bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Carbon Black‐Modified Screen‐Printed Electrodes as Electroanalytical Tools
Authors: Arduini Fabiana , Di Nardo Fabio , Amine Aziz , Micheli Laura , Palleschi Giuseppe , Moscone Danila
Published: February 2012

In this paper screen‐printed electrodes (SPEs) bulk modified with carbon black (CB) or with CB dispersion in DMF:water were developed and characterized. We have demonstrated by cyclic voltammetry, SEM and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy that an increase of CB amount on the working electrode surface increases the electrochemical performances of CB‐SPE. The CB‐SPE was tested with ferricyanide, epinephrine, benzoquinone and H2O2 demonstrating in any case an enhancement of electrochemical activity. For H2O2 amperometric detection, a sensitivity of 241.4±5.7 mA M−1 cm−2 and 1.46±0.06 mA M−1 cm−2 was obtained, respectively, for CB‐SPE and bare SPE.
Electrospun Nonwoven Nanofibrous Membranes for Sensors and Biosensors
Authors: Scampicchio Matteo , Bulbarello Andrea , Arecchi Alessandra , Cosio M. Stella , Benedetti Simona , Mannino Saverio
Published: February 2012

This review will focus on the recent advances on nanofibrous membranes (NFM) prepared by electrospinning (ES) applied to modify electrochemical sensors and biosensors. Most relevant applications of NFM include their used as selective barrier toward diffusion, protective coatings against fouling, conductive substrates for sensing applications, catalytic and biocatalytic membranes. The main advantages and drawbacks of these applications are critically assessed.
Ethmoid sinus osteoma: Diagnosis and management
Authors: Pons Yoann , Blancal Jean–Philippe , Vérillaud Benjamin , Sauvaget Elisabeth , Ukkola–Pons Elsa , Kania Romain , Herman Philippe
Published: February 2012

Background

Ethmoid sinus osteomas are uncommon, benign, osteogenic tumors. The purpose of this retrospective study was to describe their usual clinical presentation and to discuss their surgical management.

Methods

The medical records of 25 patients treated for ethmoid osteoma between March 2001 and December 2010 were retrospectively reviewed.

Results

The average tumor size was 18.5 ± 14 mm. Only 3 patients were asymptomatic, 14 had a history of frontal sinusitis (complicated with orbital cellulitis in 4 cases), and 4 patients presented with diplopia. An endoscopic approach was performed in 19 cases, a coronal approach in 4 cases, and a combined approach (endoscopic + coronal) in 2 cases. No recurrence was reported.

Conclusion

Ethmoid sinus osteoma can be asymptomatic and detected incidentally on CT scans, but often causes frontal sinusitis and orbital complications. The endoscopic approach offers the possibility of safe removal with cosmetic advantages compared to coronal approach. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck, 2013
Management of the neck and regional recurrence in squamous cell carcinoma of the maxillary alveolus and hard palate compared with other sites in the oral cavity
Authors: Brown James S. , Bekiroglu Fazilet , Shaw Richard J. , Woolgar Julia A. , Rogers Simon N.
Published: February 2012

Background

The aim of this article was to assess the management of the neck and regional recurrence for squamous cell carcinoma of the maxillary alveolus and hard palate (n = 43) and compare that to the rest of the oral cancer sites (n = 465).

Methods

This is a retrospective report through database and case note review.

Results

The incidence of nodal metastases (pathologic node–positive necks added to regional recurrence for clinical N0 and pathologic N0) was 37% (16/43) for maxillary alveolus and hard palate compared with 40% (187/465) for the oral cavity in general. Regional recurrence occurred in 26% (11/43) in the maxillary alveolus and hard palate compared with 7% (31/465) in the remaining oral cavity sites (p = .001).

Conclusions

Squamous cell carcinoma arising in the maxillary alveolus and hard palate has a similar risk of regional metastasis as the rest of the oral cavity, and a lower propensity for selective neck dissection is resulting in higher regional recurrence and lower survival rates. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck, 2013
Effect of fruit load on maturity and carotenoid content of clementine (Citrus clementina Hort. ex Tan.) fruits
Authors: Poiroux‐Gonord Florine , Fanciullino Anne‐Laure , Bert Liliane , Urban Laurent
Published: February 2012

BACKGROUND: Citrus fruits contain many secondary metabolites displaying valuable health properties. There is a lot of interest in enhancing citrus quality traits, especially carotenoid contents, by agronomic approaches. In this study the influence of carbohydrate availability on maturity and quality criteria was investigated in clementine fruits during ripening. Fruiting branches were girdled and defoliated after fruit set to obtain three levels of fruit load: high (five leaves per fruit), medium (15) and low (30).

RESULTS: Considering the soluble solid content/titratable acidity (SSC/TA) ratio, it was found that fruits of the high and medium fruit load treatments reached maturity 1.5 months later than fruits of the control. At the time of maturity the SSC/TA ratio of fruits of all treatments was about 13.6. At harvest, fruits were 23% smaller and total sugar concentration of the endocarp was 12.6% lower in the high fruit load treatment than in the control. In contrast, the concentrations of organic acids and total carotenoids were 55.4 and 93.0% higher respectively. Total carotenoids were not positively correlated with either soluble sugars or total carbohydrates.

CONCLUSION: Taken together, the results do not support the common view that carbohydrate availability directly determines carotenoid synthesis by influencing precursor availability. Copyright © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry
Nepeta japonica Maximowicz extract from natural products inhibits lipid accumulation
Authors: Roh Changhyun , Jung Uhee
Published: February 2012

BACKGROUND: To develop novel and crude anti‐obesity drugs from natural products is a promising field to approach the solution to a global health problem such as obesity. The aim of this study was to screen crude anti‐obesity drugs from 400 natural products on lipase inhibition activity in vitro.

RESULTS: Among the natural products examined, 31 extracts showed significantly inhibition activity against porcine pancreatic lipase (triacylglycerol lipase, EC 3.1.1.3) by using spectrophotometry with 2,4‐dinitrophenylbutyrate as a substrate. Furthermore, 31 natural products were investigated with regard to their lipid inhibition in 3T3‐L1 cells. Among these, one of most promising was Nepeta japonica Maximowicz extract, which showed inhibition of triglyceride accumulation in 3T3‐L1 adipocytes, suggesting anti‐obesity activity. Also, the amount of glycerol released from cells into the medium was increased by treatment of Nepeta japonica Maximowicz extract at a concentration of 100 µg mL−1.

CONCLUSION: The present study suggests that a promising crude anti‐obesity drug screened from 400 natural products might be of therapeutic interest with respect to the treatment of obesity. Copyright © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry
Does preoperative therapy optimize outcomes in patients with resectable pancreatic cancer?
Authors: Papalezova Katia T. , Tyler Douglas S. , Blazer Dan G. , Clary Bryan M. , Czito Brian G. , Hurwitz Herbert I. , Uronis Hope E. , Pappas Theodore N. , Willett Christopher G. , White Rebekah R.
Published: February 2012

The objective of this study was to compare survival between all patients with radiographically resectable adenocarcinoma of the proximal pancreas who underwent preoperative chemoradiation therapy (PRE‐OP CRT) or surgical exploration first (SURGERY) with “intention to resect.” Pancreatic cancer patients who undergo resection after PREOP CRT live longer than patients who undergo resection without PREOP CRT, a difference that may be attributable to patient selection. We retrospectively identified 236 patients with pancreatic head adenocarcinoma seen between 1999 and 2007 with sufficient data to be confirmed medically and radiographically resectable. The outcomes of 144 patients who underwent PREOP CRT were compared to those of 92 patients who proceeded straight to SURGERY. The groups were similar in age and gender. Tumors were slightly larger in the PREOP CRT group (mean 2.5 cm vs. 2.1 cm, P < 0.01), and there were trends toward more venous abutment (54% vs. 39%, P = 0.06) and a higher Charlson comorbidity index (P = 0.1). In the PREOP CRT group, 76 patients (53%) underwent resection, 28 (19%) had metastatic and 17 (12%) locally unresectable disease after PREOP CRT, and 23 (16%) were not explored due to performance status or loss to follow‐up. In the SURGERY group, 68 patients (74%) underwent resection. Sixteen patients (17%) had metastatic and eight patients (9%) locally unresectable disease at exploration. In patients who underwent resection, the PREOP CRT group had smaller pathologic tumor size and lower incidence of positive lymph nodes than the SURGERY group but no difference in positive margins or need for vascular resection. Median overall survival (OS) in patients undergoing resection was 27 months in the PREOP CRT group and 17 months in the SURGERY group (P = 0.04). Median OS in all patients treated with PREOP CRT or surgically explored with intention to resect was 15 and 13 months, respectively, with superimposable survival curves. Despite a lower resection rate, the PREOP CRT group as a whole had a similar OS to the SURGERY group as a whole. For patients who underwent resection, those in the PREOP CRT had longer survival than those in the SURGERY group, suggesting that PREOP CRT allows better patient selection for resection. PREOP CRT should be considered an acceptable alternative for most patients with resectable pancreatic cancer. J. Surg. Oncol. 2012; 106:111–118. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
UCST Behavior of Cyclodextrin‐Containing Poly(Pseudo‐Betaines) Based on Supramolecular Structures
Authors: Gonsior Nina , Ritter Helmut
Published: February 2012

A novel monofunctional β‐cyclodextrin monomer is synthesized via copper(I)‐catalyzed azide/alkyne click reaction. By free radical polymerization, cyclodextrin‐containing polyelectrolytes can be obtained as an intriguing polymeric host for smart supramolecular assembling systems. By inclusion complexation of adamantyl carboxylate as a model guest, pseudo‐betaine structures with reversible UCST behavior are obtained. Furthermore, the complex stability constants are determined by isothermal titration calorimetry at different temperatures.
Towards Washout Filter Concepts for Motion Simulators on the Base of a Stewart Platform
Authors: Springer Klemens , Gattringer Hubert , Bremer Hartmut
Published: February 2012

In this paper we present a pneumatically driven Stewart platform as a basis for motion simulators. Motion platforms, that simulate perceived situations in aeroplanes, cars or ships, have workspace constraints in every degree of freedom. Therefore it is necessary to adapt the accelerations and angular rates in order to stay within the physical restrictions.

For realizing a flight or ride simulator on the basis of the Stewart platform, “ Washout Filters” are used to change the signals of the open source software FlightGearand to minimize the sensation error between simulator and aircraft. Different filter concepts are implemented and evaluated.

The platform presented in this document is a parallel kinematic robot, driven by fluidic muscles. The pneumatically actuated muscles are only able to produce tensile forces. Therefore a spiral spring from a passenger car is used to apply the compressive forces and torques. (© 2011 Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Estimation of the optimal distribution of the fibers in carbon/carbon composite
Authors: Stasiuk Galyna , Piat Romana , Sinchuk Yuriy
Published: February 2012

Carbon/carbon (C/C) composites are widely represented in the industry and are utilized for extreme thermal and mechanical loading. Optimization of the fibers distribution allows by still high stiffness to provide reducing of the weight of the components that has crucial importance in aircraft and aerospace industry. A microstructure optimization problem for estimation of the microstructure with minimal compliance is formulated. The design variables of the posed problem are the local fibers distribution and porosity. The volume fractions of the fibers and pores in the whole microstructure are fixed. (© 2011 Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Enhancement of the transport and dielectric properties of graphite oxide nanoplatelets‐polyvinyl alcohol composite showing low percolation threshold
Authors: Bhadra Debabrata , Sannigrahi J. , Chaudhuri B. K. , Sakata H.
Published: February 2012

Graphite oxide nanoplatelets (GOnP) were prepared using standard method and used to make GOnP‐polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) composites by using solution cast technique. Significant enhancement of electrical conductivity and dielectric permittivity of the GOnP/PVA composites are observed at low GOnP concentration (fGOnP = fc∼0.41 vol%) which is the percolation threshold value estimated from the concentration dependent transport and dielectric data. Nearly 300 times increase in dielectric permittivity (compared with that of PVA) is observed in the GOnP/PVA composite around fc. We notice interesting metal‐insulator like transition (a sudden increase in resistivity) from the temperature dependent resistivity data in the pure GOnP sample around TMI ∼ 275 K which is shifted to 300 K in the GOnP/PVA composite for fc = 0.41 vol%, indicating drastic change of sp3/sp2 ratio around respective TMI. The present graphite‐based composite material might be processed for different applications. POLYM. COMPOS., 2012. © 2012 Society of Plastics Engineers
Response to intervention in mathematics: Critical elements
Authors: Lembke Erica S. , Hampton David , Beyers Sarah J.
Published: February 2012

While implementation efforts using a Response to Intervention (RtI) model to increase reading instruction are becoming widely used, more administrators and teachers are looking to learn effective RtI practices to support learning in mathematics. This article explores some of the key elements of RtI practices in mathematics, including screening for identification of struggling learners and progress monitoring for gauging instructional effectiveness. In addition, several of the pressing needs regarding the importance of mathematics proficiency for all students are discussed. We describe some of the similarities and differences between RtI processes in reading and mathematics. The article addresses the use of diagnostic data and details the importance of “core” instructional practices that reflect the standards included in the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics standards and Common Core Mathematics standards, among others. The article concludes with a discussion of some evidence‐based interventions in mathematics, and we provide an implementation checklist to assist educators as they begin to implement RtI in mathematics. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Bioactive Compounds from Carissa spinarum
Authors: Wangteeraprasert Ruchira , Lipipun Vimolmas , Gunaratnam Mekala , Neidle Stephen , Gibbons Simon , Likhitwitayawuid Kittisak
Published: February 2012

In our continuing efforts to find new antiherpetic agents from plants, an extract prepared from the stems of Carissa spinarum L. was found to possess appreciable activity against herpes simplex viruses (HSV I and II). A chemical study of this plant was then initiated, and this led to the isolation of 12 compounds, including a coumarin, two cardiac glycosides and nine lignans. These isolated compounds were evaluated for several biological activities, including antiherpetic, cytotoxic, antioxidant and antibacterial effects. The cardiac glycoside evomonoside was found to be the only antiherpetic principle, showing moderate activity against herpes simplex virus types I and II in the inactivation method. The lignans (−)‐carinol, (−)‐carissanol and (−)‐nortrachelogenin exhibited cytotoxicity against breast (MCF7) and lung (A549) cancer cells. Moderate anti‐DPPH free radical activity was observed for all the lignans. None of the isolates showed antibacterial activity. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A ‘hurricane‐like’ polar low fuelled by sensible heat flux: high‐resolution numerical simulations
Authors: Føre Ivan , Kristjánsson Jón Egill , Kolstad Erik W. , Bracegirdle Thomas J. , Saetra Øyvind , Røsting Bjørn
Published: February 2012

An unusually deep (961 hPa) hurricane‐like polar low over the Barents Sea during 18–21 December 2002 is studied by a series of fine‐mesh (3 km) experiments using the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) model. The simulated polar low was similar to hurricanes and similar previous case‐studies in that it had a clear, calm and warm eye structure surrounded by moist convection organized in spiral cloud bands, and the highest surface wind speeds were found in the eye wall. The proximity to the sea ice and the high surface wind speeds (about 25 m s−1) during the deepening stage triggered extremely high surface sensible and latent heat fluxes at the eye wall of about 1200 and 400 W m−2, respectively. As the polar low moved eastward and weakened, maximum surface sensible and latent heat fluxes dropped to about 600 and 300 W m−2, respectively. Two types of sensitivity experiments were designed to analyse the physical properties of the polar low. Firstly, physical processes such as condensational heating and sensible and/or latent heat fluxes were switched off–on throughout the simulation. In the second type, these processes were turned off–on after the polar low had reached its peak intensity, which minimized the deformation of the polar‐low environment, making it suitable to study the direct effect of physical processes on the mature vortex. The experiments suggest that the deepening stage of the polar low was dominated by baroclinic growth and that upper‐level potential vorticity forcing contributed throughout its life cycle. After the deepening stage, the baroclinicity vanished and the polar low was fuelled by surface sensible heat fluxes while latent heat fluxes played a minor role. Condensational heating was not essential for the energetics of the polar low. Surprisingly, in experiments where condensational heating was turned off throughout the simulation, the polar low intensified. Copyright © 2012 Royal Meteorological Society
High‐Yield Assembly of Soluble and Stable Gold Nanorod Pairs for High‐Temperature Plasmonics
Authors: Nepal Dhriti , Park Kyoungweon , Vaia Richard A.
Published: February 2012

Colloidal synthetic approaches to discrete, soluble plasmonic architectures, such as nanorod pairs, offer numerous advantages relative to lithographic techniques, including compositionally asymmetric structures, atomically smooth surfaces, and continuous fabrication. Density‐driven colloidal assembly, such as by solvent evaporation, produces some intriguing structures, e.g., particle chains; however, controllability and post‐processibility of the final architecture is inadequate. Also the limited quantity of product nominally comprises a broad distribution of assembly size and type. Herein, the high‐yield formation of soluble, stable, and compositionally discrete gold nanorod (Au NR) architectures by inducing—then arresting—flocculation is demonstrated using bifunctional nanorods and reversible modulation of solvent quality to deplete and reassemble an electrostatic stabilization layer, thereby eliminating the need for an additional encapsulant. Analogous to dimer formation during step‐growth polymerization, the initial yield of Au nanorod side‐by‐side pairs can be greater than 50%. The high solubility and stability of the assembly enable purification, scale‐up of nanomolarity solutions, and subsequent chemical modification of the assembled product. As an example, in situ silica deposition via Stöber synthesis onto the assembled pair produces highly processable nanostructures with a single pair of embedded Au NRs at their center, which exhibit thermal stability at temperatures in excess of 700 °C.
Prognostic Factors and Treatment Outcomes for Anaplastic Thyroid Carcinoma: ATC Research Consortium of Japan Cohort Study of 677 Patients
Authors: Sugitani Iwao , Miyauchi Akira , Sugino Kiminori , Okamoto Takahiro , Yoshida Akira , Suzuki Shinichi
Published: February 2012

Background

Anaplastic thyroid carcinoma (ATC) accounts for only 1 to 2% of all thyroid carcinomas, but it is one of the most lethal neoplasms in humans. To date, most findings about ATC have been derived from single‐institution studies with limited numbers of cohorts. To obtain further insights into this “orphan disease,” we have established a multicenter registry, the ATC Research Consortium of Japan (ATCCJ). We analyzed prognostic factors and treatment outcomes using the large cohort database of the ATCCJ.

Methods

Most of the Japanese centers involved in the treatment of thyroid cancer were invited to join the ATCCJ and have provided information on ATC patients treated between 1995 and 2008. The database includes 677 cases from 38 registered institutions. Survival curves were determined using Kaplan‐Meier methods and were compared using the log‐rank test. Cox’s proportional hazards model was used for multivariate analysis.

Results

Clinical varieties of ATC were classified into four types: common type (n = 547); incidental type (n = 29); anaplastic transformation at the neck (n = 95); anaplastic transformation at a distant site (n = 6). The incidental type followed by anaplastic transformation at the neck showed better outcomes than the other types. Anaplastic transformation at a distant site showed the worst outcomes. The 6‐month and 1‐year cause‐specific survival (CSS) rates for common‐type ATC were 36 and 18%, respectively. In all, 84 (15%) achieved long‐term (>1 year) survival. Multivariate analysis identified age ≥70 years, presence of acute symptoms, leukocytosis (white blood cell count ≥10,000/mm3), large tumor >5 cm, T4b tumor, and distant metastasis as significant risk factors for lower survival. CSS rates also differed significantly depending on UICC stages, with 6‐month CSSs of 60% for stage IVA, 45% for IVB, and 19% for IVC. For 36 of 69 (52%) stage IVA patients who underwent radical surgery, adjuvant therapies, including radiation therapy (RTX) and chemotherapy (CTX) did not show additional benefit statistically. Conversely, among 242 stage IVB patients, 80 (33%) underwent radical surgery. For those patients, therapies combining RTX with CTX significantly improved CSS.

Conclusions

Long‐term survival is possible for selected patients with ATC. To determine the treatment strategy, UICC stage (disease extent) and other prognostic factors (e.g., biologic malignancy grade) should be considered.
The birth of Perspectives on Medical Education
Authors: Borleffs Jan C. C.
Published: February 2012

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A Significant middle Pleistocene tephra deposit preserved in the caves of Mulu, Borneo
Authors: Lundberg Joyce , McFarlane Donald A.
Published: February 2012

A distinctive white sediment in the caves of Mulu, Sarawak, Borneo is a well-preserved tephra, representing a fluvially transported surface air-fall deposit, re-deposited inside the caves. We show that the tephra is not the Younger Toba Tephra, formerly considered as most likely. The shards are rod-shaped with elongate tubular vesicles; the largest grains ~ 170 μm in length; of rhyolitic composition; and 87Sr/86Sr ratio of 0.70426 ± 0.00001. U–Th dating of associated calcites suggest that the tephra was deposited before 125 ± 4 ka, and probably before 156 ± 2 ka. Grain size and distance from closest potential source suggests an eruption of VEI 7. Prevailing winds, grain size, thickness of deposit, location of potential sources, and Sr isotopic ratio limit the source to the Philippines. Comparisons with the literature give the best match geochemically with layer 1822 from Ku et al. (2009a), dated by ocean core stratigraphy to 189 ka. This tephra represents a rare terrestrial repository indicating a very substantial Plinian/Ultra-Plinian eruption that covered the Mulu region of Borneo with ash, a region that rarely receives tephra from even the largest known eruptions in the vicinity. It likely will be a valuable chronostratigraphic marker for sedimentary, palaeontological and archaeological studies.
The Naval History of Great Britain
Authors: James William
Published: February 2012

William James (1780–1827) was a lawyer and naval historian best known for this magisterial history of the Royal Navy between 1793 and 1827. James began to research the role of the Royal Navy in the Revolutionary Wars, publishing five volumes between 1822 and 1824. This was expanded up to 1827 in later editions. In one of the most comprehensive histories of the Navy in the Napoleonic Wars ever published, James' rigorous research methodology using various contemporary sources provides detailed descriptions of the operations of the Royal Navy in the period. Fleet campaigns and minor engagements are discussed, with technical and tactical details of ships and battles also provided. These volumes (here reissued from the 1859 edition) remain an invaluable source of information for the history of the Royal Navy during this fascinating period. Volume 5 covers 1808–1811 and includes the capture of Guadeloupe.
The Short Journals and Itinerary Journals of George Fox
Authors: Fox George , Harvey Thomas Edmund
Published: February 2012

This volume brings together three journals of George Fox (1624–1691) the founder of the Religious Society of Friends. It was edited by Norman Penny and first published in 1925 to mark the tercentenary of Fox's birth. The Short Journal, dictated by Fox during his detention in Lancaster prison (1663–1664), records Fox's missionary wanderings and the persecutions he faced between 1648 and 1663. The Itinerary Journal, compiled by John Field, contains an account of Fox's missionary work, church organisational activities and family life from 1681 to his death in 1691. The Haistwell Diary, written by Fox's companion Edward Haistwell, records Fox's activities between 1677 and 1679, including his missionary journey across the length of England and his missionary voyages to Holland and North Germany. The collection is a key source for those studying Fox's life and thought or the history and origins of the Quaker movement.
Some Applications of Modular Forms
Authors: Sarnak Peter
Published: February 2012

The theory of modular forms and especially the so-called 'Ramanujan Conjectures' have been applied to resolve problems in combinatorics, computer science, analysis and number theory. This tract, based on the Wittemore Lectures given at Yale University, is concerned with describing some of these applications. In order to keep the presentation reasonably self-contained, Professor Sarnak begins by developing the necessary background material in modular forms. He then considers the solution of three problems: the Ruziewicz problem concerning finitely additive rotationally invariant measures on the sphere; the explicit construction of highly connected but sparse graphs: 'expander graphs' and 'Ramanujan graphs'; and the Linnik problem concerning the distribution of integers that represent a given large integer as a sum of three squares. These applications are carried out in detail. The book therefore should be accessible to a wide audience of graduate students and researchers in mathematics and computer science.
Mathematical Modelling
Authors: Clements Dick
Published: February 2012

This book, based on a successful undergraduate course designed by the author, describes mathematical modelling and its application to the solution of problems in industry and commerce. In the early chapters of the book the author first sets out a clear introduction to the principles of mathematical modelling, including sections on the various methodologies of mathematical modelling and their relationship to systems methodologies. He then offers some insights into practical aspects of mathematical modelling and proceeds to describe the development and operation of the undergraduate course upon which the book is based. In the later chapters seven case studies, based on real problems contributed by mathematicians working in industry, are introduced. Each chapter describes a problem, the solution originally adopted and variations on that solution introduced by students over a number of years use of the case studies.
A Catalogue of the Medieval Manuscripts in the University Library, Aberdeen
Authors: James Montague Rhodes
Published: February 2012

M. R. James (1862–1936) is probably best remembered as a writer of chilling ghost stories, but he was an outstanding scholar of medieval literature and palaeography, who served as Provost of King's College, Cambridge, and later as Provost of Eton. His detailed descriptive catalogues of manuscripts owned by colleges, cathedrals and museums are still sought after by scholars today. This catalogue, originally published in 1932, describes just over 80 medieval manuscripts. Thirty of them, mostly later medieval works on canon law or the history of Aberdeen, came to the library from King's College. The remainder, many from the twelfth and thirteenth centuries, and regarded as more important by James, belong to the Marischal College collection, which originated in a 1624 bequest and contains several manuscripts formerly owned by St Paul's Cathedral, London. James describes their structure, content, provenance and decoration, and the book is illustrated by 27 plates.
Tropical Geomorphology
Authors: Gupta Avijit
Published: February 2012

Although similar geomorphic processes take place in other regions, in the tropics these processes operate at different rates and with varying intensities. Tropical geomorphology therefore provides many new discoveries regarding geomorphic processes. This textbook describes both the humid and arid tropics. It provides thoroughly up-to-date concepts and relevant case studies, and emphasises the importance of geomorphology in the management and sustainable development of the tropical environment, including climate change scenarios. The text is supported by a large number of illustrations, including satellite images. Student exercises accompany each chapter. Tropical Geomorphology is an ideal textbook for any course on tropical geomorphology or the tropical environment, and is also invaluable as a reference text for researchers and environmental managers in the tropics.
Plato's Account of Falsehood
Authors: Crivelli Paolo
Published: February 2012

Some philosophers argue that false speech and false belief are impossible. In the Sophist, Plato addresses this 'falsehood paradox', which purports to prove that one can neither say nor believe falsehoods (because to say or believe a falsehood is to say or believe something that is not, and is therefore not there to be said or believed). In this book Paolo Crivelli closely examines the whole dialogue and shows how Plato's brilliant solution to the paradox is radically different from those put forward by modern philosophers. He surveys and critically discusses the vast range of literature which has developed around the Sophist over the past fifty years, and provides original solutions to several problems that are so far unsolved. His book will be important for all who are interested in the Sophist and in ancient ontology and philosophy of language more generally.
Simile and Identity in Ovid's Metamorphoses
Authors: von Glinski Marie Louise
Published: February 2012

Nulli sua forma manebat. The world of Ovid's Metamorphoses is marked by constant flux in which nothing keeps its original form. This book argues that Ovid uses the epic simile to capture states of unresolved identity - in the transition between human, animal and divine identity, as well as in the poem's textual ambivalence between genres and the negotiation of fiction and reality. In conjuring up a likeness, the mental image of the simile enters a dialectic of appearances in a visually complex and treacherous universe. Original and subtle close readings of episodes in the poem, from Narcissus to Adonis, from Diana's blush to the freeform dreams in the House of Sleep, trace the simile's potential for exploiting indeterminacy and immateriality. In its protean permutations the simile touches on the most profound issues of the poem - the nature of humanity and divinity and the essence of poetic creation.
Algebraic Shift Register Sequences
Authors: Goresky Mark , Klapper Andrew
Published: February 2012

Pseudo-random sequences are essential ingredients of every modern digital communication system including cellular telephones, GPS, secure internet transactions and satellite imagery. Each application requires pseudo-random sequences with specific statistical properties. This book describes the design, mathematical analysis and implementation of pseudo-random sequences, particularly those generated by shift registers and related architectures such as feedback-with-carry shift registers. The earlier chapters may be used as a textbook in an advanced undergraduate mathematics course or a graduate electrical engineering course; the more advanced chapters provide a reference work for researchers in the field. Background material from algebra, beginning with elementary group theory, is provided in an appendix.
The Autobiography and Letters of Mrs M. O. W. Oliphant
Authors: Oliphant Margaret
Published: February 2012

The Scots novelist and historical writer Margaret Oliphant (1828–97) wrote over a hundred works ranging from domestic fiction, to historical and regional novels, to literary criticism. She remains famous for the 'Chronicles of Carlingford', which sketch the religious and domestic politics of a provincial community, and in particular for the most popular novel in the cycle, Miss Marjoribanks (1866). Published posthumously in 1899, Oliphant's autobiography brings together fragments written in 1860, 1864, and towards the end of her life, originally written for her sons. These texts were edited by Oliphant's cousin and supplemented by selected letters - including Oliphant's correspondence with the Blackwood family, who published much of her work, and with close family members - to bridge narrative gaps. Focusing on Oliphant's personal life as a mother, widow, and prolific author, this work provides valuable insights into the condition of women in the Victorian era.
POINTWISE APPROXIMATION BY BERNSTEIN POLYNOMIALS
Authors: TACHEV GANCHO
Published: February 2012

We improve the degree of pointwise approximation of continuous functions f(x) by Bernstein operators, when x is close to the endpoints of [0,1]. We apply the new estimate to establish upper and lower pointwise estimates for the test function g(x)=xlog (x)+(1−x)log (1−x). At the end we prove a general statement for pointwise approximation by Bernstein operators.
Hydrography, nutrients, and plankton along the longitudinal section of the Ombla Estuary (south-eastern Adriatic)
Authors: Carić Marina , Jasprica Nenad , Kršinić Frano , Vilibić Ivica , Batistić Mirna
Published: February 2012

Abundance and structure of phytoplankton and zooplankton, along with their relationship to hydrographic conditions were determined in the highly stratified estuary of the karstic Ombla River, south-eastern Adriatic. Sampling was carried out during 17 cruises within a one year period. River discharge lowered surface salinity and enriched the estuary with NO3 and SiO4. Nutrient ratios suggested that PO4 was the most likely limiting nutrient for phytoplankton growth in the estuary. Diatoms were present in low numbers and dominated the winter–early spring period. Dinoflagellates dominated from the end of May to August. Phytoplankton and zooplankton were composed mostly of marine species and their abundance decreased in seaward direction. Planktonic populations are controlled by the river runoff, temperature, salinity, nutrient concentrations and grazing. The results were consistent with the hypothesis that no algal blooms have been recorded due to short renewal time.
‘Religion’, Genealogy, History: A Reply to Zucca and Monod
Authors: BERMAN NATHANIEL
Published: February 2012

I thank the Leiden Journal of International Law for this opportunity to address the provocative responses by Jean-Claude Monod and Lorenzo Zucca to ‘The Sacred Conspiracy’. In this short reply, I seek to clarify some misapprehensions, as well as to sharpen the differences between us.
Molecular epidemiology of norovirus in Edinburgh healthcare facilities, Scotland 2007–2011
Authors: McALLISTER G. , HOLMES A. , GARCIA L. , CAMERON F. , CLOY K. , DANIAL J. , CEPEDA J. A. , SIMMONDS P. , TEMPLETON K. E.
Published: February 2012

Norovirus (NoV) is a leading cause of outbreaks of gastroenteritis worldwide, and a major burden for healthcare facilities. This study investigated the NoV genotypes responsible for outbreaks in Edinburgh healthcare facilities between June 2008 and July 2011, and studied their temporal distribution to enable a better understanding of the epidemiology of the outbreaks. A total of 287 samples positive for NoV genogroup II (GII) RNA by reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction (RT–PCR) during routine diagnostic testing were investigated. Nested RT–PCR (nRT–PCR) and sequencing was used to genotype the NoV strains. Overall, a total of 69 NoV strains belonging to six different genoclusters (GII.1, GII.2, GII.3, GII.4, GII.6, GII.13) were detected. The predominant genotype was GII.4 that included four variants, GII.4 2006a, GII.4 2006b, GII.4 2007 and GII.4 2010. Importantly, increases in NoV activity coincided with the emergence of new GII.4 strains, highlighting the need for an active surveillance system to allow the rapid identification of new strains.
The tasks of amacrine cells
Authors: MASLAND RICHARD H.
Published: February 2012

Their unique patterns of size, numbers, and stratification indicate that amacrine cells have diverse functions. These are mostly unknown, as studies using imaging and electrophysiological methods have only recently begun. However, some of the events that occur within the amacrine cell population—and some important unresolved puzzles—can be stated purely from structural reasoning.
Catch-up growth in children after repair of Tetralogy of Fallot
Authors: Carmona Fabio , Hatanaka Lucas S. , Barbieri Marco A. , Bettiol Heloisa , Toffano Roseli B. D. , Monteiro Jacqueline P. , Manso Paulo H. , Carlotti Ana P. C. P.
Published: February 2012

Purpose

To evaluate the growth of children after repair of Tetralogy of Fallot, as well as the influence of residual lesions and socio-economic status.

Methods

A total of 17 children, including 10 boys with a median age of 16 months at surgery, were enrolled in a retrospective cohort, in a tertiary care university hospital. Anthropometric (as z-scores), clinical, nutritional, and social data were collected.

Results

Weight-for-age and weight-for-height z-scores decreased pre-operatively and recovered post-operatively in almost all patients, most markedly weight for age. Weight-for-height z-scores improved, but were still lower than birth values in the long term. Long-term height-for-age z-scores were higher than those at birth, surgery, and 3 months post-operatively. Most patients showed catch-up growth for height for age (70%), weight for age (82%), and weight for height (70%). Post-operative residual lesions (76%) influenced weight-for-age z-scores. Despite the fact that most patients (70%) were from low-income families, energy intake was above the estimated requirement for age and gender in all but one patient. There was no influence of socio-economic status on pre- and post-operative growth. Bone age was delayed and long-term-predicted height was within mid-parental height limits in 16 children (93%).

Conclusion

Children submitted to Tetralogy of Fallot repair had pre-operative acute growth restriction and showed post-operative catch-up growth for weight and height. Acute growth restriction could still be present in the long term.
The Asian Elephant in Captivity
Authors: Kurt Fred , Garai Marion E.
Published: February 2012

Today, one out of three Asian elephants lives in captivity. Although captive elephants have existed since 3,500 years, they have never been domesticated. During the last few decades the life of the captive elephants brought to temples, cities and tourist resorts have become more miserable than it was while they lived in jungle camps. In order to improve the situation, the living conditions of captive elephants must be changed fundamentally, i.e. they should lead a life under more natural conditions. The lack of fundamental knowledge about wild elephants induces anthropocentric actions and argumentation, but is of little help to the captive elephants.
Ultra‐low frequency wave coupling in the ionospheric Alfvén resonator: Characteristics and implications for the interpretation of ground magnetic fields
Authors: Woodroffe J. R. , Lysak R. L.
Published: February 2012

In cold magnetospheric plasmas, ultra‐low frequency (ULF) waves occur in either the Alfvén or magnetosonic mode. Owing to the strong inhomogeneity of the near‐Earth plasma, these waves can produce cavity‐like or waveguide‐like eigenmodes which are mutually coupled by wave‐driven ionospheric currents and perpendicular plasma inhomogeneity. Here we present results from a numerical study of the ionospheric Alfvén resonator (IAR) and the ULF waves generated by wave‐driven field‐aligned currents (FACs) in the ionosphere. We demonstrate the excitation of cavity and waveguide eigenmodes of the IAR by a localized field‐aligned current, and examine the polarization patterns of the resultant ground magnetic fields. We find that the distribution of ellipticity reflects the configuration of the magnetospheric source while the distribution of polarization angles depends primarily on the localization of the signal. The pattern of magnetosonic waves generated by ionospheric Hall currents is generally isotropic, but its configuration is representative of the structure of the incident FAC. Apparent preferences for wave propagation eastward and to lower latitudes are identified, and implications for the interpretation of ground magnetic signatures are discussed.
Nonlinear interaction between rain‐ and wind‐induced air‐water gas exchange
Authors: Harrison E. L. , Veron F. , Ho D. T. , Reid M. C. , Orton P. , McGillis W. R.
Published: February 2012

The combined effects of rain and wind on air‐water gas exchange were investigated with a series of experiments conducted at University of Delaware's Air‐Sea Interaction Laboratory (ASIL). During this study, the third ASIL Wind and Rain Experiment (WRX 3), a combination of three rain rates and eight wind speeds were executed using aqueous mass balances of SF6 to determine gas transfer velocities, k(600). In addition, measurements of wave properties, currents, and turbulence were obtained. Study results show that rain and wind effects combine nonlinearly to enhance air‐water gas exchange. Also, rainfall appears to contribute significantly to the total air‐water gas flux at low wind speeds, while at higher speeds rain effects appear to be negligible. We find that the range of conditions over which the rain effects are important is well defined by the ratio of rain kinetic energy flux to that of the wind. A nonlinear parameterization of k(600) for the combined effects of rain and wind is proposed. We extend this parameterization to field conditions and obtain the approximate rain rate and wind speed conditions where rain is expected to have a significant effect on air‐sea gas exchange. Low wind speed–high rain rate regions such as the tropics are regions where rain is expected to play a significant role.
Radiative forcing due to enhancements in tropospheric ozone and carbonaceous aerosols caused by Asian fires during spring 2008
Authors: Natarajan Murali , Pierce R. Bradley , Schaack Todd K. , Lenzen Allen J. , Al‐Saadi Jassim A. , Soja Amber J. , Charlock Thomas P. , Rose Fred G. , Winker David M. , Worden John R.
Published: February 2012

Simulations of tropospheric ozone and carbonaceous aerosol distributions, conducted with the Real‐time Air Quality Modeling System (RAQMS), are used to study the effects of major outbreaks of fires that occurred in three regions of Asia, namely Thailand, Kazakhstan, and Siberia, during spring 2008. RAQMS is a global scale meteorological and chemical modeling system. Results from these simulations, averaged over April 2008, indicate that tropospheric ozone column increases by more than 10 Dobson units (DU) near the Thailand region, and by lesser amounts in the other regions due to the fires. Widespread increases in the optical depths of organic and black carbon aerosols are also noted. We have used an off‐line radiative transfer model to evaluate the direct radiative forcing due to the fire‐induced changes in atmospheric composition. For clear sky, the monthly averaged radiative forcing at the top of the atmosphere (TOA) is mostly negative with peak values less than −12 W/m2 occurring near the fire regions. The negative forcing represents the increased outgoing shortwave radiation caused by scattering due to carbonaceous aerosols. At high latitudes, the radiative forcing is positive due to the presence of absorbing aerosols over regions of high surface albedo. Regions of positive forcing at TOA are more pronounced under total sky conditions. The monthly averaged radiative forcing at the surface is mostly negative, and peak values of less than −30 W/m2 occur near the fire regions. Persistently large negative forcing at the surface could alter the surface energy budget and potentially weaken the hydrological cycle.
National database for calculating fuel available to wildfires
Authors: McKenzie Donald , French Nancy H. F. , Ottmar Roger D.
Published: February 2012

In recent years, wildfires have emerged as an important part of the global environment. Carbon released from fires during combustion alters the global carbon balance. Smoke emissions are a health hazard to nearby communities [Wegesser et al., 2009], can impair air quality and visibility for hundreds of kilometers downwind (Interagency Modeling of Protected Visual Environments; http://vista.cira.colostate.edu/improve/Data/IMPROVE/improve_data.htm , 2004), and contribute substantially to the global aerosol budget [van der Werf et al., 2006]. As understanding about fire as a global ecosystem process improves [Bowman et al., 2009] and as more and more global fire databases are being built [Giglio et al., 2009], wildfires are increasingly emerging as an important component of Earth system models, particularly those that involve emissions from fires and their effects on climate.
Free‐Choice and No‐Choice High‐Fat Diets Affect Striatal Dopamine D2/3 Receptor Availability, Caloric Intake, and Adiposity
Authors: van de Giessen Elsmarieke , la Fleur Susanne E. , de Bruin Kora , van den Brink Wim , Booij Jan
Published: February 2012

Different types of high‐fat (HF) diets are used to study diet‐induced obesity (DIO) in rodents and this has led to different phenotypes. This study assesses whether different HF diets differentially affect striatal dopamine D2/3 receptor (DRD2/3) availability, as decreased striatal DRD2/3 availability has been implicated in obesity in relation to reward deficiency for food. Thirty rats were randomized to either a free‐choice HF diet (HF‐choice), a premixed HF diet (HF‐no‐choice), or a standard chow diet for 28 days. Striatal DRD2/3 was measured using 123I‐IBZM storage phosphor imaging at day 29. DRD2/3 availability was significantly decreased in the dorsal striatum in the HF‐choice rats compared to chow rats, but not in HF‐no‐choice rats. Additionally, caloric intake of the HF‐choice rats was significantly higher than that of HF‐no‐choice rats and serum leptin and percentage abdominal fat store weight of total body weight were significantly higher in the HF‐choice rats compared to chow rats. These preliminary results suggest that the choice element in HF diets, which is possibly related to the motivational aspects of eating, leads to overconsumption and to a distinct state of obesity. These results are relevant for future studies on DIO when considering choice of diet type.