bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ni Nanoparticles Deposition onto CNTs by Electroless Plating
Authors: Cho Gue Serb , Lim Jung Kyu , Choe Kyeong Hwan , Lee Won Sik
Published: July 2010

CNTs were decorated with Ni nanoparticles to decrease floatation of CNTs and improve the wettability between CNT and Al melt by electroless plating method. The as-received size of multi-wall CNTs with 99.5% purity was 10~20nm in diameter and 20um in length. Before Ni deposition, the wet ball milling was tried to improve the dispersion of CNTs in the Ni sulfate solution for several hours. After wet ball milling, the Ni electroless platings have been performed for 1hours at electroless deposition temperature. The Ni deposited CNTs have been characterized in respect of dispersion and size changes of CNTs and Ni particles with field emission scanning electron microscopy(FESEM). The deposited Ni nanoparticles onto the CNTs were 50nm in diameter without ball milling, but they increased in size with increasing milling times up to 120nm. Also, the milled CNTs were damaged and changed from its original morphology due to the high ball milling energy. The addition of surfactant improved the distribution and spheroidization of precipitated Ni nanoparticles. From this study, the multi-wall CNTs have been deposited and decorated with spherical Ni nanoparticles by electroless deposition at a proper milling time and surfactant addition.
Microstructure Characterization of Duplex Stainless Steel Welding Joint with Different Solution and Aging Treatment
Authors: Yang Jun , Zhang Tuo Yan , Yu Jun Hui , Zhang Wei , Li Jiao
Published: July 2010

The microstructural evolutions of 2205 duplex stainless steel welding joints were investigated in this paper. The specimens were solution treated at 1100°C and 1200°C for 1 h, water quenched and then isothermal aged for various durations at 850°C, followed by water cooling. The volume fraction of ferrite phase in HAZ, weld and base metal of the steel were measured by the ferrite scope detector. The changes of microstructure in sigma (σ) phase, ferrite and austenite phase were analyzed by optical microscope and energy dispersive spectrum. The results show that the volume fraction of ferrite phase increases and the ferrite grain becomes coarse when solution temperature enhances from 1100°C to 1200°C. During the aging, σ phase precipitates at γ/δ phase boundary and grows into the ferrite phase, and a eutectoid reaction of δ→σ+γ2 occurs. With extending of the aging time, the amount of ferrite phase decreases, σ phase increases and thin needle secondary austenite phase distributes across ferrite grains. In addition, high solution temperatures can delay the procedure of σ phase precipitation.
Influence of Sigma Phase Precipitation on Pitting Corrosion of 2507 Super-Duplex Stainless Steel
Authors: Han Ying , Zou De Ning , Zhang Wei , Yu Jun Hui , Qiao Yuan Yuan
Published: July 2010

Specimens of 2507 super-duplex stainless steel aging at 850°C for 5 min, 15 min and 60 min were investigated to evaluate the pitting corrosion resistance in 3.5% NaCl solution at 30°C and 50°C. The results are correlated with the microstructures obtained with different aging time. The precipitation of σ phase remarkably decreases the pitting corrosion resistance of the steel and the specimen aged for 60 min presents the lowest pitting potential at both 30°C and 50°C. With increasing the ambient temperature from 30°C to 50°C, the pitting potential exhibits a reduction tendency, while this tendency is less obviously in enhancing the ambient temperature than in extending the isothermal aging duration from 5 to 60 min. SEM analysis shows that the surrounding regions of σ phase are the preferable sites for the formation of corrosion pits which grew up subsequently. This may be attributed to the lower content of corrosion resistance elements in these regions formatted with σ phase precipitation.
Nano Composite Membranes of Sulfonated Amine-Poly(ether sulfone)s and SiO2 for Fuel Cell Application
Authors: Seo Dong Wan , Lim Young Don , Lee Soon Ho , Islam Md. Monirul , Jin Hyun Mi , Lee Keun Ho , Jang Ho Hyoun , Kim Whan Gi
Published: July 2010

Organic-inorganic Nano composite membranes were prepared by Sulfonated amine-poly(ether sulfone)s (S-APES)s and SiO2. S-APESs were prepared by nitration, reduction and sulfonation of poly(ether sulfone) (ultrason®-S6010). Poly(ether sulfone) was reacted with ammonium nitrate and trifluoroacetic anhydride to produce the nitrated poly(ether sulfone), and was followed by reduction using tin(Ⅱ)chloride and sodium iodide as reducing agents to give the amino-poly(ether sulfone). The S-APES was obtained by reaction of 1,3-propanesultone and the amino-poly(ether sulfone) (NH2-PES) with sodium methoxide. The different degrees of nitration and reduction of poly(ether sulfone) were successfully synthesized by an optimized process. Organic-inorganic nano composite membranes were obtained by mixing S-APES (45 %) with hydrophilic SiO2 (20 nm, 4-10 %) obtained by sol-gel process. Different contents of SiO2 of the S-APES were studied by FT-IR, 1H-NMR spectroscopy, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and thermo gravimetric analysis (TGA). Sorption experiments were conducted to observe the interaction of sulfonated polymers with water and methanol. The ion exchange capacity (IEC), a measure of proton conductivity, was evaluated. The nano composite membranes exhibit conductivities (25 °C) from 3.51 x 10-3 to 4.10 x 10-3 S/cm, water swell from 57.25 to 60.50 %, IEC from 0.68 to 0.73 meq/g, and methanol diffusion coefficients from 2.81 x 10-7 to 3.33 x 10-7 cm2/S at 25 °C.
Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of Ca-α-Sialon with Low Oxygen Content
Authors: Yang Zhang Fu , Wang Hao , Min Xin Min , Wang Wei Min , Fu Zheng Yi
Published: July 2010

Ca-α-sialons with low oxygen content were fabricated at 1800°C by hot pressing. The phase and microstructure were characterized by XRD and SEM. The calculated lattice parameter reveals that 20~30% Ca2+ ions still exist in the grain boundary phase of Ca-α′. A large amount of Ca-containing liquid phase efficiently promotes the anisotropic growth of α′ grains in Ca-rich composition. Reinforced only by elongated α′ grains, the fracture toughness of Ca-α′ can reach 4.96 MPa•m1/2.
High Strength and Toughness Al2O3 Composite Materials for the Improvement of Ceramic Channel in SRL Hot Dipping System
Authors: Lee Hyun Hwi , Kim Seung Ho , Joshi Bhupendra , Cho Sung Hun , Lee Soo Wohn
Published: July 2010

The ceramic channel is very important in SRL hot dipping system. High strength and fracture toughness of ceramic channel materials can improve the quality, productivity and economic feasibility of zinc plated steel. The purpose of this research was to find out the most suitable conditions of the ceramic channel that have best fracture strength and fracture toughness. The hot pressed composite materials was carried out by hot pressing Al2O3 with different content of ZrO2. The composite contained from 0-20 wt.% ZrO2. Hot pressed composite materials were observed for mechanical properties (density, hardness, fracture toughness and flexural strength) and microstructure.
Influence of Preparation Methods of Supported Zr Oxide Catalysts for Meervein-Ponndorf-Verlay Reduction of Acetophenone
Authors: Taniya Keita , Izumi Akiko , Ichihashi Yuichi , Nishiyama Satoru
Published: July 2010

Influence of preparation method on the catalytic activity of zirconium supported on MCM-41 has been investigated for Meervein-Ponndorf-Verlay (MPV) reduction of acetophenone forming 1-phenyl ethyl alcohol (1-PEA) in liquid phase. The catalysts were prepared by three kinds of procedures. Those were a conventional impregnation method (Zr/MCM-41-imp.), the template ion exchange method (Zr-MCM-41-TIE) and a grafting method (Zr-MCM-41-graft). The specific activity of Zr-MCM-41-graft was markedly higher than that of Zr/MCM-41-imp. and Zr-MCM-41-TIE. In order to evaluate the dispersion state of zirconium cations, benzaldehyde-ammonia titration experiment was carried out. Amount of evolved benzonitrile indicates number of surface zirconium atoms. In the Zr-MCM-41-graft catalysts, higher dispersion of Zr was observed brought about high specific activity. These results strongly suggest that the intrinsic activity of one active site of Zr-MCM-41-graft was higher than that of other catalysts.
Adsorption of Ag+ from Aqueous Solutions by Rice Husk
Authors: Luo Xiao Qing , Lin Xiao Yan , Luo Xue Gang , Luo An Kai , Liang Xuan
Published: July 2010

This paper reports the feasibility of using rice husk to remove Ag+ from synthetic wastewater. Effect of various adsorption parameters, namely, pH, adsorbent dose, initial silver concentration and contact time has been studied in batch systems. The results indicated that rice husk offered high removal efficiency, fast adsorption rate and high uptake capacity for Ag+ ions. The equilibrium was attained within 20 min and the maximum removal efficiency at 11g/L rice husk and at pH 2 was found to be 99.76%. The kinetic data was fitted well to pseudo-second order model. The isotherm adsorption data was well described by the Langmuir isotherm model and the maximum uptake capacity of Ag+ ions onto rice husk was found to be 42.43 mg/g.
Surface Nanocrystallization of Zircaloy-4 by Surface Mechanical Attrition Treatment
Authors: Zhang Cong Hui , Duan Xiao Ge , Zhou Lian , Lan Xin Zhe
Published: July 2010

A nanostructured surface layer was induced on zircaloy-4 by the method of surface mechanical attrition treatment (SMAT). X-ray diffraction and microhardness tester were applied to identify the average grain size and hardness of specimen processed for different duration, transmission electron microscopy and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy were adopted to observe the microstructure of specimen. The results showed that the surface hardness enhanced gradually and then stabilized with the processing duration increasing, while the average grain size declined gradually, to the minimum 20 nm at 15 min, then increased. The formation of nanocrystalline was due to the mechanical twins and dislocation slip.
Optimization Fabrication of Plasma Treated Nano-Titanium Dioxide Particles/PP/PLA Composites Filaments Using Melt Spinning
Authors: Zhang Ying Chen , Zhu Zheng Feng , Wu Hong Yan , Qiu Yi Ping
Published: July 2010

The Melt spinning technique of Nano-titanium dioxide particles/PP/PLA composites filaments fabricated by plasma treated Nano-titanium dioxide particles studied in the present investigation. The experimental results showed that the physical and mechanical properties of Nano-titanium dioxide particles /PP/PLA composites filaments depended on the following factors of the percentage of Nano-titanium dioxide particles, the percentage of maleic anhydride (MAH), plasma treatment parameters: flow rate of helium gas, output power, sample treatment or stationary time and flow rate of oxygen gas. Among it the flow rate of oxygen gas had the significant influence on the filament properties of tensile modulus, the yield strength and the melting temperature. Stepwise multiple regressions orthogonal design method of system optimization used to determine the percent of contribution of each factor. It found that the three indicators were different by these analyses. The experimental results indicated that the optimized conditions by stepwise multiple regressions were better than that by traditional analysis.
Fabrication and Application of Photocatalytic TiO2 Metal Membrane with Self-Organized Nano Tubes for Water Treatment
Authors: Kim Jong Oh , Choi Won Youl
Published: July 2010

An anodized TiO2 membrane has enhanced photocatalytic properties of anatase phase and small crystal size. From the photocatalytic results, the prepared anodized nano-structured TiO2 membrane had an effective organics decomposition capacity and high water permeability. This anodization method enabled the prepared nano-structured TiO2 membrane to have high photocatalytic activity and desired pore structure.
Effect of Calcination Temperature on the Photocatalytic Activity of Porous TiO2 Film
Authors: Miki Takeshi , Nishizawa Kaori , Watanabe Eiji , Taoda Hiroshi
Published: July 2010

To obtain porous TiO2 film, the precursor sol was prepared by hydrolysis of Ti isopropoxide and then complexed with trehalose dihydrate. The porous TiO2 film was fabricated by dip-coating method on quartz glass substrates using this sol. The TiO2 films were calcined at 500-900 °C. The photocatalytic activities of the films were evaluated by examining decomposition of methylene blue in aqueous solution under UV light irradiation. The photocatalytic activity of the porous TiO2 film showed a different tendency according to the irradiation wavelength of UV light. The activity of the film evaluated under UV light irradiation with a wavelength of 254 nm was not affected a great deal by the clacination temperature. In the case of UV light irradiation with a wavelength of 365 nm, the activity of the film increased with increasing calcination temperature and that of the film calcined at 800 °C was the highest.
Synthesis of Nickel-Coated FeS2 Particles as Active Material for Li/FeS2 Cell by Mechanical Alloying
Authors: Liu Xiao Jing , Kang Sang Dae , Xu Zhe Zhu , Ahn In Shup
Published: July 2010

In this study, the FeS2 fine compound powders for active material were made by mechanical alloying using the Spex mixer mill. As the total milling time increased to 15hrs, the size of FeS2 powder decreased to 0.98um. Meanwhile, the treatment of nickel coating for FeS2 powder were also prepared by mechanical alloying using the ball milling machine, which has attracted much attention from the standpoints of improving the cycle life property and good columbic efficiency.
Cryptic Epitopes Induce High-Titer Humoral Immune Response in Patients with Cancer
Authors: Fischer Eliane , Kobold Sebastian , Kleber Sascha , Kubuschok Boris , Braziulis Erik , Knuth Alexander , Renner Christoph , Wadle Andreas
Published: July 2010

In search of novel markers for diagnosis, prognosis, and therapy of cancer, screening of rcDNA expression libraries with patient’s sera has been established as a valuable tool for identification of cancer-specific Ags. Interestingly, besides the expected humoral responses to annotated proteins, patients with cancer were frequently found to have serum Abs that bind to peptides without homology to known proteins. So far, the nature of these unconventional epitopes and their possible significance in tumor immunology have never been thoroughly investigated. In our study, we specifically analyzed humoral immune response toward such peptides in patients with pancreatic or breast cancer using yeast-displayed cDNA expression libraries derived from tumor tissue. A detailed analysis of the identified peptides revealed that they originated from translation of sequences outside annotated open reading frames and may derive from the use of alternative start codons or from DNA indel mutations. In several cases, the corresponding mRNA templates have a known association with cancer. In a final analysis, we were able to detect one of these tumor Ags in cancer tissue arrays by a selected Fab-Ab. We conclude that cryptic epitopes may elicit specific humoral immune responses in patients with cancer and thus play a role in immunologic surveillance. Due to the high prevalence of immune responses against some of the peptides, they may also be valuable markers for cancer diagnosis, prognosis, or therapy monitoring.
Soluble HIV Tat Protein Removes the IL-7 Receptor α-Chain from the Surface of Resting CD8 T Cells and Targets It for Degradation
Authors: Faller Elliott M. , Sugden Scott M. , McVey Mark J. , Kakal Juzer A. , MacPherson Paul A.
Published: July 2010

IL-7 signaling is essential to CD8 T cell development, activation, and homeostasis. We have previously shown decreased expression of the IL-7R α-chain (CD127) on CD8 T cells in HIV+ patients and that this downregulation is mediated at least in part by the HIV Tat protein. We show in this study that CD127 has a prolonged t1/2 in resting CD8 T cells and continuously recycles on and off the cell membrane. We also demonstrate soluble Tat protein significantly decreases the t1/2 of CD127. Soluble Tat is taken up from the medium and accumulates in CD8 T cells with a peak of 6 h. Once inside the cell, Tat exits the endosomes during their normal acidification and enters the cytosol. Tat then translocates to the inner leaflet of the cell membrane, where it binds directly to the cytoplasmic tail of CD127, inducing receptor aggregation and internalization through a process dependent on microtubules. Tat appears to then target CD127 for degradation via the proteasome. By removing CD127 from the cell surface, the HIV Tat protein is thus able to reduce IL-7 signaling and impair CD8 T cell proliferation and function.
Distinctive CD3 Heterodimeric Ectodomain Topologies Maximize Antigen-Triggered Activation of αβ T Cell Receptors
Authors: Kim Sun Taek , Touma Maki , Takeuchi Koh , Sun Zhen-Yu J. , Dave Vibhuti P. , Kappes Dietmar J. , Wagner Gerhard , Reinherz Ellis L.
Published: July 2010

The αβ TCR has recently been suggested to function as an anisotropic mechanosensor during immune surveillance, converting mechanical energy into a biochemical signal upon specific peptide/MHC ligation of the αβ clonotype. The heterodimeric CD3εγ and CD3εδ subunits, each composed of two Ig-like ectodomains, form unique side-to-side hydrophobic interfaces involving their paired G-strands, rigid connectors to their respective transmembrane segments. Those dimers are laterally disposed relative to the αβ heterodimer within the TCR complex. In this paper, using structure-guided mutational analysis, we investigate the functional consequences of a striking asymmetry in CD3γ and CD3δ G-strand geometries impacting ectodomain shape. The uniquely kinked conformation of the CD3γ G-strand is crucial for maximizing Ag-triggered TCR activation and surface TCR assembly/expression, offering a geometry to accommodate juxtaposition of CD3γ and TCR β ectodomains and foster quaternary change that cannot be replaced by the isologous CD3δ subunit’s extracellular region. TCRβ and CD3 subunit protein sequence analyses among Gnathostomata species show that the Cβ FG loop and CD3γ subunit coevolved, consistent with this notion. Furthermore, restoration of T cell activation and development in CD3γ−/− mouse T lineage cells by interspecies replacement can be rationalized from structural insights on the topology of chimeric mouse/human CD3εδ dimers. Most importantly, our findings imply that CD3γ and CD3δ evolved from a common precursor gene to optimize peptide/MHC-triggered αβ TCR activation.
TLR-Mediated Loss of CD62L Focuses B Cell Traffic to the Spleen duringSalmonella typhimuriumInfection
Authors: Morrison Vicky L. , Barr Tom A. , Brown Sheila , Gray David
Published: July 2010

B cells recognize Ags on microorganisms both with their BCRs and TLRs. This innate recognition has the potential to alter the behavior of whole populations of B cells. We show in this study that in culture and in mice, MyD88-dependent activation of B cells via TLR2 or TLR9 causes the rapid loss of expression of CD62L by metalloproteinase-dependent shedding. Adoptive transfer of in vitro CpG-activated B cells showed them to be excluded from lymph nodes and Peyer’s patches, but not the spleen. In vivo, both injection of CpG and systemic infection with Salmonella typhimurium caused the shedding of CD62L and the consequent focusing of B cell migration to the spleen and away from lymph nodes. We propose that wholesale TLR-mediated changes to B cell migration influence the development of immunity to pathogens carrying appropriate ligands.
Effects of Lining Thickness on Squeal in Drum Brake Assembly: Experimental Investigations
Authors: Hussin Muhammad Haidir , Abu Bakar Abd. Rahim , Jamaluddin Mohd Rahimi , Szlapka Romain
Published: July 2010

This paper presents the effects of brake lining thickness due to wear on drum brake squeal. Brake lining will be worn out and subsequently its thickness will be reduced after a few number of braking applications. Hence dynamic properties of the lining, such as its natural frequency, might be changed. In this work, two different sets of brake lining, i.e., new and worn lining are used to investigate its effect on squeal generation. First, modal testing is performed to determine natural frequencies of those brake linings at free-free boundary condition. Later, squeal tests are carried out using brake dynamometer and squeal frequency is measured up to 10 kHz. Several squeal results are plotted over brake operating conditions to observe the influence of different lining thickness. In addition to these, squeal mechanisms, i.e., modal coupling due to closeness of the natural frequency between drum brake components and negative damping due to negative friction-velocity slope that contribute to the squeal generation are also investigated and discussed.
Three-dimensional model evaluation of the Ozone Depletion Potentials for n-propyl bromide, trichloroethylene and perchloroethylene
Authors: Wuebbles D. J. , Patten K. O. , Wang D. , Youn D. , Martínez-Avilés M. , Francisco J. S.
Published: July 2010

Abstract. The existing solvents trichloroethylene (TCE) and perchloroethylene (PCE) and proposed solvent n-propyl bromide (nPB) have atmospheric lifetimes from days to a few months, but contain chlorine or bromine that could affect stratospheric ozone. Several previous studies estimated the Ozone Depletion Potentials (ODPs) for various assumptions for location of nPB emissions, but these studies used simplified modeling treatments. The primary purpose of this study is to reevaluate the ODP for nPB using a current-generation chemistry-transport model of the troposphere and stratosphere. For the first time, ODPs for TCE and PCE are also evaluated. Emissions representing industrial use of each compound are incorporated on land surfaces from 30° N to 60° N. The atmospheric chemical lifetime obtained for nPB is 24.7 days, similar to past literature, but the ODP is 0.0049, lower than in past studies. The derived atmospheric lifetime for TCE is 13.0 days and for PCE is 111 days. The corresponding ODPs are 0.00035 and 0.0060, respectively.
Joint effect of organic acids and inorganic salts on cloud droplet activation
Authors: Frosch M. , Prisle N. L. , Bilde M. , Varga Z. , Kiss G.
Published: July 2010

Abstract. We have investigated CCN properties of internally mixed particles composed of one organic acid (oxalic acid, succinic acid, adipic acid, citric acid, cis-pinonic acid, or nordic reference fulvic acid) and one inorganic salt (sodium chloride or ammonium sulphate). Surface tension and water activity of aqueous model solutions with concentrations relevant for CCN activation were measured using a tensiometer and osmometry, respectively. The measurements were used to calculate Köhler curves, which were compared to measured critical supersaturations of particles with the same chemical compositions, determined with a cloud condensation nucleus counter. Surfactant surface partitioning was not accounted for. For the mixtures containing cis-pinonic acid or fulvic acid, a depression of surface tension was observed, but for the remaining mixtures the effect on surface tension was negligle at concentrations relevant for cloud droplet activation, and water activity was the more significant term in the Köhler equation. The surface tension depression of aqueous solutions containing both organic acid and inorganic salt was approximately the same as or smaller than that of aqueous solutions containing the same mass of the corresponding pure organic acids. Water activity was found to be highly dependent on the type and amount of inorganic salt. Sodium chloride was able to decrease water activity more than ammonium sulphate and both inorganic compounds had a higher effect on water activity than the studied organic acids, and increasing the mass ratio of the inorganic compound led to a decrease in water activity. Water activity measurements were compared to results from the E-AIM model and values estimated from both constant and variable van't Hoff factors to evaluate the performance of these approaches. The correspondence between measuments and estimates was overall good, except for highly concentrated solutions. Critical supersaturations calculated with Köhler theory based on measured water activity and surface tension, but not accounting for surface partitioning, compared well with measurements, except for the solutions containing sodium chloride or one of the more surface active organic compounds. In such cases, significantly lower values were obtained from Köhler theory than the measured critical supersaturations, suggesting that surfactant partitioning and/or an effect of sodium chloride on solubility of the organic component is important.
Holocene land-cover reconstructions for studies on land cover-climate feedbacks
Authors: Gaillard M.-J. , Sugita S. , Mazier F. , Trondman A.-K. , Broström A. , Hickler T. , Kaplan J. O. , Kjellström E. , Kokfelt U. , Kuneš P. , Lemmen C. , Miller P. , Olofsson J. , Poska A. , Rundgren M. , Smith B. , Strandberg G. , Fyfe R. , Nielsen A. B. , Alenius T. , Balakauskas L. , Barnekow L. , Birks H. J. B. , Bjune A. , Björkman L. , Giesecke T. , Hjelle K. , Kalnina L. , Kangur M. , van der Knaap W. O. , Koff T. , Lagerås P. , Latałowa M. , Leydet M. , Lechterbeck J. , Lindbladh M. , Odgaard B. , Peglar S. , Segerström U. , von Stedingk H. , Seppä H.
Published: July 2010

Abstract. The major objectives of this paper are: (1) to review the pros and cons of the scenarios of past anthropogenic land cover change (ALCC) developed during the last ten years, (2) to discuss issues related to pollen-based reconstruction of the past land-cover and introduce a new method, REVEALS (Regional Estimates of VEgetation Abundance from Large Sites), to infer long-term records of past land-cover from pollen data, (3) to present a new project (LANDCLIM: LAND cover – CLIMate interactions in NW Europe during the Holocene) currently underway, and show preliminary results of REVEALS reconstructions of the regional land-cover in the Czech Republic for five selected time windows of the Holocene, and (4) to discuss the implications and future directions in climate and vegetation/land-cover modeling, and in the assessment of the effects of human-induced changes in land-cover on the regional climate through altered feedbacks. The existing ALCC scenarios show large discrepancies between them, and few cover time periods older than AD 800. When these scenarios are used to assess the impact of human land-use on climate, contrasting results are obtained. It emphasizes the need for methods such as the REVEALS model-based land-cover reconstructions. They might help to fine-tune descriptions of past land-cover and lead to a better understanding of how long-term changes in ALCC might have influenced climate. The REVEALS model is demonstrated to provide better estimates of the regional vegetation/land-cover changes than the traditional use of pollen percentages. This will achieve a robust assessment of land cover at regional- to continental-spatial scale throughout the Holocene. We present maps of REVEALS estimates for the percentage cover of 10 plant functional types (PFTs) at 200 BP and 6000 BP, and of the two open-land PFTs "grassland" and "agricultural land" at five time-windows from 6000 BP to recent time. The LANDCLIM results are expected to provide crucial data to reassess ALCC estimates for a better understanding of the land suface-atmosphere interactions.
Tris(8‐hydroxyquinoline‐5‐sulfonate)aluminum Intercalated Mg–Al Layered Double Hydroxide with Blue Luminescence by Hydrothermal Synthesis
Authors: Li Shuangde , Lu Jun , Wei Min , Evans David G. , Duan Xue
Published: July 2010

Blue luminescent hybrid materials (DDS–AQS(x%)/LDH) are successfully prepared by co‐intercalating tris(8‐hydroxyquinoline‐5‐sulfonate)aluminum anions (AQS3−) and dodecyl sulfonate (DDS−) with different molar ratios into Mg–Al layered double hydroxides (LDHs) by the hydrothermal and solution co‐precipitation methods. A film of the material on a quartz substrate is obtained by the solvent evaporation method. The results show the blue luminescence is remarkably different from the pristine Na3AQS, which has cyan luminescence (ca. 450–470 nm vs. 495 nm). Furthermore, the hydrothermal product of DDS–AQS(66.67%)/LDH exhibits optimal luminous intensity and a significantly enhanced fluorescence lifetime. Nuclear magnetic resonance and Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy indicate that the cyan–blue luminescence transition is due to the isomerization of meridianal to facial AQS via ligand flip caused by a host–guest electrostatic interaction, in combination with the dispersion and pre‐intercalation effect of DDS. The hydrothermal conditions can promote a more ordered alignment of the intercalated fac‐AQS compared with alignment in the solution state, and the rigid LDHs environment can confine the internal mobility of AQS to keep the facial configuration stable. This stability allows a facile preparation of large amounts of blue luminous powder/film, which is a new type of inorganic–organic hybrid photofunctional material.
Time–Temperature–Transformation (TTT) Diagrams for Crystallization of Metal Oxide Thin Films
Authors: Rupp Jennifer L. M. , Scherrer Barbara , Schäuble Nina , Gauckler Ludwig J.
Published: July 2010

Time–temperature–transformation (TTT) diagrams are proposed for the crystallization of amorphous metal oxide thin films and their specific characteristics are discussed in comparison to glass‐based materials, such as glass‐ceramics and metallic glasses. The films crystallize from amorphous to full crystallinity in the solid state. As an example the crystallization kinetics for a single‐phase metal oxide, ceria, and its gadolinia solid solutions are reported made by the precipitation thin‐film method spray pyrolysis. The crystallization of an amorphous metal oxide thin film generally follows the Lijschitz–Sletow–Wagner (LSW) Ostwald ripening theory: Below the percolation threshold of 20 vol% single grains crystallize in the amorphous phase and low crystallization rates are measured. In this state no impact of solute on crystallization is measurable. Once the grains form primary clusters above the threshold the solute slows down crystallization (and grain growth) thus shifting the TTT curves of the doped ceria films to longer times and higher temperatures in comparison to undoped ceria. Current views on crystallization of metal oxide thin films, the impact of solute dragging, and primary TTT diagrams are discussed. Finally, examples on how to use these TTT diagrams for better thermokinetic engineering of metal oxide thin films for MEMS are given, for example, for micro‐Solid Oxide Fuel Cells and resistive sensors. In these examples the electrical properties depend on the degree of crystallinity and, thereby, on the TTT conditions.
Nanostructured Thermoelectrics: Big Efficiency Gains from Small Features
Authors: Vineis Christopher J. , Shakouri Ali , Majumdar Arun , Kanatzidis Mercouri G.
Published: July 2010

The field of thermoelectrics has progressed enormously and is now growing steadily because of recently demonstrated advances and strong global demand for cost‐effective, pollution‐free forms of energy conversion. Rapid growth and exciting innovative breakthroughs in the field over the last 10–15 years have occurred in large part due to a new fundamental focus on nanostructured materials. As a result of the greatly increased research activity in this field, a substantial amount of new data—especially related to materials—have been generated. Although this has led to stronger insight and understanding of thermoelectric principles, it has also resulted in misconceptions and misunderstanding about some fundamental issues. This article sets out to summarize and clarify the current understanding in this field; explain the underpinnings of breakthroughs reported in the past decade; and provide a critical review of various concepts and experimental results related to nanostructured thermoelectrics. We believe recent achievements in the field augur great possibilities for thermoelectric power generation and cooling, and discuss future paths forward that build on these exciting nanostructuring concepts.
Conceptual design of distillation processes for mixtures with distillation boundaries. II. Optimization of recycle policies
Authors: Brüggermann Stefan , Marquardt Wolfgang
Published: July 2010

Geometric design methods for the conceptual design of azeotropic distillation processes are fast and efficient tools for the economic screening of different process alternatives. The second article of this two‐part series presents a novel optimization‐based conceptual design framework for azeotropic distillation processes, which allows a rapid screening of the different process alternatives with respect to feasibility and economic incentive. The design framework is based on the economic assessment of distillation columns by the rectification body method. The feasibility limits imposed by the azeotropes are incorporated using the split feasibility test introduced in the first part of this series. The application of the framework is highlighted with several ternary and quaternary process alternatives for the production of high‐purity alcohols. © 2010 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 2011
Nanostructured Carbonaceous Materials from Molecular Precursors
Authors: Hoheisel Tobias N. , Schrettl Stephen , Szilluweit Ruth , Frauenrath Holger
Published: July 2010

Nanostructured carbonaceous materials, that is, carbon materials with a feature size on the nanometer scale and, in some cases, functionalized surfaces, already play an important role in a wide range of emerging fields, such as the search for novel energy sources, efficient energy storage, sustainable chemical technology, as well as organic electronic materials. Furthermore, such materials might offer solutions to the challenges associated with the on‐going depletion of nonrenewable energy resources or climate change, and they may promote further breakthroughs in the field of microelectronics. However, novel methods for their preparation will be required that afford functional carbon materials with controlled surface chemistry, mesoscopic morphology, and microstructure. A highly promising approach for the synthesis of such materials is based on the use of well‐defined molecular precursors.
Cartilage tissue enhances proteoglycan retention by nucleus pulposus cells in vitro
Authors: Arana Claudia J. , Diamandis Eleftherios P. , Kandel Rita A.
Published: July 2010

Objective

To investigate the effect of cartilage on nucleus pulposus (NP) tissue in an in vitro model.

Methods

Cells were isolated from bovine NP or articular cartilage and allowed to form tissue in vitro. The NP tissue was grown either alone or in the presence of cartilage tissue (coculture) for up to 4 weeks and examined for histologic appearance, gene expression, and biochemical composition. For selected experiments, NP tissue was grown in coculture with fragments of cartilage end‐plate.

Results

Coculture of in vitro–formed NP tissue with cartilage end‐plate tissue resulted in a significant increase in proteoglycan content in the NP tissue by 2 weeks, compared with NP tissue grown alone. Substituting in vitro–formed cartilage tissue for cartilage end‐plate also had a positive effect on the NP tissue, suggesting that it was an appropriate substitute for cartilage end‐plate. Coculture of NP with in vitro–formed cartilage for 2 weeks increased aggrecan and collagen gene expression compared with that in NP tissue grown alone, and also reduced expression of matrix metalloproteinase 3 (MMP‐3), MMP‐13, and ADAMTS‐5. NP cells from older and younger animals responded similarly to in vitro–formed cartilage. Expression of genes for tumor necrosis factor α (TNFα) and TACE in NP cells was higher when grown in the absence of cartilage. This corresponded with increased TNFα protein levels in the absence of cartilage.

Conclusion

The data suggest that chondrocytes may secrete a factor(s) that positively enhances tissue growth, perhaps by inhibiting TNFα production. This could be a potential mechanism explaining how loss of the cartilage end‐plate may contribute to the development of NP degenerative changes.
Identification of candidate loci at 6p21 and 21q22 in a genome‐wide association study of cardiac manifestations of neonatal lupus
Authors: Clancy Robert M. , Marion Miranda C. , Kaufman Kenneth M. , Ramos Paula S. , Adler Adam ,   International Consortium on Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Genetics, Harley John B. , Langefeld Carl D. , Buyon Jill P.
Published: July 2010

Objective

Cardiac manifestations of neonatal lupus, comprising atrioventricular conduction defects and cardiomyopathy, occur in fetuses exposed to anti‐Ro/SSA antibodies, and carry substantial mortality. There is strong evidence of a genetic contribution to the risk. This study was undertaken to evaluate single‐nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) for associations with cardiac neonatal lupus.

Methods

Children of European ancestry with cardiac neonatal lupus (n = 116) were genotyped using the Illumina 370K SNP platform and merged with 3,351 controls. Odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) for association with cardiac neonatal lupus were determined.

Results

The 17 most significant associations with cardiac neonatal lupus were found in the HLA region. The region near the MICB gene showed the strongest variant (rs3099844; Pdom = 4.52 × 10−10, OR 3.34 [95% CI 2.29–4.89]), followed by a missense variant within C6orf10 (rs7775397; Pdom = 1.35 × 10−9, OR 3.30), which lies between NOTCH4 and BTNL2, and several SNPs near the tumor necrosis factor α gene, including rs2857595 (Padd = 1.96 × 10−9, OR 2.37), rs2230365 (Padd = 1.00 × 10−3, OR 0.46), and rs3128982 (Padd = 6.40 × 10−6, OR 1.86). Outside the HLA region, an association was detected at 21q22, upstream of the transcription regulator ets‐related isoform 1 (rs743446; P = 5.45 × 10−6, OR 2.40). HLA notwithstanding, no individual locus previously implicated in autoimmune diseases achieved genome‐wide significance.

Conclusion

These results suggest that variation near genes related to inflammatory and apoptotic responses may promote cardiac injury initiated by passively acquired autoantibodies.
C5a receptor enables participation of mast cells in immune complex arthritis independently of Fcγ receptor modulation
Authors: Nigrovic Peter A. , Malbec Odile , Lu Bao , Markiewski Maciej M. , Kepley Chris , Gerard Norma , Gerard Craig , Daëron Marc , Lee David M.
Published: July 2010

Objective

Mast cells are tissue‐resident immune sentinels that are implicated in the pathogenesis of inflammatory joint disease. The aim of this study was to test our hypothesis that complement fragments could be key activators of synovial mast cells in autoimmune arthritis.

Methods

In vivo studies used the murine K/BxN arthritis model, a distal symmetric polyarthritis mediated by IgG immune complexes. Expression of C5aR on synovial mast cells was determined by immunohistochemical and functional studies. C5aR−/−and control mast cells were engrafted into mast cell–deficient WBB6 F1‐Kitw/KitW‐v(W/Wv) mice to examine the requirement for this receptor in arthritis. C5aR‐dependent activation of mast cells was investigated in C5aR−/−animals and in murine and human mast cell cultures.

Results

Murine synovial mast cells express functional C5aR. Unlike their wild‐type counterparts, C5aR−/−mast cells adoptively transferred into W/Wv mice were not competent to restore arthritis, despite equivalent synovial engraftment. Activation of C5aR−/−mast cells by K/BxN serum in vivo remained intact, indicating that C5aR is dispensable for normal IgG‐mediated triggering. Consistent with this result, cultured mast cells treated with C5a failed to modulate the expression of Fcγ receptors (FcγR) or to otherwise alter the activation threshold. In human mast cells, C5a promoted the production of the neutrophil chemotaxin interleukin‐8, and recruitment of neutrophils at 24 hours after serum administration was impaired in C5aR−/−mice, suggesting that enhanced neutrophil chemoattractant production underlies the requirement for C5aR on mast cells in arthritis.

Conclusion

Stimulation via C5aR is required to unleash the proinflammatory activity of synovial mast cells in immune complex arthritis, albeit via a mechanism that is distinct from C5a‐modulated expression of FcγR.
Cytokine‐induced increases in ADAMTS‐4 messenger RNA expression do not lead to increased aggrecanase activity in ADAMTS‐5–deficient mice
Authors: Rogerson Fraser M. , Chung Yuen M. , Deutscher Michael E. , Last Karena , Fosang Amanda J.
Published: July 2010

Objective

To compare the regulation of aggrecanase messenger RNA (mRNA) and enzyme activity by proinflammatory cytokines in primary mouse chondrocytes.

Methods

Primary chondrocytes were isolated from knee epiphyses of 6–8‐day‐old mice and cultured as monolayers. The cells were incubated with tumor necrosis factor α (TNFα), oncostatin M (OSM), or interleukin‐6 (IL‐6)/soluble IL‐6 receptor, and mRNA levels were measured by quantitative polymerase chain reaction at various time points. To measure aggrecanase activity, the cells were incubated with cytokine in the presence of exogenous aggrecan, and substrate cleavage was measured using antibodies to neoepitopes.

Results

Expression of both ADAMTS‐4 and ADAMTS‐5 mRNA was up‐regulated by TNFα and OSM. ADAMTS‐5 mRNA expression was also up‐regulated by IL‐6. Treatment of wild‐type mouse chondrocytes with each of the 3 cytokines increased cleavage of aggrecan at Glu373↓374Ala and Glu1670↓1671Gly; in chondrocytes lacking ADAMTS‐5 activity, there was negligible cleavage at either site despite increased expression of ADAMTS‐4 mRNA in the presence of TNFα or OSM. None of the cytokines substantially altered mRNA expression of ADAMTS‐1 or ADAMTS‐9.

Conclusion

Despite substantial increases in the expression of ADAMTS‐4 mRNA induced by TNFα and OSM, these cytokines induced little if any increase in aggrecanolysis in ADAMTS‐5–deficient mouse chondrocytes. Our data show a poor correlation between the level of cytokine‐induced ADAMTS‐4 mRNA expression and the level of aggrecan‐degrading activity in cultured chondrocytes.
Specific antibody protection of the extracellular cartilage matrix against collagen antibody–induced damage
Authors: Croxford Allyson M. , Crombie Duncan , McNaughton Donald , Holmdahl Rikard , Nandakumar Kutty Selva , Rowley Merrill J.
Published: July 2010

Objective

The type II collagen (CII)–specific monoclonal antibodies (mAb) M2139 and CIIC1 induce arthritis in vivo and degrade bovine cartilage explants in vitro, whereas mAb CIIF4 is nonarthritogenic and prevents arthritis development when given in combination with M2139 and CIIC1. To determine the nature of the protective capacity of CIIF4 antibody, we examined the effects of adding CIIF4 to cartilage explants cultured in vitro with M2139 and CIIC1.

Methods

Bovine cartilage explants were cultured in the presence of M2139 and CIIC1, with or without CIIF4. Histologic changes were examined, and chemical changes to collagens and proteoglycans were assessed by Fourier transform infrared microspectroscopy (FTIRM). Fresh cartilage and cartilage that had been freeze‐thawed to kill chondrocytes cultured with or without the addition of GM6001, a broad‐spectrum inhibitor of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), were compared using FTIRM analysis.

Results

M2139 and CIIC1 caused progressive degradation of the cartilage surface and loss of CII, even in the absence of viable chondrocytes. CIIF4 did not cause cartilage damage, and when given with the arthritogenic mAb, it prevented their damage and permitted matrix regeneration, a process that required viable chondrocytes. Inhibition of MMP activity reduced cartilage damage but did not mimic the effects of CIIF4.

Conclusion

CII‐reactive antibodies can cause cartilage damage or can be protective in vivo and in vitro, depending on their epitope specificity. Since CII antibodies of similar specificity also occur in rheumatoid arthritis in humans, more detailed studies should unravel the regulatory mechanisms operating at the effector level of arthritis pathogenesis.
Pulmonary involvement in Erdheim‐Chester disease: A single‐center study of thirty‐four patients and a review of the literature
Authors: Arnaud Laurent , Pierre Isabelle , Beigelman‐Aubry Catherine , Capron Frédérique , Brun Anne‐Laure , Rigolet Aude , Girerd Xavier , Weber Nina , Piette Jean‐Charles , Grenier Philippe A. , Amoura Zahir , Haroche Julien
Published: July 2010

Objective

Erdheim‐Chester disease (ECD) is a rare form of non–Langerhans' cell histiocytosis that may present with pulmonary involvement. We undertook the current study to evaluate the characteristic features of pulmonary involvement in ECD, in the largest single‐center series of patients reported to date.

Methods

We performed a retrospective study of the characteristics of 34 consecutive patients with biopsy‐proven ECD who were referred to the internal medicine department of Pitié‐Salpêtrière Hospital between 1981 and November 2008.

Results

Data were obtained from 23 men and 11 women. The median age at the time of diagnosis was 53.7 years (range 16–73 years), and the median followup was 3.5 years (1.4–5.3 years). Eight patients (24%) had pulmonary symptoms. High‐resolution computed tomography (HRCT) scans of the chest revealed involvement of lung parenchyma in 18 patients (53%) and of the pleura in 14 patients (41%). Bronchoalveolar lavage fluid analysis revealed the presence of an opalescent aspirate in all the patients studied. Treatment with corticosteroids and/or interferon‐α (IFNα) resulted in a marked improvement of the pulmonary lesions in only a single patient. Comparison of the survival between patients with and those without pulmonary involvement yielded no significant difference between the groups (P = 0.82).

Conclusion

Pulmonary involvement in ECD has been overlooked in previous studies. HRCT reveals typical lesions in most patients. There is no clear response of these lesions to corticosteroids and IFNα. The overall prognosis of the disease is poor, but pulmonary involvement does not appear to be a major prognostic factor in ECD.
Biomethane production from starch and lignocellulosic crops: a comparative review
Authors: Frigon Jean‐Claude , Guiot Serge R.
Published: July 2010

The methane produced from the anaerobic digestion of organic wastes and energy crops represents an elegant and economical means of generating renewable biofuel. Anaerobic digestion is a mature technology and is already used for the conversion of the organic fraction of municipal solid wastes and excess primary and secondary sludge from waste‐water treatment plants. High methane yield up to 0.45 m3 STP CH4/kg volatile solids (VS) or 12 390 m3 STP CH4/ ha can be achieved with sugar and starch crops, although these cultures are competing with food and feed crops for high‐quality land. The cultivation of lignocellulosic crops on marginal and set‐aside lands is a more environmentally sound and sustainable option for renewable energy production. The methane yield obtained from these crops is lower, 0.17–0.39 m3 STP CH4/kg VS or 5400 m3 STP CH4/ha, as its conversion into methane is facing the same initial barrier as for the production of ethanol, for example, hydrolysis of the crops. Intensive research and development on efficient pre‐treatments is ongoing to optimize the net energy production, which is potentially greater than for liquid biofuels, since the whole substrate excepted lignin is convertible into methane. Copyright © 2010 Crown in the right of Canada