bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Influence of Co‐Factor on Enhancement of Bioplastic Production through Wastewater Treatment
Authors: Venkateswar Reddy Motakatla , Chitanya Dhulipala Naga Sri Krishna , Nikhil Gauravarapu Navlur , Venkata Mohan S. , Sarma Ponnapalli Nageswara
Published: July 2013

Functional role of molybdenum as co‐factor in the production of bioplastic (polyhydroxyalkanoates [PHA]) was studied at different concentrations (in µM; 2.5 (M1); 5 (M2); 10 (M3); 15 (M4); 20 (M5); 25 (M6)) by using Pseudomonas otitidis. Designed synthetic wastewater (DSW) was used in all the experiments. Known amounts of acetate, propionic acid, and butyric acids were added to DSW and were used as substrate (carbon source). Dehydrogenase (DH) is one of the key enzymes in PHA production. Addition of molybdenum as co‐factor to DH enzyme resulted in maximum PHA production at M5 (69%) associated with higher DH activity (3.7 µg/mL). Low concentration of molybdenum (M1, M2) did not show any significant influence on PHA production. Highest molybdenum concentration (M6) used showed lower PHA production when compared to control. Produced polymer contained short chain length PHA, with co‐polymer composition of poly‐(3‐hydroxybutyrate‐co‐3‐hydroxyvalerate), P(3HB‐co‐3HV). Substrate degradation rate (SDR) was evaluated at different concentrations of molybdenum. High SDR was registered at M5 due to high enzyme activity.
Adams' Inequality with the Exact Growth Condition in ℝ4
Authors: Masmoudi Nader , Sani Federica
Published: July 2013

Adams' inequality is an extension of the Trudinger‐Moser inequality to the case when the Sobolev space considered has more than one derivative. The goal of this paper is to give the optimal growth rate of the exponential‐type function in Adams' inequality when the problem is considered in the whole space ℝ4. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Cytopathologic diagnosis of esophageal glomus tumor presenting as an incidental posterior mediastinal mass in an 80‐year‐old male
Authors: Moore Mark O. , Stewart Jimmie
Published: July 2013

Endoscopic ultrasound guided fine‐needle aspiration (FNA) of the upper gastrointestinal tract presents a diagnostic challenge to cytopathologists due to the broad differential diagnosis and morphologic overlap between various entities in this location. We report here an incidentally discovered case of esophageal glomus tumor presenting as a posterior mediastinal mass in an 80‐year old male. Glomus tumor is a rare soft tissue neoplasm with bland epithelioid morphology and cytoplasmic granularity. Literature review reveals only 6 published cases of esophageal glomus tumor in the general pathology literature. To our knowledge, this is the first report in the English literature to describe FNA cytology of an esophageal glomus tumor. This rare case presentation provides the opportunity to review the differential diagnosis for lesions of the upper gastrointestinal tract and their appearance on FNA in order to clarify an entity that is uncommon in everyday cytology practice. Diagn. Cytopathol. 2014;42:705–710. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A groundwater–soil–plant–atmosphere continuum approach for modelling water stress, uptake, and hydraulic redistribution in phreatophytic vegetation
Authors: Gou Si , Miller Gretchen
Published: July 2013

Modelling groundwater uptake provides a powerful tool for examining the tight linkage of phreatophytic vegetation with spatial and temporal variations in groundwater and soil moisture. Here, a physically based modelling framework was developed to simulate groundwater uptake and hydraulic redistribution (HR), as driven by the potential gradients along the groundwater–soil–plant–atmosphere continuum. A new water stress function, based on the ‘vulnerability curve’ theory, was introduced; it integrates the influence of both soil water and groundwater on transpiration. The model was then implemented using a system dynamics approach and applied to simulate groundwater uptake of Quercus douglasii (blue oak) in a California savanna. It showed good agreement with the measured evapotranspiration, soil moisture, and leaf water potential data. The model results indicated that the dominant water source for blue oaks switched from soil water in the wet season to groundwater in the dry season. During the dry period, cavitation led to a hydraulic conductivity loss of approximately 85% in the shallow roots, and groundwater uptake contributed over 80% of transpiration. The dry, shallow soil layers received water from groundwater and deep soil layers at night through HR. The new water stress function performed well when simulating daily transpiration (r2 = 0·69). The model indicated that blue oaks maintained only a small portion of deep roots (15% of the total) to uptake groundwater and mitigate the impacts of drought. The proposed model framework can be incorporated into coupled climate, hydrological, and ecological models to improve their performance when studying ecohydrological process and climate feedbacks. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
An Eco‐Friendly Asymmetric Organocatalytic Conjugate Addition of Malonates to α,β‐Unsaturated Aldehydes: Application on the Synthesis of Chiral Indoles
Authors: Feu Karla Santos , Deobald Anna Maria , Narayanaperumal Senthil , Corrêa Arlene G. , Weber Paixão Márcio
Published: July 2013

The asymmetric Michael addition of malonates to α,β‐unsaturated aldehydes using a modified Jørgensen–Hayashi organocatalyst in EtOH:brine solvent media is reported. The procedure proceeds smoothly to afford the corresponding Michael adducts in good yields with excellent enantioselectivities. The resulting Michael adducts represent excellent building blocks for the synthesis of chiral indoles.
Assignment of Configuration in a Series of Dioxolanone‐Type Secondary Metabolites from Guignardia bidwellii – A Comparison of VCD and ECD Spectroscopy
Authors: Andernach Lars , Sandjo Louis P. , Liermann Johannes C. , Buckel Iris , Thines Eckhard , Opatz Till
Published: July 2013

The absolute configurations of a series of phytotoxic dioxolanone‐type secondary metabolites isolated from culture filtrates of the grape black rot fungus Guignardia bidwellii were determined by vibrational circular dichroism (VCD) spectroscopy in the mid‐IR frequency range. Comparison of the recorded data with DFT calculations showed good agreement between experiment and theory for VCD, whereas electronic circular dichroism (ECD) data for the compounds matched poorly with the predicted spectra obtained by time‐dependent DFT (TDDFT) calculations at the same level of theory.
Oligothiophene‐Functionalized Benzene and Tetrathienoanthracene: Effect of Enhanced π‐Conjugation on Optoelectronic Properties, Self‐Assembly and Device Performance
Authors: Leitch Alicea A. , Stobo Kimberly A. , Hussain Bashir , Ghoussoub Mireille , Ebrahimi‐Takalloo Saeedeh , Servati Peyman , Korobkov Ilia , Brusso Jaclyn L.
Published: July 2013

The versatility of fourfold Stille coupling to afford oligothiophene‐functionalized tetrathienoanthracene (TTA) and benzene derivatives is described. The influence of the larger, more rigid TTA core on the electronic and structural properties was investigated. Comparative optical and electrochemical studies demonstrate a diminishing HOMO–LUMO gap as the length of the oligothiophene chain increases, with the rigid TTA compounds exhibiting lower energy gaps than the more flexible benzene analogues. X‐ray crystallography studies reveal that the thiophene‐substituted TTA structure consists of slipped π‐stacks with several close intrastack π–π interactions; no close contacts are observed for the benzene derivative due to twisting of the thiophene ligands out of plane. Consequently, the molecules in the benzene analogue are isolated from their neighbours. The thiophene and bithiophene functionalised TTA compounds were fabricated into OTFT devices in bottom‐contact configuration and exhibited mobilities of ca. 10–4 cm2 V–1 s–1 and on/off ratios of more than four orders of magnitude.
Insight into the Capacitive Performance of Sulfur‐Doped Nanoporous Carbons Modified by Addition of Graphene Phase
Authors: Seredych Mykola , Singh Kavindra , Bandosz Teresa J.
Published: July 2013

The composites of nanoporous carbon and graphene were prepared by carbonization of mixed sulfonate‐based polymers and graphite oxide. Addition of the graphene phase modified the texture and chemistry of the final products. The materials show high electrochemical capacity in spite of the relatively low surface area. The good performance is linked to the presence of sulfur in the small pores, which brings a positive charge on carbon atoms and thus increases the attraction to anions, to the sulfones, sulfoxides and quinones in larger pores, which undergo Faradaic reactions, and to the balanced content of oxygen groups, which provides the wettability.
Use of OMIC technologies to study arsenic exposure in human populations
Authors: Moore Lee E. , Karami Sara , Steinmaus Craig , Cantor Kenneth P.
Published: July 2013

Exposure to arsenic (As) in drinking water is a major health concern. More than 100 million individuals are exposed to levels over the current World Health Organization standard of 10 µg/L worldwide. Arsenic is one of the few agents established as a human carcinogen prior to understanding its mechanism of carcinogenicity. OMIC technologies have enabled researchers to utilize agnostic approaches to explore new, unknown mechanisms through which As causes disease in exposed human populations. In this article, we present recent studies in which OMIC technologies have been used to explore differences in human biological samples to identify markers of exposure, disease susceptibility, and effect in As‐exposed and/or diseased tissues. Environ. Mol. Mutagen. 54:589‐595, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Thin Electrolytes on Metal‐Supported Fuel Cells
Authors: Vieweger S. , Mücke R. , Menzler N. H. , Buchkremer H. P.
Published: July 2013

This work focuses on the deposition of thin‐film electrolytes. Sol–Gel Spin‐coating technique has been used to create thin films and subsequent characterization of the different sub‐surfaces has been undertaken. The substrates are composed of ferritic oxide strengthened Fe–Cr alloy (ITM). A common challenge in coating these supports is their high roughness and porosity in comparison with state‐of‐the‐art ceramic substrates. Here, the nickel and 8 mol.% yttria‐stabilized zirconia (8YSZ) based anode is made of graded layers, which reduces the roughness and porosity of the metal support. The quality of the thin spin‐coated electrolyte‐layers depends on the microstructure of the sub‐surface. Influencial variables are the surface roughness, the pore size and its depth. To understand the dependencies between these variables and the coating properties, analyses with various optical measurement methods have been carried out prior to coating. Standard roughness detection using optical profilometry and confocal laser scanning microscopy were compared for surface characterization. The Sobel edge detection method was used to analyze images and was able to clearly reveal defects. The fabricated electrolytes have a thickness ∼0.5 μm with leak rates of 1 – 10×10–4 (hPa dm3 s–1 cm–2) against air of metallic supported cells with a reduced anode, which are comparable to those of anode‐supported cells.
Effect of Contact Method between Interconnects and Electrodes on Area Specific Resistance in Planar Solid Oxide Fuel Cells
Authors: Wu W. , Wang G. L. , Guan W. B. , Zhen Y. F. , Wang W. G.
Published: July 2013

In this work, interconnect/electrode sheet/interconnect sandwiches are assembled by designing interfacial contact between interconnects and electrodes for planar solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs). Their area specific resistance (ASR) values of different contact methods under isothermal oxidation and thermal cycling are recorded by four‐point method. The ASR of SUS430/Ni–YSZ/SUS430 anode sandwich with NiO current collecting layer is close to that of anode sandwich without NiO current collecting layer during isothermal operation, but smaller and more stable during thermal cycling. Meanwhile, the lowest ASR is obtained in SUS430/LSM–YSZ/SUS430 cathode sandwich with LSM coated interconnect and LSM current collecting layer among various contact methods between interconnects and cathodes, and remains constant under isothermal oxidation and thermal cycling. Contact resistance between cathodes and interconnects is the main source of the SOFC stack resistance. A real stack with three anode‐supported cells is assembled and tested under thermal cycling to verify the effect of different contact methods between interconnects and electrodes on performance of stack repeating unit. The degradation rate and ASR values of repeating unit inside the stack indicate that the contact between LSM coated interconnect and LSM current collecting layer on cathode side is the optimized contact.
Are synthetic scaffolds suitable for the development of clinical tissue‐engineered tubular organs?
Authors: Del Gaudio Costantino , Baiguera Silvia , Ajalloueian Fatemeh , Bianco Alessandra , Macchiarini Paolo
Published: July 2013

Transplantation of tissues and organs is currently the only available treatment for patients with end‐stage diseases. However, its feasibility is limited by the chronic shortage of suitable donors, the need for life‐long immunosuppression, and by socioeconomical and religious concerns. Recently, tissue engineering has garnered interest as a means to generate cell‐seeded three‐dimensional scaffolds that could replace diseased organs without requiring immunosuppression. Using a regenerative approach, scaffolds made by synthetic, nonimmunogenic, and biocompatible materials have been developed and successfully clinically implanted. This strategy, based on a viable and ready‐to‐use bioengineered scaffold, able to promote novel tissue formation, favoring cell adhesion and proliferation, could become a reliable alternative to allotransplatation in the next future. In this article, tissue‐engineered synthetic substitutes for tubular organs (such as trachea, esophagus, bile ducts, and bowel) are reviewed, including a discussion on their morphological and functional properties. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 102A: 2427–2447, 2014
Quantification of structural compliance of aged human and porcine aortic root tissues
Authors: Li Kewei , Wang Qian , Pham Thuy , Sun Wei
Published: July 2013

The structural compliance of the aortic root has a significant implication for valve procedures such as transcatheter aortic valve implantation and valve‐sparing aortic root replacement. However, a detailed quantification of human aortic root structural compliance, particularly in different regions, has been incomplete. In this study, the structural properties of human aortic roots (81 ± 8.74 years, n = 10) were characterized and compared with those of porcine ones (6–9 months, n = 10) using a vessel pressure‐inflation test. The test involved tracking three‐dimensional deformation of the markers affixed on the different surface regions of the aortic roots, including the three sinuses: the noncoronary sinus (NCS), the left‐coronary sinus (LCS), and the right‐coronary sinus (RCS), and at three regions along the longitudinal direction of each sinus: the upper sinus (US), the middle sinus (MS), and the lower sinus (LS), and the ascending aorta (AA) region above the NCS. We found that tissue stiffness in physiological pressure range was similar among the three human sinuses. A variation in regional structural stiffness of human aorta was observed. In the circumferential direction, the LS regions were the stiffest in the LCS and RCS, whereas NCS had relatively uniform stiffness. In the longitudinal direction, the human AA regions were more compliant than all sinuses. There was a significant difference in tissue stiffness between human and porcine aortic tissues, suggesting that the mechanical properties of porcine tissues may not be analogous to aged human ones. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 102A: 2365–2374, 2014.
Synthetic Transformations of Sulfur‐Substituted 4‐Quinolizidinones
Authors: Chou Shang‐Shing P. , Kao Chao‐Hsiang
Published: July 2013

Sulfur‐substituted 4‐quinolizidinones, previously prepared by aza‐Diels‐Alder reactions and ring‐closing metathesis, are now subjected to further synthetic transformations. Formal synthesis of cermizine C and 5‐epi‐cermizine C, and some other useful reactions have been achieved.
On the spatial distribution of decameter‒scale subauroral ionospheric irregularities observed by SuperDARN radars
Authors: de Larquier S. , Ponomarenko P. , Ribeiro A. J. , Ruohoniemi J. M. , Baker J. B. H. , Sterne K. T. , Lester M.
Published: July 2013

The midlatitude Super Dual Auroral Radar Network (SuperDARN) radars regularly observe nighttime low‒velocity Sub‒Auroral Ionospheric Scatter (SAIS) from decameter‒scale ionospheric density irregularities during quiet geomagnetic conditions. To establish the origin of the density irregularities responsible for low‒velocity SAIS, it is necessary to distinguish between the effects of high frequency (HF) propagation and irregularity occurrence itself on the observed backscatter distribution. We compare range, azimuth, and elevation data from the Blackstone SuperDARN radar with modeling results from ray tracing coupled with the International Reference Ionosphere assuming a uniform irregularity distribution. The observed and modeled distributions are shown to be very similar. The spatial distribution of backscattering is consistent with the requirement that HF rays propagate nearly perpendicular to the geomagnetic field lines (aspect angle ≤1°). For the first time, the irregularities responsible for low‒velocity SAIS are determined to extend between 200 and 300 km altitude, validating previous assumptions that low‒velocity SAIS is an F‒region phenomenon. We find that the limited spatial extent of this category of ionospheric backscatter within SuperDARN radars' fields‒of‒view is a consequence of HF propagation effects and the finite vertical extent of the scattering irregularities. We conclude that the density irregularities responsible for low‒velocity SAIS are widely distributed horizontally within the midlatitude ionosphere but are confined to the bottom‒side F‒region.
The relationship between the Antarctic oscillation and blocking events over the South Pacific and Atlantic Oceans
Authors: Damião Mendes Monica Cristina , Cavalcanti Iracema Fonseca Albuquerque
Published: July 2013

It is known that blocking events have impacts on the behaviour of transient systems and affect the weather in southern continental regions of the Southern Hemisphere. Since the main mode of variability in Southern Hemisphere, the annular mode, or Antarctic Oscillation (AAO), changes the extratropical atmospheric circulation, the blocking characteristics over Pacific and Atlantic Oceans are analysed in this study, in terms of the two opposing phases of theAAO. The characteristics of atmospheric flow patterns and blocking events are analysed as a function of season during the period 1979–2000. The relative frequency of blocked days is different for eachAAOphase. Maximum duration and number of events over the Southwestern Pacific and South Atlantic regions occur in the positive phase, while the blocking activity over the Southeastern Pacific region is similar in the two phases but the persistence is higher in the negative phase. The atmospheric anomalous centres associated with middle latitude and polarAAOsignals, as well as the behaviour of subtropical and polar jets are discussed in relation to the blocking characteristics. Convection over South America is analysed for blocking periods in eachAAOphase and is discussed based on anomalous circulation in each phase. Wavetrain patterns over the South Pacific and variations in intensity of jet streams induce anomalous circulation over South America, which are associated with the track and persistence of transient systems over Southeastern South America and with convection over the continent.
Detecting climate variability signals in long air temperature records
Authors: Kärner O. , de Freitas C. R.
Published: July 2013

ABSTRACT

This work introduces a new climate description scheme based on a long range statistical model fitted to local daily temperature anomaly series. The appropriate model can be considered as a sum of two processes, namely, stationary white noise (WN) and nonstationary random walk (RW). In the case of local series, the variance of the WN component appears to be much larger than that for the generator of RW (also a WN, but independent on the first one). Such a situation enables us to approximate the range of variability for local temperature anomalies by means of the standard deviation of the stationary WN component of the model. This means that the climate description splits into two parts; one describes ordinary and the other extreme weather events. This paper presents a detailed description of that approach using the air temperature series from Stockholm (1756–2011) as an example. The scheme produced here enables us to see that large weather variability does not always mean climate variability. It separates climate and weather scale variability, which is important for precise determination of climate variability and does not confuse the weather and climate time scales in climate description.
Improvement in the detection rate of PJI in total hip arthroplasty through multiple sonicate fluid cultures
Authors: Janz V. , Wassilew G.I. , Hasart O. , Tohtz S. , Perka C.
Published: July 2013

The microbiological culture of sonicate fluid (SFC) of explanted endoprosthetic components has increased the rate of bacterial isolation in comparison to conventional microbiological methods. However, this creates the problem of interpreting cases of singular bacterial isolation through SFC, while all other microbiological samples remain negative. The aim of this study was to reference these singular positive SFC against, the histological classification of the periprosthetic membrane (PM), and the utilization of multiple SFC (separate sonication of individual endoprosthetic components). In this prospective study we compared the effect of multiple SFC for detection of periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) in patients with total hip revision surgery. All microbiological results were referenced against PM. Of the 102 cases there were 37 cases of PJI. Single SFC achieved the highest sensitivity of all individual parameters with 89% and a specificity of 72%. When multiple SFC were employed the sensitivity and specificity increased to 100%. There was a concordance of 86% between the PM and SFC. SFC achieved the highest sensitivity and it was possible to further improve the sensitivity and specificity when using multiple cultures. Multiple SFC and PM are beneficial to help reference singular bacterial isolations and achieve the diagnosis of PJI. © 2013 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 31:2021–2024, 2013
Body composition in 18‐ to 88‐year‐old adults—comparison of multifrequency bioimpedance and dual‐energy X‐ray absorptiometry
Authors: Sillanpää Elina , Cheng Sulin , Häkkinen Keijo , Finni Taija , Walker Simon , Pesola Arto , Ahtiainen Juha , Stenroth Lauri , Selänne Harri , Sipilä Sarianna
Published: July 2013

Objective

This study compared bioimpedance analysis (BIA) in the assessment of body composition with dual‐energy X‐ray absorptiometry (DXA) in 18‐ to 88‐year‐old adults.

Design and Methods

Body composition of 882 adults was estimated by eight‐polar BIA and DXA. In addition, estimates of lean mass, fat mass, and percentage of fat were investigated across a range of age and leisure time physical activity (LTPA) groups.

Results

Compared to DXA, larger lean masses (mean difference 2.9 and 1.6 kg) and smaller fat masses (3.1 and 2.6 kg) were estimated by BIA in both women and men, respectively. Differences between the methods' mean values were evident in all age and LTPA groups, except in the oldest men (over 70 years). Age, waist circumference, grip strength, and LTPA explained 21% or less of the variance observed in the differences between methods.

Conclusions

Compared to DXA, BIA provided systematically different body composition estimates throughout the adult age span with considerable amount of intraindividual variation. The differences between estimates may be related to the BIAs' algorithm or body geometry or composition of the population used in this study. Knowledge about the methodological limitations and device comparability is essential for researchers, clinicians, and persons working in rehabilitation and sport centers.
Self‐triggered linear quadratic networked control
Authors: Souza M. , Deaecto G. S. , Geromel J. C. , Daafouz J.
Published: July 2013

This paper deals with networked control systems design, under the constraint of limited bandwidth on the communication channel. A linear quadratic problem for a fixed sampling period is solved, and this result is used for the development of and performance indexes, yielding to the statement and solution of and optimal control problems. Finally, a self‐triggered controller is designed with a switched system approach in order to improve performance. Several examples are presented in order to illustrate the validity of the developed theory. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
ANALYZING SELF‐ORGANIZED LOCAL GOVERNANCE INITIATIVES: ARE THERE INSIGHTS FOR DECENTRALIZATION REFORMS?
Authors: Wunsch James S.
Published: July 2013

In spite of the great enthusiasm and arguments supporting decentralization in Africa, its performance has frequently fallen well below expectations. However, a number of self‐initiated, local governance efforts have been quite successful. The article finds that all governance initiatives face a number of collective action problems that they must overcome to succeed. These include issues of collective choice, free riding, principal–agency, and constitutional design. The article explores two cases of locally initiated self‐governance initiatives where smaller population size, the ability to focus on only a few services, and the ability flexibly to redesign their institutions were important in their success in overcoming these governance challenges. In one case, challenge by and negotiation with formal governance institutions furthered their success. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Preparation of Magnesium‐based Hydrogen Storage Materials and Their Effect on the Thermal Decomposition of Ammonium Perchlorate
Authors: Liu Leili , Xin Jingjing , Ma Feng , Zhi Chunlei , Li Fengsheng
Published: July 2013

Magnesium‐based hydrogen storage materials (MgH2, Mg2NiH4, and Mg2Cu‐H) were prepared and their structures were determined by XRD and ICP investigations. Mg2NiH4has a monoclinic crystal structure and Mg2Cu‐H is a mixture of MgCu2and MgH2. The effects of magnesium‐based hydrogen storage materials on the thermal decomposition of ammonium perchlorate (AP) were studied by thermal analysis (DSC). It was found that magnesium‐based hydrogen storage materials show obvious boosting effects on the thermal decomposition of AP. The thermal decomposition peak temperature of AP was decreased, while the heat release of the decomposition of AP was increased. It was revealed that the effects of magnesium‐based hydrogen storage materials on the decomposition of AP become stronger with increasing content. The influence mechanism on the thermal decomposition of AP is suggested as follows: hydrogen released from magnesium‐based hydrogen storage materials and Mg, Ni, or Cu react with the decomposed products of AP.
A mechanistic and experimental study on the diethyl ether oxidation
Authors: Di Tommaso S. , Rotureau P. , Sirjean B. , Fournet R. , Benaissa W. , Gruez P. , Adamo C.
Published: July 2013

This work presents the results of the theoretical investigations on autoxidation process of diethyl ether (DEE), a chemical largely used as solvent in laboratories and considered to be responsible for various accidents. Based on Density Functional Theory calculations, the aims of this study were the identification of all the most probable reaction paths involved in DEE oxidation (at ambient temperature and under conditions that reflect normal storage conditions) and the characterization of products and all potential hazardous intermediates, such as peroxides. Results indicate that industrial hazards could be related to hydroperoxide formation and accumulation during the chain propagation step. A detailed kinetics model of DEE oxidation in the gas phase was then developed from all energetic and kinetics parameters collected during the mechanistic study. Outputs of the kinetics model, in terms of time of evolution of product concentrations, have been then compared with the experimentally measured concentration of products (notably hydroperoxides) issued from tests on DEE oxidation conducted under accelerated conditions with autoclaves. © 2013 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Process Saf Prog 33: 64–69, 2014
Influence of atmospheric and sea surface temperature on the size of hurricane Catarina
Authors: Radu Raluca , Toumi Ralf , Phau Jared
Published: July 2013

The factors that influence the size of tropical cyclones (TCs) are not completely understood. High‐resolution numerical simulations of hurricane Catarina in the South Atlantic indicate that the TC size increases proportionally to the surface latent heat flux, when atmospheric and sea surface temperature (SST) are increased. The TC size is defined as the area enclosed by three wind thresholds: gale‐force winds, damaging‐force winds and hurricane‐force winds. The enlargement increases sharply with the wind threshold. Depending on the wind threshold, the area can increase by more than an order of magnitude when air and sea temperature are both increased by 2 °C. There is a clear linear relationship between the size increase and the latent heat flux during the TC lifetime. The size effect is driven initially by the enhanced air–sea moisture contrast and the surface winds become predominant only in the later stages. Temperature changes may therefore have a profound impact on cyclone size.
Restoration prospects for Heitutan degraded grassland in the Sanjiangyuan
Authors: Li Xi-lai , Perry George L. W. , Brierley Gary , Gao Jay , Zhang Jing , Yang Yuan-wu
Published: July 2013

In many ecosystems ungulates have coexisted with grasslands over long periods of time. However, high densities of grazing animals may change the floristic and structural characteristics of vegetation, reduce biodiversity, and increase soil erosion, potentially triggering abrupt and rapid changes in ecosystem condition. Alternate stable state theory provides a framework for understanding this type of dynamic. In the Sanjiangyuan atop the Qinghai-Tibetan plateau (QTP), grassland degradation has been accompanied by irruptions of native burrowing animals, which has accentuated the loss of ground cover. Severely degraded areas of alpine meadows are referred to as ‘Heitutan’. Here, using the framework of alternate stable state theory, we describe the proximate and ultimate drivers of the formation of Heitutan on the QTP, and we assess prospects for recovery, in relation to the degree of biophysical alteration, of these alpine meadows. Effective rehabilitation measures must address the underlying causes of degradation rather than their symptoms. Heitutan degradation is not uni-causal. Rather it reflects different mechanisms operating at different spatio-temporal scales across this vast region. Underlying causes include overly aggressive exploitation of the grasslands (e.g. overgrazing), amplification of grazing and erosion damage by small mammals when outbreaks occur, and/or climate change. Given marked variability in environmental conditions and stressors, restorative efforts must vary across the region. Restoration efforts are likely to yield greatest success if moderately and severely degraded areas are targeted as the first priority in management programmes, before these areas are transformed into extreme Heitutan.
Geomorphic-centered classification of wetlands on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, Western China
Authors: Gao Jay , Li Xi-lai , Brierley Gary , Cheung Alan , Yang Yuan-wu
Published: July 2013

In this paper a geomorphic-centered system was proposed for classifying the wetlands on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau in western China, where the flora comprises primarily grasses. Although the geomorphic properties (e.g., elevation and morphology) of wetlands form the primary criteria of classification, this system also takes hydrological processes into implicit consideration. It represents an improvement over the hydrogeomorphic perspective as the relative importance of the two components (wetness and landform) of wetlands is clearly differentiated. This geomorphic-centered perspective yields insights into the hydrogeomorphic dynamics of plateau wetlands while indicates their vulnerability to change and degradation indirectly. According to this geomorphic-centered perspective, all plateau wetlands fall into one of the seven types of alpine, piedmont, valley, terrace, floodplain, lacustrine, and riverine in three elevational categories of upland, midland, and lowland. Upland (alpine and piedmont) wetlands with the steepest topography are the most sensitive to change whereas midland (floodplain, terrace and valley) wetlands are less vulnerable to degradation owing to a high water reserve except terrace wetlands. They have a dry surface caused by infrequent hydrological replenishment owing to their higher elevation than the channel. Low lying (lacustrine and riverine) wetlands are the most resilient. The geomorphic-centered perspective developed in this paper provides a framework for improving recognition and management of wetlands on the Plateau. Resilient wetlands can be grazed more intensively without the risk of degradation. Fragile and vulnerable wetlands require careful management to avoid degradation.
Analysis of longitudinal profiles along the eastern margin of the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau
Authors: Aiken Simon J. , Brierley Gary J.
Published: July 2013

Resulting from the collision of the Eurasian and Indian plates, the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau is commonly known as the ‘roof of the world’. Collectively the Yarlung Tsangpo, Nu, Lancang, Yangtze, Yalong, and Yellow River basins drain the eastern margin of the plateau. In this paper, we utilize Shuttle Radar Topography Mission elevation data to examine morphometric and relief attributes of these basins to reveal insights into tectonic activity and rates of incision. A robust technique using Matlab is proposed to alleviate errors associated with SRTM data in the derivation of river longitudinal profiles. Convex longitudinal profiles are interpreted to be a product of uplift rates that exceed rates of channel incision along the entire margin of the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau. Highest relief towards the south reflects extensive fluvial incision. High relief is also prominent along major active faults. Erosion patterns are related to distance from knickpoints. Highest rates of erosion and incision are evident towards the south, with decreasing values towards the north, suggesting a link between tectonic activity and erosion.
The Effect of NaCl on the Krafft Temperature and Related Behavior of Cetyltrimethylammonium Bromide in Aqueous Solution
Authors: Roy Jagadish Chandra , Islam Md. Nazrul , Aktaruzzaman Gazi
Published: July 2013

This paper presents the effect of NaCl on the Krafft temperature (TK), surface adsorption and bulk micellization of cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) in aqueous solution. The critical micelle concentration (CMC) of CTAB in the presence of NaCl increased and then decreased with increasing temperature. Thus, the CMC–temperature data can be represented by a bell‐shaped curve. The micellar dissociation (fraction of counterion binding) and energetic parameters (free energy, enthalpy and entropy changes) of both adsorption and micellization were calculated. The processes were found to be both enthalpy and entropy controlled and appeared to be more and more enthalpy driven with increasing temperature. An enthalpy–entropy compensation rule was observed for both adsorption and micelle formation. The TK of the surfactant decreased significantly in the presence of NaCl, which is a sharp contrast to the usual behavior of the effect of electrolytes on the TK of classical ionic surfactants. The surface excess concentrations decreased with increasing temperature. However, the values were much higher in the presence of NaCl compared to the corresponding values in pure water. The solubilization behavior of a water‐insoluble dye, Sudan red B (SRB), in the micellar system was studied by the UV–visible spectrophotometric technique. The molar solubilization ratio in the presence of NaCl was found to be about three times higher than that in pure water, indicating that the solubilization of SRB in the CTAB micelles significantly increases in the presence of NaCl.
Streptozotocin‐Induced Diabetes Partially Attenuates the Effects of a High‐Fat Diet on Liver and Brain Fatty Acid Composition in Mice
Authors: Levant Beth , Ozias Marlies K. , Guilford Brianne L. , Wright Douglas E.
Published: July 2013

The current study addresses the effects of a high‐fat diet on liver and brain fatty acid compositions and the interaction of that diet with diabetes in a type 1 mouse model. Adult, male, normal and streptozotocin‐induced diabetic C57BL/6 mice were fed standard (14 % kcal from fat) or high‐fat (54 % kcal from fat, hydrogenated vegetable shortening and corn oil) diets for 8 weeks. Liver and whole brain total phospholipid fatty acid compositions were then determined by TLC/GC. In the liver of non‐diabetic mice, the high‐fat diet increased the percentages of 18:1n‐9, 20:4n‐6, and 22:5n‐6 and decreased 18:2n‐6 and 22:6n‐3. Diabetes increased 16:0 in liver, and decreased 18:1n‐7 and 20:4n‐6. The effects of the high‐fat diet on liver phospholipids in diabetic mice were similar to those in non‐diabetic mice, or were of smaller magnitude. In the brain, the high‐fat diet increased 18:0 and 20:4n‐6 of non‐diabetic, but not diabetic mice. Brain 22:5n‐6 acid was increased by the high‐fat diet in both non‐diabetic and diabetic mice, but this increase was smaller in diabetic mice. Diabetes alone did not alter the percentage of any individual fatty acid in brain. This indicates that the effects of a high‐fat diet on liver and brain phospholipid fatty acid compositions are partially attenuated by concomitant hyperglycemia with hypoinsulinemia.
L'impossible incarnation d'une monarchie
Authors: Hermant Héloïse
Published: July 2013

Cet article analyse la crise de la régence du dernier Habsbourg qui prend la forme d’un « conflit en légitimation ». L’auteur noue une histoire des normes et des imaginaires politiques avec une histoire des rapports de force pour montrer les limites des explications en termes d’adhésion à un discours ou un homme, qui négligent la dimension interactionniste des pratiques de légitimation. La question de l’incarnation du corps sociopolitique par le roi reste ainsi nodale dans cette crise qu’on ne saurait réduire à une physique des affrontements.
Information systems for collaborating versus transacting: Impact on manufacturing plant performance in the presence of demand volatility⋆
Authors: Saldanha Terence J.V. , Melville Nigel P. , Ramirez Ronald , Richardson Vernon J.
Published: July 2013

Research at the nexus of operations management and information systems suggests that manufacturing plants may benefit from the utilization of information systems for collaborating and transacting with suppliers and customers. The objective of this study is to examine the extent to which value generated by information systems for collaborating versus transacting is contingent upon demand volatility. We analyze a unique dataset assembled from non‐public U.S. Census Bureau data of manufacturing plants. Our findings suggest that when faced with volatile demand, plants employing information systems for collaborating with suppliers and customers experience positive and significant benefits to performance, in terms of both labor productivity and inventory turnover. In contrast, results suggest that plants employing information systems for transacting in volatile environments do not experience such benefits. Further exploratory analysis suggests that in the context of demand volatility, these two distinct dimensions of IT‐based integration have differing performance implications at different stages of the production process in terms of raw‐materials inventory and finished‐goods inventory, but not in terms of work‐in‐process inventory. Taken together, our study contributes to theoretical and managerial understanding of the contingent value of information systems in volatile demand conditions in the supply chain context.
Drivers and outcomes of open‐standard interorganizational information systems assimilation in high‐technology supply chains
Authors: Sodero Anníbal C. , Rabinovich Elliot , Sinha Rajiv K.
Published: July 2013

In recent years, firms in high‐technology supply chains have established internet‐based electronic linkages with their trading partners. As a result, they have improved their ability to coordinate and synchronize shared business processes by using more complete, accurate, and timely information. These electronic linkages are based on open‐standard interorganizational information systems (OSIOS), which are fundamentally different from traditional electronic data interchanges. OSIOS capture not only the technical specifications for data interchange but also the sequential steps for the execution of shared business processes. Because OSIOS are still at an early diffusion stage, it remains unclear why firms would assimilate such an innovation and whether assimilation provides firms any benefits. In this research, we develop a framework grounded on the economics of standards, institutional theory, and strategic interorganizational information systems literatures to investigate the drivers and outcomes of OSIOS assimilation in a focused context. In order to test our hypotheses based on this framework, we used data from a high‐technology supply chain and employed econometrics techniques. We found that both competition asymmetry across supply chain echelons and OSIOS assimilation within supply chain echelons predict individual firms’ OSIOS assimilation. The results also suggest that firms’ supply chain dominance is both a driver and an outcome of OSIOS assimilation, highlighting a mutually reinforcing process. In addition, our study reveals boundary conditions of the hypothesized relationships. The use of multiple theoretical perspectives, a unique dataset, and innovative statistical techniques to investigate OSIOS assimilation in high‐technology supply chains contributes to the body of knowledge in both the supply chain management and management of information systems disciplines.
Information systems and technology sourcing strategies of e‐Retailers for value chain enablement
Authors: Tsai Juliana Y. , Raghu T.S. , Shao Benjamin B.M.
Published: July 2013

In the e‐Retail industry, a well‐designed IT infrastructure is essential in creating a tightly integrated value chain and delivering high quality service. With intense competition for market share and profits, information systems and technology (IST) sourcing decisions are becoming increasingly important to e‐Retail firms to support continued growth and market responsiveness. Drawing on the contingency theory, we examine organizational and environmental factors that influence an e‐Retailer's IST sourcing strategy of make versus buy in enabling its value chain activities, and we also look at firm‐level performance impacts of IST sourcing decisions that involve bundling across value chain activities. We test the proposed model and hypotheses using a panel data set of 307 firms over the period of 2006–2010. The results show that firms that make transformative IT investments tend to source a smaller portion of IST for their e‐Retail value chain activities than firms that pursue automate or informate as their strategic role for IT investment. Capabilities are positively associated with IST sourcing. Firms experienced in e‐Retail are more likely to build rather than buy their IST. In addition, we find mimicking behavior for IST sourcing among firms in the same merchandizer category. We find that IT strategic role is strongly associated with growth metric, whereas sourcing decisions predominantly impact operational performance measures. There is partial evidence that alignment between IT strategic role and IST sourcing decisions results in better performance effects. Moreover, complementary IST sourcing of synergistic marketing and sales activities positively impacts Web sales and conversion rate, but the sourcing combination of logistics, operations, and sales activities is associated with lower Web sales and conversion rate.
The impact of supply‐side electronic integration on customer service performance
Authors: Xue Ling , Ray Gautam , Sambamurthy Vallabh
Published: July 2013

Although information technologies have been expected to directly enhance firm performance in specific value chain activities (e.g., supplier performance or customer service performance), their advanced capabilities offer the promise of organizational integration and spill‐over benefits. Enterprise systems provide firms with platforms for electronically integrating their supplier and demand chain activities. Spill‐over benefits refer to the impacts that occur when IT investments in one organizational domain benefit performance in a different value chain side of the firm. Supply‐side electronic integration (SEI) refers to the use of electronic means to integrate the exchange of information and transactions with suppliers through enterprise systems. In our research, we examine whether SEI generates spill‐over effects on customer service performance, over and beyond firms’ direct investments in customer‐side digitization. We also examine whether structural attributes of the firm (e.g., vertical integration, diversification, and centralization) moderate the effects of supply‐side electronic integration on customer service performance. Our analysis of a secondary dataset of InformationWeek 500 firms shows that SEI helps firms realize cost‐savings in their customer service performance, especially if they are less vertically integrated. In addition, SEI investments help diversified and centralized firms achieve cross‐selling with their customers. We also find that SEI is more likely to help decentralized and diversified firms achieve customization in their customer service activities. These results suggest that SEI helps firms achieve twin goals in customer service: cost reduction and revenue expansion. Overall, our research reveals how supply‐side electronic integration could generate benefits in customer service performance in firms.