bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A novel bioreactor with mechanical stimulation for skeletal tissue engineering
Authors: Petrovic Milos , Mitrakovic Dragan , Bugarski Branko , Vonwil Daniel , Martin Ivan , Obradovic Bojana
Published: March 2009

The provision of mechanical stimulation is believed to be necessary for the functional assembly of skeletal tissues, which are normally exposed to a variety of biomechanical signals in vivo. In this paper, we present a development and validation of a novel bioreactor aimed for skeletal tissue engineering that provides dynamic compression and perfusion of cultivated tissues. Dynamic compression can be applied at frequencies up to 67.5 Hz and displacements down to 5 ?m thus suitable for the simulation of physiological conditions in a native cartilage tissue (0.1-1 Hz, 5-10 % strain). The bioreactor also includes a load sensor that was calibrated so to measure average loads imposed on tissue samples. Regimes of the mechanical stimulation and acquisition of load sensor outputs are directed by an automatic control system using applications developed within the LabView platform. In addition, perfusion of tissue samples at physiological velocities (10-100 ?m/s) provides efficient mass transfer, as well as the possibilities to expose the cells to hydrodynamic shear and simulate the conditions in a native bone tissue. Thus, the novel bioreactor is suited for studies of the effects of different biomechanical signals on in vitro regeneration of skeletal tissues, as well as for the studies of newly formulated biomaterials and cell biomaterial interactions under in vivo-like settings.
Introduction of the CP concept in a Factory for the production of welding electrodes Piva, Pluzine
Authors: Vukcevic M. , Blecic D. , Blecic Z. , Cabarkapa D.
Published: March 2009

The new concept of Cleaner Production (CP) was recently introduced in the Factory for the production of welding electrodes (FEP) in Pluzine, by following some activities, raw materials and products. By the identification of some sub-processes with CP opportunities, focus points were identified and subjected to some technical modifications and innovations. The most significant results were obtained regarding waste waters, through the modifications of existing waste water generation and a possible switch to an other technology, the reduction of K-silica waste through a technological modification, a system of powder transport, as well as the production of coated electrodes.
The optimal monetary rule for the Slovak republic
Authors: Neupauerová Marianna
Published: March 2009

The optimal monetary rules should help to economic agents to fortify their anticipation about monetary policy. At the same time they should make application of monetary policy by central bank more effective. Consequently numerous central banks as well as other economic agents try to determinate an optimal monetary rule responding to given macroeconomic conditions. However this can be very difficult especially for transition economies or post-transition countries. This is the case of the Slovak Republic; its time series are relatively short and macroeconomic environment has to face different shocks. Thus, a monetary rule should be just some kind of recommendation for monetary authority that does not have to be followed as a binding commitment.
The globalization debate: The skeptics
Authors: Tadic Tadija
Published: March 2009

A devastating criticism of a "hard core" argumentation, stemming from skeptical authors, has strongly challenged an enthusiasm noticeable in most theoretical analyses of globalization, bringing to light many "darker sides" of the globalization phenomena. A detailed critical re-examination of their often unrealistic assumptions has presented a very serious challenge to globalists and has made room for the arising of the so called "great globalization debate", which has started over time to shape the mainstream of the contemporary social philosophy. In this paper we are closely looking into the way in which skeptics realize their devastating criticism of globalists' argumentation.
Internal globalization of Western Balkan
Authors: Vukotic Veselin
Published: March 2009

What are potential and real effects of the globalization process on the economic connection between Western Balkan countries? What is the crucial change in relations between Western Balkan countries and its economies inexorably brought by globalization? What are the elements of political economy of Western Balkan globalization? What are reflections of the conflict between political and economic areas of Western Balkan? These are some of the issues discuses in this paper.
Exchange rate regime choice
Authors: Beker Emilija
Published: March 2009

The choice of an adequate exchange rate regime proves to be a highly sensitive field within which the economic authorities present and confirm themselves. The advantages and disadvantages of fixed and flexible exchange rate regimes, which have been quite relativized from the conventional point of view, together with simultaneous, but not synchronized effects of structural and external factors, remain permanently questioned throughout a complex process of exchange rate regime decision making. The paper reflects the attempt of critical identification of the key exchange rate performances with emphasis on continuous non-uniformity and (un)certainty of shelf life of a relevant choice.
p-charts in the quality control of the grading process in the high education
Authors: Savic Mirko
Published: March 2009

European countries are making efforts to change their educational system These changes include implementation of the ECTS (European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System) and are based on the Bologna Declaration. Adoption of ECTS will necessitate new quality standards in higher education especially in grading procedures. With only small modifications, the control charts(such as p-charts) used in production and distribution applications can be applied to educational purposes.
Is there an opportunity to establish the social-capitalism in the post socialist transition?
Authors: Losonc Alpar
Published: March 2009

Recently Claus Offe has put the question that concerns the fate of the European model of social capitalism: Can the model of social capitalism survive the European integration in the context of certain contemporary tendencies? Offe has presupposed that the mentioned model is challenged by the processes of globalization and the integration of the post socialist countries into the European Union. The working hypothesis of the article is that there is an opportunity to provide a coherent answer to this question. The article consists of two parts. In the first part the author starts with the Polanyi's socio-economic theory and emphasizes the importance of this approach for the analyzing of the tendencies of capitalism in Western Europe and in the post socialist countries. The author argues that with the Polanyi's theory we are able to explicate the forms of the embedded liberalism in Western Europe after 1945 and the orientation of non-embedded neo-liberalism and the functioning of the workfare state after the crisis of the Keynesian welfare state. Despite the tendencies of the globalization projected by neo-liberalism, the central element of the social capitalism namely, the welfare state, remains with the dimensions of the continuity. In the next part the author points out that there is an asymmetrical structure between the Western-Europe and non-Western part of Europe concerning the socialization of capitalism. The neoliberalisation in accordance with the model of the transfer of ideal-type of capitalism is more strongly implemented in the countries of transition. In addition, the mentioned theoretical approach provides opportunities to explain the failures of implementing of neo-liberalism in the post socialist countries. On the basis of the endorsing of the socio-economic aspects we can address the issue pointed out by Offe.
La thèse de Feldstein-Horioka: Ue mesure de la mobilité internationale du capital
Authors: de Sousa
Published: March 2009

(portugalski) Nous pr?sentons la th?se de Feldstein-Horioka (F-H) sur la mobilit? du capital et les d?veloppements qu?elle a suscit?s. Il s?agit d?une th?se qui est tr?s ouverte ? la possibilit? de r?futation et dont l?histoire illustre bien la pens?e m?thodologique nonna?ve de Karl Popper: les discussions sur sa r?futation, en parall?le avec les tentatives de consolidation ("d?immunisation"), au sens de K. Popper, ont conduit ? de nouvelles lectures sur la mobilit? du capital. Ces efforts de consolidation (d? "immunization") ont conduit cette th?se ? int?grer des nouvelles m?thodologies ?conom?triques et ? changer partiellement son objet, en mesurant aussi la soutenabilit? externe. La th?se de F-H constitue un cas exemplaire d?int?gration de l?analyse th?orique et d?analyse empirique.
Privatization in economic theory
Authors: Drakic Maja
Published: March 2009

In reality privatization has never occurred according to the handbook rules of ordinary market transactions. Not even in advanced market economies can privatization transactions be described by the Walrasian or Arrowian, or Leontiefian equilibrium models, or by the equilibrium models of the game theory. In these economies transactions of privatization take place in a fairly organic way ? which means that those are driven by the dominance of private property rights and in a market economy. But despite this fact Western privatization also some peculiar features as compared to ordinary company takeovers, since the state as the seller may pursue non ? economic goals. Changes in the dominant form of property change positions and status of many individuals and groups in the society. That?s why privatization can even less be explained by ordinary market mechanisms in transition countries where privatizing state-owned property have happened in a mass scale and where markets and private property rights weren't established at the time process of privatization began. In this paper I?ll discuss and analyze the phenomenon of privatization in context of different economic theories arguing that empirical results go in favor of the public choice theory (Buchanan, 1978), theory of "economic constitution" (Brennan and Buchanan 1985), (Buchanan and Tullock, 1989), and theory of "collective action" (Olson, 1982). These theories argues that transition from one economic system into another, for example transition from collectivistic, socialistic system into capitalism and free market economy with dominant private property, will not happen through isolated changes of only few economic institutions, no matter how deep that changes would be. In other words privatization can not give results if it's not followed by comprehensive change of economic system because privatized companied wouldn't be able to operate in old environment.
Deficiti tekuceg bilansa u bogatim zemljama
Authors: Blanchard Olivier
Published: March 2009

nema
Monetary strategies from the perspective of intermediate objectives
Authors: Neupauerová Marianna , Vravec Ján
Published: March 2009

Central bank can apply different kinds of monetary strategies. This paper analyses monetary strategy from the perspective of intermediate objectives. Right strategy should help to fulfill targeted goals. However, it is not easy to choose right strategy in right moment under certain economic conditions. This paper summarizes basic principles, advantages, and disadvantages of four main strategies. Thus, it should simplify choice of the optimal one. Some practical aspects are explained through experience of several central banks and especially through example of the National Bank of Slovakia that applied gradually different strategies. These modifications were influenced by specific evolution of Slovak economy that has been typical for countries in transition. Thus, its experience can serve other countries that are in the beginning of transition process.
Social protection convergence in the European Union: Impact of Maastricht treaty
Authors: Attia Nicole , Berenger Valérie
Published: March 2009

The main goal of this paper is to test the convergence of social protection expenditures and, more specifically, to examine the incidence of the Maastricht Treaty on this process. We tested several hypotheses of convergence on 12 EU Member States between 1980 and 2000, by considering two indicators: social protection expenditure as percentage of GDP and social protection expenditure per capita. The cross sectional tests of a and ?-convergence show that, for the two indicators, these two assumptions are checked for the whole of the period. On the other hand, the period division in two sub-periods intended to locate the Maastricht effect indicates a rupture since 1993. Then, panel data estimations of conditional ?-convergence confirm the existence of a process of conditional convergence and reveal the significant role of the debt criterion of Maastricht. The coexistence of absolute and conditional ?-convergence is not incompatible. It evokes the possible idea of a European "Social Snake" rather than of a single Social Model.
Adrenal Cortical Neoplasms in Children: Why So Many Carcinomas and Yet So Many Survivors?
Authors: Dehner Louis P. , Hill D. Ashley
Published: March 2009

Adrenal cortical neoplasms in children are represented by a disproportionate number of cases that have been diagnosed pathologically as adrenocortical carcinomas (ACCs)—as many as 90% of all cortical tumors in some pediatric series. Like other solid malignancies of childhood, over half of ACCs present in the first 4 years of life in over 50% of cases. Most are sporadically occurring neoplasms, but ACCs are a manifestation of Beckwith-Wiedemann and Li-Fraumeni syndromes. Despite the fact that the microscopic features are often quite atypical and identical in many respects to ACCs in adults, the clinical outcome is favorable in 70% or more of cases. Tumor weight is seemingly a significant determinant in prognosis at a threshold of greater than 400 g. A risk assessment system is proposed that incorporates tumor weight, localization of tumor to the gland without invasion into the surrounding tissues or organs, and absence of metastasis.
Evolution of Brestovská Cave Based on U-Series Dating of Speleothems
Authors: Hercman Helena , Gradziński Michał , Bella Pavel
Published: March 2009

The U-series dating indicates five episodes of flowstone growth in Brestovská Cave, namely: ca. 200 ka, ca. 128-88 ka, ca. 82-65 ka, ca. 64-50 ka, and during the Holocene. The age of flowstones and their spatial distribution within the cave prove that the upper storey of the cave was dewatered before 200 ka. At that time the lower storey also existed and was able to carry the whole water flowing through the cave. It suggests that 200 ka ago the water-table was at similar level as it is at present. Hence, one should accept that the valley bottom was then also at the present level. During at least a part of the MIS 6 the growth of speleothems was possible in the cave. It suggests that the cave was located outside the permafrost zone then. Between 50 ka and Holocene, Brestovská Cave was flooded by invasion waters originating from the melting of the Würm glacier; the water-table was additionally raised due to the blockage of a resurgence by glacifluvial sediments. The flooding event caused the destruction of older deposits, including speleothems, and deposition of fine-grained clastics on the cave walls.
Variability of resting endoscopic grading for assessment of recurrent laryngeal neuropathy in horses
Authors: PERKINS J. D. , SALZ R. O. , SCHUMACHER J. , LIVESEY L. , PIERCY R. J. , BARAKZAl S. Z.
Published: March 2009

Reasons for performing study: The extent to which variability affects endoscopic grading of arytenoid cartilage movement is uncertain.

Objective: To determine the observer and within horse variability of grading arytenoid cartilage movement in horses during resting endoscopic examination, using a 7‐grade system.

Methods: Endoscopic recordings of the upper respiratory tract made at rest in 270 draught horses were reviewed independently by 2 veterinarians to assess interobserver variability when scoring horses' laryngeal function with a 7‐grade system. Grading was repeated by both examiners in 80 randomly selected recordings in order to assess intraobserver variability. In 120 horses, endoscopy was repeated after 24–48 h, with videos graded by both veterinarians to assess intrahorse variability.

Results: The mean weighted κ statistic for concordance within examiners was 0.867, with a mean intraobserver agreement of 76.3%. The weighted κ statistic for concordance between the 2 examiners was 0.765, with an interobserver agreement of 63.1%. Of the horses receiving 2 endoscopic examinations, the same grade was assigned to 57.1% of horses at the second examination, when effects resulting from interobserver variability were removed. The mean weighted κ statistic for concordance between the grade assigned at first vs. second examinations was 0.588, indicating only moderate agreement.

Conclusions and potential relevance: Intra‐ and interobserver reliability of resting endoscopic grading of arytenoid cartilage movement using a 7‐grade system was high when examinations were conducted by experienced veterinarians. However, there was moderate daily intrahorse variability, suggesting that results of resting endoscopic examinations performed on a single day should be interpreted with caution.
A novel composite targeting method using high-field magnetic resonance imaging for subthalamic nucleus deep brain stimulation
Authors: Toda Hiroki , Sawamoto Nobukatsu , Hanakawa Takashi , Saiki Hidemoto , Matsumoto Sadayuki , Okumura Ryosuke , Ishikawa Masatsune , Fukuyama Hidenao , Hashimoto Nobuo
Published: March 2009

Object

Accurate localization of the subthalamic nucleus (STN) is important for proper placement of the electrodes in deep brain stimulation (DBS) surgery for patients with advanced Parkinson disease. The authors evaluated the accuracy of our modified composite targeting method and the value of using high-field MR imaging for targeting the STN.

Methods

Thirteen patients with advanced Parkinson disease underwent bilateral STN DBS based on 3-T MR imaging, and 13 patients underwent surgery based on 1.5-T MR imaging. By sequentially referring to the postmammillary commissure, the red nucleus, the mammillothalamic tract, and the STN, the modified composite targeting method determined the stereotactic coordinates for targeting the STN. The accuracy and efficacy of the composite targeting method and 3-T MR imaging were evaluated by using the intraoperative microelectrode recording, the postoperative imaging study, and the postoperative clinical improvement.

Results

The landmark structures for targeting the STN were visualized clearly with 3-T MR imaging. The mean (± SD) path length through the STN of the central track was 4.9 ± 1.1 mm in the 3-T group and 3.1 ± 2.0 mm in the 1.5-T group (p < 0.001). Twenty-one (81%) of 26 electrodes were placed in the central track in the 3-T group, whereas 8 (31%) of 26 electrodes were placed in the central track in the 1.5-T group (p = 0.006). The rest of the electrodes were placed in the noncentral optimum track for alleviating parkinsonian motor symptoms. The mean Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale motor part score during off period was reduced by 53% in the 3-T group and by 41% in the 1.5-T group (p = 0.14). The mean reductions of levodopa equivalent daily doses were 48.6% in the 3-T group and 43.7% in the 1.5-T group (p = 0.61).

Conclusions

The use of the modified composite targeting method referring to the multiple landmarks with 3-T MR imaging offers reliable and clinically effective target for STN DBS surgery.
Factors affecting postoperative cerebrospinal fluid leaks after retrosigmoidal craniotomy for vestibular schwannomas
Authors: Stieglitz Lennart H. , Wrede Karsten H. , Gharabaghi Alireza , Gerganov Venelin M. , Samii Amir , Samii Madjid , Luedemann Wolf O.
Published: March 2009

Object

The aim of this study was to identify patients likely to develop CSF leaks after vestibular schwannoma surgery using a retrospective analysis for the identification of risk factors.

Methods

Between January 2001 and December 2006, 420 patients underwent retrosigmoidal microsurgical tumor removal in a standardized procedure. Of these 420 patients, 363 underwent treatment for the first time, and 27 suffered from recurrent tumors. Twenty-six patients had bilateral tumors due to neurofibromatosis Type 2, and 4 patients had previously undergone radiosurgical treatment. An analysis was performed to examine the incidence of postoperative CSF fistulas in all 4 groups.

Results

The incidence of CSF leakage was higher in the tumor recurrence group (11.1%) than in patients undergoing surgery for the first time (4.4%). There were no CSF fistulas in the neurofibromatosis Type 2 group or in patients with preoperative radiosurgical treatment. Tumor size was identified as a possible risk factor in a previous study.

Conclusions

Surgery for recurrent tumors is a significant risk factor for the development of CSF leaks.
Stent-assisted coil embolization followed by a stent-within-a-stent technique for ruptured dissecting aneurysms of the intracranial vertebrobasilar artery
Authors: Suh Sang Hyun , Kim Byung Moon , Park Sung Il , Kim Dong Ik , Shin Yong Sam , Kim Eui Jong , Chung Eun Chul , Koh Jun Seok , Shin Hyun Cheol , Choi Chun Sik , Won Yu Sam
Published: March 2009

Object

A ruptured dissecting aneurysm of the vertebrobasilar artery (VBA-DA) is a well-known cause of acute subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) with a high rate of early rebleeding. Internal trapping of the parent artery, including the dissected segment, is one of the most reliable techniques to prevent rebleeding. However, for a ruptured VBA-DA not suitable for internal trapping, the optimal treatment method has not been well established. The authors describe their experience in treating ruptured VBA-DAs not amenable to internal trapping of the parent artery with stent-assisted coil embolization (SAC) followed by a stent-within-a-stent (SWS) technique.

Methods

Eleven patients—6 men and 5 women with a mean age of 48 years and each with a ruptured VBA-DA not amenable to internal trapping of the parent artery—underwent an SAC-SWS between November 2005 and October 2007. The feasibility and clinical and angiographic outcomes of this combined procedure were retrospectively evaluated.

Results

The SAC-SWS was successful without any treatment-related complications in all 11 patients. Immediate posttreatment angiograms revealed complete obliteration of the DA sac in 3 patients, near-complete obliteration in 7, and partial obliteration in 1. One patient died as a direct consequence of the initial SAH. All 10 surviving patients had excellent clinical outcomes (Glasgow Outcome Scale Score 5) without posttreatment rebleeding during a follow-up period of 8–24 months (mean follow-up 15 months). Angiographic follow-up at 6–12 months after treatment was possible at least once in all surviving patients. Nine VBA-DAs showed complete obliteration; the other aneurysm, which had appeared partially obliterated immediately after treatment, demonstrated progressive obliteration on 2 consecutive follow-up angiography studies. There was no in-stent stenosis or occlusion of the branch or perforating vessels.

Conclusions

The SAC-SWS technique seems to be a feasible and effective reconstructive treatment option for a ruptured VBA-DA. The technique may be considered as an alternative therapeutic option in selected patients with ruptured VBA-DAs unsuitable for internal trapping of the parent artery.
Endovascular balloon angioplasty for treatment of posttraumatic venous sinus thrombosis
Authors: Bishop Frank S. , Finn Michael A. , Samuelson Mical , Schmidt Richard H.
Published: March 2009

In severe cases, posttraumatic cerebral sinus thrombosis can result in venous congestion and persistent intracranial hypertension refractory to both conventional medical therapy and surgical decompression. The authors report a unique case of a patient successfully treated with endovascular mechanical thrombolysis using balloon angioplasty for clinically significant posttraumatic venous sinus thrombosis and review the reported treatments for cerebral venous sinus occlusive disease.

This 18-year-old man suffered severe closed head injury from a fall while skateboarding. A head CT scan demonstrated basilar skull fractures involving the left jugular foramen. A CT angiogram revealed thrombosis of the left transverse sinus and occlusion of the sigmoid sinus and internal jugular vein. Despite treatment with anticoagulation therapy and decompressive hemi- and suboccipital craniectomies, intracranial hypertension remained refractory. Serial angiography demonstrated progressive sinus occlusion. Endovascular balloon thrombolysis of the left transverse and sigmoid sinuses resulted in immediate reduction of intracranial pressures and improved sinus patency. Intracranial pressure measurements remained low after the procedure. The patient eventually improved neurologically, was able to follow commands and walk, and was discharged to a rehabilitation facility for further recovery.

Anticoagulation therapy, surgical decompression, and endovascular thrombolysis have been reported as treatment modalities for clinically significant posttraumatic venous sinus thrombosis. In this case, endovascular mechanical thrombolysis with balloon angioplasty resulted in resolution of thrombus and successful immediate reduction of intracranial pressure. This treatment may be considered in patients with critically elevated intracranial pressure from posttraumatic venous sinus occlusion refractory to other treatment measures.
Epidemiology of Stemphylium Blight of Lentil
Authors: Huq M Ihsanul , Khan AZM Nowsher Ali
Published: March 2009

Among the atmospheric factors maximum and minimum temperature, relative humidity ranging from 20.5-29.0Â°C (mean 23.7Â°C), 5.4-13.3Â°C (mean 14.2Â°C) and 78.0-84.5% (mean 81.0%), 48.0-63.0% (mean 55.5%) respectively are the predisposing factors for disease initiation. Whereas the maximum and minimum temperature, relative humidity ranging from 20.5-35.0Â°C and 13.0-21.0Â°C, 78.0 - 100.0% and 48.0-80.2% respectively and rainfall 1.2-14.6mm are favorable for disease development. The trends of disease development among the sowing dates were similar. The lowest and the highest severity were noted on November 01 and December 30 respectively. Key words: Epidemiology, Stemphylium blight, Lentil and Meteorological factor. Â  doi: 10.3329/bjsir.v43i4.2241 Bangladesh J. Sci. Ind. Res. 43(4), 513-520, 2008
Mixed Variational Formulations for Micro-cracked Continua in the Multifield Framework
Authors: Bruggi Matteo , Venini Paolo
Published: March 2009

Within the framework of multifield continua, we move from the model of elastic microcracked body introduced in (Mariano, P.M. and Stazi, F.L., Strain localization in elastic microcracked bodies, Comp. Methods Appl. Mech. Engrg. 2001, 190, 5657–5677) and propose a few novel variational formulations of mixed type along with relevant mixed FEM discretizations. To this goal, suitably extended Hellinger-Reissner principles of primal and dual type are derived. A few numerical studies are presented that include an investigation on the interaction between a single cohesive macrocrack and diffuse microcracks (Mariano, P.M. and Stazi, F.L., Strain localization due to crack–microcrack interactions: X–FEM for a multifield approach, Comp. Methods Appl. Mech. Engrg. 2004, 193, 5035–5062).
Resumed Publication of the Journal Pharmaceuticals
Authors: Lin Shu-Kun , McPhee Derek
Published: March 2009

After a three year interruption, we have decided to resume publication of the MDPI journal Pharmaceuticals (ISSN 1424-8247). This journal will henceforth publish papers on typical molecular medicines. In order to provide publishing services for those papers about topics which can be categorized as nutraceuticals or chemopreventives, we have set up a section in International Journal of Molecular Sciences (ISSN 1422-0067, IJMS) at http://www.mdpi.org/ijms/sections/nc.htm. Under this model we consider that the first paper [1] published in Pharmaceuticals (ISSN 1424-8247) should rightly have been treated as a paper for the nutraceuticals or chemopreventives section of IJMS.
Publication Plan for Pharmaceuticals: Volume 1 (2004-2007), Volume 2 (2008)
Authors: Lin Shu-Kun
Published: March 2009

The journal Pharmaceuticals (ISSN 1424-8247) will close its Volume 1 at the end of 2007. Volume 2 will be published starting from January 2008. We will publish yearly volumes from then on at the website http://www.mdpi.org/pharmaceuticals/.
Non-parametric Methods for Soil Moisture Retrieval from Satellite Remote Sensing Data
Authors: Lakhankar Tarendra , Ghedira Hosni , Temimi Marouane , Sengupta Manajit , Khanbilvardi Reza , Blake Reginald
Published: March 2009

Satellite remote sensing observations have the potential for efficient and reliable mapping of spatial soil moisture distributions. However, soil moisture retrievals from active microwave remote sensing data are typically complex due to inherent difficulty in characterizing interactions among land surface parameters that contribute to the retrieval process. Therefore, adequate physical mathematical descriptions of microwave backscatter interaction with parameters such as land cover, vegetation density, and soil characteristics are not readily available. In such condition, non-parametric models could be used as possible alternative for better understanding the impact of variables in the retrieval process and relating it in the absence of exact formulation. In this study, non-parametric methods such as neural networks, fuzzy logic are used to retrieve soil moisture from active microwave remote sensing data. The inclusion of soil characteristics and Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) derived from infrared and visible measurement, have significantly improved soil moisture retrievals and reduced root mean square error (RMSE) by around 30% in the retrievals. Soil moisture derived from these methods was compared with ESTAR soil moisture (RMSE ~4.0%) and field soil moisture measurements (RMSE ~6.5%). Additionally, the study showed that soil moisture retrievals from highly vegetated areas are less accurate than bare soil areas.
THEORETICAL ESTIMATION OF THE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT OF BIOFUEL MIXTURES
Authors: Török Ádám
Published: March 2009

Vehicles are burning fuels inefficiently. Nowadays, there is a strong correlation between CO2 emission and climate change. The article estimates a theoretical environmental impact of biofuel mixtures on the transport sector. A high ratio of road transportation in CO2 emission caused by humanity made necessary to research the estimation of the environmental impact of biofuel mixtures. We have to clarify the emission of the transport sector in order to get information about the role of the impact that is a further step to a sustainable society. Sustainable development is a kind of development where the pace of technical development, the satiation of increasing supply and the raw materials and resources of the Earth are poised so that the rate of living and the opportunities of the future generations should not decline. One of the major goals of transport policy of the European Union is sustainable mobility. For this reason, transportation systems must be developed and standardized and the effectiveness of transportation service must be increased while environmental pollution must be decreased or prevented. There is a justifiable demand put forward by the society to moderate the environmental impacts caused by road transportation. This article deals with modelling the environmental impact of ethanol‐gasoline mixtures and diesel oil‐ethanol‐biodiesel mixtures.
PRINCIPLES FOR MODELLING TECHNOLOGICAL PROCESSES IN TRANSPORT TERMINAL
Authors: Baublys Adolfas
Published: March 2009

A technological process is evaluated as a random process and assessed in respective models. The methodology of formalizing technological processes in the terminal and criteria for optimal control and the quality of the technological process are suggested. In addition, models and algorithms for the optimal control of freight clearing technological process are proposed.
THE SAFETY OF TANKERS AND SINGLE POINT MOORING DURING LOADING OPERATIONS
Authors: Paulauskas Vytautas
Published: March 2009

Single point mooring (SPM) is used when typical port facilities cannot be applied. Offshore platforms and terminals producing oil and gas are the places where SPM can be employed. Accidents with SPM equipment and ships occurring during loading or unloading operations are very dangerous and may cause serious losses due to the high prices of tankers and facilities and because of polluting the environment with poisonous materials. Any possibilities of decreasing risk and increasing safety are very important. This paper presents the analysis of dangerous situations with tankers and SPM, discusses theoretical basis for study and makes practical calculations and recommendations on decreasing accidence probability during loading operations.
Monitoring roughness and edge shape on semiconductors through multiresolution and multivariate image analysis
Authors: Facco Pierantonio , Bezzo Fabrizio , Barolo Massimiliano , Mukherjee Rajib , Romagnoli José A.
Published: March 2009

Photolithography is one of the most important processes in the production of integrated circuits. Usually, attentive inspections are required after this process, but are limited to the measurement of some physical parameters such as the critical dimension and the line edge roughness. In this paper, a novel multiresolution multivariate technique is presented to identify the abnormalities on the surface of a photolithographed device and the location of defects in a sensitive fashion by comparing it to a reference optimum, and generating fast, meaningful and reliable information. After analyzing the semiconductor surface image in different levels of resolutions via wavelet decomposition, the application of multivariate statistical monitoring tools allows the in‐depth examination of the imprinted features of the product. A two level nested PCA model is used for surface roughness monitoring, while a new strategy based on “spatial moving window” PCA is proposed to analyze the shape of the patterned surface. The effectiveness of the proposed approach is tested in the case of semiconductor surface SEM images after the photolithography process. The approach is general and can be applied also to inspect a product through different types of images, different phases of the same production systems, or different processes. © 2009 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 2009
Cover Picture: Metallic Impurities within Residual Catalyst Metallic Nanoparticles Are in Some Cases Responsible for “Electrocatalytic” Effect of Carbon Nanotubes (Chem. Asian J. 4/2009)
Authors: Pumera Martin , Iwai Hideo
Published: March 2009

At first sight, carbon nanotubes seem to be perfect materials, but appearances can be deceptive. Carbon nanotubes contain impurities and these impurities are often contaminated by yet other impurities. Interestingly, while main impurities (such as Co and Mo) are not electrochemically active, impurities of impurities (such as Fe in this case) dominate the electrochemistry of carbon nanotubes for reduction of important biomarkers, such as hydrogen peroxide. H. Iwai and M. Pumera discuss the importance of this observation in their Full Paper on page 554 ff.

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Solution structure of a novel T‐cell adhesion inhibitor derived from the fragment of ICAM‐1 receptor: Cyclo(1,8)‐Cys‐Pro‐Arg‐Gly‐Gly‐Ser‐Val‐Cys
Authors: Tejo Bimo A. , Siahaan Teruna J.
Published: March 2009

This study is aimed at elucidating the structure of a novel T‐cell adhesion inhibitor, cyclo(1,8)‐CPRGGSVC using one‐ and two‐dimensional (2D) 1H NMR and molecular dynamics (MD) simulation. The peptide is derived from the sequence of its parent peptide cIBR (cyclo(1,12)‐PenPRGGSVLVTGC), which is a fragment of intercellular adhesion molecule‐1 (ICAM‐1). Our previous results show that the cyclo(1,8)‐CPRGGSVC peptide binds to the LFA‐1 I‐domain and inhibits heterotypic T‐cell adhesion, presumably by blocking the LFA‐1/ICAM‐1 interactions. The structure of the peptide was determined using NMR and MD simulation in aqueous solution. Our results indicate that the peptide adopts type‐I β‐turn conformation at the Pro2‐Arg3‐Gly4‐Gly5 (PRGG) sequence. The β‐turn structure at the PRGG motif is well conserved in cIBR peptide and ICAM‐1 receptor, which suggests the importance of the PRGG motif for the biological activity of cyclo(1,8)‐CPRGGSVC peptide. Meanwhile, the Gly5‐Ser6‐Val7‐Cys8‐Cys1 (GSVCC) sequence forms a “turn‐like” random coil structure that does not belong to any structured motif. Therefore, cyclo(1,8)‐CPRGGSVC peptide has only one structured region at the PRGG sequence, which may play an important role in the binding of the peptide to the LFA‐1 I‐domain. The conserved β‐turn conformation of the PRGG motif in ICAM‐1, cIBR, and cyclo(1,8)‐CPRGGSVC peptides can potentially be used to design peptidomimetics. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Biopolymers 91: 633–641, 2009.

This article was originally published online as an accepted preprint. The “Published Online” date corresponds to the preprint version. You can request a copy of the preprint by emailing the Biopolymers editorial office at biopolymers@wiley.com
Power dissipation and flow patterns in reciprocating baffle‐plate columns
Authors: Baird M. H. I. , Rao N. V. Rama
Published: March 2009

Time‐averaged power dissipation rates have been measured in water in a 19.4 cm diameter reciprocating plate column operating at frequencies 0.6 to 3 Hz and amplitudes 5 to 20 mm. Measurements were also taken in water in a 15 cm diameter column operated at 1 to 5.7 Hz with amplitudes 1 to 10 mm. Several different types of doughnut reciprocating plates, fitting close to the column wall, were investigated. Power consumption at high amplitudes agreed with the predicted values using the quasi‐steady flow model, while at low amplitudes the data were more in agreement with a recently proposed acoustic model. The measured power dissipations were slightly affected by the spacing between adjacent plates, and by the alignment of the holes in the case of plates with 3 holes. Flow patterns around the reciprocating plates were also observed with the aid of a thin beam of light reflecting from small particles suspended in the liquid. Well‐developed circulation patterns were observed, depending strongly on the axial spacing between the plates.
Simulation of FCC particles flow behavior in a CFB using modified kinetic theory
Authors: Seu‐Kim Hae , Arastoopour Hamid
Published: March 2009

FCC particles, known as Geldart's group A particles, are slightly cohesive and have a wide range of particle size averaging 70 μm FCC particles have a tendency to form clusters or agglomerates in a gas/particles flow system. In order to understand the effect of cluster formations or agglomerations on the FCC particles flow behavior, a numerical simulation using our modified kinetic theory model for gas/FCC particles flow in a circulating fluidized bed was performed. The simulation results compared reasonably well with the experimental data of Miller and Gidaspow (1992).
A comprehensive heat transfer model for rotary desorbers
Authors: Cook Charles A. , Cundy Vic A. , Larsen Fred L. , Lighty Joann S.
Published: March 2009

A model that describes the heat transfer processes within a rotary desorber is presented. This model has several advantages over previous models. The method for calculating the wall‐to‐bed heat transfer rate includes the effects of moisture in the feed solids and allows for evaporation from the bed before the bulk bed temperature reaches the saturation temperature of the moisture. The method for calculating radiative heat transfer in the desorber accounts for the real nature of the participating gas and the amounts of CO2 and H2O in the gas phase from both combustion and evaporation. Results from experiments performed using a pilot‐scale desorber are discussed, and the model is validated by comparing the predicted bed temperature profiles and evaporation rates to those found experimentally. A preliminary attempt to account for the effects of a non‐uniform bed on the evaporation rate from the bed is also presented along with several parametric studies.
A neural‐network based model of bioreaction kinetics
Authors: Saxén Björn , Saxén Henrik
Published: March 2009

A neural‐network based model of the kinetics in a fermentation process is presented. In the development and application of the model, the state of the process was estimated by an independent model based on elemental balances and an electroneutrality condition. The aim of the work was a model that describes the overall kinetic relations well enough to be used for on‐line simulation and prediction. Both feed‐forward and partially recurrent networks were investigated. The networks were trained off‐line, but in the on‐line application they are adapted to the process conditions by adjusting a set of correction factors. The approach is illustrated on a number of batch runs of Saccharomyces cerevisiae, where the networks are demonstrated to be able to accurately describe the biphasic growth.
Regression analysis of a chemical reaction fouling model
Authors: Vašák F. , Epstein N.
Published: March 2009

A previously reported mathematical model for the initial chemical reaction fouling of a heated tube is critically examined in the light of the experimental data for which it was developed. A regression analysis of the model with respect to that data shows that the reference point upon which the two adjustable parameters of the model were originally based was well chosen, albeit fortuitously.
Modeling of surface intermediates under forced periodic conditions applied to CO2 methanation
Authors: Marwood Michel , Doepper Ralf , Renken Albert
Published: March 2009

Forced oscillations of the carbon dioxide concentration in a hydrogen feed were applied to the carbon dioxide methanation reaction with simultaneous gas phase and surface analysis. The response of the gas phase and surface species to these repeated dynamic conditions show a time shift following the sequence CO2 → formate → CO → methane, but can be modeled by a simple model involving one single adsorbed surface intermediate and a reservoir in equilibrium with this intermediate. The dynamic behavior of this intermediate is very close to the variation of the IR absorption band associated with formate and carbonate species.
Understanding of resonance phenomena on a catalyst under forced concentration and temperature oscillations
Authors: Van Neer F. J. R. , Kodde A. J. , Den Uil H. , Bliek A.
Published: March 2009

Resonance is an interesting phenomenon that may be observed for reactions on catalytic surfaces during periodic forcing of operating variables. Forcing of the variables for non‐linear systems may result in substantially changed time averaged behaviour. These resonance phenomena have been observed experimentally by coincidence rather than by systematic analysis. It is not clear for what type of reaction kinetics such behaviour may be expected and predictions are therefore impossible. Clearly, this forms a serious obstacle for any practical application.

In this work we set out to analyse the nature of resonance behaviour in heterogeneously catalysed reactions. A Langmuir Hinshelwood microkinetic model is analysed. It is demonstrated that for weakly non‐linear forcing variables — as inlet concentrations — forcing leads to resonance phenomena in terms of the reaction rate only in case high total surface occupancies exist in the steady state. In contrast, forcing of strongly non‐linear variables — like temperature — may give rise to resonance phenomena for both low and high surface occupancies. Necessary conditions for resonance to occur are derived. The analysis of resonance phenomena is greatly simplified by the availability of explicit analytical expressions as can be derived from Carleman linearization. We will demonstrate the merits of Carleman linearization as compared to numerical integration.
A periodic flow reversal reactor: An infinitely fast switching model and a practical proposal for its implementation
Authors: Sun Q. , Young B. , Williams D. F. , Glasser D. , Hildebrandt D.
Published: March 2009

In a catalytic reactor the solid heat capacity is relatively high compared to that of the gas so that even relatively slow periodic flow reversal approximates infinite switching. An internally consistent model is developed which assumes plug‐flow of the gas, neglects conduction in the direction of flow and, by having different gas and solid temperatures, allows heat transfer between the gas and solid. It is shown that this reactor can in certain situations achieve higher conversions in a given volume of catalyst than an adiabatic plug‐flow reactor for exothermic reversible reactions. It is further shown that these equations also model the limit of a more industrially desirable counter‐current steady‐state reactor.
Coking kinetics of a Cr2O3/Al2O3 catalyst during 1‐butene dehydrogenation: Effect of H2 partial pressure
Authors: Romero E. , Rodríguez J. C. , Peña J. A. , Monzón A.
Published: March 2009

The influence has been studied of the partial pressure of hydrogen (0–30 kPa) upon the coking rate of a Cr2O3/Al2O3 commercial catalyst during 1‐butene dehydrogenation. Coke deposition has been analysed using a monolayer‐multilayer reversible coke growth model (MMRC model). This model provides good fits to the experimental data, within the range of partial pressure of H2 studied, and allows us to estimate the main kinetic parameters involved in the coking‐deactivation process. The results obtained reveal a dual effect of hydrogen: competition against 1‐butene for the active sites and the removal of coke precursors from the catalyst surface. Bom effects diminish the coking rate as the H2 partial pressure is increased.
On bitumen liberation from oil sands
Authors: Basu S. , Nandakumar K. , Masliyah Jacob H.
Published: March 2009

Laboratory experiments were performed to investigate the effect of pH on (a) bitumen film thinning and film rupture process (b) bitumen/water contact line displacement and (c) the static contact angle of bitumen on a glass surface in the presence of an aqueous medium. A coated bitumen film on a glass surface was found to thin down and rupture spontaneously when a few drops of water having a pH of 11 was placed on it. In another experiment, a bitumen coated glass plate was submerged in water. The contact line of an initially circular bitumen film on the glass surface displaced in the inward direction to take the shape of a droplet. Measurement of the dynamic contact angle of bitumen with time showed that the bitumen/water contact line displacement was faster at a pH of 3 than at a pH of 11. However, the static contact angle of bitumen on the glass surface was found to be large at the high pH of 11, a condition conducive to easy detachment of bitumen droplet from the glass surface. The above observations suggest that a pH cycle might be desirable in bitumen liberation from oil sands.
An automatic pid controller tuning method by frequency response techniques
Authors: Huang Chi‐Tsung , Chou Chin‐Jui , Chen Li‐Zen
Published: March 2009

An alternative Ziegler‐Nichols (1942) controller tuning technique was proposed in this study. Under the proportional control of a single‐loop control system, an arbitrary pulse testing in the set point was introduced to the system. The ultimate frequency and gain could both be directly calculated from the transients by frequency response techniques without any trial and error procedures. PID controller settings were thus obtained according to the Ziegler and Nichols' rules. Furthermore, this technique was extended to the tuning of a cascade control system. A procedure for simultaneously tuning the primary and secondary controllers with both loops in proportional control from a single pulse testing also is presented.