bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
AVALIAÇÃO DA QUALIDADE DE MUDAS DE Eucalyptus grandis UTILIZANDO PARÂMETROS MORFOLÓGICOS
Authors: Eloy Elder , Caron Braulio Otomar , Schmidt Denise , Behling Alexandre , Schwers Luciano , Elli Elvis Felipe
Published: August 2014

O presente trabalho teve como objetivo determinar o índice de qualidade Dickson (IQD) e a sua relação com as variáveis morfológicas em mudas de Eucalyptus grandis W. Hill ex Maiden produzidas em diferentes tratamentos. O experimento foi conduzido no viveiro agronômico do Centro de Educação Superior Norte do Rio Grande do Sul (CESNORS), em delineamento experimental de blocos completamente casualizados. Foram testados quatro tratamentos, que envolveram dois volumes de tubetes (50 e 90 cm³) e dois níveis de densidade de plantas na bandeja. Avaliaram-se altura da parte aérea, diâmetro do colo, massa seca de folhas, massa seca do caule, massa seca da parte aérea, massa seca de raiz, massa seca total (MST), área foliar (AF) e IQD. O tamanho do tubete e a densidade das mudas na bandeja influenciam significativamente no crescimento das mudas ao longo do tempo, limitando o volume de substrato explorável e gerando competição por espaço pelas plantas. Todas as variáveis avaliadas se correlacionaram significativamente, sendo que o IQD demonstrou ter alto índice com a MST. Os tratamentos com recipiente de volume 90 cm³ foram os que apresentaram os melhores IQD, resultando em mudas de boa qualidade, capazes de suportar as condições adversas do campo. AbstractQuality assessment of Eucalyptus grandis seedlings using morphological parameters. The present work had as objective determines the index of Dickson's quality (IDQ) and its relation to the morphologic variables in Eucalyptus grandis W. Hill ex Maiden seedlings produced in different treatments. The experiment was driven in the agronomic nursery of the Center of Superior Education North of Rio Grande do Sul (CESNORS), in experimental design of randomized complete block. Four treatments were tested, that involved two volumes sizes (50 and 90 cm³) and two levels of density of plants in the tray. It evaluated height of the aerial part, diameter of the lap, mass dries of leaves, mass dries of the stem, mass dries of the aerial part, mass dries of root, mass total drought (MST), foliar area (AF) and the index of Dickson's quality (IDQ). The size of the containers and the density of the seedlings in the tray had significant influence in growth of the seedlings along the time, putting limits to the volume of exploitable substratum and generating competition for space by the plants. All the appraised variables correlated significantly and IDQ revealed high index with MST. The treatments with container of volume 90 cm³ were the ones that presented the best IQD, resulting in seedlings of good quality capable to support the adverse conditions of the field.Keywords: Eucalyptus; containers; density of seedlings; index of Dickson quality.
INFLUÊNCIA DA POSIÇÃO SOCIAL E DO NÚMERO DE RAIOS NA ESTIMATIVA DA ÁREA DE COPA EM ARAUCÁRIA
Authors: Costa Emanuel Arnoni , Finger César Augusto Guimarães , Cunha Thiago Augusto da
Published: August 2014

O objetivo do presente estudo foi avaliar a precisão e a acurácia na estimativa da área de projeção horizontal da copa de araucária em diferentes posições sociais. Foram amostradas 294 árvores na floresta e classificadas, conforme a sua posição sociológica, em dominante, codominante e dominada. Em cada árvore foram medidos o diâmetro à altura do peito, a altura total e oito raios de copa seguindo a direção dos pontos cardeais. A área de projeção horizontal da copa foi calculada pela média dos respectivos números de raios avaliados na copa (métodos): oito, quatro e dois. As diferenças estatísticas entre os métodos foram verificadas por análise de variância com arranjo fatorial, considerando dois fatores, os métodos de área de copa e a posição social ocupada pelas árvores. Os resultados indicaram que, apesar de não haver diferença significativa entre as médias de área de projeção da copa quando medido oito e quatro raios, a análise gráfica evidenciou tendência de superestimativa da área quando calculada com quatro e dois raios em copas irregulares, frequentemente encontradas nas árvores codominantes e dominadas. Ademais, em copas simétricas, a determinação da área de projeção horizontal da copa com quatro raios pode ser empregada sem perda de acurácia. AbstractInfluence of social position and number of radius in estimate of area in araucaria crown. The aim of this study was to evaluate precision and accuracy in estimating horizontal projection crown area of trees of Araucaria Angustifolia in different social positions. We sampled 294 trees in the forest and classified them according to their position in sociological position as dominant, codominant and dominated. In each tree it was measured the diameter at breast height, total height and eight crown radius following the cardinal points direction. The horizontal projection area of the crown was calculated by the average of the respective radius numbers evaluated in the crown (methods): eight, four and two. Statistical differences between among methods were verified by variance analysis with factorial arrangement, considering two factors, methods of crown area and the social position occupied by trees. The results indicated that although there was no significant difference between the mean area of crown projection when measured eight and four radius, the graphical analysis revealed tendency to overestimate the area  calculated with four and two radius in irregular crown, often identified in codominant and dominated trees. Furthermore, in relation to symmetrical crowns, determining the area of horizontal projection crown with four radius can be used without loss of accuracy.Keywords: Crown diameter; horizontal crown surface; social class; araucaria forest.
O PROCESSO DE DESCENTRALIZAÇÃO DA GESTÃO FLORESTAL BRASILEIRA A PARTIR DA LEI DE GESTÃO DE FLORESTAS PÚBLICAS - LEI 11.284/06
Authors: Heimann Jaqueline de Paula , Hoeflich Vitor Afonso
Published: August 2014

As florestas brasileiras contribuem com a geração de 6 milhões de empregos. Os governos reconhecem a importância delas, porém admitem a existência de conflitos entre interesses econômicos e conservacionistas. Assim, alguns autores aceitam a descentralização como instrumento para a prática da governança florestal. O objetivo do trabalho foi descrever a forma como vem ocorrendo o processo de descentralização da gestão dos recursos florestais no país, especialmente após a Lei 11.284/06. No Brasil, há uma descentralização territorial instituída pela própria Constituição. A descentralização se fundamenta na transferência de autoridade e responsabilidade de questões públicas do governo central para governos locais. Na gestão florestal, esse processo se inicia com a Lei de Gestão de Florestas Públicas - nº 11.284/06 -, que transfere a competência na área florestal do Governo Federal aos órgãos estaduais de meio ambiente. A norma estabeleceu que o IBAMA deve estruturar formas de atuação conjunta com os órgãos locais. Conclui-se que o processo de descentralização é necessário, não só por atribuir aos estados autonomia para conduzirem suas políticas florestais, mas também por aproximar a sociedade da realidade florestal do país. A Lei de Gestão de Florestas Públicas buscou acabar com as ambiguidades quanto às competências para legislar sobre as florestas. AbstractThe process of decentralization of Brazilian forest management from Public Forests Management Law - Law 11.284/06. The Brazilian forests contribute to generate 6 million jobs; governments recognize the importance of the forests, however, they admit the existence of conflicts between economic interests and conservationists. In this way, some authors accept decentralization as a tool for forest governance practice. This research aimed to describe the process of decentralization of forest resources management in Brazil, mainly after Law 11.284/06. In Brazil there is a territorial decentralization established by the Constitution. Decentralization is based on transference of authority and responsibility, for public affairs, from the central government to local governments. The decentralization of forest management started with the Law of Public Forest Management - No. 11.284/06, which transferred jurisdiction in forest area from the Federal Government to states environmental agencies. The law established that IBAMA should design ways of working together to the local bodies. We conclude that the process of decentralization is necessary, not only for the states autonomy in order to conduct their forestry policies, but also to get society closer to country’s forest reality. The Public Forest Management Law sought to finish the ambiguities towards the powers to legislate on forests.Keywords: Forest sector; decentralization; governance.
Effect of Different Extrusion Processing Parameters on Physical Properties of Soy White Flakes and High Protein Distillers Dried Grains-Based Extruded Aquafeeds
Authors: Singh Sushil K. , Muthukumarappan K.
Published: August 2014

Nutritionally balanced ingredient blends for catla (Catla catla), belonging to the family Cyprinidae, were extruded using single screw extruder. The extrusion was carried out at five levels of soy white flakes content (21%, 29%, 40%, 52%, and 59% db), five levels of moisture content (15, 19, 25, 31, and 35% db) and five levels of barrel temperature (100, 110, 125, 140, and 150 ºC) using three different die nozzles (having L/D ratios 3.33, 5.83, and 7.25). Blends with net protein content of 32.5% contains soy white flakes, along with high protein distillers dried grains (HP-DDG), corn flour, corn gluten meal, fish meal, vitamin, and mineral mix. A central composite rotatable design (CCRD) and  response surface methodology (RSM) was used to investigate the significance of independent and interaction effects of the extrusion process variables on the extrudates physical properties namely pellet durability index, bulk density, water absorption and solubility indices and expansion ratio. Quadratic polynomial regression equations were developed to correlate the product responses and process variables as well as to obtain the response surfaces plots. The independent variables had significant (P < 0.05) effects on physical properties of extrudates: (i) higher soy white flakes content increased the pellet durability index and water absorption index, but decreased the water solubility index, (ii) higher temperature decreased pellet durability index, bulk density and water solubility index, (iii) increased L/D ratio from 3.33 to 7.25 increased the pellet durability index, expansion ratio but decreased the bulk density of the extrudates.
Phebalium verrucosum (Rutaceae: Boronieae), new status for a taxon excluded from P. squamulosum on morphological and phytochemical evidence
Authors: Telford Ian , Bruhl Jeremy
Published: August 2014

Phebalium squamulosum Vent. subsp. verrucosum Paul G.Wilson (Rutaceae) is excluded from P. squamulosum and raised to the rank of species as P. verrucosum (Paul G.Wilson) I.Telford & J.J.Bruhl based on morphological and essential oil data. The distribution of the species is mapped and its conservation status is revised.
Enhanced sulfate formation during China's severe winter haze episode in January 2013 missing from current models
Authors: Wang Yuxuan , Zhang Qianqian , Jiang Jingkun , Zhou Wei , Wang Buying , He Kebin , Duan Fengkui , Zhang Qian , Philip Sajeev , Xie Yuanyu
Published: August 2014

A regional haze with daily PM2.5 (fine particulate matters with diameters less than 2.5 µm) exceeding 500 µg/m3 lasted for several days in January 2013 over North China, offering an opportunity to evaluate models. Observations show that inorganic aerosols (sulfate, nitrate, and ammonium) are the largest contributor to PM2.5 during the haze period, while sulfate shows the largest enhancement ratio of 5.4 from the clean to haze period. The nested‐grid GEOS‐Chem model reproduces the distribution of PM2.5 and simulates up to 364 µg/m3 of daily maximum PM2.5. Yet on average, the model is a factor of 3 and 4 lower in PM2.5 and fails to capture the large sulfate enhancement from the clean to haze period. A doubling of SO2 emissions over North China, along with daily meteorology corrections, would be required to reconcile model results with surface SO2 observations, but it is not sufficient to explain the model discrepancy in sulfate. Heterogeneous uptake of SO2 on deliquesced aerosols is proposed as an additional source of sulfate under high‐relative humidity conditions during the haze period. Parameterizing this process in the model improves the simulated spatial distribution and results in a 70% increase of sulfate enhancement ratio and a 120% increase in sulfate fraction in PM2.5. Combined adjustments in emissions, meteorology, and sulfate chemistry lead to higher sulfate by a factor of 3 and 50% higher PM2.5, significantly reducing the model's low bias during the haze.
Characteristics of atmospheric ice nucleating particles associated with biomass burning in the US: Prescribed burns and wildfires
Authors: McCluskey Christina S. , DeMott Paul J. , Prenni Anthony J. , Levin Ezra J. T. , McMeeking Gavin R. , Sullivan Amy P. , Hill Thomas C. J. , Nakao Shunsuke , Carrico Christian M. , Kreidenweis Sonia M.
Published: August 2014

An improved understanding of atmospheric ice nucleating particles (INP), including sources and atmospheric abundance, is needed to advance our understanding of aerosol‐cloud‐climate interactions. This study examines diverse biomass burning events to better constrain our understanding of how fires impact populations of INP. Sampling of prescribed burns and wildfires in Colorado and Georgia, U.S.A., revealed that biomass burning leads to the release of particles that are active as condensation/immersion freezing INP at temperatures from −32 to −12°C. During prescribed burning of wiregrass, up to 64% of INP collected during smoke‐impacted periods were identified as soot particles via electron microscopy analyses. Other carbonaceous types and mineral‐like particles dominated INP collected during wildfires of ponderosa pine forest in Colorado. Total measured nINP and the excess nINP associated with smoke‐impacted periods were higher during two wildfires compared to the prescribed burns. Interferences from non‐smoke sources of INP, including long‐range transported mineral dust and local contributions of soils and plant materials lofted from the wildfires themselves, presented challenges in using the observations to develop a smoke‐specific nINP parameterization. Nevertheless, these field observations suggest that biomass burning may serve as an important source of INP on a regional scale, particularly during time periods that lack other robust sources of INP such as long‐range transported mineral dust.
3D Si/C Fiber Paper Electrodes Fabricated Using a Combined Electrospray/Electrospinning Technique for Li‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Xu Yunhua , Zhu Yujie , Han Fudong , Luo Chao , Wang Chunsheng
Published: August 2014

Although the theoretical capacity of silicon is ten times higher than that of graphite, the overall electrode capacity of Si anodes is still low due to the low Si loading and heavy metal current collector. Here, a novel flexible 3D Si/C fiber paper electrode synthesized by simultaneously electrospraying nano‐Si‐PAN (polyacrylonitrile) clusters and electrospinning PAN fibers followed by carbonization is reported. The combined technology allows uniform incorporation of Si nanoparticles into a carbon textile matrix to form a nano‐Si/carbon composite fiber paper. The flexible 3D Si/C fiber paper electrode demonstrate a very high overall capacity of ≈1600 mAh g‐1 with capacity loss less than 0.079% per cycle for 600 cycles and excellent rate capability. The exceptional performance is attributed to the unique architecture of the flexible 3D Si/C fiber paper, i.e., the resilient and conductive carbon fiber network matrix, carbon‐coated Si nanoparticle clusters, strong adhesion between carbon fibers and Si nanoparticle clusters, and uniform distribution of Si/C clusters in the carbon fiber frame. The scalable and facile synthesis method, good mechanical properties, and excellent electrochemical performance at a high Si loading make the flexible 3D Si/C fiber paper batteries extremely attractive for plug‐in electric vehicles, flexible electronics, space exploration, and military applications.
Measurement of particle concentration in a Wurster fluidized bed by electrical capacitance tomography sensors
Authors: Ge Ruihuan , Ye Jiamin , Wang Haigang , Yang Wuqiang
Published: August 2014

It is essential to measure and monitor the particle flow characteristics in a Wurster fluidized bed to understand and optimize the coating processes. In this article, two electrical capacitance tomography (ECT) sensors are used to measure the particle concentration in different regions in a Wurster fluidized bed for the “cold” particle flows. One ECT sensor has a 12‐4 internal‐external electrodes and another has eight electrodes. The 12‐4‐electrode ECT sensor is used to measure the particle concentration in the annular fluidization region (outside of the Wurster tube) and the eight‐electrode ECT sensor is used to measure the particle flow in the central region (inside the Wurster tube). The effect of particle type, particle moisture, fluidization velocity, and geometrical parameters on the Wurster fluidization process is studied based on the two ECT measurements. The radial particle concentration profiles in the annular fluidization and central flow regions with different operation parameters are given. Fast Fourier Transform analysis of the particle concentration in the Wurster tube is performed with different superficial air velocities. The optimum operating ranges of the Wurster fluidization process for different particles are given. In the end of the article, computational fluids dynamics simulation results are given and used to compare with the measurement results by ECT for a typical Wurster fluidized bed. © 2014 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J 60: 4051–4064, 2014
Workplace psychosocial factors associated with hypertension in the U.S. workforce: A cross‐sectional study based on the 2010 National Health Interview Survey
Authors: Kaur Harpriya , Luckhaupt Sara E. , Li Jia , Alterman Toni , Calvert Geoffrey M.
Published: August 2014

Objective

To explore associations between self‐reported hypertension and workplace psychosocial factors that are common among U.S. workers and to identify industries and occupations (I&Os) that are associated with a high prevalence of hypertension, even after adjustment for common known risk factors.

Methods

Data from the 2010 National Health Interview Survey were used to examine relationships between the prevalence of self‐reported hypertension and job insecurity, hostile work environment, work‐ family imbalance, work hours and I&O.

Results

Job insecurity (adjusted prevalence ratio (aPR): 1.11; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.04–1.19)) and hostile work environment (aPR: 1.15; 95% CI: 1.03–1.29) were significantly associated with hypertension. Hypertension prevalence was significantly elevated among those employed in Healthcare Support occupations and Public Administration industries.

Conclusion

Addressing hostile work environments and the stress associated with job insecurity may improve workers' health. Other occupational factors that contribute to the variation in prevalence of hypertension by I&O should be sought. Am. J. Ind. Med. 57:1011–1021, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
“Celtic migrations”: Fact or fiction? Strontium and oxygen isotope analysis of the Czech cemeteries of Radovesice and Kutná Hora in Bohemia
Authors: Scheeres Mirjam , Knipper Corina , Hauschild Maya , Schönfelder Martin , Siebel Wolfgang , Pare Christopher , Alt Kurt W.
Published: August 2014

Strontium and oxygen isotope analysis of human remains from the early La Tène (fourth/third century BC) Czech cemeteries of Radovesice I (RAD I), Radovesice II (RAD II), and Kutná Hora were conducted to investigate the importance of residential changes during the period of the historic “Celtic migrations”. In the initial phases (LT A/B), the grave goods of these cemeteries are typical for the core area of the La Tène culture, while around 300 BC (LT B2) an alteration occurs and typical Bohemian styles arise, and connections to Moravia and the Danubian region become visible. The strontium isotope ratios are highly varied with 87Sr/86Sr values between 0.7062 and 0.7153 in Radovesice, and between 0.7082 and 0.7147 in Kutná Hora. The oxygen isotope data are more homogeneous and yield δ18Op ratios from 14.8‰ to 17.2‰ [mean: 16.2‰ ± 0.5 (1σ)] in Radovesice, and from 14.9‰ to 17.3‰ [mean: 16.5‰ ± 0.6 (1σ)] in Kutná Hora. Because the geological properties of the landscapes around the sites are variable and complex, most of the observed variations among the strontium isotope ratios may have been caused by agricultural practices, such as regularly changing farming land. Nevertheless, there are some individuals who differ completely from the regional isotopic baseline values. This suggests that at least a small part of the community migrated, which does not seem to be correlated with any particular phase of the La Tène period. Remarkably, it is mainly males who seem to be of nonlocal origin, and particularly those who were buried as warriors. Females, on the other hand, appear to have been more closely bonded to the Bohemian region. Whether the “foreign” individuals with differing isotopic compositions came from Moravia or the Danubian region remains debatable. Am J Phys Anthropol 155:496–512, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Enzymatic Degradation of (Ligno)cellulose
Authors: Bornscheuer Uwe , Buchholz Klaus , Seibel Jürgen
Published: August 2014

Glycoside‐degrading enzymes play a dominant role in the biochemical conversion of cellulosic biomass into low‐price biofuels and high‐value‐added chemicals. New insight into protein functions and substrate structures, the kinetics of recognition, and degradation events has resulted in a substantial improvement of our understanding of cellulose degradation.
Characterization of novel hyaluronic acid matrix systems for vaginal administration of metronidazole
Authors: Rodríguez‐Belenguer P. , Nácher A. , Hernández M. J. , Díez‐Sales O.
Published: August 2014

Polymers such as Hyaluronic acid (HA), Polyethylene glycol‐400 (PEG‐400) and Xanthan Gum (XG) are promising in drug delivery applicationsbecause of their biomedical and pharmaceutical potential applications. In HA 2%‐PEG 400 systems, the effect of pH and PEG‐400 concentration were evaluated. The viscosity of HA‐PEG 400 formulations slightly increased with PEG‐400 concentration. Viscoelastic properties and shear thinning character was strongly dependent on pH. Structured systems were obtained at pH 3, with an increase of several orders of magnitude in zero‐shear viscosity values. When XG 1% structured system is added on HA (0, 0.5, and 2%) and PEG‐400 5%, a sharp increase of viscosity can be observed, obtaining a gel‐like behaviour for HA 0.5%‐XG 1%‐PEG 400 5% formulation. Finally, metronidazole release profiles in HA 2% formulations with different PEG‐400 concentrations at pH 4.5 were studied. At least 90% of metronidazole was releasedat 24 h. However, the addition of XG 1% to the HA (0.5 and 2%)‐PEG 400 5% systems delayed the drug release. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci.2015,132, 41313.
Fabrication and characterization of sucrose palmitate reinforced poly(lactic acid) bionanocomposite films
Authors: Valapa Ravi Babu , Pugazhenthi G. , Katiyar Vimal
Published: August 2014

Environmental issues concerning petroleum‐based polymers have begun a growing emphasis to utilize sustainable poly(lactic acid) (PLA) based packaging. However, PLA has its own limitations such as brittleness, high gas permeabilities and slow crystallization rate. With the aim to alleviate these limitations, we made a maiden effort to use a food additive, sucrose palmitate (SP) as eco‐friendly filler for fabrication of PLA based bionanocomposites. FTIR analysis elucidated the presence of hydrogen bonding and intermolecular interaction between PLA and reinforcement. Ordered orientation of the SP in the PLA matrix visualized by TEM analysis revealed uniform dispersion of SP filler into PLA matrix. DSC and XRD results confirmed that the incorporated bio‐filler acted as a nucleating agent and thus partially contributed towards the crystallinity of PLA‐SP bionanocomposites. Enhancement in the tensile strength and elongation at break up to 83 and 56% respectively is obtained. The best positive influence for the oxygen barrier was confirmed for the PLA‐SP bionanocomposite film where the reduction in oxygen permeability by 69% is achieved in comparison to pure PLA. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2015, 132, 41320.
Effects of thermal aging on degradation mechanism of flame retardant‐filled ethylene–propylene–diene termonomer compounds
Authors: Nah Changwoon , Oh Jaeho , Mensah Bismark , Jeong Kwang‐Un , Ahn Dae Up , Kim Seong‐Jin , Lee Yonghoon , Nam Sang‐Ho
Published: August 2014

Ethylene–propylene–diene termonomer (EPDM) compounds filled with halogenated (Br and Cl) flame retardants (FRs) and Sb2O3 were prepared via melt mixing, and their thermal stability, weight loss, and elemental composition were investigated as a function of aging conditions (temperature: 120–380°C, period: ∼100 h, and atmosphere: nitrogen and air). The thermal aging was done with thermogravimetic analysis under both isothermal and nonisothermal conditions and a convection oven. Scanning electron microscopy–energy dispersive spectroscopy was used to study the surface morphology and elemental composition of the thermally aged FRs‐filled EPDM compounds. For a better precision of compositional analysis, a laser‐induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) was employed in this study. The thermal degradation behavior of EPDM compounds containing halogenated FRs was strongly dependent on the aging atmosphere (N2 or air) and type of FRs. The weight loss of the EPDM compounds during thermal aging was found to be quite small in the temperature ranges below 190°C, while it was noticeable above the temperature. The LIBS technique can be an effective and promising analysis tools for analyzing the elemental components in a bulk rubber compound. Two possible mechanisms were proposed for the thermal degradation of the EPDM compounds containing brominated FR and Sb2O3. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2015, 132, 41324.
Virtual Reconstruction and Geometric Morphometrics as Tools for Paleopathology: A New Approach to Study Rare Developmental Disorders of the Skeleton
Authors: Milella Marco , Zollikofer Christoph P.E. , Ponce de León Marcia S.
Published: August 2014

Survey studies of osteoarchaeological collections occasionally yield specimens exhibiting rare skeletal developmental disorders. Beyond paleopathological diagnosis, however, it is often difficult to gain insight into the processes, mechanisms, and consequences of the pathology, notably because archaeological specimens are often fragmentary. Here, we propose a combination of virtual reconstruction (VR) and geometric morphometrics (GM) to address these issues. As an example, we use VR to reconstruct the only known archaeological specimen exhibiting persistence of the pelvic triradiate cartilage and compare it via GM with a set of healthy pelvises representing both sexes and different ontogenetic stages. Our results evidence (i) a marked deviation of the pathological pelvis from the adult mean shape, (ii) the retention of typical male features, and (iii) the retention of a paedomorphic ratio between iliac and ischiopubic size. Altogether, such data offer new insights into the modularity and integration of pelvic ontogeny, while at the same time demonstrating the usefulness of a combined VR/GM approach as complement to classical methods of paleopathology. Anat Rec, 298:335–345, 2015. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The importance of surface layer parameterization in modeling of stable atmospheric boundary layers
Authors: Tastula Esa‐Matti , Galperin Boris , Sukoriansky Semion , Luhar Ashok , Anderson Phil
Published: August 2014

The accuracy of prediction of stable atmospheric boundary layers depends on the parameterization of the surface layer which is usually derived from the Monin–Obukhov similarity theory. In this article, several surface‐layer models in the format of velocity and potential temperature Deacon numbers are compared with observations from CASES99, Cardington, and Halley datasets. The comparisons were hindered by a large amount of scatter within and among datasets. Tests utilizing R2 demonstrated that the quasi‐normal scale elimination (QNSE) theory exhibits the best overall performance. Further proof of this was provided by 1D simulations with the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) model.
Correlation between Congenital Heart Defects and maternal copper and zinc concentrations
Authors: Hu Hui , Liu Zhen , Li Jun , Li Shengli , Tian Xiaoxian , Lin Yuan , Chen Xinlin , Yang Jiaxiang , Deng Ying , Li Nana , Wang Yanping , Yuan Ping , Li Xiaohong , Zhu Jun
Published: August 2014

Background

The aim of this study was to investigate the correlation between maternal concentrations of copper and zinc and the risk of having an infant with a congenital heart defect (CHD).

Methods

A multi‐center hospital‐based case‐control study was conducted in China. A total of 212 cases and 212 controls were recruited from pregnant women who received prenatal examinations in four tertiary hospitals accredited to perform prenatal diagnosis in the cities of Shenzhen, Zhenzhou, Fuzhou and Wuhan between February 2010 and November 2011. Correlation between CHDs and maternal copper and zinc concentrations was estimated by a 1:1 conditional logistic regression. Also the interaction between copper and zinc was analyzed.

Results

Compared with the controls, mothers with hair copper concentrations of 17.77 μg/g or more were more likely to have a child with a CHD than those with a lower concentration. The adjusted odds ratio was 5.70 (95% confidence interval, 2.58–12.61) for CHDs and 6.32 (95% confidence interval, 2.11–18.92) for conotruncal defects. Zinc concentrations were not significantly different in the case and control groups. The results suggest that mothers whose zinc content was 104.60 μg/g or less did not have a significantly higher risk of having a child with a CHD. No interaction between maternal copper and zinc concentrations was observed in the multiplicative or additive model.

Conclusion

Women with excessive copper concentrations have a significantly increased risk of having offspring with a CHD. A low maternal zinc status might have a correlation with CHDs, and an interaction between copper and zinc might exists, but an epidemiological study with a larger sample size is needed to confirm this finding. Birth Defects Research (Part A), 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Birth Defects Research (Part A) 100:965–972, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Meta-analysis and meta-regression analysis of biomarkers for abdominal aortic aneurysm
Authors: Stather P W , Sidloff D A , Dattani N , Gokani V J , Choke E , Sayers R D , Bown M J
Published: August 2014

Background

Many studies have investigated the systemic and local expression of biomarkers in patients with abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA). The natural history of AAA varies between patients, and predictors of the presence and diameter of AAA have not been determined consistently. The aim of this study was to perform a systematic review, meta-analysis and meta-regression of studies comparing biomarkers in patients with and without AAA, with the aim of summarizing the association of identified markers with both AAA presence and size.

Methods and results

Literature review identified 106 studies suitable for inclusion. Meta-analysis demonstrated a significant difference between matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) 9, tissue inhibitor of matrix metalloproteinase 1, interleukin (IL) 6, C-reactive protein (CRP), α1-antitrypsin, triglycerides, lipoprotein(a), apolipoprotein A and high-density lipoprotein in patients with and without AAA. Although meta-analysis was not possible for MMP-2 in aortic tissue, tumour necrosis factor α, osteoprotegerin, osteopontin, interferon γ, intercellular cell adhesion molecule 1 and vascular cell adhesion molecule 1, systematic review suggested an increase in these biomarkers in patients with AAA. Meta-regression analysis identified a significant positive linear correlation between aortic diameter and CRP level.

Conclusion

A wide variety of biomarkers are dysregulated in patients with AAA, but their clinical value is yet to be established. Future research should focus on the most relevant biomarkers of AAA, and how they could be used clinically.
LC‐MS/MS analysis of Gegen Qinlian Decoction and its pharmacokinetics after oral administration to rats
Authors: Zhang Yifan , Yuan Jin , Zhang Yizhu , Chen Ye , Cao Jiaoxian , An Rui , Wang Xinhong
Published: August 2014

A liquid chromatography‐tandem mass spectrometry (LC‐MS/MS) method was developed and validated for the simultaneous determination of 12 constituents of Gegen Qinlian Decoction (GQD), namely puerarin, daidzein, baicalin, wogonoside, wogonin, liquiritin, liquiritigenin, berberine, jatrorrhizine, palmatine, coptisine and glycyrrhetic acid, in rat plasma. The plasma samples were spiked with the internal standard (IS) carbamazepine acidified with HCl and extracted by liquid–liquid extraction with ethyl acetate. Chromatographic separation was achieved on a Shiseido Capcell PAK C18 column utilizing a gradient elution profile and a mobile phase consisting of (A) 0.1% formic acid in water and (B) acetonitrile. Detection was performed in the multiple reaction monitoring mode using electrospray ionization in the positive ion mode at a flow rate of 0.3 mL/min and a run time of 8 min. All of the calibration curves gave good linearity (r > 0.9930) over the concentration range from 0.6–360 to 16.2–9720 ng/mL for all components. The intra‐ and inter‐day precisions were <15.0% in terms of the relative standard deviation, and the accuracies were within ±13.7% in terms of the relative error. The method was successfully applied to investigate the pharmacokinetics of the major active compounds of Gegen Qinlian Decoction after its oral administration to rats. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
An Abnormal N‐Heterocyclic Carbene–Carbon Dioxide Adduct from Imidazolium Acetate Ionic Liquids: The Importance of Basicity
Authors: Kelemen Zsolt , Péter‐Szabó Barbara , Székely Edit , Hollóczki Oldamur , Firaha Dzmitry S. , Kirchner Barbara , Nagy József , Nyulászi László
Published: August 2014

In the reaction of 1‐ethyl‐3‐methylimidazolium acetate [C2C1Im][OAc] ionic liquid with carbon dioxide at 125 °C and 10 MPa, not only the known N‐heterocyclic carbene (NHC)–CO2 adduct I, but also isomeric aNHC‐CO2 adducts II and III were obtained. The abnormal NHC‐CO2 adducts are stabilized by the presence of the polarizing basic acetate anion, according to static DFT calculations and ab initio molecular dynamics studies. A further possible reaction pathway is facilitated by the high basicity of the system, deprotonating the initially formed NHC‐CO2 adduct I, which can then be converted in the presence of the excess of CO2 to the more stable 2‐deprotonated anionic abnormal NHC–CO2 adduct via the anionic imidazolium‐2,4‐dicarboxylate according to DFT calculations on model compounds. This suggests a generalizable pathway to abnormal NHC complex formation.
AgONO‐Assisted Direct CH Arylation of Heteroarenes with Anilines
Authors: Gowrisankar Saravanan , Seayad Jayasree
Published: August 2014

A novel copper‐catalyzed CH arylation of heteroarenes with anilines by an in situ diazonium reaction is established by using silver nitrite (AgONO) as an unconventional nitrosating reagent under acid‐free conditions. It provides a complementary approach for the CH arylation of electron‐rich heteroarenes with aromatic amines affording a variety of heterobiaryls in moderate to good yields.
Characterization, gasification, activation, and potential uses for the millions of tonnes of petroleum coke produced in Canada each year
Authors: Hill Josephine M. , Karimi Arash , Malekshahian Maryam
Published: August 2014

Petroleum coke is a by‐product of oil sands upgrading and consists of mainly carbon with hydrogen, nitrogen, sulfur, oxygen, and several trace elements. Canada has abundant petroleum coke resources—as much as 77 million tonnes of this material was stockpiled in Alberta by the end of 2012, and this amount continues to increase at the rate of approximately four million tonnes per year. Thus, this material represents a huge, inexpensive resource that can potentially be used for a variety of applications. This article describes the characteristics of petroleum coke, some of the work our group has done with gasification and activation to create both adsorbents and catalysts, and the challenges encountered with both characterization and testing of this material.
Optimizing the computation of a parallel 3D finite difference algorithm for graphics processing units
Authors: Porter‐Sobieraj J. , Cygert S. , Kikoła D. , Sikorski J. , Słodkowski M.
Published: August 2014

This paper explores the possibilities of using a graphics processing unit for complex 3D finite difference computation via MUSTA‐FORCE and WENO algorithms. We propose a novel algorithm based on the new properties of CUDA surface memory optimized for 2D spatial locality and compare it with 3D stencil computations carried out via shared memory, which is currently considered to be the best approach. A case study was performed for the extensive generation of a time series of 3D grids of arbitrary size used in the computation of collisions between heavy nuclei in terms of relativistic hydrodynamics. It proved that implementation based on surface memory is as much as 23% faster than an equivalent implementation using shared memory. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Tetranuclear Copper(II) Complexes with Macrocyclic and Open‐Chain Disiloxane Ligands as Catalyst Precursors for Hydrocarboxylation and Oxidation of Alkanes and 1‐Phenylethanol
Authors: Zaltariov Mirela‐Fernanda , Alexandru Mihaela , Cazacu Maria , Shova Sergiu , Novitchi Ghenadie , Train Cyrille , Dobrov Anatolie , Kirillova Marina V. , Alegria Elisabete C. B. A. , Pombeiro Armando J. L. , Arion Vladimir B.
Published: August 2014

Two new tetranuclear copper(II) complexes [Cu4(μ4‐O)(L1)Cl4] (1) and [Cu4(μ4‐O)(L2)2Cl4] (2), where H2L1 is a macrocyclic ligand resulting from [2+2] condensation of 2,6‐diformyl‐4‐methylphenol (DFF) and 1,3‐bis(aminopropyl)tetramethyldisiloxane, and HL2 is a 1:2 condensation product of DFF with trimethylsilyl p‐aminobenzoate, have been prepared. The structures of the products were established by X‐ray diffraction. The complexes have been characterised by FTIR, UV/Vis spectroscopy, ESI mass‐spectrometry and magnetic susceptibility measurements. The latter revealed that the tetranuclear complexes can be described as two ferromagnetically coupled dinuclear units, in which the two copper(II) ions interact antiferromagnetically. The compounds act as homogeneous catalyst precursors for a number of single‐pot reactions, including (i) hydrocarboxylation, with CO, H2O and K2S2O8, of a variety of linear and cyclic(n = 5–8) alkanes into the corresponding Cn+1 carboxylic acids, (ii) peroxidative oxidation of cyclohexane, and (iii) solvent‐free microwave‐assisted oxidation of 1‐phenylethanol.
Reduction of olive fruit fly damage by early harvesting and impact on oil quality parameters
Authors: Rojnić Ivana Dminić , Bažok Renata , Barčić Jasminka Igrc
Published: August 2014

Olive fly population was monitored weekly on two olive cultivars (Buža and Istarska bjelica), from June until mid October, in Rovinj and Livade (Istria, Croatia). The number of eggs, larvae, and pupae was established and the total and active infestation was calculated. The fruit infestations for early and for late harvesting were obtained based on the calculated regression equation. For the prediction of the changes in the oil quality parameters linear regression slopes, obtained by Koprivnjak et al., were used. We established a strong positive correlation between DD accumulation and cumulative capture of flies, as well as with the total and active fruit infestations. According to obtained results it can be stated that I. bjelica is less sensitive to decrease in total phenols amount, to increase in free fatty acids mass ratio and to increase in peroxide values comparing to Buža. Moreover, the differences in investigated parameters between earlier and late harvesting dates in I. bjelica are lower due to lower infestation predicted for both harvesting dates and due to lower sensitivity to the changes in quality parameters. Therefore, early harvesting date as a model for preventing fruit damage and as a model for preventing negative change in oil quality parameters is a valid tool. However, the effectiveness of this model could also depend on the characteristics of olive cultivar.

Practical applications: Understanding the factors that affect the olive fly attack is the basis of scientific and practical interest in the production of olives and olive oil. Research of monitoring methods allows reliable forecasting and determining protection measures. Knowledge about this topic could contribute to the reduction of insecticides use and to the improvement of quality and food safety concept in olive oil production.

Damaged olive fruits are proved to directly affect the quantitative and qualitative properties of olive oils. The most important fruit damage is caused by the olive fly (Bactrocera oleae Gmelin).
Argan oil, the 35‐years‐of‐research product
Authors: Charrouf Zoubida , Guillaume Dominique
Published: August 2014

Argan oil is nowadays a major and internationally well‐established actor on the edible‐oil as well as cosmetic‐oil markets. Nevertheless, argan oil fame is quite recent. Indeed, due to important quality matters, argan oil had remained ignored for years. During all this time, argan oil's numerous pharmacological properties have provided benefit only to the population of the Essaouira and Sous Massa Draa regions, the part of the world where argan oil is exclusively produced. Argan oil's world‐wide success is principally the result of a vast multidisciplinary program initiated by the government of Morocco almost 35 years ago. This program, which began by the chemical characterization of argan oil and argan metabolites, has subsequently allowed the establishment of an official, and internationally recognized, argan oil quality norm, together with good preparation pratice guidelines. Because of this norm and these stringent guidelines argan oil has got the trust of customers. This has led to the triggering of its international recognition. Concomittantly, private, governmental and non‐governmental organizations have taken great care to ensure that a large part of argan‐oil derived wealth was redistributed to the Sous Massa Draa population, principally through the building of woman‐managed argan oil preparation cooperatives. This paper relates the major steps of the argan oil saga.

Going from the argan tree to high quality argan oil in 35 years.
Comparison of POD reduced order strategies for the nonlinear 2D shallow water equations
Authors: Ştefănescu Răzvan , Sandu Adrian , Navon Ionel M.
Published: August 2014

This paper introduces tensorial calculus techniques in the framework of POD to reduce the computational complexity of the reduced nonlinear terms. The resulting method, named tensorial POD, can be applied to polynomial nonlinearities of any degree p. Such nonlinear terms have an online complexity of , where k is the dimension of POD basis and therefore is independent of full space dimension. However, it is efficient only for quadratic nonlinear terms because for higher nonlinearities, POD model proves to be less time consuming once the POD basis dimension k is increased. Numerical experiments are carried out with a two‐dimensional SWE test problem to compare the performance of tensorial POD, POD, and POD/discrete empirical interpolation method (DEIM). Numerical results show that tensorial POD decreases by 76× the computational cost of the online stage of POD model for configurations using more than 300,000 model variables. The tensorial POD SWE model was only 2 to 8× slower than the POD/DEIM SWE model but the implementation effort is considerably increased. Tensorial calculus was again employed to construct a new algorithm allowing POD/DEIM SWE model to compute its offline stage faster than POD and tensorial POD approaches. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effects of Potential on Corrosion Behavior of Uncoated SS316L Bipolar Plate in Simulated PEM Fuel Cell Cathode Environment
Authors: Yang Y. , Ning X. , Tang H. , Guo L. , Liu H.
Published: August 2014

The effect of potential on the corrosion behavior of uncoated stainless steel SS316L as bipolar plate material in proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cell cathode environment is studied. Electrochemical methods, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, scanning electron microscope are employed to characterize the corrosion behavior of SS316L at different polarization potentials in PEM fuel cell cathode environment. The results show that the corrosion current density of SS316L increases with the increase of polarization potential significantly. When the potential is higher than 0.7 V versus SCE, severe corrosion occurs on SS316L. The work also shed light on the corrosion mechanisms of SS316L at different potential in the PEM fuel cell cathode environment.
Effect of Ru/CGO versus Ni/CGO Co‐Infiltration on the Performance and Stability of STN‐Based SOFCs
Authors: Ramos T. , Veltzé S. , Sudireddy B. R. , Jørgensen P. S. , Theil Kuhn L. , Holtappels P.
Published: August 2014

Electrolyte supported cells (ESC), with Sc2O3‐stabilized ZrO2 (ScSZ) electrolytes, Gd‐doped ceria (CGO) or M/CGO (M = Ni, Ru) infiltrated Sr0.94Ti0.9Nb0.1O3 (STN94) anodes and LSM/YSZ cathodes, were evaluated for their initial performance and long‐term stability. Power density for the Ru/CGO infiltrated cell reached ∼0.7 W cm–2 at 850 °C, 4% H2O/H2, whereas the Ni/CGO infiltrated cell reached ∼0.3 W cm–2, with the current morphologies and loadings. Operation at 0.125 A cm–2, 850 °C, feeding 50% H2O/H2 to the anode and air to the cathode, for a period >300 h, showed superior stability for the Ru/CGO infiltrated cell, with ∼0.04 mV h–1 degradation rate, when compared to the Ni/CGO infiltrated cell (∼0.5 mV h–1). For the Ni/CGO case, the observed degradation has been tentatively linked to initial changes in the electrochemical active area and long‐term detrimental interactions between components.
Price and Volume Effects of Exchange‐Traded Barrier Options: Evidence from Callable Bull/Bear Contracts
Authors: Lei Adrian C. H.
Published: August 2014

This study examines the effects of the Mandatory Call Events (MCEs) of Callable Bull/Bear Contracts (CBBCs) on the underlying stocks. The recent development of CBBCs in Hong Kong creates a unique opportunity to study this new derivative instrument. There are significant abnormal returns and volumes around MCEs. The substantial amount of price reversal after MCEs in both interday and intraday results supports the notion of stock price manipulation. Also, a greater outstanding number of issues in the market increases the chance of MCEs. We also show that the abnormal volume leads to the abnormal returns around MCEs, implying that abnormal trading activities can cause MCEs. This article shows that a market with a substantial amount of touch‐and‐out options trading may induce manipulation of the underlying stocks. Our study suggests that restricting issuers from unwinding hedged positions before the termination of exchange‐traded barrier options could improve investors' protection. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Jrl Fut Mark 35:1042–1066, 2015