bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Risk Factors of Pneumonia in Children A Community Survey
Authors: Bari MI , Siddiqui AB , Alam T , Hossain A
Published: August 2009

Pneumonia was the leading common cause of death in young children in Bangladesh. 351 patients of Pneumonia below five years of age were selected as per WHO guidelines. Out of 351 patients, one patient died due to very severe pneumonia that had history of low birth weight and malnutrition. The following factors were taken into consideration such as age, sex, low birth weight, feeding pattern, malnutrition, housing, paternal education, ventilation of living room and smoking habits of parents. It was found that below 2 months of age, severe pneumonia showed 50% and there was male preponderance in all age group and also 41.6% of male children had recurrent attack of pneumonia. Low birth weight and lack of breast feeding patient had suffered more frequently of Pneumonia. In this study, it was statistically proved that malnutrition (p=.00028), inadequate paternal education (p=.00007), bad ventilated living room (p=.00037) and also smoking habits of parents (p=.04054) had significant important risk factors of recurrent attack of Pneumonia in children. doi: 10.3329/taj.v20i2.3072 TAJ 2007; 20(2): 122-126
Surgery in Hypertensive Intracerebral Haematoma (ICH) Study of 49 Cases
Authors: Rahman M Lutfor , Islam M Shafiqul , Alab M Intekhab , Mohiuddin AKM , Karim M Abdul
Published: August 2009

Surgery in hypertensive intra cerebral haematoma are still controversial. We treated 49 cases of intracerebral haematoma surgically from January 1995 to December 2005. Hypertensive haematomas are- putaminal, thalamic, cerebellar, pontine haemorrhage and subcortical. These haematomas are mild, moderate and severe type. We operated ICH, where the diameters of haematomas were more than 3cm. Outcome was assessed on basis of activity of daily living (ADL). Male to female ratio was 5:2, Patients age ranged 45 to 72 years. All patients presented with unconscious or semiconscious stage, 100% patients had CT scan of brain. In this study of 49 cases 20(40.82%) had ADL II, 24 (45.82%) had ADL III, 1 (2.4%) had ADL IV. Death occurred in 04 (8.16%) cases. doi: 10.3329/taj.v20i2.3073 TAJ 2007; 20(2): 127-128
Blood Donors Recruitment and Incentives in Bangladesh
Authors: Mahbub-ul-Alam M , Rashid Mamun Ur , Ekram ARM Saifuddin
Published: August 2009

The potential effectiveness of various donation incentive programs may vary by demographics and first time or repeat status. Attitudes towards future incentives were obtained from 2,897 whole blood donors among 5,357 allogenic donors who return a questionnaire (54.08% response rate). Majority were first time donors 67.59% (1,958) with 32.41% (939) repeated donor. Majority of the respondents were male 68.52% (1,985), female 31.48% (912). Responses to incentives were compared between first time and repeat whole blood donors. Incentives most likely to encourage donation return among all 2,897 whole blood respondents were blood screening test (B.S.T), against transfusion transmitted infection (T.T.I) 71.65%, blood credits- 61.55%, cash to charity- 43.35% and gift- 27.6%. The incentives that would be least likely to encourage return were a token or award of appreciation- 15.85%. Few donors would be discouraged to return if offered B.S.T against T.T.I (0.25%), other miscellaneous incentives (1.31%), a gift (2.15%), a token of appreciation (1.95%). Compensatory incentives could potentially have a more negative impact because 7 to 9 percent of donors reported they would be discouraged for donating if they received cash or lottery or raffle ticket. Young (18-25 years old) donors were encouraged by B.S.T against T.T.I (58.4%) and older (51 years old) donors (58.4%); more than 2 hours off work (46.2% and 13.7%); community service and / or education credits ( 44.2% and 10.7%); or compensatory incentives (56.9% and 15.8% for cash to charity 57.8% and 26.7%); gifts (39.6% and 11.4%) or a token of appreciation (27.4% and 10.0%) respectively. Blood screening and blood credits would be well received at all donation sites. Gift, compensatory incentives and token of appreciation appeal more to younger donors. These data may allow blood centers to optimize recruitment by tailoring limited incentive recourses more effectively. doi: 10.3329/taj.v20i2.3074 TAJ 2007; 20(2): 129-135
Surgical Out Come of Extradural Haematoma Patients at Department of Neurosurgery in Chittagong Medical College Hospital: A Study of 30 Patients
Authors: Debnath Haradhan , Rahman M Lutfor , Or-Rashid Harun
Published: August 2009

Bleeding of extradural space is called extradural haematoma. This was a prospective study. In this study included 30 patients of extradural haematoma. Mean age of patients was 29 ±15year. 26(83.3%) of patients were male and 5(16.6%) of patients were female. Commonest cause of haematoma were road traffique accidents. Among them 28(93.3%) patients were treated by surgical procedure and 2(6.6%) were treated by conservative procedure. After surgery among the 30 patients 26(83.3%). patients were fully recovered. Postoperatively two patients recovered with disabilities (one had visual field defect and one had Psychological disturbance). Two patients (6.6%) died on 3rd and 6th post operative day respectively due to aspiration pneumonia. Mortality and morbidity were more among those who were operated after 48 hours of occurrence. So, this study concluded that the early surgery is more life saving than the late surgery. doi: 10.3329/taj.v20i2.3075 TAJ 2007; 20(2): 136-139
Fetal Kidney Length: Can be a New Parameter for Determination of Gestational Age in 3rd Trimester
Authors: Yusuf Nahid , Moslem Fauzia , Haque Jasmine Ara
Published: August 2009

Ultrasound provides an accurate & objective method of determining fetal age in utero. A prospective study was done in 102 pregnant women after 30 weeks of pregnancy whose gestational ages were confirmed by early USG. (<24 weeks). The aim of this study was to establish a correlation between the fetal kidney length & gestational age in 3rd trimester. The mean length of fetal kidneys showed a linear correlation with gestational age. The mean fetal kidney length in mm approximates the gestational age in weeks in 3rd trimester as predicated by BPD, FL, AC & HC (P<0.001). Maternal height, weight & socioeconomic status did not show any effect on growth of fetal kidneys. The result obtained confirmed that measurement of fetal kidney length in mm can be used as an additional parameter for documentation of gestational age in 3rd trimester & also an early means of detection of abnormal renal development. doi: 10.3329/taj.v20i2.3078 TAJ 2007; 20(2): 147-150
Continuous-Discrete Path Integral Filtering
Authors: Balaji Bhashyam
Published: August 2009

A summary of the relationship between the Langevin equation, Fokker-Planck-Kolmogorov forward equation (FPKfe) and the Feynman path integral descriptions of stochastic processes relevant for the solution of the continuous-discrete filtering problem is provided in this paper. The practical utility of the path integral formula is demonstrated via some nontrivial examples. Specifically, it is shown that the simplest approximation of the path integral formula for the fundamental solution of the FPKfe can be applied to solve nonlinear continuous-discrete filtering problems quite accurately. The Dirac-Feynman path integral filtering algorithm is quite simple, and is suitable for real-time implementation.
Recent Findings Concerning PAMAM Dendrimer Conjugates with Cyclodextrins as Carriers of DNA and RNA
Authors: Arima Hidetoshi , Motoyama Keiichi
Published: August 2009

We have evaluated the potential use of various polyamidoamine (PAMAM) dendrimer [dendrimer, generation (G) 2-4] conjugates with cyclodextrins (CyDs) as novel DNA and RNA carriers. Among the various dendrimer conjugates with CyDs, the dendrimer (G3) conjugate with α-CyD having an average degree of substitution (DS) of 2.4 [α-CDE (G3, DS2)] displayed remarkable properties as DNA, shRNA and siRNA delivery carriers through the sensor function of α-CDEs toward nucleic acid drugs, cell surface and endosomal membranes. In an attempt to develop cell-specific gene transfer carriers, we prepared sugar-appended α-CDEs. Of the various sugar-appended α-CDEs prepared, galactose- or mannose-appended α-CDEs provided superior gene transfer activity to α-CDE in various cells, but not cell-specific gene delivery ability. However, lactose-appended α-CDE [Lac-α-CDE (G2)] was found to possess asialoglycoprotein receptor (AgpR)-mediated hepatocyte-selective gene transfer activity, both in vitro and in vivo. Most recently, we prepared folate-poly(ethylene glycol)-appended α-CDE [Fol-PαC (G3)] and revealed that Fol-PαC (G3) imparted folate receptor (FR)-mediated cancer cell-selective gene transfer activity. Consequently, α-CDEs bearing integrated, multifunctional molecules may possess the potential to be novel carriers for DNA, shRNA and siRNA.
Piezoelectric and Magnetoelectric Thick Films for Fabricating Power Sources in Wireless Sensor Nodes
Authors: Priya Shashank , Ryu Jungho , Park Chee-Sung , Oliver Josiah , Choi Jong-Jin , Park Dong-Soo
Published: August 2009

In this manuscript, we review the progress made in the synthesis of thick film-based piezoelectric and magnetoelectric structures for harvesting energy from mechanical vibrations and magnetic field. Piezoelectric compositions in the system Pb(Zr,Ti)O3–Pb(Zn1/3Nb2/3)O3 (PZNT) have shown promise for providing enhanced efficiency due to higher energy density and thus form the base of transducers designed for capturing the mechanical energy. Laminate structures of PZNT with magnetostrictive ferrite materials provide large magnitudes of magnetoelectric coupling and are being targeted to capture the stray magnetic field energy. We analyze the models used to predict the performance of the energy harvesters and present a full system description.
L-Valine Ester of Cyclopropavir: A New Antiviral Prodrug
Authors: Wu Zhimeng , Drach John C , Prichard Mark N , Yanachkova Milka , Yanachkov Ivan , Bowlin Terry L , Zemlicka Jiri
Published: August 2009

Background:

Following the example of L-valine prodrugs of antiviral nucleoside analogues, L-valine ester of cyclopropavir (valcyclopropavir) was synthesized.

Methods:

The known tetrahydropyranylcyclopropavir was transformed to N-( tert-butoxycarbonyl)-L-valine ester, which was deprotected to valcyclopropavir.

Results:

Stability of valcyclopropavir towards hydrolysis at pH 7.0 roughly corresponded to that of valganciclovir. Valcyclopropavir inhibited replication of human cytomegalovirus (HCMV, Towne and AD169 strains) to approximately the same extent as the parent drug cyclopropavir. Pharmacokinetic studies in mice established that the oral bioavailability of valcyclopropavir was 95%.

Conclusions:

The prodrug valcyclopropavir offers some improved therapeutic parameters over the parent compound cyclopropavir.
Multi‐offset GPR methods for hyporheic zone investigations
Authors: Brosten Troy R. , Bradford John H. , McNamara James P. , Gooseff Michael N. , Zarnetske Jay P. , Bowden William B. , Johnston Morgan E.
Published: August 2009

Porosity of stream sediments has a direct effect on hyporheic exchange patterns and rates. Improved estimates of porosity heterogeneity will yield enhanced simulation of hyporheic exchange processes. Ground‐penetrating radar (GPR) velocity measurements are strongly controlled by water content thus accurate measures of GPR velocity in saturated sediments provides estimates of porosity beneath stream channels using petrophysical relationships. Imaging the substream system using surface based reflection measurements is particularly challenging due to large velocity gradients that occur at the transition from open water to saturated sediments. The continuous multi‐offset method improves the quality of subsurface images through stacking and provides measurements of vertical and lateral velocity distributions. We applied the continuous multi‐offset method to stream sites on the North Slope, Alaska and the Sawtooth Mountains near Boise, Idaho, USA. From the continuous multi‐offset data, we measure velocity using reflection tomography then estimate water content and porosity using the Topp equation. These values provide detailed measurements for improved stream channel hydraulic and thermal modelling.
Inversion of airborne time‐domain electromagnetic data to a 1D structure using lateral constraints
Authors: Vallée Marc A. , Smith Richard S.
Published: August 2009

We invert time‐domain airborne electromagnetic data in such a way as to obtain a model that varies slowly along the profile. This is achieved by modifying a typical one‐dimensional inversion algorithm to include lateral constraints. The lateral constraints are included as a roughness matrix that is solved simultaneously with the Jacobian matrix in an iterative eigenparameter inversion. In this case, multiple soundings along a line are all solved simultaneously. The lateral constraints can be applied to the resistivities and the thicknesses, both separately and together. We apply these techniques in two situations where airborne geophysical data are applied to near‐surface exploration. The first case is in a resistive environment where we are interested in quantifying a superficial conductive overburden. In this case, lateral constraints improve the geological image compared with those images obtained using unconstrained layered‐earth inversion. In the second case, we want to map the thickness of a resistive aquifer covering a saline layer. In this case, we show how varying the weights on the lateral constraints can change the image of the thickness of the aquifer. The presence of numerous cultural artefacts makes the inversion problematic. Application of a first‐difference constraint did the best job at removing culture but resulted in oversmoothing of the hydrogeology. The use of a second‐difference lateral constraint gave a good rendition of the hydrogeology but did not suppress the culture as well as the first‐difference constraint.
3D seismic reflection surveying at the CO2SINK project site, Ketzin, Germany: a study for extracting shallow subsurface information
Authors: Yordkayhun Sawasdee , Juhlin Christopher , Norden Ben
Published: August 2009

Three‐dimensional (3D) reflection seismic data were recorded as part of a pilot scale carbon dioxide (CO2) geological storage project (CO2SINK) with the aim of mapping the structural geometry of the site and providing a 3D baseline prior to CO2 injection. Standard processing originally focused on the storage target, a saline aquifer at 500–700 m depth and successful imaged coherent reflections from 150 ms to 900 ms in the seismic volume. However, the relatively sparse distribution of sources and receivers, the frequency content of the data and artefacts of the processing resulted in the uppermost 150 ms being poorly resolved. This depth range contains caprock, shallow faults and an aquifer system. Thus, characterizing the shallow subsurface is important in terms of site delineation of potential leakage paths and monitoring after CO2 injection. In order to study the potential of mapping the uppermost reflectors and shallow structures associated with major fault zones, a comprehensive reprocessing effort on a subset of the 3D data was performed. The challenge in imaging shallow reflections is dependent upon the separation of ground roll and refracted energy from the reflected energy, as well as compensation for time shifts due to statics. Among the processing sequences, refraction static corrections, careful muting and filtering, velocity analysis and 3D time migration were key steps for enhancing the resolution and coherency of shallow seismic reflections. This study images a previously unmapped horizon, close to the Quaternary‐Tertiary boundary, at about 95–120 ms (~65–90 m depth). Correlation of lateral variations in reflectivity along this boundary, lateral velocity variations in the tomographic image and the seismic signature in modelling studies suggest an aquifer/aquitard complex and variable lithology with associated localized silty or clayey sediments, overlying the Tertiary Rupelton clay unit. In the previous processing it was not clear if the deeper faults imaged on the 3D seismic survey extended to shallower levels than the base Tertiary. Thus, a comprehensive fault detection technique, multi‐attributes and neural networks analysis, was employed in this study to allow a more reliable fault geometry to be interpreted. Tracking of faults in the seismic image and comparisons with a tomography study indicate that some deeper faults may penetrate into the overlying Tertiary unit. These findings are important for understanding potentially risky areas and can be used as a database for future monitoring programmes at the site.
Correlation of electrical resistivity, electrical conductivity and soil parameters at a long‐term fertilization experiment
Authors: Werban Ulrike , Kuka Katrin , Merbach Ines
Published: August 2009

Geophysical methods are progressive, non‐destructive but indirect techniques for characterization of soil properties and mapping of soil heterogeneities. Geophysical surveys for soil mapping lead generally to ambiguous results since geophysical parameters are influenced by several soil properties, e.g., organic content, clay content and bulk density.

The investigations presented here focus on the effect of different stages of organic content on DC‐geoelectrics and electromagnetic induction (EMI) at a long‐term fertilization experiment. This experiment gives, after 105 years running, an excellent opportunity to study the correlations between electrical resistivity, apparent electrical conductivity and soil parameters. Results from DC‐geoelectrical measurements (profile length 80–160 m, electrode distance 0.5 m) twice, in August after harvest and in January during black fallow period, are presented. Additionally electromagnetical investigations were conducted in January.

Correlations of resistivity and carbon input into the soil are significant and very strong; especially in January with but contradictive in summer and winter. The analysis of resistivity and apparent electrical conductivity is critical since bulk density and water storage capacity is influenced by fertilization and plant growth. Interpretation of a combination of DC‐geoelectrics and electromagnetical techniques on agricultural areas has to be done with respect to management aspects.
Influence of tillage methods on soil water content and geophysical properties
Authors: Müller Martin , Kurz Gerhard , Yaramanci Ugur
Published: August 2009

This paper focuses on the development of a geophysical methodology as a tool for agricultural soil research particularly concerning the impact of different tillage. Geophysical interest laid on the suitability (practically and technically) resolution limits of the applied methods; on the reliability of the data on small horizontal and vertical scales (cm–dm) in volumetric water content (VWC) determination as well as consequences for the interpretation in terms of water retention capacity.

In parts of the investigated area a large field was divided into sub‐fields, each of them subjected to different tillage since about 15 years: normal tillage (field I, with a 0.3 m deep impact plough), conservative tillage (field II, zero tillage, just seeding) and mulch tillage (field III, just the uppermost 0.1 m ploughed). Measurements were performed on two parallel profiles with geoelectrics, radar, induced polarization and nuclear magnetic resonance.

The contrast of VWC and electrical resistivity was always larger between fields I and II on profile 1 as well as on profile 2 but for one exception: for the ground‐penetrating radar (GPR) data of August 2004 on profile 2 the largest contrast was between fields I and III, nevertheless the contrast between fields I and II was nearly as large as between fields I and III. How could the type of tillage of fields I and II be distinguished by the contrast of their physical parameters? Whereas on profile 1 field I was dryer and field II the wetter, on profile 2 field I was the wetter and field II the dryer one. On the other hand the laboratory samples from profile 2 showed a similar behaviour as the field data from profile 1. This (apparent) contradiction may have come from the respective precipitation history. Whereas some of the measurements have been performed during and shortly after a rain event, other measurements were performed after a longer dry period. During and directly after precipitation the soil on the unploughed field II could take up more, whereas the soil on the ploughed field could not hold as much water.

The first layer of field I was more inhomogeneous than the first layer of field II and the second layer of field I was more homogeneous than the second layer of field II. The differences in homogeneity were caused by destructive process of the plough, which loosens the soil and exposes the soil to the weathering.
Integrated analysis and interpretation of cross‐hole P‐ and S‐wave tomograms: a case study
Authors: Dietrich Peter , Tronicke Jens
Published: August 2009

We present cross‐hole P‐ and S‐wave seismic experiments that have been performed along a ~100 m long transect for the detailed characterization of a contaminated sedimentary site (Bitterfeld research test site, Germany). We invert the corresponding first break arrival times for the P‐ and S‐wave velocity structure and compare two different strategies to interpret these models in terms of pertinent lithological and geotechnical parameter variations. The first (common) approach is based on directly translating the tomographic velocity models into the parameters of interest (e.g., elastic moduli). The second (zonal) approach first reduces the tomographic parameter information to a limited number of characteristic velocity combinations via ‐means cluster analysis. Then, for each zone (cluster) further parameters including uncertainties can be estimated. In the presented case study, our results indicate that the zonal approach provides an effective means for the integrated interpretation of different co‐located data.
GPR investigations to characterize Medieval and Roman foundations under existing shop premises: a case study from Chester, Cheshire, UK
Authors: Pringle J.K. , Lenham J.W. , Reynolds J.M.
Published: August 2009

A high‐resolution, ground‐penetrating radar (GPR) investigation was performed on existing commercial shop premises within The Rows, Chester, UK to detect near‐surface features, including a suspected Medieval undercroft (cellar), the location of which was unknown. GPR 2D profiles were acquired on a 0.5 m square grid‐pattern both within the premises and on an exterior, Medieval raised walkway. Multi‐frequency (250, 500 and 800 MHz dominant frequency) repeat‐surveys were acquired in selected areas over the grid to resolve progressively deeper near‐surface structures and used to generate 500 and 800 MHz horizontal ‘time‐slices’.

Floor‐supporting wooden beams with steel supports on the exterior walkway, the Medieval undercroft, associated passageways and a hitherto unexpected access trap‐door were all successfully located. The undercroft was found to be air‐filled. Three near‐surface rectangular areas were identified and found not to be associated with the undercroft; these were interpreted to represent heterogeneous, rubble back‐fill. Separate, isolated, raised areas were also identified ~1.5 m below present floor level; these were interpreted as relict brick column supports from a long‐demolished, Roman building. GPR data acquired on the exterior raised walkway also found evidence for relict support structures from a former shopfront.

All of the targeted anomalies were intrusively investigated and provided positive confirmation of the geophysical interpretations. Archaeological investigations of trial pits confirmed the site’s varied history and depth to bedrock. GPR was therefore effective in this study to locate and characterize the modern, Medieval and Roman features without extensive intrusive investigation, whilst causing minimal disruption to commercial operations. These results demonstrate the effectiveness of carefully acquired and processed, high‐resolution, closely‐spaced GPR survey data in near‐surface characterization for geotechnical investigations.
Markov random field image processing applications on ruins of the Hittite Empire
Authors: Uçan Osman N. , Muhittin Albora A.
Published: August 2009

In this paper, we applied Markov random field processing to geophysical data as an alternative to classical deterministic approaches. Markov random field processing is an unsupervised statistical model‐based algorithm, which does not requirea prioriinformation. We present a dynamic programming based on evaluation of noisy and superpositioned effects of the various geological structures considering a statisticalmaximum a posterioricriterion. The objective of the proposed modelling is to capture the intrinsic character of the input potential anomaly map in a few parameters, so as to understand the nature of the phenomenon generating the anomaly. In order to decrease processing time and to enhance image performance of the Markov random field, we introduce a preprocessing step. The preprocessing step is crucial and it helps us to solve difficult multi‐disciplinary problems such as separation, enhancement of magnetic anomalies and border detection. We also decrease the noisy peak values of pixels by this smoothing process and emphasize the discontinuity properties of the noisy data by an absolute differentiation procedure. Here, the magnetic field of the input data is considered as a two‐dimensional image with a matrix composed ofpixels. We evaluate each pixel of thematrix using the Markov random field approach, regarding the neighbouring pixels and their locality in real time with noa prioritraining procedure. As synthetic examples, various prism models are considered and the separation and edge detection performance of the Markov random field is tested. As real data, we have evaluated the magnetic anomaly map of the Hittite civilization in the Sivas‐Alt1nyayla region of Turkey. We have obtained satisfactory results in both synthetic and real data and concluded that the Markov random field is a compromising approach for the separation problem of regional‐residual anomalies and edge detection of various geological bodies.
Trends in waterborne electrical and EM induction methods for high resolution sub‐bottom imaging
Authors: Butler Karl E.
Published: August 2009

Shallow water applications of electrical and electromagnetic geophysical methods have grown in recent years with recognition of the information these methods can provide regarding groundwater‐surface water interaction, geotechnical engineering, exploration, marine geology and other fields. In many applications, spatial variations in resistivity are useful as a proxy for variations in another bulk material property such as pore water salinity, clay content, porosity, or temperature.

Applications of galvanic resistivity methods have been buoyed by the development of marine configurations that are now commercially available. In contrast, with two notable exceptions, most applications of EM induction methods have involved experimental adaptations of instruments originally designed for use on land. Methods for shallow water resistivity and EM induction surveys are at an exciting stage of development where several promising applications have been demonstrated but the suite of tools and components commercially available and widely tested remains relatively small.
DC resistivity sensitivity patterns for tilted transversely isotropic media
Authors: Wiese Tim , Greenhalgh Stewart , Marescot Laurent
Published: August 2009

In this paper we present and analyse DC resistivity sensitivity patterns for uniform anisotropic media and for various surface electrode arrays. The sensitivity functions (or Fréchet derivatives) give the responsive change in measured electric potential for a perturbation in a model parameter at a particular point in the subsurface for a specific electrode configuration. The anisotropic model investigated is the common tilted transversely isotropic medium, which is defined by four model parameters. We examine the changes in the Fréchet derivatives of the Green’s functions with respect to both the longitudinal and transverse conductivity and the dip and azimuth angle of the symmetry axis for varying model parameters. Anisotropic sensitivities are vastly different in strength and shape compared to the isotropic sensitivity pattern. The various arrays (pole‐pole, dipole‐dipole, Wenner and square array) produce distinctive patterns that are important in assessing resolution. Valuable insights were gained: the anisotropic Fréchet derivatives can vary greatly from the isotropic pattern in both strength and shape depending on the nature of the anisotropy. Also it was found that the relationship between components of current density (parallel and perpendicular to the symmetry axis) and the sensitivity patterns is somewhat akin to the dot product of the true source and adjoint source current density vectors in isotropic media. Understanding of the anisotropic sensitivity pattern variations will enable, through further analysis, computation of model resolution matrices and improvement of experimental design. Appreciation of the significant differences between isotropic and anisotropic sensitivities should help avoid errors in using inappropriate isotropic inversion schemes to interpret measurements made over anisotropic ground.
Integration of multidimensional archaeogeophysical data using supervised and unsupervised classification
Authors: Ernenwein Eileen G.
Published: August 2009

When multiple geophysical methods are used to survey an archaeological site, an integrated approach to interpreting the data is often pursued. The use of supervised and unsupervised classification methods are tested using ground‐penetrating radar, magnetometry and magnetic susceptibility data sets from a site in the American Southwest. Pueblo Escondido was a large prehistoric village associated with the Mogollon culture in southern New Mexico, with peak occupation during the transition between pithouse and pueblo architectural periods (ca. 1280–1290 AD). Image classification has the benefit of producing unambiguous discrete maps and capitalizes on the multivariate relationships between data sets. Theoretically, unsupervised classification could identify new archaeological classes that were not anticipated but no such classes were identified. The K‐means cluster analysis succeeded only in identifying weak, moderate and strong positive anomalies found in the original data sets. Supervised classification utilizing Mahalanobis distance produced much better results. Training sites based on archaeological excavations were used to classify all locations in the survey area, yielding a predictive model of archaeological features in three classes, plus a background class. The result shows features that were not easily identified in the original data sets but are made visible by the multivariate model. The model could be used for guiding future excavations and arguably leads to a better understanding of the site’s subsurface content and spatial organization.
Application of signal dependent rank‐order mean filter to the removal of noise spikes from 2D electrical resistivity imaging data
Authors: Ferahtia Jalal , Djarfour Nouredine , Baddari Kamel , Guérin Roger
Published: August 2009

It is well‐known that when inverting two‐dimensional (2D) electrical resistivity data, a major source of errors is the presence of noise and in particular noise spikes. The popular median filter is often applied to the removal of single spikes. However, when the signal is highly corrupted with successive spikes, the median filter performance is poor. This paper deals with the use of the signal dependent rank‐order mean filter for the detection and removal of noise spikes from highly corrupted 2D electrical resistivity imaging data. In addition to its computational simplicity, this filter is shown to be extremely robust, even in the presence of very strong noise, especially when it is applied recursively. The signal dependent rank‐order mean filter was tested on 2D synthetic resistivity data contaminated by near‐surface inhomogeneities and the results confirmed efficient removal of the disturbances normally associated with near‐surface inhomogeneities. The signal dependent rank‐order mean filter was also applied to field data and demonstrated its ability to significantly improve the accuracy of the inversion process and to produce good visual results in the inverted electrical sections.
Combining airborne electromagnetic induction and hydrochemistry to quantify salinity contributions to a large basin stream, Colorado River, Texas, USA
Authors: Paine Jeffrey G. , Collins Edward W. , Nance H.S. , Niemann Kerry L.
Published: August 2009

We combined multifrequency airborne electromagnetic induction (EM) measurements of apparent ground conductivity with chemical analyses of surface water to delineate natural and oilfield salinity sources that degrade surface water quality by elevating total dissolved solids, chloride and sulphate concentrations along several hundred kilometres of the Colorado River (western Texas, USA). To reduce the cost of airborne geophysical surveying over such large areas, we used a helicopter to tow an EM instrument at low altitude along the stream‐axis and measure the apparent electrical conductivity of the ground at multiple frequencies, examined results in the field to identify salinized stream segments and optimal water sampling locations and then flew more detailed surveys over these limited areas rather than over the entire basin as is typical in salinization studies. Minimally processed stream‐axis EM data (including apparent conductivities measured at single frequencies and multifrequency ‘spectrograms’ along the stream‐axis) helped identify salinized streambed segments, discriminate between surface and subsurface sources of salinity and determine water sampling locations upstream and downstream from each segment. We integrated EM, streamflow and hydrochemical data to calculate salinity loads, identify specific natural and oilfield salinity sources and guide and implement remediation efforts.

Stream‐axis flight lines offer the advantage of rapidly acquiring high‐resolution subsurface conductivity data along long stream segments where traditional gridded flight‐line surveys and waterborne measurements are impractical or prohibitively expensive. They also overcome difficulties associated with topographic effects when surveying deeply incised streams. Such surveys provide valuable information on location, extent and type of salinization and can guide water sampling and more intensive ground or airborne measurements.
Continuous electrical imaging for mapping aquifer recharge along reaches of the Namoi River in Australia
Authors: Kelly B.F.J. , Allen D. , Ye K. , Dahlin T.
Published: August 2009

In this study the capacity of towed floating electrical imaging for mapping a known aquifer recharge zone in more detail is investigated. A 50 km reach of the Namoi River, Australia, was surveyed. The river is perched up to 16 m above an unconfined aquifer that extends to 30 m below the ground surface. The unconfined aquifer overlies a semi‐confined aquifer system. The electrical array consists of two current electrodes near the boat, followed by nine potential electrodes. The sequence of 1D electrical sounding curves generated was automatically inverted to obtain a layered earth electrical model along the river to a depth of approximately 40 m. There was weak correlation between the water conductivity measured in boreholes and the layered earth electrical model. Lithological logs from boreholes near the river indicate that the major layers seen in the electrical conductivity cross‐section correspond to the major sedimentary units. Groundwater mounding in the vicinity of the river has been monitored after flooding. The groundwater flood mounds coincide with the location of the predominantly low electrically conductive sediments mapped beneath the river. This suggests that aquifer recharging waters migrate via the sands and gravels, then pool at the water table before dissipating. This survey demonstrates that mapping intervals of low electrically conductive sediments beneath the river maps potential aquifer recharge pathways.
A canonical-literary reading of Lamentations 5
Authors: Kang Shinman , Venter Pieter M.
Published: August 2009

This article presents a canonical and literary reading of Lamentations 5 in the context of the book of Lamentations as a whole. Following the approach by Vanhoozer (1998, 2002) based on speech-act theory, the meaning of Scripture is sought at canonical level, supervening the basic literary level. In Lamentations, as polyphonic poetic text, the speaking voices form a very important key for the interpretation of the text. In the polyphonic text of Lamentations, the shifting of the speaking voices occurs between Lamentations 1 and 4. Lamentations 5 is monologic. The theories of Bakhtin (1984) are also used to understand the book of Lamentations. In this book, chapter 5 forms the climax where Jerusalem cries to God. We cannot, however, find God’s answer to this call in Lamentations; we can find it only within the broader text of the Christian canon.
Interaction Trap/Two‐Hybrid System to Identify Interacting Proteins
Authors: Golemis Erica A. , Serebriiskii Ilya , Finley Russell L. , Kolonin (hunt by interaction mating) Mikhail G. , Gyuris Jeno , Brent Roger
Published: August 2009

The yeast two‐hybrid method (or interaction trap) is a powerful technique for detecting protein interactions. The procedure is performed using transcriptional activation of a dual reporter system in yeast to identify interactions between a protein of interest (the bait protein) and the candidate proteins for interaction. The method can be used to screen a protein library for interactions with a bait protein or to test for association between proteins that are expected to interact based on prior evidence. Interaction mating facilitates the screening of a library with multiple bait proteins.Curr. Protoc. Protein Sci. 57:19.2.1‐19.2.35. © 2009 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Strep/FLAG Tandem Affinity Purification (SF‐TAP) to Study Protein Interactions
Authors: Gloeckner Christian Johannes , Boldt Karsten , Ueffing Marius
Published: August 2009

In recent years, several methods have been developed to analyze protein‐protein interactions under native conditions. One of them, tandem affinity purification (TAP), combines two affinity‐purification steps to allow isolation of high‐purity protein complexes. This unit presents a methodological workflow based on an SF‐TAP tag comprising a doublet Strep‐tag II and a FLAG moiety optimized for rapid as well as efficient tandem affinity purification of native proteins and protein complexes in higher eukaryotic cells. Depending on the stringency of purification conditions, SF‐TAP allows both the isolation of a single tagged‐fusion protein of interest and purification of protein complexes under native conditions. Curr. Protoc. Protein Sci. 57:19.20.1‐19.20.19. © 2009 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Genetic and environmental stability differs in reactive and proactive aggression
Authors: Tuvblad Catherine , Raine Adrian , Zheng Mo , Baker Laura A.
Published: August 2009

The aim of this study was to examine stability and change in genetic and environmental influences on reactive (impulsive and affective) and proactive (planned and instrumental) aggression from childhood to early adolescence. The sample was drawn from an ongoing longitudinal twin study of risk factors for antisocial behavior at the University of Southern California (USC). The twins were measured on two occasions: ages 9–10 years (N=1,241) and 11–14 years (N=874). Reactive and proactive aggressive behaviors were rated by parents. The stability in reactive aggression was due to genetic and nonshared environmental influences, whereas the continuity in proactive aggression was primarily genetically mediated. Change in both reactive and proactive aggression between the two occasions was mainly explained by nonshared environmental influences, although some evidence for new genetic variance at the second occasion was found for both forms of aggression. These results suggest that proactive and reactive aggression differ in their genetic and environmental stability, and provide further evidence for some distinction between reactive and proactive forms of aggression. Aggr. Behav. 35:437–452, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Recent Progress in GaN‐Based Light‐Emitting Diodes
Authors: Jia Haiqiang , Guo Liwei , Wang Wenxin , Chen Hong
Published: August 2009

In the last few years the GaN‐based white light‐emitting diode (LED) has been remarkable as a commercially available solid‐state light source. To increase the luminescence power, we studied GaN LED epitaxial materials. First, a special maskless V‐grooved c‐plane sapphire was fabricated, a GaN lateral epitaxial overgrowth method on this substrate was developed, and consequently GaN films are obtained with low dislocation densities and an increased light‐emitting efficiency (because of the enhanced reflection from the V‐grooved plane). Furthermore, anomalous tunneling‐assisted carrier transfer in an asymmetrically coupled InGaN/GaN quantum well structure was studied. A new quantum well structure using this effect is designed to enhance the luminescent efficiency of the LED to ∼72%. Finally, a single‐chip phosphor‐free white LED is fabricated, a stable white light is emitted for currents from 20 to 60 mA, which makes the LED chip suitable for lighting applications.
Modeling and simulation of photofabrication processes using unsaturated polyester resins
Authors: Matias João Manuel , Bartolo Paulo Jorge , Pontes António Vilela
Published: August 2009

Several kinetic models have been proposed to simulate thermosetting cure reactions. The most complex models, based on a mechanistic approach of cure reactions, are developed based on the concepts of free radical polymerization and the mechanism of reactions with diffusion. However, mechanistic models are usually quite impractical for engineering purposes because of the difficulty in obtaining the model parameters. An alternative to these mechanistic models are the phenomenological models, formulated in terms of the degree of cure and much easier to apply. Phenomenological models have been largely used to study thermal‐initiated cure reactions, although only few works used them to model the kinetics of ultraviolet‐initiated cure reaction. This work proposes a photo‐thermal‐kinetic model to study the behavior of unsaturated polyester resins during ultraviolet‐initiated cure reactions. The model considers samples with different amounts of initiator concentration and cure reactions performed under different ultraviolet light intensities. The model has been numerically solved using the finite element technique. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2009
Influence of PP‐g‐MA on morphology, mechanical properties and deformation mechanism of copolypropylene/clay nanocomposite
Authors: Akbari Babak , Bagheri Reza
Published: August 2009

Copolypropylene/organoclay nanocomposites are prepared by melt intercalation method in this research. Two different routes for addition of compatibilizer are examined, i.e. addition in the twin‐screw extruder along with the polymer and the clay powder simultaneously and premixing the compatibilizer with the reinforcement in a batch mixer before addition to the polypropylene (PP) matrix. Morphology, tensile and impact properties and deformation mechanisms of the samples made via two procedures are studied and compared with those of the noncompatibilized system. To study the structure of nanocomposites, x‐ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy techniques are utilized. The deformation mechanisms of different samples are examined via reflected and transmitted optical microscopy. The results reveal that introduction of compatibilizer and also the procedure in which the compatibilizer is added to the compound, affect structure and mechanical properties of nanocomposite. The elastic modulus of PP‐clay nanocomposite has increased 11.5% with incorporation of compatibilizer. Also, introduction of organoclay without compatibilizer facilitates crazing at the notch tip of PP in 3PB testing. Incorporation of compatibilizer, however, makes difficulties in initiation and growth of crazes at the notch tip. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2009
Suppression of breast cancer cells in vitro by polyamidoamine‐dendrimer‐mediated 5‐fluorouracil chemotherapy combined with antisense micro‐RNA 21 gene therapy
Authors: Mei Mei , Ren Yu , Zhou Xuan , Yuan Xu‐Bo , Li Fei , Jiang Ling‐Huo , Kang Chun‐Sheng , Yao Zhi
Published: August 2009

A specific micro‐RNA (miRNA), micro‐RNA 21 (miR‐21), is strongly overexpressed in breast cancer cells. Antisense inhibition of miRNA function, an important tool for uncovering miRNA biology, which is often used to knockdown miRNA, can cause a notable inhibition of cell growth. In this study, 5‐fluorouracil (5‐FU) was conjugated to polyamidoamine dendrimers via direct encapsulation; this method was then combined with antisense micro‐RNA 21 (as‐miR‐21) strategies to evaluate the effects of the growth suppression of breast cancer cells. Our results show that as‐miR‐21 strategies significantly improved the chemosensitivity of free 5‐FU on breast cancer cells (MCF‐7). In addition, not only could as‐miR‐21 effectively increase the apoptotic cell numbers but it could also bring down the migration ability of MCF‐7 cells. Our results provide invaluable information for the future design of drug–polymer complexes for multimodal cancer treatments. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2009
The effects on the properties of PET bottles of changes to bottle‐base geometry
Authors: Demirel B. , Daver F.
Published: August 2009

Poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) bottles are commonly used for packaging of carbonated beverages. Stress cracking in the petaloid‐shaped base of the filled bottle has been costly to the beverage industry. This study compares the performance of a standard bottle and a bottle with a base geometry optimized against environmental stress cracking (ESC). The crystallinity of the bottle base is evaluated across the base diameter for both bottles. Moreover, to explain the mechanism of the crack formation and propagation, the cracks in the bottle base are investigated through environmental scanning electron microscopy (ESEM) and optical microscopy. Top‐load strength, burst strength, and thermal stability are also reported. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2009
Polyethylene‐collagen hydrolizate thermoplastic blends: Thermal and mechanical properties
Authors: Castiello Domenico , Chiellini Emo , Cinelli Patrizia , D'Antone Salvatore , Puccini Monica , Salvadori Maurizio , Seggiani Maurizia
Published: August 2009

Collagen, a natural macromolecular protein from renewable resources, is widely used in many industrial applications. Mixtures of low‐density polyethylene (LDPE) with collagen hydrolizate derived from the tannery industry were investigated to assess the feasibility of producing polymeric materials suitable for production of thermoplastic items for applications in packaging and agricultural segments. Different grades of polyethylenes and collagen hydrolizates characterized by different molecular weight and salinity were investigated to develop optimal blends. The physical–chemical properties of the obtained blends were assessed by thermal–mechanical, spectroscopical analysis. Following the ongoing research activity, the reutilization of collagen hydrolizate derived from the leather industry for the production of environmental degradable polyethylene‐based thermoplastic films appears feasible and promising. Blends of collagen hydrolizate and LDPE up to 20–30 wt % of collagen hydrolizate allow obtaining slightly opaque, cohesive and flexible films that show satisfactory thermal–mechanical responses. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2009