bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Simulations of two-dimensional unbiased polymer translocation using the bond fluctuation model
Authors: Panja Debabrata , Barkema Gerard T.
Published: January 2010

We use the bond fluctuation model (BFM) to study the pore-blockade times of a translocating polymer of length N in two dimensions, in the absence of external forces on the polymer (i.e., unbiased translocation) and hydrodynamic interactions (i.e., the polymer is a Rouse polymer), through a narrow pore. Earlier studies using the BFM concluded that the pore-blockade time scales with polymer length as τd∼Nβ, with β=1+2ν, whereas some recent studies using different polymer models produce results consistent with β=2+ν, originally predicted by us. Here ν is the Flory exponent of the polymer; ν=0.75 in 2D. In this paper we show that for the BFM if the simulations are extended to longer polymers, the purported scaling τd∼N1+2ν ceases to hold. We characterize the finite-size effects, and study the mobility of individual monomers in the BFM. In particular, we find that in the BFM, in the vicinity of the pore the individual monomeric mobilities are heavily suppressed in the direction perpendicular to the membrane. After a modification of the BFM which counters this suppression (but possibly introduces other artifacts in the dynamics), the apparent exponent β increases significantly. Our conclusion is that BFM simulations do not rule out our theoretical prediction for unbiased translocation, namely, β=2+ν.
Quantification of artistic style through sparse coding analysis in the drawings of Pieter Bruegel the Elder
Authors: Hughes James M. , Graham Daniel J. , Rockmore Daniel N.
Published: January 2010

Recently, statistical techniques have been used to assist art historians in the analysis of works of art. We present a novel technique for the quantification of artistic style that utilizes a sparse coding model. Originally developed in vision research, sparse coding models can be trained to represent any image space by maximizing the kurtosis of a representation of an arbitrarily selected image from that space. We apply such an analysis to successfully distinguish a set of authentic drawings by Pieter Bruegel the Elder from another set of well-known Bruegel imitations. We show that our approach, which involves a direct comparison based on a single relevant statistic, offers a natural and potentially more germane alternative to wavelet-based classification techniques that rely on more complicated statistical frameworks. Specifically, we show that our model provides a method capable of discriminating between authentic and imitation Bruegel drawings that numerically outperforms well-known existing approaches. Finally, we discuss the applications and constraints of our technique.
What are the Long-Term Effects of Learning about Racism?
Authors: Kernahan Cyndi , Davis Tricia
Published: January 2010

What happens when a diversity class is over? How does awareness change during the course of the subsequent year? Only a handful of studies have addressed this question, and none has done so by examining the same participants before the class starts, when it is finished, and 1 year later. Our findings showed that although students' awareness and attitudes shifted during a diversity course in psychology (as has been previously shown), some of the changes appear to plateau or even wane in the intervening year. Encouragingly, this is balanced by increased feelings of comfort with racial issues and an apparent increase in interaction with those of other races.
New broadband methods for resonance classification and high-resolution imagery of fish with swimbladders using a modified commercial broadband echosounder
Authors: Stanton Timothy K. , Chu Dezhang , Jech J. Michael , Irish James D.
Published: January 2010

Stanton, T. K., Chu, D., Jech, J. M., and Irish, J. D. 2010. New broadband methods for resonance classification and high-resolution imagery of fish with swimbladders using a modified commercial broadband echosounder. – ICES Journal of Marine Science, 67: 365–378. A commercial acoustic system, originally designed for seafloor applications, has been adapted for studying fish with swimbladders. The towed system contains broadband acoustic channels collectively spanning the frequency range 1.7–100 kHz, with some gaps. Using a pulse-compression technique, the range resolution of the echoes is ∼20 and 3 cm in the lower and upper ranges of the frequencies, respectively, allowing high-resolution imaging of patches and resolving fish near the seafloor. Measuring the swimbladder resonance at the lower frequencies eliminates major ambiguities normally associated with the interpretation of fish echo data: (i) the resonance frequency can be used to estimate the volume of the swimbladder (inferring the size of fish), and (ii) signals at the lower frequencies do not depend strongly on the orientation of the fish. At-sea studies of Atlantic herring demonstrate the potential for routine measurements of fish size and density, with significant improvements in accuracy over traditional high-frequency narrowband echosounders. The system also detected patches of scatterers, presumably zooplankton, at the higher frequencies. New techniques for quantitative use of broadband systems are presented, including broadband calibration and relating target strength and volume-scattering strength to quantities associated with broadband signal processing.
Case study of an inter‐professional and inter‐organisational programme to adapt, implement and evaluate clinical guidelines in secondary care
Authors: Hall Lesley , Eccles Martin
Published: January 2010

This paper describes the implementation of a clinical guideline across three acute Trusts. A Clinical Effectiveness Steering Group identified prevention of venous thromboembolism as a health priority. A local guideline development group adapted the recommendations of an existing review and produced a local guideline. Then, a multidisciplinary implementation group developed the practical aspects of implementing guidelines into routine daily practice. They identified appropriate staff to carry out risk assessment and to administer appropriate prophylaxis, as necessary. They also produced a “guideline pack” containing a training resource manual and implementation aids. Following this a multiple strategy implementation programme was used to introduce the guidelines, and an evaluation was carried out eight to ten months after the introduction of the guidelines. The evaluation identified a number of areas for improving current practice. Guideline implementation is a complex, time‐consuming process.
Structure investigations of ferromagnetic Co‐Ni‐Al alloys obtained by powder metallurgy
Authors: MAZIARZ W. , DUTKIEWICZ J. , LITYŃSKA‐DOBRZYŃSKA L. , SANTAMARTA R. , CESARI E.
Published: January 2010

Elemental powders of Co, Ni and Al in the proper amounts to obtain Co35Ni40Al25 and Co40Ni35Al25 nominal compositions were ball milled in a high‐energy mill for 80 h. After 40 h of milling, the formation of a Co (Ni, Al) solid solution with f.c.c. structure was verified by a change of the original lattice parameter and crystallite size. Analytical transmission electron microscopy observations and X‐ray diffraction measurements of the final Co (Ni, Al) solid solution showed that the crystallite size scattered from 4 to 8 nm and lattice parameter a = 0.36086 nm. The chemical EDS point analysis of the milled powder particles allowed the calculation of the e/a ratio and revealed a high degree of chemical homogeneity of the powders. Hot pressing in vacuum of the milled powders resulted in obtaining compacts with a density of about 70% of the theoretical one. An additional heat treatment increased the density and induced the martensitic transformation in a parent phase. Selected area diffraction patterns and dark field images obtained from the heat‐treated sample revealed small grains around 300 nm in diameter consisting mainly of the ordered γ phase (γ’), often appearing as twins, and a small amount of the L10 ordered martensite.
Transmission electron microscopy study of erbium silicide formation from Ti/Er stack for Schottky contact applications
Authors: RATAJCZAK J. , ŁASZCZ A. , CZERWINSKI A. , KĄTCKI J. , PHILLIPP F. , VAN AKEN P.A. , RECKINGER N. , DUBOIS E.
Published: January 2010

In this paper, we present results of transmission electron microscopy studies on erbium silicide structures fabricated under various thermal conditions. A titanium cap has been used as a protective layer against oxidation during rapid thermal annealing of an erbium layer in a temperature range of 300–700°C. Both layers (200 nm Ti and 25 nm Er) were deposited by electron‐beam sputtering. The investigations have shown that the transformation of the 25‐nm‐thick erbium into erbium silicide is completed after annealing at 500°C. At higher temperatures, the formation of a titanium silicide layer above erbium silicide is observed. The lowest Schottky barrier has been measured in the sample annealed at 700°C.
Exposure to anaesthetic trace gases during general anaesthesia: CobraPLA vs. LMA classic
Authors: SCHEBESTA K. , LORENZ V. , SCHEBESTA E. M. , HÖRAUF K. , GRUBER M. , KIMBERGER O. , CHIARI A. , FRASS M. , KRAFFT P.
Published: January 2010

Background: To prospectively investigate the performance, sealing capacity and operating room (OR) staff exposure to waste anaesthetic gases during the use of the Cobra perilaryngeal airway (CobraPLA) compared with the laryngeal mask airway classic (LMA).

Methods: Sixty patients were randomly assigned to the CobraPLA or the LMA group. Insertion time, number of insertion attempts and airway leak pressures were assessed after induction of anaesthesia. Occupational exposure to nitrous oxide (N2O) and Sevoflurane (SEV) was measured at the anaesthetists' breathing zone and the patients' mouth using a photoacoustic infrared spectrometer.

Results: N2O waste gas concentrations differed significantly in the anaesthetist's breathing zone (11.7±7.2 p.p.m. in CobraPLA vs. 4.1±4.3 p.p.m. in LMA, P=0.03), whereas no difference could be shown in SEV concentrations. Correct CobraPLA positioning was possible in 28 out of 30 patients (more than one attempt necessary in five patients). Correct positioning of the LMA classic was possible in all 30 patients (more than one attempt in three patients). Peak airway pressure was higher in the CobraPLA group (16±3 vs. 14±2 cmH2O, P=0.01). The average leak pressure of the CobraPLA was 24±4 cmH2O, compared with 20±4 cmH2O of the LMA classic (P<0.001; all values means±SD).

Conclusion: Despite higher airway seal pressures, the CobraPLA caused higher intraoperative N2O trace concentrations in the anaesthetists' breathing zone.
Vocal Behavior During Territorial Intrusions in the Lusitanian Toadfish: Boatwhistles Also Function as Territorial ‘Keep‐Out’ Signals
Authors: Vasconcelos Raquel O. , Simões J. Miguel , Almada Vítor C. , Fonseca Paulo J. , Amorim M. Clara P.
Published: January 2010

Male signals are frequently studied in a single behavioral context, but in some cases they may assist multiple functions, namely for both male–male competition and female mate choice. Boatwhistles are known as the mate attraction calls of toadfishes typically produced during the breeding season. However, recent observations with the Lusitanian toadfish Halobatrachus didactylus (Batrachoididae) indicate that the emission of boatwhistles is not restricted to this period, which suggests a function in other behavioral contexts such as agonistic territorial interactions. We experimentally manipulated the social context of toadfish males to investigate whether boatwhistles are produced during territorial defense, by introducing ‘intruders’ in an experimental tank containing nesting ‘resident’ males. Furthermore, we examined whether parental care (eggs in the nest) affected the behavioral responses of resident males during territorial defense. Resident males defended their shelters producing sounds, mostly boatwhistles, towards intruders. Parental males revealed higher aggression levels, exhibiting additional threatening and attack behaviors. Boatwhistles registered during agonistic events were compared with the mate advertising boatwhistles recorded from small aggregations of nesting males in a natural breeding intertidal area. Agonistic boatwhistles were produced in lower and variable calling rates comparing with the advertising ones that were typically emitted in long series of calls. Agonistic boatwhistles were similar in duration and frequency harmonic structure (with a middle tonal phase) to the advertising calls, but presented less amplitude modulation, and lower dominant and fundamental frequencies. These acoustic differences were probably related to differences in calling rates and broadcast demands associated to the distance to the intended receiver. We provide first evidence that, apart from attracting mates, the toadfish boatwhistles also function as active ‘keep‐out’ signals during territorial defense.
Effects of spectrum modification on fatigue crack growth
Authors: KUJAWSKI D. , STOYCHEV S.
Published: January 2010

The purpose of this study was to investigate experimentally the effects associated with modification of a loading spectrum recorded from P‐3 a maritime aircraft on fatigue crack growth behaviour. The material is 2324‐T39 Al alloy widely used in the aircraft industry. Experiments were conducted using the full spectrum and modified versions of it such as only ‘positive’ (no negative loads) or with reduced (clipped) high peaks. The results show that the compressive loads decrease fatigue life of the specimen by ∼300%. Furthermore, by running tests with clipped peaks it was found that the fatigue life was shorten significantly due to reduction of crack growth retardation caused by highest tensile peaks. Multiple tests were conducted in order to establish a scatter in the experimental data under spectrum loads.
Angry White Men: Individual and Contextual Predictors of Support for the British National Party
Authors: Ford Robert , Goodwin Matthew J.
Published: January 2010

The British National party (BNP) is the most successful extreme right party in Britain's electoral history and is the fastest growing political party in twenty-first century Britain. This article presents the first ever individual-level analysis of BNP supporters, utilising a survey data set uniquely compiled for this purpose. We find that support for the BNP is concentrated among older, less educated working-class men living in the declining industrial towns of the North and Midlands regions. This pattern of support is quite distinct from that which underpinned the last electorally relevant extreme right party in Britain – the National Front (NF) – whose base was young working-class men in Greater London and the West Midlands. Extreme right voters in contemporary Britain express exceptionally high levels of anxiety about immigration and disaffection with the mainstream political parties. Multi-level analysis of BNP support shows that the party prospers in areas with low education levels and large Muslim minority populations of Pakistani or African origin. The BNP has succeeded in mobilising a clearly defined support base: middle-aged working-class white men anxious about immigration, threatened by local Muslim communities and hostile to the existing political establishment. We conclude by noting that all the factors underpinning the BNP's emergence – high immigration levels, rising perceptions of identity conflict and the declining strength of the cultural and institutional ties binding voters to the main parties – are likely to persist in the coming years. The BNP therefore looks likely to consolidate itself as a persistent feature of the British political landscape.
Combining Probability Forecasts
Authors: Ranjan Roopesh , Gneiting Tilmann
Published: January 2010

Linear pooling is by far the most popular method for combining probability forecasts. However, any non-trivial weighted average of two or more distinct, calibrated probability forecasts is necessarily uncalibrated and lacks sharpness. In view of this, linear pooling requires recalibration, even in the ideal case in which the individual forecasts are calibrated. Towards this end, we propose a beta-transformed linear opinion pool for the aggregation of probability forecasts from distinct, calibrated or uncalibrated sources. The method fits an optimal non-linearly recalibrated forecast combination, by compositing a beta transform and the traditional linear opinion pool. The technique is illustrated in a simulation example and in a case-study on statistical and National Weather Service probability of precipitation forecasts.
Signed Directed Acyclic Graphs for Causal Inference
Authors: VanderWeele Tyler J. , Robins James M.
Published: January 2010

Formal rules governing signed edges on causal directed acyclic graphs are described and it is shown how these rules can be useful in reasoning about causality. Specifically, the notions of a monotonic effect, a weak monotonic effect and a signed edge are introduced. Results are developed relating these monotonic effects and signed edges to the sign of the causal effect of an intervention in the presence of intermediate variables. The incorporation of signed edges in the directed acyclic graph causal framework furthermore allows for the development of rules governing the relationship between monotonic effects and the sign of the covariance between two variables. It is shown that when certain assumptions about monotonic effects can be made then these results can be used to draw conclusions about the presence of causal effects even when data are missing on confounding variables.
Criteria for Surrogate end Points Based on Causal Distributions
Authors: Ju Chuan , Geng Zhi
Published: January 2010

When a treatment has a positive average causal effect (ACE) on an intermediate variable or surrogate end point which in turn has a positive ACE on a true end point, the treatment may have a negative ACE on the true end point due to the presence of unobserved confounders, which is called the surrogate paradox. A criterion for surrogate end points based on ACEs has recently been proposed to avoid the surrogate paradox. For a continuous or ordinal discrete end point, the distributional causal effect (DCE) may be a more appropriate measure for a causal effect than the ACE. We discuss criteria for surrogate end points based on DCEs. We show that commonly used models, such as generalized linear models and Cox’s proportional hazard models, can make the sign of the DCE of the treatment on the true end point determinable by the sign of the DCE of the treatment on the surrogate even if the models include unobserved confounders. Furthermore, for a general distribution without any assumption of parametric models, we give a sufficient condition for a distributionally consistent surrogate and prove that it is almost necessary.
Yoga lifestyle intervention reduces blood pressure in HIV‐infected adults with cardiovascular disease risk factors*
Authors: Cade WT , Reeds DN , Mondy KE , Overton ET , Grassino J , Tucker S , Bopp C , Laciny E , Hubert S , Lassa‐Claxton S , Yarasheski KE
Published: January 2010

Objective

People living with HIV infection are at increased risk for developing cardiovascular disease (CVD). Safe and effective interventions for lowering CVD risk in HIV infection are high priorities. We conducted a prospective, randomized, controlled study to evaluate whether a yoga lifestyle intervention improves CVD risk factors, virological or immunological status, or quality of life (QOL) in HIV‐infected adults relative to standard of care treatment in a matched control group.

Methods

Sixty HIV‐infected adults with mild–moderate CVD risk were assigned to 20 weeks of supervised yoga practice or standard of care treatment. Baseline and week 20 measures were: 2‐h oral glucose tolerance test with insulin monitoring, body composition, fasting serum lipid/lipoprotein profile, resting blood pressures, CD4 T‐cell count and plasma HIV RNA, and the Medical Outcomes Study Short Form (SF)‐36 health‐related QOL inventory.

Results

Resting systolic and diastolic blood pressures improved more (P=0.04) in the yoga group (−5 ± 2 and −3 ± 1 mmHg, respectively) than in the standard of care group (+1 ± 2 and+2 ± 2 mmHg, respectively). However, there was no greater reduction in body weight, fat mass or proatherogenic lipids, or improvements in glucose tolerance or overall QOL after yoga. Immune and virological status was not adversely affected.

Conclusion

Among traditional lifestyle modifications, yoga is a low‐cost, simple to administer, nonpharmacological, popular behavioural intervention that can lower blood pressure in pre‐hypertensive HIV‐infected adults with mild–moderate CVD risk factors.
Presence of three mycorrhizal genes in the common ancestor of land plants suggests a key role of mycorrhizas in the colonization of land by plants
Authors: Wang Bin , Yeun Li Huey , Xue Jia‐Yu , Liu Yang , Ané Jean‐Michel , Qiu Yin‐Long
Published: January 2010

Commentary p 267
‘A Natural and Voluntary Dependence’: The Royal Academy of San Carlos and the Cultural Politics of Art Education in Mexico City, 1786–1797
Authors: DEANS‐SMITH SUSAN
Published: January 2010

In this article, I explore the controversies that characterised the foundational years of the Royal Academy of San Carlos of Painting, Sculpture, and Architecture in Mexico City (1786–1797). They provide provocative insights into questions of competing agendas and ambitions among the artists and bureaucrats of the royal academy. They also illuminate contemporary understandings about the hierarchical relationships between a metropolitan power, Spain, and its American colonies and their visual culture and artistic production, which mirror broader political hierarchies and relationships of power and subordination.
Separating Sense from Nonsense in the US Debate on the Financial Meltdown
Authors: Coates David
Published: January 2010

The US debate on the causes of the financial meltdown and the policies appropriate for its resolution have a different center of gravity to that prevalent in Western Europe. Free-market solutions continue to be canvassed by conservative and libertarian politicians and political commentators with an intensity that is rarely found elsewhere, reflecting the extent to which a significant minority of American voters and policy makers remain wedded to a principled anti-statism. This article surveys those views, and the rebuttals to them now coming from more center-left elements of the US political class. It argues for the superiority of the latter, while noting that one serious adverse consequence of this positioning of the US debate is its capacity to distract attention from important underlying structural causes of the housing crisis and associated credit crunch.
Markets in a Democracy
Authors: Gould Bryan
Published: January 2010

The global financial – and now economic – crisis has demonstrated that markets, and particularly financial markets, are not self-correcting and that, if left unregulated, they will inevitably overreach themselves and lead to excess. Governments have a duty to regulate markets in the public interest but where (as in the case of recession) markets produce adverse outcomes, governments also have a duty to lean against market logic in order to minimise those outcomes. These lessons extend well beyond purely economic matters. Unregulated markets will inevitably produce social and environmental outcomes that reflect narrow and short-term individual and sectoral interests rather than those of society as a whole. The whole point of democracy is that it allows the less powerful majority to use the power and legitimacy of government to offset and counteract the economic power of a minority. If the market cannot be or is not challenged, democracy itself is weakened, loses its point and forfeits the confidence of the people it is meant to serve.
Case Reports: Physical Therapy Treatment of Persistent Genital Arousal Disorder During Pregnancy: A Case Report
Authors: Rosenbaum Talli Yehuda
Published: January 2010

Introduction

Persistent genital arousal disorder (PGAD) is described as the spontaneous, intrusive, and unwanted genital arousal in the absence of sexual interest and desire. Whether the etiology of this disorder is essentially central or peripheral is unclear; however, a presenting symptom may be persistent engorgement of genital erectile and vascular tissue.

Aim

To describe a case of a distressed 27 year old pregnant woman with symptoms consistent with PGAD, and the intervention leading to the resolution of symptoms.

Methods

A patient with symptoms of PGAD was assessed. Information regarding this condition was offered. A manual therapy treatment was provided to decrease muscle hypertonus near the pudendal nerve, and a home intervention was suggested.

Results

Complete resolution of symptoms per patient’s report 1 week later.

Conclusion

Treatment with pelvic floor manual therapy directed at the pudendal nerve may provide safe and significant relief from PGAD symptoms in a pregnant woman patient.
Getting to (not) guilty: examining jurors' deliberative processes in, and beyond, the context of a mock rape trial
Authors: Ellison Louise , Munro Vanessa E
Published: January 2010

In England and Wales, trial by jury is typically reserved for more serious offences and is by no means the norm of criminal prosecution. Despite this, the jury continues to hold enormous symbolic and practical significance. In a context in which research with ‘real’ juries is prohibited, this paper outlines the findings of a mock study in which members of the public deliberated towards a unanimous verdict, having observed an abbreviated rape trial reconstruction. It reflects on the structural processes (including the use of narrative, the presence of a foreperson and group/inter-personal dynamics) that framed the tone and direction of discussions. In so doing, it generates insight into what may go on behind the closed doors of the jury room in rape cases and – more broadly – highlights the ways in which differently composed juries, when faced with the same scenario, may reach divergent verdicts or embark on radically different routes to reach the same destination. In addition, it explores the extent to which participants, having been directed on appropriate legal tests and burdens of proof, were able to understand and apply these standards; and it reflects on the implications of this in terms of future improvement of the jury trial process, both in rape cases and beyond.
Active Packaging of Fresh Chicken Breast, with Allyl Isothiocyanate (AITC) in Combination with Modified Atmosphere Packaging (MAP) to Control the Growth of Pathogens
Authors: Shin Joongmin , Harte Bruce , Ryser Elliot , Selke Susan
Published: January 2010

ABSTRACT:  Listeria monocytogenes and Salmonella typhimurium are major bacterial pathogens associated with poultry products. Ally isothiocyanate (AITC), a natural antimicrobial compound, is reportedly effective against these pathogenic organisms. A device was designed for the controlled release of AITC with modified atmosphere packaging (MAP), and then evaluated for its ability to control the growth of L. monocytogenes and S. typhimurium on raw chicken breast during refrigerated storage. In order to obtain controlled release during the test period, a glass vial was filled with AITC and triglyceride. It was then sealed using high‐density polyethylene film. The release of AITC was controlled by the concentration (mole fraction) of AITC in the triglyceride and by the AITC vapor permeability through the film. The fresh chicken samples were inoculated with one or the other of the pathogens at 104 CFU/g, and the packages (with and without AITC‐controlled release device) were flushed with ambient air or 30% CO2/70% N2 before sealing, and then stored at 4 °C for up to 21 d. The maximum reduction in MAP plus AITC (compared to MAP alone) was 0.77 log CFU/g for L. monocytogenes and 1.3 log CFU/g for S. typhimurium. The color of the chicken breast meat was affected by the concentration of AITC. Overall, a release rate of 0.6 μg/h of AITC was found to not affect the color, whereas at 1.2 μg/h of AITC the surface of the chicken was discolored.
Quantification of Quercetin Glycosides in 6 Onion Cultivars and Comparisons of Hydrolysis‐HPLC and Spectrophotometric Methods in Measuring Total Quercetin Concentrations
Authors: Yoo Kil Sun , Lee Eun Jin , Patil Bhimanagouda S.
Published: January 2010

ABSTRACT:  This study was performed to purify and quantify quercetin glycosides (QG) and aglycone (free) quercetin (Q) in 6 selected onion cultivars and to compare analytical approaches based on high‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and spectrophotometry for the quantification of total quercetin (TQ) concentrations. Individual mono‐ and di‐glycoside Q compounds were purified using a semipreparative HPLC and identified by comparing spectral data and by confirming corresponding peaks of QG and Q after incomplete enzyme‐hydrolysis. Purified QG were quantified as Q by enzyme‐hydrolysis/HPLC. TQ concentrations obtained from 20 onion bulbs with enzyme‐hydrolysis/HPLC, no‐hydrolysis/HPLC, and a spectrophotometric method without prior hydrolysis were significantly correlated (r2= 0.99) and were about 15% higher, identical, or 10% less than those concentrations by a standard acid‐hydrolysis/HPLC method, respectively. During enzyme‐hydrolysis of onion extracts, progressive reduction of the QG and formation of the corresponding mono‐glycosides and Q were monitored using an analytical HPLC. TQ ranged from 83 to 330 μg/g F.W. in 6 selected cultivars of long‐day or short‐day onions. Q3,4′G and Q4′G were the 2 major compounds and comprised approximately between 94% and 97% of TQ in onions.
An assay for screening microbial cultures for chalkophore production
Authors: Yoon Sukhwan , Kraemer Stephan M. , DiSpirito Alan A. , Semrau Jeremy D.
Published: January 2010

Methanotrophs, bacteria that utilize methane as their sole carbon and energy source, are known to have high requirements for copper. These bacteria have recently been found to synthesize a copper‐chelating agent, or chalkophore, termed methanobactin. To aid in screening methanobactin production by methanotrophs, a plate assay developed from the chrome azurol S (CAS) assay for siderophore production, was modified. In the typical CAS assay, a colour change from blue to orange in iron–CAS plates is observed as iron (III) ion weakly bound to CAS is sequestered by siderophores with higher affinities. In our modified assay, iron (III) chloride of the original CAS solution was substituted with copper (II) chloride, and removal of copper from CAS caused a colour change from blue to yellow. Assay results indicated that of the four tested methanotrophs (Methylosinus trichosporium OB3b, Methylococcus capsulatus Bath, Methylomicrobium album BG8 and Methylocystis parvus OBBP), only M. trichosporium OB3b, M. capsulatus Bath and M. album BG8 produced chalkophores capable of competing with CAS for copper, while M. parvus OBBP did not or did not export sufficient concentrations of methanobactin for detection by this assay. It was also found using Fe–CAS plates that at least M. trichosporium OB3b and M. album BG8 produce siderophores. These results may be expanded for the detection of chalkophores in other microorganisms as well as for screening of putative mutants of chalkophore synthesis.
Investigations on Multimode Heat Transfer From a Heated Vertical Plate
Authors: Krishna Sabareesh R. , Prasanna S. , Venkateshan S. P.
Published: January 2010

The interaction of surface radiation and conduction with natural convection heat transfer from a vertical flat plate assembly, with an embedded heater, has been investigated, both experimentally (using differential interferometer) and numerically (using FLUENT), in the present work. In the absence of radiation, the asymptotic limits that can be attained by the heated plate are isothermal and isoflux conditions. High values of plate thermal conductivity tend to make the surface isothermal, where as, lower values of thermal conductivity tend to make it isoflux. Irrespective of the thermal conductivity of the plate, an increase in the emissivity reduces the average temperature of the plate and brings the plate toward isothermal condition. A new methodology has also been proposed to determine the thermophysical properties, emissivity and thermal conductivity, the consistency of which is tested by carrying out experiments for various heat inputs and comparing the estimated values with those available in literature.
Confocal Microscopy for Capillary Film Measurements in a Flat Plate Heat Pipe
Authors: Lefèvre Frédéric , Rullière Romuald , Lips Stéphane , Bonjour Jocelyn
Published: January 2010

This paper aims to show how confocal microscopy can be useful for characterizing menisci in a flat plate heat pipe made of silicon. The capillary structure is made of radial microgrooves whose width decreases from the periphery to the center of the system. A transparent plate is used to close the system and allow visualizations. The confocal method allows measuring both the liquid film shape inside the grooves and the condensate films on the fins. The film thickness is lower than 10 μm. The measurements show that the condensate film forms a drop connected to the meniscus in the grooves but their curvatures are reversed. As a result, a very thin region shall exist where the liquid formed by condensation is drained to the grooves. The drop curvature radius decreases from the condenser to the evaporator like the meniscus radius in the grooves. Therefore, a small part of the liquid is drained by the fins from the evaporator to the condenser. Furthermore, the condensate film covers a large part of the system and can also be in contact with the evaporator at high heat fluxes.
Heat Transfer Characterization of Two Isothermal Circular Cylinders in Proximity
Authors: Han Taeheon , Yang Kyung-Soo , Lee Kyongjun
Published: January 2010

Heat transfer on two nearby isothermal circular cylinders of equal diameter immersed in a uniform crossflow at Re=120 and Pr=0.7 was numerically studied. We consider all possible arrangements of the two cylinders in terms of the distance between the two cylinders and the inclination angle with respect to the direction of the main flow. It turns out that significant changes in the characteristics of heat transfer are noticed depending on how they are positioned, resulting in quantitative changes in heat transfer coefficients of both cylinders. Collecting all of the numerical results obtained, we propose a contour diagram for averaged Nusselt number for each of the two cylinders. The geometrical symmetry implied in the flow configuration allows one to use those diagrams to estimate heat transfer rates on two isothermal circular cylinders of equal diameter arbitrarily positioned in physical space with respect to the main flow direction.
Analysis
of Bioheat Transport Through a Dual Layer Biological
Media
Authors: Mahjoob Shadi , Vafai Kambiz
Published: January 2010

A comprehensive analysis of bioheat transport through a double layer and multilayer biological media is presented in this work. Analytical solutions have been developed for blood and tissue phase temperatures and overall heat exchange correlations, incorporating thermal conduction in tissue and vascular system, blood-tissue convective heat exchange, metabolic heat generation, and imposed heat flux, utilizing both local thermal nonequilibrium and equilibrium models in porous media theory. Detailed solutions as well as Nusselt number distributions are given, for the first time, for two primary conditions, namely, isolated core region and uniform core temperature. The solutions incorporate the pertinent effective parameters for each layer, such as volume fraction of the vascular space, ratio of the blood, and the tissue matrix thermal conductivities, interfacial blood-tissue heat exchange, tissue/organ depth, arterial flow rate and temperature, body core temperature, imposed hyperthermia heat flux, metabolic heat generation, and blood physical properties. Interface temperature profiles are also obtained based on the continuity of temperature and heat flux through the interface and the physics of the problem. Comparisons between these analytical solutions and limiting cases from previous works display an excellent agreement. These analytical solutions establish a comprehensive presentation of bioheat transport, which can be used to clarify various physical phenomena as well as establishing a detailed benchmark for future works in this area.
Stress Corrosion Crack Shape Development Using AFEA
Authors: Rudland D. , Csontos A. , Shim D.-J.
Published: January 2010

Typical ASME Section XI subcritical cracking analyses assume an idealized flaw shape driven by stress intensity factors developed for semi-elliptical shaped flaws. Recent advanced finite element analyses (AFEA) conducted by both the United States Nuclear Regulatory Commission (U.S.NRC) and the nuclear industry for long circumferential indications found in the pressurizer nozzle dissimilar metal welds at the Wolf Creek power plant suggest that the semi-elliptical flaw assumption may be overly conservative in some cases. The AFEA methodology that was developed allowed the progression of a planar flaw subjected to typical stress corrosion cracking (SCC)-type growth laws by calculating stress intensity factors at every nodal point along the crack front, and incrementally advancing the crack front in a more natural manner. Typically, crack growth analyses increment the semi-elliptical flaw by considering only the stress intensity factor at the deepest and surface locations along the crack front, while keeping the flaw shape semi-elliptical. In this paper, a brief background to the AFEA methodology and the analyses conducted in the Wolf Creek effort will be discussed. In addition, the predicted behavior of surface cracks under normal operating conditions (plus welding residual stress) using AFEA will be investigated and compared with the semi-elliptical assumption. Conclusions on the observation of when semi-elliptical flaw assumptions are appropriate will be made. These observations will add insight into the conservatism of using an idealized flaw shape assumption.
Rules for the Assessment of Interacting Cracks Under Creep Conditions
Authors: Xuan Fu-Zhen , Si Jun , Tu Shan-Tung
Published: January 2010

Multiple interacting cracks are generally treated as an enveloping single crack if the prescribed criterion is satisfied in the current fitness-for-service codes. To examine the applicability of the existing criteria under creep regime, in this report, creep crack interaction effects of plates containing collinear cracks or parallel cracks are first analyzed under the framework of reference stress method and finite element computations. An equivalent crack growth rate criterion is then proposed to develop a congruous multiple crack treatment rule for different growth mechanisms. The current combination rule for multiple cracks is examined and modified in terms of the proposed new criterion. The results reveal that the creep crack interaction factor is a combined function of creep exponent n of materials, limit load ratio of cracked structures, and interaction of stress intensity factor. More pronounced interaction is observed for both interacting cracks in the same plane and that in different planes. Although a higher intensity of creep crack interaction is observed, a greater value of γcreep is permissible compared with that of linear-elastic crack interaction denoted by SIF. Accordingly, a modified combination rule for collinear cracks of S/a=3.0 is proposed to exclude the nonconservativeness, while the current alignment rule for offset parallel cracks of H/a=2.0 is still practicable in terms of the proposed criterion.
Effects of Structural Perturbations on Strain Growth in Containment Vessels
Authors: Dong Q. , Li Q. M. , Zheng J. Y. , Hu B. Y.
Published: January 2010

Strain growth is a phenomenon observed in the elastic response of containment vessels subjected to internal blast loading. The local dynamic response of a containment vessel may become larger in a later stage than its response in the initial breathing mode response stage. It has been reported in our previous study that bending modes may be excited after several cycles of breathing mode vibration, due to the dynamic instability in cylindrical and spherical shells without structural perturbations. The nonlinear modal coupling between the breathing mode and the excited bending mode is one of the causes for the strain growth observed in containment vessels. In this study, we demonstrate that, due to the existence of structural perturbations, various vibration modes may be excited in containment vessels in earlier response stage before the occurrence of nonlinear modal coupling. The linear superposition of the breathing mode and the vibration modes excited by structural perturbations may cause larger response than the pure breathing mode response, which is a different strain growth mechanism from the nonlinear modal coupling. In the later response stage when the nonlinear modal coupling happens, not only the breathing mode, but also the vibration modes excited by structural perturbations will interact nonlinearly with the bending modes excited by dynamic unstable vibration. Dynamic nonlinear finite element program, LS-DYNA, is employed to understand the effects of structural perturbations on strain growth in containment vessels subjected to internal blast loading.
Fluid Pressures on Unanchored Rigid Flat-Bottom Cylindrical Tanks Under Action of Uplifting Acceleration
Authors: Taniguchi Tomoyo , Ando Yoshinori
Published: January 2010

To protect flat-bottom cylindrical tanks against severe damage from uplift motion, accurate evaluation of accompanying fluid pressures is indispensable. This paper presents a mathematical solution for evaluating the fluid pressure on a rigid flat-bottom cylindrical tank in the same manner as the procedure outlined and discussed previously by the authors (Taniguchi, T., and Ando, Y., 2010, “Fluid Pressures on Unanchored Rigid Rectangular Tanks Under Action of Uplifting Acceleration,” ASME J. Pressure Vessel Technol., 132(1), p. 011801). With perfect fluid and velocity potential assumed, the Laplace equation in cylindrical coordinates gives a continuity equation, while fluid velocity imparted by the displacement (and its time derivatives) of the shell and bottom plate of the tank defines boundary conditions. The velocity potential is solved with the Fourier–Bessel expansion, and its derivative, with respect to time, gives the fluid pressure at an arbitrary point inside the tank. In practice, designers have to calculate the fluid pressure on the tank whose perimeter of the bottom plate lifts off the ground like a crescent in plan view. However, the asymmetric boundary condition given by the fluid velocity imparted by the deformation of the crescent-like uplift region at the bottom cannot be expressed properly in cylindrical coordinates. This paper examines applicability of a slice model, which is a rigid rectangular tank with a unit depth vertically sliced out of a rigid flat-bottom cylindrical tank with a certain deviation from (in parallel to) the center line of the tank. A mathematical solution for evaluating the fluid pressure on a rigid flat-bottom cylindrical tank accompanying the angular acceleration acting on the pivoting bottom edge of the tank is given by an explicit function of a dimensional variable of the tank, but with Fourier series. It well converges with a few first terms of the Fourier series and accurately calculates the values of the fluid pressure on the tank. In addition, the slice model approximates well the values of the fluid pressure on the shell of a rigid flat-bottom cylindrical tank for any points deviated from the center line. For the designers’ convenience, diagrams that depict the fluid pressures normalized by the maximum tangential acceleration given by the product of the angular acceleration and diagonals of the tank are also presented. The proposed mathematical and graphical methods are cost effective and aid in the design of the flat-bottom cylindrical tanks that allow the uplifting of the bottom plate.
Optimization of a Weld Overlay on a Plate Structure
Authors: Goldak John , Asadi Mahyar , Zhou Jianguo , Tchernov Stanislav , Downey Dan
Published: January 2010

An overlay weld repair procedure on a 1066.8×1066.8 mm2 square plate 25.4 mm thick was simulated to compute the 3D transient temperature, microstructure, strain, stress, and displacement of the overlay weld repair procedure. The application for the overlay was the repair of cavitation erosion damage on a large Francis turbine used in a hydroelectric project. The overlay weld consisted of a 4×6 pattern of 100×100 mm2 squares. Each square was covered by 15 weld passes. Each weld pass was 100 mm long. The total length of weld in the six squares was 36 m. The welds in each square were oriented either front-to-back or left-to-right. The welding process was shielded metal arc. The analysis shows that alternating the welding direction in each square produces the least distortion. A delay time of 950 s between the end of one weld pass and the start of the next weld pass was imposed to meet the requirement of a maximum interpass temperature to 50°C.
Design of an efficient music-speech discriminator
Authors: Tardón Lorenzo J. , Sammartino Simone , Barbancho Isabel
Published: January 2010

In this paper, the problem of the design of a simple and efficient music-speech discriminator for large audio data sets in which advanced music playing techniques are taught and voice and music are intrinsically interleaved is addressed. In the process, a number of features used in speech-music discrimination are defined and evaluated over the available data set. Specifically, the data set contains pieces of classical music played with different and unspecified instruments (or even lyrics) and the voice of a teacher (a top music performer) or even the overlapped voice of the translator and other persons. After an initial test of the performance of the features implemented, a selection process is started, which takes into account the type of classifier selected beforehand, to achieve good discrimination performance and computational efficiency, as shown in the experiments. The discrimination application has been defined and tested on a large data set supplied by Fundación Albéniz, containing a large variety of classical music pieces played with different instrument, which include comments and speeches of famous performers.
Effect of age at onset of deafness on binaural sensitivity in electric hearing in humans
Authors: Litovsky Ruth Y. , Jones Gary L. , Agrawal Smita , van Hoesel Richard
Published: January 2010

Sensitivity to binaural cues was studied in 11 bilateral cochlear implant users, all of whom received both of their cochlear implants as adults, but who varied in the age at onset of deafness, from pre-lingual to childhood-onset to adult-onset. Sensitivity to interaural timing difference (ITD) and interaural level difference (ILD) cues was measured at basal, middle, and apical pitch-matched places of stimulation along the cochlear arrays, using a stimulation rate of 100Hz. Results show that there is a trend for people whose onset of deafness occurred during adult life or late childhood to retain at least some sensitivity to ITDs, whereas people with onset of deafness earlier in life were insensitive to ITDs. In contrast, ILD cue sensitivity was present in all subjects. There were no effects of place of stimulation on binaural sensitivity, suggesting that there is no indication of a dependence of ITD sensitivity on apical vs basal electrode location.