bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Contribution of changes in opal productivity and nutrient distribution in the coastal upwelling systems to Late Pliocene/Early Pleistocene climate cooling
Authors: Etourneau J. , Ehlert C. , Frank M. , Martinez P. , Schneider R.
Published: September 2012

Abstract. The global Late Pliocene/Early Pleistocene cooling (~3.0–2.0 million years ago – Ma) concurred with extremely high diatom and biogenic opal production in most of the major coastal upwelling regions. This phenomenon was particularly pronounced in the Benguela upwelling system (BUS), off Namibia, where it is known as the Matuyama Diatom Maximum (MDM). Our study focuses on a new diatom silicon isotope (δ30Si) record covering the MDM in the BUS. Unexpectedly, the variations in δ30Si signal follow biogenic opal content, whereby the highest δ30Si values correspond to the highest biogenic opal content. We interpret the higher δ30Si values during the MDM as a result of a stronger degree of silicate utilisation in the surface waters caused by high productivity of mat-forming diatom species. This was most likely promoted by weak upwelling intensity dominating the BUS during the Late Pliocene/Early Pleistocene cooling combined with a large silicate supply derived from a strong Southern Ocean nutrient leakage responding to the expansion of Antarctic ice cover and the resulting stratification of the polar ocean 3.0–2.7 Ma ago. A similar scenario is hypothesized for other major coastal upwelling systems (e.g. off California) during this time interval, suggesting that the efficiency of the biological carbon pump was probably sufficiently enhanced in these regions during the MDM to have significantly increased the transport of atmospheric CO2 to the deep ocean. In addition, the coeval extension of the area of surface water stratification in both the Southern Ocean and the North Pacific, which decreased CO2 release to the atmosphere, led to further enhanced atmospheric CO2 drawn-down and thus contributed significantly to Late Pliocene/Early Pleistocene cooling.
Modulation of Late Cretaceous and Cenozoic climate by variable drawdown of atmospheric pCO2 from weathering of basaltic provinces on continents drifting through the equatorial humid belt
Authors: Kent D. V. , Muttoni G.
Published: September 2012

Abstract. The small reservoir of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere (pCO2) that modulates climate through the greenhouse effect reflects a delicate balance between large fluxes of sources and sinks. The major long-term source of CO2 is global outgassing from sea-floor spreading, subduction, hotspot activity, and metamorphism; the ultimate sink is through weathering of continental silicates and deposition of carbonates. Most carbon cycle models are driven by changes in the source flux scaled to variable rates of ocean floor production. However, ocean floor production may not be distinguishable from being steady since 180 Ma. We evaluate potential changes in sources and sinks of CO2 for the past 120 Ma in a paleogeographic context. Our new calculations show that although decarbonation of pelagic sediments in Tethyan subduction likely contributed to generally high pCO2 levels from the Late Cretaceous until the Early Eocene, shutdown of Tethyan subduction with collision of India and Asia at the Early Eocene Climate Optimum at around 50 Ma was inadequate to account for the large and prolonged decrease in pCO2 that eventually allowed the growth of significant Antarctic ice sheets by around 34 Ma. Instead, variation in area of continental basaltic provinces in the equatorial humid belt (5° S–5° N) seems to be the dominant control on how much CO2 is retained in the atmosphere via the silicate weathering feedback. The arrival of the highly weatherable Deccan Traps in the equatorial humid belt at around 50 Ma was decisive in initiating the long-term slide to lower atmospheric pCO2, which was pushed further down by the emplacement of the 30 Ma Ethiopian Traps near the equator and the southerly tectonic extrusion of SE Asia, an arc terrane that presently is estimated to account for 1/4 of CO2 consumption from all basaltic provinces that account for ~1/3 of the total CO2 consumption by continental silicate weathering (Dessert et al., 2003). A negative climate-feedback mechanism that (usually) inhibits the complete collapse of atmospheric pCO2 is the accelerating formation of thick cation-deficient soils that retard chemical weathering of the underlying bedrock. Nevertheless, equatorial climate seems to be relatively insensitive to pCO2 greenhouse forcing and thus with availability of some rejuvenating relief as in arc terranes or thick basaltic provinces, silicate weathering in this venue is not subject to a strong negative feedback, providing an avenue for sporadic ice ages. The safety valve that prevents excessive atmospheric pCO2 levels is the triggering of silicate weathering of continental areas and basaltic provinces in the temperate humid belt. Increase in Mg/Ca ratio of seawater over the Cenozoic may be due to weathering input from continental basaltic provinces.
Towards a muon radiography of the Puy de Dôme
Authors: Cârloganu C. , Niess V. , Béné S. , Busato E. , Dupieux P. , Fehr F. , Gay P. , Miallier D. , Vulpescu B. , Boivin P. , Combaret C. , Labazuy P. , Laktineh I. , Lénat J.-F. , Mirabito L. , Portal A.
Published: September 2012

Abstract. High energy (above 100 GeV) atmospheric muons are a natural probe for geophysical studies. They can travel through kilometres of rock allowing for a radiography of the density distribution within large structures, like mountains or volcanoes. A collaboration between volcanologists, astroparticle and particle physicists, TOMUVOL, was formed in 2009 to study tomographic muon imaging of volcanoes with high resolution, large scale tracking detectors. We report on two campaigns of measurements at the flank of the Puy de Dôme using Glass Resistive Plate Chambers (GRPCs) developed for Particle Physics, within the CALICE collaboration.
Mid-Pliocene climate modelled using the UK Hadley Centre Model: PlioMIP Experiments 1 and 2
Authors: Bragg F. J. , Lunt D. J. , Haywood A. M.
Published: September 2012

Abstract. The Pliocene Model Intercomparison Project (PlioMIP) is a sub-project of the Paleoclimate Modelling Intercomparison Project (PMIP) whose objective is to compare predictions of the mid-Pliocene climate from the widest possible range of general circulation models. The mid-Pliocene (3.3–3.0 Ma) is the most recent sustained period of greater warmth and atmospheric carbon dioxide concentration than the pre-industrial times and as such has potential to inform predictions of our warming climate in the coming century. This paper describes the UK contribution to PlioMIP using the Hadley Centre Model both in atmosphere-only mode (HadAM3, PlioMIP Experiment 1) and atmosphere-ocean coupled mode (HadCM3, PlioMIP Experiment 2). The coupled model predicts a greater overall warming (3.3 °C) relative to the control than the atmosphere-only (2.5 °C). The Northern Hemisphere latitudinal temperature gradient is greater in the coupled model with a warmer Equator and colder Arctic than the atmosphere-only model, which is constrained by sea surface temperatures from Pliocene proxy reconstructions. The atmosphere-only model predicts a reduction in equatorial precipitation and south Asian monsoon intensity, whereas the coupled model shows an increase in the intensity of these systems. We present sensitivity studies using alternative boundary conditions for both the Pliocene and the control simulations, indicating the sensitivity of the mid-Pliocene warming to uncertainties in both pre-industrial and mid-Pliocene climate.
Incorporating student-centered approaches into catchment hydrology teaching: a review and synthesis
Authors: Thompson S. E. , Ngambeki I. , Troch P. A. , Sivapalan M. , Evangelou D.
Published: September 2012

Abstract. As hydrologists confront the future of water resources on a globalized, resource-scarce and human-impacted planet, the educational preparation of future generations of water scientists becomes increasingly important. Although hydrology inherits a tradition of teacher-centered direct instruction – based on lecture, reading and assignment formats – a growing body of knowledge derived from engineering education research suggests that modifications to these methods could firstly improve the quality of instruction from a student perspective, and secondly contribute to better professional preparation of hydrologists, in terms of their abilities to transfer knowledge to new contexts, to frame and solve novel problems, and to work collaboratively in uncertain environments. Here we review the theoretical background and empirical literature relating to adopting student-centered and inductive models of teaching and learning. Models of student-centered learning and their applications in engineering education are introduced by outlining the approaches used by several of the authors to introduce student-centered and inductive educational strategies into their university classrooms. Finally, the relative novelty of research on engineering instruction in general and hydrology in particular creates opportunities for new partnerships between education researchers and hydrologists to explore the discipline-specific needs of hydrology students and develop new approaches for instruction and professional preparation of hydrologists.
Haar wavelets, fluctuations and structure functions: convenient choices for geophysics
Authors: Lovejoy S. , Schertzer D.
Published: September 2012

Abstract. Geophysical processes are typically variable over huge ranges of space-time scales. This has lead to the development of many techniques for decomposing series and fields into fluctuations Δv at well-defined scales. Classically, one defines fluctuations as differences: (Δvdiff = v(x+Δx)-v(x) and this is adequate for many applications (Δx is the "lag"). However, if over a range one has scaling Δv ∝ ΔxH, these difference fluctuations are only adequate when 0 < H < 1. Hence, there is the need for other types of fluctuations. In particular, atmospheric processes in the "macroweather" range ≈10 days to 10–30 yr generally have −1 < H < 0, so that a definition valid over the range −1 < H < 1 would be very useful for atmospheric applications. A general framework for defining fluctuations is wavelets. However, the generality of wavelets often leads to fairly arbitrary choices of "mother wavelet" and the resulting wavelet coefficients may be difficult to interpret. In this paper we argue that a good choice is provided by the (historically) first wavelet, the Haar wavelet (Haar, 1910), which is easy to interpret and – if needed – to generalize, yet has rarely been used in geophysics. It is also easy to implement numerically: the Haar fluctuation (ΔvHaar at lag Δx is simply equal to the difference of the mean from x to x+ Δx/2 and from x+Δx/2 to x+Δx. Indeed, we shall see that the interest of the Haar wavelet is this relation to the integrated process rather than its wavelet nature per se. Using numerical multifractal simulations, we show that it is quite accurate, and we compare and contrast it with another similar technique, detrended fluctuation analysis. We find that, for estimating scaling exponents, the two methods are very similar, yet Haar-based methods have the advantage of being numerically faster, theoretically simpler and physically easier to interpret.
Measurement of turbulence in the oceanic mixed layer using Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR)
Authors: George S. G. , Tatnall A. R. L.
Published: September 2012

Abstract. Turbulence in the surface layer of the ocean contributes to the transfer of heat, gas and momentum across the air-sea boundary. As such, study of turbulence in the ocean surface layer is becoming increasingly important for understanding its effects on climate change. Direct Numerical Simulation (DNS) techniques were implemented to examine the interaction of small-scale wake turbulence in the upper ocean layer with incident electromagnetic radar waves. Hydrodynamic-electromagnetic wave interaction models were invoked to demonstrate the ability of Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) to observe and characterise surface turbulent wake flows. A range of simulated radar images are presented for a turbulent surface current field behind a moving surface vessel, and compared with the surface flow fields to investigate the impact of turbulent currents on simulated radar backscatter. This has yielded insights into the feasibility of resolving small-scale turbulence with remote-sensing radar and highlights the potential for extracting details of the flow structure and characteristics of turbulence using SAR.
Preventive Hemostasis for Hemodialysis Vascular Access Surgical Reinterventions
Authors: Pirozzi Nicola , Scrivano Jacopo , Pettorini Laura , Baldinelli Matteo , Punzo Giorgio , Menè Paolo
Published: September 2012

Surgical reinterventions for treatment of complications or ligation of haemodialysis vascular access (VA), when performed in or below the mid/lower part of the upper arm, could benefit from the use of preventive haemostasis with an inflatable tourniquet. This technique offers several advantages, such as the reduced risk of bleeding and the increased accuracy of dissection allowing for a minimally invasive approach. The use of preventive haemostasis is safe, economical and time-saving. All the secondary procedures on VA that could benefit from its use are reviewed.
Synthesis and characterization of macrocyclic bisphosphonate dimers
Authors: Patrick Brian , Yeh Jennifer , Comba Jeremy , Everett Eric M. , Koczkur Kallum , Pungente Michael D.
Published: September 2012

Background: Attempts to optimize the synthetic yield of known macrocyclic phosphonates resulted in the discovery of two new macrocyclic bisphosphonate dimers. Methods: An attempt was carried out to optimize the yield of a known macrocyclic bisphosphonate dimer,
6, over the yield of monomers
2 and
3, using the Mitsunobu protocol in the macrocyclization step. Cyclization reactions were carried out at 0.003 M, 0.004 M, 0.005 M, 0.008 M and 0.02 M, compared to 0.002 M in our initial report of the synthesis of monomers. Results: In this attempt to optimize the production of dimer
6, two new macrocyclic diastereomers of
6, namely 28-membered bisphosphonates
9 and
10, were isolated in yields of 3% and 2%, respectively, and characterized by FTIR, LC-MS,

1

H

,

1
3

C

and

3
1

P

NMR as well as by X-ray crystallography. Conclusions: The results described herein further illustrate the utility of the Mitsunobu macrocyclization (ring-closing) reaction toward the synthesis of macrocyclic phosphonates. The X-ray crystallographic characterization of the three bisphosphonate dimers, together with correlations to specific

1

H

and

3
1

P

NMR resonances allowed for the assignments of relative stereochemistries between the various dimers.
Inherited thrombocytopenias
Authors: Pecci A. , Noris P. , Balduini C. L.
Published: September 2012

The chapter of inherited thrombocytopenias has expanded greatly over the last decade and many “new” forms deriving from mutations in “new” genes have been identified. Nevertheless, nearly half of patients remain without a definite diagnosis because their illnesses have not yet been described. The diagnostic approach to these diseases can still take advantage of the algorithm proposed by the Italian Platelet Study Group in 2003, although an update is required to include the recently described disorders. So far, transfusions of platelet concentrates have represented the main tool for preventing or treating bleedings, while haematopoietic stem cell transplantation has been reserved for patients with very severe forms. However, recent disclosure that an oral thrombopoietin mimetic is effective in increasing platelet count in patients with MYH9-related thrombocytopenia opened new therapeutic perspectives.

This review summarizes the general aspects of inherited thrombocytopenias and describes in more detail MYH9-related diseases (encompassing four thrombocytopenias previously recognized as separate diseases) and the recently described ANKRD26-related thrombocytopenia, which are among the most frequent forms of inherited thrombocytopenia.
Applications of Solid-Phase Microextraction for the Analysis of Pesticide Residues in Fruits and Vegetables: A Review
Authors: Abdulra’uf Lukman Bola , Chai Mee Kin , Tan Guan Huat
Published: September 2012

This paper reviews the application of various modes of solid-phase microextraction (SPME) for the analysis of pesticide residues in fruits and vegetables. SPME is a simple extraction technique that eliminates the use of solvent, and it is applied for the analysis of both volatile and nonvolatile pesticides. SPME has been successfully coupled to both GC and LC. The coupling with GC has been straightforward and requires little modification of existing equipment, but interfacing with LC has proved challenging. The external standard calibration technique is widely used for quantification, while standard addition and internal or surrogate standards are mainly used to account for matrix effects. All parameters that affect the extraction of pesticide residues from fruits and vegetables, and therefore need to be optimized, are also reviewed. Details of the characteristics of analytical procedures and new trends in fiber production using sol-gel technology and molecularly imprinted polymers are discussed.
Determination of Organophosphorus and Carbamate Insecticides in Fresh Fruits and Vegetables by High-Performance Thin-Layer Chromatography-Multienzyme Inhibition Assay
Authors: Akkad Rami , Schwack Wolfgang
Published: September 2012

HPTLC-enzyme inhibition assay was applied to different fruit and vegetable samples after individual spiking with organophosphate and carbamate pesticides at their maximum residue limits documented by the European Commission. Samples were extracted according to the QuEChERS (Quick, Easy, Cheap, Effective, Rugged, and Safe) method, including cleanup by primary secondary amine sorbent. Additional cleanup was performed on the HPTLC plate by a prechromatographic step to separate most coextracted matrix compounds from 20 different pesticides under study. With both rabbit liver esterase and cutinase from Fusarium solani pisi as enzyme sources, mean recoveries from apples, cucumbers, grapes, nectarines, plums, tomatoes, and lemons were in the ranges 86–109, 95–129, 96–114, and 90–111% for chlorpyrifos, paraoxon, parathion, and pirimicarb, respectively, with a mean RSD of 8.5% for all samples.
Investigating the Potential of Metal-Organic Framework Material as an Adsorbent for Matrix Solid-Phase Dispersion Extraction of Pesticides During Analysis of Dehydrated Hyptis pectinata Medicinal Plant by GC/MS
Authors: Aquino Adriano , Ferreira Jordana Alves , Navickiene Sandro , Wanderley Kaline A , de Sá Gilberto F , Júnior Severino A
Published: September 2012

Metal-organic frameworks aluminum terephthalate MIL-53 and Cu-benzene-1,3,5-tricarboxylate (BTC) were tested for extraction of pyrimethanil, ametryn, dichlofluanid, tetraconazole, flumetralin, kresoxim-methyl, and tebuconazole from the medicinal plant Hyptis pectinata, with analysis using GC/MS in the selected ion monitoring mode. Experiments carried out at different fortification levels (0.1, 0.5, and 1.0 μg/g) resulted in recoveries in the range 61 to 107% with RSD values between 3 and 12% for the metal-organic framework materials. Detection and quantification limits ranged from 0.02 to 0.07 and 0.05 to 0.1 μg/g, respectively, for the different pesticides studied. The method developed was linear over the range tested (0.04–20.0 μg/g), with correlation coefficients ranging from 0.9987 to 0.9998. Comparison of MIL-53 and Cu-BTC with C18-bonded silica showed good performance of the MIL-53 metal-organic framework as a sorbent for the pesticides tested.
Analytical and Toxicological Studies of Decomposition of Insecticide Parathion after Gamma-Irradiation and Ozonation
Authors: Bojanowska-Czajka Anna , Torun Murat , Kciuk Gabriel , Wachowicz Mariusz , Ozbay Dilek Solpan , Guven Olgun , Bobrowski Krzysztof , Trojanowicz Marek
Published: September 2012

The decomposition of the widely used organophosphorus pesticide parathion was carried out in aqueous solutions by the use of γ-irradiation from a 60Co source or ozonation by means of an ozone generator, and by combined processes of ozonation and radiolysis. Factors affecting the parathion decomposition as well formation and decomposition of the main by-products, including irradiation dose, length of ozonation time, and presence of common scavengers, were investigated. The most efficient was found to be the γ-irradiation process combined with a short ozonation period; about 1 kGy irradiation dose was sufficient to decompose the pesticide in 15 mg/L solutions. Chemical studies of the decomposition of parathion were accompanied by monitoring of toxicity changes of irradiated solutions with the Microtox test.
Effects of Temperature and Purity of Magnesium Sulfate During Extraction of Pesticide Residues Using the QuEChERS Method
Authors: Geis-Asteggiante Lucia , Lehotay Steven J , Heinzen Horacio
Published: September 2012

Despite its many documented advantages, the QuEChERS (Quick, Easy, Cheap, Effective, Rugged, and Safe) sample preparation approach has problems with a few unstable pesticides, partly due to the exothermic reaction generated by the use of anhydrous magnesium sulfate (anh. MgSO4) during extraction. These pesticides also tend to be difficult to analyze by GC/MS. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of temperature during the extraction process in a revised version of AOAC Official MethodSM 2007.01 using anh. MgSO4 ≥99% (fine powder) or ≥97% (granular) purity, and the use of an ice bath for particular unstable pesticides of interest (chlorothalonil, captan, captafol, folpet, and the degradation products cis-1,2,3,6-tetrahydrophthalimide and phthalimide). Recoveries of 38 representative pesticides were measured in limes and broccoli at different extraction conditions by LC/MS/MS and low-pressure GC/MS/MS. Results showed that the difference in temperature when using ≥99% versus ≥97% purity anh. MgSO4 was 6–9°C, which did not lead to significant differences in recoveries. The use of an ice bath aided recovery for some of the analytes in broccoli, but no significant differences were observed for limes, which already provided greater stability of the base-sensitive analytes due to acidity of the matrix.
Hydrophilic Interaction Liquid Chromatography and Per Aqueous Liquid Chromatography in Fungicides Analysis
Authors: Noga Sylwia , Felinger Attila , Buszewski Bogusław
Published: September 2012

The goal of the study was to investigate the retention mechanism of selected fungicides in hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatography (HILIC) and per aqueous liquid chromatography (PALC). Chromatographic measurements were made on four physicochemically diversified HILIC columns, which were evaluated for the analysis of nine biologically active compounds, such as strobilurins and triazoles. The effects of the operating conditions on separations were investigated, including the concentration of the organic solvent in the aqueous-organic (acetonitrile) mobile phase. The results were compared, and it was shown that two different retention mechanisms dominate in PALC at low acetonitrile concentrations and in HILIC at high acetonitrile concentrations.
Determination of Azole Fungicides in Atmospheric Samples Collected in the Canadian Prairies by LC/MS/MS
Authors: Raina Renata , Smith Erika
Published: September 2012

An LC/MS/MS method has been developed for the determination of azole fungicides in the atmosphere at low pg/m3 concentrations. Detection limits in the range of 0.16 to 1.2 pg/m3 for a weekly air sample were obtained for the 31 fungicides analyzed. This work represents the first detection of propiconazole, prothioconazole-desthio, and trace levels of hexaconazole in gas phase atmospheric samples collected in a Canadian agricultural region. Samples were collected during April–October 2010 at Bratt's Lake, Saskatchewan, in the Canadian prairies where there was known historical use of selected azole fungicides. Atmospheric concentrations were above detection limits only during June–August 2010, with maximum concentrations occurring in July at 77.9 and 37.5 pg/m3 for propiconazole and prothioconazole-desthio, respectively. Gas phase atmospheric concentrations of propiconazole and prothioconazole-desthio increased following a spring and early summer with higher than normal daily precipitation. These azole fungicides showed the largest gas phase concentrations during periods of lower temperature and during sampling events with at least 1 day with no precipitation. The higher atmospheric gas phase concentrations of each azole fungicide were observed on different days, indicating different formulations may be in use in the prairie agricultural region.
Review of Sample Preparation Techniques for the Analysis of Pesticide Residues in Soil
Authors: Tadeo José L , Pérez Rosa Ana , Albero Beatriz , García-Valcárcel Ana I , Sánchez-Brunete Consuelo
Published: September 2012

This paper reviews the sample preparation techniques used for the analysis of pesticides in soil. The present status and recent advances made during the last 5 years in these methods are discussed. The analysis of pesticide residues in soil requires the extraction of analytes from this matrix, followed by a cleanup procedure, when necessary, prior to their instrumental determination. The optimization of sample preparation is a very important part of the method development that can reduce the analysis time, the amount of solvent, and the size of samples. This review considers all aspects of sample preparation, including extraction and cleanup. Classical extraction techniques, such as shaking, Soxhlet, and ultrasonic-assisted extraction, and modern techniques like pressurized liquid extraction, microwave-assisted extraction, solid-phase microextraction and QuEChERS (Quick, Easy, Cheap, Effective, Rugged, and Safe) are reviewed. The different cleanup strategies applied for the purification of soil extracts are also discussed. In addition, the application of these techniques to environmental studies is considered.
Experimental Study on Virtual Texture Force Perception Using the JND Method
Authors: Wu Juan , Li Liyuan , Yan Ruqiang , Ni Dejing , Liu Wei
Published: September 2012

This paper presents an experimental investigation on virtual texture force perception, where the Just Noticeable Difference (JND) method is used to evaluate the effects of texture spatial period and human exploratory speed on texture force perception. Two experiments have been conducted in this study. The first experiment focused on JNDs of texture force under different spatial periods (0.055–90mm) without limiting subjects' exploratory speeds. It was found that JNDs of texture force were between 6.20% and 9.80%. The spontaneous exploratory speed was highly affected by spatial period. It increased and then became stable as the spatial period increased. The second experiment assessed the effect of spatial period and human exploratory speed on JNDs of texture force. The spatial period had a significant effect on JNDs of texture force, which decreased as spatial period increased in the range of 2.9–14.9mm. Although the subject's exploratory speed has no noticeable effect on JNDs of texture force, the effect of interaction between spatial period and exploratory speed was significant. The experiment result indicated that when texture spatial period is small, low exploratory speed can be chosen to get small JND of texture force.
Development and Control of a Pneumatic Robot Arm for Industrial Fields
Authors: Maeda Sho , Tsujiuchi Nobutaka , Koizumi Takayuki , Sugiura Mitsumasa , Kojima Hiroyuki
Published: September 2012

We developed a pneumatic robot arm driven by pneumatic actuators as a versatile end effector for material handling systems. The arm consists of a pneumatic hand and pneumatic wrist. The hand can grasp various objects without force sensors or feedback control. Therefore, this study aims to control the wrist motions to expand the hand motion's space. The hand mimics the human hand shape and can grasp objects that have different shapes and mechanical characteristics. The wrist has redundant degrees of freedom. This is useful when the robot moves to avoid obstacles. However, the drive mechanism of the wrist has nonlinearity from a mechanical viewpoint. Also, the pneumatic actuators used as the drive source have hysteresis characteristics. These features make the wrist motions difficult to control. Because the wrist is used in material handling systems, its motions need to be freely controlled. Therefore, in this research, experimental models of the drive system of the pneumatic robot wrist have been constructed. With the constructed models, the control systems were designed through simulations. After that, we attempted to control the wrist motions with the constructed controllers.

As a result, the wrist models are coincident with wrist motions. Finally, experimental results were obtained that match the simulation results.
Type Synthesis of Parallel Mechanisms with the First Class GF Sets and Two-Dimensional Rotations
Authors: Yang Jialun , Gao Feng , Zhu Kuanjun , Liu Bin
Published: September 2012

The novel design of parallel mechanisms plays a key role in the potential application of parallel mechanisms. In this paper, the type synthesis of parallel mechanisms with the first class GF sets and two-dimensional rotations is studied. The rule of two-dimensional rotations is given, which lays the theoretical foundation for the intersection operations of specific GF sets. Next, kinematic limbs with specific characteristics are designed according to the 2-D and 3-D axes movement theorems. Finally, several synthesized parallel mechanisms with the first class GF sets and two-dimensional rotations are illustrated to show the effectiveness of the proposed methodology.
Automated Milling Path Tracking and CAM-ROB Integration for Industrial Redundant Manipulators
Authors: Gracia Luis , Andres Javier , Gracia Carlos
Published: September 2012

The present paper explores the industrial capabilities of a CAM-ROB system implementation based on a commercial CAD/CAM system (NX™) for an industrial robotic workcell of eight joints, committed to the rapid prototyping of 3D CAD-defined models. The workcell consists of a KUKA™ KR15/2 manipulator assembled on a linear track and synchronized with a rotary table. A redundancy resolution scheme is developed to deal with the redundancies due to the additional joints of the robot, plus the one from the symmetry axis of the milling tool. During the path tracking, the use of these redundancies is optimized by adjusting two performance criterion vectors related to singularity avoidance and maintenance of a preferred reference posture, as secondary tasks to be done. In addition, two suitable fuzzy inference engines adjust the weight of each joint in these tasks. The developed system is validated in a real prototyping of a carving.
Controlled Synthesis of TiO2 Hierarchical Nanofibre Structures via Electrospinning and Solvothermal Processes: Photocatalytic Activity for Degradation of Methylene Blue
Authors: Ochanda Fredrick O. , Rajukada Sitarama , Barnett Matthew R.
Published: September 2012

The present article describes a new titanium oxide-based (TiO2) photocatalyst that shows promise for acceleration of dye degradation. A hierarchical TiO2 nanostructure comprising nanorods on-nanofibres has been prepared using a sol-gel route and electrospinning. Calcination of electrospun nanofibre mats was performed in air at 500 °C. The TiO2 nanofibre surface was then exploited as a ‘seeding ground’ to grow TiO2 nanorods by a solvothermal process in NaOH. The nanofibres had a diameter of approximately 100 nm while the nanorods were evenly distributed on the nanofibre surface with a mean diameter of around 50–80 nm. The hierarchical nanostructure showed enhanced photocatalytic activity when compared to pure TiO2 nanofibres. This improved efficiency in degrading methylene blue through the photocatalytic process was attributed to the larger specific surface area of the TiO2 nanostructures, as well as high surface-to-volume ratio and higher reactive surface resulting in enhanced surface adsorption and interfacial redox reaction.
Effect of Parasitic Infection on Glucose and Lipase of Host Pigeon (Columba livia) Tissues
Authors: Shazia Nisar  , M. Farhanullah Khan  , M. Arshad Azmi
Published: September 2012

The aim of the study was to observe parasitic effect on lipase and glucose content in the tissue of artificially infested host pigeon with cestode parasites. Gastro-intestinal tract associated organs were extracted from the body cavity of dissected animal. Gizzard, liver, spleen, pancreas were separated and preserved. Thereafter, Lipase and glucose determination was carried out from these organs.It was observed that parasitic infection decreased lipase in liver and spleen while increased in pancreas. Higher lipase content was measured in infected animal’s crop a lesser content was measured in gizzard. It was also observed that infection impaired glucose level in intestine and other organs as well. Parasitic infections enhanced the glucose level in intestine and crop, while decreased glucose level in spleen, pancreas and liver.
Gamma Dosimetric Response of Sandalfix Golden Yellow CRL Dye Solutions for Gamma Dosimetry Using Cs137 in the Range 0-1KGy
Authors: Muhammad Yousuf Hussain  , Taqmeem Hussain  , Irfan Toqeer  , Nasim Akhtar  , Inam-ul-Haq  , Hashim Farooq
Published: September 2012

The effect of gamma radiation source (Cs137) on the aqueous solutions of the Sandalfix Golden Yellow CRLdye was determined in the range 0-1kGy. ?max of the dye was determined by UV/VIS spectrophotometer before the exposure of gamma radiations and was found to be 422 nm. Absorbance of the sample solutions was studied at ?max of the dye at pre and post irradiation. It was determined that the Absorbance of the sample solutions was decreased with increasing absorbed dose. The exposed dye solutions were found to be discolored due to the structural changes in the dye solutions and the discoloration of the dye was found linear with respect to absorbed dose.
Some New Exact Solutions for Prescribed Vorticity Distribution of Couple Stress Fluids in the Presence of Unknown Body Force
Authors: Rana Khalid Naeem
Published: September 2012

In the present paper, we indicate some new exact solutions of equations of motion for plane steady incompressible couple stress fluids flows in the presence of unknown body force for which vorticity distribution is defined by Eq. (12). All solutions involve arbitrary real constants and arbitrary real constants depending on the parameter èindicating that a large number of streamfunctions and expressions for body force can be constructed. Some streamfunctions ø are constructed for some values of parameters. The streamlines patterns of these streamfunctions are presented and discussed.
Improving Independent Student Navigation of Complex Educational Web Sites: An Analysis of Two Navigation Design Changes in LibGuides
Authors: Pittsley Kate A , Memmott Sara
Published: September 2012

Can the navigation of complex research web sites be improved so that users more often find their way without intermediation or instruction?  Librarians at Eastern Michigan University discovered that students were not recognizing navigational elements on web based research guides and tested possible solutions. In this study, two types of navigation improvements were applied to separate sets of online guides. Both sets of experimental guides showed an increase in use of navigation to secondary pages of the guides.
The Next Generation Integrated Library System: A Promise Fulfilled?
Authors: Wang Yongming , Dawes Trevor A
Published: September 2012

The adoption of Integrated Library Systems (ILS) became prevalent in the 1980s and 1990s as libraries began or continued to automate their processes.  These systems enabled library staff to work, in many cases, more efficiently than they had been in the past.  However, these systems were also restrictive – especially as the nature of the work began to change, largely in response to the growth of electronic and digital resources – for which these systems were not intended to manage.  New library systems – the second (or next) generation library systems are needed in order to effectively manage the processes of acquiring, describing and making available all library resources.  This article examines the state of library systems today and describes the features needed in a next generation library system.  The authors also examine some of the next generation library systems currently in development that purport to fill the changing needs of libraries.
Trends at a Glance: A Management Dashboard of Library Statistics
Authors: Morton-Owens Emily G , Hanson Karen L
Published: September 2012

Systems librarians at an academic medical library created a management data dashboard. Charts were designed using best practices for data visualization and dashboard layout, and include metrics on gatecount, website visits, IM reference chats, circulation, and ILL volume and turnaround time. Several charts draw on EZproxy log data that has been analyzed and linked to other databases to reveal use by different academic departments and user roles (such as faculty or student). Most charts are bar charts and include a linear regression trendline. The implementation uses Perl scripts to retrieve data from eight different sources and add it to a MySQL data warehouse, from which PHP/Javascript webpages use Google Chart Tools to create the dashboard charts.
Learning to Share: Measuring Use of a Digitized Collection on Flickr and in the IR
Authors: Schlosser Melanie , Stamper Brian
Published: September 2012

There is very little public data on usage of digitized library collections. New methods for promoting and sharing digitized collections are created all the time, but very little investigation has been done on the effect of those efforts on usage of the collections on library websites. This study attempts to measure the effects of reposting a collection on Flickr on use of the collection in a library-run institutional repository. The results are inconclusive, but the paper provides background on the topic and guidance for future efforts.
Extending IM beyond the Reference Desk: A Case Study on the Integration of Chat Reference and Library-Wide Instant Messaging Network
Authors: Chan Ian , Ly Pearl , Meulemans Yvonne Nalani
Published: September 2012

Openfire is an open source IM network and a single unified application that meets the needs of chat reference and internal communications. In Fall 2009, the California State University San Marcos (CSUSM) Library began use of Openfire and other Jive software instant messaging technologies, to simultaneously improve our existing IM-integrated chat reference software and implement an internal IM network. This case study describes the chat reference and internal communications environment at the CSUSM Library and the selection, implementation, and evaluation of Openfire. In addition, the authors discuss the benefits of deploying an integrated instant messaging and chat reference network.
Eclipse Editor for MARC Records
Authors: Surla Bojana Dimić
Published: September 2012

Editing bibliographic data is an important part of library information systems. In this paper we discuss existing approaches in developing of user interface for editing MARC records. There are two basic approaches, screen forms that support entering bibliographic data without knowledge of the MARC structure and direct editing of MARC records that is shown on the screen. The main result presented in the paper is Eclipse editor for MARC records that fully supports editing of MARC records. It is written in Java as Eclipse plug-in so it is platform-independent. It can be extended for using with any data store. At the end, the paper presents Rich Client Platform application made of MARC editor plug-in which can be used outside of Eclipse. The practical application of the results is integration of created Rich Client Platform application in BISIS library information system.
Editorial Board Thoughts: Appreciation for History
Authors: Porter Cynthia
Published: September 2012

Editorial Board Thoughts: Appreciation for History
Editor's Comments
Authors: Gerrity Robert
Published: September 2012

Editor's Comments
Feminization of Longnose Dace (Rhinichthys cataractae) in the Oldman River, Alberta, (Canada) Provides Evidence of Widespread Endocrine Disruption in an Agricultural Basin
Authors: Evans Joyce S. , Jackson Leland J. , Habibi Hamid R. , Ikonomou Michael G.
Published: September 2012

We sampled an abundant, native minnow (Longnose dace—Rhinichthys cataractae) throughout the Oldman River, Alberta, to determine physiological responses and possible population level consequences from exposure to compounds with hormone-like activity. Sex ratios varied between sites, were female-biased, and ranged from just over 50% to almost 90%. Histological examination of gonads revealed that at the sites with >60% females in the adult population, there was up to 38% occurrence of intersex gonads in fish identified through visual examination of the gonads as male. In the majority of intersex gonad cases, there was a large proportion (approx., 50%) of oocytes within the testicular tissue. In male dace, vitellogenin mRNA expression generally increased with distance downstream. We analyzed river water for 28 endocrine disrupting compounds from eight functional classes, most with confirmed estrogen-like activity, including synthetic estrogens and hormone therapy drugs characteristic of municipal wastewater effluent, plus natural hormones and veterinary pharmaceuticals characteristic of livestock production. The spatial correlation between detected chemical residues and effects to dace physiology indicate that multiple land uses have a cumulative impact on dace in the Oldman River and effects range from altered gene regulation to severely female-biased sex ratios.
A new paradigm for parameter estimation in system modeling
Authors: Garatti Simone , Bittanti Sergio
Published: September 2012

In this paper, we consider a basic problem in system identification, that of estimating the unknown parameters of a given model by using input/output data. Available methods (extended Kalman filtering, unscented Kalman filtering, particle filtering, maximum likelihood, prediction error method, etc.) have been extensively studied in the literature, especially in relation to consistency analysis. Yet, other important aspects, such as computational complexity, have been somewhat overlooked so that, when such methods are used in practical problems, remarkable drawbacks may arise. This is why parameter estimation is often performed using empirical procedures. This paper aims to revisit the issue of setting up an estimator that is able to provide reliable estimates at low computational cost. In contrast to other paradigms, the main idea in the new introduced two‐stage estimation method is to retrieve the estimator through simulation experiments in a training phase. Once training is terminated, the user is provided with an explicitly given estimator that can be used over and over basically with no computational effort. The advantages and drawbacks of the two‐stage approach as well as other traditional paradigms are identified with an illustrative example. A more concrete example of tire parameter estimation is also provided. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Large‐Scale Fabrication of Three‐Dimensional Surface Patterns Using Template‐Defined Electrochemical Deposition
Authors: Yang Shikuan , Lapsley Michael Ian , Cao Bingqiang , Zhao Chenglong , Zhao Yanhui , Hao Qingzhen , Kiraly Brian , Scott Jason , Li Weizhou , Wang Lin , Lei Yong , Huang Tony Jun
Published: September 2012

A new strategy to achieve large‐scale, three‐dimensional (3D) micro‐ and nanostructured surface patterns through selective electrochemical growth on monolayer colloidal crystal (MCC) templates is reported. This method can effectively create large‐area (>1 cm2), 3D surface patterns with well‐defined structures in a cost‐effective and time‐saving manner (<30 min). A variety of 3D surface patterns, including semishells, Janus particles, microcups, and mushroom‐like clusters, is generated. Most importantly, our method can be used to prepare surface patterns with prescribed compositions, such as metals, metal oxides, organic materials, or composites (e.g., metal/metal oxide, metal/polymer). The 3D surface patterns produced by our method can be valuable in a wide range of applications, such as biosensing, data storage, and plasmonics. In a proof‐of‐concept study, we investigated, both experimentally and theoretically, the surface‐enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) performance of the fabricated silver 3D semishell arrays.
Precise Control of Cell Adhesion by Combination of Surface Chemistry and Soft Lithography
Authors: Zheng Wenfu , Zhang Wei , Jiang Xingyu
Published: September 2012

The adhesion of cells on an extracellular matrix (ECM) (in vivo) or the surfaces of materials (in vitro) is a prerequisite for most cells to survive. The rapid growth of nano/microfabrication and biomaterial technologies has provided new materials with excellent surfaces with specific, desirable biological interactions with their surroundings. On one hand, the chemical and physical properties of material surfaces exert an extensive influence on cell adhesion, proliferation, migration, and differentiation. On the other hand, material surfaces are useful for fundamental cell biology research and tissue engineering. In this Review, an overview will be given of the chemical and physical properties of newly developed material surfaces and their biological effects, as well as soft lithographic techniques and their applications in cell biology research. Recent advances in the manipulation of cell adhesion by the combination of surface chemistry and soft lithography will also be highlighted.