bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
La privatisation de la politique minière au Cameroun : enclaves minières, rapports de pouvoir trans-locaux et captation de la rente
Authors: Lickert Victoria
Published: November 2013

Depuis le début des années 2000, le Cameroun a engagé une réforme de sa politique économique minière afin de faire du secteur minier le pilier de l’économie camerounaise dans les prochaines décennies. Cette privatisation, au travers notamment de son nouveau code minier promulgué en 2001, prend la forme d’une délégation contrôlée : le pays a choisi de déléguer la mise en valeur de ses ressources minières à des compagnies privées étrangères tout en se gardant le soin de réguler et de centraliser ce gouvernement des mines. Cet article s’attache à démontrer que la privatisation de la politique minière participe de la construction de l’État camerounais au travers notamment de la centralisation des prérogatives auprès de l’Exécutif, de l’usage d’intermédiaires proches du pouvoir ainsi que de l’opacité à la fois de son code minier et des rapports entre le gouvernement camerounais et les compagnies minières étrangères.
« Les grands poissons mangent les petits » : multiples aspects d'un conflit autour d'une concession minière au Sud-Kivu
Authors: Geenen Sara , Mukotanyi Francine Iragi
Published: November 2013

Le présent article analyse les multiples aspects d’un conflit autour d’une concession minière au Sud-Kivu en République démocratique du Congo. Bien qu’il y ait toute une littérature sur les relations tendues entre communautés locales et entreprises minières transnationales, trop peu de recherches ont été faites sur les complexités du pouvoir à plusieurs niveaux, y compris au niveau local. Partant d’une approche empirique et par le bas, cet article démontre comment les changements occasionnés par l’arrivée de l’entreprise Banro Corporation ont provoqué des résistances, mais aussi une reconfiguration des organes du pouvoir.
Une autre facette de la malédiction des ressources ? Chevauchements entre usages différents de l'espace et conflits au Cameroun
Authors: Nguiffo Samuel , Mbianda Freddy
Published: November 2013

Trois ONG actives au Cameroun – le Worldwide Fund for Nature, le Réseau de lutte contre la faim et le Centre pour l’Environnement et le Développement (CED) – ont établi une cartographie des politiques d’aménagement du territoire et des concessions successivement attribuées à différents secteurs d’activité industrielle (agroalimentaire, bois, mines) par les autorités du pays. Ce travail rend visible les multiples chevauchements existant entre les récentes concessions minières (pour l’exploration notamment) et des concessions antérieures (forestières et agricoles), voire des espaces protégés. Il pointe ainsi les contradictions qui traversent ces politiques d’attribution des concessions au regard des objectifs officiels prônant une gestion durable des ressources du pays, et le fort potentiel conflictuel qu’elles recèlent. Dans le cadre de ce dossier, Politique africaine a demandé à Samuel Nguiffo et Freddy Mbianda, du CED, de présenter les conclusions alarmistes de ce travail cartographique. Trois cartes et leur légende accompagnent le propos, en fin d’article.
Les occupations de fermes au Zimbabwe : entre légalité, confrontation et engagement, les expériences des fermiers blancs
Authors: Kalaora Léa
Published: November 2013

Lancé en 2000, au Zimbabwe, le Fast-Track Land Reform Programme a conduit à des occupations de fermes convoitées par les autorités du pays. Cet article analyse les pratiques à l’œuvre lors de ces occupations et leur réception par les fermiers blancs. Il montre que le but de ces occupations n’est pas seulement l’accès aux ressources et le renforcement du pouvoir en place, mais aussi la confrontation, l’humiliation et la destruction matérielle. Ce qui est interprété comme une nouvelle phase de la Chimurenga (la rébellion, la lutte pour l’Indépendance) de la part des acteurs de ces occupations ouvre un temps très particulier, celui des Jambanja , de la « discussion violente ». En travaillant les processus de subjectivation à l’œuvre parmi les fermiers blancs et leurs familles, ce texte rend compte des formes intimes de cette confrontation, qu’on qualifiera de « guérilla domestique ».
Kyste épidermoïde du testicule : à propos d’un cas
Authors: Diarra Alkadri , Elammari Jalal Eddine , Kassogue Amadou , El Fassi Mohammed Jamal , Farih My Hassan
Published: November 2013

Le kyste épidermoïde (KE) du testicule est une tumeur bénigne rare. Le diagnostic peut être évoqué par l’échographie et l’IRM. En cas de lésion unique de petite taille, il est possible d’effectuer une chirurgie conservatrice. Ce traitement nécessite une confirmation anatomopathologique. Le présent article fait état de l’observation d’un patient de 34 ans ayant été admis en consultation d’urologie pour désir d’enfant. Le diagnostic de KE associé à une varicocèle gauche a été retenu. L’énucléation du kyste avec cure de varicocèle a été réalisée sans complications postopératoires. Une revue de la littérature nous a permis de mettre en évidence les différents aspects du KE du testicule et les méthodes thérapeutiques envisageables.
A Specifically German Path to Mass Motorisation? Motorcycles in Germany between the World Wars
Authors: Bauer Reinhold
Published: November 2013

After rapid growth of its motorcycle industry since the early 1920s, in the 1930s Germany became the world's largest motorcycle producer and exporter. Furthermore, in 1933 Germany was the country with by far the highest motorcycle density in the world. The paper discusses the reasons for the role motorbikes played in the German path to mass motorisation in the interwar era. The central thesis is that specific economic and political conditions in Germany allowed motorcycles to become the dominant motorised form of individual transport in the period.
Promoting German Automobile Technology and the Automobile Industry: The Motor Hall at the Deutsches Museum, 1933–1945
Authors: Gundler Bettina
Published: November 2013

During the period of National Socialism, the Deutsches Museum in Munich built a large Motor Hall, which became a kind of national motor museum within the largest German museum of science and technology. The project was supported by Hitler and the German automotive industry. The history of this project demonstrates the degree to which the Deutsches Museum could serve the purposes of National Socialist politics of motorisation and the German automobile industry during the Nazi era. The project also exemplifies the institutional and social constellations that led to the museum's collaboration with the NS regime.
The Great Auto Theft
Authors: Klösch Christian
Published: November 2013

In March 1938 the National Socialists seized power in Austria. One of their first measures against the Jewish population was to confiscate their vehicles. In Vienna alone, a fifth of all cars were stolen from their legal owners, the greatest auto theft in Austrian history. Many benefited from the confiscations: the local population, the Nazi Party, the state and the army. Car confiscation was the first step to the ban on mobility for Jews in the German Reich. Some vehicles that survived World War II were given back to the families of the original owners. The research uses a new online database on Nazi vehicle seizures.
Germany's National Socialist Transport Policy and the Claim of Modernity: Reality or Fake?
Authors: Kopper Christopher
Published: November 2013

The construction of the extensive motorway network by the Nazi regime has often been seen as a textbook example of a thorough motorisation policy. But the motorway construction took place under a transport policy that favoured public railroads at the expense of private road haulage companies. A strict regulation of freight rates prevented road hauliers from competing with railroads and gaining a greater share of the freight market. The division of administrative and planning competencies between the motor-minded enthusiasts around Hitler's road builder Fritz Todt and the railroad lobby in the Ministry of Transport contributed to a contradictory motorisation policy. Not even the design of the German motorways was favourable to commercial road hauliers. The German Autobahn was built primarily for cars and ignored the needs of the trucking industry.
Luxury Item or Urgent Commercial Need?
Authors: Pawlowsky Verena
Published: November 2013

The possession of an automobile prior to the Second World War was still an elite phenomenon, and the number of registered automobiles was low. Europe was no exception, especially Austria. Unusually detailed numerical vehicle registration data nevertheless show the growing importance of motorists as a target for motor vehicle advertising and as objects of official statistics in the 1930s. The paper uses the information to examine the affordability of automobility at that period of transition, automobile sales strategies and the use made of cars by Austrians in different occupations.
Modeling fluid flow in sedimentary basins with sill intrusions: Implications for hydrothermal venting and climate change
Authors: Iyer Karthik , Rüpke Lars , Galerne Christophe Y.
Published: November 2013

Large volumes of magma emplaced within sedimentary basins have been linked to multiple climate change events due to release of greenhouse gases such as CH4. Basin‐scale estimates of thermogenic methane generation show that this process alone could generate enough greenhouse gases to trigger global incidents. However, the rates at which these gases are transported and released into the atmosphere are quantitatively unknown. We use a 2D, hybrid FEM/FVM model that solves for fully compressible fluid flow to quantify the thermogenic release and transport of methane and to evaluate flow patterns within these systems. Our results show that the methane generation potential in systems with fluid flow does not significantly differ from that estimated in diffusive systems. The values diverge when vigorous convection occurs with a maximum variation of about 50%. The fluid migration pattern around a cooling, impermeable sill alone generates hydrothermal plumes without the need for other processes such as boiling and/or explosive degassing. These fluid pathways are rooted at the edges of the outer sills consistent with seismic imaging. Methane venting at the surface occurs in three distinct stages and can last for hundreds of thousands of years. Our simulations suggest that although the quantity of methane potentially generated within the contact aureole can cause catastrophic climate change, the rate at which this methane is released into the atmosphere is too slow to trigger, by itself, some of the negative δ13C excursions observed in the fossil record over short time scales (<10,000 years).
Procedure to emend neutron monitor data that are affected by snow accumulations on and around the detector housing
Authors: Korotkov V. , Berkova M. , Belov A. , Eroshenko E. , Yanke V. , Pyle R.
Published: November 2013

In this work, a method of neutron monitor data correction for the snow effect caused by the snow accumulation on and around the detector housing is described. This is particularly important for some high‐latitude and mountain cosmic ray stations. The results of manual correction are compared with the results of automatic correction on the basis of the algorithm developed here. The proposed method has been applied to a number of cosmic ray stations where the snow accumulation is large and variable during the winter, for example, Magadan, Emilio Segre Observatory in Israel, Moscow Cosmic Ray Laboratory, Jungfraujoch, and Nain.
Relativistic electron fluxes dropout in the outer radiation belt under different solar wind conditions
Authors: Yuan Chongjing , Zong Qiugang
Published: November 2013

In this study, we apply superposed epoch analysis to the 1.5–6.0 MeV electron flux dropout events observed on Solar, Anomalous, Magnetospheric Particle Explorer satellite for 110 magnetic storms related to coronal mass ejections (CMEs) associated with interplanetary shocks during 1998–2003, which can help to study one of the scientific objectives of the recently launched Van Allen Probe—to determine and quantify the mechanisms of the losses in the outer radiation belt. Results obtained in this paper show that the impact of high solar wind dynamic pressure (Pdy) on the magnetosphere would lead to much larger electron flux dropout than low dynamic pressure. Furthermore, it is shown that southward interplanetary magnetic field (IMF) condition can result in more significant dropout compared with northward IMF condition. In addition, the largest local dropout is caused by high Pdy with northward IMF at L∼5.1. Dropouts under high Pdy and southward IMF conditions are the largest, whereas dropouts under low Pdy and northward IMF conditions are the smallest. Our study tackles the problem of quantifying the dropouts of electrons by calculating the radiation belt content index and finding the spatial distribution of dropout and the location of maximum dropout. Another finding is that Pdy and IMF affect the dropouts in CME‐driven storms. These new findings provide insight into which mechanisms play a more important role in different dropout events.
Rapid loss of the plasma sheet energetic electrons associated with the growth of whistler mode waves inside the bursty bulk flows
Authors: Li L. Y. , Yu J. , Cao J. B. , Zhang D. , Wei X. H. , Rong Z. J. , Yang J. Y. , Fu H. S.
Published: November 2013

During the interval ~07:45:36–07:54:24 UT on 24 August 2005, Cluster satellites (C1 and C3) observed an obvious loss of energetic electrons (~3.2–95 keV) associated with the growth of whistler mode waves inside some bursty bulk flows (BBFs) in the midtail plasma sheet (XGSM ~ −17.25 RE). However, the fluxes of the higher‐energy electrons (≥128 keV) and energetic ions (10–160 keV) were relatively stable in the BBF‐impacted regions. The energy‐dependent electron loss inside the BBFs is mainly due to the energy‐selective pitch angle scatterings by whistler mode waves within the time scales from several seconds to several minutes, and the electron scatterings in different pitch angle distributions are different in the wave growth regions. The plasma sheet energetic electrons have mainly a quasi‐perpendicular pitch angle distribution (30°<α<150°) during the expansion‐to‐recovery development of a substorm (AE index decreases from 1677 nT to 1271 nT), and their loss can occur at almost all pitch angles in the wave growth regions inside the BBFs. Unlike the energetic electrons, the low‐energy electrons (~0.073–2.1 keV) have initially a field‐aligned pitch angle distribution (0°≤α≤30° and 150°≤α≤180°) in the absence of whistler mode waves, and their loss in field‐aligned directions is accompanied by their increase in quasi‐perpendicular directions in the wave growth regions, but the loss of the low‐energy electrons inside the BBFs is not obvious in the presence of their large background fluxes. These observations indicate that the resonant electrons in an anisotropic pitch angle distribution mainly undergo the rapid pitch angle scattering loss during the wave‐particle resonances.
Automatic reconstruction of fault networks from seismicity catalogs including location uncertainty
Authors: Wang Y. , Ouillon G. , Woessner J. , Sornette D. , Husen S.
Published: November 2013

We introduce the anisotropic clustering of location uncertainty distributions (ACLUD) method to reconstruct active fault networks on the basis of both earthquake locations and their estimated individual uncertainties. After a massive search through the large solution space of possible reconstructed fault networks, we apply six different validation procedures in order to select the corresponding best fault network. Two of the validation steps (cross validation and Bayesian information criterion (BIC) process the fit residuals, while the four others look for solutions that provide the best agreement with independently observed focal mechanisms. Tests on synthetic catalogs allow us to qualify the performance of the fitting method and of the various validation procedures. The ACLUD method is able to provide solutions that are close to the expected ones, especially for the BIC and focal mechanism‐based techniques. The clustering method complemented by the validation step based on focal mechanisms provides good solutions even in the presence of a significant spatial background seismicity rate. Our new fault reconstruction method is then applied to the Landers area in Southern California and compared with previous clustering methods. The results stress the importance of taking into account undersampled subfault structures as well as of the spatially inhomogeneous location uncertainties.
Nonseasonal fluctuations of the Arctic Ocean mass observed by the GRACE satellites
Authors: Volkov Denis L. , Landerer Felix W.
Published: November 2013

Time variable gravity observations from the GRACE satellites reveal strong nonseasonal fluctuations of bottom pressure in the Arctic Ocean on the time scales from 2 to 6 months and a record‐high bottom pressure anomaly in February of 2011. Here, we examine the nature and driving forces behind those fluctuations. We find that the nonseasonal variability of the Arctic Ocean mass is strongly coupled to wind forcing. The zonal wind pattern is correlated with a dipole pattern of Arctic Ocean mass changes. Westerly wind intensification over the North Atlantic at about 60°N as well as over the Russian Arctic continental shelf break cause the ocean mass to decrease in the Nordic seas and in the central Arctic, and to increase over the Russian Arctic shelf. Basin‐wide Arctic Ocean mass fluctuations are correlated with northward wind anomalies over the northeastern North Atlantic and Nordic seas, and over the Bering Sea. We show that positive (negative) Arctic Ocean mass anomalies are associated with anticyclonic (cyclonic) anomalies of the large‐scale ocean circulation pattern. Based on ocean model simulations, we conclude that the observed nonseasonal Arctic Ocean mass variability is mostly explained by the net horizontal wind‐driven transports, and the contribution of fresh water fluxes is negligible. We demonstrate that transport anomalies across both the Atlantic and Pacific gateways were equally important for generating large Arctic Ocean mass anomalies in 2011.
Positive lightning flashes recorded on the Säntis tower from May 2010 to January 2012
Authors: Romero Carlos , Rachidi Farhad , Rubinstein Marcos , Paolone Mario , Rakov Vladimir A. , Pavanello Davide
Published: November 2013

We analyze currents of 30 positive flashes recorded on the Säntis tower, Switzerland, from May 2010 to January 2012. The currents were classified into two types. Type 1 events exhibit a large, unipolar main pulse with a risetime of tens of microseconds, followed by subsidiary peaks separated by millisecond‐scale intervals. The main pulse in three flashes was preceded by a slowly rising ramp lasting several milliseconds and was followed by a relatively steady current with superimposed positive and negative pulses, constituting the first direct evidence of M components of both polarities. In four of the five type 1 flashes, the main current was preceded by pulse bursts, presumably due to attempted negative leaders. Type 2 events are characterized by a millisecond‐scale waveform with large, oscillatory pulse trains on its rising portion. These pulse trains are inferred to be due to upward negative stepped leaders. Peak currents of type 2 flashes are associated with the fast pulses. Our positive flashes of both types have a median peak current of 11.1 kA and a median duration of 80 ms, consistent with data recorded in Austria. Our measured median transferred charges are about 6 times larger than those at Switzerland's Monte San Salvatore and in Japan and about 3 times larger than in Austria. Eight type 2 flashes in our data set transported over 500 C of positive charge to ground. Our five type 1 events appear to be similar (except for the pulse duration) to their counterparts examined by Berger et al. (1975). Our type 2 events are “classical” upward flashes.
Suomi NPP CrIS measurements, sensor data record algorithm, calibration and validation activities, and record data quality
Authors: Han Yong , Revercomb Henry , Cromp Mike , Gu Degui , Johnson David , Mooney Daniel , Scott Deron , Strow Larrabee , Bingham Gail , Borg Lori , Chen Yong , DeSlover Daniel , Esplin Mark , Hagan Denise , Jin Xin , Knuteson Robert , Motteler Howard , Predina Joe , Suwinski Lawrence , Taylor Joe , Tobin David , Tremblay Denis , Wang Chunming , Wang Lihong , Wang Likun , Zavyalov Vladimir
Published: November 2013

The Cross‐Track Infrared Sounder (CrIS) is a Fourier Transform Michelson interferometer instrument launched on board the Suomi National Polar‐Orbiting Partnership (Suomi NPP) satellite on 28 October 2011. CrIS provides measurements of Earth view interferograms in three infrared spectral bands at 30 cross‐track positions, each with a 3 × 3 array of field of views. The CrIS ground processing software transforms the measured interferograms into calibrated and geolocated spectra in the form of Sensor Data Records (SDRs) that cover spectral bands from 650 to 1095 cm−1, 1210 to 1750 cm−1, and 2155 to 2550 cm−1 with spectral resolutions of 0.625 cm−1, 1.25 cm−1, and 2.5 cm−1, respectively. During the time since launch a team of subject matter experts from government, academia, and industry has been engaged in postlaunch CrIS calibration and validation activities. The CrIS SDR product is defined by three validation stages: Beta, Provisional, and Validated. The product reached Beta and Provisional validation stages on 19 April 2012 and 31 January 2013, respectively. For Beta and Provisional SDR data, the estimated absolute spectral calibration uncertainty is less than 3 ppm in the long‐wave and midwave bands, and the estimated 3 sigma radiometric uncertainty for all Earth scenes is less than 0.3 K in the long‐wave band and less than 0.2 K in the midwave and short‐wave bands. The geolocation uncertainty for near nadir pixels is less than 0.4 km in the cross‐track and in‐track directions.
Modeling biomass burning and related carbon emissions during the 21st century in Europe
Authors: Migliavacca Mirco , Dosio Alessandro , Camia Andrea , Hobourg Rasmus , Houston‐Durrant Tracy , Kaiser Johannes W. , Khabarov Nikolay , Krasovskii Andrey A. , Marcolla Barbara , San Miguel‐Ayanz Jesus , Ward Daniel S. , Cescatti Alessandro
Published: November 2013

In this study we present an assessment of the impact of future climate change on total fire probability, burned area, and carbon (C) emissions from fires in Europe. The analysis was performed with the Community Land Model (CLM) extended with a prognostic treatment of fires that was specifically refined and optimized for application over Europe. Simulations over the 21st century are forced by five different high‐resolution Regional Climate Models under the Special Report on Emissions Scenarios A1B. Both original and bias‐corrected meteorological forcings is used. Results show that the simulated C emissions over the present period are improved by using bias corrected meteorological forcing, with a reduction of the intermodel variability. In the course of the 21st century, burned area and C emissions from fires are shown to increase in Europe, in particular in the Mediterranean basins, in the Balkan regions and in Eastern Europe. However, the projected increase is lower than in other studies that did not fully account for the effect of climate on ecosystem functioning. We demonstrate that the lower sensitivity of burned area and C emissions to climate change is related to the predicted reduction of the net primary productivity, which is identified as the most important determinant of fire activity in the Mediterranean region after anthropogenic interaction. This behavior, consistent with the intermediate fire‐productivity hypothesis, limits the sensitivity of future burned area and C emissions from fires on climate change, providing more conservative estimates of future fire patterns, and demonstrates the importance of coupling fire simulation with a climate driven ecosystem productivity model.
Long‐Lived, Visible‐Light‐Excited Charge Carriers of TiO2/BiVO4 Nanocomposites and their Unexpected Photoactivity for Water Splitting
Authors: Xie Mingzheng , Fu Xuedong , Jing Liqiang , Luan Peng , Feng Yujie , Fu Honggang
Published: November 2013

Different mole ratios of TiO2/BiVO4 nanocomposites with effective contacts have are fabricated by putting BiVO4 nanoparticles into the TiO2 sol, followed by thermal treatment at 450 °C. Based on the transient‐state surface photovoltage responses and the atmosphere‐controlled steady‐state surface photovoltage spectra, it is concluded that the photogenerated charge carriers in the TiO2/BiVO4 nanocomposite with a proper mole ratio (5%) display much longer lifetime and higher separation than those in the BiVO4 alone. This is responsible for the unexpected activity for photoelectrochemical oxidation of water, for photocatalytic production of H2, and for photocatalytic degradation of phenol as a model pollutant under visible irradiation. Moreover, it is suggested that the prolonged lifetime and increased separation of photogenerated charges in the fabricated TiO2/BiVO4 nanocomposite is attributed to the unusual spatial transfer of visible‐excited high‐energy electrons of BiVO4 to TiO2. This work will provide feasible routes to synthesize visible‐light responsive nanomaterials for efficient solar utilization.
Analysis of the advection–diffusion mixing by the mapping method formalism in 3D open‐flow devices
Authors: Gorodetskyi Oleksandr , Speetjens Michel F.M. , Anderson Patrick D. , Giona Massimiliano
Published: November 2013

This article extends the analysis of laminar mixing driven by a chaotic flow in the presence of diffusion to three‐dimensional open‐flow devices by means of the mapping‐matrix method. The extended formulation of the mapping matrix recently proposed by Gorodetskyi et al. (2012) allows inclusion of the molecular diffusion in the mixing process. This provides an efficient numerical tool for understanding the interplay between a chaotic advective field and diffusion, especially for high Péclet numbers. As a prototypical open‐flow device we consider the partitioned‐pipe mixer. Results deriving from the application of the extended mapping method are compared with Galerkin simulations, and a close agreement is found. Short‐term properties in the evolution of the concentration and the effect of axial diffusion are also addressed. © 2013 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 60: 387–407, 2014
Genetic susceptibility for bipolar disorder and response to antidepressants in major depressive disorder
Authors: Tansey Katherine E. , Guipponi Michel , Domenici Enrico , Lewis Glyn , Malafosse Alain , O'Donovan Michael , Wendland Jens R. , Lewis Cathryn M. , McGuffin Peter , Uher Rudolf
Published: November 2013

The high heterogeneity of response to antidepressant treatment in major depressive disorder (MDD) makes individual treatment outcomes currently unpredictable. It has been suggested that resistance to antidepressant treatment might be due to undiagnosed bipolar disorder or bipolar spectrum features. Here, we investigate the relationship between genetic susceptibility for bipolar disorder and response to treatment with antidepressants in MDD. Polygenic scores indexing risk for bipolar disorder were derived from the Psychiatric Genomics Consortium Bipolar Disorder whole genome association study. Linear regressions tested the effect of polygenic risk scores for bipolar disorder on proportional reduction in depression severity in two large samples of individuals with MDD, treated with antidepressants, NEWMEDS (n = 1,791) and STAR*D (n = 1,107). There was no significant association between polygenic scores for bipolar disorder and response to treatment with antidepressants. Our data indicate that molecular measure of genetic susceptibility to bipolar disorder does not aid in understanding non‐response to antidepressants. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The amount and distribution of subcutaneous tissue in Southern Chinese children from Hong Kong
Authors: Fry Edward I. , Chang K. S. F. , Lee Marjorie M. C. , Ng C. K.
Published: November 2013

Skinfold thicknesses were measured with a Harpenden caliper on four body regions (triceps, calf, subscapular, and supra‐iliac) of 3,975 boys and 3,903 girls of Southern Chinese origin, from 6 to 18 years of age, in Hong Kong. The subjects were classified into high, middle, and low socio‐economic groups. Norms of skinfold thicknesses of the four body regions were obtained for each age level. On all dimensions, the girls are significantly larger than the boys of the same age. Socio‐economic factors are shown to play an important role in the development of the skinfold tissue — children from higher socio‐economic groups tend to have thicker skinfolds than those from the lower groups, and the early adolescent increase‐decrease fat cycle is seen most clearly in the high socio‐economic boys. It is further shown that socio‐economic influence is potent enough to override the difference between the sexes from 6 to 14 years of age, after which even profound socio‐economic differences are submerged by sex. Comparisons were made with the norms of British and Japanese children.
A pilot study of the effects of intranasal budesonide delivered by NasoNeb® on patients with perennial allergic rhinitis
Authors: Brown Kristal , Lane James , Paz Silva Marianella , DeTineo Marcy , Naclerio Robert M. , Baroody Fuad M.
Published: November 2013

Background

We investigated whether nebulization of budesonide via a NasoNeb® device would treat perennial allergic rhinitis.

Methods

We performed a parallel, randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled, pilot study in subjects (n = 40) with perennial allergic rhinitis. After recording baseline symptoms, subjects were randomized to budesonide respules (0.25 mg) or an equivalent placebo for 26 days. Nasal peak inspiratory flow (NPIF) and nasal symptoms (graded on a 0–3 scale) were recorded by the subjects twice daily. Rhinoconjunctivitis quality of life (RQOL) as well as nasal volume, measured by acoustic rhinometry, was obtained at baseline, after 2 weeks, and at the end of treatment.

Results

The average change from baseline in symptoms over the treatment period was greater for the group on budesonide (−3.33) compared to placebo (−1.98) (p = 0.45). When the average change from baseline over the treatment period was compared between the groups, budesonide resulted in higher NPIF (36.4 L/min) than placebo (18.7 L/min), p = 0.094. QOL improved in both groups compared to baseline with no significant difference between the groups. Although acoustic rhinometry indicated a larger volume in the group treated with budesonide on the last trial visit, the differences between the groups were not significant when accounting for the baseline values.

Conclusion

Compared to placebo, administration of nebulized budesonide in subjects with perennial allergic rhinitis resulted in improvements in symptoms and objective measures of nasal congestion which approached but did not achieve statistical significance. A higher dose of active agent, a less effective placebo and a larger number of subjects might have improved statistical significance.
Highly Efficient Phase Boundary Biocatalysis with Enzymogel Nanoparticles
Authors: Kudina Olena , Zakharchenko Andrey , Trotsenko Oleksandr , Tokarev Alexander , Ionov Leonid , Stoychev Georgi , Puretskiy Nikolay , Pryor Scott W. , Voronov Andriy , Minko Sergiy
Published: November 2013

The enzymogel nanoparticle made of a magnetic core and polymer brush shell demonstrates a novel type of remote controlled phase‐boundary biocatalysis that involves remotely directed binding to and engulfing insoluble substrates, high mobility, and stability of the catalytic centers. The mobile enzymes reside in the polymer brush scaffold and shuttle between the enzymogel interior and surface of the engulfed substrate in the bioconversion process. Biocatalytic activity of the mobile enzymes is preserved in the enzymogel while the brush‐like architecture favors the efficient interfacial interaction when the enzymogel spreads over the substrate and extends substantially the reaction area as compared with rigid particles.
Fabrication and performance of a donut‐shaped generator based on dielectric elastomer
Authors: Lee Ran Hee , Basuli Utpal , Lyu Min‐Young , Kim Eun Soo , Nah Changwoon
Published: November 2013

Dielectric elastomers (DEs) have been suggested as generators to harvest electrical energy from natural mechanical energy sources, such as human movements and ocean waves. In this study, a donut‐shaped DE generator (DEG) has been fabricated and its performance is characterized depending on the stretch deformation. A simple new stretchable electrode system using multi‐walled carbon nanotubes has been suggested. Measurements on the resistance, capacitance, and electrical power generation are made depending on the area expansion. The capacitance and harvested energy are parabolically increased with increased area expansions. The theoretical prediction of energy harvesting is in good agreement with measured values of capacitance changes with stretching. FE analysis is also applied for calculation of strains for the DEG to figure out the distribution of strains. It is suggested that the DEG has promising applications in the field of designing an energy harvesting device depending on the type of energy available. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2014, 131, 40076.
Morphologies and properties of polycarbonate/polyethylene in situ microfibrillar composites prepared through multistage stretching extrusion
Authors: Wang Jianfeng , Zhang Xianlong , Zhao Tianbao , Shen Liyuan , Wu Hong , Guo Shaoyun
Published: November 2013

The sheets of polycarbonate (PC)/polyethylene (PE) in situ microfibrillar composites are successfully prepared directly through multistage stretching extrusion with an assembly of laminating‐multiplying elements (LMEs) instead of the secondary processing. The morphological development of the PC dispersed phase in PE matrix with increasing the number of LMEs during multistage stretching extrusion investigated by scanning electron microscope shows that core‐skin structure of the microfibrillar PC/PE composites during multistage stretching extrusion with 4 LMEs is weakened, and the diameter of the PC microfibrils is relatively more uniform, indicating that the shear field in LMEs greatly affects the morphology of PC dispersed phase in PE matrix. The tensile, crystalline, melting, orientation and rheological behavior of the PC/PE microfibrillar composites are also investigated. The results show that the PC microfibrils are helpful to increase complex viscosity and yield stress of the PE/PC composites. In addition, it is found that the glass transition temperature of PC in PE matrix reduced with increasing the number of LMEs during dynamic rheological testing. It is coincided with the results of DSC analysis of the PC/PE composites. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2014, 131, 40108.
Comparative study on the crystallization behavior of β‐isotactic polypropylene nucleated with different β‐nucleation agents —effects of thermal conditions
Authors: Kang Jian , Peng Hongmei , Wang Bin , Chen Zhengfang , Li Jingping , Chen Jinyao , Cao Ya , Li Huilin , Yang Feng , Xiang Ming
Published: November 2013

In this study, the crystallization behavior of the β‐isotactic polypropylene (β‐iPP) samples nucleated by a rare earth based β‐nucleating agent (β‐NA) WBG‐II and a metal salts compound β‐NA NAB83 (denoted as WPP and NPP, respectively) under different cooling conditions were comparatively investigated. The thermal conditions such as the cooling rate, isothermal crystallization temperature, isothermal crystallization time, and the subsequent cooling to room temperature. The results of WAXD, SEM, and nonisothermal crystallization reveal that under the same processing conditions, the crystallite size of NPP is smaller, which arrange more compactly as compared with WPP. Meanwhile, NPP has shorter crystallization rate and higher β‐nucleation selectivity, but WPP can crystallization at wider temperature range. The results of isothermal crystallization showed that NPP has higher selectivity and higher β‐nucleation efficiency, which favors the formation of high proportion of β‐phase at the isothermal crystallization temperature of 110–130°C with and without subsequent cooling; WPP has lower selectivity, which can only induce high content of β‐phase under isothermal crystallization without subsequent cooling to 25°C. In tuning the crystallization behavior and the properties of β‐PP, the joint influence of the efficiency and selectivity of the β‐NA, and the thermal conditions should be taken into consideration. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2014, 131, 40115.
The influence of geospatial factors on democracy: Its representation on web interface design
Authors: Li Rowena
Published: November 2013

Democracy is represented on web interface design (Li, 2010). Wittfogel's (1957) Eastern autocracy states that 2 environmental dimensions, rainfall and sea border, influence the origin of democracy. This study examined Wittfogel's Eastern autocracy theory through statistical analysis of average annual precipitation, land boundaries, latitudes, and annual temperature of 196 countries and territories with their freedom levels defined by Freedom House, to find out the correlations between these geospatial factors and democracy. In addition, this study extended its investigation to web interface design by examining democracy represented on college/university websites in correlations with these geospatial factors. A total of 130 college/university websites selected from 65 countries were coded and examined systematically in linear and multiple regression analyses. This study concluded that democracy correlates positively with annual precipitation and latitude, but negatively with land boundaries and annual temperature. Furthermore, this study indicated that these 4 geospatial variables associate with democracy represented on web interface design, although the associations are not statistically significant. This study also suggested that it is more accurate to predict democracy if the 4 geospatial factors are considered together as dependent variables. By examining Wittfogel's theory of hydraulic civilization on web interface design, this study not only extended its sociological perspective to the information science arena, but also provided a better understanding of the functionality of the Internet in information dissemination and its cultural and sociological aspects.
Mutual redundancies in interhuman communication systems: Steps toward a calculus of processing meaning
Authors: Leydesdorff Loet , Ivanova Inga A.
Published: November 2013

The study of interhuman communication requires a more complex framework than Claude E. Shannon's (1948) mathematical theory of communication because “information” is defined in the latter case as meaningless uncertainty. Assuming that meaning cannot be communicated, we extend Shannon's theory by defining mutual redundancy as a positional counterpart of the relational communication of information. Mutual redundancy indicates the surplus of meanings that can be provided to the exchanges in reflexive communications. The information is redundant because it is based on “pure sets” (i.e., without subtraction of mutual information in the overlaps). We show that in the three‐dimensional case (e.g., of a triple helix of university–industry–government relations), mutual redundancy is equal to mutual information (Rxyz = Txyz); but when the dimensionality is even, the sign is different. We generalize to the measurement in N dimensions and proceed to the interpretation. Using Niklas Luhmann's (1984–1995) social systems theory and/or Anthony Giddens's (1979, 1984) structuration theory, mutual redundancy can be provided with an interpretation in the sociological case: Different meaning‐processing structures code and decode with other algorithms. A surplus of (“absent”) options can then be generated that add to the redundancy. Luhmann's “functional (sub)systems” of expectations or Giddens's “rule‐resource sets” are positioned mutually, but coupled operationally in events or “instantiated” in actions. Shannon‐type information is generated by the mediation, but the “structures” are (re‐)positioned toward one another as sets of (potentially counterfactual) expectations. The structural differences among the coding and decoding algorithms provide a source of additional options in reflexive and anticipatory communications.
The zynergy‐index and the formula for the h‐index
Authors: Prathap Gangan
Published: November 2013

The h‐index, as originally proposed (Hirsch, 2005), is a purely heuristic construction. Burrell (2013) showed that efforts to derive formulae from the mathematical framework of Lotkaian informetrics could lead to misleading results. On this note, we argue that a simple heuristic “thermodynamical” model can enable a better three‐dimensional (3D) evaluation of the information production process leading to what we call the zynergy‐index.
The potential of encapsulating “raw materials” in 3D osteochondral gradient scaffolds
Authors: Mohan Neethu , Gupta Vineet , Sridharan BanuPriya , Sutherland Amanda , Detamore Michael S.
Published: November 2013

Scaffolds with continuous gradients in material composition and bioactive signals enable a smooth transition of properties at the interface. Components like chondroitin sulfate (CS) and bioactive glass (BG) in 3D scaffolds may serve as “raw materials” for synthesis of new extracellular matrix (ECM), and may have the potential to completely or partially replace expensive growth factors. We hypothesized that scaffolds with gradients of ECM components would enable superior performance of engineered constructs. Raw material encapsulation altered the appearance, structure, porosity, and degradation of the scaffolds. They allowed the scaffolds to better retain their 3D structure during culture and provided a buffering effect to the cells in culture. Following seeding of rat mesenchymal stem cells, there were several instances where glycosaminoglycan (GAG), collagen, or calcium contents were higher with the scaffolds containing raw materials (CS or BG) than with those containing transforming growth factor (TGF)‐β3 or bone morphogenetic protein (BMP)‐2. It was also noteworthy that a combination of both CS and TGF‐β3 increased the secretion of collagen type II. Moreover, cells seeded in scaffolds containing opposing gradients of CS/TGF‐β3 and BG/BMP‐2 produced clear regional variations in the secretion of tissue‐specific ECM. The study demonstrated raw materials have the potential to create a favorable microenvironment for cells; they can significantly enhance the synthesis of certain extracellular matrix (ECM) components when compared to expensive growth factors; either alone or in combination with growth factors they can enhance the secretion of tissue specific matrix proteins. Raw materials are promising candidates that can be used to either replace or be used in combination with growth factors. Success with raw materials in lieu of growth factors could have profound implications in terms of lower cost and faster regulatory approval for more rapid translation of regenerative medicine products to the clinic. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2014;111: 829–841. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Transient right internal thoracic arterial graft kink related to respiratory movements: Documentation of its existence, relevance and proposed management
Authors: Pankert Mathieu , L'Allier Philippe L. , Tardif Jean‐Claude
Published: November 2013

In this case report, we provide the first detailed description of an intermittent mechanical kink of a right internal thoracic artery (ITA) graft to the left anterior descending coronary artery secondary to respiratory movements, and its assessment by pressure wire derived fractional flow reserve (FFR). The patient presented with recurrent unstable angina and documented anterior/anterolateral ischemia. Persistent symptoms were attributed to the ITA kink and stenting was planned on clinical grounds. However, the lesion proved not physiologically significant when FFR was assessed after intermittency related to respiratory movements was documented. Complex stenting was therefore avoided and medical therapy was prescribed for distal diagonal disease. We therefore propose that intermittency should be actively investigated when a kink is documented in a coronary bypass graft by conventional angiography (using dedicated angiographic evaluation in maximal inspiration and expiration). Furthermore, when this type of lesion is encountered, we suggest that it should be assessed physiologically using pressure wire derived FFR before potentially complex interventions are considered. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Fluoroscopy‐guided snare retrieval of the celt ACD® metallic vascular closure device following failed deployment
Authors: Cahill Thomas J. , Choji Kiyoshi , Kardos Attila
Published: November 2013

We report a case of endovascular snare retrieval of a new stainless steel vascular closure device (Celt ACD®, Kimal, Middlesex, UK) from the common femoral artery, following device failure after diagnostic coronary angiography. The stainless steel composition of the device aided successful fluoroscopic localization and removal. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Towards Polyoxometalate‐Cluster‐Based Nano‐Electronics
Authors: Vilà‐Nadal Laia , Mitchell Scott G. , Markov Stanislav , Busche Christoph , Georgiev Vihar , Asenov Asen , Cronin Leroy
Published: November 2013

We explore the concept that the incorporation of polyoxometalates (POMs) into complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) technologies could offer a fundamentally better way to design and engineer new types of data storage devices, due to the enhanced electronic complementarity with SiO2, high redox potentials, and multiple redox states accessible to polyoxometalate clusters. To explore this we constructed a custom‐built simulation domain bridge. Connecting DFT, for the quantum mechanical modelling part, and mesoscopic device modelling, confirms the theoretical basis for the proposed advantages of POMs in non‐volatile molecular memories (NVMM) or flash‐RAM.