally used because these results take the separation stages into account. In terms of the optimal process, the alkali catalyzed process is the most profitable, while the enzymatic one is also promising due to the lower consumption of energy and water, although it requires significant enzyme cost. © 2012 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 59: 834–844, 2013
XX male sex reversal with genital abnormalities associated with a de novo SOX3 gene duplication
Authors: Moalem Sharon , Babul‐Hirji Riyana , Stavropolous Dmitri J. , Wherrett Diane , Bägli Darius J. , Thomas Paul , Chitayat David
Published: June 2012

Differentiation of the bipotential gonad into testis is initiated by the Y chromosome‐linked gene SRY (Sex‐determining Region Y) through upregulation of its autosomal direct target gene SOX9 (Sry‐related HMG box‐containing gene 9). Sequence and chromosome homology studies have shown that SRY most probably evolved from SOX3, which in humans is located at Xq27.1. Mutations causing SOX3 loss‐of‐function do not affect the sex determination in mice or humans. However, transgenic mouse studies have shown that ectopic expression of Sox3 in the bipotential gonad results in upregulation of Sox9, resulting in testicular induction and XX male sex reversal. However, the mechanism by which these rearrangements cause sex reversal and the frequency with which they are associated with disorders of sex development remains unclear. Rearrangements of the SOX3 locus were identified recently in three cases of human XX male sex reversal. We report on a case of XX male sex reversal associated with a novel de novo duplication of the SOX3 gene. These data provide additional evidence that SOX3 gain‐of‐function in the XX bipotential gonad causes XX male sex reversal and further support the hypothesis that SOX3 is the evolutionary antecedent of SRY. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A benign form of congenital anterolateral bowing of the tibia associated with ipsilateral polydactyly of the hallux: Case report and literature review
Authors: Han Jiuhui , Qu Lei , Li Yazhou , Luo Junzhong , Cao Jinchao , Zhao Wanyu
Published: June 2012

Congenital anterolateral bowing of the tibia is generally considered a precursor of congenital pseudarthrosis of the tibia (CPT), which is usually associated with neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1), a common autosomal dominant genetic disorder. In many cases, NF1 is initially suspected following the presentation of a child with anterolateral tibial bowing. The prognosis of CPT is poor, and amputation may be required. Congenital anterolateral bowing of the tibia combined with ipsilateral polydactyly of the hallux (CABTP) is a rare entity that resembles the anterolateral tibial bowing that occurs in association with CPT, and may be misdiagnosed as NF1. However, spontaneous correction of the tibial bowing with an almost normal fibula has been described in all previously reported cases. Here, we report three patients with CABTP and discuss the physical and imaging characteristics and follow‐up results. We suggest that given the spontaneous resolution of bowing, the absence of neurocutaneous signs and the relatively favorable prognosis, CABTP is a distinct entity that merits its own place within the field of anterolateral bowing of the tibia and has no association with CPT or NF1. This should help avoid unnecessary investigations and interventions for NF1. This article shows for the first time tibial duplication in the area of bowing, with two medullary canals surrounded by well‐defined cortex on CT. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Scoliosis in Prader–Willi syndrome: Effect of growth hormone therapy and value of paravertebral muscle volume by CT in predicting scoliosis progression
Authors: Murakami Nobuyuki , Obata Kazuo , Abe Yoshiko , Oto Yuji , Kido Yasuhiro , Itabashi Hisashi , Tsuchiya Takayoshi , Tanaka Yuriko , Yoshino Atsunori , Nagai Toshiro
Published: June 2012

Growth hormone (GH) therapy is now widely given to Prader–Willi syndrome (PWS) patients to encourage growth in body height and to prevent obesity. Scoliosis, one of the complications in this syndrome, is thought to be accelerated in parallel with a rapid increase in body height, especially during adolescence. To determine whether GH therapy aggravates scoliosis and to identify any factor which might predict the progression of scoliosis, we studied 35 (22 males and 13 female) PWS patients between the ages of 2–16 years on GH therapy whose scoliosis was followed with spinal X‐rays every 6 months. Thirteen (37.1%) of 35 patients had scoliosis with a Cobb angle of over 10°. Scoliosis was unchanged in five patients (14.3%), became worse in six (17.1%) and improved in two (5.7%). All 22 (62.9%) of 35 patients who did not have scoliosis did not develop scoliosis with GH therapy. Since abnormal paraspinal muscle development was thought to induce scoliosis, we measured cross‐sectional areas of paraspinal muscles by using one slice CT scan at the level of the umbilicus at the level of L4. Since there was a delay in the increase in total paravertebral muscle area and prolonged asymmetry in patients with progressive scoliosis, both were thought to be useful predictors of progressive scoliosis in PWS patients with GH therapy. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Preparation and characterization of novel polyamide paraffin MEPCM by interfacial polymerization technique
Authors: Wei Ju , Li Zhenzhong , Liu Ling , Liu Xiang
Published: June 2012

A novel polyamide‐paraffin microencapsulated phase change material (MEPCM) was prepared by interfacial polymerization technique using 1,3,5‐benzenetricarbonyl chloride (TMC) and ethylenediamine as monomers and 30# paraffin as core material. Morphology, chemical composition, thermal properties of the MEPCM were studied by scanning electron micrograph, FT‐IR spectrum, differential scanning calorimeter analysis and thermogravimetric analysis. The solvent resistances of the MEPCM were also studied by observing the morphology changes of the MEPCM under optical microscope. Results indicate that the MEPCMs prepared under optimal conditions have spherical shape with average diameter of 6.4 µm, and the polyamide shell has successfully packaged the paraffin core. The MEPCM has a high efficiency in storing and releasing heat. The latent heat is 121.7 J/g and the microencapsulation ratio is 87%, 5% weight loss temperature is 260°C. The MEPCM is stable in H2SO4 solution (ω = 0.98), NaOH solution (ω = 0.40), ethanol, acetone, ether, dimethylformamide while can be destroyed by ZnCl2 solution (ω = 0.60). © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci, 2013
Effect of copolymerization on crystallization kinetics of semicrystalline polyimides
Authors: Wang Wei , Wang Daming , Jia He , Liu Changwei , Zhao Xiaogang , Chen Chunhai
Published: June 2012

Isothermal melt crystallization kinetics and nonisothermal cold crystallization kinetics of co‐PI based on 3, 3′, 4, 4′‐biphenyltetracarboxylic dianhydride (s‐BPDA)/1, 3‐bis‐(4‐aminophenoxy) benzene (TPER)/4, 4′‐oxydianiline(4, 4′‐ODA), and TPER PI (s‐BPDA/TPER) have been investigated. Avrami equation was used to analyze isothermal melt crystallization progress of TPER PI and co‐PI, primary crystallization processes was found to be changed as the introduction of 4, 4′‐ODA. Total activation energy ΔE for TPER PI and co‐PI were found to be −404 and −86 kJ mol−1 by Arrhenius equation. Jeziorny's analysis, Ozawa's analysis, and Mo's approach were used to investigate nonisothermal cold crystallization progress of TPER PI and co‐PI. Activation energy ΔEnon for TPER PI and co‐PI were found to be 247 and 193 kJ mol−1 by Kissinger equation. The result indicated that co‐PI exhibited lower crystallization rate than TPER PI when isothermally crystallized from melt, but higher crystallization rate under cold nonisothermal crystallization progress. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci., 2013
Cold‐crystallization behavior of poly(L‐lactide)/ACR blend films investigated by in situ FTIR spectroscopy
Authors: Wu Ningjing , Wang Honghao , Ding Meichun , Man Liu , Zhang Jianming
Published: June 2012

The cold crystallization behavior of poly (L‐lactide) (PLLA) blend films modified by small amount of acrylic rubber particles (ACR) have been investigated by in situ Fourier‐transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. During the isothermal cold crystallization, the crystallization rate of PLLA is greatly improved with addition of only 1 wt % ACR. However, for PLLA with 8 wt % ACR, the crystallization rate is slower than that of neat PLLA. The relative crystallinity of PLLA with the addition of 1–5 wt % ACR is obviously higher than that of the neat PLLA. For the PLLA blend film with 3 % ACR, the relative crystallinity reaches a maximum. It was found that the addition of ACR particles below 5% accelerated the cold crystallization nucleation process and made the cold‐crystallization rate of PLLA/ACR be quicker than that of neat PLLA. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci., 2013
Elastomeric skin selection for a fluid‐filled artificial fingertip
Authors: Roy Dipayon , Wettels Nicholas , Loeb Gerald E.
Published: June 2012

Biomimetic fingertips for robots and prostheses need to combine compliant grip and tactile sensing with robustness in diverse environments. We have evaluated materials for use in a compliant, fluid‐filled artificial fingertip that incorporates multimodal sensing of contact, texture and thermal properties. A variety of silicone elastomers were tested for hardness, wear‐rate, and stress–strain relationships. Diffusion rates of several aqueous and nonaqueous solvents through elastomeric membranes were analyzed to ensure that the sensor could maintain proper fluid volume and function for an extended period. A solution of sodium bromide in poly(ethylene glycol)‐200 and water combined with a Silastic S silicone elastomeric cosmesis produced a stable and robust solution. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci., 2013
Modified MCM‐41 silica spheres filled polydimethylsiloxane membrane for dimethylcarbonate/methanol separation via pervaporation
Authors: Wang Lei , Han Xiaolong , Li Jiding , Zheng Dongju , Qin Lin
Published: June 2012

Inorganic–organic hybrid membrane materials always exhibit high pervaporation performance for organic azeotropic mixtures. Here, MCM‐41 silica spheres were modified and embedded into polydimethylsiloxane, and a new filled membrane was obtained. The membrane was used in dimethylcarbonate (DMC) removal from DMC/methanol azeotropic mixture by pervaporation. The effect of membrane preparation parameters including modified MCM‐41 silica spheres loading, solvent concentration, and feed temperature on pervaporation properties was systematically studied. The results showed that separation factor and total flux of the filled membranes could be increased simultaneously. Additionally, the sorption and diffusion selectivity of the filled membranes were measured and discussed. The results demonstrated that diffusion selectivity was greatly enhanced by incorporating. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci., 2013
Biodegradation study on poly(ε‐caprolactone) with bimodal molecular weight distribution
Authors: Hermanová Soňa , Bálková Radka , Voběrková Stanislava , Chamradová Ivana , Omelková Jiřina , Richtera Lukáš , Mravcová Ludmila , Jančář Josef
Published: June 2012

Poly(ε‐caprolactone) (PCL) of bimodal molecular weight distribution was exposed to the action of enzymes‐lipases from Aspergillus oryzae in phosphate buffer at pH 7 and 37°C, and those produced in situ by Bacillus subtilis in nutrient medium at 30°C for 42 days. The occurrence of biodegradation is proved on the basis of the weight loss, decrease of molecular weight, carbonyl index, crystallinity, and development of cracks on the PCL surfaces. In the case of Bacillus subtilis, the degradation (10 wt % loss of PCL) proceeds faster in comparison with lipase from Aspergillus oryzae (2.6 wt % loss of PCL), where the degradation process seems to stop during 14 days of experiment. The gel permeation chromatography results reveal that preferential degradation of lower molecular portion did not occur but it is assumed that PCL chains were cleaved in accordance with particular degradation mechanism that depends significantly on biological agent. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci., 2013
Presentation of a novel sensor based on acoustic emission in injection molding
Authors: Müller Florian , Rath Gerhard , Lucyshyn Thomas , Kukla Christian , Burgsteiner Martin , Holzer Clemens
Published: June 2012

Injection molding is the most important process to produce plastic parts. Because of increasing complexity of the plastic parts and the aim to reach zero‐defect production it is a must to control the dynamic injection molding process. Therefore information from the inside of the mold, measured with sensors, is necessary. State of the art is to implement wired mold cavity pressure sensors as well as wired cavity temperature sensors. This article presents a novel wireless measurement setup which uses structure borne sound as transport medium. The sound is generated by an acoustic actor which is activated by the passing flow front at certain predetermined positions in the cavity (or cavities). Beside the mechanical setup of the sensor proof of concept measurements with a prototype setup are shown in this article. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci., 2013
Preparation and characterization of dual sensitive carboxylated methyl cellulose/poly(vinyl alcohol) physical composite hydrogel
Authors: Xiao Congming , Xia Cunping , Ma Yue , He Xuelei
Published: June 2012

Neutral methyl cellulose (MC) was transformed into carboxylated methyl cellulose (CLMC) via the esterification reaction between MC and maleic anhydride. FTIR, X‐ray diffraction, and thermogravimetry analysis results indicated the carboxyl groups were successfully incorporated onto the chains of MC. The carboxyl group percentages of CLMC ranged from 6.5 to 13.6%. CLMC and poly(vinyl alcohol) were mixed in aqueous solution, and then formed physical composite hydrogel. The equilibrium swelling ratios of the hydrogels in buffer solutions of pH 10 and 1.5 were 10.7 and 7.5, 7.7 and 6.0, 6.5 and 5.2 when the ratio of CLMC/PVA was 5 : 5, 4 : 6, and 3 : 7, respectively. The hydrogel exhibited both temperature‐ and pH‐sensitive swelling properties, which implied not only the inherent temperature sensitive property of MC was retained but also one more function was acquired. The maximum cumulative release percentages of Rhodamine B from the CLMC/PVA (3 : 7) hydrogel in the mediums of pH 7.4 and 1.2 were 43.36 and 37.44%, respectively. Such a pH‐responsive release behavior also confirmed that CLMC was anionic. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci., 2013
Understanding Entheses: Bridging the Gap Between Clinical and Anthropological Perspectives
Authors: Schlecht Stephen H.
Published: June 2012

An enthesis is the interface where tendon meets bone, providing both muscle anchorage and stress dissipation. Previous anthropological research suggests size and complexity of entheses observable in osteological material, are indicative of the strain magnitude resulting from repetitive muscle contractions during the performance of daily routines. These proposed “musculoskeletal stress markers” are routinely incorporated into bioarcheological studies as evidence of general activity patterns past human populations participated in. However, much of how this complex osteotendinous interface develops and responds to mechanical strains is poorly understood. The following review seeks to shed light on this structural enigma by synthesizing current findings in both the clinical and anthropological literature, in the interest of generating new conversations in how entheses respond to contractual forces and the systemic influences (i.e., genetics, hormones), that surround their morphological development. Only once we truly understand the etiology of tendon insertion sites, will the value of enthesial research in reconstructing human behavior be determined. Anat Rec, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Honokiol and magnolol stimulate glucose uptake by activating PI3K‐dependent Akt in L6 myotubes
Authors: Choi Sun‐Sil , Cha Byung‐Yoon , Lee Young‐Sil , Yonezawa Takayuki , Teruya Toshiaki , Nagai Kazuo , Woo Je‐Tae
Published: June 2012

Honokiol and magnolol, ingredients of Magnolia officinalis, which is used in traditional Chinese and Japanese medicines, have been reported to have antioxidant, anticancer, and antiangiogenic effects. Effects of these compounds on glucose metabolism in adipocytes have also been reported. However, their effects on skeletal muscle glucose uptake and the underlying molecular mechanisms are still unknown. Here, we investigated the direct effects and signaling pathways activated by honokiol and magnolol in skeletal muscle cells using L6 myotubes. We found that honokiol and magnolol dose‐dependently acutely stimulated glucose uptake without synergistic effects of combined administration in L6 myotubes. Treatment with honokiol and magnolol also stimulated glucose transporter‐4 translocation to the cell surface. Honokiol‐ and magnolol‐stimulated glucose uptake was blocked by the phosphatidylinositol‐3 kinase inhibitor, wortmannin. Both honokiol and magnolol stimulated Akt phosphorylation, a key element in the insulin signaling pathway, which was completely inhibited by wortmannin. These results suggest that honokiol and magnolol might have beneficial effects on glucose metabolism by activating the insulin signaling pathway. © 2012 International Union of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Inc.
Feature‐based probabilistic texture blending with feature variations for terrains
Authors: Ferraris John , Tian Feng , Gatzidis Christos
Published: June 2012

The use of linear interpolation to blend different terrain types with distinct features produces translucency artefacts that can detract from the realism of the scene. The approach presented in this paper addresses the feature agnosticism of linear blending and makes the distinction between features (bricks, cobble stone, etc.) and non‐features (cement, mortar, etc.). Using the blend weights from Bloom's texture splatting, intermittent texture transitions are generated on the fly without the need for artistic intervention. Furthermore, feature shapes are modified dynamically to give the illusion of wear and tear, thus further reducing repetition and adding authenticity to the scene. The memory footprint is constant regardless of texture complexity and uses nearly eight times less texture memory when compared to tile‐based texture mapping. The scalability and diversity of our approach can be tailored to a wide range of hardware and can utilize textures of any size and shape compared to the grid layout and memory limitations of tile‐based texture mapping. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Stereoselective Interactions between Local Anesthetics and Ion Channels
Authors: Valenzuela Carmen , Moreno Cristina , de la Cruz Alicia , Macías Álvaro , Prieto Ángela , González Teresa
Published: June 2012

Local anesthetics are useful probes of ion channel function and structure. Stereoselective interactions are especially interesting because they can reveal three‐dimensional relationships between drugs and channels with otherwise identical biophysical and physicochemical properties. Furthermore, stereoselectivity suggests direct and specific receptor‐mediated action, and identification of such stereospecific interactions may have important clinical consequences. The fact that drug targets are able to discriminate between the enantiomers present in a racemic drug is the consequence of the ordered asymmetric macromolecular units that form living cells. However, almost 25% of the drugs used in the clinical practice are racemic mixtures, and their individual enantiomers frequently differ in both their pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic profiles. Moreover, their effects can be similar to or different from the pharmacological effect of the drug and may contribute to the undesired effects of the drug. In other cases, the pharmacological effects induced by the two enantiomers on the molecular target are opposite. In the present manuscript, we will review the stereoselective effects of bupivacaine‐like local anesthetics on cardiac sodium and potassium channels. Chirality 24:944–950, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Shrinker: efficient live migration of virtual clusters over wide area networks
Authors: Riteau Pierre , Morin Chritine , Priol Thierry
Published: June 2012

Live virtual machine migration is a powerful feature of virtualization technologies. It enables efficient load balancing, reduces energy consumption through dynamic consolidation, and makes infrastructure maintenance transparent to users. Although live migration is available across wide area networks with state of the art systems, it remains expensive to use because of the large amounts of data to transfer, especially when migrating virtual clusters rather than single virtual machine instances. As evidenced by previous research, virtual machines running identical or similar operating systems have significant portions of their memory and storage containing identical data. We propose Shrinker, a live virtual machine migration system leveraging this common data to improve live virtual cluster migration between data centers interconnected by wide area networks. Shrinker detects memory pages and disk blocks duplicated in a virtual cluster to avoid sending the same content multiple times over wide‐area network links. Virtual machine data is retrieved in the destination site with distributed content‐based addressing. We implemented a prototype of Shrinker in the KVM (Kernel‐based Virtual Machine) hypervisor and present a performance evaluation in a distributed environment. Experiments show that it reduces both total data transferred and total migration time. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.