bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
COMPARISON OF STRESS RELIEF MECHANISMS OF METAL FILMS DEPOSITED ON LIQUID SUBSTRATES BY THERMAL EVAPORATING AND SPUTTERING
Authors: YU SEN-JIANG , ZHANG YONG-JU , CHEN MIAO-GEN
Published: March 2010

Various metal film systems, deposited on liquid (silicone oil) substrates by thermal evaporating and DC-magnetron sputtering methods, have been successfully fabricated and the stress relief mechanisms are systematically studied by analyzing the characteristic surface morphologies. The experiment shows that the evaporating metal films can move on silicone oil surfaces freely due to the nearly zero adhesion of solid–liquid interface, which results in spontaneous formation of ordered surface patterns with a characteristic sandwiched structure driven by the internal stress. For the sputtering metal film system, however, the top surface of silicone oil can be modified to form an elastomeric polymer layer on the liquid substrate during deposition. Subsequent cooling of the system creates a higher compressive stress in the film, which is relieved by buckling of the film to form periodic wavy structures because the adhesion of solid–elastomer interface is quite strong.
BICOLOR OPTICAL TREATMENT OF MULTI-LAYERS FILM SAMPLES
Authors: OZGA K. , EBOTHÉ J. , NGUYEN CONG H. , MARTEL D. , GRUHN W. , PISAREK J. , KITYK I. V.
Published: March 2010

In the present paper, we study the influence of simultaneous polarized optical treatment (10 ns Nd: YAG lasers with wavelengths 1064 nm and 532 nm with power density 0.6 GW/cm2) together with electrostatic dc electric field (up to 8 kV/cm) on self-assembled multi-layer film samples. The second-order optical susceptibility (SOS) achieves the maximal values after one minute simultaneous dc electrical-optical treatment. Further treatment will not enhance the values and even leads to the decrease of SOS. The independent measurement of the local temperature shows that local heating does not exceed 10.1 K.
TWO-SPECIES ASYMMETRIC EXCLUSION PROCESS WITH SITE SHARING
Authors: LIU MINGZHE , XIAO SONG , WANG RUILI
Published: March 2010

This letter investigates the two-species asymmetric simple exclusion process (ASEP) with site sharing on a ring. The contribution of this study as compared to previous two-species ASEP models is that the oppositely moving particles do not pass each other by an exchanging mechanism but by sharing a site (characterized by sharing probability q). The model is investigated under random update and with periodic boundary conditions using Monte Carlo simulations and a cluster-based mean-field calculation. In the symmetric case (densities of two-species particles are equal), the simulation results show that there is a plateau in the current–density relationship for intermediate particle densities. The plateau corresponds to the maximal current and the plateau region shrinks with the increase of q. In the asymmetric case, the plateau is not observed. For comparison we examine the site-exchanging model which means that two-species particles can exchange their positions with a certain probability. The site-exchanging model does not exhibit such a plateau in the current–density relationship.
GROWTH AND CHARACTERIZATION OF BIS-THIOUREA STRONTIUM CHLORIDE SINGLE CRYSTALS
Authors: HAJIYANI R. R. , DAVE D. J. , CHAUHAN C. K. , VYAS P. M. , JOSHI M. J.
Published: March 2010

Bis-thiourea strontium chloride was synthesized and single crystals were grown by the slow solvent evaporation technique using aqueous solvent. The solubility curve was obtained and the determination of the induction period as well as the evaluation of kinetic parameters of nucleation was carried out. The powder XRD analysis suggested orthorhombic crystal structure. The FT-IR spectrum confirmed the presence of various functional groups. The thermo-gravimetry analysis was carried out and the crystals were found to be stable up to 170°C. Applying Coats and Redferm relation to the thermo-gram, the kinetic and thermodynamic parameters of dehydration were calculated. The dielectric study was carried out in the frequency range of applied field from 500 Hz to 1 MHz. The variations of dielectric constant, dielectric loss, AC resistivity and AC conductivity were studied with frequency. It was found that the dielectric constant and the dielectric loss decreased as the frequency of applied field increased, whereas the AC resistivity increased as the frequency increased.
CHARACTERIZATION OF ZINC OXIDE NANOPOWDERS DOPED WITH MnO
Authors: ABRISHAMI M. EBRAHIMIZADEH , KAKHKI E. ATTARAN , HOSSEINI S. M. , KOMPANY A.
Published: March 2010

Pure ZnO and Zn 1-x Mn x O (x=0.02 and 0.06) nanopowders have been synthesized by sol–gel technique at low temperatures. XRD results indicated that the crystal structure is hexagonal and there is no secondary phase. The compositional characterization of Mn -doped samples was investigated by EDX spectra. The size and morphology of nanoparticles were obtained by SEM and TEM images. Optical constants such as refractive index and extinction coefficient were evaluated from transmittance spectrum in UV region. The optical band gap energy showed a red-shift from 3.22 eV to 3.14 eV for pure and Zn 0.94 Mn 0.06 O , respectively. The Curie temperature of Mn -doped ZnO samples were determined and at room temperature no ferromagnetism state was observed.
IMPROVED RESULTS ON STABILITY ANALYSIS OF NEURAL NETWORKS WITH TIME-VARYING DELAYS: NOVEL DELAY-DEPENDENT CRITERIA
Authors: KWON O. M. , LEE S. M. , PARK JU H.
Published: March 2010

In this paper, the problem of stability analysis of neural networks with discrete time-varying delays is considered. By constructing a new Lyapunov functional and some novel analysis techniques, new delay-dependent criteria for checking the asymptotic stability of the neural networks are established. The criteria are presented in terms of linear matrix inequalities, which can be easily solved and checked by various convex optimization algorithms. Three numerical examples are included to show the superiority of our results.
TWO FAMILIES GENERALIZATION OF AKNS HIERARCHIES AND THEIR HAMILTONIAN STRUCTURES
Authors: WANG YUNHU , LIANG XIANGQIAN , WANG HUI
Published: March 2010

By means of the Lie algebra G1, we construct an extended Lie algebra G2. Two different isospectral problems are designed by the two different Lie algebra G1 and G2. With the help of the variational identity and the zero curvature equation, two families generalization of the AKNS hierarchies and their Hamiltonian structures are obtained, respectively.
SOL–GEL SYNTHESIS, CHARACTERIZATION AND OPTICAL PROPERTIES OF TiO2 THIN FILMS DEPOSITED ON ITO/GLASS SUBSTRATES
Authors: VISHWAS M. , SHARMA SUDHIR KUMAR , RAO K. NARASIMHA , MOHAN S. , GOWDA K. V. ARJUNA , CHAKRADHAR R. P. S.
Published: March 2010

TiO 2 thin films have been deposited on glass and indium tin oxide (ITO) coated glass substrates by sol–gel technique. The influence of annealing temperature on the structural, morphological and optical properties has been examined. X-ray diffraction (XRD) results reveal the amorphous nature of the as-deposited film whereas the annealed films are found to be in the crystalline anatase phase. The surface morphology of the films at different annealing temperatures has been examined by atomic force microscopy (AFM). The in situ surface morphology of the as-deposited and annealed TiO 2 films has also been examined by optical polaromicrograph (OPM). TiO 2 films infatuated different structural and surface features with variation of annealing temperature. The optical studies on these films suggest their possible usage in sun-shielding applications.
PRESENTATIONS FOR SINGULAR SUBSEMIGROUPS OF THE PARTIAL TRANSFORMATION SEMIGROUP
Authors: EAST JAMES
Published: March 2010

The partial transformation semigroup [Formula: see text] is the semigroup of all partial transformations on the finite set n = {1,…, n}. The transformation semigroup [Formula: see text] and the symmetric group [Formula: see text] consist of all (full) transformations on n and permutations on n, respectively. We obtain presentations, in terms of generators and relations, for the singular subsemigroups [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text]. We also calculate the ranks of both subsemigroups.
VEC-OPERATOR, KRONECKER PRODUCT AND ENTANGLEMENT
Authors: HARDY YORICK , STEEB WILLI-HANS
Published: March 2010

We study a connection between the vec-operation, Kronecker product and entanglement.
UNIQUELY MORPHIC RINGS
Authors: KOŞAN M. TAMER , LEE TSIU-KWEN , ZHOU YIQIANG
Published: March 2010

A ring R is called left morphic if, for each a ∈ R, R/Ra ≅ l(a) or equivalently there exists b ∈ R such that Ra = l(b) and l(a) = Rb, where l(a) and l(b) denote the left annihilators of a and b in R, respectively. Motivated by recent work on left morphic rings, we study the rings R satisfying the property that for each 0 ≠ a ∈ R there exists a unique b ∈ R such that Ra = l(b) and l(a) = Rb. These rings are completely determined in this paper. We also completely determine the rings R with the property that for each 0 ≠ a ∈ R there exists a unique b ∈ R such that Ra = l(b).
MULTIPLIER BI- AND HOPF ALGEBRAS
Authors: JANSSEN K. , VERCRUYSSE J.
Published: March 2010

We propose a categorical interpretation of multiplier Hopf algebras, in analogy to usual Hopf algebras and bialgebras. Since the introduction of multiplier Hopf algebras by Van Daele [Multiplier Hopf algebras, Trans. Amer. Math. Soc.342(2) (1994) 917–932] such a categorical interpretation has been missing. We show that a multiplier Hopf algebra can be understood as a coalgebra with antipode in a certain monoidal category of algebras. We show that a (possibly nonunital, idempotent, nondegenerate, k-projective) algebra over a commutative ring k is a multiplier bialgebra if and only if the category of its algebra extensions and both the categories of its left and right modules are monoidal and fit, together with the category of k-modules, into a diagram of strict monoidal forgetful functors.
GROUP ALGEBRAS WITH UNIT GROUPS OF DERIVED LENGTH THREE
Authors: CHANDRA HARISH , SAHAI MEENA
Published: March 2010

Let K be a field of characteristic p ≠ 2,3 and let G be a finite group. Necessary and sufficient conditions for δ3(U(KG)) = 1, where U(KG) is the unit group of the group algebra KG, are obtained.
MULTI-POLYLOGS AT TWELFTH ROOTS OF UNITY AND SPECIAL VALUES OF WITTEN MULTIPLE ZETA FUNCTION ATTACHED TO THE EXCEPTIONAL LIE ALGEBRA 𝔤2
Authors: ZHAO JIANQIANG
Published: March 2010

In this note, we shall study the Witten multiple zeta function associated with the exceptional Lie algebra 𝔤2. Our main result shows that its special values at nonnegative integers can always be expressed as rational linear combinations of the multi-polylogs evaluated at 12th roots of unity, except for two irregular cases.
THE 2-GROUPS OF ODD STRONG SYMMETRIC GENUS
Authors: MAY COY L. , ZIMMERMAN JAY
Published: March 2010

Let G be a finite group. The strong symmetric genusσ0(G) is the minimum genus of any Riemann surface on which G acts preserving orientation. We show that a 2-group G has strong symmetric genus congruent to 3 (mod 4) if and only if G is in one of 14 families of groups. A consequence of this classification is that almost all positive integers that are the genus of a 2-group are congruent to 1 (mod 4).
MULTICOMPLEXES AND SPECTRAL SEQUENCES
Authors: HURTUBISE DAVID E.
Published: March 2010

In this note, we present some algebraic examples of multicomplexes whose differentials differ from those in the spectral sequences associated to the multicomplexes. The motivation for constructing examples showing the algebraic distinction between a multicomplex and its associated spectral sequence comes from the author's work on Morse–Bott homology with A. Banyaga [A. Banyaga and D. E. Hurtubise, Morse–Bott homology, Trans. Amer. Math. Soc. (to appear), arXiv:math/0612316v2].
THE MASLOV CLASS OF LAGRANGIAN TORI AND QUANTUM PRODUCTS IN FLOER COHOMOLOGY
Authors: BUHOVSKY LEV
Published: March 2010

We use Floer cohomology to prove the monotone version of a conjecture of Audin: the minimal Maslov number of a monotone Lagrangian torus in ℝ2n is 2. Our approach is based on the study of the quantum cup product on Floer cohomology and in particular the behavior of Oh's spectral sequence with respect to this product. As further applications, we prove existence of holomorphic disks with boundaries on Lagrangians as well as new results on Lagrangian intersections.
FILL RADIUS AND THE FUNDAMENTAL GROUP
Authors: RAMACHANDRAN MOHAN , WOLFSON JON
Published: March 2010

In this note we relate the geometric notion of fill radius with the fundamental group of the manifold. We prove: Suppose that a closed Riemannian manifold M satisfies the property that its universal cover has bounded fill radius. Then the fundamental group of M is virtually free. We explain the relevance of this theorem to some conjectures on positive isotropic curvature and 2-positive Ricci curvature.
Underlying issues on the selection, use and conservation of building limestone
Authors: Smith Bernard J. , Gómez-heras Miguel , Viles Heather A.
Published: March 2010

An argument is presented that, despite popular assumptions, many limestones, especially the wide range of clastic and, in general, granular limestones, do not decay in a steady and predictable pattern in response to slow dissolution. Instead these stones, especially when used in construction in polluted environments, invariably decay episodically through physical breakdown. Most commonly this is accomplished through a variety of salt weathering mechanisms that, if unconstrained, can lead to the rapid, catastrophic decay of building blocks and their complete loss – a process that has driven the extensive programmes of stone replacement that are typical of buildings constructed of these stones. In polluted environments, especially those rich in sulphur and particulates, the most common constraint on accelerated decay has been the rapid development of gypsum crusts that, for example, could rapidly ‘heal’ the scars left by contour scaling. It is ironic, therefore, that any reduction in pollution could conceivably lead to increased erosion by retarding this healing process. Because of this temporal variability of decay and its translation into spatial complexity, it is important that further research is undertaken to understand controls on the decay of these important building stones so that future conservation strategies can be appropriately informed.
Historic lime mortars: potential effects of local climate on the evolution of binder morphology and composition
Authors: Dotter Kara R.
Published: March 2010

This research explores preliminary observations regarding the potential effects of local climate conditions on the evolution of binder morphology and the composition or mineralogy of historic lime mortars. Samples were collected from historic buildings, one group dating to
c
. late nineteenth century and an older group from
c
. Sixteenth–Seventeenth century, with both groups representing distinct climates. The samples were then prepared and subjected to polarized light microscopy (PLM), point count, scanning electron microscopy with energy-dispersive spectroscopy (SEM-EDS) and backscatter election imaging (BSE) analysis to investigate differences in porosity, environmental contaminants and morphological characteristics of the lime binder. By examining the effects of climate on lime mortars, conservators can improve identification and condition assessment of historic lime mortars, better understand causes of damage and decay attributed to previous mortar repairs, and formulate more appropriate conservation mortars to improve protection and conservation of our architectural heritage.
Crushed limestone as an aggregate in concrete production: the Cyprus case
Authors: Ioannou I. , Petrou M. F. , Fournari R. , Andreou A. , Hadjigeorgiou C. , Tsikouras B. , Hatzipanagiotou K.
Published: March 2010

Limestones in Cyprus are mainly quarried for the production of coarse and fine aggregates to be used in concrete. The objective of this paper is to examine the properties of crushed limestone aggregates. The petrographical and physico-mechanical properties of these aggregates are described and their suitability for concrete production is examined. The coarse crushed limestone aggregates from Cyprus have water absorption values exceeding 3.3%, which is considered high for concrete applications. Their abrasion resistance (Los Angeles) values are consistently above 23%, while their weathering coefficients generally range between 10 and 30%. The fine crushed limestone aggregates show significantly lower water absorption values (less than 2.2%) and higher weathering coefficients (above 35%) than the coarse aggregates. The weathering coefficient of crushed limestone aggregates increases with a decrease in the fraction size up to 5 mm, after which it remains fairly constant. The physico-mechanical properties of crushed limestone aggregates are distinctly variable irrespective of the fact that they belong to the same geological formation and show relatively similar petrography.
On the use of eggshell lime and tuffeau powder to formulate an appropriate mortar for restoration purposes
Authors: Beck Kévin , Brunetaud Xavier , Mertz Jean-Didier , Al-Mukhtar Muzahim
Published: March 2010

Preservation of cultural heritage, especially historic monuments, is a vital task. In addition, waste recovery is an essential goal of sustainable development. In this study the properties of a food waste, eggshells, and a quarry waste, powder obtained from stone-extraction operations, are evaluated in terms of their possible use in restoration mortar.

An excellent lime has been developed based on eggshell calcination. A lime-based mortar exclusively composed of this eggshell lime and tuffeau powder was developed and characterized in order to demonstrate its compatibility with restoration works. To pursue this objective, microstructural, physical and mechanical properties were investigated and compared to those of the tuffeau limestone.

The tested formulation using tuffeau powder was found to meet compatibility requirements up until the hygrometric environment lowered the water content of the mortar. The desiccation of the mortar can then generate shrinkage cracks leading to mortar crumbling. As a consequence, hygrometric susceptibility of the mortar is an essential parameter to be investigated in order to study the durability of lime-based mortars made out of limestone powder.
Pore structure and durability of Portuguese limestones: a case study
Authors: Figueiredo C. , Folha R. , Maurício A. , Alves C. , Aires-Barros L.
Published: March 2010

Exposed stone surfaces containing complex systems of pores, fractures and grain boundaries provide the surfaces where chemical, physical and biological deterioration processes take place. The pore space represents the preferred area for physical, chemical and biological weathering processes. It plays a significant role in the behaviour of porous materials. A full understanding of pore-channel network morphology, size and connectivity is important in stone decay assessment and conservation works. A contribution to the understanding of the role played by the pore system in controlling fluid-related properties and resistance to salt crystallization of limestones is presented. Optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and mercury injection porosimetry (MIP) were used to characterize the pore structure of two Portuguese dimension stones (‘Semi-rijo’ and ‘Moca-Creme’) widely used for pavements and the cladding of buildings. Fluid migration physical tests (open and free porosity, capillary imbibition, and Hirschwald coefficient) were also performed, according to European (
EN 1925:1999
;
EN 1936:1999
) and French (
N FB 10-504:1973
) Standards. The resistance to salt crystallization was determined using European Standard
EN 12370:1999
. An integrated analysis facilitated comparison between durability results with stone pore network characteristics, fluid transport properties and petrographical features, suggesting the influence of available porosity and bedding.
The effect of combustion-derived particulates on the short-term modification of temperature and moisture loss from Portland Limestone
Authors: Searle D. E. , Mitchell D. J.
Published: March 2010

It is known that cyclic heating–cooling and wetting–drying can play a significant role in the long-term deterioration of building stone. These cycles can be modified by the deposition of atmospheric particulates, which darken surfaces, resulting in changes in the absorptivity and emissivity characteristics of the stone. The capacity of diesel and coal particulates to modify the moisture and temperature regime of Portland Limestone and Hollington Sandstone was investigated. Through a greater capacity to lower the albedo of the stone and enhance the absorption of radiant energy, diesel particulate was shown to significantly increase the rate of moisture loss, temperature, and rates of heating and cooling of Portland Limestone. With particulates from diesel combustion now becoming one of the dominant particulate types found in urban centres, potential implications for future stone conservation are discussed.
The use of limestone in a historic context – the experience of Malta
Authors: Cassar Joann
Published: March 2010

The Maltese Islands measure only 316 km2, have a population of just over 405 000 and are situated in the central Mediterranean. They are composed of sedimentary rocks, of which the Globigerina and Coralline Limestones have been used as building materials since prehistoric times. This paper gives an overview of the use of these materials, and other imported materials, for building from prehistoric times to the present day, and also looks at the exploitation of the underground environment through the ages.
Measurements of soiling and colour change using outdoor rephotography and image processing in Adobe Photoshop along the southern façade of the Ashmolean Museum, Oxford
Authors: Thornbush Mary J.
Published: March 2010

This paper builds on work using Adobe Photoshop as image-processing software to obtain (histogram-based) quantification of camera-captured images. The analysis tracks cross-temporal surface colour change (in 2005 and 2007) at the façade-scale of a limestone building (cleaned between 2006 and 2007) by means of digital photographs obtained in repeat photographic surveys taken under different outdoor lighting conditions (of a clear sky v. overcast). The relevance of the study is to contribute to further research using the integrated digital photography and image processing (IDIP) method in an outdoor setting (O-IDIP) with differing levels of light at a façade- (building) scale necessary for assessments of soiling affecting decisions of maintenance and restoration. Calibration was performed using spectrophotometric data (acquired in the winter of 2006). Findings show that the calibrated method is able to measure change before v. after the cleaning of the southern façade, which was darker in 2005 (with a lower level of lightness), especially at the east elevation. Lightness (surface darkening or blackening) is more affected by outdoor lighting conditions than chromatic values along green–red (
a
) and blue–yellow (
b
) channels of colour. These findings confirm that there is more error associated with soiling measurements at the façade-scale (in an outdoor setting).
Two-dimensional resistivity surveys of the moisture content of historic limestone walls in Oxford, UK: implications for understanding catastrophic stone deterioration
Authors: Sass O. , Viles H. A.
Published: March 2010

Catastrophic deterioration of limestone facades occurs where areas of stonework become rapidly hollowed out. It affects many historic buildings in Oxford, especially where soot-rich gypsum crusts have accumulated. In order to understand the processes of catastrophic deterioration we need to understand the microenvironmental conditions, especially the moisture distributions in the deteriorating walls. Geoelectric methods, in the form of two-dimensional (2D) resistivity surveys, have been used to study the distribution and amount of water stored in deteriorating limestone walls within the historic centre of Oxford. Fifteen vertical profiles, each 2–2.5 m in length, have been monitored at five sites using 50 medical electrodes and GeoTom equipment. Calculated moisture contents and distributions are presented for those profiles that extend up to 40 cm into the wall. The data indicate the diversity and complexity of moisture distributions within these often heterogeneous walls, which have also had long histories of decay and conservation. Replacement stone patches show consistently higher moisture conditions than the surrounding stone. Most profiles indicate the presence of wetter patches 5–10 cm behind the wall face under blackened crusts. Catastrophically decayed sections of profiles often exhibit wetter near-surface conditions than surrounding stonework, whilst areas with shallow but active decay are often much drier than surrounding crusted stone. In conclusion, the results give preliminary confirmation of a simple model of catastrophic decay and illustrate the complexity of moisture regimes in historic walls.
Carbonate rocks in the Mediterranean region – from classical to innovative uses of building stone
Authors: Calvo José P. , Regueiro Manuel
Published: March 2010

Carbonate rocks are present in many geological formations of the Mediterranean region, thus having favoured their common use as building stone for the many civilizations that inhabited the area throughout history. The wide presence of carbonate rocks has been supplemented by a large variety of rock types that can be found in monumental, funerary and normal constructions. Five main carbonate rock types used as building stone can be differentiated: metamorphic marble; banded fine-grained limestone; shell limestone; travertine; and brecciated–nodular carbonate rocks. In most cases these carbonate rocks have been traditionally used, although new rock types are currently marketed. Nowadays, several Mediterranean countries are major producers of carbonate building stone that is marketed for its ornamental and decorative characteristics. Italy, Spain and Turkey are placed in high rank positions of the global carbonate ornamental stone market, whilst Greece, France, Croatia, Israel, Morocco, Egypt, Algeria and Tunisia produce mainly for internal consumption.
Limestones in Germany used as building stones: an overview
Authors: Siegesmund Siegfried , Grimm Wolf-Dieter , Dürrast Helmut , Ruedrich Joerg
Published: March 2010

Germany has an enormous number of different carbonate rock units, which vary widely in their geological age and sedimentary depositional environment. Limestones quarried from these exposures have a wide range of usages and applications, such as dimension and ornamental stones, floor tiles and panelling, and for use as paving stones and massive stones. Since antiquity, limestones were used as building materials in areas where they were naturally available and abundant. Limestones exhibit a relatively good weathering resistance, which is mainly controlled by the mineralogical composition and the rock structure. The susceptibility of limestones to weathering and alteration is only secondarily related to the stone's contact with rainwater and its exposure to frost. In this situation the pore space is the main controlling factor. Industrialization and the subsequent increase in air pollutants, which started at the end of the nineteenth century, led to the formation of dark and unsightly crust deposits on the limestones surfaces. These crusts, being the result of man-made activities, are the main weathering problem for carbonate dimension stones.
Mechanisms of damage by salt
Authors: Espinosa-Marzal R. M. , Scherer G. W.
Published: March 2010

Limestone is very susceptible to the aggressive action of salts. This paper describes the current understanding of the mechanisms by which salt crystallization causes damage to limestone. Crystallization pressure increases with the supersaturation of the solution, which may result from rapid drying and/or decrease in temperature. Salts with a tendency to achieve higher supersaturation owing to a high nucleation barrier are potentially able to induce more severe damage. In the presence of small pores (<100 nm), equilibrium thermodynamics indicates that crystallization pressure can result from the curvature dependence of the solubility of a salt crystal. Under non-equilibrium conditions, high transient stresses can occur even in larger pores. In the field, the complexity of salt weathering results from heat, moisture and ion transport coupled with in-pore crystallization during changing climatic conditions. This paper describes how progress in the modelling and numerical simulation of these coupled processes can contribute to a better understanding of the influencing factors and assessment of critical conditions.

Classically, tests such as the bursting test and the capillary rise experiment with simultaneous evaporation have been applied to evaluate qualitatively stone deterioration induced by salt crystallization. More recently our group has introduced other experimental methods to the field of salt weathering that provide quantitative information about nucleation and crystallization kinetics in porous materials (by differential scanning calorimetry), induced deformation and stress (by dynamic mechanical analysis and a novel warping test), and pore clogging caused by in-pore crystallization.

The final part of this paper is dedicated to a discussion of methods to prevent damage that may alter one of the crystallization steps, such as nucleation, crystal growth, disjoining pressure between mineral and crystal surfaces, or solution properties. Indeed, efficient treatments have been found for particular scenarios in the laboratory; however, the consequences of these treatments in the field, such as the behaviour at other temperatures and concentrations as well as the durability of the treatments, are not known yet.

Indeed, a lack of knowledge still exists in understanding the pore-level crystallization, such as the processes in the thin film between mineral surfaces and salt crystals that determine the disjoining pressure, or the dynamics of crystallization within the pore network that influence the salt distribution and stress in the stone. Atomic force microscopy, surface force measurements, nuclear magnetic resonance and simulations using molecular dynamics are promising methods to elucidate these points. By understanding these remaining questions a more reliable protection of stone against salt weathering will be achieved.
Growth and Characterization ofGe100-xDyx(x≤2)Nanowires
Authors: Paul K. B. , Athanasopoulos G. I. , Doumanidis C. C. , Rebholz C.
Published: March 2010

Novel semiconducting Germanium-Dysprosium nanowires are fabricated by a combined two-step method, which consists of initial arc-melting of the elemental constituents into a pellet and its heat treatment, followed by thermal vapor transport of the powdered pellet in a tube reactor for fabrication of the nanowires. The nanomaterials are fabricated on gold nucleation seeds on Si/SiO2substrates. The thermodynamic conditions in the reactor are carefully chosen to produce wires with diameters in a narrow, specific range. This nanofabrication method ensures high phase purity and crystallinity of nanowires. Based on the results and theoretical work, it is concluded that the fabricatedGe98Dy2materials are in a glassy state below 20 K.
Pulsatile Flow of Two‐Fluid Nonlinear Models for Blood Flow through Catheterized Arteries: A Comparative Study
Authors: Sankar D. S. , Lee Usik
Published: March 2010

The pulsatile flow of blood through catheterized arteries is analyzed by treating the blood as a two‐fluid model with the suspension of all the erythrocytes in the core region as a non‐Newtonian fluid and the plasma in the peripheral layer as a Newtonian fluid. The non‐Newtonian fluid in the core region of the artery is represented by (i) Casson fluid and (ii) Herschel‐Bulkley fluid. The expressions for the flow quantities obtained by Sankar (2008) for the two‐fluid Casson model and Sankar and Lee (2008) for the two‐fluid Herschel‐Bulkley model are used to get the data for comparison. It is noted that the plug‐flow velocity, velocity distribution, and flow rate of the two‐fluid H‐B model are considerably higher than those of the two‐fluid Casson model for a given set of values of the parameters. Further, it is found that the wall shear stress and longitudinal impedance are significantly lower for the two‐fluid H‐B model than those of the two‐fluid Casson model.
Structural Properties, Cytotoxicity, and Anti‐Inflammatory Activity of Silver(I) Complexes with tris(p‐tolyl)Phosphine and 5‐Chloro‐2‐Mercaptobenzothiazole
Authors: Kyros L. , Kourkoumelis N. , Kubicki M. , Male L. , Hursthouse M. B. , Verginadis I. I. , Gouma E. , Karkabounas S. , Charalabopoulos K. , Hadjikakou S. K.
Published: March 2010

The synthesis and characterization of the silver(I) chloride complex of formula {[AgCI(CMBZT)(TPTP)2] · (MeOH)} (1) (CMBZT = 5‐chloro‐2‐mercaptobenzothiazole, TPTP = tris(p‐tolyl)phosphine) is described. Also the structure of the hydrate derivative {[AgCI(TPTP)3] · (0.5 · H2O)} (2) of the corresponding known anhydrous silver complex (Zartilas et al., 2009), and the polymorph 3 of the known [AgI(TPTP)3] complex (Zartilas et al., 2009) were determined and compared with the known ones. In addition, the structure of the known one silver(I) cluster {[AgI(TPTP)]4} (4) (Meijboom et al., 2009) was re‐determined at 120(2) K and possible Ag‐Ag interactions were analyzed. The compounds 1–4 were characterized by X‐ray crystallography at r.t (1) and 120 K (2–4). All these complexes and (5) (Hmna = 2‐mercaptonicotinic acid) were evaluated for cytotoxic and anti‐inflammatory activity. The in vitro testing of cytotoxic activity of 1–5 against leiomyosarcoma cancer cells (LMS), were evaluated with Trypan Blue and Thiazolyl Blue Tetrazolium Bromide or 3‐(4.5‐dimethylthiazol‐2‐yl)‐2.5‐diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assays. The flow cytometry assay for complex 1 and showed that at 15 μM of 1, 62.38% of LMS cells undergo apoptosis, while 7% of LMS cells undergo cell necrosis. The antitumor activity of 3 is comparable with that of its reported polymorph (Zartilas et al., 2009). The anti‐inflammatory, activity of complexes 1–3 and 5 was also studied. The activity towards cell viability was 2 > 3 > 5 > 1 > 4, while the order of the inhibitory activity in cell growth proliferation follows the order, 2 > 3 > 1 > 4 > 5. The anti‐inflammatory activity on the other hand is 1 > 2 > 5 > ⋯>3.
A New Automated Sample Transfer System for Instrumental Neutron Activation Analysis
Authors: Ismail S. S.
Published: March 2010

A fully automated and fast pneumatic transport system for short-time activation analysis was recently developed. It is suitable for small nuclear research reactors or laboratories that are using neutron generators and other neutron sources. It is equipped with a programmable logic controller, software package, and 12 devices to facilitate optimal analytical procedures. 550 ms were only necessary to transfer the irradiated capsule (diameter: 15 mm, length: 50 mm, weight: 4 gram) to the counting chamber at a distance of 20 meters using pressurized air (4 bars) as a transport gas.
Quantum‐Dot‐Based Photon Emission and Media Conversion for Quantum Information Applications
Authors: Kumano H. , Nakajima H. , Ekuni S. , Idutsu Y. , Sasakura H. , Suemune I.
Published: March 2010

Single‐photon as well as polarization‐correlated photon pair emission from a single semiconductor quantum dots is demonstrated. Single photon generation and single photon‐pair generation with little uncorrelated multiphoton emission and the feasibility of media conversion of the quantum states between photon polarization and electron spin are fundamental functions for quantum information applications. Mutual media conversion for the angular momentum between photon polarization and electron spin is also achieved with high fidelity via positively charged exciton state without external magnetic field. This is a clear indication that the coupling of photon polarizations and electron spins keeps secured during whole processes before photon emission. Possibility of a metal‐embedded structure is demonstrated with the observation of drastic enhancement of excitation and/or collection efficiency of luminescence as well as clear antibunching of photons generated from a quantum dot.
Angiogenesis and Lymphangiogenesis of Gastric Cancer
Authors: Kitadai Yasuhiko
Published: March 2010

Tumor angiogenesis is the result of an imbalance between positive and negative angiogenic factors released by tumor and host cells into the microenvironment of the neoplastic tissue. The stroma constitutes a large part of most solid tumors, and cancer-stromal cell interactions contribute functionally to tumor growth and metastasis. Activated fibroblasts and macrophages in tumor stroma play important roles in angiogenesis and tumor progression. In gastric cancer, tumor cells and stromal cells produce various angiogenic factors, including vascular endothelial growth factor, interleukin-8, platelet-derived endothelial cell growth factor, and angiopoietin. In addition,Helicobacter pyloriinfection increases tumor cell expression of metastasis-related genes including those encoding several angiogenic factors. We review the current understanding of molecular mechanisms involved in angiogenesis and lymphangiogenesis of human gastric cancer.
Immunogenicity of Three Different Influenza Vaccines against Homologous and Heterologous Strains in Nursing Home Elderly Residents
Authors: Baldo Vincenzo , Baldovin Tatjana , Pellegrini Michele , Angiolelli Gabriele , Majori Silvia , Floreani Annarosa , Busana Marta Cecilia , Bertoncello Chiara , Trivello Renzo
Published: March 2010

We studied whether MF59‐adjuvanted influenza vaccine improves immunity against drifted influenza strains in institutionalised elderly with underling chronic health conditions. Sera from a randomized study, comparing MF59‐adjuvanted (Sub/MF59, n = 72), virosomal (SVV, n = 39), and split (n = 88) vaccines, were retested using a hemagglutination inhibition (HI) assay against homologous (Northern Hemisphere [NH] 1998/99) and drifted (NH 2006/07) strains. Corrected postvaccination HI antibody titres were significantly higher with Sub/MF59 than SVV for all strains; GMTs against homologous A/H3N2 and B and both drifted A strains were significantly higher for Sub/MF59 than split. Seroprotection rates and mean‐fold titer increases were generally higher with Sub/MF59 for all A influenza strains. MF59‐adjuvanted influenza vaccine induced greater and broader immune responses in elderly people with chronic conditions, than conventional virosomal and split vaccines, particularly for A/H1 and A/H3 strains, potentially giving clinical benefit in seasons where antigenic mismatch occurs.
The Penalty Method for a New System of Generalized Variational Inequalities
Authors: Tang Yu-Chao , Liu Li-Wei
Published: March 2010

We consider a new system of generalized variational inequalities (SGVI). Using the penalty methods, we prove the existence of solution of SGVI in Hilbert spaces. Our results extend and improve some known results.
Paging and Location Management in IEEE 802.16j Multihop Relay Network
Authors: Lin Kuan-Po , Wei Hung-Yu
Published: March 2010

IEEE 802.16j is an emerging wireless broadband networking standard that integrates infrastructure base stations with multihop relay technology. Based on the idle mode operation in IEEE 802.16j, we propose a novel location management and paging scheme. It integrates the paging area-based and the timer-based location update mechanism. In paging area-based scheme, an idle mode mobile station updates when it moves to a new paging area. In timer-based scheme, an idle mode MS updates when the location update timer expires. In this work, we formulate the mathematical model to evaluate the performance of the proposed paging scheme. A new random walk mobility model that is suitable for modeling in multihop relay network is created. Optimization of location update timer is also investigated.
Acquired von Willebrand syndrome in patients with ventricular assist device or total artificial heart
Authors: Beyersdorf Friedhelm , Nakamura Lea , Benk Christoph , Berchtold-Herz Michael , Trummer Georg , Schlensak Christian , Heilmann Claudia , Geisen Ulrich , Zieger Barbara
Published: March 2010

Unexplained bleeding episodes are associated with ventricular assist devices (VAD) and can occur in part due to acquired von Willebrand syndrome (AVWS). AVWS is characterised by loss of high molecular weight (HMW) multimers of von Willebrand factor (VWF) and decreased ratios of collagen binding capacity and ristocetin cofactor activity to VWF antigen. Loss of multimers can occur as VWF is subjected to increased shear stress, which occurs in presence of VADs. We studied 12 patients who required mechanical support of their native heart for terminal cardiac insufficiency. Nine patients underwent placement of a VAD, while three underwent placement of a total artificial heart (TAH), which is connected directly to heart and large cardiac vessels without cannulas. Within one day of VAD implantation, four of five patients evaluated demonstrated loss of HMW multimers and impaired VWF function. AVWS was present within two weeks of implantation in eight of nine patients, and in all seven tested patients after ≥3 months. Patients with different VAD types developed varying severities of AVWS. After VAD ex-plantation, HMW multimers were detectable and VWF function normalised in all patients. AVWS was not observed in the TAH patients studied. Our findings demonstrate that patients with an implanted VAD experience a rapid onset of AVWS that is quickly and completely reversed after device explantation. In addition, TAH patients do not develop AVWS. These results suggest that shear stress associated with exposure of blood to VAD cannulas and tubes may contribute to the development of AVWS.
The use of amlodipine, but not of P-glycoprotein inhibiting calcium channel blockers is associated with clopidogrel poor-response
Authors: Harmsze Ankie , Robijns Karen , van Werkum Jochem , Breet Nicoline , Hackeng Christian , ten Berg Jurrien , Ruven Hendrik , Klungel Olaf , Boer Anthonius de , Deneer Vera
Published: March 2010

Clopidogrel is a prodrug that has to be converted in vivo to its active metabolite by cytochrome (CYP)P450 iso-enzymes. As calcium channel blockers (CCBs) are inhibitors of CYP3A4, concomitant use of these drugs might play a role in the wide inter-individual variability in the response to clopidogrel. However, some CCBs also have strong inhibitory effects on the drug transporter P-glycoprotein (Pgp), which mediates clopidogrel‘s intestinal absorption. It was the aim of this study to evaluate the effect of co-administration of Pgp-inhibiting and non-Pgp-inhibiting CCBs on on-clopidogrel platelet reactivity in patients on dual antiplatelet therapy undergoing elective percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). In a total of 623 consecutive patients undergoing elective PCI treated with clopidogrel and aspirin, platelet reactivity to 5 and 20 μM adenosine diphospate (ADP) and clopidogrel poor-response (defined as > 70% platelet aggregation to 20 μM ADP) were evaluated by light transmittance aggregometry. A total of 222 patients (35.6%) were on CCB treatment, of which 98 used Pgp-inhibiting CCBs (verapamil, nifedipine, diltiazem, barnidipine) and 124 patients used the non-Pgp-inhibiting CCB amlodipine. Adjusted mean ADP-induced on-clopidogrel platelet reactivity was significantly higher in both users of Pgp-inhibiting CCBs and amlodipine as compared to CCB non-users (all p<0.05). However, only the use of amlodipine was significantly associated with a 2.3-fold increased risk of clopidogrel poor-response. This study demonstrates that concomitant use of Pgp-inhibiting CCBs and amlodipine increases on-clopidogrel platelet reactivity. Only amlodi-pine was associated with clopidogrel poor-response. The drug-drug interaction between clopidogrel and amlodipine might be more clinically relevant as compared to P-glycoprotein-inhibiting CCBs.
A comparison of platelet function tests and thromboxane metabolites to evaluate aspirin response in healthy individuals and patients with coronary artery disease
Authors: Hvas Anne-Mette , Johnsen Helle Ladefoged , Hedegaard Sofie Sommer , Pedersen Susanne Bendesgaard , Mortensen Jette , Kristensen Steen Dalby , Grove Erik Lerkevang
Published: March 2010

Individualised antiplatelet therapy and platelet function testing have attracted considerable clinical interest, but several aspects of test performance have not been thoroughly evaluated. We investigated repeatability and concordance of light transmission aggregometry (LTA) induced with arachidonic acid (AA) 1.0 mM, PFA-100® induced with collagen/epinephrine, multiple electrode aggregometry (MEA) induced with AA 0.5 or 0.75 mM and VerifyNow® Aspirin. Patients with stable coronary artery disease (n=43) and healthy individuals (n=21) were included. All tests were performed in duplicate at baseline in healthy individuals and in duplicate for four days in all study participants during aspirin treatment. Serum and urinary thromboxane metabolites were measured several times to evaluate cyclooxygenase-1 inhibition by aspirin. MEA was most sensitive for aspirin as treatment induced a 12-fold difference in AA-induced platelet aggregation. Coefficients of variation for duplicate measurements at baseline (0.4–12%), during aspirin treatment (3–46%) and for day-to-day variability (3–37%) differed markedly between tests and were lowest for VerifyNow®. The prevalence of aspirin low-responsiveness also differed between tests (0–9%) and the agreement was low: kappa≤0.21 for all tests compared with AA-induced LTA (reference test), which correlated best with VerifyNow® (r=0.43, p<0.001). Urinary thromboxane metabolites did not correlate with any platelet function test, whereas serum thromboxane correlated with VerifyNow® Aspirin (r=0.41, p=0.001). Overall, repeatability was moderate and the correlation between tests was low. VerifyNow® Aspirin proved most reproducible, and this was the only assay showing a significant positive correlation with serum thromboxane. This study demonstrated that conclusions based on platelet function testing strongly depend on the assay used.
4G/5G polymorphism and haplotypes of SERPINE1 in atherosclerotic diseases of coronary arteries
Authors: Schrempf Matthias , Erl Anna , Mueller Jakob , Hoppmann Petra , Schömig Albert , Kastrati Adnan , Koch Werner
Published: March 2010

We assessed the association between common variation at the SERPINE1 (PAI1) locus and myocardial infarction (MI). Haplotype-tagging polymorphisms, including the 4G/5G deletion/insertion polymorphism and seven single nucleotide polymorphisms, were analysed in a German sample containing 3,657 cases with MI and 1,211 controls. The association between the 4G/5G polymorphism and MI was examined in a meta-analysis of data extracted from 32 studies (13,267 cases/14,716 controls). In addition, the relation between the 4G/5G polymorphism and coronary diseases, comprising MI, coronary artery disease, coronary heart disease, or the acute coronary syndrome, was assessed in a combined analysis enclosing 43 studies (17,278 cases/18,039 controls). None of the tagging polymorphisms was associated with MI in the present sample (p ≤ 0.34). The adjusted odds ratio (OR) for 4G allele carriers was 1.02 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.87–1.19) compared to the 5G5G genotype. None of 13 common (frequency >1.0%) 8-marker haplotypes was related to the risk of MI. In a meta-analysis specifically addressing the association with MI, no elevated risk was found in the carriers of the 4G allele (OR 1.07, 95% CI 0.99–1.16; p = 0.11). A more general combined analysis of coronary diseases showed a marginally increased risk in 4G allele carriers (OR 1.08, 95% CI 1.00–1.16; p = 0.044). In essence, tagging polymorphisms, including the 4G/5G polymorphism, and common haplotypes of the SERPINE1 gene region were not associated with MI in a German sample, and no compelling evidence was obtained for a relationship of the 4G/5G polymorphism to MI and coronary atherosclerosis in a meta-analysis.