bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A semi‐analytical solution of surface flow and subsurface flow on a slope land under a uniform rainfall excess
Authors: Hsieh Ping‐Cheng , Yang Jia‐Si
Published: December 2011

A new approach is proposed to analyze the surface flow and subsurface flow passing over a pervious ground under a uniform rainfall excess. The flow field is divided into two regions that are called water layer and soil layer. To figure out the hydraulic behavior of overland flow on an inclined plane under a rainfall event, the simplified Navier–Stokes equations are employed for the surface water flow, and the flow inside the soil layer is porous media flow, which is governed by Biot's (1956, 1962) theory of poroelasticity. The velocity distribution of overland flow is nonzero at the ground surface. The relation between water depth and slope length was developed first. The profile of surface water flow was then found backwards from the downstream end of the flow section by the Runge–Kutta method. After that, the flow velocity and flow discharge of each layer could also be obtained via the water depth. Finally, the variation of fluid shear stress inside the soil layer is also discussed. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Rearrangement of HMGA2 in a case of infantile lipoblastoma without Plag1 alteration
Authors: Pedeutour Florence , Deville Anne , Steyaert Henri , Ranchere‐Vince Dominique , Ambrosetti Damien , Sirvent Nicolas
Published: January 2012

Lipoblastoma is a rare benign adipocytic tumor that occurs usually in children. It can be difficult to distinguish a lipoblastoma from other lipogenic tumors. In such cases, the detection of a rearrangement of the PLAG1 gene by fluorescence in situ hybridization analysis is useful for characterizing a lipoblastoma. We present here a novel case of morphological infantile lipoblastoma showing a rearrangement of HMGA2 instead of the classical PLAG1 alteration. HMGA2 is the main target of clonal aberrations encountered in lipomas. This result supports the hypothesis that benign lipomatous tumors harboring PLAG1 or HMGA2 rearrangement could constitute a unique pathogenetic entity. Pediatr Blood Cancer © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Metal ion adsorption behavior of lignocellulosic fiber–ethylene vinyl acetate composites
Authors: Vilakati Gcina D. , Mishra Ajay K. , Mishra Shivani B. , Mamba Bhekie B. , Thwala Justice M.
Published: December 2011

This study describes the applicability of lignocellulosic fiber dispersed in ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) to adsorb Pb(II), Cr(III), and Cr(VI) ions in aqueous solutions. Water absorption studies revealed that metal‐ion uptake does not only take place on the surface of the adsorbent but ions can also diffuse into the composite. The adsorption of the metal ions under different experimental conditions was studied. Solute concentration, pH, and contact time were used to assess the adsorption capacity and efficiency. The amount of metal adsorbed increased to 7 mg/g with an increase in solute concentration but compromising the efficiency. Adsorption equilibrium was reached after 3 h, when the maximum lead adsorption was above 80%. The optimum pH for the adsorption of Pb(II) and Cr(III) was 6.5, and pH 2.5 was used for the adsorption of Cr(VI). Competitive adsorption revealed the order of adsorption to be: Pb(II) > Cr(VI) > Cr(III). POLYM. ENG. SCI., 2011. © 2011 Society of Plastics Engineers
Crystallization behavior of PEO in blends of poly(ethylene oxide)/poly(2‐vinyl pyridine)‐b‐(ethylene oxide) block copolymer
Authors: Araneda Emilio , Leiva Angel , Gargallo Ligia , Hadjichristidis Nikos , Mondragon Iñaki , Radic Deodato
Published: December 2011

The crystallization behavior of two molecular weight poly(ethylene oxide)s (PEO) and their blends with the block copolymer poly(2‐vinyl pyridine)‐b‐poly(ethylene oxide) (P2VP‐b‐PEO) was investigated by polarized optical microscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, differential scanning calorimetry, and atomic force microscopy (AFM). A sharp decreasing of the spherulite growth rate was observed with the increasing of the copolymer content in the blend. The addition of P2VP‐b‐PEO to PEO increases the degradation temperature becoming the thermal stability of the blend very similar to that of the block copolymer P2VP‐b‐PEO. Glass transition temperatures, Tg, for PEO/P2VP‐b‐PEO blends were intermediate between those of the pure components and the value increased as the content of PEO homopolymer decreased in the blend. AFM images showed spherulites with lamellar crystal morphology for the homopolymer PEO. Lamellar crystal morphology with sheaf‐like lamellar arrangement was observed for 80 wt% PEO(200M) and a lamellar crystal morphology with grain aggregation was observed for 50 and 20 wt% blends. The isothermal crystallization kinetics of PEO was progressively retarded as the copolymer content in the blend increased, since the copolymer hinders the molecular mobility in the miscible amorphous phase. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 2012. © 2011 Society of Plastics Engineers
Mechanical and electrical properties of polyamide‐6‐based nanocomposites reinforced by fulleroid fillers
Authors: Zuev Vjacheslav V. , Ivanova Yulia G.
Published: December 2011

The effect of the fulleroid fillers (fullerene C60, mixture of C60/C70 and fulleroids soot) on mechanical, tribological, and electrical properties of the nanocomposites based on polyamide‐6 (PA6) was investigated. The nanocomposites were prepared by in situ polymerization. Both the tensile modulus and tensile strength of polymer composites were improved up to 15% with loading of 0.001–0.1 wt% of fulleroids materials. For nanocomposites with fulleroid fillers, the friction coefficients were practically two times as lower that of neat PA6. Electrical volume resistivity of composites decreases at loading of fulleroid fillers. The minimal electrical volume resistance was about 107 Ω cm at 0.1 wt% loading of fullerene soot. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 2012. © 2011 Society of Plastics Engineers
Improved multicrystalline silicon ingot crystal quality through seed growth for high efficiency solar cells
Authors: Jouini Anis , Ponthenier Damien , Lignier Hélène , Enjalbert Nicolas , Marie Benoit , Drevet Béatrice , Pihan Etienne , Cayron Cyril , Lafford Tamzin , Camel Denis
Published: December 2011

Work on silicon crystal quality improvement and defect control has been carried out on lab‐scale seeded growth ingots allowing wafers with controlled grain orientations. Both <111> and <100> monocrystalline‐like ingots were produced using a combination of quartz rod dipping and a modulated conductive heat extraction system, made in‐house, in a directional solidification system. Two mono‐like wafer morphology types have been produced. Their structural and electrical properties are presented in detail. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Searching for partners
Authors: Taniguchi Naoyuki
Published: January 2012

A combination of the EMARS reaction and the application of mass spectrometry‐based proteomics techniques promises to permit cell‐surface molecular clustering to be analyzed under physiological conditions [Jiang et al., Proteomics 2012, 12, 54–62]. It is very likely that this approach will provide new insights into a wide range of research areas directed at understanding the cell‐surface interactome.
Spherulitic growth in block copolymers and blends of miscible crystalline polymers
Authors: Ikehara Takayuki , Kurihara Hideo , Kataoka Toshiyuki
Published: January 2012

Spherulitic morphology and growth rate of block copolymers comprised of miscible crystalline constituents, namely poly(ethylene succinate) (PES) and poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO), were investigated. The results of the copolymers were compared with those of the blends with the same composition and molecular weight. Interpenetrating spherulites, where spherulites of one component grow in those of the other component, were observed in the copolymers as in the blends. Copolymerization, namely the connectivity of the PES and PEO blocks, reduced the spherulitic growth rate in the melt for both components. The growth inside the spherulites of the other component was discussed based on the lamellar and fibrillar (or lamella‐stack) structures, which are influenced by the interblock connectivity. Suppression of molecular mobility in the interlamellar regions resulted in the reduced nucleation and growth rate of the component growing in the spherulites of the other constituent. PES of the copolymer showed dendrites around 60 °C or above. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys, 2012
Anticancer Activity of Rice Callus Suspension Culture
Authors: Deshpande Aparna , Dhadi Surendar R. , Hager Elizabeth J. , Ramakrishna Wusirika
Published: December 2011

A multitude of natural products from plant extracts have been tested for their ability to inhibit the progression of several diseases including cancer. A novel approach of evaluating plant (rice) callus suspension cultures for anticancer activity is reported. The ability of different dilutions of rice callus suspension cultures to inhibit growth of two human cancer cell lines was tested employing varying cell numbers and different incubation times. A crystal violet assay was performed to assess cell viability of the cancer cell lines. Furthermore, microscopic analysis was carried out to determine the effect of the rice callus culture on the morphology of the cancer cells. Rice callus suspension cultures significantly inhibited the growth of human cancer and renal cell lines at densities of 5000 and 10000 cells/mL when incubated for 72 and 96 h. Rice callus suspension culture was more efficient than paclitaxel (Taxol®) and etoposide in selectively killing human colon and renal cancer cell lines compared with a control cell line (human lung fibroblasts). The use of plant callus suspension cultures is a novel approach for inhibiting the growth of cancer cells, which will lead to the development of new agents for selectively killing cancer cells. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
HT1001, A Proprietary North American Ginseng Extract, Improves Working Memory in Schizophrenia: A Double‐blind, Placebo‐Controlled Study
Authors: Chen Eric Y. H. , Hui Christy L. M.
Published: December 2011

Evidence suggests that HT1001™, a proprietary North American ginseng extract containing known levels of active ginsenosides, may improve cognitive function. Importantly, individuals with schizophrenia show marked deficits in working memory, which are believed to be predictive of functional outcome in this population. The present study aimed to characterize the effect of HT1001 on working memory in a group of stable individuals with schizophrenia. In a double‐blind, placebo‐controlled study design, a total of 64 individuals satisfying DSM‐IV criteria for schizophrenia were randomly assigned to receive either HT100 or placebo for 4 weeks. Verbal working memory and visual working memory were assessed at baseline and again at the end of the treatment phase using the Letter‐Number Span Test and Visual Pattern Test, respectively. Symptoms and medication side effects were also measured at baseline and post‐treatment. Visual working memory was significantly improved in the HT1001 group, but not in the placebo group. Furthermore, extrapyramidal symptoms were significantly reduced after 4 weeks treatment with HT1001, whereas no difference in extrapyramidal effects was observed in the placebo group. These results provide a solid foundation for the further investigation of HT1001 as an adjunct therapy in schizophrenia, as an improvement in working memory and a reduction in medication‐related side effects has considerable potential to improve functional outcome in this population. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Beneficial Effects of Swertiamarin on Dyslipidaemia in Streptozotocin‐induced Type 2 Diabetic Rats
Authors: Vaidya Hitesh , Prajapati Alpesh , Rajani Mandapati , Sudarsanam Vasudevan , Padh Harish , Goyal Ramesh K.
Published: January 2012

Dyslipidaemia is one of the major risk factors for cardiovascular disease in diabetes mellitus. Lipid changes associated with diabetes mellitus are attributed to increases in free fatty acid flux, secondary to insulin resistance. In the present study, we have investigated the beneficial effects of swertiamarin on dyslipidaemic conditions associated with type 2 diabetes in streptozotocin‐induced type 2 diabetic rats. Swertiamarin (50 mg/kg, i.p.) administered once a day for 6 weeks resulted in significant (p < 0.001) reductions in serum triglycerides, cholesterol and low‐density lipoprotein levels in diabetic animals as compared with diabetic control animals. Serum fasting glucose was significantly (p < 0.05) decreased, moreover, the insulin sensitivity index was significantly (p < 0.05) increased in swertiamarin treated animals. Overall the data suggest that swertiamarin has beneficial effects on diabetic associated complications such as dyslipidaemia. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Experimental and quantum chemical calculational studies on N‐[4‐(3‐Methyl‐3‐phenyl‐cyclobutyl)‐thiazol‐2‐yl]‐N′‐pyridin‐3ylmethylene‐hydrazine
Authors: Saraçoǧlu Hanife , Cukurovali Alaaddin
Published: December 2011

The title molecule, N‐[4‐(3‐Methyl‐3‐phenyl‐cyclobutyl)‐thiazol‐2‐yl]‐N′‐pyridin‐3ylmethylene‐ hydrazine (C20 H20 N4 S1), was characterized by 1H‐NMR, 13C‐NMR, IR, UV‐visible, and X‐ray determination. In addition to the molecular geometry from X‐ray experiment, the molecular geometry, vibrational frequencies and gauge including atomic orbital 1H‐ and 13C‐NMR chemical shift values of the title compound in the ground state have been calculated using the Hartree‐Fock and density functional method (B3LYP) with 6‐31G(d, p) basis set. The calculated results show that optimized geometries can well reproduce the crystal structural parameters. By using time‐dependent density functional theory method, electronic absorption spectrum of the title compound has been predicted. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Resolution of isomeric multi‐ruthenated porphyrins by travelling wave ion mobility mass spectrometry
Authors: Lalli Priscila M. , Iglesias Bernardo A. , Deda Daiana K. , Toma Henrique E. , de Sa Gilberto F. , Daroda Romeu J. , Araki Koiti , Eberlin Marcos N.
Published: January 2012

The ability of travelling wave ion mobility mass spectrometry (TWIM‐MS) to resolve cationic meta/para and cis/trans isomers of mono‐, di‐, tri‐ and tetra‐ruthenated supramolecular porphyrins was investigated. All meta isomers were found to be more compact than the para isomers and therefore mixtures of all isomeric pairs could be properly resolved with baseline or close to baseline peak‐to‐peak resolution (Rp‐p). Di‐substituted cis/trans isomers were found, however, to present very similar drift times and could not be resolved. N2 and CO2 were tested as the drift gas, and similar α but considerably better values of Rp and Rp‐p were always observed for CO2. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Image‐quality figure evaluator based on contrast‐detail phantom in radiography
Authors: Wang Ching‐Lin , Wang Chuin‐Mu , Chan Yung‐Kuan , Chen Rong‐Tai
Published: December 2011

Background

In radiology, it is significantly important to produce adequate diagnostic information while minimally affecting the patient with the lowest amount of dose. A contrast‐detail phantom is generally used to study the quality of image and the amount of radiation dose for digital X‐ray imaging systems. To evaluate the quality of a phantom image, radiologists are traditionally required to manually indicate the location of the holes in each square in the phantom image. Then, the image quality figure (IQF) of the image can be evaluated. However, evaluation by the human eye is subjective as well as time‐consuming, and it differs from person to person.

Methods

In this paper, an image processing‐based IQF evaluator is proposed to automatically measure the quality of a phantom image. Nine phantom images, each consisting of 2382 × 2212 pixels, were used as test images and were provided by Taichung Hospital, Department of Health, Executive Yuan, Taiwan, Republic of China. The IP‐IQF evaluator separates the phantom image into squares and then stretches the contrast of each square to the range 0–255. After that, it splits each square into 3 × 3 equal‐sized regions, and recognizes the pattern of the square based on the features computed by mean‐difference gradient operation and run length enhancer. Furthermore, a genetic algorithm‐based parameter values‐detecting algorithm is presented to compute the optimal values of the parameters used in the IP‐IQF evaluator.

Results

The experimental results demonstrate that CoCIQ and the IP‐IQF evaluator can efficiently measure the IQF of a phantom image. The IP‐IQF evaluator is more effective than a radiologist and CoCIQ in evaluating the IQF of a phantom image.

Conclusions

The proposed IQF evaluator is more sensitive than not only the observation of radiologists but also the computer program CoCIQ. Moreover, a genetic algorithm is provided to compute the most suitable values of the parameters used in the IQF evaluator. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Development and field testing of the FootFall planning system for the ATHLETE robots
Authors: SunSpiral Vytas , Wheeler D.W. , Chavez‐Clemente Daniel , Mittman David
Published: January 2012

The FootFall Planning System is a ground‐based planning and decision support system designed to facilitate the control of walking activities for the ATHLETE (All‐Terrain Hex‐Limbed Extra‐Terrestrial Explorer) family of robots. ATHLETE was developed at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory and is a large, six‐legged robot designed to serve multiple roles during manned and unmanned missions to the moon; its roles include transportation, construction, and exploration. Over the 4 years from 2006 through 2010 the FootFall Planning System was developed and adapted to two generations of the ATHLETE robots and tested at two analog field sites [the Human Robotic Systems Project's Integrated Field Test at Moses Lake, Washington, June 2008, and the Desert Research and Technology Studies (D‐RATS), held at Black Point Lava Flow in Arizona, September 2010]. Having 42 degrees of kinematic freedom, standing to a maximum height of just over 4 m, and having a payload capacity of 450 kg in Earth gravity, the current version of the ATHLETE robot is a uniquely complex system. A central challenge to this work was the compliance of the high‐degree‐of‐freedom robot, especially the compliance of the wheels, which affected many aspects of statically stable walking. This paper reviews the history of the development of the FootFall system, sharing design decisions, field test experiences, and the lessons learned concerning compliance and self‐awareness. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Importance of Nanoparticle Size in Colorimetric and SERS‐Based Multimodal Trace Detection of Ni(II) Ions with Functional Gold Nanoparticles
Authors: Krpetić Željka , Guerrini Luca , Larmour Iain A. , Reglinski John , Faulds Karen , Graham Duncan
Published: January 2012

Colorimetric detection of analytes using gold nanoparticles along with surface‐enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) are areas of intense research activity since they both offer sensing of very low concentrations of target species. Multimodal detection promotes the simultaneous detection of a sample by a combination of different techniques; consequently, surface chemistry design in the development of multimodal nanosensors is important for rapid and sensitive evaluation of the analytes by diverse analytical methods. Herein it is shown that nanoparticle size plays an important role in the design of functional nanoparticles for colorimetric and SERS‐based sensing applications, allowing controlled nanoparticle assembly and tunable sensor response. The design and preparation of robust nanoparticle systems and their assembly is reported for trace detection of Ni(II) ions as a model system in an aqueous solution. The combination of covalently attached nitrilotriacetic acid moieties along with the L‐carnosine dipeptide on the nanoparticle surface represents a highly sensitive platform for rapid and selective detection of Ni(II) ions. This systematic study demonstrates that significantly lower detection limits can be achieved by finely tuning the assembly of gold nanoparticles of different core sizes. The results clearly demonstrate the feasibility and usefulness of a multimodal approach.
Functional and tableting properties of acetylated and oxidised finger millet (Eleusine coracana) starch
Authors: Afolabi T. Adeniyi , Olu‐Owolabi B. Iromidayo , Adebowale Kayode O. , Lawal Olayide S. , Akintayo C. Olufunke
Published: December 2011

The functional and tableting properties of native (NaFM) and chemically modified (by acetylation, AcFM; and oxidation, OxFM) finger millet starches were investigated. The tablet formation properties of the starches were assessed by Heckel and Kawakita analysis. The swelling power and solubility of the starch increased with increase in temperature with AcFM having the highest swelling power, while OxFM had the highest solubility. X‐ray diffractometry showed that the starches had the characteristic ‘A’ pattern with strong peaks at 3.78, 4.37, 4.87, and 5.17 Å. Chemical modification causes rupture of some starch granules as revealed by the Scanning Electron Micrograph. Chemical modification also leads to improved gelatinisation profile, with reduction in ΔHgel from 9.64 J/g (NaFM) to 3.88 J/g (AcFM) and 8.76 J/g (OxFM). The bulk density and Hausner's ratio increased after chemical modification of the starch. Chemical modification reduced the mean yield pressure, Py (Heckel analysis) but increased the deformability Pk (Kawakita analysis) of the starch compacts. Chemical modification also increased the crushing and tensile strength of the starch compacts, but lowered its disintegration time and friability.
Background estimation based on Fourier Transform in the energy‐dispersive X‐ray fluorescence analysis
Authors: Zhang Qingxian , Ge Liangquan , Gu Yi , Lin Yanchang , Zeng Guoqiang , Yang Jia
Published: December 2011

This paper discusses a new method of background estimation in the energy‐dispersive X‐ray fluorescence (EDXRF) analysis, which is based on Fourier Transform (in this paper, we call it Fourier Transform background estimation method). Compared with the Sensitive Nonlinear Iterative Peak method, the new method has the feature of FWHM independence. It has been proved that a background can be estimated automatically and accurately by the new method in the synthesized spectrum and the spectra from measurement. Fourier Transform background estimation method can estimate the background accurately in the EDXRF spectrum using an X‐ray tube source. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Inter‐group and intra‐group assertiveness: Adolescents' social skills following cultural transition
Authors: Korem Anat , Horenczyk Gabriel , Tatar Moshe
Published: December 2011

The goals of this study were to examine intra‐group and inter‐group assertiveness among adolescents, and to compare these two domains of assertiveness between cultural groups in Israel. Measures of intra‐group and inter‐group assertiveness were developed, and questionnaires were administrated to 441 immigrants from the Former Soviet Union (FSU), 242 immigrants from Ethiopia and 333 non‐immigrants. Compared to non‐immigrants, FSU and Ethiopian immigrants' inter‐group assertiveness was lower. Girls reported higher levels of inter‐group assertiveness than boys. Each of the immigrant groups rates itself as equally assertive as the non‐immigrant group and more assertive than the other immigrant group. Also, a difference between inter‐group and intra‐group assertiveness was found among the FSU immigrants. It is argued that adolescents' assertiveness following cultural transition is associated with socio‐cultural context, and the implications of this conclusion are discussed.
Medium and field inhomogeneity: zone of influence during magnetotelluric sounding
Authors: Plotkin V.V.
Published: December 2011

The study is devoted to the possibilities of MTS in the case of arbitrary medium and electromagnetic-field inhomogeneity. It has been shown that the local tensor impedance and admittance ratios between the field components are usually differential. Useful information about the study region, with complex behavior of sounding curves, can be obtained by unconventional processing techniques, with the help of nonlocal medium response functions (component matching). Experiments can be considerably more cost-effective if we divide the study area into several small zones of synchronous observations and perform independent experiments in each of them at different time.
Narrative of the Portuguese Embassy to Abyssinia During the Years 1520–1527
Authors: Alvarez Francisco
Published: January 2012

The publications of the Hakluyt Society (founded in 1846) made available edited (and sometimes translated) early accounts of exploration. The first series, which ran from 1847 to 1899, consists of 100 books containing published or previously unpublished works by authors from Christopher Columbus to Sir Francis Drake, and covering voyages to the New World, to China and Japan, to Russia and to Africa and India. This volume contains an English translation of a description of Ethiopia written by Francisco Alvarez (c.1465–c.1540) during the six years he spent as a missionary with the Portuguese embassy to the Emperor of Ethiopia. Alverez describes Orthodox Christian monasteries and churches, compares the Orthodox and Catholic rites, and provides the first known descriptions of the ancient city of Axum in this, the earliest surviving Western description of Ethiopia, first published in English in 1881.
Philosophical Anarchism and Political Disobedience
Authors: Gans Chaim
Published: January 2012

This book examines the central questions concerning the duty to obey the law: the meaning of this duty; whether and where it should be acknowledged; and whether and when it should be disregarded. Many contemporary philosophers deny the very existence of this duty, but take a cautious stance towards political disobedience. This 'toothless anarchism', Professor Gans argues, should be discarded in favour of a converse position confirming the existence of a duty to obey the law which can be outweighed by values and principles of political morality. Informed by the Israeli experience of political disobedience motivated by radically differing moral outlooks, the author sets out the principles which should guide our attitude to law and political authority even amidst clashing ideologies and irreconcilable moralities. This book will be of interest to students and scholars of law, philosophy and politics, and anyone concerned with the individual's responsibilities toward his or her political community.
Theory of Reflectance and Emittance Spectroscopy
Authors: Hapke Bruce
Published: January 2012

Reflectance and emittance spectroscopy are increasingly important tools in remote sensing and have been employed in most recent planetary spacecraft missions. They are primarily used to measure properties of disordered materials, especially in the interpretation of remote observations of the surfaces of the Earth and other terrestrial planets. This book gives a quantitative treatment of the physics of the interaction of electromagnetic radiation with particulate media, such as powders and soils. Subjects covered include electromagnetic wave propagation, single particle scattering, diffuse reflectance, thermal emittance and polarisation. This new edition has been updated to include a quantitative treatment of the effects of porosity, a detailed discussion of the coherent backscatter opposition effect, a quantitative treatment of simultaneous transport of energy within the medium by conduction and radiation, and lists of relevant databases and software. This is an essential reference for research scientists, engineers and advanced students of planetary remote sensing.
Fire in Mediterranean Ecosystems
Authors: Keeley Jon E. , Bond William J. , Bradstock Ross A. , Pausas Juli G. , Rundel Philip W.
Published: January 2012

Exploring the role of fire in each of the five Mediterranean-type climate ecosystems, this book offers a unique view of the evolution of fire-adapted traits and the role of fire in shaping Earth's ecosystems. Analyzing these geographically separate but ecologically convergent ecosystems provides key tools for understanding fire regime diversity and its role in the assembly and evolutionary convergence of ecosystems. Topics covered include regional patterns, the ecological role of wildfires, the evolution of species within those systems, and the ways in which societies have adapted to living in fire-prone environments. Outlining complex processes clearly and methodically, the discussion challenges the belief that climate and soils alone can explain the global distribution and assembly of plant communities. An ideal research tool for graduates and researchers, this study provides valuable insights into fire management and the requirements for regionally tailored approaches to fire management across the globe.
Thackeray
Authors: Trollope Anthony
Published: January 2012

Written by the novelist Anthony Trollope (1815–82), who had been a friend of William Makepeace Thackeray (1811–63) since 1860, and originally published in 1879 in the first series of English Men of Letters, this book surveys the life and works of the author of Vanity Fair. It remains a useful introductory text about an author who is still popular today, and offers insights into Victorian assumptions about novel writing, as well as providing an account of Thackeray's life and career which benefits from Trollope's personal knowledge of his subject. A prolific author of both fiction and non-fiction, Trollope is best remembered today for his 'social comedy' novels. In this biography, he addresses what he describes as every reader's desire to know not only the works, but the man behind them.
Control of voluntary feed intake in fish: a role for dietary oxygen demand in Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) fed diets with different macronutrient profiles
Authors: Saravanan S. , Geurden I. , Figueiredo-Silva A. C. , Kaushik S. J. , Haidar M. N. , Verreth J. A. J. , Schrama J. W.
Published: January 2012

It has been hypothesised that, at non-limiting water oxygen conditions, voluntary feed intake (FI) in fish is limited by the maximal physiological capacity of oxygen use (i.e. an ‘oxystatic control of FI in fish’). This implies that fish will adjust FI when fed diets differing in oxygen demand, resulting in identical oxygen consumption. Therefore, FI, digestible energy (DE) intake, energy balance and oxygen consumption were monitored at non-limiting water oxygen conditions in Nile tilapia fed diets with contrasting macronutrient composition. Diets were formulated in a 2 × 2 factorial design in order to create contrasts in oxygen demand: two ratios of digestible protein (DP):DE (‘high’v.‘low’); and a contrast in the type of non-protein energy source (‘starch’v.‘fat’). Triplicate groups of tilapia were fed each diet twice daily to satiation for 48 d. FI (g DM/kg0·8per d) was significantly lower (9·5 %) in tilapia fed the starch diets relative to the fat diets. The DP:DE ratio affected DE intakes (P < 0·05), being 11 % lower with ‘high’ than with ‘low’ DP:DE ratio diets, which was in line with the 11·9 % higher oxygen demand of these diets. Indeed, DE intakes of fish showed an inverse linear relationship with dietary oxygen demand (DOD;R20·81,P < 0·001). As hypothesised (‘oxystatic’ theory), oxygen consumption of fish was identical among three out of the four diets. Altogether, these results demonstrate the involvement of metabolic oxygen use and DOD in the control of FI in tilapia.
Enhanced anti-inflammatory effect of resveratrol and EPA in treated endotoxin-activated RAW 264.7 macrophages
Authors: Pallarès Victor , Calay Damien , Cedó Lídia , Castell-Auví Anna , Raes Martine , Pinent Montserrat , Ardévol Anna , Arola Lluís , Blay Mayte
Published: January 2012

Macrophages play an important role in immunogenic challenges by producing reactive oxygen species, NO and proinflammatory cytokines that can aggravate and propagate local inflammation. Multiple mechanisms regulate these inflammatory processes. NF-κB and activator protein 1 pathways are crucial in the expression of proinflammatory genes, such as TNF-α, IL-1 (α or β) and -6. Some polyphenols, which are present in beverages, vegetables and fruits, and PUFA, which are present in marine oils and fish food, possess anti-inflammatory effects in vivo and in vitro. Our aim in the present study was to assess whether polyphenols and PUFA have synergistic anti-inflammatory effects in murine macrophages in vitro. Inflammation in RAW 264.7 macrophages was induced by lipopolysaccharide at 100 ng/ml. The treatments with molecules were performed by co-incubation for 19 h. A NO production assay by Griess reaction, a phosphoprotein assay by Pathscan ELISA kit and gene expression analysis using the TaqMan® Low-density Array for ninety-one genes related to inflammation, oxidative stress and metabolism were performed to assess the synergistic anti-inflammatory effects of polyphenols, epigallocatechin gallate and resveratrol (Res; 2·5 μg/ml), and the PUFA, DHA and EPA (30 μm). Adding Res+EPA had an enhanced anti-inflammatory effect, in comparison with EPA and Res alone, leading to decreased NO levels; modulating the phospho-stress activated protein kinase/Jun N-terminal kinase (P-SAPK/JNK) level; down-regulating proinflammatory genes, such as IL, chemokines, transcription factors; and up-regulating several antioxidant genes. Therefore, this combination has a stronger anti-inflammatory effect than either of these molecules separately in RAW macrophages.
Aid to refugees – The rôle of the International Red Cross
Authors: Coursier Henri
Published: January 2012

When one studies the rôle of the International Red Cross in favour of so-called international refugees, who do not benefit from the national regime in the country of their residence, it is interesting to attempt to define, from a legal point of view, the character of the interventions which are made by this institution.
Recognition of the Nigerian Red Cross Society
Authors: Boissier Léopold
Published: January 2012

We have the honour to inform you of the official recognition, on May 4, 1961, of the Nigerian Red Cross Society by the International Committee of the Red Cross.
The application of the Geneva Conventions by the Armed Forces placed at the disposal of the United Nations
Authors: Boissier Léopold
Published: January 2012

I have the honour to draw your attention to the Memorandum attached hereto, which the International Committee of the Red Cross is addressing to the Governments of States party to the Geneva Conventions and members of the United Nations.
RNA interference in plant parasitic nematodes: a summary of the current status
Authors: LILLEY C. J. , DAVIES L. J. , URWIN P. E.
Published: January 2012

RNA interference (RNAi) has emerged as an invaluable gene-silencing tool for functional analysis in a wide variety of organisms, particularly the free-living model nematodeCaenorhabditis elegans. An increasing number of studies have now described its application to plant parasitic nematodes. Genes expressed in a range of cell types are silenced when nematodes take up double stranded RNA (dsRNA) or short interfering RNAs (siRNAs) that elicit a systemic RNAi response. Despite many successful reports, there is still poor understanding of the range of factors that influence optimal gene silencing. Recentin vitrostudies have highlighted significant variations in the RNAi phenotype that can occur with different dsRNA concentrations, construct size and duration of soaking. Discrepancies in methodology thwart efforts to reliably compare the efficacy of RNAi between different nematodes or target tissues. Nevertheless, RNAi has become an established experimental tool for plant parasitic nematodes and also offers the prospect of being developed into a novel control strategy when delivered from transgenic plants.
Making Motions in a Language we do not Understand: The Apophaticism of Thomas Aquinas and Victor Preller
Authors: Eitel Adam
Published: January 2012

Victor Preller's Divine Science and the Science of God makes an unjustly neglected contribution to understanding the apophaticism of Thomas Aquinas and, by extension, the possibilities and constraints of theological discourse. Preller contends that, according to Thomas, God-talk can be meaningful though not intelligible. That is, by faith one can know that one's propositions refer to God; one cannot, however, know how they do so. The first part of the article explains the main inferences leading up to these conclusions. The second part attends to some key passages in Thomas' Summa Theologiae in order to substantiate Preller's interpretation. Spelling out these passages requires coming to grips with Aquinas’ distinction between the ‘thing signified’ (res significata) and ‘mode of signification’ (modus significandi). Armed with this second stock of concepts, the argument doubles back on the conclusions already set out: building on Preller, I argue that Thomas distinguishes between meaning and intelligibility for semantic reasons, judgements about the practice of language which are bound up with certain other ontological judgements. Throughout the article, the virtues of this line of interpretation are compared and contrasted with the position laid out in Kevin Hector's article, ‘Apophaticism in Thomas Aquinas: A Reformulation and Recommendation’, Scottish Journal of Theology 60/4 (2007), pp. 377–93.
Electron-beam accelerator for pumping of a Xe2 lamp
Authors: Kovalchuk B.M. , Kharlov A.V. , Volkov S.N. , Zherlitsyn A.A. , Zorin V.B. , Smorudov G.V. , Kiselev V.N.
Published: January 2012

A high-current electron-beam accelerator for pumping of a Xe2 lamp was developed. It is intended for injection of an electron beam into cylindrical gas cavity (diameter of 400 mm, length of 1600 mm, and the absolute pressure up to 3 bars). Two electron diodes in parallel are used in the accelerator. Each diode is connected to a linear transformer driver with vacuum insulation of a secondary turn. The next parameters of the accelerator have been obtained: diode voltage — 550–600 kV, diode current — 276–230 kA, current rise time — 160 ns, maximum power of the electron beam — 130 GW, pulse width on half maximum — 160 ns, electron beam energy at power level not less than half of maximum value — 20 kJ. The total energy of electrons, which pass through a 40 µm Ti foil into the Xe cell, is 8–9 kJ in the 150–160 ns pulse (full width at half maximum) mean specific power of energy input into gas cavity is about 330 kW/cm3. Design of the accelerator and test results are presented and discussed in this paper.
A New Obsidian Source in the Highlands of Guatemala
Authors: Braswell Geoffrey E. , Glascock Michael D.
Published: December 2011

A new obsidian source has recently been discovered in the highlands of Guatemala, near the city of Sansare, El Progreso. Ten samples have been subjected to neutron activation analysis, and the results are presented. While ceramic affinities tie the Sansare area with Formative and Classic period Highland Maya sites, linguistic evidence suggests that Postclassic inhabitants of this region were Xinca speakers.
Identity of a New World Psychoactive Toad
Authors: Davis Wade , Weil Andrew T.
Published: December 2011

Anthropologists have long speculated that ancient peoples of Mesoamerica used a toad,Bufo marinus, as a ritual intoxicant. This hypothesis rests on many iconographic and mythological representations of toads and on a number of speculative ethnographic reports. We rejectB. marinusas a candidate for such use because of the toxicity of its venom. A more likely candidate is the Sonoran desert toad,Bufo alvarius, which secretes large amounts of the potent, known hallucinogen, 5-methoxy-N, N-dimethyltryptamine (5-MeO-DMT). We demonstrate that the venom ofB. alvarius, though known to be toxic when consumed orally, may be safely smoked and is powerfully psychoactive by that route of administration. These experiments are the first documentation of a hallucinogenic agent from the animal kingdom, and they provide clear evidence of a psychoactive toad that could have been employed by Precolumbiae peoples of the New World.
Evolution of Classic Period Architecture in the Eastern Acropolis, Copan:A progress report
Authors: Sharer Robert J. , Miller Julia C. , Traxler Loa P.
Published: December 2011

Interpreting the social meaning of polity center architecture opens a window onto the organization and history of the society responsible for its construction. Our research is designed to examine the form, function, and organization of Copan's Acropolis architecture. Through a unique program of tunneling, surface excavation, and architectural recording, more than 400 years of monumental architecture (c. A.D. 400–800) are being documented and analyzed to comprehend the evolution of the Acropolis and its role in the Copan polity. The dramatic erosion cut through the eastern Acropolis edge allows ready access to all major construction levels and presents a rare opportunity for extensive exposure of superimposed architectural plans. Our tunneling excavation methods provide a more complete, less destructive, and more efficient means of such documentation. Exposed architecture is being recorded by a computer-assisted mapping program, its first application to the sequential development of Classic Maya architecture, and its first use in tunnel excavations. As a result, our research is documenting the architectural transformation of the Acropolis during the time of Copan's increasing sociopolitical complexity and is doing so at a level of detail impossible to achieve by most projects using traditional archaeological techniques. The correspondence between architectural data and data sets from epigraphy, iconography, and settlement survey is being evaluated in light of current discussion on the political and economic trajectory of Copan in particular, and in general, the architectural expression of political power and integration in complex societies.
A Simulation of Copan Populatin History and its Implications
Authors: Webster David , Sanders William T. , van Rossum Peter
Published: December 2011

Several projects carried out at Copan since 1975 provide extensive settlement data that form the basis for a simulation of Copan population history between A.D. 400–1250. Most important is a set of 2,048 obsidian hydration dates, associated with 15% of all known sites, that allows unprecedented chronological control of occupational episodes at domestic sites of all social ranks. This article summarizes the results of our simulation, and some of its implications for agricultural intensification, sociopolitical structure, and labor demand for elite construction projects.
ANCIENT MAYA MOSAIC MIRRORS: FUNCTION, SYMBOLISM, AND MEANING
Authors: Healy Paul F. , Blainey Marc G.
Published: December 2011

This paper examines the composite lithic artifacts of the ancient Maya commonly termed “mirrors.” Typically flat, shiny objects with polished iron-ore polygons fitted in a mosaic pattern onto a slate backing, we assess these plaques for the technological, spatiotemporal, and functional contexts of their manufacture. Data from over 500 archaeological specimens, from dozens of Maya sites in Mexico, Guatemala, Belize and Honduras, were examined as part of this study. We also consider the iconography, epigraphy, and possible symbolism of these curious artifacts. Based on this analysis, we conclude that ancient Maya mosaic mirrors were employed in rituals, often by elite individuals, as both symbols of authority but also, importantly, as possible mystical devices for divinatory “scrying.” They were highly valued, often beautifully made, reflective ceremonial objects whose possible use for prognostication in shamanic rites likely has great antiquity in Mesoamerica.
OBJECT, MEMORY, AND MATERIALITY AT YAXCHILAN: THE RESET LINTELS OF STRUCTURES 12 AND 22
Authors: O'Neil Megan E.
Published: December 2011

This article focuses on Structures 12 and 22 from Yaxchilan (Chiapas, Mexico), where the ancient Maya reset stone lintels from the sixth centurya.d.in eighth-century buildings. The resetting highlights attention to the preservation of the lintels as relics from the past. Valued for their antiquity and the histories they had accrued, particularly from contact with ancestors, they served as loci for communication with the past, with memory inhering in their materiality. This essay also explores the lintels’ physical contexts and how the Maya may have engaged with them. For example, the arrangement of the Structure 12 lintels would have guided circumambulation. Such movement was associated with sacred processions, and evidence suggests the building was reserved for ancestor veneration. Although only restricted groups could have entered the small structure to perform rites, these may have been integrated into extended ceremonial circuits in public spaces.

This article connects with studies of the life histories of things, in which analysis is directed toward objects’ use, reuse, and modification. Examining how people interacted with sculptures over time offers insight into the people and the objects and provides glimpses into Late Classic Maya perception of sculptures and their material qualities.
THE CONSTRUCTION OF MEMORY: THE USE OF CLASSIC PERIOD DIVINATORY TEXTS IN THE LATE POSTCLASSIC MAYA CODICES
Authors: Vail Gabrielle , Hernández Christine
Published: December 2011

Maya codices were important repositories of cultural knowledge and traditions passed down through the centuries. Rather than being focused on human actors, however, the Late Postclassic period Maya screenfolds contain almanacs that predict the movements of celestial bodies during earlier time periods. The purpose of these seemingly “out-of-date” tools was to predict the future based on notions of cyclical time. Recent research suggests that centuries-old astronomical almanacs do more than model the past or formulate rituals. Instead, they are formulated to integrate celestial events with other cycles of time and to contextualize them with events from the mythic past, such as the destruction of a former world by flood. The memory of this calamitous primordial event, framed in terms of astronomical and seasonal cycles, is preserved in pre-Hispanic and historic documents as a means of conveying the ill-fortune associated with like-in-kind events that are certain to repeat, and of scheduling the performance of appropriate ritual actions to mitigate their destructive potential.
EL REINADO DE AXAYACATL Y LA CREACIÓN DEL ESTILO TENOCHCA DEL TRABAJO DE LA CONCHA
Authors: Velázquez-Castro Adrián
Published: December 2011

Recientemente, en el Museo del Templo Mayor se ha llevado a cabo un proyecto de investigación uno de cuyos principales objetivo es el conocimiento de las tradiciones tecnológicas del trabajo de las conchas de moluscos, que se desarrollaron en diferentes sitios y regiones del México prehispánico. En el presente trabajo se presentan los resultados de los análisis tecnológicos de cinco colecciones de piezas conquiliológicas que comprenden más de 2,000 años de la historia del centro de México, desde el preclásico temprano hasta la conquista europea (1250 a.C.–1521 d.C.). Se identifican rasgos que son comunes y que evidencian la existencia de una memoria colectiva de larga duración en la elaboración de objetos de concha, así como elementos que son particulares y en los que pueden observarse rupturas o cambios. En este sentido resultan particularmente interesantes las producciones que se elaboran en Tenochtitlan a partir del reinado del gobernante Axayacatl, ya que ciertos materiales y herramientas de uso común en épocas anteriores en el altiplano central de México son olvidados, quizás para la conciente creación de un estilo tecnológico propio de la capital del recientemente consolidado imperio azteca.