bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
WATER QUALITY TRADING IN THE PRESENCE OF ABATEMENT‐COST SHARING
Authors: CAPLAN ARTHUR J.
Published: February 2012

This paper examines how water quality trading interacts with nonpoint‐source abatement‐cost sharing (e.g., as currently practiced by the National Resource Conservation Service through its Environmental Quality Incentives Program [EQIP]) to promote the participation of nonpoint sources in a water quality market, participation that has thus far been noticeably lacking nationwide. As such, an idealized version of water quality trading is envisioned, where water quality trading and nonpoint cost sharing are treated as complementary policy instruments rather than substitutes. Toward this end, the subgame‐perfect equilibrium concept is used to model a “multilateral contracting” relationship between the regulatory authority and nonpoint sources when the regulator has incomplete information about the nonpoint sources' production costs. We characterize ex ante (or second‐best) nonpoint abatement levels when the regulator chooses cost‐share rates in concert with a water quality market. Numerical analysis indicates that current EQIP cost‐share rates would likely be lower and more flexibly determined in the presence of water quality trading. (JEL Q53)
Shannon Entropy and Mutual Information for Multivariate Skew‐Elliptical Distributions
Authors: ARELLANO‐VALLE REINALDO B. , CONTRERAS‐REYES JAVIER E. , GENTON MARC G.
Published: February 2012

Abstract.  The entropy and mutual information index are important concepts developed by Shannon in the context of information theory. They have been widely studied in the case of the multivariate normal distribution. We first extend these tools to the full symmetric class of multivariate elliptical distributions and then to the more flexible families of multivariate skew‐elliptical distributions. We study in detail the cases of the multivariate skew‐normal and skew‐t distributions. We implement our findings to the application of the optimal design of an ozone monitoring station network in Santiago de Chile.
The sociology of medical screening: past, present and future
Authors: Armstrong Natalie , Eborall Helen
Published: February 2012

Medical screening raises fundamental issues for sociological inquiry, but at present a well‐developed sociology of medical screening is lacking. This special issue on the sociology of screening brings together an exciting collection of new work that tackles medical screening from a variety of theoretical and methodological approaches. In this opening paper, we begin by explaining what we mean by screening, and why we believe screening merits sociological attention. Secondly, we reflect on the sociology of screening to date and provide an introduction for those new to this area. We then provide an overview of the papers in this collection, highlighting links and contrasts between papers. We conclude by reflecting on sociology’s potential contribution to wider debates about screening, and propose future research directions.
AFFIRMATIONS AFTER GOD: FRIEDRICH NIETZSCHE AND RICHARD DAWKINS ON ATHEISM
Authors: Thomas Howe J.
Published: February 2012

Abstract.  In this essay, I compare the atheism of Friedrich Nietzsche with that of Richard Dawkins. My purpose is to describe certain differences in their respective atheisms with the intent of showing that Nietzsche's atheism contains a richer and fuller affirmation of human life. In Dawkins’s presentation of the value of life without God, there is a naïve optimism that purports that human beings, educated in science and purged of religion, will find lives of easy peace and comfortable wonder. Part of my argument is that this optimism regarding the power of objective science is subject to Nietzsche's criticism of Socrates and what he calls the “theoretical man.” As such, it fails in terms of providing a true affirmation of life in the godless world.
ASSET PRICING WITH INVESTOR SENTIMENT: EVIDENCE FROM CHINESE STOCK MARKETS*
Authors: XU YIHAN , GREEN CHRISTOPHER J.
Published: February 2012

We study the impact of investor sentiment on stock returns in China, using as a benchmark the three‐factor Fama–French model, and distinguishing between normal and positive sentiment. Sentiment helps explain the mis‐pricing component of returns in the Fama–French model and the time variation in the factors themselves. Factor loading patterns noted by Fama‐French are evident in China, but they can be equally well modelled by sentimental factors. Fama–French factors are less significant if factors are conditioned by sentiment, suggesting that in China sentiment affects both the way investors judge risks as well as portfolio returns directly.
THE IMPACT OF HIGHER EDUCATION INSTITUTION–FIRM KNOWLEDGE LINKS ON ESTABLISHMENT‐LEVEL PRODUCTIVITY IN BRITISH REGIONS*
Authors: HARRIS RICHARD , LI QIAN CHER , MOFFAT JOHN
Published: February 2012

In this paper we estimate whether sourcing knowledge from and/or cooperating on innovation with higher education institutions impacts on establishment‐level total factor productivity and whether this impact differs across domestically owned and foreign‐owned establishments and across the regions of Great Britain. Using propensity score matching, the results show overall a positive and statistically significant impact although there are differences in the strength of this impact across production and non‐production industries, across domestically owned and foreign‐owned firms, and across regions. These results highlight the importance of absorptive capacity in determining the extent to which establishments can benefit from linkages with higher education institutions.
When Does Truth Matter?Spinoza on the Relation between Theology and Philosophy
Authors: James Susan
Published: February 2012

One of the aims ofSpinoza'sTractatusTheologico‐Politicusis to vindicate the view that philosophy and theology are separate forms of enquiry, neither of which has any authority over the other. However, many commentators have objected that this aspect of his project fails. Despite his protestations to the contrary,Spinoza implicitly gives epistemological precedence to philosophy. I argue that this objection misunderstands the nature ofSpinoza's position and wrongly charges him with inconsistency. To show how he can coherently allow both that theology and philosophy employ independent epistemological standards, and that philosophy is epistemologically superior to theology, we need to step back from the immediate disputes to which theTractatusis a response and examine aCiceronian distinction on whichSpinoza indirectly draws. As well as enabling us to vindicateSpinoza's position, it places his alleged naturalism in a new light and portrays philosophizing as a form of piety.
Voluntary After‐School Alcohol and Drug Programs for Middle School Youth: If You Build it Right, They Will Come
Authors: D'Amico Elizabeth J. , Green Harold D. , Miles Jeremy N.V. , Zhou Annie J. , Tucker Joan S. , Shih Regina A.
Published: February 2012

Few after‐school programs target alcohol and other drug (AOD) use because it is difficult to encourage a diverse group of youth to voluntarily attend. The current study describes CHOICE, a voluntary after‐school program which targeted AOD use among middle school students. Over 4,000 students across eight schools completed surveys and 15% participated in CHOICE. Analyses indicated that there were some differences between CHOICE participants and nonparticipants. For example, African American and multiethnic students were more likely to attend. Past month alcohol users were more likely to initially attend, and marijuana users were more likely to continue attendance. Thus, CHOICE reached students of different racial and ethnic groups and attracted higher risk youth who may not typically obtain prevention services.
A Translational View of Biomarkers in Preterm Labor
Authors: Hanna Nazeeh , Kiefer Daniel
Published: February 2012

Preterm labor and birth continue to pose a significant challenge to physicians in the obstetrics and neonatal fields. Until specific and effective therapeutic treatments are developed to prevent preterm labor, the best means of reducing preterm birth rate is early detection and diagnosis. However, current approaches to predict preterm labor have had variable success in the clinical setting. In this review, we discuss several limitations of using biomarkers from biological samples to predict preterm labor. In addition, we propose strategies for improving our ability to predict preterm labor, as well as directing therapies that are best suited to the underlying cause of preterm labor.
Changes of NK Cells in Preeclampsia
Authors: Fukui Atsushi , Yokota Megumi , Funamizu Ayano , Nakamua Rika , Fukuhara Rie , Yamada Kenichi , Kimura Hidetaka , Fukuyama Asami , Kamoi Mai , Tanaka Kanji , Mizunuma Hideki
Published: February 2012

The regulation of uterine and circulating peripheral blood natural killer (NK) cells has been associated with reproductive immunology such as recurrent pregnancy losses, implantation failures, or preeclampsia. Preeclampsia is a hypertensive disorder of pregnancy characterized by increased blood pressure accompanied by proteinuria and is a major cause of maternal and fetal mortality. Natural cytotoxicity receptors (NCRs) are unique markers, which regulate NK cell cytotoxicity and cytokine production. The relation of NCRs to reproduction is not fully characterized yet. The different profile of NCRs expression may suggest presence of abnormal regulation of NK cell in women with reproductive failures. Pregnant women with preeclampsia carry immunological abnormalities of NCRs on peripheral blood NK cells during pregnancy. The lower expression of NKp46+ NK cells in women with preeclampsia may account for the higher production of NK1 cytokine that is known as NK1 shift in pregnant women with preeclampsia. Evaluation of NKp46 on peripheral blood NK cells may be applicable to find the onset of preeclampsia. In this review, various expressions of NK cell surface markers including NCRs on NK cells, NK cell cytotoxicity, and production of cytokines and angiogenic factors by NK cells were reviewed in relation to preeclampsia.
Emulating natural fire effects using harvesting in an eastern boreal forest landscape of northeastChina
Authors: Liu Zhihua , He Hong S. , Yang Jian
Published: February 2012

Questions

Efforts to emulate natural fire effects through harvesting have met with limited success due to insufficient consideration of variable fire severities and spatial heterogeneity of fire regimes (e.g. mean return interval and fire size) in boreal ecosystems. What is the relative importance of fire severity and spatial heterogeneity on tree species composition, age structure and spatial pattern?

Location

An eastern boreal forest landscape of northeastChina, consisting of larch and birch forests.

Methods

We constructed a factorial design of forest management alternatives and conducted simulation experiments using a landscape disturbance and succession model,LANDIS. We used a management area delineation method to simulate spatial heterogeneity of fire regime and a silvicultural regeneration method to simulate variable fire severity.

Results

Management area delineation had a greater influence on tree species composition, age structure and spatial pattern of the boreal forests than the silvicultural regeneration method. The silvicultural regeneration method had more influence on the age structure of larch than birch, due to the variable severity of fire on larch.

Conclusions

Spatial heterogeneity of fire regime has a more important influence on ecosystem characteristics than fire severity in this eastern boreal landscape. Efforts to emulate natural fire effects through harvesting should first account for the effects of spatial heterogeneity of the fire regime. It is necessary to delineate the landscape into fire management units and incorporate variable fire severities in harvest prescriptions for each unit.
Low Density Lipoprotein Apheresis Ameliorates Interferon‐γ Production in Patients With Nephrotic Syndrome
Authors: Miyata Hitomi , Uno Kazuko , Ono Takahiko , Yashiro Masatomo , Fukatsu Atsushi , Kita Toru , Kimura Takeshi , Muso Eri
Published: February 2012

Rapid amelioration of hypercholesterolemia in nephrotic syndrome (NS) using low density lipoprotein‐apheresis (LDL‐A) sometimes leads to NS remission, along with improvement of impaired biodefense system; however, the mechanism of how LDL‐A affects NS is still unknown. We studied IFN‐γ production under IL‐12 stimulation for 24 h in whole blood from 30 NS patients, 31 non‐NS patients, 35 healthy volunteers and another four persistent NS patients due to refractory focal segmental glomerulonephritis and minimal change type nephrotic syndrome. We compared IFN‐γ production in whole blood and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) from persistent NS patients before and after each of 14 LDL‐A procedures. Finally, we studied the effect that persistent NS patients' serum before and after LDL‐A had on IFN‐γ production in healthy volunteers' PBMC. Whole blood IFN‐γ production was significantly lower in NS patients compared with healthy volunteers or non‐NS patients. In persistent NS, after LDL‐A, IFN‐γ production returned to normal levels. IFN‐γ production in PBMC varied greatly among these patients and did not show consistent changes after LDL‐A. Healthy volunteers PBMC incubated with persistent NS patients' serum obtained after LDLA showed higher IFN‐γ production than before LDL‐A. IFN‐γ production in peripheral blood is impaired if a patient is in a nephrotic state. LDL‐A might restore suppressed PBMC function in persistent NS patients, thereby ameliorating the nephrotic state, possibly through removing interfering serum factors.
COMPARISON OF FAST PERITONEAL EQUILIBRIUM TEST WITH THE STANDARD METHOD: A PILOT STUDY
Authors: Kazancioğlu Rumeyza , Topcuoglu Derya , Kiricimli Nese , Cinkilic Arzu , Celik Huseyin
Published: February 2012

Standard peritoneal equilibrium test (PET) is an implementation that requires hard work for peritoneal dialysis (PD) staff. We analysed the efficacy of the fast PET and compared its results with standard PET. Forty‐nine patients on PD therapy were included in the study. For standard PET, glucose, urea and creatinine values of dialysate were analysed at zeroth, second and fourth hours, and the patient's serum glucose, urea and creatinine values were analysed at second hour. In the fast PET, urea, glucose and creatinine values in plasma and dialysate were analysed at the fourth hour only. The results of both methods were compared with Pearson correlation and kappa tests. According to the standard PET, low transport in five patients, low‐average transport in 17 patients, high‐average transport in 23 patients and high transport types in four patients were identified. Fast PET results were similar in 46 (94%) patients (r = 0.77, p = 0.0001). Kappa (κw) analysis of results of both PETs was also statistically significant (p = 0.0001). This study showed that the peritoneal transport type may be determined more easily, practically and faster.
Identifying potential areas for biofuel production and evaluating the environmental effects: a case study of theJamesRiverBasin in theMidwesternUnitedStates
Authors: Wu Yiping , Liu Shuguang , Li Zhengpeng
Published: February 2012

Biofuels are now an important resource in theUnitedStates because of theEnergyIndependence andSecurityAct of 2007. Both increased corn growth for ethanol production and perennial dedicated energy crop growth for cellulosic feedstocks are potential sources to meet the rising demand for biofuels. However, these measures may cause adverse environmental consequences that are not yet fully understood. This study 1) evaluates the long‐term impacts of increased frequency of corn in the crop rotation system on water quantity and quality as well as soil fertility in theJamesRiverBasin and 2) identifies potential grasslands for cultivating bioenergy crops (e.g. switchgrass), estimating the water quality impacts. We selected the soil and water assessment tool, a physically based multidisciplinary model, as the modeling approach to simulate a series of biofuel production scenarios involving crop rotation and land cover changes. The model simulations with different crop rotation scenarios indicate that decreases in water yield and soil nitrate nitrogen (NO3‐N) concentration along with an increase inNO3‐Nload to stream water could justify serious concerns regarding increased corn rotations in this basin. Simulations with land cover change scenarios helped us spatially classify the grasslands in terms of biomass productivity and nitrogen loads, and we further derived the relationship of biomass production targets and the resulting nitrogen loads against switchgrass planting acreages. The suggested economically efficient (planting acreage) and environmentally friendly (water quality) planting locations and acreages can be a valuable guide for cultivating switchgrass in this basin. This information, along with the projected environmental costs (i.e. reduced water yield and increased nitrogen load), can contribute to decision support tools for land managers to seek the sustainability of biofuel development in this region.
Dietary fish oil regulates gene expression of cholesterol and bile acid transporters in mice
Authors: Kamisako Toshinori , Tanaka Yuji , Ikeda Takanori , Yamamoto Kazuo , Ogawa Hiroshi
Published: February 2012

Aim:  Fish oil rich in n‐3 polyunsaturated fatty acids is known to affect hepatic lipid metabolism. Several studies have demonstrated that fish oil may affect the bile acid metabolism as well as lipid metabolism, whereas only scarce data are available. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of fish oil on the gene expression of the transporters and enzymes related to bile acid as well as lipid metabolism in the liver and small intestine.

Methods:  Seven‐week old male C57BL/6 mice were fed diets enriched in 10% soybean oil or 10% fish oil for 4 weeks. After 4 weeks, blood, liver and small intestine were obtained.

Results:  Hepatic mRNA expression of lipids (Abcg5/8, multidrug resistance gene product 2) and bile acids transporters (bile salt export pump, multidrug resistance associated protein 2 and 3, organic solute transporter α) was induced in fish oil‐fed mice. Hepatic Cyp8b1, Cyp27a1 and bile acid CoA : amino acid N‐acyltransferase were increased in fish oil‐fed mice compared with soybean‐oil fed mice. Besides, intestinal cholesterol (Abcg5/8) and bile acid transporters (multidrug resistance associated protein 2 and organic solute transporter α) were induced in fish oil‐fed mice.

Conclusion:  Fish oil induced the expression of cholesterol and bile acid transporters not only in liver but in intestine. The upregulation of Abcg5/g8 by fish oil is caused by an increase in cellular 27‐HOC through Cyp27a1 induction. The hepatic induction of bile acid synthesis through Cyp27a1 may upregulate expression of bile acid transporters in both organs.
Pharmacokinetics, tissue distribution and anti-tumour efficacy of paclitaxel delivered by polyvinylpyrrolidone solid dispersion
Authors: Liu Xiangrui , Sun Jiabei , Chen Xiaomei , Wang Shanshan , Scott Hannah , Zhang Xuan , Zhang Qiang
Published: February 2012

Objectives

Paclitaxel is a potent anti-cancer drug that has exhibited clinical activity against several tumours. Unfortunately, serious side effects are associated with Taxol, the commercial formulation of paclitaxel, which contains Cremophor EL (CrEL). Currently, the main focus of developing paclitaxel formulations is on improving efficacy and reducing toxicity. A novel, Cremophor-free, paclitaxel solid dispersion (PSD) was prepared in our laboratory previously. The primary aim of this study was to evaluate the pharmacokinetics, tissue distribution, acute toxicity and anti-tumour efficacy of the PSD compared with Taxol.

Methods

SD rats were used to examine the pharmacokinetics and tissue distribution of PSD. The acute toxicity of PSD was evaluated in ICR mouse. The anti-tumor activity of PSD was assessed in an in vivo anti-tumor nude mice model inoculated with human SKOV-3 cancer cells.

Key findings

The two formulations presented different pharmacokinetic behaviour. The plasma AUC of paclitaxel in the PSD was 5.84-fold lower than that of Taxol, and the mean residence time, total body clearance and apparent volume of distribution of paclitaxel in the PSD were increased by 1.73, 4.67 and 8.57 fold, respectively. However, the two formulations showed similar tissue distribution properties. CrEL, the vehicle in Taxol, decreased the clearance of paclitaxel from plasma. The LD50 (median lethal dose) was 34.8 mg/kg for Taxol, whereas no death was observed at 160 mg/kg for the PSD. The anti-tumour activity of PSD was similar to that of Taxol at a dose of 15 mg/kg. Most importantly, the improved tolerance of PSD enabled a higher administrable dose of paclitaxel, which resulted in improved efficacy compared with Taxol administered at its maximum tolerated dose.

Conclusions

These results suggest that the PSD, a CrEL-free formulation, is a promising approach to increase the safety and efficacy of paclitaxel.
ONE POSSIBLE MECHANISM FOR MASSIVE NEUTRON STAR SUPPORTED BY SOFT EOS
Authors: WEN DE-HUA , YAN JING , LIU XUE-MEI
Published: February 2012

The recently discovery of a massive neutron star (PSR J1614-2230 of 1.97 ± 0.04 M⊙) rules out the soft equation-of-states (EOSs) such as those included hyperons or kaon condensates at high densities, while the nuclear theory or the terrestrial laboratory data prefer a soft EOS. Here we propose one possible mechanism to allow that the observed massive neutron star can be supported by a soft EOS, that is, if the gravitational constant G varies at super strong field, a soft EOS can support the massive neutron stars.
Water Budget on Various Land Use Areas Using NARR Reanalysis Data in Florida
Authors: Cheng Chi-Han , Nnadi Fidelia
Published: February 2012

1992 to 2002 data from North American Regional Reanalysis (NARR) were used to investigate water budget on five land use areas: urban, forest, agriculture, lake, and wetland in the state of Florida, USA. The data were evaluated based on the anomalies of rainfall, evaporation, and soil moisture from the average condition. The anomalies were used to investigate the effect of extreme conditions on water budget parameters for various land uses in both northeast and south of Florida. The results showed that extreme events such as La Niña strongly affected the water budget on land-use areas in both regions as the negative monthly rainfall anomalies were observed during the 1999-2000 event, while EI Niño and thunderstorms in summer caused positive rainfall anomalies with more than 70% in all study areas. Higher rainfall led to higher soil moisture anomalies for the agriculture, forest, and wetland from 1992 to May 1998 in both study regions. However, soil moisture becomes primary source for evaporation in drier conditions, and differences in capacity of plants access water, often dictated by the rooting depth, can result in contrasting evaporative losses across vegetation types. Hence, the forest, which had the deeper roots, had lower soil moisture anomalies, but higher evaporation anomalies than agriculture area during the drought event.
Analysis of Horn Antennas in Receiving Mode as an EM Field Sensor
Authors: Ali Maifuz , Park Seong-Ook
Published: February 2012

Electromagnetic (EM) field measurement uses antenna in receiving mode as EM field sensor (EMFS). FDTD technique is applied to analyze the horn antenna in this mode. The performances of horn antenna as EMFS are predicted in terms of antenna factor (AF), and the results are compared with measurements. New empirical formula for quick calculation of antenna factor of pyramidal horn is also presented. Also, the gain of horn antennas are computed in receiving mode using FDTD technique, and the results are compared with published measured result and far-field gain formula.
Stability Analysis of Nonuniform Rectangular Beams Using Homotopy Perturbation Method
Authors: Pinarbasi Seval
Published: February 2012

The design of slender beams, that is, beams with large laterally unsupported lengths, is commonly controlled by stability limit states. Beam buckling, also called “lateral torsional buckling,” is different from column buckling in that a beam not only displaces laterally but also twists about its axis during buckling. The coupling between twist and lateral displacement makes stability analysis of beams more complex than that of columns. For this reason, most of the analytical studies in the literature on beam stability are concentrated on simple cases: uniform beams with ideal boundary conditions and simple loadings. This paper shows that complex beam stability problems, such as lateral torsional buckling of rectangular beams with variable cross‐sections, can successfully be solved using homotopy perturbation method (HPM).
In VivoTesting of MicroRNA-Mediated Gene Knockdown in Zebrafish
Authors: Leong Ivone Un San , Lan Chuan-Ching , Skinner Jonathan R. , Shelling Andrew N. , Love Donald R.
Published: February 2012

The zebrafish (Danio rerio) has become an attractive model for human disease modeling as there are a large number of orthologous genes that encode similar proteins to those found in humans. The number of tools available to manipulate the zebrafish genome is limited and many currently used techniques are only effective during early development (such as morpholino-based antisense technology) or it is phenotypically driven and does not offer targeted gene knockdown (such as chemical mutagenesis). The use of RNA interference has been met with controversy as off-target effects can make interpreting phenotypic outcomes difficult; however, this has been resolved by creating zebrafish lines that contain stably integrated miRNA constructs that target the desired gene of interest. In this study, we show that a commercially available miRNA vector system with a mouse-derived miRNA backbone is functional in zebrafish and is effective in causing eGFP knockdown in a transientin vivoeGFP sensor assay system. We chose to apply this system to the knockdown of transcripts that are implicated in the human cardiac disorder, Long QT syndrome.
A Rare Cause of Lobular Panniculitis: Munchausen's Syndrome
Authors: Faida Ajili , Khanfir Monia Smiti , Amira Hamzaoui , Imed Ben Ghorbel , Mounir Lamloum , Mohamed Habib Houman
Published: February 2012

We describe a case of a 40-year-old woman who presented with ecchymoses of the right leg and who was found to have lobular panniculitis in biopsy due to Munchausen's Syndrome.
Nanoaerosols Including Radon Decay Products in Outdoor and Indoor Air at a Suburban Site
Authors: Smerajec Mateja , Vaupotič Janja
Published: February 2012

Nanoaerosols have been monitored inside a kitchen and in the courtyard of a suburban farmhouse. Total number concentration and number size distribution (5–1000 nm) of general aerosol particles, as measured with a Grimm Aerosol SMPS+C 5.400 instrument outdoors, were mainly influenced by solar radiation and use of farming equipment, while, indoors, they were drastically changed by human activity in the kitchen. In contrast, activity concentrations of the short-lived radon decay products218Po,214Pb, and214Bi, both those attached to aerosol particles and those not attached, measured with a Sarad EQF3020-2 device, did not appear to be dependent on these activities, except on opening and closing of the kitchen window. Neither did a large increase in concentration of aerosol particles smaller than 10 or 20 nm, with which the unattached radon products are associated, augment the fraction of the unattached decay products significantly.
A Review onTiO2Nanotube Film Photocatalysts Prepared by Liquid-Phase Deposition
Authors: Wang Jinshu , Cai Qian , Li Hongyi , Cui Yuntao , Wang Hong
Published: February 2012

TiO2nanotube film is a promising photocatalyst associated with its unique physical and chemical properties such as optic, electronic, high specific surface area. Liquid-phase decomposition provides a feasible way for the preparation of functional thin film. This paper reviews and analyzes the formation mechanism of TiO2nanotube film by liquid phase deposition. The effect of preparation parameters, such as the kinds of electrolyte solution for the preparation of anodic alumina template, volume fraction of Al2O3on the template, the concentration of the deposition solution, and heat treatment, on the formation of TiO2nanotube film has been analyzed. The effects of doping of metallic and nonmetallic elements on the photocatalytic activity of TiO2nanotube have been discussed.
Single-Fiber Bidirectional Optical Data Links with Monolithic Transceiver Chips
Authors: Kern Alexander , Paul Sujoy , Wahl Dietmar , Al-Samaneh Ahmed , Michalzik Rainer
Published: February 2012

We report the monolithic integration, fabrication, and electrooptical properties of AlGaAs-GaAs-based transceiver
(TRx) chips for 850 nm wavelength optical links with data rates of multiple Gbit/s. Using a single butt-coupled multimode
fiber (MMF), low-cost bidirectional communication in half- and even full-duplex mode is demonstrated. Two design concepts are presented, based on a vertical-cavity surface-emitting laser (VCSEL) and a monolithically integrated p-doped-intrinsic-n-doped (PIN) or metal-semiconductor-metal (MSM) photodetector. Whereas the VCSEL-PIN photodiode (PD) chips are used for high-speed bidirectional data transmission over 62.5 and 50 μm core diameter MMFs, MSM TRx chips are employed for 100 or 200 μm large-area fibers. Such a monolithic transceiver design based on a well-established material system and avoiding the use of external fiber coupling optics is well suited for inexpensive and compact optical interconnects over distances of a few hundred meters. Standard MMF networks can thus be upgraded using high-speed VCSEL-PIN transceiver chips which are capable to handle data rates of up to 10 Gbit/s.
Stabilization of Neutral Systems with Saturating Actuators
Authors: El Haoussi F. , Tissir E. H. , Hmamed A. , Tadeo F.
Published: February 2012

A method is proposed for stabilization, using static state feedback, of systems subject to time-varying delays in both the states and their derivatives (i.e., neutral systems), in the presence of saturating actuators. Delay-dependent conditions are given to determine stabilizing state-feedback controllers with large domain of attraction, expressed as linear matrix inequalities, readily implementable using available numerical tools and with tuning parameters that make possible to select the most adequate solution. These conditions are derived by using a Lyapunov-Krasovskii functional on the vertices of the polytopic description of the actuator saturations. Numerical examples demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed technique.
Abundance ofSesamia nonagrioides(Lef.) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) on the Edges of the Mediterranean Basin
Authors: Eizaguirre Matilde , Fantinou Argyro A.
Published: February 2012

Organisms inhabiting seasonal environments are able to synchronize their life cycles with seasonal cycles of biotic and abiotic factors. Diapause, a state of low metabolic activity and developmental arrest, is used by many insect species to cope with adverse conditions.Sesamia nonagrioidesis a serious pest of corn in the Mediterranean regions and Central Africa. It is multivoltine, with two to four generations per year, that overwinters as mature larva in the northern of the Sahara desert. Our purpose was to compare the response of theS. nonagrioidespopulations occurring in the broader circum-Mediterranean area, with particular attention to the diapause period and the different numbers of generations per season. To this end, we tried to determine whether populations in the area differ in their response to photoperiod and whether we can foresee the number of generations in different areas. We present a model for predicting the occurrence of the critical photoperiod according to latitude and temperature and the spread ofS. nonagrioidesin the circum-Mediterranean countries. Responses of populations to short-day length suggest that the spread of the species is associated with a gradual loss of diapause in the southern areas, and that diapause incidence is positively correlated with latitude.
Self-Healing Materials Systems: Overview of Major Approaches and Recent Developed Technologies
Authors: Aïssa B. , Therriault D. , Haddad E. , Jamroz W.
Published: February 2012

The development of self-healing materials is now being considered for real engineering applications. Over the past few decades, there has been a huge interest in materials that can self-heal, as this property can increase materials lifetime, reduce replacement costs, and improve product safety. Self-healing systems can be made from a variety of polymers and metallic materials. This paper reviews the main technologies currently being developed, particularly on the thermosetting composite polymeric systems. An overview of various self-healing concepts over the past decade is then presented. Finally, a perspective on future self-healing approaches using this biomimetic technique is offered. The intention is to stimulate debate and reinforce the importance of a multidisciplinary approach in this exciting field.
Modeling Dominant Height Growth in PlantedPinus pineaStands in Northwest of Tunisia
Authors: Tahar Sghaier , Marc Palahi , Salah Garchi , Antonio Bonet José , Youssef Ammari , Miriam Pique
Published: February 2012

Six generalized algebraic difference equations (GADAs) derived from the base models of log-logistic, Bertalanffy-Richards, and Lundqvist-Korf were used to develop site index model forPinus pineaplantations in north-west of Tunisia. To assure the base-age invariance of the model parameter estimates, a dummy variable approach was used. Data from stem analysis, corrected with Carmean's method, were used for modelling. To take into account the inherent autocorrelation of the longitudinal data, a second-order continuous-time autoregressive error structure was used, which allows the models to be applied to irregularly spaced, unbalanced data. Both a qualitative analysis based on the biological realism of the models and numerical and graphical analyses based on the accuracy of the models as well were used to evaluate the performance of candidate models. The relative error in site index predictions was used to select 30 years as the best reference age. Based on the analysis, a generalized algebraic difference equation (GADA) derived from the base model of Lundqvist-Korf realized the best compromise between biological and statistical constraints, producing the most adequate site index curves. It is a polymorphic model with site-dependent asymptotes. This model is therefore recommended for height growth prediction and site classification ofPinus pineaplantations in north-west of Tunisia.
Role of Allergen Source-Derived Proteases in Sensitization via Airway Epithelial Cells
Authors: Matsumura Yasuhiro
Published: February 2012

Protease activity is a characteristic common to many allergens. Allergen source-derived proteases interact with lung epithelial cells, which are now thought to play vital roles in both innate and adaptive immune responses. Allergen source-derived proteases act on airway epithelial cells to induce disruption of the tight junctions between epithelial cells, activation of protease-activated receptor-2, and the production of thymic stromal lymphopoietin. These facilitate allergen delivery across epithelial layers and enhance allergenicity or directly activate the immune system through a nonallergic mechanism. Furthermore, they cleave regulatory cell surface molecules involved in allergic reactions. Thus, allergen source-derived proteases are a potentially critical factor in the development of allergic sensitization and appear to be strongly associated with heightened allergenicity.
The crime writer as historian: Representations of National Socialism and its post-war legacies in Joseph Kanon’s The Good German and Pierre Frei’s Berlin
Authors: Hall Katharina
Published: February 2012

This article explores the cross-fertilization of Joseph Kanon’s The Good German (2001) and Pierre Frei’s Berlin (2003) with the historiography of Alltagsgeschichte, illustrating how the novels reflect, but also extend, the examination of everyday life under National Socialism through their depiction of German suffering during defeat and Allied occupation. In the process, the texts instigate a controversial thematic turn whose possible implications, such as the marginalization of the memory of Jewish suffering, illuminate the ‘memory contests’ taking place at the beginning of the new millennium. The article also scrutinizes the tensions arising from the authors’ dual role as crime writer and historian, examining the opportunities crime fiction offers for probing the history and legacy of National Socialism, as well as the limits placed on authors’ historical representations by the conventions of the genre. These issues are explored through close readings of both texts and the analysis of over 150 Amazon readers’ responses, which illuminate the plurality of functions the texts have for readers and the capacity of crime fiction to provide valuable access to historical materials and debates.
Death and the dead-house in Victorian asylums: necroscopy versus mourning at the Royal Edinburgh Asylum, c. 1832–1901
Authors: Andrews Jonathan
Published: February 2012

This article examines the management and meaning of post-mortem examinations, and the spatial ordering of patients’ death, dissection and burial at the Victorian asylum, referencing a range of institutional contexts and exploiting a case study of the Royal Edinburgh Asylum. The routinizing of dissection and the development of the dead-house from a more marginal asylum sector to a lynchpin of laboratory medicine is stressed. External and internal pressure to modernize pathological research facilities is assessed alongside governmental, public and professional critiques of variable necroscopy practices. This is contextualized against wider issues and attitudes surrounding consent and funereal rituals. Onus is placed on tendencies in anatomizing insanity towards the conversion of deceased lunatics – pauper lunatics especially – into mere pathological specimens. On the other hand, significant but compromised resistance on the part of a minority of practitioners, relatives and the wider public is also identified.
Study of hybrid welding repair process of friction stir welding grove defect
Authors: Liu H J , Zhang H J
Published: February 2012

Gas tungsten arc welding (GTAW) repair process and GTAW+FSW (friction stir welding) hybrid repair process are studied to remove the large size groove defect formed during FSW. The experimental results indicate that the groove defect can be removed by both the repair processes. The tensile strength of the GTAW repair joint is only 55% of that of the base metal. The tensile fracture occurs at the transition zone between the weld zone and the heat affected zone, and the fracture surface of the repair joint is characterised by clear brittleness. In contrast, the GTAW+FSW hybrid repair joint has a high tensile strength equivalent to 70% of that of the base metal. The tensile fracture occurs at the overlap thermomechanically affected zone between the two FSW nuggets, and the fracture feature of the hybrid repair joint is partially plastic and partially brittle.
Research on short circuiting transfer mode of ultrasonic assisted GMAW method
Authors: Fan Y Y , Fan C L , Yang C L , Liu W G , Lin S B
Published: February 2012

Ultrasonic assisted gas metal arc welding (U-GMAW) has been recently developed to improve the metal transfer characteristics. The ultrasonic wave is applied on the metal transfer process by means of an acoustic field. Welding electrical signal measurement and high speed camera are employed to study the differences of short circuiting metal transfer between conventional GMAW and U-GMAW. Compared with the conventional GMAW, the short circuit frequencies of U-GMAW are obviously increased under the same welding parameters. Moreover, the voltage range of the stable short circuiting transfer is enlarged, and the weld appearances become more uniform with the action of the ultrasonic wave. The high speed video images indicate that the U-GMAW arc is compressed and the electrical field intensity is increased. The decrease in the arc length is the main reason for the increase in the short circuit frequency.
Solution of stress intensity factor for mode I centre crack in undermatched butt joint with certain reinforcement
Authors: Wang T , Yang J G , Liu X S , Dong Z B , Fang H Y
Published: February 2012

In order to improve the fracture resistance of undermatched butt joint, the influence of joint shape parameters on the stress intensity factor (SIF) of undermatched butt joint with mode I centre crack was studied, and the solution of SIF was obtained by combining the analytical method with the finite element method as well. The results are useful to guide the shape design of undermatched butt joint with mode I centre crack under both static load and fatigue load conditions.
Development of high strength Ir based alloy tool for friction stir welding
Authors: Miyazawa T , Iwamoto Y , Maruko T , Fujii H
Published: February 2012

The friction stir welding (FSW) tools for high temperature materials are required to have high performance at elevated temperatures. The purposes of this study are to strengthen iridium with an excellent oxidation resistance at elevated temperatures and to develop an FSW tool for high temperature materials. As a result, it was clarified that Ir based alloys are strengthened by the addition of elements with a larger atomic radius than that of Ir, and Zr was the most effective element in this study. Ir–10Re–1Zr has excellent mechanical properties and oxidation resistance at elevated temperatures. The FSW tool made from this alloy was hardly worn even if the SUS 304 stainless steel was friction stir welded.
Interface behaviours and mechanical properties of filling friction stir weld joining AA 2219
Authors: Huang Y X , Han B , Lv S X , Feng J C , Liu H J , Leng J S , Li Y
Published: February 2012

In the present work, 7·8 mm thick AA 2219 rolled plates were successfully joined without keyholes using semiconsumable tools by filling friction stir welding (FFSW). The shoulder further effect was performed to enhance mechanical stir, and mechanical properties were enhanced effectively. The results showed that the bonding interface of AA 2219 bit and keyhole is defect free. The softened region on the advanced side is the weakest part of FFSW joint rather than the bonding interface of the keyhole. The average ultimate tensile strength and elongation are 172 MPa and 11·2%, equal to 90 and 82% of the base weld without defects respectively. Excellent bonding interface and mechanical properties of FFSW joints have been exhibited.
Friction stir welding of multilayered steel
Authors: Taendl J , Nambu S , Inoue J , Enzinger N , Koseki T
Published: February 2012

This study investigates the mechanical properties and microstructure of friction stir butt welded high strength/ductility multilayered steel consisting of 15 alternating layers of SUS 301 austenitic stainless steel (eight layers) and SUS 420J2 martensitic stainless steel (seven layers) with a total thickness of 1·2 mm. With optimised welding parameters, defect free welds with an ultimate tensile strength (UTS) of 1240 MPa and a fracture elongation of 13% were accomplished. This corresponds to a joint efficiency of 90%. In this case, fracture occurred in the heat affected zone as a result of a very pronounced hardness drop in the martensitic layers resulting from the formation of a large amount of grain boundary precipitates, which were formed at temperatures ∼750°C slightly below Ac1. By applying post-weld heat treatment, the hardness drop in the martensitic layers was removed and the tensile properties were enhanced to UTS of 1310 MPa (95% joint efficiency) and a fracture elongation of 22%.
Fe-Mn phosphate associations as indicators of the magmatic-hydrothermal and supergene evolution of the Jálama batholith in the Navasfrías Sn-W District, Salamanca, Spain
Authors: Llorens T. , Moro M.C.
Published: February 2012

The residual melts that remained after the consolidation of the Jálama batholith crystallized to form a group of intra-granitic pegmatite dykes, which are hosted by its outermost facies (the External Unit), and the most evolved residual melts migrated through fractures to form the Cruz del Rayo field of pegmatite dykes, which are hosted by pre-Ordovician low-grade metasedimentary rocks. The increasing activity of phosphorus as magmatic differentiation took place led to the crystallization of primary phosphates, including members of the triplite–zwieselite and the amblygonite–montebrasite series. A strong albitization of the granitic and pegmatite rocks led to the replacement of the primary assemblage by other phosphates such as alluaudite. The influx of post-magmatic hydrothermal fluids, produced quartz veins, gave rise to the crystallizationof ore minerals and triplite, and altered the granites, aplites and pegmatites, replacing some of the phosphate minerals and feldspars and depositing goyazite, montebrasite and childrenite–eosphorite. The interaction of the residual hydrothermal fluids with those from the surrounding metamorphic rocks during later alteration events resulted in the influx of large quantities of Ca and Mg, and produced phosphate assemblages enriched in those elements. Finally, late goyazite, hydroxylapatite and an unidentified Fe-rich phosphate were formed as a result of supergene alterationby percolating meteoric waters, which added Ca, Sr and other elements into the system, and increased fO2.
An experimental study of Sr, Ba and Rb partitioning between alkali feldspar and silicate liquid in the system nepheline–kalsilite–quartz at 0.1 GPa P(H2O): a revisitation and reassessment
Authors: Henderson C. M. B. , Pierozynski W. J.
Published: February 2012

The partitioning of Sr, Ba and Rb between alkali feldspar and melt has been determined at 0.1 GPa water vapour pressure, mainly on one Na-rich series and one K-rich series within the system nepheline-kalsilite-quartz. Experiments were also carried out with small amounts of the anorthite molecule or peralkaline components (Na, K metasilicates). The compositions of the alkali feldspars and coexisting quenched glasses were determined by electron microprobe analysis. Except for some peralkaline compositions, the crystal/liquid partition coefficients for Sr and Ba are always >1; the crystal/liquid partition coefficient for Rb is always <1. For sodic alkali feldspars DSr > DBa and for potassic feldspars DSr < DBa. Partition coefficients for Sr and Ba increase: (1) with decreasing temperature; (2) with increasing Or content of feldspar; (3) with increasing silica-undersaturation of the melt; (4) with decreasing peralkalinity. The variation in the value of DRb is less clear, but it is higher for K-rich feldspars. Multiple linear regression equations are fitted to correlate ln(D) with independent compositional and physical variables. Where rock/groundmass major-element data are available for felsic natural rocks, equations are recommended for obtaining reliable alkali feldspar partition coefficients for modelling fractional crystallization processes. The structural properties of silicate melts and crystal chemical relations are used to rationalize trends in partition coefficients.