bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Facile Preparation of Carbon-Supported Nanoscale Zero-Valent Iron Fibers
Authors: Kong Qing Shan , Guo Chun Xiang , Wang Bing Bing , Ji Quan , Xia Yan Zhi
Published: June 2011

In this paper, ferric alginate fibers was prepared by wet spinning of sodium alginate into a coagulating bath containing ferric chloride. The carbon-supported nanoscale zero-valent iron fibers (CSNZVIF) were obtained through thermal degradation of ferric alginate fiber at 900°Cunder N2atmosphere. The product was characterized by field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), X-ray power diffractometer (XRD), and Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) surface area. It was found that zerovalent iron particles were well dispersed in the amorphous carbon fibers. CSNZVIF has high surface areas of 352 m2/g. The existence of carboxylic group and hydroxyl group in ferric alginate structure unit plays key role in the formation of carbon-supported nanoscale zero-valent iron fibers. Fe3+was reduced to Fe0by hydroxyl group and as-formed amorphous carbon during heating under N2. This thermal degradation and self-reduction reaction of ferric alginate fiber is potentially scalable to large production and continuous processing for preparing CSNZVIF.
Binary Ni-Ta Bulk Metallic Glasses Designed by Using a Cluster-Plus-Glue-Atom Model
Authors: Qiang Jian Bing , Yuan Liang , Wang Qing , Wang Ying Min , Dong Chuang , Zhang Wei , Inoue Akihisa
Published: June 2011

With the aid of the atomic-cluster-plus-glue-atom model (ACPGA model) proposed by Dong et al [1] for bulk metallic glasses (BMGs), the formation and characteristic of Ni-Ta binary BMGs were investigated in this work. Binary glass-forming compositions containing 56.3–62.5 at.%-Ni were obtained by a composition formula [M-Ni6Ta6]Ni3based on the ACPGA model. It was found that Ni-Ta BMGs with a diameter of 2 mm was obtained over a composition range of 59 ~ 62 at.%-Ni by copper mold casting method, which are in good agreement with our model prediction. Newly-developed Ni–Ta BMGs are a kind of extreme materials, which exhibit superior thermal stability (Tg= 993K) and a ultrahigh fracture strength of about 3.5 GPa.
Effect of Minor Si and Ag Additions on Glass-Forming Ability of Ti-Cu-Co-Zr-Sn-Be Bulk Metallic Glass
Authors: Zhang Xin Fang , Li Hong Xiang , Jiang Zhi Qiang , Yi Seong Hoon
Published: June 2011

Effect of Minor Si and Ag additions on glass-forming ability (GFA) of the base Ti44Cu38.9Co4Zr6Sn2Be5.1(at. %) alloy are studied. (Ti44Cu38.9Co4Zr6Sn2Be5.1)100-xRx(R = Si, Ag, x=0, 1, 2, 3 at. %) metallic glasses are formed by splat-quenching and copper mold suction casting. It is found that the minor Si and Ag additions enhance the glass-forming ability of Ti44Cu38.9Co4Zr6Sn2Be5.1greatly. The maximum size of fully amorphous structure is increased from 4 mm for base alloy to be larger than 6 mm for alloys containing 1-2 at. % Si/Ag, while Si/Ag more than 2 at. % additions decrease the GFA.
Effects of Deformation and Aging on Microstructure and Performances of CuSn10Zn2FeCo Alloy by Centrifugal Casting
Authors: Feng Zai Qiang , Wang Zi Dong , Wang Qiang Song , Zhang Hong , Lu Chang Xue , Zhang Da Wei
Published: June 2011

CuSn10Zn2FeCo alloy has been fabricated by using vacuum melting and centrifugal casting technology. The effect of deformation and aging on microstructure and mechanical properties of the alloy is investigated by SEM, XRD and TEM. The results show that Cu-Sn-Zn-Fe-Co alloy reinforced with iron nanoparticles has been fabricated at condition of enforced flow, most of them with diameters form 2 to 20 nm, with strong strengthening effect. The precipitation particles have coherent or semi-coherent relationship to the copper matrix. The optimum cold rolling and heat treatment processing is proved to be solution treatment at 1023-1070K for 1.5h followed by 40% cold rolling deformation then aged at 673K for 4h, under which the tensile strength 635 MPa, yield strength 505 MPa and elongation 20% can be obtained. The amounts of hard brittle phase significantly reduce and the segregation of Sn element eliminates. The high strength of the alloy can be explained by substructure strengthening due to cold rolling and precipitation strengthening of the iron nanoparticles and other metallic compounds such as CoCu2Sn phase, the strengthening mechanism obeys Orowan mechanism.
Fabrication and Optical Properties of Nb2O5 Inverse Opal Photonic Crystals by PS Opal Template
Authors: Yang Y.Q. , Han P.D. , Li Y.P. , Dong M.H. , Zhang L.L. , Guan H.H. , Zhang C.L. , Xu B.S.
Published: June 2011

In this paper, polystyrene (PS) opals template, opal with a closed-packed face centered cubic (fcc) lattice, was prepared using vertical deposition method. The template provided void space for infiltration of Nb2O5 etc. PS colloidal nanospheres was face-centered-cubic (FCC) structure with its (111) planes parallel to the substrate. Finally, the transfer matrix method (TMM) was used to calculate photonic band-gap of PS opal and Nb2O5 inverse opal structure. The calculation results show that the photonic band-gap of Nb2O5 with inverse opal structure is wider than that of PS opals.
Fabrication of Self-Assembled Three-Dimensional Fibrous Stackings by Electrospinning
Authors: Li Meng Meng , Long Yun Ze
Published: June 2011

In this paper, extraordinary self-assembled three-dimensional (3D) fibrous stackings have been fabricated by electrospinning from poly(vinylpyrrolidone)/nitrate solution and polystyrene solution. The stackings show cone-like shape, self-standing fiber arrays shape, or rockwork-like shape, which are quite different from the conventional electrospun 2D nonwoven mats. Especially, the stackings are able to reach to as high as 17 cm with the bottom diameter of 20 cm. In addition, it is found that the formation of the unique stackings is dependent on humidity, solution concentration/viscosity and volatility, which may strongly influence the solidification and stacking processes of the electrsopun fibers.
First-Principle Study of Electronic Structures of Y-Doped Mg2Si
Authors: Fan Wen Hao , Chen Rui Xue , Han Pei De , Meng Qing Sen
Published: June 2011

The formation energy, structure relaxation and electronic structure of Mg2Si and Y-doped Mg2Si are investigated using first-principle calculations based the density functional theory. The general gradient approximation was used to treat the exchange and correlation potential. The calculated electronic structure shows that Mg2Si is a semiconductor with a direct gap of 0.27eV at G point. The preferential substitution site of Y inside Mg2Si is determined to be Mg. Y-doping makes the Si atoms around the impurity outward relaxation and increases the Seebeck coefficient, electrical conductivity and thermal conductivity of Mg2Si crystals simultaneously.
The Influence of DOS Effects on Ablation Properties in High Energy Femtosecond Laser Ablation Process
Authors: Wei Hui Li , Mao Feng , Tan Xin Yu , Huang Xiang Ping , Wang Zhao , Xu Hui Jin , Zhang Chang Yuan , Yi Jia
Published: June 2011

The numerical simulation of high-energy femtosecond laser ablation on metal target is studied in this paper. Based on the two-temperature model (TTM), a new model considering the effects of the electron density of states (DOS) on electronic heat capacity, electron-phonon coupling coefficient and electronic thermal conductivity is established. As an example of gold target, the relationship between the melting threshold and the thickness of gold films is numerically calculated. Our result is more consistent with the experimental datum in contrast to the results without considering the DOS effects. This shows that the revised TTM of high-energy femtosecond laser ablation (i.e. DOS-TTM) is more reasonable compared with general used TTM.
Investigation on the Processing-Properties of Hot Deformed TA15 Titanium Alloy via Support Vector Regression
Authors: Pei J.F. , Cai C.Z. , Zhu X.J. , Wang G.L.
Published: June 2011

According to an experimental dataset on the tensile strength and elongation of TA15 titanium alloy under different hot deformation process parameters including temperature, strain, strain rate and cooling condition, support vector regression (SVR) combined with particle swarm optimization (PSO) for its parameter optimization, is proposed to establish a model for prediction of the tensile strength and elongation of hot deformed TA15 titanium alloy. For tensile strength, the mean absolute percentage error (MAPE) achieved by SVR is 0.65% and 0.68% for the training and test set, respectively. At the same time, the MAPE for elongation achieved by SVR is 1.51% and 3.36% for the training and test set, respectively. The MAPEs for both tensile strength and elongation achieved by SVR are much smaller than those of BPNN by using identical training and test samples. Accordingly, the established SVR model was adopted to illustrate the relationships among tensile strength, elongation, and the process parameters. From the 3D surface of tensile strength vs. temperature and strain rate, it is found that to reach a higher tensile strength, a strain rate lower than 0.01s-1 is required, and a lower strain will be helpful for achieving the maximum elongation. These suggest that SVR as a novel approach has a theoretical significance and potential practical value in fabrication of TA15 titanium alloy with desired properties.
Molecular Dynamics Simulation of Anisotropic Corrosion-Induced Stress in Fe Single Crystal
Authors: Li D. , Meng Fan Yan , Ma X.Q. , Wang Z. , Qiao L.J. , Chu W.Y.
Published: June 2011

Pipeline steel in soil containing water could induce a macro tensile stress, leading to stress corrosion cracking (SCC). Anisotropic corrosion-induced stress of Fe single crystal is studied by molecular dynamics (MD) in this paper. The surface perpendicular to the z direction is subjected to the corrosion, and the process of corrosion along three crystallographic directions is simulated using MD approach. When the surface with one specific orientation is corroded, two cases are considered: one is that the periodic boundary condition is applied along the x direction, while free boundary condition along the y direction; and the other is that the periodic boundary condition along the y direction, while free boundary condition along the x direction. The results show that both the deflection of the free end and the macro tensile stress of the crystal for the corrosion in three crystallographic orientations are increasing with the increase of the relative depth of the porous layer. The values of the deflection and the macro tensile stress for the two cases depend on the orientation with the free boundary condition when the surface with one specific orientation is corroded. Moreover, the smaller the interplanar spacing along the orientation with the free boundary condition is, the larger the deflection and the macro tensile stress are.
Phase-Field Simulation of δ-Ni2Si Precipitation in Cu-Ni-Si Alloys
Authors: Long Yong Qiang , Liu Ping , Liu Yong
Published: June 2011

The phase-field model is established for precipitation transformations in multi-component alloy, which incorporates the interfacial energy and elastic energy anisotropy. The mechanism of the precipitation phase transition is revealed by means of the simulation of δ-phase precipitation process in Cu-4.0at.%Ni-2.0at.%Si alloy, and furthermore, the δ-phase precipitation kinetics is built at the temperature of 450°C. Under the influence of both interfacial energy and elastic energy anisotropy, δ-Ni2Si is presented in disc-shaped precipitates. The simulation patterns show that when one precipitate hits another precipitate with a different orientation, it stops growing, consequently forming a “T”-shape precipitate configuration. When two precipitates with the same orientations grow and hit each other, they connect or coarsen only if the spacing between the precipitates is very small. Therefore, the coarsening behavior of disc-shaped precipitate should be completely different from that of spherical precipitates.
Cooling Rate Control on Cold Cracking in Welded Thick HSLA Steel Plate
Authors: Winarto  , Anis Muhammad , Taufiqullah
Published: June 2011

Cold cracking phenomenon is a very significant problem on welding of steel. This phenomenon usually occurs after welding process finishes in more than 24 hours. Crack often takes place in the heat affected zone area. Generally, cold cracking is due to hydrogen diffusion during welding process, residual stress and susceptible microstructure at low temperature (below 150°C). Welding process on thick plate high strength low alloy (HSLA) steel gives a high risk to cold cracking phenomenon. The cooling rate of thick plate during welding may increase the absorbtion of heat compared to thin plate. Controlling cooling rate is the main factor on welding of thick HSLA steel plate. A single v-butt joint on HSLA and S45C by using Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW) has been investigated. This investigation was carried out on a 40 mm thick HSLA steel by controlling cooling rate and by using cooling media such as air, blanket and electric heater. The result shows that prevention of cold cracking can be made by controlling cooling time at low temperature (T300- T100) in order to keep the cooling time larger than the critical cooling time. The use of cooling media with electric heater can prevent the cold cracking at HSLA weldment. Crack can be found on the weldment due to the presence of stress concentration, local variation of hardness and microstructure, which may result in brittle fracture of the crack surface.
Detection of Impact Damages in CFRP Composites Using Ultrasonic Burst Phase Thermography
Authors: Chen Da Peng , Wu Nai Ming , Zhang Zheng , Li Yue , Li Xiao Xia , Zhang Cun Lin
Published: June 2011

Carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) composites have been used extensively because of their excellent performance, but they are susceptible to the impact damages, such as the impact of birds, runway stones and tools off can cause the failure of CFRP composites. Therefore, nondestructive testing of CFRP composites is necessary to promote the failure control and prevention. Ultrasonic burst phase thermography (UBP) developed a few years ago is a defect-selective and fast imaging tool for damage detection. This paper describes the principle of UBP, gives some UBP testing results of impact damages in five CFRP laminated boards. The shape and position of the damages are shown in the phase images visualized and the relationship between the damage areas and impact energy is discussed. The flash pulse thermography (PT) results and ultrasonic C-scan results are also shown as comparison. It is concluded that all of the three NDT methods have their own characteristics and the comparison verifies the feasibility of CFRP impact damage detection using ultrasonic burst phase thermography.
Effect of Temperature and Heat Treatment Status on the Ductile Fracture Toughness of 2219 Aluminum Alloy
Authors: Qu Wen Qing , Song Min Yuan , Yao Jun Shan , Zhao Hai Yun
Published: June 2011

Through measurement of fracture toughness of 2219 aluminum alloy three-point bend specimen and observation of fracture surface and microstructure at different temperature, the influences of temperature and heat treatment status on the fracture toughness of 2219 aluminum alloy are discussed. The results show that temperature has an important influence on the fracture toughness of 2219 aluminum alloy. Compared with fracture toughness in room temperature, the fracture toughness is increased by 36% at low temperature. Heat treatment status also affects fracture toughness greatly, and fracture toughness in the T62 state is better than that in the T87 state. In conclusion, the reason why enhancement of fracture toughness of 2219 aluminum alloy at low temperature appearance is concluded.
Evaluation on Microstructure of Aluminum Alloys Dedicated to Plasma Etcher
Authors: Zhang Zhi Hui , Liu Shu Feng , Sun Ze Ming , Yan Xiao Dong
Published: June 2011

The relationship between microstructure and anodic oxidation film on 6061 aluminum alloy dedicated to plasma etcher were mainly studied by OM, SEM and TEM. The results show that the quality of anodic oxidation film has close relationship with the microstructure of materials, the distribution of element and the morphology of secondary phases. The microstructure of foreign 6061 aluminum alloy is uniform, and there are not obviously segregation and cavity. Two kinds of secondary phases disperse over the grain, one is rich-Fe phase, and the other is Mg2Si. Certainly there are also few secondary phases distributing along the grain boundary. The sizes of all secondary phases are almost below 5mm. The size of rich-Fe phases in homemade aluminum alloys are about from 2mm to 15mm, these big-size phases will bring pin-hole defects, which form some channels sending F+ etc. into the matrix of aluminum alloy, then not only the equipment will be destroyed at last, but also products will be polluted. The evaluation on microstructure of aluminum alloy will provide scientific basis for nationalization of plasma etcher.
Studies on Cationic Property of Quaternary Polyethyleneimine
Authors: Zhang Xin , Wu Xue Dong , Gao Bao Jiao
Published: June 2011

In this paper, the inhibition efficiency of Quaternary Polyethyleneimine (QPEI) self-adsorbed films was studied by polarization curve and weight loss method. We made an intensive study of its anticorrosion mechanism for low carbon steel in different acid baths using Polyethyleneimine(PEI) and QPEI as inhibitor, respectively. Diatomite particles were surface-modified with PEI and QPEI, respectively, and their zeta potentials were measured. The morphologies and compositions of the polymer film on the steel surface were examined with the aids of SEM and XPS, respectively. Compared with PEI, the cationic property is stronger, and it is not influenced by the PH value of mediums. The zeta potential of diatomite particles surface-modified with QPEI remains higher positive in whole PH range. The above facts enough confirm that anticorrosion mechanism of QPEI for low carbon steel attributes to its possessing outstanding cationic property.
β Grain Growth Kinetics of Hot-Rolled TB-13 Alloy
Authors: Fei Yue , Tang Bin , Chang Hui , Zhu Zhi Shou , Zhou Zhong Bo , Shang Guo Qiang , Li Jin Shan , Zhou Lian
Published: June 2011

A study on the kinetics of β grain growth of a fine-grained, hot-rolled TB-13 alloy was carried out by isochronal and isothermal solution treatments. The grain size of the as-rolled and as-solution-treated samples was determined by metallographic observation using the linear intercept method. The kinetic equations and the Arrhenius-type equation were applied to calculate the β grain growth exponent and the activation energy for β grain growth at special temperatures. The results showed that the β grain growth rate decreased with elongating solution treated time, but increased with increasing solution treated temperature. The β grain growth exponents (n) were 0.394, 0.403 and 0.406 during the solution treated temperatures at 1103K, 1153K and 1203K, respectively. The values of n increased with increasing solution treated temperature and the determined activation energy (Qm) for β grain growth after holding for 0.5h at 1103K-1203K was around 156KJ/mol.
Atomic Simulation for Lattice Structure of La/SrMnO3 Superlattice
Authors: Tang Fu Ling , Wan F.C. , Dai X.Q. , Lu W.J.
Published: June 2011

We studied in detail the lattice transition and local lattice structure (including Jahn-Teller distortion) in LaMnO3/SrMnO3surperlattices by classical atomistic simulation. For a certain doping density, it is found that the superlattices with short modulation period have small lattice energies and larger differences among lattice parametersa,b/√2 andc. The average La-Mn (Mn3+-O) distance is larger than the average Sr-Mn (Mn4+-O) distance for all doping densities and superlattice configurations at certain doping density. The standard deviation of Mn-O bond lengths and Jahn-Teller distortion of MnO6octahedra have been calculated. Both the standard deviation and Jahn-Teller distortion of Mn3+O6octahedra in the superlattices are much smaller than those of Mn3+O6octahedra in LaMnO3, while Mn4+O6octahedra in the superlattices have the smallest lattice distortion, but larger than those in SrMnO3.
Conductivity Mechanism of Asphalt Concrete with the PANI/PP Compound Conductive Fiber
Authors: Zhang Hong , Wu Xiao Hua , Wang Xiao Lei
Published: June 2011

Using SMA -16 (Stone Mastic Asphalt) non-continuous close-graded, a self-made polyaniline / PP (PANI / PP) compound conductive fiber was investigated as electric conduction phase, a new type of conductive asphalt concrete was prepared. The conducting performance tests shown that the conductivity of conductive asphalt concrete logarithmic changed from -12.67 to -6.67, increased by 6 orders of magnitude, and the percolation threshold was 1%. The scanning electron microscopy (SEM) shown that conductive fibers dispersed equably in asphalt concrete. Conduction mechanism of conductive asphalt concrete can be described as "an island - network" model and with the fiber fraction increased, the distribution of the conductive fiber turned from "isolated island" model to "conductive network chain" ,and at the same time the asphalt concrete changed from insulating to conducting accordingly. According to classical percolation theory, a filling factor F and network factor n was introduced, so that determined the meaning and value of the parameters, and established the electrical conductivity of conductive asphalt concrete theoretical formula. The theoretical results were in good agreement with the measured values.
Silver Nitrate Ingestion: Report of a Case with an Uneventful Course and Review of the Literature
Authors: Teran Carlos G. , Sura Sunitha , Cabandugama Peminda , Berson Casey
Published: June 2011

Silver nitrate is commonly recognized for the toxic effects followed by the direct contact with the skin and mucosa known as argyria, but there is surprisingly little information about the adverse effects of silver nitrate after ingestion. Since only a few cases were reported in the literature, the aim of this case is to enrich the little experience existent about the possible effects of silver nitrate ingestion. We describe the case of a 15-year-old female who intentionally ingested 15cc of silver nitrate solution in a suicidal attempt. The clinical picture included an excruciating burning sensation in her throat and nostrils followed by vomiting and poor oral intake. The presence of a whitish membrane on the oral and buccal mucosa without bleeding or erosions was the only remarkable finding at physical examination. Unlike the rest of the cases described in the literature the clinical and endoscopic follow up of the patient was benign and without sequela or signs of oesophageal damage. Even though very uncommon, it is very important for physicians to keep in mind the possible toxic effects and appropriate management of silver nitrate ingestion. The outcome is not always devastating as reported, and a good early approach and follow up is important in the anticipation of sequela.
Metastasis to the Pancreas and the Spleen: An Increasing Diagnostic and Therapeutic Challenge
Authors: Fernández-Aceñero M. Jesús , Muela Marta Abengózar , Portela Sara Chaves , Vorwald Peter Wolfgang
Published: June 2011

We have reviewed the electronic biopsies database files of the Department of Surgical Pathology, Fundación Jiménez Díaz in Madrid (Spain). In this time period (1998-2010) we have found 3 pancreatic metastasis and 5 splenic metastasis. Two of the pancreatic metastases were originated in clear cell renal cell carcinomas. The last pancreatic metastasis was from a malignant cutaneous melanoma diagnosed and treated 8 years before. As for splenic metastasis, three of them were diagnosed during the abdominal surgery for primary therapy of the tumour (2 ovaries and one endometrium), while the remaining 2 corresponded to metastasis from a lung primary diagnosed 1 year before and a colonic primary diagnosed 6 years before. The patients with splenic metastasis died on the short term with progression of the disease despite resection of the splenic lesions, while the patients with pancreatic metastasis have survived longer.
A survey comparing meat quality attributes of beef from credence attribute-based production systems
Authors: Markus S. B. , Aalhus J. L. , Janz J. A. M. , Larsen I. L.
Published: June 2011

Markus, S. B., Aalhus, J. L., Janz, J. A. M. and Larsen, I. L. 2011. A survey comparing meat quality attributes of beef from credence attribute-based production systems. Can. J. Anim. Sci. 91: 283–294. Two branded beef programs based on producer-defined production systems differentiated by intangible credence attributes (Organic and Natural) were compared with Commodity beef to determine meat quality and assess consumer acceptability. In each of four slaughter seasons (winter, spring, summer and fall) longissimus lumborum muscle samples were collected from two industry slaughter plants; Organic n=30, 30, 27 and 31; Natural n=30, 27, 29 and 25; Commodity 1 n=12 and 18 for spring and summer, respectively; Commodity 2 n=14 and 12 for spring and fall, respectively. Samples were vacuum packaged and aged for 16±2 d at 2°C. Seasonal effects (P<0.01) were evident for mean shear force, composition, drip loss, colour and pH. While all mean shear values were classified as being tender (<5.6 kg), a smaller proportion of steaks were classified as tender in the Organic beef compared with the Natural and Commodity beef (55.9 vs. 70.3 and 78.6%; P<0.01), indicating that even after industry normal ageing times there was higher tenderness variability in the Organic beef. Fat content (SEM=0.23; P<0.01) was lowest for the Organic line (3.98%) with Natural (5.34%) and Commodity being intermediate (5.73%). Some statistically significant differences (P<0.05) in mean scores for aroma, juiciness, flavour, tenderness and overall acceptability of cooked beef steaks were observed amongst the three production systems when samples were not matched on the basis of intramuscular fat (IMF). Clearly there are measureable differences in quality between “credence” based production systems and commodity beef with an overall better quality in Commodity beef. However, if the consumer is willing to pay for credence-based attributes then there is an opportunity for these production systems to improve the quality of their product, specifically in respect to age at slaughter and content of IMF.
GnRH agonist (buserelin)-induced in vitro apoptosis in bovine endometrium
Authors: Singh Ravinder , Pretheeban Thavaneetharajah , Rajamahendran Rajadurai
Published: June 2011

Singh, R., Pretheeban, T. and Rajamahendran, R. 2011. GnRH agonist (buserelin)-induced in vitro apoptosis in bovine endometrium. Can. J. Anim. Sci. 91: 265–273. Apoptosis is a vital physiological process. The local modulatory role of the GnRH, GnRH-R system in uterine physiology is not clear. We investigated GnRH agonist (buserelin)-induced apoptosis in bovine endometrium. Reproductive tracts were collected from a local abattoir. The endometrial explants were sliced into smaller pieces, cultured for 20 h and then treated (6 h) with buserelin (0, 200, 500, 1000 ng mL−1), the GnRH antagonist-antide (500 ng mL−1) and antide+buserelin (500+200 ng mL−1), and stored at −80°C for RNA extraction. Two micrograms of total RNA was subjected to reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction using gene-specific primers. Subsequently, endometrial epithelial cells were isolated from the follicular and luteal phase uteri, cultured for 48 h, characterized and treated with buserelin (200 ng mL−1), antide (500 ng mL−1), and antide+buserelin (500+200 ng mL−1) for 6 h. The cells were stained with acridine orange-ethidium bromide and visualized and counted under a fluorescent microscope. Buserelin up-regulated BAX (200 ng mL−1) and CASPASE3 mRNA (200 and 500 ng mL−1) and induced apoptosis (200 ng mL−1) at the cellular level in the follicular phase endometrium. GnRH appears to regulate uterine homeostasis in bovine endometrium at the transcriptional and cellular levels.
Effect of supplementing the diet of lactating sows with NuPro® on sow lactation performance and piglet growth
Authors: Plante P. A. , Laforest J.-P. , Farmer C.
Published: June 2011

Plante, P. A., Laforest, J.-P. and Farmer, C. 2011. Effect of supplementing the diet of lactating sows with NuPro® on sow lactation performance and piglet growth. Can. J. Anim. Sci. 91: 295–300. The impact of supplementing the diet of lactating sows with NuPro® (a source of yeast-derived proteins) on their performance and that of their piglets was studied. Treatments were: control (CTL, n=22), 30 g of NuPro per day (NuPro30, n=22), and 60 g of NuPro per day (NuPro60, n=21). The NuPro was mixed daily with 500 g of feed and provided over a 21-d lactation. Jugular blood samples were obtained from sows on days 2, 7 and 20 of lactation to measure urea concentrations. Milk samples were obtained on days 7 and 20 of lactation for compositional analyses and quantification of 5′ monophosphate nucleotides. Litter size was standardized to 10±1 at 48 h postpartum. Sow body weight loss and backfat loss during lactation were recorded, as well as the weights of piglets until day 56. Feed intakes of sows during lactation and of piglets for 5 wk post-weaning were noted. Statistical analyses were performed with PROC MIXED using an analysis of variance with one factor (three levels) according to a completely randomized design. None of the animal performance data differed among treatments (P>0.1). Standard milk composition was also similar across treatments (P>0.1). Concentrations of nucleotides in milk were greater on day 7 than on day 20 of lactation (P<0.001) but were not affected by treatments (P>0.1). In conclusion, supplementing the diet of lactating sows with NuPro did not increase nucleotide concentrations in milk and had no beneficial effects on sow or piglet performances.
Estimation of enteric methane emissions trends (1990–2008) from Manitoba beef cattle using empirical and mechanistic models
Authors: Alemu Aklilu , Ominski K. H. , Kebreab E.
Published: June 2011

Alemu, A. W., Ominski, K. H. and Kebreab, E. 2011. Estimation of enteric methane emissions trends (1990–2008) from Manitoba beef cattle using empirical and mechanistic models. Can. J. Anim. Sci. 91: 305–321. The objective of this study was to estimate and assess trends in enteric methane (CH4) emissions from the Manitoba beef cattle population from the base year of 1990 to 2008 using mathematical models. Two empirical (statistical) models: Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) Tier 2 and a nonlinear equation (Ellis), and two dynamic mechanistic models: MOLLY (v3) and COWPOLL were used. Beef cattle in Manitoba were categorized in to 29 distinct subcategories based on management practice, physiological status, gender, age and production environment. Data on animal performance, feeding and management practices and feed composition were collected from the literature as well as from provincial and national sources. Estimates of total enteric CH4 production from the Manitoba beef cattle population varied between 0.9 and 2.4 Mt CO2 eq. from 1990 to 2008. Regardless of the type of models used, average CH4 emissions for 2008 were estimated to be 45.2% higher than 1990 levels. More specifically, CH4 emissions tended to increase between 1990 and 1996. Emissions were relatively stable between 1996 and 2002, increased between 2003 and 2005, but declined by 13.2% between 2005 and 2008, following the same trend as that observed in the beef cattle population. Models varied in their estimates of CH4 conversion rate (Ym, percent gross energy intake), emission factor (kg CH4 head−1 yr−1) and CH4 production. Total CH4 production estimates ranged from 1.2 to 2.0 Mt CO2 eq. for IPCC Tier 2, from 0.9 to 1.5 Mt CO2 eq. for Ellis, from 1.3 to 2.1 Mt CO2 eq. for COWPOLL and from 1.5 to 2.4 Mt CO2 eq. for MOLLY. The results indicate that enteric CH4 estimates and emission trends in Manitoba were influenced by the type of model and beef cattle population. As such, it is necessary to use appropriate models for reliable estimates for enteric CH4 inventory. A more robust approach may be to integrate different models by using mechanistic models to estimate regional Ym values, which may then be used as input for the IPCC Tier 2 model.
Fees, Funding and Overseas Study: Mobile UK Students and Educational Inequalities
Authors: Brooks Rachel , Waters Johanna
Published: June 2011

An article in The Guardian in 2006 claimed that: ‘some bright students have found an answer to the fees nightmare: in Europe’. It went on to argue that the introduction of variable fees in the UK in 2006 had encouraged some UK students to consider moving overseas for their degrees and, in particular, to European countries such as Sweden and the Netherlands, which charged low fees or no fees at all. While there have been a small number of further press reports which have indicated that changes to the funding of higher education in the UK have encouraged more young people to consider seriously the possibility of studying abroad, we still know relatively little about the impact of financial factors on a decision to pursue a degree overseas. Although many researchers have explored the economic rewards which often accrue in the medium- or long-term as a result of overseas study, the academic literature has much less to say about both the impact of fee differentials on young people's decision-making, and the resources upon which they draw to fund a period of study overseas. In an attempt to redress this gap, this paper draws on data from a qualitative study of young UK citizens who had either completed a degree abroad, or were seriously considering moving overseas for this purpose, to explore the impact of short-term economic calculations on their decisions, and the sources of funding upon which they drew. In doing so, we argue, firstly, that there are important differences between mobile students: those who moved abroad for an undergraduate degree tended to be from more privileged backgrounds than those who moved for postgraduate studies and, as a result, considerably less sensitive to price differentials. Secondly, we suggest that, despite important differences in economic capital, both undergraduates and postgraduates were able to draw on significant cultural resources. This raises questions about the extent to which overseas opportunities can be opened up more widely, to include a greater cross-section of young people.
Responsibility and the Big Society
Authors: Bednarek Antje
Published: June 2011

This paper focuses on the interplay between Conservative thought as evinced by the current Conservative Party leadership and the idea of responsibility, which is a central concern in the Big Society programme. I show that responsibility holds different meanings based on attitudes to work and the welfare state and that the differentiation in meaning map onto a working class/middle class distinction. I then argue that the ‘good society’ as it emerges from the Big Society idea would be a more stratified one that accepts large degrees of inequality. Leaving the conceptual plane, I then provide support for my argument with findings from qualitative research into the lifeworld of young Conservatives.
Photochemical production of ozone in Beijing during the 2008 Olympic Games
Authors: Chou C. C.-K. , Tsai C.-Y. , Chang C.-C. , Lin P.-H. , Liu S. C. , Zhu T.
Published: June 2011

Abstract. As a part of the CAREBeijing-2008 campaign, observations of O3, oxides of nitrogen (NOx and NOy), CO, and hydrocarbons (NMHCs) were carried out at the air quality observatory of the Peking University in Beijing, China during August 2008, including the period of the 29th Summer Olympic Games. The measurements were compared to those of the CAREBeijing-2006 campaign to evaluate the effectiveness of the air pollution control measures, which were conducted for improving the air quality in Beijing during the Olympics. The results indicate that significant reduction in the emissions of primary air pollutants had been achieved; the monthly averages of NOx, NOy, CO, and NMHCs reduced by 42.2, 56.5, 27.8, and 49.7 %, respectively. In contrast to the primary pollutants, the averaged mixing ratio of O3 increased by 42.2 %. Nevertheless, it was revealed that the ambient levels of total oxidants (Ox=O3+NO2+1.5NOz) and NOz reduced by 21.3 and 77.4 %, respectively. The contradictions between O3 and Ox were further examined in two case studies. Ozone production rates of 30–70 ppbv hr−1 and OPEx of ~8 mole mole−1 were observed on a clear-sky day in spite of the reduced levels of precursors. In that case, it was found that the concentrations of O3 increased with the increasing NO2/NO ratio, whereas the NOz concentrations leveled off when NO2/NO>8. Consequently, the ratio of O3 to NOz increased to above 10, indicating the shift from VOC-sensitive regime to NOx-sensitive regime. However, in the other case, it was found that the O3 production was inhibited significantly due to substantial reduction in the ambient levels of NMHCs. According to the observations, it was suggested that the O3/Ox production rates in Beijing should have been reduced for the reduction in the emissions of precursors during the Olympic period; however, the nighttime O3 levels were increased for decline in the NO-O3 titration, and the midday O3 peak levels were elevated for the shift in the photochemical regime and the inhibition of NOz formation.
Measurements of aerosol intensive properties over Visakhapatnam, India for 2007
Authors: Niranjan K. , Spandana B. , Anjana Devi T. , Sreekanth V. , Madhavan B. L.
Published: June 2011

Abstract. Information on the aerosol intensive properties like Single Scattering Albedo (SSA) and asymmetry parameter are very limited, particularly over the peninsular India, though extensive reports are available on the aerosol bulk properties. In view of the importance of these parameters in evaluating the aerosol radiative forcing, we present for the first time the temporal variation in SSA with measurements on aerosol absorption and scattering coefficients over Visakhapatnam (17.72° N, 83.32° E; located on the east coast of India) for the year 2007. The inferred SSA was in the range of 0.65 and 0.9 with an annual mean of 0.76 ± 0.013 and with a probable value of 0.80, indicating a marginal atmospheric warming over the region. The mixed layer contribution to column Aerosol Optical depth is found to be 35 % in summer while it is well above 35 % in winter, indicating the confinement of aerosol within the boundary layer during winter. The asymmetry parameter which represents the angular scattering in radiative forcing estimation is found to be around 0.65 ± 0.1 for the location. The day to day variability in SSA is found to be well correlated with the variations in surface BC mass concentrations and/or the relative dominance of the fine/coarse mode aerosol. The results are discussed in light of the aerosol physical and optical properties and the asymmetry parameter.
On the effect of IMF turning on ion dynamics at Mercury
Authors: Delcourt D. C. , Moore T. E. , Fok M.-C. H.
Published: June 2011

Abstract. We investigate the effect of a rotation of the Interplanetary Magnetic Field (IMF) on the transport of magnetospheric ion populations at Mercury. We focus on ions of planetary origin and investigate their large-scale circulation using three-dimensional single-particle simulations. We show that a nonzero BX component of the IMF leads to a pronounced asymmetry in the overall circulation pattern. In particular, we demonstrate that the centrifugal acceleration due to curvature of the E × B drift paths is more pronounced in one hemisphere than the other, leading to filling of the magnetospheric lobes and plasma sheet with more or less energetic material depending upon the hemisphere of origin. Using a time-varying electric and magnetic field model, we investigate the response of ions to rapid (a few tens of seconds) re-orientation of the IMF. We show that, for ions with gyroperiods comparable to the field variation time scale, the inductive electric field should lead to significant nonadiabatic energization, up to several hundreds of eVs or a few keVs. It thus appears that IMF turning at Mercury should lead to localized loading of the magnetosphere with energetic material of planetary origin (e.g., Na+).
Comparison of Titratable Oral Appliance and Mandibular Advancement Splint in the Treatment of Patients with Obstructive Sleep Apnea
Authors: Sari Emel , Menillo Steven
Published: June 2011

Objective. To compare the effect of two intraoral devices (titratable oral appliance-Klearway (KW) and mandibular advancement splint (MAS)) in mild and moderate obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) patients.
Method and Materials. The study group was comprised of twenty-four adult volunteer patients with OSA. Twelve subjects were fitted with a titratable oral appliance (group KW) protruding the mandible (85% of maximum protrusion). The other 12 subjects received MAS with 75% protrusion of the mandible (group MAS). Baseline, (“0.PSG”), first week (K1.PSG for KW group and M1.PSG for MAS group), and after the first month (K2.PSG for KW group and M2′. PSG for MAS group).
Results. Both groups produced similar reduction in apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) from baseline till the end of the first week and first month (P<.05). However, the success rate of both groups at the end of the first month was found to be statistically different from the success rate of the first week (P<.05). The reduction in mean AHI of group KW-moderate (KW-mo) was significantly different from the mean AHI of group MAS-moderate (MAS-mo) at the end of the first month (P<.05).
Conclusion. This study suggests that Klearway appliance was more effective in treating moderate OSA patients than MAS appliance. It was concluded that an appliance that provides 85% mandibular advancement to open the upper airway was more effective in reducing the number of high apneic events during sleep in comparison to the one which provides 75%.
Extranodal MALT Lymphoma of the Right Triceps Muscle following Influenza Vaccine Injection: A Rare Case with an Interesting Presentation
Authors: Edwards-Bennett S. M. , Straus D. , Athanasian E. A. , Yahalom J.
Published: June 2011

The study describes a case of a 67-year-old female who developed a Stage I E marginal zone lymphoma of the right triceps muscle 1 month after influenza vaccination at the same site. She was treated with single modality, involved field radiation therapy (IFRT) to 4000 cGy in 20 fractions with excellent response and no evidence of disease after one year followup.
Output Regulation of the Pan System
Authors: Sundarapandian V.
Published: June 2011

We solve the problem of regulating the output of the Pan system (2010), which is one of the recently discovered three-dimensional chaotic attractors. Pan system has many interesting complex dynamical behaviours, and it has potential applications in secure communication. In this paper, we construct explicit state feedback control laws for regulating the output of the Pan system so as to track constant reference signals. The state feedback control laws are derived using the regulator equations of Byrnes and Isidori (1990). The simulation results are provided to illustrate the effectiveness of the regulation schemes derived for the output regulation of the Pan system.
The Hard ‘Sell’ in Nah 3:4b
Authors: Pinker Aron
Published: June 2011

The standard meaning of מכר is incongruous in the context
of Nah 3:4. It is suggested that the problematic המכרת in Nah 3:4 is the
consequence of a מ/נ scribal confusion mitigated by similarity between מכר and
נכר, as well as the מ in preceding כשפים. הנכרת has the sense of “she that
acquires,” in accord with Hos 3:2. Such an approach would also help with
understanding of 1Sam 23:7. It is also possible to construe הנכרת in the sense
of “she that alienates,” though this grammatical form of נכר is not attested in
the Hebrew Bible
Could Saul Rule Forever? A New Look at 1 Samuel 13:13–14
Authors: Avioz Michael
Published: June 2011

This article reconsiders the pericope in 1 Samuel
13:13-14, in which Samuel told Saul that had he been obedient to him, he and his
dynasty would have ruled forever. These words are traditionally considered by
scholars and interpreters as a later addition or as Samuel’s own interpretation
of God’s oracles. I contest these views on the basis of historical and
exegetical arguments.
“The Hand of a Woman”: Deborah and Yael (Judges 4)
Authors: Assis Elie
Published: June 2011

This article focuses on the role of Yael in Judges 4. It
argues that Yael’s central position in the narrative is meant to shed light on
Deborah's prophetic image. Yael is thus Deborah’s “hand” – an extension of
Deborah who carries out her prophecy: “for the Lord will deliver Sisera into the
hand of a woman” (v. 9). Yael overshadows both Sisera and Barak. She controls
both men; she decides who will be defeated and who will be victorious. Deborah’s
prophecy does not refer merely to the identity of the killer but also to the way
in which the woman achieves her victory. Yael confronts a strong warrior, a
general; physically she is inferior to him; she uses her femininity to defeat
him. "While sexuality is a featured element of the Deborah narrative, it is so
exclusively with reference to the actions of Yael. Deborah, the focus of the
story, is, to be sure, a womanly figure. But her role in the story is purely
that of a woman of God. It is she who reveals the hand of God in "the hand of a
woman".
Mental retardation, congenital heart malformation, and myelodysplasia in a patient with a complex chromosomal rearrangement involving the critical region 21q22
Authors: Melis Daniela , Genesio Rita , Cappuccio Gerarda , MariaGinocchio Virginia , Casa Roberto Della , Menna Giuseppe , Buffardi Salvatore , Poggi Vincenzo , Leszle Anna , Imperati Floriana , Carella Massimo , Izzo Antonella , Del Giudice Ennio , Nitsch Lucio , Andria Generoso
Published: June 2011

The region 21q22 is considered crucial for the pathogenesis of both Down syndrome (DS) and the partial monosomy 21q syndrome. Haploinsufficiency of the RUNX‐1 gene, mapping at 21q22 is responsible for a platelet disorder and causes predisposition to myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS). We describe a 3‐year‐old girl with mental retardation, congenital heart malformation, and subtle dysmorphic facial features. The patient developed thrombocytopenia when she was 2 years old. Bone marrow smear led to the diagnosis of myelodysplasia. Prenatal karyotyping had shown chromosome 21 pericentric inversion. Postnatally the array‐CGH revealed duplication at bands 21q11.2–21q21.1 and a simultaneous deletion involving the region 21q22.13–21q22.3. RUNX‐1 mRNA levels analyzed in patient's skin fibroblasts were reduced. In this child the monosomy of the region 21q22 likely had the main role in determining the phenotype. Although the RUNX‐1 gene is localized outside the deleted region, we speculate that RUNX‐1 reduced expression, is probably due to the deletion of regulatory factors and caused the hematologic disorder in the patient. The present report underlines also the importance of array‐CGH in characterizing patients with a complex phenotype. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Neonatal progeroid syndrome (Wiedemann–Rautenstrauch syndrome): Report of three affected sibs
Authors: Arboleda Gonzalo , Morales Luis Carlos , Quintero Luis , Arboleda Humberto
Published: June 2011

The Wiedemann–Rautenstrauch syndrome (WRS) (OMIM 264090) is a rare progeroid entity. WRS patients are characterized by premature aging present at birth including pseudohydrocephalus, cranio‐facial disproportion, reduced subcutaneous fat, thin skin, rigid and thick joints, and neonatal teeth in some cases. Here we describe three sibs with WRS from unaffected parents and without consanguinity. Our findings support autosomal recessive inheritance in WRS and support the possibility of homozygocity mapping as a good approach to find the causative gene. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.