bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A 500 Bar Gaseous Oxygen Impact Test Apparatus for Burn-Out Testing of Oxygen Equipment
Authors: Binder C , Kieper G , Herrmann P
Published: March 2009

Gaseous oxygen impacts may occur in high-pressure oxygen systems whenever oxygen equipment is pressurized too fast. This is one of the main causes of fires in such systems. Therefore, equipment for high-pressure oxygen that contains nonmetallic sealing materials should be tested for burn-out safety. This is required by numerous international standards such as ISO, CEN or national standards as DIN in Germany. Because of new technical developments in industrial uses of oxygen, higher operating pressures up to 500 bar are becoming more and more frequent. With regard to this need, a new 500 bar gaseous oxygen impact tester has been designed and built at the Federal Institute for Materials Research and Testing (BAM) in Berlin (Germany). This paper describes all elements of this test system. The most important element of this BAM test apparatus is a new hydraulically operated quick opening valve that meets all international standards. First experiences on performance and maintenance of the new test apparatus are given.
Shoreline Oiling Conditions in Prince William Sound Following the Exxon Valdez Oil Spill
Authors: Neff JM , Owens EH , Stoker SW , McCormick DM
Published: March 2009

Following the Exxon Valdez oil spill of March 24, 1989, in Prince William Sound, Alaska, Exxon conducted comprehensive, systematic shoreline surveys in cooperation with federal and state authorities to obtain information on the distribution and magnitude of shoreline oiling and to identify natural and cultural resources requiring special protection. Similar joint surveys were performed during the springs of 1990, 1991, and 1992 on all Prince William Sound and Gulf of Alaska shorelines that were suspected of having remnants of weathered oil and that would benefit from further cleanup.

The extent of oiling declined substantially between 1989 and 1992: in 1989, survey teams found oil on about 16% (783 km) of the approximately 5 000 km of shoreline in Prince William Sound; in the spring of 1991, they found oil on about 96 km; and, in May 1992, on only about 10 km of shoreline in the sound. During this period, most of the oil was located in the biologically least productive upper intertidal and supratidal zones.

In the springs of 1990, 1991, and 1992, isolated pockets of subsurface oil were found, chiefly in small scattered zones in coarse cobble/boulder sediments in the upper intertidal or supratidal zones. In 1991, about one-third of the subdivisions in Prince William Sound with surface oil also contained some subsurface oil. The areal extent of this subsurface oil declined by nearly 70% between 1991 and 1992, from about 37 000m2 to about 12 000m2. Moreover, where subsurface oil remained in 1992, it was present in lesser amounts.

Rates of oil removal were greatest on coastal sections treated early in the spring and summer of 1989. Where shoreline treatment was delayed, the subsequent rate of removal of oil from the shore by natural processes was slower.
Absolute Längenmessungen mittels optischer Interferometrie – Rückführbarkeit auf das Meter nach SIAbsolute Length Measurement by Means of Optical Interferometry – Traceability to the SI Meter
Authors: Schödel René , Meiners-Hagen Karl , Nicolaus Arnold , Abou-Zeid Ahmed
Published: March 2009

In diesem Beitrag wird die Realisierung absoluter Längenmessungen und die Rückführung auf die SI-Basiseinheit Meter beschrieben. Es werden die wichtigsten Einflussgrößen auf gemessene Längen von Maßverkörperungen und auf Entfernungen freier Strecken diskutiert. Beispiele aus verschiedenen Bereichen zeigen die Fortschritte der letzten Jahre in der interferentiellen Längenmessung der PTB.
Hecate-CGβ conjugate and gonadotropin suppression shows two distinct mechanisms of action in the treatment of adrenocortical tumors in transgenic mice expressing Simian Virus 40 T antigen under inhibin-α promoter
Authors: Vuorenoja Susanna , Mohanty Bidut Prava , Arola Johanna , Huhtaniemi Ilpo , Toppari Jorma , Rahman Nafis A
Published: March 2009

Lytic peptide Hecate (23-amino acid (AA)) fused with a 15-AA fragment of human chorionic gonadotropin-β (CG-β), Hecate-CGβ conjugate (H-CGβ-c) selectively binds to and destroys tumor cells expressing LH/chorionic gonadotropin receptor (Lhcgr). Transgenic mice (6.5 month old) expressing SV40 T-antigen under the inhibin-α promoter (inhα/Tag) presenting with Lhcgr expressing adrenal tumors were treated either with H-CGβ-c, GnRH antagonist (GnRH-a), estradiol (E2; only females) or their combinations for 1 month. We expected that GnRH-a or E2 in combination with H-CGβ-c could improve the treatment efficacy especially in females by decreasing circulating LH and eliminating the potential competition of serum LH with the H-CGβ-c. GnRH-a and H-CGβ-c treatments were successful in males (adrenal weights 14±2.8 mg and 60±26 vs 237±59 mg in controls; P<0.05). Histopathologically, GnRH-a apparently destroyed the adrenal parenchyma leaving only the fibrotic capsule with few necrotic foci. In females, H-CGβ-c was totally ineffective, whereas GnRH-a (19±5 mg) or E2 (77±50 mg) significantly reduced the adrenal weights compared with controls (330±70 mg). Adrenal morphometry, cell proliferation markers, post-treatment suppression of serum progesterone, and quantitative RT-PCR of GATA-4, Lhcgr, and GATA-6 further supported the positive outcome. H-CGβ-c selectively killed the Lhcgr expressing tumor cells, whereas GnRH-a blocked tumor progression through gonadotropin suppression, emphasizing the gonadotropin dependency of these adrenocortical tumors. If extrapolated to humans, H-CGβ-c could be considered for the treatment of gonadotropin-dependent adrenal tumors in males, whereas in females gonadotropin suppression, but not H-CGβ-c, would work better.
Optimum superplasticiser dosage and aggregate proportions for SCC
Authors: Kwan A.K.H. , Ng I.Y.T.
Published: March 2009

An experimental study has been carried out to investigate the effect of superplasticiser dosage on the performance of self-consolidating concrete (SCC). Seven concrete mixes with water/cement (w/c) ratios ranging from 0·35 to 0·45 and fine/total (F/T) aggregate ratios ranging from 0·40 to 0·60 were designed and 42 batches of concrete containing different dosages of superplasticiser were produced. The workability, passing and filling abilities, and segregation stability of the concrete produced were measured using the slump flow, U-box, and sieve segregation tests respectively. For each concrete mix designed, the superplasticiser dosages for maximum slump flow without segregation and maximum filling height were determined. It was found that the maximum performance of the concrete mix and the respective required superplasticiser dosage are dependent on the w/c and F/T aggregate ratios. In general, increasing the F/T aggregate ratio would improve the maximum performance but would also increase the superplasticiser dosage needed. Lastly, the robustness of each concrete mix was evaluated quantitatively as the range of superplasticiser dosage or slump flow satisfying all requirements for SCC. Based on these results, the optimum superplasticiser dosage for maximum robustness of each concrete mix was determined.
Influence of reinforcement distribution in the corrosive process of reinforced concrete beams
Authors: Aveldaño R.R. , Ortega N.F.
Published: March 2009

The current paper presents results from an experimental study monitoring the behaviour of reinforced concrete beams with different reinforcement dispositions (stirrups and main longitudinal reinforcement) that have undergone a galvanostatic process of accelerated corrosion. The changes in the cracking of the concrete cover in beams with different spacing of stirrups are comparatively analysed. In the same way, several dispositions of the main reinforcement are analysed (keeping the section constant). Some assembly criteria are to be considered by designers of concrete structures, as an additional parameter that should be taken into account besides those traditionally considered, to minimise the cracking that originates in the corrosion of the beams by limiting the presence of aggressive agents that may enhance the corrosive process.
Could localized warm areas inside cold caves reduce mortality of hibernating bats affected by white‐nose syndrome?
Authors: Boyles Justin G , Willis Craig KR
Published: March 2009

White‐nose syndrome (WNS) is a mysterious condition affecting populations of hibernating bats in the northeastern US. Little is known about its physiological effects on bats and no intervention has so far been proposed to slow associated mortality. We use an individual‐based population model to examine how disruption of normal hibernation or pre‐hibernation physiology could lead to the pattern of mortality that has been observed. We present evidence that artificial warming of localized areas within hibernacula could increase survival of WNS‐affected bats during winter by lessening the energetic costs of periodic arousals. The model suggests that localized thermal refugia of 28°C could improve survival by up to 75%, depending on how WNS acts to disrupt energy balance. This approach has yet to be tested, but it could serve as a stopgap measure to slow population declines until a solution is found, or to preserve remnant bat populations if WNS becomes ubiquitous throughout the ranges of affected species.
Integrated Method for Designing Valuable Flexibility in Oil Development Projects
Authors: Babajide Abisoye , de Neufville Richard , Cardin Michel-Alexandre
Published: March 2009

This paper presents an integrated method for identifying and inserting valuable flexibility into major projects. It builds upon recent work that (1) documents how errors in estimates can bias the selection of design concepts, (2) shows how concept flexibility can improve the project performance, and (3) usefully illustrates the probability distribution of outcomes. It involves: (1) developing and evaluating a base case design, (2) exploring the outcomes this design might generate, (3) identifying opportunities for flexible design, and (4) evaluating and selecting the most valuable flexibility to incorporate into the design. It embodies a paradigmatic change in the way designers deal with uncertainty: instead of basing a design on fixed assumptions and then testing its sensitivity to risks, the approach recognizes risks in the design process and thereby develops valuable flexibility that increases the expected value of projects. A case study of an oil platform development in the Gulf of Mexico demonstrates the method.
Submarine Debris Flow Impact on Pipelines: Numerical Modeling of Drag Forces for Mitigation and Control Measures
Authors: Zakeri Arash , Höeg Kaare , Nadim Farrokh
Published: March 2009

Provision of mitigative and control measures are necessary for a pipeline to survive in a debris flow event, but the forces in the soil-structure interaction must be estimated for the design. Based on physical experiments in a flume and numerical analyses, this paper presents a method for estimating the impact drag force on laid-on-seafloor and suspended (free-span) pipelines. The method may be applied in practice to a wide range of debris flow impact situations. Two conceptual mitigative and control measures for design against submarine debris flow impact are discussed: the berm-protected laid-on-seafloor pipeline and the cable-controlled pipeline system. The latter may be applied to both the pipeline-on-seafloor and suspended pipeline situations. The observations from a laboratory flume experiment with a model pipe protected by an upstream berm, as well as complementary computational fluid dynamics (CFD) numerical analyses results are presented. The results from the flume experiment show that there is a possibility to protect a pipeline provided the protective structure can withstand the basal shear and lift forces induced by the water and debris flows on its surfaces. The results may be used for conceptual and preliminary design purposes, and the analysis methodology may be tailored to other situations or the detailed design. The feasibility of the two conceptual mitigative and control measures is briefly discussed.
Economic Performance of Alternative Tillage Systems in the Northern Corn Belt
Authors: Archer David W. , Reicosky Donald C.
Published: March 2009

While no‐till (NT) cropping systems can provide conservation benefits in the northern Corn Belt, adoption has been low due to concerns about potential yield reductions and economic risk. Strip‐tillage (ST) systems have been proposed as an alternative that may provide many of the conservation benefits of NT while maintaining productivity and economic returns. The objectives of this study were to evaluate the effects of NT and five ST alternatives: fall residue management (Fall RM), Fall RM + ST, spring residue management (Spring RM), Spring RM + ST, and Fall RM + Subsoil, relative to conventional moldboard plow (MP) and chisel plow (CP) tillage systems on corn (Zea mays L.) and soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] yields and economic risks and returns. Average yields over the 7‐yr study were not significantly different among tillage systems, but average net returns for NT, Fall RM, and Spring RM were $85, 92, and 53 ha−1 higher, respectively, than for MP. Risk analysis showed tillage system preferences ranked as: Fall RM > NT > Fall RM + ST > Spring RM + ST, Spring RM > CP > Fall RM + Subsoil > MP for risk neutral or risk averse producers facing uncertain yield, crop price, and input price conditions. Thus, ST and NT may be economically viable alternatives to conventional tillage systems for corn and soybean production in the northern Corn Belt.
Sensitivity and specificity of troponin t in diagnosis of acute myocardial infarction
Authors: Pejovic Janko , Majkic-Singh Nada , Gligic Branko , Boskovic Branko
Published: March 2009

Lately, in the diagnosis of acute myocardial infarction (MI), special attention is paid to the study of small molecular weight proteins, representing the strucrutal components of cardial muscle controctile proteins, such as cardial troponin T (cTnT). Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine and compare the specificity and sensitivity of cTnT myoglobine and the activity of standard tested enzymes such as: creatine kinase (CK), CK MB isoenzymes and lactic delytrogenase (LDH) in early diagnosis of acute MI. The study concerned the four groups of patients. The first group consisted of healty blood donors (n = 105), the second of patients with verified acute MI (n = 30), the third of a patients with polytrauma (n = 30), and the fourth of patients with cardiovascular diseases with no proved MI (n = 30). For the determination of cTnT level, the commercial Eleccys Troponin T STAT test was used (third generation), Boehringer Mannheim company, based on ECLIA (tehnique of electrochemical luminiscent analysis), designated for the work with automated analysis Elecsys 2010. The concentration of myoglobine (Mi) was determined by immunoturbiometric method, while the activity of other enzymes was determined by the standard IFCC methods with biochemical analyser HITACHI 911, Boehringer Manheim, and with original test reagents. The reference values of blood donor individuals found in the blood ranged from 0.01 to 0.028 ng/mL. In the group of patients with acute MI, biochemical markers (cTnT, CK, CK MB, Mi and LDH) were determined as soon as the material was received by the 24 h service and 4, 8 16, 24, 48, 72, 96, 120, 144, 168, 192 and 216 hours later. In patients with polytrauma the markers were tested 8 hours after surgery and in patients with other cardiovascular deseases with non documented acute MI immediattely after admission, and 4, 8, 16 and 24 hours later. The level of cTnT in patients with proved acute MI was increased at the first testing after admission. The highest values were found at hour 16, gradually declining thereafter, but maintaining above the higher control level in the next 216 hours after admission. In patients with cardiovascular diseases and non documented acute MI the level of cTnT was unchanged. Comparison of results of these two groups of patients showed statistically significant differences in cTnT levels in patients with acute MI during all tested time intervals. In the group of patients with polytrauma only the value of cTnT was within the normal level. Diagnostic precision of tested cardiac markers was also tested by ROC analysis. According to the data obtained, only cTnT exhibited statistically significiant diagnostic precision immediately after the admission of patients with the following calculated ROC AUC: 0.855 for cTnT, 0.716 for CK, 0.503 for CK MB and 0.552 for LDH, respectively. According to the presented data, it can be concluded that cTnT was the most specific and the most sensitive marker in the diagnosis of acute MI.
Choice of haemostasis parameters for monitoring of normal and complicated pregnancy
Authors: Vodnik Tatjana , Ignjatovic Svetlana , Majkic-Singh Nada
Published: March 2009

The concentrations of plasma proteins involved in the process of coagulation are changed during the normal pregnancy, disturbing the balance between procoagulant and anticoagulant system. These changes include the increased activity of coagulation factors, the increased fibrin production and suppression of fibrinolysis. In this way, the risk of loosing blood during pregnancy is reduced by physiological mechanisms, but the hazard of developing thrombosis is increased. Placental insufficiency may occur due to thrombosis of placental blood vessels, leading to repeated miscarriages, retardation of foetal growth, eclampsia, intrauterine foetal death and preterm birth. The causes of these incidents are the changes occurring within protein C coagulation system. The mutation in gene for factor V (so-called Factor V Leiden mutation), where the arginine 506 is replaced by glutamine, produces the mutated factor V having normal procoagulant activity but it is less responsive to APC. The condition characterized by poor anticoagulant response to APC is called the APC resistance. The aim of this study was to test the condition of coagulant, anticoagulant and fibrinolytic system in normal and complicated pregnancy as well as the function of protein C anticoagulant system in pregnancy of various gestation periods and APC resistance. The following parameters were measured for the evaluation of haemostasis system: prothrombin time, partial prothrombin time, fibrinogen, fibrin monomer, D-dimer antithrombin III, TAT complex, plasminogen, PAI, factor XIII, protein C protein S, Protein C Global and activated protein C. The testing was performed in pregnant women with normal and complicated pregnancy of various gestation periods. A special group consisted of pregnant women having two or more consecutive miscarriages. Commercial "Behring" tests based on spectrophotometric and coagulometric measure44 ments and ELISA method were used to determine the parameters of haemostasis. It was shown that fibrinogen fibrin monomer, TAT complex and PAI, as parameters of haemostasis, were good markers for the extent of hypercoagulable condition in pregnant women. In this study, significantly lower values of PC-NR and APC-NR were obtained in all three time periods in pregnant women with hypertension and repeated miscarriages in comparison to healthy controls, what verified that anticoagulant activity of activated protein C was significantly reduced during pregnancy, and especially in pregnancy associated with complications. The diagnostic value of haemostasis parameters as markers of thrombotic changes in pregnant women was tested by ROC analysis. According to the obtained results PC-NR and APC-NR showed satisfactory diagnostic accuracy as markers of thrombotic changes in pregnant women, more precisely, they were found to be good indicators of resistance to activated protein C in pregnancy.
Topical agents in burn care
Authors: Momcilovic Dragan
Published: March 2009

Introduction Understanding of fluid shifts and recognition of the importance of early and appropriate fluid replacement therapy have significantly reduced mortality in the early post burn period. After the bum patient successfully passes the resuscitation period, the burn wound represents the greatest threat to survival. History Since the dawn of civilization, man has been trying to find an agent which would help burn wounds heal, and at the same time, not harm general condition of the injured. It was not until the XX century, after the discovery of antibiotics, when this condition was fulfilled. In 1968, combining silver and sulfadiazine, fox made silver-sulfadiazine, which is a 1% hydro-soluble cream and a superior agent in topical treatment of burns today. Current topical agents None of the topical antimicrobial agents available today, alone or combined, have the characteristics of ideal prophylactic agents, but they eliminate colonization of burn wound, and invasive infections are infrequent. With an excellent spectrum of activity, low toxicity, and ease of application with minimal pain, silver-sulfadiazine is still the most frequently used topical agent. Conclusion The incidence of invasive infections and overall mortality have been significantly reduced after introduction of topical burn wound antimicrobial agents into practice. In most burn patients the drug of choice for prophylaxis is silver sulfadiazine. Other agents may be useful in certain clinical situations.
Anthrax - past, present and future
Authors: Madle-Samardzija Nadezda , Turkulov Vesna , Vukadinov Jovan , Canak Grozdana , Doder Radoslava , Sevic Sinisa
Published: March 2009

History Anthrax has been known since ancient times. Besides some references in the Old Testament, there is evidence of plagues in ancient Egypt, as well as descriptions of the disease by the Roman poet Virgil. Etiology Anthrax is caused by Bacillus anthracis, unmovable, aerobic, gram-positive rods. It forms spores, which can survive for years in the environment. Pathogenesis Capsular polypeptide and anthrax toxin are the principal virulence factors of Bacillus anthracis. Anthrax toxin consists of three proteins called protective antigen, edema factor, and lethal factor. It is thought that the inflammatory mediator - lethal factor is stored within the macrophage during the early stage of infection. It is rapidly released in large amounts into the blood stream and once the threshold for lysis is reached, it may be the cause of sudden death. Epidemiology Grass-eating animals are usually infected by the bacilli from grass and ground. The disease is transmitted to people by contact with the sick animals or their products, such as wool skin, meat etc. Clinical features Two clinical forms exist: outer cutaneous and inner, including inhalation and gastrointestinal anthrax. While cutaneous anthrax is easily cured, the inner forms have high mortality rates. Diagnosis and differential diagnosis The diagnosis is easily established in cutaneous cases, characterized by black eschar. Severe intoxication and collapse during the course of bronchopneumonia or hemorrhagic enteritis should arise suspicion of anthrax. Therapy Hospitalization of patients is mandatory. Bacillus anthracis is susceptible to a number of antibiotics, including penicillin, erythromycin tetracyclines, cephalosporins etc. Prevention General veterinary prevention including vaccination of livestock and control of products is very important. The vaccine consists of anthrax bacillus that is attenuated. The endangered population, such as animal workers and military personnel should be vaccinated. Annual schedule of booster immunization must be maintained. Anthrax as a biological weapon Anthrax has been developed as a weapon of mass destruction since World War I. During accidental release from a biological warfare factory in the farmer Soviet Union, 68 people died. The ease of laboratory production and its dissemination via aerosol led to its adoption by terrorists, as shown by recent happenings in the USA. Conclusion A good knowledge of anthrax, its transmission and potentials as a biological weapon is essential for timely prevention and protection.
The road to nowhere?
Authors: High Holly
Published: March 2009

Anthropological understandings of development have often discussed development projects in terms of an extension of the state. Using the example of a participatory poverty reduction project in Laos, this article outlines how development schemes also have the potential to define areas of exception from state services. This project was understood by project officers as an example of a successful “participatory” project. Lao recipients, however, interpreted it in terms of the non-provision of state services, and thus as further evidence of governmental corruption and deceit. These residents—far from resisting the notion of development, or the extension of the state—emphasized largesse and provisioning as the hallmarks of a successful project and a legitimate state. Their forms of “everyday resistance” to the project focused on narratives demanding more incorporation with the state.
Activation of Hemiaminal Ethers by Chiral Brønsted Acids for Facile Access to Enantioselective Two‐Carbon Homologation Using Enecarbamates
Authors: Terada Masahiro , Machioka Kyoko , Sorimachi Keiichi
Published: March 2009

An enriching experience: Chiral phosphoric acids have been used to catalyze the title transformation for aromatic and aliphatic hemiaminal ethers. The process affords the corresponding products in good to high enantioselectivity (see scheme; Boc=tert‐butoxycarbonyl, G=aromatic group). The method enables facile access to highly enantioenriched 1,3‐diamine derivatives.

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Zwangbeanspruchung massiver Kraftwerks‐Bodenplatten infolge der Hydratationswärme
Authors: Tue Nguyen Viet , Schlicke Dirk , Schneider Holger
Published: March 2009

Mit dem Ziel einer sicheren und wirtschaftlichen Auslegung von Bodenplatten zukünftiger Neubauvorhaben untersuchte die Universität Leipzig im Auftrag der VATTENFALL EUROPE GENERATION AG & Co. KG die Zwangbeanspruchungen massiver Bodenplatten (d > 1,50 m) infolge des Abfließens der Hydratationswärme.

Neben der messtechnischen Erfassung und Analyse der Beanspruchungen einer massiven Bodenplatte im jungen Betonalter wurden mit Hilfe der Finiten‐Element‐Methode Nachrechnungen durchgeführt. Auf Grundlage einer hydratationsgradabhängigen Beschreibung des Materialverhaltens im Erhärtungsprozess konnte in der Nachrechnung sowohl für die Temperatur‐ als auch für die Spannungsgeschichte eine gute Übereinstimmung mit den Messergebnissen erreicht werden.

Die Untersuchungsergebnisse zeigen, dass in massiven Bodenplatten der zentrische Zwang nicht maßgebend für die Ermittlung der Mindestbewehrung zur Begrenzung der Rissbreite infolge des Abfließens der Hydratationswärme ist.
Non‐invasive brain stimulation in the detection of deception: Scientific challenges and ethical consequences
Authors: Luber Bruce , Fisher Carl , Appelbaum Paul S. , Ploesser Marcus , Lisanby Sarah H.
Published: March 2009

Tools for noninvasive stimulation of the brain, such as transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) and transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS), have provided new insights in the study of brain–behavior relationships due to their ability to directly alter cortical activity. In particular, TMS and tDCS have proven to be useful tools for establishing causal relationships between behavioral and brain imaging measures. As such, there has been interest in whether these tools may represent novel technologies for deception detection by altering a person's ability to engage brain networks involved in conscious deceit. Investigation of deceptive behavior using noninvasive brain stimulation is at an early stage. Here we review the existing literature on the application of noninvasive brain stimulation in the study of deception. Whether such approaches could be usefully applied to the detection of deception by altering a person's ability to engage brain networks involved in conscious deceit remains to be validated. Ethical and legal consequences of the development of such a technology are discussed. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Kinetics and Reactor Modeling of Hydrogen Production from Glycerol via Steam Reforming Process over Ni/CeO2 Catalysts
Authors: Adhikari S. , Fernando S. D. , Haryanto A.
Published: March 2009

As a result of skyrocketing prices, environmental concerns and depletion associated with fossil fuels, renewable fuels are becoming attractive alternatives. In this respect, the demand for biodiesel has increased tremendously in recent years. Increased production of biodiesel has resulted in a glut of glycerol that has reduced the demand for this once valuable commodity. Consequently, finding alternative uses for glycerol is a timely proposition. One alternative is producing renewable hydrogen from this cheap commodity. Only a handful of studies have been conducted on producing hydrogen from glycerol. Previous studies have mainly focused on finding effective catalysts for glycerol steam reforming. This paper extends previous knowledge by presenting kinetic parameters in relation to glycerol steam reforming over Ni/CeO2 and a reactor modeling. The study found that the activation energy and the reaction order for the glycerol steam reforming reaction over Ni/CeO2 catalyst were 103.4 kJ/mol and 0.233, respectively.
A Study on CO2 Absorption Kinetics by Aqueous Solutions of N,N‐Diethylethanolamine and N‐Ethylethanolamine
Authors: Vaidya P. D. , Kenig E. Y.
Published: March 2009

N‐Ethylethanolamine (EEA) and N,N‐diethylethanolamine (DEEA) represent promising candidate alkanolamines for CO2 removal from gaseous streams, as they can be prepared from renewable resources. In this work, the reaction rate constant for the reaction between CO2 and EEA was determined from the absorption rate measurements of CO2 in a blend comprising DEEA, EEA and H2O. A stirred‐cell reactor with a plane, horizontal gas‐liquid interface was used for the absorption studies. While the DEEA concentration in the formulated solution was varied in the range of 1.5–2.5 kmol/m3, the initial EEA concentration was 0.1 kmol/m3. A zwitterion mechanism for EEA and a base‐catalyzed hydration mechanism for DEEA were used to describe the reaction kinetics. At 303 K, the second‐order reaction rate constant for the CO2 reaction with EEA was found to be 8041 m3/(kmol s). The liquid‐side mass transfer coefficient was also estimated, and its value (0.004 cm/s) is in line with those typical of stirred‐cell reactors.
Synthesis and Structure–Activity Relationships of 1‐Benzyl‐4,5,6‐trimethoxyindoles as a Novel Class of Potent Antimitotic Agents
Authors: Lai Mei‐Jung , Kuo Ching‐Chuan , Yeh Teng‐Kuang , Hsieh Hsing‐Pang , Chen Li‐Tzong , Pan Wen‐Yu , Hsu Kuang‐Yang , Chang Jang‐Yang , Liou Jing‐Ping
Published: March 2009

Combretastatin A‐4 derivatives: A series of combretastatin A‐4‐derived 1‐benzyl‐4,5,6‐trimethoxyindoles was designed and prepared as a novel class of potent antimitotic agents acting through the colchicine binding site on the microtubule.

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A series of 1‐benzyl‐4,5,6‐trimethoxyindoles was designed and prepared as a novel class of potent antimitotic agents acting through the colchicine binding site of tubulin. Compounds 10 and 11 showed excellent antiproliferative activity with mean IC50 values of 26 and 27 nM, respectively, in a diverse set of human cancer lines from different organs, including a MDR+ line. They also displayed substantial antitubulin efficacy with IC50 values of 3.5 and 2.6 μM, respectively, representing an improvement over colchicine (IC50=4.3 μM).
Selective Capture of Water Using Microporous Adsorbents To Increase the Lifetime of Lubricants
Authors: Ng Eng‐Poh , Delmotte Luc , Mintova Svetlana
Published: March 2009

Long live lubricants: The selective capture of water from lubricants using nanosized microporous aluminophosphate (AEI) and aluminosilicate materials was studied. Nearly 98 % of the moisture was removed from the lubricating oil under ambient conditions, resulting in a significant improvement in the lubricating service lifetime. Moreover, both the lubricant and the microporous sorbents can be recovered and reused.

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The selective capture of water from lubricants using nanosized microporous aluminophosphate and aluminosilicate materials was studied with an aim to increase the lifetime of the lubricating mineral oil. The amount of water present in oxidized lubricating oil before and after treatment with microporous materials was studied by FTIR spectroscopy and determined quantitatively using the Karl Fischer titration method. Nanosized aluminophosphate revealed a high selectivity for water without adsorbing other additives, in contrast to nanosized aluminosilicates which also adsorb polar oxidation products and ionic additives. About 98 % of the initial moisture could be removed from the lubricating oil under ambient conditions, resulting in a significant improvement in the lubricating service lifetime. Moreover, no by‐products are formed during the process and both the lubricant and the sorbents can be recovered and reused, thus the method is environmentally friendly.
IL‐10 interferes directly with TCR‐induced IFN‐γ but not IL‐17 production in memory T cells
Authors: Naundorf Sandra , Schröder Martina , Höflich Conny , Suman Nimisha , Volk Hans‐Dieter , Grütz Gerald
Published: March 2009

IL‐10 is a potent immunoregulatory and anti‐inflammatory cytokine. However, therapeutic trials in chronic inflammation have been largely disappointing. It is well established that IL‐10 can inhibit Th1 and Th2 cytokine production via indirect effects on APC. Less data are available about the influence of IL‐10 on IL‐17 production, a cytokine which has been recently linked to chronic inflammation. Furthermore, there are only few reports about a direct effect of IL‐10 on T cells. We demonstrate here that IL‐10 can directly interfere with TCR‐induced IFN‐γ production in freshly isolated memory T cells in the absence of APC. This effect was independent of the previously described effects of IL‐10 on T cells, namely inhibition of IL‐2 production and inhibition of CD28 signaling. In contrast, IL‐10 did not affect anti‐CD3/anti‐CD28‐induced IL‐17 production from memory T cells even in the presence of APC. This might have implications for the interpretation of therapeutic trials in patients with chronic inflammation where Th17 cells contribute to pathogenesis.
Synthesis of Copper(I) Complexes of N‐Heterocyclic Carbene–Phenoxyimine/amine Ligands: Structures of Mononuclear Copper(II), Mixed‐Valence Copper(I)/(II), and Copper(II) Cluster Complexes
Authors: Simonovic Stevan , Whitwood Adrian C. , Clegg William , Harrington Ross W. , Hursthouse Michael B. , Male Louise , Douthwaite Richard E.
Published: March 2009

Copper(I) bromide complexes (2a and 2b) of NHC–phenolimine ligand precursors {3‐[(1R,2R)‐2‐{[1‐(3,5‐di‐tert‐butyl‐2‐hydroxyphenyl)meth‐(E)‐ylidene]amino}cyclohexyl]‐1‐isopropyl‐4‐phenyl‐3H‐imidazol‐1‐ium bromide (1a) and 3‐[(1R,2R)‐2‐{[1‐(2‐hydroxyphenyl)meth‐(E)‐ylidene]amino}cyclohexyl]‐1‐isopropyl‐4‐phenyl‐3H‐imidazol‐1‐ium bromide (1b), respectively} have been prepared. Complexes 2a and 2b exhibit copper coordination only through the carbene carbon atom (C) and do not spontaneously eliminate HBr to give additional phenoxyimine (NO) bonds, which is attributed to intramolecular hydrogen bonding. Crystallisation of 2a and 2b gives 2a′ and 2b′, respectively, that contain (C) copper(I) bromide and (NO)2 copper(II) coordination. Complex 2b′ also exhibits intermolecular CuIBr interactions giving a Cu2Br2 bridge that links two molecules of 2b′ resulting in an ellipse motif. Reduction of the ligand precursor imine group of 1a allows synthesis of silver(I) and copper(I) NHC–phenolamine complexes 6 and 7, respectively, that also retain the phenol hydrogen atom. Attempts to selectively prepare 2a′ gave a copper(II) complex 9 that exhibits an (NO)2CuII structure with pendant imidazolium salt groups. Reaction between the silver(I) bromide derivative of 1a and CuCl2·2H2O gives a complex derived from a Cu6(O)(OH)4Cl3 core and two (NO) and one (CNO) ligands, respectively. The use of 2a and 7 as precatalysts for 1,4‐conjugate addition to enones and aziridination of alkenes was studied, showing that, whilst both catalysts are active, enantioselectivities are low, which is attributed to the lack of Cu‐(NO) coordination. (© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2009)
Facile Aza‐Claisen Rearrangement of Glycals: Application in the Synthesis of 1‐Deoxy‐L‐iminosugars
Authors: Gupta Preeti , Vankar Yashwant D.
Published: March 2009

2‐C‐Methylene‐N‐glycosyl amides have been obtained from 2‐(hydroxymethyl)glycals through a facile aza‐Claisen rearrangement. This rearrangement has also been utilized in the synthesis of L‐allo‐deoxynojirimycin, a moderate inhibitor of human lysosomal α‐mannosidase (IC50 = 64 μM), and two new C‐5‐(hydroxymethyl) analogues of L‐altro‐deoxynojirimycin and L‐ido‐deoxynojirimycin.(© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2009)
Low dose radiotherapy in indolent lymphomas, enough is enough
Authors: Haas R. L. M.
Published: March 2009

Follicular lymphomas, as a prototype of all indolent lymphomas, are exquisitely radiation sensitive. This review paper highlights the clinical presentation of this lymphoma entity. Literature data are presented on first line curative irradiation in stage I and II patients, low‐dose total body irradiation (TBI) in stage III and IV patients in first line and low‐dose IF‐RT (involved field radiotherapy) in patients with relapse. The clinical aspects of 2 × 2 Gy IF‐RT in follicular lymphoma (FL) are presented as well as the in vivo imaging of the apoptotic cell death underlying the clinical response. Finally, by gene expression profiling, possible molecular‐biological pathways are described involved in the low dose irradiation of FL. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Multi‐scales and multi‐sites analyses of the role of rainfall in cotton yields in West Africa
Authors: Sultan Benjamin , Bella‐Medjo Marthe , Berg Alexis , Quirion Philippe , Janicot Serge
Published: March 2009

Cotton is the main tradable crop of West and Central African countries, representing for some countries the main exported agricultural product. Cotton is then of major concern since it represents an important source of income, accounting for more than a tenth of total exports. Moreover, the subsector as a whole is essential for rural poverty reduction. Since cotton is a rainfed crop in these countries, its yield is closely related to climate, in particular to rainfall variability.

The objective of this study is to point out the role of rainfall variability in cotton yields. Our approach consists in taking two completely different sites in the analysis of the climate‐yields relationships, i.e. an experimental plot in Mali with a long‐term historical yield‐survey and farmers' yields in 28 administrative units in Cameroon. We found that the same rainfall parameters (rainy season onset and length) are major drivers for the year‐to‐year and the spatial distribution of cotton productivity, even if the role of rainfall variability is strongly reduced in farmers' exploitations where other non‐climatic factors such as human management, biotic stresses, pests, etc., impact crop productivity. The link between rainfall and cotton yields seems to depend on the mean climate since the driest cotton areas in Cameroon are the most sensitive to climate variability. The coherence of the results from the two very different situations gives us some confidence in the generalization of our findings to the whole West and Central Africa. Our study shows also that the aggregation of yield data from the local scale to the national scale tends to smooth the non‐climatic variability and highlight the role of climate in the year‐to‐year variability of cotton yields. These results are important in working towards the predictability of crop yields using rainfall information, in particular to highlight the most salient rainfall parameters that are needed in a forecast system. Copyright © 2009 Royal Meteorological Society
Comparison of membrane assisted solvent extraction, stir bar sorptive extraction, and solid phase microextraction in analysis of tetramine in food
Authors: De Jager Lowri S. , Perfetti Gracia A. , Diachenko Gregory W.
Published: March 2009

Three environmentally friendly extraction techniques, membrane assisted solvent extraction (MASE), stir bar sorptive extraction (SBSE), and headspace solid phase microextraction (HS‐SPME), were compared for the direct analysis of the highly toxic rodenticide tetramine in food. The optimized MASE method was applied to seven foods fortified with tetramine and compared to previously reported SBSE and HS‐SPME results. Parameters such as the standard addition linearity (MASE (0.964–0.999), SBSE (0.966–0.999), HS‐SPME (0.955–0.999)), recovery (MASE (12–86%), SBSE (36–130%), HS‐SPME (50–200%)), reproducibility (MASE (3.0–30%), SBSE (4.4–9.6%), HS‐SPME (1–12%)), and LOD (MASE (1.6–6.4 ng/g), SBSE (0.2–2.1 ng/g), HS‐SPME (0.9–4.3 ng/g)) were compared.
Zwitterionic molecularly imprinted polymer‐based solid‐phase micro‐extraction coupled with molecularly imprinted polymer sensor for ultra‐trace sensing of L‐histidine
Authors: Prasad Bhim Bali , Tiwari Khushaboo , Singh Meenakshi , Sharma Piyush S. , Patel Amit K. , Srivastava Shrinkhala
Published: March 2009

The proposed L‐histidine sensing system composed of a molecularly imprinted solid‐phase microextraction component combined with a molecularly imprinted polymer sensor was used to determine critical levels of test analyte in a complex matrix of highly diluted human blood serum without any non‐specific sorption and false‐positive contributions. The molecularly imprinted polymer was a zwitterionic polymer brush derived from the disodium salt of EDTA and chloranil, grafted to solid‐phase microextraction material. The hyphenated approach was able to detect L‐histidine quantitatively with a limit of detection as low as 0.0435 ng/mL (RSD = 0.2%, S/N = 3).
Liquid–gas–liquid technique for microextraction and preconcentration of short chain fatty acids from aqueous samples
Authors: Farajzadeh Mir Ali , Assadi Arsalan
Published: March 2009

In this study, an organic solvent‐free microextraction technique termed liquid–gas–liquid microextraction (LGLME) was applied for cleanup and preconcentration of volatile short chain fatty acids in beverages and dairy products. Various parameters affecting the extraction efficiency such as extraction time, stirring speed, sodium chloride content, concentration and volume of donor and acceptor phases, and extraction temperature were studied. Repeatability (RSD, 4.2–8.5%), correlation coefficients (0.998–0.999), LODs (10–20 μg/L) and enrichment factors (152–249) were also investigated. Recoveries were achieved in the range of 90–102% in different matrices. The presented method was applied for the analysis of target analytes in some samples such as grape juice, vinegar and dairy products.
Open tubular layer of S‐ofloxacin imprinted polymer fabricated in silica capillary for chiral CEC separation
Authors: Zaidi Shabi Abbas , Han Kyoung Moon , Kim Sung Soon , Hwang Dong Guk , Cheong Won Jo
Published: March 2009

An open tubular molecule imprinted polymer (OT‐MIP) capillary column has been prepared for chiral separation of ofloxacin enantiomers in CEC. The S‐ofloxacin imprinted OT column was fabricated by thermally initiated non‐covalent polymerization procedure inside a pretreated and silanized fused silica capillary. The template molecule was incorporated with methacrylic acid (MAA), ethylene glycol dimethacrylate (EDMA) and 4‐styrenesulfonic acid (4‐SSA) and dissolved in a porogen mixture of ACN/2‐propanol (9:1). The separation efficiency of the 4‐SSA MIP column was found quite better than that of the MIP column without 4‐SSA. It has been demonstrated that our OT‐MIP column can separate ofloxacin enantiomers with excellent chiral separation efficiency after tuning the various chromatographic conditions. The optimized chromatographic eluent was 85:15, v/v%, ACN/60 mM sodium acetate at pH 7. The separation efficiency and selectivity of chiral separation of this study were far better than those obtained by previous methods for chiral separation of R‐ and S‐ofloxacin.
Capillary action liquid chromatography
Authors: Zhang Bo , Bergström Edmund T. , Goodall David M. , Myers Peter
Published: March 2009

Capillary action LC (caLC) is introduced as a technique using capillary action as the driving force to perform LC in capillary columns packed with HPLC type microparticulate materials. A dry packing method with centrifugal force was developed to prepare capillary columns in parallel (10 columns per 3 min) to support their disposable use in caLC. Using a digital microscope for real‐time imaging and recording separations of components in a dye mixture, caLC was found to have flow characteristics similar to TLC. Based on the investigation of microparticulate HPLC silica gels of different size (1.5–10 μm) and a typical TLC grade irregular medium, Merck 60G silica, the van Deemter curves suggested molecular diffusion as the major contribution to band broadening in caLC. With Waters Xbridge 2.6 μm silica, plate heights down to 8.8 μm were obtained, comparable to those achievable in HPLC. Assisted by an image‐processing method, the visual caLC separation was converted to a classical chromatogram for further data analysis and such a facility confirmed the observation of highly efficient bands.
Observation of Generalized Euler Equations
Authors: Dirr G. , Helmke U. , Jordan J.
Published: March 2009

We investigate conditons for generalized double bracket flows to be Morse–Smale.The results yield necessary and sufficient conditions for observability in finite time. (© 2008 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Numerical Modelling of Newtonian and Non‐Newtonian Fluids Flow
Authors: Keslerová Radka , Kozel Karel
Published: March 2009

The work deals with numerical modelling of 2D/3D laminar incompressible viscous flows for Newtonian and non–Newtonian fluids. The unsteady system of Navier–Stokes equations with steady boundary conditions in the form of an artificial compressibility method is solved by multistage Runge–Kutta finite volume method. Steady state solution is achieved for t→∞. Convergence is followed by steady residual behaviour. For unsteady solution high compressibility coefficient β2 is considered. (© 2008 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Tear Propagation in Soft Hydrated Biological Tissue
Authors: Rempler Hans‐Uwe , Ehlers Wolfgang
Published: March 2009

We present a method for the numerical computation of tear propagation in soft hydrated biological tissues. The tissue is modelled using the Theory of Porous Media (TPM) which allows for the description of multi–component continua with internal interaction. For the numerical treatment of the tearing mechanism, the Extended Finite Element Method (XFEM) is applied. By use of an energy configuration scheme, stress intensity factors (SIFs) are computed to evaluate the tear extension regarding a maximum hoop stress criteria. The arising opening in the tissue is considered as to be connected to an external fluid reservoir and is thereby loaded with differing pressures. Numerical examples show the influence of this pressure loading on the interstitial pressure development during a Mode I tearing experiment. (© 2008 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Interfacial Fatigue Modelling of Ultrasonic Metal Welded Tensile Specimens
Authors: Utzinger J. , Steinmann P.
Published: March 2009

For the sake of weight reduction, new joining technologies are investigated in the field of lightweight design. In this context, tensile fatigue tests of welded metal/fibre–reinforced polymer joints are simulated with finite elements. For the discretisation of the very thin welding zone, so–called interface elements are expedient. In this contribution, a fatigue–motivated cohesive–type constitutive law is applied to the interface. (© 2008 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)