bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparação do estoque de C estimado em pastagens e vegetação nativa de Cerrado
Authors: Rosendo Jussara dos Santos , Rosa Roberto
Published: October 2012

As mudanças climáticas constituem uma ameaça para o meio ambiente e para o desenvolvimento sustentável no mundo. São causadas pelo aumento do efeito estufa acima do nível desejável, principalmente devido aos gases CO2, CH4 e N2O na atmosfera, sendo o CO2 o mais abundante. Os solos são reconhecidamente importantes sumidouros de gases do efeito estufa, especialmente para o CO2. O principal objetivo deste artigo foi comparar o estoque de carbono armazenado em solos sob pastagens e solos sob vegetação nativa de cerrado, na bacia hidrográfica do rio Araguari- MG. A metodologia da pesquisa envolveu as seguintes etapas: seleção das áreas ocupadas com pastagens e Cerrado; coleta de amostras de solo para determinação do estoque de carbono e análises de laboratório. Com apoio de imagens do sensor TM/Landsat5, foram coletadas amostras de solo em campo sob pastagem de brachiaria melhorada, pastagem de brachiaria degradada e cerrado, nas profundidades de 0 a 20 cm e 20 a 40 cm. Os resultados alcançados mostraram que a pastagem melhorada para a camada de 0 a 20 cm apresentou estoque de carbono de 43,92 Mg C ha-1, enquanto o cerrado 38,05 Mg C ha-1 e a pastagem degradada 34,63 Mg C ha-1, ao passo que à profundidade 20 a 40 cm, a pastagem melhorada atingiu 33,5 Mg C ha-1, o cerrado 26,80 Mg C ha-1 e a pastagem degradada 27,51 Mg C ha-1, o que permite concluir que pastagens bem estabelecidas e manejadas, podem contribuir no aumento da taxa de sequestro de carbono pelo solo. Entretanto, a falta de correção do solo, de adubação de manutenção, de controle de processos erosivos e de manejo adequado, com excesso de lotação (sobrepastejo) têm levado a um estágio de degradação das pastagens cultivadas, o que compromete a capacidade das mesmas de seqüestrar carbono.
An extended limit analysis of three-dimensional slope stability
Authors: GAO Y.F. , ZHANG F. , LEI G.H. , LI D.Y.
Published: October 2012

A three-dimensional rotational failure mechanism for earth slope is extended from toe failure to include face failure and base failure. An efficient optimisation method is simultaneously employed to find the least upper bounds to the critical height in order to avoid missing the global minimum. Compared with the results from analysis based on toe failure alone, best estimates of the critical height and the critical failure mechanism are obtained. The calculated results are given in the form of graphs and tables for a wide range of parameters. The critical failure surfaces are also investigated to assess the influences of geometrical constraint and soil property on failure mechanism.
Anesthesia Handoff: A Root Cause Analysis Based on a Near-Miss Scenario
Authors: Evanina Eileen Y. , Monceaux Nicole L.
Published: October 2012

The Joint Commission on Accreditation of Hospital Organization (JCAHO) has handoff requirements to create the safe and effective transfer of patient information between providers. Multiple studies have investigated standardized nurse-to-nurse handoffs and nurse-to-physician handoffs. However, very few studies have examined handoff communication between anesthesia providers. A near-miss scenario during a sitting craniotomy procedure is reviewed, and a root cause analysis conducted to demonstrate the importance of communication and how a standardized anesthesia handoff tool can facilitate patient safety.
Evaluating and Managing Uncomplicated Skin and Soft Tissue Infections Associated With Community-Associated Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus for Outpatients: A Review of the Literature
Authors: Winstead Yvette
Published: October 2012

Purpose: The purpose of this literature review is to determine how clinicians evaluate and manage uncomplicated skin and soft tissue infections caused by Staphylococcus aureus. Data Source: The research topic is explored based on an electronic search for literature published between 2003 and 2008 in MEDLINE and PubMed. The following search terms were used to secure noteworthy academic studies: skin abscess incision and drainage, incision and drainage, skin and soft tissue abscesses, uncomplicated skin and soft tissue abscesses, and antibiotics for soft tissue infections. Conclusions: A clinical practice guideline based on evidence-based practice will provide clinicians with an appropriate treatment protocol for uncomplicated skin and soft tissue abscesses. An evidence-based clinical practice guideline has the potential to positively influence patient outcomes and eliminate the unnecessary use of antibiotics. Implications for Practice: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines for the management of skin and soft tissue infections should be adopted by all clinicians in an effort to standardize treatment. Furthermore, clinicians must stay informed about the epidemiological and treatment of emerging organisms in their patient populations.
Upland and Lowland Soil Resources of the Ancient Maya at Tikal, Guatemala
Authors: Burnett Richard L. , Terry Richard E. , Sweetwood Ryan V. , Webster David , Murtha Tim , Silverstein Jay
Published: October 2012

Debate over agricultural methods and productivity during the Preclassic and Classic Maya period (1000 BCE to 900 CE) focuses on the agronomic utility of both upland and lowland soil resources of the karst topography characteristic of northern Guatemala and much of the Yucatan peninsula. In settings where direct evidence of agriculture is sparse, stable carbon (C) isotope evidence from soil organic matter (SOM) provides information on past vegetation changes related to ancient maize agriculture. Areas of ancient sustained maize cultivation can be identified in an ecosystem dominated by C3forest vegetation because of the unique C4photosynthetic pathway of maize. The decomposition of plant materials with divergent photosynthetic mechanisms (C3versus C4) results in SOM with correspondingly distinct stable C isotope ratios (δ13C). Such differences are preserved and detectable within the refractory humin fraction of the SOM. This study analyzes the physical and chemical soil properties including stable C isotopes of soils collected from upland and lowland locations near Tikal, Guatemala. Toeslope soils contained strong isotopic evidence of C4vegetation likely the result of ancient maize agriculture, while the evidence from shallow soils of the summit and backslopes was less conclusive. In both upland and lowland contexts, however, the stronger evidence of ancient vegetation shifts associated with maize agriculture was found in the deeper fine‐textured soils in the footslopes and toeslopes. Examination of soils on toeslopes revealed evidence of deposition from erosional processes upslope that may have been related to the spread of agriculture to less productive soils over time.
Manganiferous Soils in Maryland: Regional Extent and Field‐Scale Electromagnetic Induction Survey
Authors: Bourgault Rebecca R. , Rabenhorst Martin C.
Published: October 2012

There are some unique soils in central Maryland with extremely high quantities of Mn and Fe oxides, up to 141 g kg−1 Mn and 169 g kg−1 Fe (extracted by dithionite–citrate–bicarbonate). Such high quantities of Mn oxides have pigmented the entire soil matrix black in subsoil horizons. Previously, little was known about the extent of these manganiferous soils in Maryland. Pedons were observed in transects across several fields containing manganiferous soils to better understand their spatial variability and possible relationship to landscape and geology. Manganiferous soils are heterogeneous; some pedons show modest to moderate Mn enrichment in the form of black nodules or coatings, while other pedons show extreme Mn enrichment in the form of black, loamy material up to 8.5 m deep. The soils seem to occur in relation to areas mapped as having marble bedrock in the geologic survey. The utility of electromagnetic induction (EMI) for delineating manganiferous soil units was tested for the first time. Apparent electrical conductivity (ECa) readings from the EM38DD EMI sensor had a significant empirical relationship to Mn content of the studied soils (R2 = 0.88), so maps generated from ECa data correspond reasonably well to observations made during transect work. Electromagnetic induction is therefore a useful tool for delineating manganiferous soils, which occurred in units of approximately 1 to 2 ha in each of the three fields observed.
Estimating the soil erosion and deposition rate using 137Cs tracer method in the catchment of Drenova reservoir (B&H)
Authors: Tosic Radislav , Dragicevic Slavoljub , Bikit Istvan , Forkapic Sofija , Mrdja Dusan , Todorovic Natasa , Blagojevic Branislav
Published: October 2012

There are many limitations associated with traditional approaches to
estimation of soil erosion and deposition rates. Recently attention has been
focused on 137Cs and successful usage of this isotope in soil erosion
studies. This paper presents the results of measurements of 137Cs in soil
profiles which were sampled within catchments of Drenova reservoir. The
proportional model and a simplified version of the mass balance model were
used to estimate the mean soil loss or deposition redistributions rates. The
aim of this study is to estimate the soil erosion and deposition rates using
137Cs tracer model, as a support for the results obtained by empirical
methodology.
Spatial distribution of coefficients for determination of global radiation in Serbia
Authors: Nikolic Jugoslav , Nikolic Djordje
Published: October 2012

The aim of this paper is a creation of the spatial distribution of the
corresponding coefficients for the indirect determination of global radiation
using all direct measurements data of this shortwave radiation balance
component in Serbia in the standard climate period (1961-1990). Based on the
global radiation direct measurements data recorded in the past and routine
measurements/observations of cloudiness and sunshine duration, the spatial
distribution coefficients maps required for calculation of global radiation
were produced on the basis of sunshine/cloudiness in an arbitrary point on
the territory of Serbia. Besides, a specific verification of the proposed
empirical formula was performed. This paper contributes to a wide range of
practical applications as direct measurements of global radiation are
relatively rare, and are not carried out in Serbia today. Significant
application is possible in the domain of renewable energy sources. The
development of method for determination of the global radiation has an
importance from the aspect of the environmental protection; however it also
has an economic importance through applications in numerous commercial
projects, as it does not require special measurements or additional financial
investments.
Electrochemical separation of 90-yttrium in the electrochemical 90Sr/90Y generator and its use for radiolabelling of DOTA-conjugated somatostatin analog [DOTA0, Tyr3] octreotate
Authors: Petrovic Djordje , Nikolic Nadezda , Stankovic Dragana , Djokic Divna
Published: October 2012

Radiopharmaceuticals based on 90Y are widely used in the treatment of
malignant deseases. In order to meet the requirements for their future
application, a 90Sr/90Y generator was developed and 90Y eluted from this
locally produced generator was used for the radiolabelling of the
DOTA-conjugated somatostatin analog [DOTA0,Tyr3] octreotate and the
preparation of [90Y-DOTA0,Tyr3] octreotate (90Y-DOTATATE) for peptide
receptore radionuclide therapy. 90Sr/90Y generator was based on the
electrochemical separation of 90Y from 90Sr in a two-cycle electrolysis
procedure. Three electrode cells were used to perform both electrolyses. In
both cycles, working electrodes were kept on constant potential. The pH of
the solution was adjusted to 2.7 of the value before the electrolyses. The
radionuclidic purity of the 90Y solution was analysed by ITLC and extraction
paper chromatography. The labelling of peptide (100 mg DOTATATE) with 90YCl3
was performed at 95?C for 30 minutes. Radiochemical purity was determined by
HPLC and chromatographic separation, using a solid SepPak C-18 column.
Results obtained confirmed the efficiency of our electrochemical separation
technique and quality control methods for 90Y. The achieved efficiency of the
90Sr/90Y generator above 96% of the theoretical value represents a good basis
for the further development of this generator. The labelling of the DOTATATE
with 90Y exhibited a high efficiency, too: there was less than 1% of 90Y3+in
the 90Y-DOTATATE.
Patient doses in computed tomography: An assessment of local diagnostic reference levels in a large teaching hospital
Authors: Hadnadjev Darka , Arandjic Danijela , Stojanovic Sanja , Ciraj-Bjelac Olivera , Bozovic Predrag , Stankovic Jelena
Published: October 2012

This paper presents an estimation of local diagnostic reference levels in
computed tomography in a large teaching hospital. Local diagnostic reference
levels, expressed in terms of volume weighted computed tomography dose index
and dose-length product, were estimated for three most frequent adult
computer tomography examinations: head, abdomen and pelvis combined, and
thorax. The established local diagnostic reference levels values were similar
or slightly higher compared to the available guidelines, indicating the
possibility for optimization of current practice. Analyzing the protocols
used here and recently published studies on dose reduction in computed
tomography, a dose-reduction technique, was proposed to decrease tube current
values in all three examinations. However, the optimization should be
restricted only to standard-sized patients.
Multiple Auditing Standards and Standard Setting: Implications for Practice and Education
Authors: Cullinan Charles P. , Earley Christine E. , Roush Pamela B.
Published: October 2012

We organized a panel discussion on the roles of the multiple auditing standard setters and the implications of these multiple sets of standards for practice and education. The session took place at the American Accounting Association (AAA) Auditing Section Meeting in Savannah, Georgia in January 2012. In this paper, we discuss the roles of the various auditing standards setters (e.g., Auditing Standards Board [ASB], Public Company Accounting Oversight Board [PCAOB], International Auditing and Assurance Standards Board [IAASB]) and how the standards have diverged over time. We then present panelists' responses to questions raised during the session, which reflect differing perspectives concerning why multiple standards may be necessary, barriers to a more unified structure for auditing standards, and differences in enforcement and quality assessment. The panelists also discussed challenges posed by the existence of multiple standards for CPA firms, students, and instructors, and how these challenges may be addressed by both educators and accounting firms.
Temperature dependence of the optical properties of Bi2O3. A theoretical approach basing on the Kramers-Kronig transformation for polynomial mixed terms models
Authors: Murariu Gabriel , Condurache-Bota Simona
Published: October 2012

The Kramers-Kronig transforms (KK) constitute a powerful tool to validate experimental data. The present study is implemented for Bi2O3 thin films deposited by thermal vacuum evaporation at different temperatures of the glass substrates. Since the extraordinary properties of this fabric allow us to consider particular analytical approach as it was previously shown, the reflectance properties of Bi2O3 as a function of temperature could be studied.

The novelty of this article is the studying of a global effective analytical representation, based on polynomial functions, in order to obtain a general model that includes temperature dependence of the optical properties, using the Kramers-Kronig transformation type. In the mathematical expressions, were included mix combined term in order to avoid the effects of Runge phenomenon. As a case study was chosen Bi2O3 — a substance less studied in literature. In the last part are the presented and commented the results obtained for a series of eight studied models.
Impact of wild herbivorous mammals and birds on the altitudinal and northern treeline ecotones
Authors: Holtmeier Friedrich-Karl
Published: October 2012

Wild herbivorous mammals may damage treeline vegetation an cause soil erosion at a local scale. In many high mountain areas of Europe and North America, large numbers of red deer have become a threat to the maintenance of high-elevation forests and attempts to restore the climatic treeline. In northern Fennoscandia, overgrazing by reindeer in combination with mass outbreaks of the autumnal moth are influencing treeline dynamics. Moose are also increasingly involved damaging treeline forest. In the Alps, the re-introduction of ibex is causing local damage to subalpine forests and tree establishment above the forest limit as well as aggravating soil erosion. High-elevation forests and treeline in Europe are susceptible to the deleterious impact of wild ungulate populations because of former extensive pastoral use. Rodents may damage tree seedlings and saplings by girdling, root cutting, bark stripping and burrowing. Hares damage young trees by gnawing. Large numbers of small rodents may occasionally impede tree regeneration by depleting the seed sources. Rodents do not contribute to forest expansion beyond the current treeline. Among birds, nutcrackers are highly effective in influencing tree distribution patterns and treeline dynamics. Without the nutcracker caching of stone pine seeds any upward advance of the trees in response to climatic warming would be impossible. Some bird species such as black grouse, willow grouse and ptarmigan can impair tree growth by feeding on buds, catkins and fresh terminal shoots.
How Teacher Turnover Harms Student Achievement
Authors: Ronfeldt Matthew , Loeb Susanna , Wyckoff James
Published: October 2012

Researchers and policymakers often assume that teacher turnover harms student achievement, though recent studies suggest this may not be the case. Using a unique identification strategy that employs school-by-grade level turnover and two classes of fixed-effects models, this study estimates the effects of teacher turnover on over 850,000 New York City fourth- and fifth-grade student observations over 8 years. The results indicate that students in grade levels with higher turnover score lower in both English language arts (ELA) and math and that these effects are particularly strong in schools with more low-performing and Black students. Moreover, the results suggest that there is a disruptive effect of turnover beyond changing the distribution in teacher quality.
Surgical results of the Carotid Occlusion Surgery Study
Authors: Grubb Robert L. , Powers William J. , Clarke William R. , Videen Tom O. , Adams Harold P. , Derdeyn Colin P. , _ _
Published: October 2012

Object

The Carotid Occlusion Surgery Study (COSS) was conducted to determine if superficial temporal artery–middle cerebral artery (STA-MCA) bypass, when added to the best medical therapy, would reduce subsequent ipsilateral stroke in patients with complete internal carotid artery (ICA) occlusion and an elevated oxygen extraction fraction (OEF) in the cerebral hemisphere distal to the occlusion. A recent publication documented the methodology of the COSS in detail and briefly outlined the major findings of the trial. The surgical results of the COSS are described in detail in this report.

Methods

The COSS was a prospective, parallel-group, 1:1 randomized, open-label, blinded-adjudication treatment trial. Participants, who had angiographically demonstrated complete occlusion of the ICA causing either a transient ischemic attack or ischemic stroke within 120 days and hemodynamic cerebral ischemia indicated by an increased OEF measured by PET, were randomized to either surgical or medical treatment. One hundred ninety-five patients were randomized: 97 to the surgical group and 98 to the medical group. The surgical patients underwent an STA-MCA cortical branch anastomosis.

Results

In the intention-to-treat analysis, the 2-year rates for the primary end point were 21% for the surgical group and 22.7% for the medical group (p = 0.78, log-rank test). Fourteen (15%) of the 93 patients who had undergone an arterial bypass had a primary end point ipsilateral hemispheric stroke in the 30-day postoperative period, 12 within 2 days after surgery. The STA-MCA arterial bypass patency rate was 98% at the 30-day postoperative visit and 96% at the last follow-up examination. The STA-MCA arterial bypass markedly improved, although it did not normalize, the level of elevated OEF in the symptomatic cerebral hemisphere. Five surgically treated and 1 nonsurgically treated patients in the surgical group had a primary end point ipsilateral hemispheric stroke after the 30-day postoperative period. No baseline characteristics or intraoperative variables revealed those who would experience a procedure-related stroke.

Conclusions

Despite excellent bypass graft patency and improved cerebral hemodynamics, STA-MCA anastomosis did not provide an overall benefit regarding ipsilateral 2-year stroke recurrence, mainly because of a much better than expected stroke recurrence rate (22.7%) in the medical group, but also because of a significant postoperative stroke rate (15%). Clinical trial registration no.: NCT00029146.
Long-term hearing outcomes following stereotactic radiosurgery for vestibular schwannoma: patterns of hearing loss and variables influencing audiometric decline
Authors: Carlson Matthew L. , Jacob Jeffrey T. , Pollock Bruce E. , Neff Brian A. , Tombers Nicole M. , Driscoll Colin L. W. , Link Michael J.
Published: October 2012

Object

The goals of this retrospective cohort study were as follows: 1) to describe the long-term prevalence and timing of hearing deterioration following low-dose (12- to 13-Gy marginal dose) stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) for vestibular schwannoma (VS); and 2) to identify clinical variables associated with long-term preservation of useful hearing following treatment.

Methods

Patients with serviceable hearing who underwent SRS for VS between 1997 and 2002 were studied. Data including radiosurgery treatment plans, tumor characteristics, pre- and posttreatment pure tone average, speech discrimination scores, and American Academy of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery hearing class were collected. Time to nonserviceable hearing was estimated using the Kaplan-Meier method. Univariate and multivariate associations with time to nonserviceable hearing were evaluated using Cox proportional hazards regression models.

Results

Forty-four patients met the study criteria and were included. The median duration of audiometric follow-up was 9.3 years. Thirty-six patients developed nonserviceable hearing at a mean of 4.2 years following SRS. The Kaplan-Meier estimated rates of serviceable hearing at 1, 3, 5, 7, and 10 years following SRS were 80%, 55%, 48%, 38%, and 23%, respectively. Multivariate analysis revealed that pretreatment ipsilateral pure tone average (p < 0.001) and tumor size (p = 0.009) were statistically significantly associated with time to nonserviceable hearing.

Conclusions

Durable hearing preservation a decade after low-dose SRS for VS occurs in less than one-fourth of patients. Variables including preoperative hearing capacity and tumor size may be used to predict hearing outcomes following treatment. These findings may assist in pretreatment risk disclosure. Furthermore, these data demonstrate the importance of long-term follow-up when reporting audiometric outcomes following SRS for VS.
World Literature as a Communal Apartment: Semyon Lipkin's Ethics of Translational Difference
Authors: Gould Rebecca
Published: October 2012

Semyon Lipkin (1911–2003) was one of the Soviet Union's most productive and visionary translators. In addition to introducing Russian readers to Persianate literary traditions and to the oral epics of the indigenous peoples of Central Asia and the Caucasus, he produced original literary works inspired by his translating activities. At considerable political risk to himself, Lipkin activated translation's potential to stimulate cultural change. He countered the ethnic nationalism that dominated Soviet policy with an ethics of translational difference. This essay shows how Lipkin's approach to translation relates to his vision of world literature. A translated extract from Lipkin's autobiography, provided in a supplementary file online, gives his own account of his tribulations and accomplishments.
Oribatid Mite Community Decline Two Years after Low-Intensity Burning in the Southern Cascade Range of California, USA
Authors: Camann Michael , Lamoncha Karen , Gillette Nancy
Published: October 2012

To assess effects of low-intensity fire, we combined two silvicultural prescriptions with prescribed fire in the California Cascade Range. In the first treatment, two 100-ha stands were thinned to reduce density while retaining old-growth structural characteristics, yielding residual stands with high structural diversity (HSD). Two other 100-ha plots were thinned to minimize old growth structure, producing even-aged stands of low structural diversity (LSD), and one 50-ha split-plot from each treatment was burned. In addition, two 50 ha old-growth Research Natural Areas (RNA) were selected as untreated reference plots, one of which was also burned. Fire treatments profoundly altered mite assemblages in the short term, and forest structure modification likely exacerbated that response. Sampling conducted two years following treatment confirmed a continuing decline in oribatid mite abundance. Oribatid species richness and assemblage heterogeneity also declined, and community dominance patterns were disrupted. Oribatid responses to fire were either more intense or began earlier in the LSD treatments, suggesting that removal of old-growth structure exacerbated mite responses to fire. Prostigmatids recovered quickly, but their populations nonetheless diminished significantly in burned split-plots. Mite assemblage responses to prescribed fire were continuing nearly two years later, with no clear evidence of recovery.
Valuation of Green Walls and Green Roofs as Soundscape Measures: Including Monetised Amenity Values Together with Noise-attenuation Values in a Cost-benefit Analysis of a Green Wall Affecting Courtyards
Authors: Veisten Knut , Smyrnova Yuliya , Klæboe Ronny , Hornikx Maarten , Mosslemi Marjan , Kang Jian
Published: October 2012

Economic unit values of soundscape/acoustic effects have been based on changes in the number of annoyed persons or on decibel changes. The normal procedure has been the application of these unit values to noise-attenuation measures affecting the noisier façade of a dwelling. Novel modular vegetation-based soundscape measures, so-called green walls, might be relevant for both noisy and quieter areas. Moreover, their benefits will comprise noise attenuation as well as non-acoustic amenity effects. One challenge is to integrate the results of some decades of non-acoustic research on the amenity value of urban greenery into design of the urban sound environment, and incorporate these non-acoustic properties in the overall economic assessment of noise control and overall sound environment improvement measures. Monetised unit values for green walls have been included in two alternative cases, or demonstration projects, of covering the entrances to blocks of flats with a green wall. Since these measures improve the noise environment on the quiet side of the dwellings and courtyards, not the most exposed façade, adjustment factors to the nominal quiet side decibel reductions to arrive at an estimate of the equivalent overall acoustic improvement have been applied. A cost-benefit analysis of the green wall case indicates that this measure is economically promising, when valuing the noise attenuation in the quieter area and adding the amenity/aesthetic value of the green wall.
Investigation into the Effect of Molds in Grasses on Their Content of Low Molecular Mass Thiols
Authors: Skladanka Jiri , Adam Vojtech , Zitka Ondrej , Krystofova Olga , Beklova Miroslava , Kizek Rene , Havlicek Zdenek , Slama Petr , Nawrath Adam
Published: October 2012

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of molds on levels of low molecular mass thiols in grasses. For this purpose, the three grass species Lolium perenne, Festulolium pabulare and Festulolium braunii were cultivated and sampled during four months, from June to September. The same species were also grown under controlled conditions. High-performance liquid chromatography with electrochemical detection was used for quantification of cysteine, reduced (GSH) and oxidized (GSSG) glutathione, and phytochelatins (PC2, PC3, PC4 and PC5). Data were statistically processed and analyzed. Thiols were present in all examined grass species. The effect of fungicide treatments applied under field conditions on the content of the evaluated thiols was shown to be insignificant. Species influenced (p < 0.05) PC3 and GSSG content. F. pabulare, an intergeneric hybrid of drought- and fungi-resistant Festuca arundinacea, was comparable in PC3 content with L. perenne and F. braunii under field conditions. Under controlled conditions, however, F. pabulare had higher (p < 0.05) PC3 content than did L. perenne and F. braunii. Under field conditions, differences between the evaluated species were recorded only in GSSG content, but only sampling in June was significant. F. pabulare had higher (p < 0.05) GSSG content in June than did L. perenne and F. braunii.
Evaluation of the Impact of the Plastic BioSand Filter on Health and Drinking Water Quality in Rural Tamale, Ghana
Authors: Stauber Christine , Kominek Byron , Liang Kaida , Osman Mumuni , Sobsey Mark
Published: October 2012

A randomized controlled trial of the plastic BioSand filter (BSF) was performed in rural communities in Tamale (Ghana) to assess reductions in diarrheal disease and improvements in household drinking water quality. Few studies of household water filters have been performed in this region, where high drinking water turbidity can be a challenge for other household water treatment technologies. During the study, the longitudinal prevalence ratio for diarrhea comparing households that received the plastic BSF to households that did not receive it was 0.40 (95% confidence interval: 0.05, 0.80), suggesting an overall diarrheal disease reduction of 60%. The plastic BSF achieved a geometric mean reduction of 97% and 67% for E. coli and turbidity, respectively. These results suggest the plastic BSF significantly improved drinking water quality and reduced diarrheal disease during the short trial in rural Tamale, Ghana. The results are similar to other trials of household drinking water treatment technologies.
Asymmetric Dimethylarginine Plasma Levels and Endothelial Function in Newly Diagnosed Type 2 Diabetic Patients
Authors: Sciacqua Angela , Grillo Nadia , Quero Michele , Sesti Giorgio , Perticone Francesco
Published: October 2012

It is now well established that major risk factors for cardiovascular diseases (CVD) impact upon endothelial function by decreasing nitric oxide (NO) bioavailability. Asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA), an endogenous analog of l-arginine, is able to inhibit the activity of endothelial-NO synthase, promoting endothelial dysfunction. Type 2 diabetes (T2D) is characterized by a reduced endothelium-dependent vasodilation and increased ADMA levels and ADMA is strongly associated with micro- and macrovascular diabetic complications. However, there are not a lot of data about the role of ADMA on endothelial function in newly diagnosed T2D patients without cardiovascular (CV) complications. For this aim, we have enrolled forty-five newly diagnosed T2D patients, evaluated by a oral glucose tolerance test, and thirty normal subjects. Endothelium-dependent and -independent vasodilatation was investigated by intra-arterial infusion of increasing doses of acetylcholine (ACh) and sodium nitroprusside. ADMA was measured by high-performance liquid chromatography and insulin resistance (IR) by HOMA. Newly diagnosed T2D patients showed higher ADMA and l-arginine mean values in comparison with normal subjects and a significantly reduced ACh-stimulated forearm blood flow (FBF). In T2D patients FBF was significantly and inversely correlated with ADMA (r = −0.524, p < 0.0001) and in a multivariate regression analysis, ADMA resulted the stronger predictor of FBF, explaining the 27.5% of variability (p < 0.0001). In conclusion, ADMA was strongly related to endothelial dysfunction also in patients with newly diagnosed T2D, without clinically manifest vascular complications. This field is of great interest for understanding the mechanisms underlying the pathogenesis of diabetic disease and its CV complications.
Fröhlich Condensate: Emergence of Synergetic Dissipative Structures in Information Processing Biological and Condensed Matter Systems
Authors: Vasconcellos Áurea R. , Vannucchi Fabio Stucchi , Mascarenhas Sérgio , Luzzi Roberto
Published: October 2012

We consider the case of a peculiar complex behavior in open boson systems sufficiently away from equilibrium, having relevance in the functioning of information-processing biological and condensed matter systems. This is the so-called Fröhlich–Bose–Einstein condensation, a self-organizing-synergetic dissipative structure, a phenomenon apparently working in biological processes and present in several cases of systems of boson-like quasi-particles in condensed inorganic matter. Emphasis is centered on the quantum-mechanical-statistical irreversible thermodynamics of these open systems, and the informational characteristics of the phenomena.
Two New Glycosides from the Fruits of Morinda citrifolia L.
Authors: Hu Ming-Xu , Zhang Hong-Cai , Wang Yu , Liu Shu-Min , Liu Li
Published: October 2012

To study the chemical constituents of the fruits of noni (Morinda citrifolia L.), and find novel compounds, an n-butanol extract of the ethanol soluble fraction was subjected to repeated silica gel and ODS column chromatography and HPLC. Two new glycosides were isolated and their structures elucidated by NMR and HRFAB-MS spectrometry as (2E,4E,7Z)-deca-2,4,7-trienoate-2-O-β-D-glucopyranosyl-β-D-glucopyra-noside (1) and amyl-1-O-β-D-apio-furanosyl-1,6-O-β-D-glucopyranoside (2), respectively.
N = (4,4) Supersymmetry and T-Duality
Authors: Göteman Malin
Published: October 2012

A sigma model with four-dimensional target space parametrized by chiral and twisted chiral N =(2,2) superfields can be extended to N =(4,4) supersymmetry off-shell, but this is not true for a model of semichiral fields, where the N = (4,4) supersymmetry can only be realized on-shell. The two models can be related to each other by T-duality. In this paper we perform a duality transformation from a chiral and twisted chiral model with off-shell N = (4,4) supersymmetry to a semichiral model. We find that additional non-linear terms must be added to the original transformations to obtain a semichiral model with N =(4,4) supersymmetry, and that the algebra closes on-shell as a direct consequence of the T-duality.
MicroRNAs, Hepatitis C Virus, and HCV/HIV-1 Co-Infection: New Insights in Pathogenesis and Therapy
Authors: Gupta Archana , Swaminathan Gokul , Martin-Garcia Julio , Navas-Martin Sonia
Published: October 2012

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) can exert a profound effect on Hepatitis C virus (HCV) replication. The interaction of HCV with the highly liver-enriched miRNA, miR-122 represents one such unique example of viruses having evolved mechanism(s) to usurp the host miRNA machinery to support viral life cycle. Furthermore, HCV infection can also trigger changes in the cellular miRNA profile, which may ultimately contribute to the outcome of viral infection. Accumulating knowledge on HCV-host miRNA interactions has ultimately influenced the design of therapeutic interventions against chronic HCV infection. The importance of microRNA modulation in Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV-1) replication has been reported, albeit only in the context of HIV-1 mono-infection. The development of HCV infection is dramatically influenced during co-infection with HIV-1. Here, we review the current knowledge on miRNAs in HCV mono-infection. In addition, we discuss the potential role of some miRNAs, identified from the analyses of public data, in HCV/HIV-1 co-infection.
Revealing thermal effects in the electronic transport through irradiated atomic metal point contacts
Authors: Kopp Bastian , Yi Zhiwei , Benner Daniel , Xie Fang-Qing , Obermair Christian , Schimmel Thomas , Boneberg Johannes , Leiderer Paul , Scheer Elke
Published: October 2012

We report on the electronic transport through nanoscopic metallic contacts under the influence of external light fields. Various processes can be of relevance here, whose underlying mechanisms can be studied by comparing different kinds of atomic contacts. For this purpose two kinds of contacts, which were established by electrochemical deposition, forming a gate-controlled quantum switch (GCQS), have been studied. We demonstrate that in these kinds of contacts thermal effects resulting from local heating due to the incident light, namely thermovoltage and the temperature dependences of the electrical resistivity and the electrochemical (Helmholtz) double layer are the most prominent effects.
Quand les enfants parlent l'ordre social
Authors: Lignier Wilfried , Pagis Julie
Published: October 2012

Résumé À quel point les enfants perçoivent-ils le monde qui les entoure comme un ordre social  ? À la fin des années 1990, Bernard Zarca s’est penché empiriquement sur cette question du « sens social » des enfants, appréhendé comme une capacité individuelle à hiérarchiser divers métiers. L’enquête que nous avons menée au sein de deux écoles primaires reproduit son expérimentation par tâches autour de classements de métiers, mais dans le cadre d’un dispositif collectif , permettant d’observer la manière dont les classements s’insèrent dans les interactions entre enfants. À l’attention statistique aux produits de la pratique (comment les enfants ont classé) nous avons substitué dans le cadre de cet article une attention ethnographique aux formats de la pratique elle-même (comment les enfants classent). De façon générale, nous mettons l’accent sur le fait qu’il est discutable d’envisager le rapport des enfants à l’ordre social indépendamment : 1) d’une part, des moyens dont disposent les enfants pour l’exprimer ; 2) et d’autre part, de la situation concrète dans laquelle ce rapport s’exprime. Notre enquête suggère ainsi de distinguer les possibilités culturelles de classer, des dispositions et des intérêts à le faire effectivement, dans la mesure où face aux autres, classer signifie toujours se classer, se situer socialement.
Réflexions sur le choix du manuscrit de base aujourd’hui ou La précaution inutile ?
Authors: Delsaux Olivier , Hemelryck Tania Van
Published: October 2012

Cet article propose une réflexion sur les enjeux actuels du choix du manuscrit de base dans les éditions de textes en moyen français. Il vise notamment à mesurer la place qu’occupe et que peut occuper l’approche externe du manuscrit dans l’évaluation de son utilité éditoriale. Sont plus particulièrement envisagés les critères suivants : technologie (manuscrit vs imprimé), facture, support, calligraphie, illustration, producteur, premier possesseur, dédicataire, lecteur. L’article offre ainsi un panorama de la façon dont les sciences auxiliaires de l’archéologie du livre ont influencé les cadres théoriques et pratiques de la philologie française depuis les trente dernières années.
Energy Absorption Properties of Paper-Based Packaging Materials as Response to Various Ambient Humidities
Authors: E Yu Ping
Published: October 2012

The effect of relative humidity (RH) on the energy absorption characteristics of honeycomb paperboard and multi-layered corrugated paperboard (MLCP) is investigated experimentally. The concept of specific load is employed to compare the energy absorption properties of these two structural parts with different constructions and materials. Results indicate that energy absorption capacity of honeycomb paperboard is insensitive to RH in the range of 40%~75%; when RH is higher than 75%, energy absorption decreased significantly with the increasing of RH. While for MLCP, its energy absorption properties decline continually by small margin as the RH increase in relative humidity range between 40%-95%. Energy absorption properties of honeycomb paperboard far outweigh that of MLCP in humidity range of 40%-85%, however, in extremely humid environment (95%RH), energy absorption of honeycomb paperboard is nearly equal to that of MLCP. Results of this research can be applied in the optimum design and material selection of paper-based cushioning materials in actual logistics environments.
Research on the Dropping Impact Performance of Transporting Packages of Crown Pears
Authors: Cui Chang Wei
Published: October 2012

In this paper, the repeated dropping impact tests of transporting packages of crown pear were implemented to study the cushion performance of the corrugated papers, which used as the buffer liner, including three-storey , five-storey and seven-storey corrugated boards. The results show that there are three stages in the process of peak acceleration varied with the impact cycles, and the repeated impact strengths of transporting packages of the fruit obviously increase with the increasing wall number of cushion boards.
Study on Cationic Polyacrylate Emulsion to Paper Printing Performance
Authors: Liu Quan Xiao , Xu Wen Cai , Yin Yan Na
Published: October 2012

Cationic polyacrylate emulsion was used as surface sizing agent and the effects of emulsion properties on paper printability were studied. Cationic polyacrylate emulsion increases the printability of sized paper. The printability has greatly improved increase with the increase use of emulsion dosage, but the increase of emulsion viscosity influences the printing operation, and one layer of emulsion has already achieve the desired effect, therefore one layer of emulsion is properly.
Study on Surface Sizing of Cationic Polyacrylate Emulsion to Improve Mechanical Properties of Paper
Authors: Liu Quan Xiao , Xu Wen Cai , Yin Yan Na
Published: October 2012

Cationic polyacrylate emulsion was used as surface sizing agent and the effects of emulsion properties on paper mechanical properties were studied. The mechanical properties of sized paper gradually increased with the increase of solid content, viscosity and positive charge density of emulsion and decreased with the increase of particle size of emulsion. Tensile strength, folding endurance and tearing strength on machine direction were increased 33.62%, 11.99%, 6.79% respectively when the paper with single emulsion layer was used oven drying methods.
Mechanical Performance and Microstructure of Plant Fiber Reinforced LDPE Foamed Composites
Authors: Zeng Guang Sheng , Xu Cheng
Published: October 2012

Plant fiber reinforced LDPE foamed composite was prepared with recycled corrugated paperboard, LDPE together with certain additives. The mechanical performances were tested and the effects of formula combinations on them were investigated. SEM was adopted to explore the effect of foaming agent on the microstructure of the composites. The results show that: 1) the tensile strength and bending strength increased while the notched impact strength and the elongation rate at break decreased with the plant fiber content. 2) The coupling agent LDPE-g-MAH could greatly improve the tensile strength and bending strength and the best mechanical performances were obtained at the coupling agent concentration of 5 wt% to that of plant fiber. 3) AC foaming agent brought down the density of the foamed composites, but the remerged cells became bigger and the tensile as well as bending strength declined with further over adding of AC. 4) the SEM observation showed a well-distributed cell size and more spherical cell shape as AC concentration going up within certain range.
Biomimetic Water Vapor Barrier Composite Films
Authors: Han Li , Wang Jia Jun , Shen Jie , Gao Chang
Published: October 2012

A new type of barrier composite film, imitating the structure of apple peel, was prepared in this study. Paraffins, sodium alginate, stearic acid and carboxymethyl cellulose were used to mimic the wax layer, cuticle, pectin layer and single-cell layer of the apple peel, respectively. Different factors have been considered to determine their effects on the water vapor permeability of the films, such as drying temperature, cross-linking agents and thickness of the membranes. The results showed that composite films showed good barrier property in the condition of drying temperature of 60°C and cross-linking agents concentration of 15 mg/ml. The imitating cutinmembrane layer played an important role on resisting water vapor.
The Keeping Fresh Performance Analysis of Household Plastic Films on Vegetables
Authors: Su Qing Cai , Zhou Hou Ying , Li Mu Sen , Zhang Guo Fang , Zhang Guo Qiang , Ji Zhong
Published: October 2012

The vapor and gas permeabilities of the polyethylene films, casting polypropylene films and nylon films were tested in the paper. The keeping fresh performances were analyzed. It was found that the life time of vegetable packaged by films with high gas permeability is longer. The films with high vapor permeability reduce the accumulation of water droplets, but the leaves of vegetable change from green to yellow for lack of oxygen. It shows that the gas permeability of the film is more important than its vapor permeability for the vegetable storage. The family should choose the films with high gas permeability and appropriate vapor permeability to store vegetables.
Development of Designing Software of Pallet Container Package
Authors: Yuan Yan , Cao Le
Published: October 2012

Based on comprehensive survey of development of pallet package, design software of pallet container package based on Visual C++ demonstrates the architecture of software, the module of design of the scheme of stacking and the module of optimization of the scheme of stacking. The results show that this software could design and optimize the scheme of carton stacking, ensure the safety of transportation, increase the surface and storage space utilization of the pallet, reduce the packing charges, improve working efficiency and have great application value. Mathematical model established in the research, core algorithm and work flow provide the design and optimization of transport package with new ideas and methods.
Single Pulse Study of Electrochemical Discharge Machining of Metal Matrix Composites
Authors: Liu Jiang Wen , Chen Guang Xue , Yue Tai Man , Guo Zhong Ning
Published: October 2012

Single pulse experiments were conducted to study electrochemical discharge machining (ECDM) of particulate reinforced metal matrix composites (MMCs) which are widely used in the packaging industry. This article reports the first phase of this study with an emphasis on the effects of pulse current on crater volume. The results showed that all the ECDM craters have a circular shape surrounded by a rim of re-solidified material. This indicates that ECDM craters were created by arc effect. The craters produced by both electrical discharge machining (EDM) and ECDM increased in volume with increasing peak current. However, within the range of currents studied, the craters formed by ECDM were always smaller than those produced by EDM alone under the same current. Moreover, the crater volume difference between EDM and ECDM did not change considerably with increasing current. This is considered to be due to an increase in ECDM current mainly enhances the arc energy and has little effect on the ECM action. Furthermore, the experiment results showed that the efficiency of the arc action in ECDM is reduced when the percent of reinforcement phase is increased.