bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Upper triangular matrices and operations in odd primary connective K-theory
Authors: Stanley Laura , Whitehouse Sarah
Published: April 2013

We prove analogues for odd primes of results of Snaith and Barker–Snaith. Let ℓ denote the p-complete connective Adams summand and consider
the group of left ℓ-module automorphisms of ℓ∧ℓ in the stable homotopy category
which induce the identity on mod p homology. We prove a group isomorphism between this group and a certain group
of infinite invertible upper triangular matrices with entries in the p-adic integers. We determine information about the matrix corresponding to the automorphism 1∧Ψ
q
of ℓ∧ℓ,
where Ψ
q
is the Adams operation and q is an integer which generates the p-adic units.
Cluster tilting vs. weak cluster tilting in Dynkin type A infinity
Authors: Holm Thorsten , Jørgensen Peter
Published: April 2013

This paper shows a new phenomenon in higher cluster tilting theory. For each positive integer d, we exhibit a triangulated category
𝖢 with the following properties.

On the one hand, the d-cluster tilting subcategories of 𝖢 have
very simple mutation behaviour: Each indecomposable object has
exactly d mutations. On the other hand, the weakly d-cluster
tilting subcategories of 𝖢 which lack functorial finiteness can
have much more complicated mutation behaviour: For each 0 ≤ ℓ
≤ d - 1, we show a weakly d-cluster tilting subcategory

𝖳
ℓ

${\mathsf {T}_{\ell }}$

which has an indecomposable object with precisely
ℓ mutations.

The category 𝖢 is the algebraic triangulated category generated
by a (d + 1)-spherical object and can be thought of as a higher
cluster category of Dynkin type A
∞.
Solving quintic equations by two-fold origami
Authors: Nishimura Yasuzo
Published: April 2013

It is known that a general quintic equation cannot be solved by an
ordinary origami construction. Alperin and Lang showed that three simultaneous folds leads to a solution
of the general quintic equation. In this paper we improve their result and show that two simultaneous folds
are sufficient to solve the general quintic equation.
The moduli space of 4-dimensional non-nilpotent complex associative algebras
Authors: Fialowski Alice , Penkava Michael
Published: April 2013

In this paper, we study the moduli space of 4-dimensional complex
associative algebras. We use extensions to compute the moduli space,
and then give a decomposition of this moduli space into strata consisting
of complex projective orbifolds, glued together through jump deformations. Because the space of 4-dimensional algebras is large, we only classify the non-nilpotent algebras in this paper.
Languages associated with saturated formations of groups
Authors: Ballester-Bolinches Adolfo , Pin Jean-Éric , Soler-Escrivà Xaro
Published: April 2013

In a previous paper, the authors have shown that Eilenberg's variety
theorem can be extended to more general structures, called
formations. In this paper, we give a general method to describe the
languages corresponding to saturated formations of groups, which are
widely studied in group theory. We recover in this way a number of
known results about the languages corresponding to the classes of
nilpotent groups, soluble groups and supersoluble groups. Our method
also applies to new examples, like the class of groups having a
Sylow tower.
Improvement of eigenfunction estimates on manifolds of nonpositive curvature
Authors: Hassell Andrew , Tacy Melissa
Published: April 2013

Let (M,g) be a compact, boundaryless manifold of dimension n with the property that either (i) n = 2 and (M,g) has no conjugate points, or (ii) the sectional curvatures of (M,g) are nonpositive. Let Δ be the positive Laplacian on M determined by g. We study the L
2 → Lp
mapping properties of a spectral cluster of (Δ)1/2 of width 1/log λ. Under the geometric assumptions above, Bérard [Math. Z. 155 (1977), 249–276] obtained a logarithmic improvement for the remainder term of the eigenvalue counting function which directly leads to a (log λ)1/2 improvement for Hörmander's estimate on the L
∞ norms of eigenfunctions. In this paper we extend this improvement to the Lp
estimates for all p > 2(n+1)/(n-1).
Synthesis of thiazolo[4,5-e][1,2,4]triazolo[1,5-c]pyrimidine derivatives
Authors: Lee Hyuck Joo , Kim Sung Min , Song Yang-Heon
Published: April 2013

Synthesis of a series of 8-phenylthiazolo[4,5-e][1,2,4]triazolo[1,5-c]pyrimidin-5(4H)-one and 5-piperazino-8-phenylthiazolo[4,5-e][1,2,4]triazolo[1,5-c]pyrmidine compounds with promising biological activity is described.
Flatwise Young’s modulus and flatwise shear modulus of plywood measured by flexural vibration test
Authors: Yoshihara Hiroshi
Published: April 2013

The flatwise Young’s modulus and the flatwise shear modulus of 3-, 5-, and 7-ply plywoods made of Lauan (Shorea sp.) veneers have been determined by conducting flexural vibration tests with various specimen lengths and by finite element analysis. The results indicate that the flatwise Young’s modulus decreases with decreasing specimen length, whereas the opposite is true for the flatwise shear modulus.
The role of Donnan effect in kraft cooking liquor impregnation and hot water extraction of wood
Authors: Kuitunen Susanna , Vuorinen Tapani , Alopaeus Ville
Published: April 2013

In this article, a phenomenological model is proposed for alkali impregnation and hot water extraction of wood. Elementary reaction kinetics, ion exchange (IE) equilibrium, and mass transfer rates are considered in the model. IE is a consequence of the dissociation of the covalently bound uronic acid and phenolic groups in the wood fiber wall (FW). Due to this effect, the molality of cations is higher in the FW liquid than in the liquid external to the FW, whereas the opposite is true for anions. For the development of kinetic models under the participation of hydroxyl and hydrogen ions, the estimation of their molalities in these two liquid phases is crucial because of their ubiquitous presence in chemical reactions. This study applies a recently developed physicochemical modeling environment in which alkali impregnation and hot water extraction processes are considered. The simulations revealed that the IE effect is significant and affects the chemical reaction kinetics in both processes in focus. Furthermore, the IE effect does not remain constant but varies as a function of treatment time.
The antiporter-like subunit constituent of the universal adaptor of complex I, group 4 membrane-bound [NiFe]-hydrogenases and related complexes
Authors: Batista Ana P. , Marreiros Bruno C. , Pereira Manuela M.
Published: April 2013

We have recently investigated the long-recognized relationship between complex I and group 4 [NiFe] hydrogenases and we have established the so-called Energy-converting hydrogenase related (Ehr) complex as a new member of the family. We have also observed that four subunits, homologues to NuoB, D, H and L, are common to the members of the family. We have designated this common group of subunits the universal adaptor. Taking into account the similarity of the Na+/H+ antiporter-like subunits of complex I (NuoL, NuoM and NuoN) and the unique structural characteristic of the long amphipathic α helix part of NuoL, the nature of the antiporter-like subunit of the universal adaptor was questioned. Thus, in this work we further explore the properties of the universal adaptor, investigating which antiporter-like subunit is part of the universal adaptor. We observe that the universal adaptor contains an antiporter-like subunit with a long amphipathic α helix, similar to NuoL. Consequently, the long helix is a common denominator that has been conserved in all members of the family. Such conservation surely reflects the key role of such helix in the energy transduction mechanism of this family of enzymes.
Activity of Lead in Copper Matte at Very Low Lead Concentration
Authors: Tran Ty , Wright Steven , Sun Shouyi
Published: April 2013

The thermodynamic behavior of lead in Cu-Fe matte was investigated using a transportation technique where argon gas was bubbled into a bath of copper matte containing approximately 100 ppm lead at temperatures between 1300 and 1400 °C. The effect of flow rate, temperature and matte grade were investigated on the lead transport from a bath containing 100 grams of synthetic copper matte to the gas phase. The concentration of lead in the bath was followed with time. At argon flow rates between 3 l h1 and 18 l h−1, it was observed that the concentration change of lead in the matte was found to follow a first order relationship where the calculated concentration at time t, is of the form [Pb] = a.e−b.t, where a is equal to the initial lead content in ppm, [Pb]i, and b is an exponential term and t is time in minutes. The partial pressure of lead species in the gas phase was calculated from the concentration changes in the matte and from the bubbling gas rate. At gas flow rates between 3 and 9 l h−1, the lead removal appeared to be under equilibrium conditions. At higher gas flow rates, the apparent rate decreased, mainly due to splashing of matte into the cold zone of the furnace. In these experiments with Ar as the carrier gas, the sulphur and oxygen partial pressures of the melt were not controlled. Chemical analysis of the major components in the matte showed only random variation with bubbling time, and so a thermodynamic solution model for copper matte was used to calculate the equilibrium sulphur pressure expected. From this approach the proportion of Pb, PbS and Pb2 species in the gas could be calculated knowing the relevant reaction constants, e.g., PbS(g) = Pb(g) + ½S2(g). From the proportions of the lead species in the gas, the value of the lead activity coefficient with respect to the gas state could be determined. For a 50% copper matte, it was found that the activity coefficient increased with temperature, from a value of 0.8 at 1300 °C to 1.4 at 1400 °C. At the white metal composition, this value was 0.28 at 1300 °C. These results are compared with other relevant studies in the literature.
Modeling Activity and Interaction Coefficients of Components of Multicomponent Alloy Melts: An Example of Iron Melt
Authors: Zhang Ning , Chen Weiliang , Chen Xingqiu , Ding Xueyong , Zhou Guozhi
Published: April 2013

As a popular thermodynamic calculation method for binary alloys, Miedema's model has been applied in many fields. Chou's Model, a new generation of geometric model for ternary and multicomponent alloy systems, overcomes the intrinsic theoretical defects (including symmetric and asymmetric) existing in some original geometric models. Here, by means of combining Miedema's model and Chou's model as well as including the consideration of the excess entropy we attempted to build the new thermodynamic model to evaluate thermodynamic properties of ternary and multicomponent alloying systems in terms of the physical parameters (molar volume, electronegativity, electronic density and melting point) of constituents. Moreover, the activity and interaction coefficients of a wide of components in iron melt have been discussed in details.
Effect of Ultrasonic Melt Treatment on Solidification Structure of Fe-36Ni Invar Alloy
Authors: Peng Hong-bing , Chen Wei-qing , Yu Yan-chong , Zheng Hong-guang
Published: April 2013

The effect of ultrasonic treatment on the solidification structure of Fe-36Ni invar alloy was investigated. The experiment results showed that the ultrasonic treatment before its solidification had no significant effect on the solidification structure. However, when ultrasonic was inputted into the molten alloy during its solidification process, the primary dendrites were broken up into lots of fragments and solidification structure was refined significantly. When ultrasonic treatment was applied in the melt doped with yttrium before its solidification, ultrasonic cavitation could break up precipitates into many small ones, which could refine its solidification structure as nucleation cores. In samples containing yttrium treated by ultrasonic at 1753 K, the number of the precipitates was 623/mm2 and its average size was 2.18 µm; while at 1803 K, they were 604/mm2 and 2.34 µm respectively. The ultrasonic cavitation had a similar effect at two different temperatures. The solidification structure refined greatly at 1753 K was due to its low pouring temperature.
High Temperature and Organosoluble Poly(amide-imide)s Based on 1,4-Bis[4-aminophenoxy]butane and Aromatic Diacids by Direct Polycondensation: Synthesis and Properties
Authors: Faghihi Khalil , Ashouri Mostafa , Hajibeygi Mohsen
Published: April 2013

A series of high temperature and organosoluble poly(amide-imide)s 8a–g were prepared by direct polycondensation from 1,4-bis[4-aminophenoxy]butane 4 and various aromatic diacids 7a–g in a medium consisting of N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone (NMP)/triphenyl phosphite (TPP)/calcium chloride (CaCl2)/pyridine system. Aromatic diacids 7a–g were synthesized by reaction of 3,3′,4,4′-benzophenone tetra carboxylic dianhydride 5 and various amino acids 6a–g. All of the above polymers were fully characterized by 1H-NMR and FT-IR spectroscopy, inherent viscosity, solubility test and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The resulted polyamides (PAs) 8a–g have showed admirable good inherent viscosities, thermal stability and solubility.
Developmental issues of university students in Hong Kong
Authors: Shek Daniel T.L. , Cheung Boris P.M.
Published: April 2013

Four domains of developmental issues of university students in Hong Kong are examined in this paper. First, behavioral and lifestyle problems of university students are identified, including alcohol consumption, Internet addiction, cyber-pornography, irregular sleep patterns, and interpersonal violence. Second, the mental health problems of university students, including suicidal ideation, depression and anxiety problems, are outlined. Third, issues on self-determination (including establishment of personal goals), self-confidence, and materialism of the students are reviewed. Fourth, issues related to students’ connection to the society, including egocentrism and civic engagement, are discussed. The views of employers about university graduates in Hong Kong are also examined. With the emergence of developmental issues among Hong Kong university students, it is argued that promoting the psychosocial competencies of university students via positive youth development programs is an important strategy in addressing such issues.
Development of a credit-bearing service leadership subject for university students in Hong Kong
Authors: Shek Daniel T.L. , Yu Lu , Ma Cecilia M.S. , Sun Rachel C.F. , Liu Ting Ting
Published: April 2013

Given that service industries contribute to 93% of Hong Kong’s GDP, an important question that should be asked is whether the education system can promote the development of service leadership among young people in Hong Kong. Unfortunately, service leadership programs specifically designed for university students are lacking in Hong Kong. In this paper, the basic tenets of the Service Leadership and Management framework are presented. Based on the fundamental postulation that effective service leadership is a function of moral character, competence and care (E=MC2), a subject called “Service Leadership” has recently been developed at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University. This paper outlines the objectives, intended learning outcomes, syllabus, assessment, and references of the subject. The proposed evaluation strategies are also described.
Second piloting of a leadership and intrapersonal development subject at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University
Authors: Shek Daniel T.L. , Sun Rachel C.F. , Yuen Walter W.H. , Chui Yat Hung , Dorcas Allen , Ma Cecilia M.S. , Yu Lu , Chak Yammy L.Y. , Law Moon Y.M. , Chung Yida Y.H. , Tsui Pik Fong
Published: April 2013

At The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, a course subject entitled “Tomorrow’s Leaders,” which focuses on positive youth development constructs, was developed for the students admitted under the New Undergraduate Curriculum in the 2012/13 academic year. It fulfills the requirement of “Leadership and Intrapersonal Development” under the General University Requirements. The subject was first piloted in the 2010/11 academic year with very positive evaluation results. To refine the subject and to accumulate more experience, the subject was offered again in the first term of 2011/12 academic year. The course content, evaluation strategies, and some initial findings based on the second piloting exercise are presented in this paper. Consistent with the first piloting exercise, evaluation findings based on different strategies generally showed that the subject promoted the holistic development of the enrolled students.
Effect of Different Particle Sizes and Levels of Wheat Bran on the Physical and Nutritional Quality of Sponge Cake
Authors: Majzoobi Mahsa , Pashangeh Safora , Farahnaky Asgar
Published: April 2013

To increase the dietary fiber of sponge cake, it was enriched with wheat bran of different levels (0, 5, 10, 15, and 20%, w/w; flour basis) and particle sizes (90, 170, 280, and 420 μm). The results showed that both crude fiber and phytic acid contents of the bran decreased with the reduction in the particle size. Batter density increased whereas batter consistency decreased with increase in the particle size and the level of the bran. The crust and crumb color became darker, more reddish and less yellowish as the level and particle size of the bran increased. Density of the cakes decreased as higher percentages and coarser brans were included. Determination of the textural properties of the cakes using texture profile analysis technique showed that with increase in the percentage of wheat bran, hardness, gumminess, and chewiness increased whereas, cohesiveness and springiness decreased. According to the taste panel, using no more than 10% bran with particle size smaller than 170 μm resulted in cakes similar to the control. The total dietary fiber and phytic acid content of the resultant cakes was 5.95% and 2.90 (mg/g), respectively.
A cost-benefit framework for evaluating conditional cash-transfer programs
Authors: Brent Robert J.
Published: April 2013

Following the prototype of Mexico’s Progresa program, a number of countries in Latin America and the Caribbean have initiated conditional cash transfer (CCT) programs. More recently, countries in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) have followed suit. However, no comprehensive framework to carry out a cost-benefit analysis (CBA) exists. This paper presents such a CBA framework for CCTs which enables design features such as targeting and conditionality to be separately evaluated. The framework is applied to an evaluation of a CCT program for orphans and vulnerable children in Kenya. The role of conditionality in SSA and the need for distribution weights is discussed.
Bilateral temporal lobe agenesis with bilateral arachnoid cysts – a rare congenital anomaly
Authors: Ghay Richa , Thaman Dushyant , Kahlon Nikita
Published: April 2013

Background: Bilateral temporal lobe agenesis/hypogenesis along with middle cranial fossa arachnoid cysts (ACs) is extremely rare, and very few cases have been reported in the literature.

Methods: We present the case of 2-year-old female presenting with chief complaints of headache, vomiting, and fever. There was a history of premature delivery in the seventh month and up-rolling of eyes since birth.

Results: Magnetic resonance imaging findings revealed bilateral temporal lobe agenesis with bilateral ACs, along with encephalomalacia in both parietal lobes. Ultrasound abdomen findings and biochemical tests revealed renal parenchymal disease. The lipid profile analysis revealed highly elevated triglyceride levels to 457.4 mg% and also enhanced very-low-density lipoprotein levels to 91.5 mg%. Presently, the patient is being treated on conservative lines.

Conclusions: To our knowledge, this is the first report of an unusual association between bilateral temporal lobe agenesis associated with renal parenchymal disease and dyslipidaemia.
The Product Liability Directive: Time to get Soft?
Authors: Fairgrieve Duncan , Howells Geraint , Pilgerstorfer Marcus
Published: April 2013

The Product Liability Directive was adopted in 1985. Despite ample evidence of uncertainty as to the meaning of some key provisions, there is no sign that the Commission is keen to engage in a revision of the Directive. Our intention in this article is not to prescribe substantive solutions but to consider how, methodologically, reform might be achieved. Whilst some potential reforms, such as the removal of the ten year long-stop, may require legislative intervention we consider if there is any scope for making the law more certain with developments based on alternative ‘soft law’ techniques for promoting greater certainty. We conclude that Guidance may be helpful, but should be founded on a minor amendment to the Directive authorising such Guidance to be developed.
On the Judicial Interest Rate: Towards a Law and Economic Theory
Authors: A Acciarri Hugo , Garoupa Nuno
Published: April 2013

While all legal systems implement a form of pre-judgment or post-judgment interest, there is a dearth of literature on substantive law and economics analysing the impact, functioning, and assessment of the judicial interest rate. Current legal scholarship typically views the interest rate as having a neutral effect on private and social costs. This paper demonstrates that the issue is theoretically far more complex and largely influential in legal policy. Due to the asymmetric opportunity costs for each party in a case, judicial interest rates may lead to improper delay of proceedings or the decoupling of damages from recovery. These potential results influence the number of settlements and suits. On this ground, we compare different institutional settings from an economic perspective and conclude that the appropriate mechanism depends on the alternative policy instruments available, namely, the rules of procedure, court fees, or mechanisms for appropriately setting damages. Further, we argue that abolishing the statute which sets pre-judgment interest may be a proposal worth considering.
On local fusion graphs of finite Coxeter groups
Authors: Ballantyne John J.
Published: April 2013

Given a finite group
Positive laws in finite groups admitting a dihedral group of automorphisms
Authors: de Melo Emerson
Published: April 2013

Suppose that
On abelian subgroups of finitely generated metabelian groups
Authors: Mikaelian Vahagn H. , Olshanskii Alexander Y.
Published: April 2013

In this note we introduce the class of
A source identification problem in linear parabolic problems: A semigroup approach
Authors: Slodička Marián
Published: April 2013

This paper presents a semigroup approach for an inverse source problem for the abstract heat equation with the unknown function h. This can be recovered from the time measurements at a single interior
point y. The existence of a solution is shown in appropriate function spaces. An approximation method based on time discretization (Rothe's method) is designed and the error estimates (depending on the regularity of data) are derived.
Fetal magnetic resonance imaging of lymphangiomas
Authors: Koelblinger Claus , Herold Christian , Nemec Stefan , Berger-Kulemann Vanessa , Brugger Peter C. , Koller Anke , Tonnhofer Ursula , Bettelheim Dieter , Prayer Daniela
Published: April 2013

Objectives: To evaluate the fetal magnetic resonance imaging findings of lymphangiomas.

Methods: The magnetic resonance scans of eight fetuses with lymphangiomas were evaluated. Magnetic resonance evaluation included: number; size; signal intensities of the lesions; thickness of the septae; configuration of the margins; presence of blood breakdown products; change in size or signal intensity (in four patients with multiple examinations); exact expansion of the lesions to the adjacent anatomical structures; and concomitant pathological findings. Results were compared with postpartum clinical assessment and imaging in seven patients and with autopsy in one patient.

Results: Two retroperitoneal, three thoracic, and three cervical lymphangiomas (diameters between 3.3 and 15.6 cm) were included. All lesions consisted of macrocysts, and additional microcystic parts were found in three lymphangiomas. Blood breakdown products were found in one lesion. Agreement with postpartum imaging was excellent. One patient received intrauterine drainage for chylothorax, and one pregnancy was terminated.

Conclusions: Fetal lymphangiomas display the same magnetic resonance imaging features as postnatal lymphangiomas. Intrauterine magnetic resonance characterization of lymphangiomas provides the exact delineation, detection of associated and/or concomitant pathologies, and differential diagnosis among other cystic pathologies. Patient management may be altered with respect to the type and/or time of treatment, and with regard to the continuation or termination of pregnancy.
The course of angiogenic factors in early- vs. late-onset preeclampsia and HELLP syndrome
Authors: Schaarschmidt Wiebke , Rana Sarosh , Stepan Holger
Published: April 2013

Aims: Preeclampsia (PE) is considered a uniformly progressive disease, however, it shows a different pattern of clinical progression in patients with early (<34 weeks) or late (≥34 weeks) onset of the disease. Angiogenic factors such as soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase 1 (sFlt-1) and placental growth factor (PlGF) are closely related to the clinical course of PE. We evaluated sFlt-1 and PlGF levels in the clinical course of PE in women admitted with a diagnosis of PE at different gestational ages.

Methods: This retrospective study included 34 patients with PE, of which 11 patients had HELLP syndrome (over a period of 3 years). Serial measurements of sFlt-1 and PlGF were completed from admission until delivery. Values are presented as mean±standard deviation.

Results: Mean gestational age of admission among women with early onset PE was significantly lower, at 29±3 weeks compared to 37±1 weeks among patients with late onset disease. Mean prolongation of pregnancy was 6 days, which was similar within the two groups. Compared to women with late onset PE, women with early-onset PE had a greater increase in sFlt-1 (11% vs. 3% per day, P<0.05), greater decrease in PlGF levels (21% vs. 10% per day, P=0.30), resulting in a much higher increase in sFlt-1/PlGF ratio (23% vs. 8% per day, P<0.05). Patients with HELLP syndrome showed comparable progression patterns.

Conclusion: In a similar way to the progressively worsening clinical course observed in women with early onset PE, there were changes in the angiogenic profile that leads to a more anti-angiogenic state in these women with each passing day. These findings may have implications in identification of the women for appropriate patient management and possible future therapies based on the reduction of sFlt-1 levels.
Is high-altitude mountaineering Russian roulette?
Authors: Cheng Edward K.
Published: April 2013

Whether the nature of the risks associated with climbing high-altitude (8000 m) peaks is in some sense “controllable” is a longstanding debate in the mountaineering community. Well-known mountaineers David Roberts and Ed Viesturs explore this issue in their recent memoirs. Roberts views the primary risks as “objective” or uncontrollable, whereas Viesturs maintains that experience and attention to safety can make a significant difference. This study sheds light on the Roberts-Viesturs debate using a comprehensive dataset of climbing on Nepalese Himalayan peaks. To test whether the data is consistent with a constant failure rate model (Roberts) or a decreasing failure rate model (Viesturs), it draws on Total Time on Test (TTT) plots from the reliability engineering literature and applies graphical inference techniques to them.
Geographic range, morphometric variation and niche differentiation in greater Egyptian jerboa, Jaculus orientalis
1)
Authors: Shenbrot Georgy
Published: April 2013

Geographic range, morphometric skull variation and niche differentiation were analyzed in the greater Egyptian jerboa, Jaculus orientalis, and compared with published data on the species’ phylogeographic structure. The species occurs in 15 separate areas, which are grouped into two main blocks and divided by a wide gap. The first block goes from Morocco to western Libya and the second from eastern Libya to Israel; the second block is subdivided into two sub-blocks, eastern Libya and Egypt and Israel and Sinai. Analysis of niche similarity indicated niche convergence within the eastern and western parts of the species’ geographic range and niche divergence between these two major parts of the geographic range. There was a strong congruence among distributional, genetic and ecological patterns. Morphological variation in J. orientalis did not completely coincide with the distribution, genetic and ecological patterns. Three morphologically well-differentiated population groups were found within the geographic range of the species. The same level of morphological differentiation was demonstrated between highly isolated geographically and deeply diverged genetically and ecologically western and eastern groups of populations and between the weakly geographically isolated and ecologically similar populations of Egypt/Libya and Israel/Sinai. A taxonomic revision of the sub-specific division of J. orientalis is proposed.
Synthesis and characterization of elemental iron and iron oxide nano/microcomposite particles by thermal decomposition of ferrocene
Authors: Amara Daniel , Margel Shlomo
Published: April 2013

The unique chemical and physical properties of the nano and microscale materials have led to important roles in the several scientific and technological fields. The magnetic nano/microparticles are of great interest because of its potential applications in, e.g., hyperthermia, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), catalytic applications, etc. The decomposition of iron pentacarbonyl is one of the most common methods for the preparation of magnetic iron oxide and iron nanoparticles. However, Fe(CO)5 is severely toxic and alternative precursors should be used. Here, we describe the recent advances in the synthesis and characterization of the elemental iron and iron oxide nano/microcomposite particles by the thermal decomposition of ferrocene. The described synthesis process is based on simple nontoxic approaches including, for example, a solventless process. The particle size and size distribution as well as their composition, crystallinity, shape, and magnetic properties can be controlled via the synthesis conditions.
Preparation of tailor-made supported catalysts using asymmetric flow field flow fractionation and their application in hydrogenation
Authors: Baumgard Jens , Pohl Marga-Martina , Kragl Udo , Steinfeldt Norbert
Published: April 2013

The optical, chemical, and catalytic properties of metallic nanoparticles (NPs) depend strongly on their particle size and shape. Therefore, the preparation of monodisperse metallic NPs is very important for fundamental studies and practical applications. However, the isolation of the different structures by separation from a polydisperse sample, especially in the size range below 10 nm, is not well applied so far. Here, the asymmetric flow field flow fractionation (AF4) is adapted for the preparative separation of the Pd NPs regarding their size and shape in the sub-10-nm size range. To prove the efficiency of the applied method, small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (TEM) were utilized to determine the particle size distribution at different stages of the separation process. A major benefit of this method compared to most of the other separation techniques, the removal of impurities during the separation process, was proven by proton nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR). The obtained results demonstrate that the AF4 is well suited for the rapid preparation of the purified uniform precious metal NPs at the applied size range. Single fractions of the different-sized and -shaped Pd NPs were deposited on titania (TiO2) and tested in the catalytic hydrogenation of 2,5 hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) in aqueous solution under mild conditions. While the spherical-shaped particles show a high activity, the separated agglomerated particles show a higher selectivity to the desired products.
Preserving Imperfection: Assessing the Incidence of Digital Imaging Error in HathiTrust
Authors: Conway Paul
Published: April 2013

Large-scale digitization efforts by third-party firms are the subject of no small amount of controversy and criticism, as is especially the case with Google Books. This article reports some of the findings and important implications of a rigorous multi-year quantitative and qualitative assessment of the images representing a sizable proportion of the digital surrogates created by Google and deposited in the HathiTrust, which is one of the most important large-scale preservation initiatives to emerge in higher education in the past fifty years. The population of study described here consists of Englishlanguage books and serials published before 1923 that were scanned and processed by Google between 2004 and 2010. At the time the data for the study were gathered (2011), this population consisted of approximately 1.25 million volumes or roughly 12 percent of the HathiTrust corpus. The findings suggest that the imperfection of digital surrogates is an obvious and nearly ubiquitous feature of Google Books and that such imperfection has become and will remain firmly ensconced in collaborative preservation repositories.
Study of laser-induced autofluorescence emission spectra from normal and malignant bronchial epithelium/Untersuchung der laser-induzierten Autofluoreszenz-Emissionsspektren von normalem und malignem Bronchialepithel
Authors: Bulgakova Natalia , Sokolov Victor , Telegina Larisa , Vereshchagin Konstantin , Frank Georgy , Chissov Valery
Published: April 2013

Autofluorescence bronchoscopy (AFB) is currently considered the most promising diagnosis modality for the detection of early stage lung cancer with a sensitivity which normally exceeds 90%, although its specificity is rather low. The number of false positive results can be reduced by the combination of autofluorescence (AF) imaging with quantitative spectroscopy. The aim of this study was to reveal additional spectral characteristics of AF emission which may have the potential to maximize the endogenous contrast between normal mucosa and bronchial malignancy

AF emission spectra were recorded at 532 nm laser excitation in the course of AFB of totally 20 patients with central-type X-ray negative lung cancer. According to the results of histopathological analysis, two sets were made up of the spectral data corresponding to normal bronchial epithelium and malignant lesions.

Comparative studies of nine basic spectral characteristics of

Real time measurements and estimation of all important spectral information on the basis of the probabilistic approach is assumed to be useful for real time recommendations for biopsies and for minimizing the number of false positive results during the course of AFB. For the realization of this approach, further trials are necessary to collect a large number of AF spectra samples, corresponding to different tissue pathologies such as inflammation, metaplasia, and dysplasia.
Spectroscopic research of upconversion nanomaterials based on complex oxide compounds doped with rare-earth ion pairs: Benefit for cancer diagnostics by upconversion fluorescence and radio sensitive methods/Spektroskopische Untersuchung von mit Ionenpaaren Seltener Erden dotierten Upconversion-Nanokompositen: Nutzen für die Krebsdiagnostik durch Upconversion-Fluoreszenz und strahlungssensitive Methoden
Authors: Ryabova Anastasia V. , Pominova Daria V. , Krut’ko Victoria A. , Komova Maria G. , Loschenov Victor B.
Published: April 2013

Highly photochemically stable nanoparticles, in which upconversion luminescence can be excited – so-called upconversion nanocrystals (UC-NCs) – exhibit widely separated (up to 500 nm) narrow luminescence bands in the visible (VIS) region located far from the excitation near-infrared (NIR) laser radiation, and thus can be more easily identified compared to organic luminophores and semiconductor nanoparticles. Due to a deep penetration of exciting infrared (IR) radiation, the absence of parasitic fluorescence of biomolecules and the absence of phototoxicity and photobleaching upon near IR excitation, UC-NCs can be efficiently used as fluorescent probes in biological studies and fluorescence diagnostics (FD). The doping of such nanoparticles with Gd

We studied the upconversion characteristics of inorganic nanoparticles made of different materials doped with rare-earth ion (REI) pairs Yb

Based on the results obtained, the matrix La

The investigated complex polycrystalline oxide compounds are promising as diagnostic agents for biological tissues visualization by fluorescence, light scattering, and nuclear magnetic resonance imaging.
Tailoring the magnetic behavior of polymeric particles for bioapplications
Authors: Yakar Arzu , Tansık Gülistan , Keskin Tuğba , Gündüz Ufuk
Published: April 2013

In this study, magnetic polymeric nanoparticles were prepared use in for targeted drug delivery. First, iron oxide (Fe3O4) magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) were synthesized by coprecipitation with ferrous and ferric chloride salts. Then, to render the MNPs hydrophobic, the surfaces were covered with oleic acid. Finally, the hydrophobic MNPs (H-MNPs) were encapsulated with polymer. The emulsion evaporation technique was used for the preparation of polymer-coated H-MNP. Poly(dl-lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA) and chitosan-modified PLGA were used as polymers. The polymeric nanoparticles were characterized and compared. X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, small-angle X-ray scattering, size distribution, ζ potential, magnetic properties, and magnetite entrapment efficiency measurements were performed to investigate the properties of the nanoparticles. The XTT assay was performed to understand the biocompatibility (i.e., toxicity) of MNPs and magnetic polymeric nanoparticles to MCF-7 cells.
Synthesis, characterization and separation properties of novel PU membranes crosslinked by β-cyclodextrin
Authors: Ye Hong , Wang Jing
Published: April 2013

Polyurethane (PU) pervaporation (PV) membranes are promising for the recovery of phenol from water. The four kinds of PU membranes, with hydroxyl terminated polybutadiene (HTPB) as a soft segment and diamine or β-cyclodextrin (CD) as a chain extender, were prepared. The structures and properties of these membranes were characterized by means of Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and contact angle. Furthermore, the PV performances were investigated for separating phenol/water mixtures at different temperatures. The results showed that CD increased the permeability and selectivity of PU, at the same time. At 80°C, the total fluxes of pure PU membranes with HTPB (Mn=2500 g/mol) (H2500) and with HTPB (Mn=2000 g/mol) (H2000) were 6.96 kg μm m-2 h-1 and 6.09 kg μm m-2 h-1, respectively, while those of PU membranes containing CD with HTPB (Mn=2500 g/mol) (H2500-CD) and with HTPB (Mn=2000 g/mol) (H2000-CD) were 9.16 kg μm m-2 h-1 (increased by 31%) and 8.23 kg μm m-2 h-1 (increased by 26%), respectively. The separation factors of H2500 and H2000 were 23 and 34, while those of H2500-CD and H2000-CD were 33 (increased by 43%) and 40 (increased by 9%). Additionally, the modification of CD crosslinking was simple and easy with less modifying agent.
A tractable model for indices approximating the growth optimal portfolio
Authors: Baldeaux Jan , Ignatieva Katja , Platen Eckhard
Published: April 2013

The growth optimal portfolio (GOP) plays an important role in finance, where it serves as the numéraire portfolio, with respect to which contingent claims can be priced under the real world probability measure. This paper models the GOP using a time dependent constant elasticity of variance (TCEV) model. The TCEV model has high tractability for a range of derivative prices and fits well the dynamics of a global diversified world equity index. This is confirmed when pricing and hedging various derivatives using this index.
Safety and skin delayed-type hypersensitivity response in vervet monkeys immunized with Leishmania donovani sonicate antigen delivered with adjuvants
Authors: Mutiso Joshua M. , Macharia John C. , Taracha Evans , Wafula Kellern , Rikoi Hitler , Gicheru Michael M.
Published: April 2013

In this study, we report on the safety and skin delayed-type hypersensitivity (DTH), responses of the Leishmania donovani whole cell sonicate antigen delivered in conjunction with alum-BCG (AlBCG), Montanide ISA 720 (MISA) or Monophosphoryl lipid A (MPLA) in groups of vervet monkeys. Following three intradermal injections of the inoculums on days 0, 28 and 42, safety and DTH responses were assessed. Preliminary tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) and interferon gamma (IFN-γ) levels were also measured and these were compared with DTH. Only those animals immunized with alum-BCG reacted adversely to the inoculum by producing ulcerative erythematous skin indurations. Non-parametric analysis of variance followed by a post-test showed significantly higher DTH responses in the MISA+Ag group compared with other immunized groups (p < 0.001). The MPLA+Ag group indicated significantly lower DTH responses to the sonicate antigen compared with the AlBCG+Ag group. There was a significant correlation between the DTH and cytokine responses (p < 0.0001). Based on this study we conclude that Leishmania donovani sonicate antigen containing MISA 720 is safe and is associated with a strong DTH reaction following immunization.
Diagnosing visceral leishmaniasis and HIV/AIDS co-infection: a case series study in Pernambuco, Brazil
Authors: Cavalcanti Aracele Tenório de Almeida e , Medeiros Zulma , Lopes Fábio , Andrade Luiz Dias de , Ferreira Valéria de Melo , Magalhães Vera , Miranda-Filho Demócrito de Barros
Published: April 2013

HIV/AIDS-associated visceral leishmaniasis may display the characteristics of an aggressive disease or without specific symptoms at all, thus making diagnosis difficult. The present study describes the results of diagnostic tests applied to a series of suspected VL cases in HIV-infected/AIDS patients admitted in referral hospitals in Pernambuco, Brazil. From a total of 14 eligible patients with cytopenias and/or fever of an unknown etiology, and indication of bone marrow aspirate, 10 patients were selected for inclusion in the study. Diagnosis was confirmed by the following examinations: Leishmania detection in bone marrow aspirate, direct agglutination test, indirect immunofluorescence, rK39 dipstick test, polymerase chain reaction and latex agglutination test. Five out of the ten patients were diagnosed with co-infection. A positive direct agglutination test was recorded for all five co-infected patients, the Leishmania detection and latex agglutination tests were positive in four patients, the rK39 dipstick test in three, the indirect immunofluorescence in two and a positive polymerase chain reaction was recorded for one patient. This series of cases was the first to be conducted in Brazil using this set of tests in order to detect co-infection. However, no consensus has thus far been reached regarding the most appropriate examination for the screening and monitoring of this group of patients.
First isolation of dengue 4 in the state of São Paulo, Brazil, 2011
Authors: Rocco Iray Maria , Silveira Vivian Regina , Maeda Adriana Yurika , Silva Sarai Joaquim dos Santos , Spenassatto Carine , BISORDI Ivani , Suzuki Akemi
Published: April 2013

We report the first isolation of Dengue virus 4 (DENV-4) in the state of São Paulo, from two patients - one living in São José do Rio Preto and the other one in Paulo de Faria, both cities located in the Northwest region of the state. The virus isolations were accomplished in the clone C6/36 Aedes albopictus cell line, followed by indirect immunofluorescence assays, performed with type-specific monoclonal antibodies that showed positive reactions for DENV-4. The results were confirmed by Nested RT-PCR and Real-Time RT-PCR assays. The introduction of DENV-4 in a country that already has to deal with the transmission of three other serotypes increases the possibility of the occurrence of more severe cases of the disease. The importance of early detection of dengue cases, before the virus spreads and major outbreaks occur, should be emphasized.
Development of a New Correlation of Gas Compressibility Factor (Z-Factor) for High Pressure Gas Reservoir
Authors: Mahmoud M. A.
Published: April 2013

Gas compressibility factor or Z-factor for natural gas system can be determined from Standing-Katz charts using the pseudo critical gas pressure and temperatures. These charts give accurate values for Z-factors. Reservoir simulation softwares need accurate correlations to estimate the values of Z-factor, one of the famous correlations is Dranchuk& Abou-Kassem Correlation. This correlation gives large errors at high gas reservoir pressures, this error could be more than 100%. The error in estimating Z-factor will lead to big error in estimating all the other gas properties such as gas formation volume factor, gas compressibility, and gas in place.

In this paper a new accurate Z-factor correlation has been developed using regression for more than 300 data points of measured Z-factor using Mat lap. Old correlations give good estimation of Z-factor at low gas reservoir pressures below 6000 psia, at high pressures the error starts to appear. The developed correlation is function of pseudo reduced pressure and temperature of the gas which makes it simpler than the existing complicated correlations.

The new correlation can be used to determine the gas compressibility factor at any pressure range especially for high pressures the error was less than 3% compared to the measured data. The developed correlation is very simple to be used, it just needs the gas specific gravity that can be used to determine the pseudo critical properties of the gas and at last the Z-factor can be determined. A new formula of reduced gas compressibility was developed based on the developed Z-factor correlation which in turn can be used to determine the gas compressibility.
Plunger Lift Applications: Challenges and Economics
Authors: Hassouna Mohamed
Published: April 2013

A plunger lift system is an artificial lift system that provides an economical solution for producing marginalized wells. Widely used in the United States, this artificial lift method has not gained much momentum in the rest of the world. This was mainly due to difficulty in Plunger Lift operation optimization resulting from lack of automatic optimization tools. Plunger-lift has become more popular in recent years due to better mechanical reliability and flexibility of equipment, improved electronic controllers and a better understanding of the operating system.

Now a day with reliability and flexibility of equipment improvement and due to low capital & operational costs, plunger lift became the most economical artificial lift system for dewatering gas wells, stabilize the production of oil wells with liquid loading problems, reduce gas injection on intermittent gas lift wells, and prevent paraffin and scale build up.

A plunger lift system utilizes a free flowing plunger in the tubing to lift accumulated fluids. Using the wells own energy the well is intermitted allowing for pressure to build up in the tubing while the well is shut in, and once the well is turned on the plunger acts as a mechanical seal between liquid accumulated above it in the tubing and gas below it, thus preventing liquid fall back and increasing the lift efficiency.

The scope of this paper will be to discuss the different applications, and operations of today's plunger-lift systems criteria and limitations, while presenting relevant case studies.