bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Religio Laici V. Religio Laici: Dryden, Blount, and the Origin of English Deism
Authors: Prince Michael B.
Published: January 2013

This essay reopens the case of two identically titled works that appeared within twelve months of each other, a preface and poem by John Dryden (1682) and a philosophical treatise by Charles Blount (1683). It argues that the latter was written before the former and not by Blount but by the founder of modern deism, Lord Herbert of Cherbury. It further argues that both Blount and Dryden were aware of Herbert’s English manuscript of Religio Laici before 1682. Dryden wrote his Religio Laici in a hurry to preempt the deists’ Religio Laici; Blount then used Dryden’s poem to avoid censorship, masking the first English manifesto of deism as an adulatory letter to Dryden. This argument solves several long-standing problems in the interpretation of Dryden’s poem and in the historiography of early English deism.
Experimental Indirect Determination of Wind Turbine Performance and Blade Element Theory Parameters in Controlled Conditions
Authors: Johnson David A. , Abdelrahman Ahmed , Gertz Drew
Published: January 2013

The performance of a three bladed 3.3 m diameter turbine was measured unobtrusively in a large scale, controlled wind, open jet facility. Due to the scale of the facility blockage was very low in comparison to previous studies. The turbine blades utilized NREL S83X airfoils appropriate for the flow conditions and Reynolds number present in the facility. Airfoils were blended along the radial direction in a varying chord, varying twist blade design with a design coefficient of power ( Cp) peak at λ = 5.4. Simultaneous three component velocity measurements were obtained using a purpose built traverse at specific radial locations (segments) upstream and immediately downstream of the rotor plane. These velocities were utilized to determine blade element momentum (BEM) parameters and to predict the performance of the rotor. Comparisons are made to the limited number of experimental studies reported in the literature and with parameters derived from CFD numerical simulations. Measured radial velocities upstream of the rotor were near zero and uniform in the radial direction and were uniform and slightly larger downstream of the rotor indicating the BEM assumption of limited radial interaction between segments was acceptable and that the wake was expanding. Axial induction was most uniform in the radial direction at the design and peak Cp condition and area averaged values approached 1/3 but did not exceed this value. Tangential measured velocities, tangential induction and circulation show the impact of the nacelle and blade root location and the tip. An evaluation of the local angle of attack and two dimensional airfoil data at one radial location gave a reasonable comparison with other measured torque values. Rotor performance determined with this method was compared with electrical power measurements and previous BEM model predictions. The power derived from the BEM method outlined here closely followed electrical turbine power measurements although the method overpredicted the power likely due to the segment discretization in the tip region. The detail of these results should be useful to further understand the flow immediately downstream of a rotor in controlled conditions and provide detailed data for BEM model enhancement and future model development.
A Study of the Normal Turbulence Model in IEC 61400-1
Authors: Ishihara Takeshi , Yamaguchi Atsushi , Sarwar Muhammad Waheed
Published: January 2013

This study examines applicability of Normal Turbulence Model (NTM) in IEC 61400-1 for offshore conditions using wind records obtained at an offshore site. The model parameters for estimation of the standard deviation of longitudinal fluctuating velocity, σ1, in NTM are presented. The identified model parameters for the mean value of σ1 agree well with those of IEC Normal Turbulence Model, but parameters for the standard deviation of σ1 are found to be larger than those used in IEC. As a result, the standard deviation of σ1 obtained by IEC Normal Turbulence Model parameters is underestimated and predicted that by the proposed model parameters shows a good agreement with the observation.
Defect characterization in commercial carbon-carbon composites
Authors: Chu Tsuchin , Don Jarlen , Pan Yicheng , Poudel Anish
Published: January 2013

A relatively inexpensive and easy to operate custom built infrared thermography (IRT) system was developed and utilized for the detection and characterization of defects in Carbon-Carbon (C/C) composite aircraft brake disks. This method uses an active infrared thermography (IRT) approach, i.e. Flash Heating method, for a non-destructive evaluation (NDE) of C/C brake disk materials. The experimental results obtained from the developed system were then compared with commercial IRT turn-key system. In addition, Finite Element Analysis (FEA) was also carried out to determine the detectible defect depth and diameter of the defects in C/C composites to validate the experimental results. The experimental results were compared to the FEA results and it was found that they were in good agreement with one another.
Lithofacies characterization of sedimentary succession from Late Cretaceous-Tertiary age in Benin west-1, northern Depobelt, Anambra Basin, Nigeria
Authors: Lucas F. , Odedede O.
Published: January 2013

Lithofacies and their relationships, textural content, sedimentary structures were used to delineate eight facies associations in the Benin west-1. Seven lithofacies are recognized; coarse grained sandstone with granules, laminated shaley sandstone, shaley siltstone, laminated shaley siltstone with fossil fragment, laminated shale, siltstone, coarse grained sandstone and micaceous sandstone facies. Each lithofacies is interpreted to represent different or similar depositional environments. Sediments of the Ameki Formation and Imo Shale encountered in the Benin west-1 were deposited in distributary channel and prodelta to marine shelf environments
Analysis of shear-horizontal waves propagating in a piezoelectric plate in contact with a semi-infinite fluid for liquid sensor application
Authors: Liu B. , Yang J. , Jiang Q.
Published: January 2013

We study the propagation of shear-horizontal waves in a piezoelectric plate of monoclinic crystals in contact with a semi-infinite viscous fluid as an acoustic wave sensor for measuring fluid viscosity or density. Mindlin's first-order theory for piezoelectric plates and the theory of Newtonian fluids are used. Approximate dispersion relations for long face-shear and thickness-twist waves are given analytically. Numerical results showing the effects of the fluid and the piezoelectric coupling in the plate on basic wave propagation characteristics are presented.
Optimization of dual purpose plant for seawater desalination and electricity production
Authors: Al. Ansari Mohammed
Published: January 2013

In order to reduce distillate production costs of a seawater desalination plant in the Gulf Cooperation Councils Countries (GCC), it is common use to connect the desalination plant to a power plant producing power in the form of electricity and process steam for the distiller evaporators as well as surplus electricity for the public grid. Provided that site and seawater characteristics are known and a decision regarding the fuel is made, then the issue moves towards the plant optimization. The aim of such an optimization can diverge as the case may be. The most important characteristics of such a plant which may appear as a result of the optimization work are the water/power ratio (w) and the Economy Ratio (ER) of the desalination-plant. The influences of the economical conditions and the plant configurations on these two characteristics are the major part of this study.
Thermodynamic Modelling of Phosphorus in Steelmaking Slags
Authors: Chen Chunlin , Zhang Ling , Lehmann Jean
Published: January 2013

The published phase diagrams of some key P2O5-containing systems which are relevant to the steelmaking slag and the available experimental data on phosphorus partitioning between liquid iron and slags consisting of SiO2-Al2O3-Fe2O3-FeO-MnO-MgO-CaO-Na2O have been reviewed and assessed. A set of data under carefully controlled experimental conditions, which was considered to be more reliable based on the assessment, was selected for optimising the generalised central atom (GCA) model parameters of phosphorus-containing slag systems. The developed model database is proved to be able to represent the liquidus temperature of some key P2O5-containing systems and the phosphorus distribution ratio between the steelmaking slags and liquid iron reasonably well. With the developed GCA model database, the dephosphorization reaction in the steelmaking process was modelled under various operating conditions such as slag chemistry and temperature. The results show that the phosphorus distribution ratio between the slags and liquid iron displays a maximum point with variation of the FeOx content in the slag. It also shows that the phosphorus deportment to the slag is favored by decreasing the operating temperature and MgO content, and increasing the CaO/SiO2 ratio in the slag. Comparison with the model of the phosphorus distribution data from a commercial BOS furnace shows that operating conditions do not permit to reach P equilibrium contents. The dis-equilibrium degree of P was found to be increased with increasing slag viscosities.
Synthesis and Characterization of the One-dimensional Cuprate Sr2CuO3 Nanoparticles Prepared by Modified Sol-gel Method
Authors: Alikhanzadeh-Arani Sima , Salavati-Niasari Masoud , Davar Fatemeh
Published: January 2013

A modified sol-gel synthesis route has been used to prepare the fine homogeneous powder of Sr2CuO3 ceramic using strontium nitrate, copper nitrate, diethylene glycol monobutyl ether and citric acid. XRD patterns showed that the temperature of forming Sr2CuO3 is about 900°C and single phase of Sr2CuO3 with high purity obtains at 950°C. Influence of concentration of citric acid on the structure of prepared materials was investigated by SEM images.
Von Sihanouk bis Pol Pot. Diplomatie und Menschenrechte in den Beziehungen der Bundesrepublik zu Kambodscha (1967–1979)
Authors: Szatkowski Tim
Published: January 2013

Vorspann

Hat die sozial-liberale Bundesregierung 1979 ihre Menschenrechtspolitik kompromittiert, indem sie in den Vereinten Nationen die Regierung der Roten Khmer als legitim anerkannte und nicht diejenige des von Vietnam installierten Heng Samrin? Für den Vertreter der Bundesrepublik in Phnom Penh von 1969 bis 1975 war das ganz eindeutig der Fall. Tim Szatkowski, wissenschaftlicher Mitarbeiter der Aktenedition zur Auswärtigen Politik der Bundesrepublik, untersucht, worauf dieser schwere Vorwurf beruhte und wie sich die bundesdeutschen Beziehungen zu Kambodscha in der für das Land so dramatischen Epoche von 1967 bis 1979 im Spannungsfeld von Kaltem Krieg und Neuer Ostpolitik entwickelten.
Vom immunisierten Volkskörper zum „präventiven Selbst“. Impfen als Biopolitik und soziale Praxis vom Kaiserreich zur Bundesrepublik
Authors: Thießen Malte
Published: January 2013

Vorspann

Impfstoff ist knapp, Impfungen selbst sind nicht ungefährlich und deshalb umstritten. So ist es heute – und so war es im 19. Jahrhundert, als die Präventivmedizin noch in den Kinderschuhen steckte. Malte Thießen, Historiker an der Universität Oldenburg, skizziert die Etappen der langen Impfgeschichte, er bietet in seinem facettenreichen Aufsatz aber sehr viel mehr: Im Zentrum steht der Staat als ambitionierter Akteur umfassender Biopolitik, der zur Immunisierung des „Volkskörpers“ lange auf Zwang setzte. Im „Dritten Reich“ wandelte sich diese Rolle. Neben den Interventionsstaat trat der Appellationsstaat, der das persönliche Verantwortungsgefühl stimulierte und damit – nolens volens – der Herausbildung des Leitbildes vom „präventiven Selbst“ diente, das wir heute kennen.
Antisemitismus und Krankenmord. Zum Umgang mit jüdischen Anstaltspatienten im Nationalsozialismus
Authors: Hinz-Wessels Annette
Published: January 2013

Vorspann

Die Ermordung von über 70.000 Psychiatriepatienten und behinderten Menschen in der „Aktion T4“ seit Anfang 1940 war die erste systematische Massenmordaktion des NS¬ Regimes. Eine Gruppe von Patienten war dabei besonders gefährdet: die Juden. Sie unterlagen einer doppelten Stigmatisierung, der eugenischen und der antisemitischen. Annette Hinz-Wessels vom Institut für Geschichte der Medizin an der Charité hat eingehend die mörderischen Konsequenzen dieser zweifachen Diskriminierung untersucht und belegt, wie in den allermeisten Fällen allein die jüdische Herkunft für die „Verlegung nach unbekannt“ ausschlaggebend war. Die Forschungen von Henry Friedlander fortführend, vertieft und präzisiert sie damit unsere Kenntnis vom Zusammenhang zwischen „Euthanasie“ und „Holocaust“.
Our Environment in Miniature: Dust and the Early Twentieth-Century Forensic Imagination
Authors: Burney Ian
Published: January 2013

This article explores the articulation of the crime scene as a distinct space of theory and practice in the early twentieth century. In particular it focuses on the evidentiary hopes invested in what would at first seem an unpromising forensic object: dust. Ubiquitous and, to the uninitiated, characterless, dust nevertheless featured as an exemplary object of cutting-edge forensic analysis in two contemporary domains: writings of criminologists and works of detective fiction. The article considers how in these texts dust came to mark the furthest reach of a new forensic capacity they were promoting, one that drew freely upon the imagination to invest crime scene traces with meaning.
“Before Our Eyes”: Romantic Historical Fiction and the Apparitions of Reading
Authors: Ferris Ina
Published: January 2013

This essay reads the seminal historical fiction of Walter Scott in conjunction with the medical apparition discourse that flourished in the early nineteenth century. It argues that the tactics of the historical novel in this period are best understood through an “apparitional poetics” that attempts to solve the problem of the historical image.
Excavating the Borders of Literary Anglo-Saxonism in Nineteenth-Century Britain and Australia
Authors: D’arcens Louise , Jones Chris
Published: January 2013

Comparing nineteenth-century British and Australian Anglo-Saxonist literature enables a “decentered” exploration of Anglo-Saxonism’s intersections with national, imperial, and colonial discourses, challenging assumptions that this discourse was an uncritical vehicle of English nationalism and British manifest destiny. Far from reflecting a stable imperial center, evocations of “ancient Englishness” in British literature were polyvalent and self-contesting, while in Australian literature they offered a response to colonization and emerging knowledge about the vast age of Indigenous Australian cultures.
Capture of Complexity of Specialty Care in Pediatric Cardiology by Work RVU Measures
Authors: Bergersen Lisa , Gauvreau Kimberlee , McElhinney Doff , Fenwick Sandra , Kirshner David , Harding Julie , Hickey Patricia , Mayer John , Marshall Audrey
Published: January 2013

OBJECTIVE:

We sought to determine the relationship between relative value units (RVUs) and intended measures of work in catheterization for congenital heart disease.

METHODS:

RVU was determined by matching RVU values to Current Procedural Terminology codes generated for cases performed at a single institution. Differences in median case duration, radiation exposure, adverse events, and RVU values by risk category and cases were assessed. Interventional case types were ranked from lowest to highest median RVU value, and correlations with case duration, radiation dose, and a cases-predicted probability of an adverse event were quantified with the Spearman rank correlation coefficient.

RESULTS:

Between January 2008 and December 2010, 3557 of 4011 cases were identified with an RVU and risk category designation, of which 2982 were assigned a case type. Median RVU values, radiation dose, and case duration increased with procedure risk category. Although all diagnostic cases had similar RVU values (median 10), adverse event rates ranged from 6% to 21% by age group (P < .001). Median RVU values ranged from 9 to 54 with the lowest in diagnostic and biopsy cases and increasing with isolated and then multiple interventions. Among interventional cases, no correlation existed between ranked RVU value and case duration, radiation dose, or adverse event probability (P = .13, P = .62, and P = .43, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS:

Time, skill, and stress inherent to performing catheterization procedures for congenital heart disease are not captured by measurement of RVU alone.
The Science of Early Life Toxic Stress for Pediatric Practice and Advocacy
Authors: Johnson Sara B. , Riley Anne W. , Granger Douglas A. , Riis Jenna
Published: January 2013

Young children who experience toxic stress are at high risk for a number of health outcomes in adulthood, including cardiovascular disease, cancers, asthma, and depression. The American Academy of Pediatrics has recently called on pediatricians, informed by research from molecular biology, genomics, immunology, and neuroscience, to become leaders in science-based strategies to build strong foundations for children’s life-long health. In this report, we provide an overview of the science of toxic stress. We summarize the development of the neuroendocrine-immune network, how its function is altered by early life adversity, and how these alterations then increase vulnerability to disease. The fact that early environments shape and calibrate the functioning of biological systems very early in life is both a cautionary tale about overlooking critical periods in development and reason for optimism about the promise of intervention. Even in the most extreme cases of adversity, well-timed changes to children’s environments can improve outcomes. Pediatricians are in a unique position to contribute to the public discourse on health and social welfare by explaining how factors that seem distal to child health may be the key to some of the most intractable public health problems of our generation. We consider the challenges and opportunities for preventing toxic stress in the context of contemporary pediatric practice.
Promoting Excellence in the Care of Pediatric Endocrine Diseases in the Developing World
Authors: Zacharin Margaret , Chanoine Jean Pierre , Cassorla Fernando , Brink Stuart , Hanas Ragnar , Fideleff Hugo L. , Oduwole Abiola , Shah Nalini , Hochberg Ze’ev ,   on behalf of all 70 Global Pediatric Endocrinology and Diabetes Active Members
Published: January 2013

On behalf of the Global Pediatric Endocrinology and Diabetes group, the authors provide a perspective on the rights of a child as enshrined in the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (1989) concerning the care of pediatric endocrine disorders and diabetes mellitus, throughout the world, with particular reference to care in resource-constrained settings. In this article, we define the spectrum of health care needs of the child with an endocrine disorder and how they may be addressed, in terms of education, research, and development of sustainable programs for improved health outcomes. We emphasize the responsibilities of medical communities, the pharmaceutical industry, and relevant governments in promoting and supporting such concepts.
Disparities in Unmet Need for Care Coordination: The National Survey of Children’s Health
Authors: Toomey Sara L. , Chien Alyna T. , Elliott Marc N. , Ratner Jessica , Schuster Mark A.
Published: January 2013

OBJECTIVE:

To determine (1) the proportion of parents who report a need for and receipt of effective care coordination for their child, (2) whether unmet care coordination needs differ by children with special health care needs (CSHCN) status and sociodemographic characteristics, and (3) whether having a personal provider or family-centered care mitigates disparities.

METHODS:

This study was a cross-sectional analysis of the 2007 National Survey for Children’s Health, a nationally representative survey of 91 642 parents. Outcome measures were parent report of need for and lack of effective care coordination. We also examined the effect of parent report of having a personal provider and family-centered care. We conducted weighted bivariate and multivariate analyses.

RESULTS:

Forty-one percent of parents reported that their child needed care coordination. Among those who needed care coordination, 31% did not receive effective coordination. CSHCN (41%) were more likely than children without special health care needs (26%; P < .001) to have unmet care coordination needs. Latino (40%) and black (37%) children were more likely to have unmet needs than white (27%; P < .001) children. These patterns remained in multivariate analysis. Having a personal provider decreased the odds of having unmet need for care coordination but did not attenuate disparities. Receiving family-centered care mitigated disparities associated with race/ethnicity but not with health status or health insurance.

CONCLUSIONS:

A considerable proportion of parents reported their child needed more care coordination than they received. This was especially true for parents of CSHCN and parents of black and Latino children. Interventions that enhance family-centered care might particularly contribute to reducing racial/ethnic disparities.
Relationship Between the Surface Chemical Composition of Implants and Contact With the Substrate
Authors: Lima da Costa Valente Mariana , Shimano Antonio Carlos , Marcantonio Junior Elcio , Reis Andréa Candido dos
Published: January 2013

The purpose of the study was to use scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive x-ray spectrometry to assess possible morphologic and chemical changes after performing double-insertion and pullout tests of implants of different shapes and surface treatments. Four different types of implants were used—cylindrical machined-surface implants, cylindrical double-surface–treated porous implants, cylindrical surface-treated porous implants, and tapered surface-treated porous implants—representing a total of 32 screws. The implants were inserted into synthetic bone femurs, totaling 8 samples, before performing each insertion with standardized torque. After each pullout the implants were analyzed by scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive x-ray spectrometry using a universal testing machine and magnified 35 times. No structural changes were detected on morphological surface characterization, only substrate accumulation. As for composition, there were concentration differences in the titanium, oxygen, and carbon elements. Implants with surface acid treatment undergo greater superficial changes in chemical composition than machined implants, that is, the greater the contact area of the implant with the substrate, the greater the oxide layer change. In addition, prior manipulation can alter the chemical composition of implants, typically to a greater degree in surface-treated implants.
The Effect of Varying Implant Position in Immediately Loaded Implant-Supported Mandibular Overdentures
Authors: Shaarawy Mohammed A. , Aboelross Ehab M.
Published: January 2013

This study was carried out to evaluate the effect of varying implant position in immediately loaded implant-supported mandibular overdentures on peri-implant bone density, muscle activity, and patient satisfaction. Fourteen completely edentulous patients were selected for the study. After complete denture construction, patients were divided into 2 equal groups. Four dental implants were installed bilaterally in the interforaminal region in the first group, while in the second group, 4 dental implants were inserted bilaterally: 2 in the interforaminal region and 2 in the first molar area. Immediately after suturing, telescopic abutments were screwed to the implants, and the retaining caps were picked up into the fitting surface of the lower denture, which was delivered to the patient. Patients were recalled for radiographic bone density evaluation just after denture delivery and then at 3, 6, and 12 months thereafter. Muscle activities of masseter and temporalis muscles as well as patient satisfaction were also evaluated. The results of the study showed a high success rate approximating 98.2% of the immediately loaded implants. The electromyographic (EMG) records of both muscles in group 1 were significantly higher during chewing hard food after 3 months compared with group 2 (P < .05). Bone density changes were comparable in the 2 groups except at the end of the follow-up period, when group 2 showed a significant increase in peri-implant bone density values of the posteriorly placed implants compared with group 1 (P < .05). From the results of this study, it may be concluded that wide distribution of immediately loaded implants used for supporting mandibular overdentures through posterior placement beyond the interforaminal area results in a favorable response in terms of increased peri-implant bone density as well as decreased EMG activity of masseter and temporalis muscles.
Study on electrochemical performance of carbon-coated LiFePO4
Authors: Wu Aide , Gu Yuan
Published: January 2013

This study discussed the synthesis of LiFePO4/C materials prepared by carbonthermal reduction method and the characterization of obtained composites. X-ray diffraction patterns show the synthesized product is LiFePO4 phase without any existence of impurity. Scanning electron microscopic images show the synthesized LiFePO4 particle is nano sized, and carbon forms a conductive network between LiFePO4 particles. Transmission electron microscopy results indicate carbon successfully coated on the surface of LiFePO4 particles. Raman spectroscopy shows the coated carbon has low degree of graphitization. Compared with pure LiFePO4 samples, LiFePO4/C materials exhibit higher electronic conductivity and better electrochemical properties especially at high rate charge/discharge condition.
Synthesis, characterization and mechanical properties of biodegradable magnesium alloys
Authors: Gill Puneet , Munroe Norman , Datye Amit
Published: January 2013

Metallic materials continue to play an essential role as biomaterials to assist with the repair or replacement of various diseased or damaged parts of an anatomy. Currently approved and commonly used metallic biomaterials, such as stainless steel, titanium, cobalt, chromium and other alloys, are found to have adverse effects leading, in some cases, to mechanical failure and rejection of the implant. The physical or chemical nature of the degradation products of some implants initiates an adverse foreign body reaction in tissue. Some metallic implants remain as permanent fixtures, whereas others such as plates, screws and pins that are used to secure serious fractures are removed by a second surgical procedure after the tissue has healed sufficiently. Repeat surgical procedures increase the cost of health care and the possibility of patient morbidity. The concept of magnesium as a biodegradable implant was first investigated 100 years ago by Payr as an innovative approach to address the aforementioned concerns. In this investigation, three alloys were fabricated by casting technology: Magnesium-Zinc (MgZn), Magnesium-Zinc-Calcium (MgZnCa) and Magnesium-Zinc-Calcium-Gadolinium (MgZnCaGd). The alloys were subjected to metallographic characterization by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). SEM analysis depicted precipitates; some of which occurred along the grain boundaries, whereas XRD depicted the formation of Laves phases. The mechanical properties and surface energy were also determined. Improved mechanical properties were observed with the addition of alloying elements.
Domain structures on (001) and (111) planes in PZN-PT single crystal
Authors: Rahman Mizanur , Cornelis Metselaar Hendrik Simon , Mehrali Mehdi
Published: January 2013

To investigate the effect of dc-bias field on the domain structures, the authors observed polarization–electric field (P-E) hysteresis loop with corresponding multidomain structures on (001)cub and monodomain structures on (111)cub surfaces. The coercive field was found to increase from 4 kV/cm for the (001) to 9 kV/cm for the (111) orientations. Corresponding changes in the area of the hysteresis loops were observed. Piezoelectric coefficient (d33) was found to increase to (a) 860 pC/N for tetragonal, (b) 1255 pC/N for the rhombohedral and (c) 2100 pC/N for the monoclinic phases on (001)cub surface.
X-ray imaging of Al-7at.%Cu during melting and solidification
Authors: Clarke A. J. , Imhoff S. D. , Cooley J. C. , Patterson B. M. , Lee W.-K. , Fezzaa K. , Deriy A. , Tucker T. J. , Katz M. R. , Gibbs P. J. , Clarke K. D. , Field R. D. , Thoma D. J. , Teter D. F.
Published: January 2013

In situ characterization techniques are now affording direct interrogation of opaque materials during synthesis and processing. In this work, synchrotron X-ray radiography and tomography were performed at Argonne National Laboratory’s Advanced Photon Source to monitor metallic alloys during melting and solidification. X-ray radiographs of microstructure evolution in Al-7at.%Cu during continuous heating and cooling were obtained; the influence of cooling rate on microstructure evolution was also explored. X-ray tomography results of solidification progression in the mushy zone are also presented. These results demonstrate that synchrotron X-ray radiography and tomography can nondestructively and sequentially reveal metallic alloy melting and solidification over the micron length scale in 2D and 3D. In situ characterization will permit advances in solidification theory and allow for the development of predictive solidification and microstructure evolution models. Feedback from real-time imaging will ultimately enable in-process parameter adjustments to control microstructure evolution.
Superhydrophobic polystyrene layers filled with silica on glass
Authors: Holysz Lucyna , Terpilowski Konrad , Zarko Vladimir , Chibowski Emil
Published: January 2013

Wetting properties of polystyrene (PS) films with silanized colloidal silica particles as the filler deposited on glass were investigated. The PS powder was dissolved in chloroform and defined amount of the silica was dispersed with a sonicator. The silica particles were silanized to different surface fraction coverage ϑ, that is, ϑ: 1·00, 0·93, 0·68, 0·42 and 0·16. The PS-silica films were then deposited by self-spreading or spin coating and dried at room temperature for 24 h in an open air or in a vacuum. Water advancing and receding contact angles were measured on prepared films by tilted plate method. As high as 150° advancing contact angles were measured for films composed of highly hydrophobic silica. Using the measured advancing and receding contact angles, the film apparent surface free energy was calculated and for the superhydrophobic PS-silica film, ϑ = 0·68, the energy was smaller than 3 mJ/m2. It has been concluded that produced PS films may have practical applications because the “polystyrene glue” adheres strongly to many solid supports. Such films may also play a role in anticorrosion protection.
Soil ingestion, nutrition and the seasonality of anthrax in herbivores of Etosha National Park
Authors: Turner Wendy C. , Imologhome Peace , Havarua Zepee , Kaaya Godwin P. , Mfune John K. E. , Mpofu Irvin D. T. , Getz Wayne M.
Published: January 2013

Anthrax, caused by the bacterium Bacillus anthracis, is a seasonally occurring infectious disease affecting primarily herbivorous wildlife and livestock. The seasonality of anthrax outbreaks varies among locations, making it difficult to develop a single consistent ecological description of this disease. Over 44 years of mortality surveillance, most anthrax cases in Etosha National Park, Namibia are observed in the wet season, although elephants have an anthrax mortality peak in the dry season. Focusing on three host species (plains zebra, Equus quagga; African elephant, Loxodonta africana; and springbok, Antidorcas marsupialis) occupying the endemic anthrax area of Etosha National Park, Namibia, we tested two commonly posited causes of anthrax seasonality in herbivores: increased pathogen exposure due to greater soil contact, and increased host susceptibility due to seasonal nutritional stress. These hypotheses were assessed using fecal sampling and measurement of the percentage of fecal silicates as an index of soil ingestion and fecal nitrogen, phosphorus and crude fiber as nutritional indices. Nutritional quality for all three species was higher in wet than dry seasons. Comparing among wet seasons, nutritional indices showed either a decline in nutrition with increasing rainfall or no significant pattern. All three species had greater soil ingestion in the wet season than the dry season. Higher soil contact during the anthrax peak suggests that anthrax seasonality may in part be due to heightened exposure to B. anthracis in wet seasons, for zebra and springbok. Elephant anthrax deaths do not correspond with the season of increased soil ingestion or grazing, suggesting that other behavioral mechanisms may overshadow foraging‐based risk factors for this species. Nutritional stress is unlikely the primary causative factor in wet season anthrax systems, although nutritional stress sufficient to reduce resistance is difficult to assess non‐invasively in wild herbivores. In contrast, increased soil ingestion may be an important predisposing factor for wet season anthrax outbreaks. Ultimately, the amount of soil ingested and its importance in the transmission of soil‐borne pathogens will vary based on foraging behaviors, intake rates, grassland structure and on the likelihood that foraging areas intersect with pathogen aggregations in the environment.
Modeling Reveals Hidden Conditions That Can Impair Wellbore Stability and Integrity
Authors: Mitchell Robert F. , Sweatman Ronald , Young Gary
Published: January 2013

This paper describes thermal modeling and its combination with drilling fluid analysis to reveal concealed changes in well conditions during various drilling and completion operations. These hidden conditions represent significant changes in the well's drilling and completion fluid temperature, pressure, and density (FTPD) that may help explain wellbore stability and integrity issues.

For example, the model results may allow operators to look for FTPD-related wellbore stability issues where the hole is not circulated and is static for many hours. Deeper wells and those with greater differences between induced and natural temperature and pressure conditions may have dangerous conversions of pressure over-balances into under-balances that can cause pore fluid influx, cross-flow, collapse, and other severe wellbore failures. Long, deep holes that are being circulated may also be modeled to look for FTPD-related issues not revealed by other means. Conditions such as over-balanced pressure and stable rock conditions may actually change to under-balanced pressure and unstable rock conditions with consequences including kicks, solids beds from formation breakouts, flow after cementing, stuck pipe by hole collapse, salt creep acceleration, etc.

A case history is discussed where the prototype model correctly predicted that no formation gas influx would occur during a long static period. A nearby well with similar open-hole conditions experienced a blowout during the same static time period. A comparison of the well's annular pressure measurements to the model's predictions indicated that the pressure changes were thermally induced and were not from a formation pore-pressure source. When the annular pressures subsided as predicted, no gas was found in the annulus. Studies will continue to test the FTPD model in different types of wells, well conditions, and applications for drilling and completion operations, and the prototype model may be modified accordingly.
The Heidelberg Sports Activity Score - A New Instrument to Evaluate Sports Activity
Authors: Seeger JB , Weinmann S , Schmitt H , Bruckner T , Krueger M , Clarius M
Published: January 2013

Objective:

An appropriate measuring instrument for assessing if sports activity changes after a surgical treatment is not available yet. We hypothesised that the Heidelberg Sport Activity Score is a valid and adequate instrument for measuring sport activity in patients before and after operative treatment.

Design:

This retrospective study presents a new score (Heidelberg Sports Activity Score - HAS) for measuring the sport activity in 11 selected sports. Validity, sensitivity and test-retest-reliability have been assessed.

Setting:

The score includes importance of the sports for patients, impairment of the corresponding joint, and frequency and duration of the sporting activities undertaken. The HAS was validated using 3 criteria: external validation, internal comparison of groups and correlation with the Tegner Score.

Patients:

A total of 655 patients were recruited for this study. The inclusion criterion was a planned or already received reconstruction (such as a high tibial osteotomy or implantation of a hip or knee prosthesis). The sport activity of these patients was evaluated before and after treatment.

Main Outcome Measurement:

The mean HAS was 32.1 points preoperatively and 37.0 postoperatively (p=0.017).

Results:

A high correlation was found between the HAS and the Tegner Score (TS) (r=0.729; p=0.010). The Test-Retest- Reliability was performed within a time interval of 2 weeks and a significant correlation of r=0.752 was found (p<0.01). Sensitivity was analysed using a sample of patients before and after high tibial osteotomy.

Conclusions:

The HAS is a new, easy to use, effective and valid measuring instrument for the assessment of sports activity in patients before and after operative treatment.
Arsenic Distribution and Adsorption Behavior in the Sediments of the Daliao River System in China
Authors: Wang Shiliang , Lin Chunye , He Mengchang , Liu Xitao , Liu Shaoqing
Published: January 2013

This study investigated the arsenic (As) distribution and adsorption behavior in sediments of the Daliao River System (DRS). Results indicated that the total As was 2.6–83.1 mg kg−1 in the sediments of the DRS. The pseudo‐first order model and intra‐particle diffusion model give a good fit of the experimental kinetics data for As, indicating that particle diffusion mechanism may not be the rate controlling step while this mechanism is involved. By comparing the zero equilibrium As concentration (EAsCo) with the actual As concentration in the overlying water of the DRS, all the sediments showed a trend of releasing As. Arsenic exhibited strong adsorption on sediment at pH 4.5–7. Arsenic retention by sediment was much enhanced by Ca2+ compared to Na+. More As was desorbed by phosphate at low and high pH extremes. The added or sorbed As was mainly transferred to the specifically sorbed fraction and amorphous Fe (Al) oxyhydroxides bound fraction, indicating Fe oxides are a major sorbent of As in sediment.
Spectral properties of coumarin derivatives in various environments
Authors: Holubekova Alzbeta , Mach Pavel , Urban Jan
Published: January 2013

The structural and spectral properties of coumarin derivatives in complex environments were investigated within the time-dependent density functional theory (TD DFT). Absorption spectra calculations were obtained at TD PBE0/6-31+G(d,p) level of theory for coumarin47 in the gas-phase and in various polar and non-polar organic solvents. The geometries of coumarins 6, 30, 47 and 522 in the gas phase and in inclusion complexes with the β-cyclodextrin (βCD) were determined by PM3 and DFT (HCTH/6-31G) calculations. Encapsulation of coumarin in βCD and associated changes in electronic structure produced either a red or blue shift in the absorption spectra of coumarins. A proposed cavity model for βCD-coumarin complex in water solution allowed identification of various contributions to the overall shift in the absorption spectra of coumarin upon complex formation in a solvent environment
Effect of microwave irradiation on polyphenolic compounds from Satureja hortensis L.
Authors: Lung Ildikó , Soran Maria , Tudoran Cristian , Măruţoiu Constantin
Published: January 2013

Summer savory (Satureja hortensis L.) is most often used as a culinary herb, but it also has medicinal benefits. The extracts from control and irradiated savory were obtained by ultrasound extraction for 30 minutes in an ethanol — water (80:20, v/v) mixture. Polyphenolic compounds from savory were identified and characterized by high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with a photodiode array detector and mass spectrometer. The separation was performed using an Altima C18 column (100×3 mm, 3 μm) and as mobile phase two solvent mixture: A — acetonitrile and B — water-formic acid (99.9:0.1, v/v). Peaks were identified with authentic standards in accordance to retention time, UV spectra and molecular mass. It was identified as caffeic acid, rosmarinic acid, luteolin, naringenin and apigenin. A quantitative determination of polyphenolic compounds was performed applying the external standard method. Our study showed large quantitative differences between the control plant and the irradiated plant.
Silver particles growth by pulse electrolysis in acetonitrile solutions
Authors: Kuntyi Orest , Okhremchuk Yevhen , Bilan’ Oleg , Hapke Julia , Saldan Ivan
Published: January 2013

The morphology of silver particles deposited on ITO-glass surface by pulse electrolysis in acetonitrile solutions of AgNO3 has been analyzed. The influences of potential value (E) as well pulse duration (τon) and pause (τoff) on the size and geometry of the particles has been discussed. It has been shown that in the range of 0.0 ≤ E ≤ −1.5 V at τon = 6 ms and 90 ≤ τoff ≤ 490 ms formation of silver particles (∼20–50 nm) and their agglomeration (∼0.2–2 µm) take place. The tendency to increase size of the particles in 3D has been observed with the increase of cathode potential. Decreasing of duty cycle leads to more discrete deposited particles.
P-Triazinylphosphonium chlorides as a new group of coupling reagents
Authors: Kolesinska Beata , Mrozek Agnieszka , Fraczyk Justyna , Kaminski Zbigniew
Published: January 2013

Tertiary phosphines in reaction with 2-chloro-4,6-dialkoxy-1,3,5-triazines gave unstable quaternary P-triazinylphosphonium chlorides, which readily decomposed with a departure of the alkyl group of the triazine ring substituent. Stable quaternary P-triazinylphosphonium chlorides were obtained only in reaction of 2-chloro-4,6-diphenoxy-1,3,5-triazine. Both, stable quaternary P-triazinylphosphonium chlorides as well unstable analogues prepared in situ activated carboxylic acid yielding “superactive” triazine esters, useful as highly efficient reagents in peptide bond synthesis.
Facile ultrasensitive monitoring of mercury ions in water by fluorescent ratiometric detection
Authors: Dereka Bogdan , Svechkarev Denis , Doroshenko Andrey
Published: January 2013

Prospects for analytical application of 2,5-diphenyloxazole-substituted 3-hydroxychromone for detection of mercury ions are presented. Sensitivity and selectivity for a number of metal ions both in methanol solution and in the plasticized polymer are outlined. Ultrasensitive and highly selective fluorescent ratiometric response of the polymer film containing the title compound for mercury ions in water media is revealed. Reversibility of ratiometric response to mercury ions and influence of plasticizer’s content in the polymer film on the optical feedback are also discussed.
A novel 2-(2-methyl-2-nitrovinyl)-furan ectoparasitic drug: physicochemical characterization and determination of the raw material by gas chromatography mass spectrometry
Authors: Negrin Zenaida , Valdés Yoslainy , Pouron Tania , López Edell , Borges Keyller
Published: January 2013

2-(2-methyl-2-nitrovinyl)-furan (NVF) has recently been synthesized and the pharmaceutical industry interest in this compound has grown due to its antibacterial, fungicidal and anti-ectoparasitic activities. Therefore, the physicochemical characterization of new drug was conducted. In addition, two rapid, simple and suitable GC methods were developed for determination of NVF. Analyses were carried out with an Agilent DB-5ms capillary column (60 m × 0.25 mm i.d., 0.25 µm film thickness). The GC-FID analysis employed splitless mode of injection, oven/injector/detector temperature of 160/230/280°C and nitrogen carrier at the flow of 5.0 mL min−1. The GC-MS analysis employed splitless mode of injection, helium carrier at the flow of 1.5 mL min−1, column temperature program with 2 min at 100°C, ramp at 50°C min−1 to 260°C and injector and detector temperature of 250 and 290°tC, respectively. The MS conditions were ionization voltage, 70 eV; mass range, m/z 40–350; and ion source temperature, 200°C. The analysis time took less than 6 min. The results obtained in the validation of the methods suggest that these methods are economic, precise, accurate and linear over the range of analysis. The methods were successfully employed during the synthesis of NVF in order to ensure the quality of the raw material.
Phase equilibria in the Er-Co-In system and crystal structure of Er8CoIn3 compound
Authors: Dzevenko Mariya , Hamyk Andriy , Tyvanchuk Yuriy , Kalychak Yaroslav
Published: January 2013

Isothermal section of the Er-Co-In system at T = 870 K was constructed by means of X-ray powder diffraction, microstructure, and EDX-analyses. Twelve ternary compounds, namely ErCoIn5 (HoCoGa5-type), Er6Co17.92In14 (Lu6Co17.92In14-type), ErCo4In (MgCu4Sn-type), Er2CoIn8 (Ho2CoGa8-type), Er10Co9In20 (Ho10Ni9In20-type), Er3Co1.87In4 (Lu3Co1.87In4-type), ErCoIn, Er11Co4In9 (Nd11Pd4In9-type), Er11Co3In6, Er8CoIn3 (Pr8CoGa3-type), Er6Co2.19In0.81 (Ho6Co2Ga-type), and Er13.83Co2.88In3.10 (Lu14Co2In3-type) exist in the Er-Co-In system at this temperature. The crystal structure of the Er8CoIn3 compound was determined by means of X-ray powder method (Pr8CoGa3-type, P63mc space group, a = 1.02374(2) nm, c = 0.68759(2) nm). Almost none of the binary compounds dissolve the third component. The exception is the existence of the solid solution based on ErCo3 binary compound, which dissolves up to 8 at.% of In.
Solubilisation of camptothecin by nonionic surfactants and alkyldimethylamine oxides
Authors: Pisárčik Martin , Polakovičová Mája , Devínsky Ferdinand
Published: January 2013

The solubilisation of poorly soluble antineoplastic drug camptothecin by nonionic surfactants (polysorbates and octylphenol ethoxylates) and alkyldimethylamine oxide surfactants with the alkyl chain length 8 to 16 carbon atoms was investigated. The hydrophobicity of the solubilising agent turned out to be the primary structural parameter controlling the solubility efficiency of camptothecin in an aqueous solution. The quantitative parameter of solubilisation (drug loading coefficient) provided values in the range of 0.1–1.2% and 0.1–1.0% for alkyldimethylamine oxides and nonionic surfactants, respectively. The decreasing number of oxyethylene units and the extension of the hydrophobic part of nonionic surfactant molecule resulted in the increase of camptothecin solubility. From the dynamic light scattering measurements, the hydrodynamic diameter values of camptothecin-loaded alkyldimethylamine oxide and nonionic micelles were found in the range of 4–42 nm and 5–120 nm, respectively. The experimental values confirmed the increase in micellar size with the increasing alkyl chain length. The values of the packing parameter of camptothecin-loaded dodecyldimethylamine oxide micelles indicate their spherical shape at all the investigated surfactant concentrations. A simple computer model of camptothecin-loaded dodecyldimethylamine oxide micelle provided the diameter of the structure cross section which is consistent with the experimental values.
Triumphs and Despair -Journey of Health Prospect from Newsletter to Peer Reviewed Journal
Authors: Mishra SR , Katuwal S , Mahato NK
Published: January 2013

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/hprospect.v11i0.7426 Health Prospect 2012;11:26-27