bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Biomimetic Synthesis, Hierarchical Assembly and Mechanical Properties of Calcite/Chitosan Composites in a Three‐Dimensional Chitosan Scaffold
Authors: Xiao Junwu , Yang Shihe
Published: November 2010

Biominerals provide excellent mechanical properties for skeletal support and protection, rivaling and even outperforming those of many engineered ceramics fabricated at high temperatures and pressures. However, the mechanisms of biomineralization are still poorly understood. To make progress in this direction, here we study the crystallization of calcite (thermodynamically the most stable CaCO3 phase) from an amorphous calcium carbonate (ACC) precursor inside a three‐dimensional insoluble chitosan scaffold. A hydrated ACC phase with complete disorder is found to first nucleate from citrate–calcium ion pairs and subsequently transform into stabilized ACC nanoparticles with a short‐range order of calcite, which then crystallize and grow into calcite nanocrystals via the transient ACC phase, instead of direct crystallization from the hydrated ACC precursor as reported previously. The calcite nanocrystals are aggregated and collectively oriented into rough rhombohedral calcite mesocrystals, and eventually evolve into smooth mesocrystals. Mechanical property characterizations of the novel bio‐inspired nanocomposites show a strong dependence on the content of the constituent inorganic nanocrystals. Furthermore, the reduced elastic modulus is closely related to the interfacial interaction strength between the inorganic nanocrystals and the organic matrix, whereas the hardness is dependent on the crystallinity of the constituent inorganic mesocrystals in the nanocomposites.
Photoinduced Electron Transfer in Dye‐Sensitized SnO2 Nanowire Field‐Effect Transistors
Authors: Wu Hsing‐Chen , Huang Yuan‐Chang , Ding I‐Kang , Chen Chun‐Cing , Yang Yi‐Han , Tsai Chia‐Chang , Chen Chii‐Dong , Chen Yit‐Tsong
Published: November 2010

Electron transfer from excited dye molecules (chlorophyll or fluorescein) to a semiconductor is demonstrated by photoaction and photoluminescence spectra on field‐effect transistors consisting of dye‐sensitized individual SnO2 nanowires. The photoaction spectrum shows a much better resolution for nanowires non‐covalently functionalized with dye molecules than for dyes deposited on SnO2 nanoparticle‐films. Possible reasons for the deviation between the photoaction spectra and ordinary optical absorption spectra as well as for the current‐tail appearing along the falling edge are addressed. In dye‐sensitized nanowires, electron transfer from photo‐excited dyes to nanowires is analyzed by comparing gate‐voltage dependences in photoaction and photoluminescence spectra. The importance of this study is in the understanding of electron injection and recombination provided, as well as the performance optimization of nanowire‐based dye‐sensitized solar cells.
Kinda baboons (Papio kindae) and grayfoot chacma baboons (P. ursinus griseipes) hybridize in the Kafue river valley, Zambia
Authors: Jolly C.J. , Burrell A.S. , Phillips‐Conroy J.E. , Bergey C. , Rogers J.
Published: November 2010

The ranges of small kinda (Papio kindae) and much larger grayfooted chacma (P. ursinus griseipes) baboons adjoin in the Kafue National Park, Zambia. In a visual survey of baboons at 48 sites in the Kafue River drainage we found that, contrary to previous reports, groups at the species interface near the town of Ngoma are phenotypically diverse and presumably formed by multigenerational hybridization. Mitochondrial and/or Y‐chromosome genetic markers from fecal samples (N=164) collected at 29 sites support this conclusion. Groups with phenotypic signs of a history of hybridization also had taxon‐specific mitochondria and Y‐haplotypes from both parental species. Although the distribution of mitochondrial haplotypes largely mirrored that of external phenotypes, a significant proportion of male specimens from grayfoot as well as hybrid groups carried kinda Y‐chromosomes, and kinda Y‐chromosomes were involved in all observed cases of mitochondrial/Y‐chromosome discordance. These observations are consistent with, though they do not prove, a population history in which the range of chacmas and the hybrid zone have advanced at the expense of the kinda range. They also suggest that, unexpectedly, kinda male×chacma female matings are much more common than the reciprocal cross in the ancestry of hybrids. We suggest that distinctive male kinda behavior and the “juvenile” appearance of kinda baboons of both sexes, perhaps combined with obstetric difficulties of a small kinda female carrying the large offspring of a chacma male, may account for this bias. Am. J. Primatol. 73:291–303, 2011. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Introduction to the special section: “The effects of bonds between human and nonhuman primates on primatological research and practice”
Authors: Vitale Augusto , Pollo Simone
Published: November 2010

This commentary introduces this special section on “The Effects of Bonds Between Human and Nonhuman Primates on Primatological Research and Practice.” The aim is to explore the different causes and consequences of bonding experiences between observers and observed in different primatological contexts. In the first contribution, Vitale asks what are the possible consequences of such bonding in behavioral primatology. Examples of beneficial consequences of this kind of relationship come from studies on cognitive abilities of great apes. Furthermore, an empathic attitude with the experimental animals leads to better care and attention toward individual welfare needs. Coleman discusses the particular case of nonhuman primates housed in research laboratories. Care‐giving practices are discussed in relation to scientific, ethical and emotional issues. Morimura et al. present the case of the first Japanese sanctuary for retiring chimpanzees from research where, in order to facilitate the social living of re‐located chimpanzees, face‐to‐face interactions between caregivers and chimpanzees are essential. Asquith discusses the role of anthropomorphism, and proposes that this attitude can help to better understand the lives of primates, in more contextualized scenarios. In relation to this view, she emphasizes how the term “primate culture” accords with some definition of the term “human culture.” Fuentes, in his article asks whether national, class and ethnic characteristics can influence bonding between human and nonhuman primates, and calls for focused quantitative studies. Finally, Rose calls for the application of the concept of biosynergy, explained as promoting the formation of healthy and sustainable bonding relationships among living creatures. One of the most important aspects emerging from these papers is the need to better understand whether the issue of bonding in primatological studies can be generalized to other areas of research such as conservation, behavior, captive care, or whether each of these disciplines needs to develop their own understanding of the effects of bonding in “producing science.” Am. J. Primatol. 73:211–213, 2011. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Polarization contrast linear spectroscopies for cubic semiconductors under stress: macro‐ and micro‐reflectance difference spectroscopies
Authors: Lastras‐Martínez L.F. , Balderas‐Navarro R.E. , Castro‐García R. , Herrera‐Jasso R. , Chavira‐Rodríguez M. , Lastras‐Martínez A.
Published: November 2010

The technique to measure optical anisotropies (OA) in cubic semiconductors is termed either reflectance difference spectroscopy (RDS) or reflectance anisotropy spectroscopy (RAS). In this paper we report on the application of RDS/RAS to a number of cubic semiconductors. We discuss RD spectra of GaAs, Si, CdTe, GaP, InP and GaSb (001) surfaces, induced by an uniaxial stress applied along [110] crystal directions. We show that all RD spectra can be explained in terms of a phenomenological model based on a perturbative Hamiltonian. We further report on measurements of spatial‐resolved RDS measurements of GaAs employing a newly developed micro‐RD spectrometer with a spatial resolution of 5 µm.
Influence of fumed silica on the flame‐retardant properties of ethylene vinyl acetate/aluminum hydroxide composites
Authors: Jiao Chuan‐Mei , Chen Xi‐Lei
Published: November 2010

The flammability and synergistic flame‐retardant effects of fumed silica (SiO2) in ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA)/aluminum hydroxide (ATH) blends were studied with limiting oxygen index measurements, UL 94 testing, cone calorimeter testing (CONE), and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The results show that the addition of a given amount of fumed SiO2 can apparently improve UL 94 rating. The CONE data indicated that the addition of fumed SiO2 greatly reduced the heat release rate. The TGA data showed that this synergistic flame‐retardant mechanism of fumed SiO2 in the EVA/ATH materials was mainly due to the physical process. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011
Effect of epoxy oligomer on viscoelasticity of acrylic polymer
Authors: Uematsu Hideyuki , Aoki Yuji , Sugimoto Masataka , Koyama Kiyohito
Published: November 2010

Linear and nonlinear viscoelasticity of an adhesion material for integrated circuit chips were investigated to control the processability. The material consists of acrylic polymer (AP) and epoxy oligomer (EP). EP content in AP/EP blend is 70 vol %. From the linear viscoelasticity, it was found that the iso‐free volume state of AP/EP blend was 20°C lower than that of AP and the entanglement molecular weight Me of AP/EP was three times higher than that of AP. Nonlinear stress relaxation modulus G(t,γ) showed that the time‐strain separability, G(t,γ) = G(t)h(γ), was applicable at long time above a characteristic time τk, where G(t) is linear relaxation modulus and h(γ) is the damping function. The τk value was estimated to be 10 s for AP/EP and below 0.1 s for AP at an iso‐free volume state. (h(γ) for AP and AP/EP behaved like a usual linear homopolymer.) The time evolution of the elongational viscosity ηE(t) of each sample showed that AP/EP system exhibited strong strain hardening at
$\dot {\varepsilon} \geq 0.3 \ {\rm s}^{-1}$, although AP did not show strain hardening at strain rate measured, when the data were compared at an iso‐free volume state. These results strongly suggest that the strain hardening behavior of AP/EP is attributable to enhancement of the stretch of AP polymer chains by diluting EP oligomer chains. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011
Properties and thermal degradation kinetics of polystyrene/organoclay nanocomposites synthesized by solvent blending method: Effect of processing conditions and organoclay loading
Authors: Krishna S. V. , Pugazhenthi G.
Published: November 2010

In this study, intercalated/exfoliated polystyrene (PS)/organoclay nanocomposites containing different concentration of organoclay have been prepared via solvent blending method, using xylene as a solvent. Some resulting intercalated nanocomposites are transformed to exfoliated nanocomposites by increasing the refluxing temperature or refluxing time for a constant organoclay loading. The X‐ray diffraction results reveal the formation of intercalation/exfoliation of organoclay in the PS matrix. The Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and transmission electron microscopy results confirm the presence of nanomaterial in PS/organoclay nanocomposites. Completely exfoliated nanocomposites are achieved by decreasing the content of organoclay and elongating the refluxing temperature or refluxing time. Thermogravimetric analysis data show that the PS/organoclay nanocomposites have significant enhanced thermal stability. When 50% weight loss is selected as a point of comparison, the thermal decomposition temperature (Td) of the exfoliated PS/organoclay nanocomposites with 7 wt % of organoclay is 17°C higher than that of pure PS. Thermal decomposition temperature of exfoliated PS/organoclay nanocomposites is better than that of intercalated nanocomposites for a constant organoclay loading. The glass transition temperature (Tg) of PS/organoclay nanocomposites is ∼ 7.1–8.6°C higher than that of pure PS. The thermal degradation activation energy of the nanocomposites is determined via Coats‐Redfern method. The improvement of thermal stability of nanocomposites is also confirmed by increasing the activation energies (Ea) and the integral procedural decomposition temperature. Criado method is finally used to determine the degradation reaction mechanism of various samples. The water uptake capacity of PS/organoclay nanocomposites is negligible when compared with pure PS. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011
Applications and future challenges in marine species distribution modeling
Authors: Dambach Johannes , Rödder Dennis
Published: November 2010

Anthropogenic climate change affects both phenology and distribution patterns of the world's biota including marine species. During the last decade, species distribution models have been more frequently used to assess the potential distributions of species and possible effects of climate change. However, unlike for terrestrial species, there have been few investigations assessing climate change effects on distribution patterns of marine organisms.

An overview of marine species distribution modelling is given. Possibilities of how to characterize and project the environmental niches of species onto climatic change scenarios are highlighted and novel techniques for addressing specific needs in a 3‐D context are proposed. A detailed introduction into different modelling tools and databases for environmental parameters given provides a starting point for the application of these models.

Application of a species distribution model and its projections onto a glacial and future scenario on a global scale are presented for the great white shark (Carcharodon carcharias) for illustrative purposes. An approach for addressing marine migratory species with seasonal distribution patterns is presented. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Comparative kinetics of fatty acid–amino acid conjugate elicitor biosynthesis by midgut tissue microsomes of Lepidopterous caterpillar larvae
Authors: Lait Cameron G. , Lobaido Melanie J. , Wiester Amy J. , Kossak Sarah , Tumlinson James H.
Published: November 2010

N‐Linolenoyl‐L‐glutamine is one of several structurally similar fatty acid–amino acid conjugate (FAC) elicitors found in the oral secretions of Lepidopterous caterpillars and its biosynthesis is catalyzed by membrane‐associated alimentary tissue enzyme(s). FAC elicitors comprise 17‐hydroxylated or non‐hydroxylated linolenic acid coupled with L‐glutamine or L‐glutamate by an amide bond. We demonstrate in vitro biosynthesis of N‐linolenoyl‐L‐glutamine by Manduca sexta, Heliothis virescens, and Helicoverpa zea tissue microsomes. Comparison of N‐linolenoyl‐L‐glutamine biosynthesis kinetics for these species suggests that concurrent biosynthesis and hydrolysis contribute to proportions of FAC elicitors found in their oral secretions. The apparent Km values for coupling of sodium linolenate were 8.75±0.79, 14.3±3.7 and 20.7±3.4 mM and Vmax values were 2.92±0.14, 6.81±1.2 and 4.95±0.55 nmol/min/mg protein for H. zea, H. virescens and M. sexta, respectively. The Km values for coupling of L‐glutamine were 10.5±0.26, 22.3±2.0 and 18.9±2.4 mM and Vmax values were 1.78±0.21, 3.71±0.50 and 2.49±0.41 nmol/min/mg of protein for H. zea, H. virescens and M. sexta, respectively. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Synthesis of Ordered Porous Graphitic‐C3N4 and Regularly Arranged Ta3N5 Nanoparticles by Using Self‐Assembled Silica Nanospheres as a Primary Template
Authors: Fukasawa Yuki , Takanabe Kazuhiro , Shimojima Atsushi , Antonietti Markus , Domen Kazunari , Okubo Tatsuya
Published: November 2010

Uniform‐sized silica nanospheres (SNSs) assembled into close‐packed structures were used as a primary template for ordered porous graphitic carbon nitride (g‐C3N4), which was subsequently used as a hard template to generate regularly arranged Ta3N5 nanoparticles of well‐controlled size. Inverse opal g‐C3N4 structures with the uniform pore size of 20–80 nm were synthesized by polymerization of cyanamide and subsequent dissolution of the SNSs with an aqueous HF solution. Back‐filling of the C3N4 pores with tantalum precursors, followed by nitridation in an NH3 flow gave regularly arranged, crystalline Ta3N5 nanoparticles that are connected with each other. The surface areas of the Ta3N5 samples were as high as 60 m2 g−1, and their particle size was tunable from 20 to 80 nm, which reflects the pore size of g‐C3N4. Polycrystalline hollow nanoparticles of Ta3N5 were also obtained by infiltration of a reduced amount of the tantalum source into the g‐C3N4 template. An improved photocatalytic activity for H2 evolution on the assembly of the Ta3N5 nanoparticles under visible‐light irradiation was attained as compared with that on a conventional Ta3N5 bulk material with low surface area.
Magneto‐acoustic wave propagation and mode conversion in a magnetic solar atmosphere: Comparing results from the CO5BOLD code with ray theory
Authors: Nutto C. , Steiner O. , Roth M.
Published: November 2010

We present simulations of magneto‐acoustic wave propagation in a magnetic, plane‐parallel stratified solar model atmosphere, employing the CO5BOLD‐code. The tests are carried out for two models of the solar atmosphere, which are similar to the ones used by Cally (2007) and Schunker & Cally (2006). The two models differ only in the orientation of the magnetic field. A qualitative comparison shows good agreement between the numerical results and the results from ray theory. The tests are done in view of the application of the present numerical code for the computation of energy fluxes of propagating acoustic waves into a dynamically evolving magnetic solar atmosphere. For this, we consider waves with frequencies above the acoustic cut‐off frequency (© 2010 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Probing the cores of solar‐like pulsators
Authors: Cunha M.S. , Brandão I.M.
Published: November 2010

Stars slightly more massive than the Sun develop small convective cores during their main sequence phase of evolution. The edges of these convective cores are associated with rapid variations in the sound speed which influence the frequencies of acoustic oscillations. In this work we use an asymptotic analysis that is valid near the turning point of the oscillations, to derive the signature that tiny convective cores, such as those expected in main‐sequence solar‐like pulsators, produce in the oscillation frequencies. Moreover, we present a seismic diagnostic tool that is capable of isolating essential properties of that signature. The analysis presented here is an extension of that published by Cunha & Metcalfe (2007). In particular, in the current work the functional form adopted in the modelling of the sharp variation in sound speed at the edge of the core is more realistic. That results in an improved capability to extract the size of the sharp variation in sound speed at the edge of the core, a property that depends on the physical processes of mixing and diffusion taking place in that region of the star (© 2010 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Current methods for analyzing light curves of solar‐like stars
Authors: Ballot J.
Published: November 2010

CoRoT has allowed a quantitative leap for the solar‐like‐star seismology thanks to 5‐month‐long uninterrupted timeseries of high‐precision photometric data. Kepler is also starting to deliver similar data. Now, several F and G main‐sequence stars have been analyzed. The techniques developed to interpret light curves directly inherit from the experience got on the Sun with helioseismology. I describe in this review the methods currently used to analyze these light curves. First, these data provide an accurate determination of the stellar rotation rate. This is possible thanks to the magnetic activity of stars. The power spectra of light curves put also constraints on the stellar granulation, which can be directly compared to 3‐D stellar atmosphere models; this shows still unexplained discrepancies. I then detailed a standard method for extracting p‐mode characteristics (frequency, amplitude and lifetime). CoRoT has revealed unexpected short life times for F stars. Last, I also discuss errors and biases of mode frequencies, especially the ones due to the simplified description of the rotation generally used (© 2010 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Seismic signatures of stellar cores of solar‐like pulsators: Dependence on mass and age
Authors: Brandão I.M. , Cunha M.S. , Creevey O.L. , Christensen‐Dalsgaard J.
Published: November 2010

Useful information from the inner layers of stellar pulsators may be derived from the study of their oscillations. In this paper we analyse three diagnostic tools suggested in the literature built from the oscillation frequencies computed for a set of main sequence models with masses between 1.0 M⊙ and 1.6 M⊙, to check what information they may hold about stellar cores. For the models with convective cores (M ≥ 1.2 M⊙) we find a relation between the frequency slopes of the diagnostic tools and the size of the jump in the sound speed at the edge of the core. We show that this relation is independent of the mass of the models. In practice, since the size of the jump in the sound speed is related to the age of the star, using these seismic tools we may, in principle, infer the star's evolutionary state. We also show that when combining two of the three diagnostic tools studied, we are able to distinguish models with convective cores from models without a convective core but with strong sound speed gradients in the inner layers (© 2010 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Asteroseismic modelling of Procyon A: Preliminary results
Authors: Doğan G. , Bonanno A. , Bedding T.R. , Campante T.L. , Christensen‐Dalsgaard J. , Kjeldsen H.
Published: November 2010

We present our preliminary results of the modelling of the F5 star Procyon A. The frequencies predicted by our models are compared with the frequencies extracted through a global fit to the power spectrum obtained by the latest ground‐based observations, which provides two different mode identification scenarios (© 2010 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Constraints of a pulsation frequency on stellar parameters in the eclipsing spectroscopic binary system V577 Oph
Authors: Creevey O.L. , Telting J. , Belmonte J.A. , Brown T.M. , Handler G. , Metcalfe T.S. , Pinheiro F. , Sousa S. , Terrell D. , Zhou A.
Published: November 2010

We present a preliminary spectroscopic analysis of the binary system V577Oph, observed during the summer of 2007 on the 2.6 m NOT telescope on La Palma. We have obtained time series spectroscopic observations, which show clear binary motion as well as radial velocity variations due to pulsation in the primary star. By modelling the radial velocities we determine a full orbital solution of the system, which yields MA sin3 i = 1.562 ± 0.012 M⊙ and MB sin3 i = 1.461 ± 0.020 M⊙. An estimate of inclination from photometry yields a primary mass of ∼1.6 M⊙. Using this derived mass, and the known pulsation frequency we can impose a lower limit of 1 Gyr on the age of the system, and constrain the parameters of the oscillation mode. We show that with further analysis of the spectra (extracting the atmospheric parameters), tighter constraints could be imposed on the age, metallicity and the mode parameters. This work emphasizes the power that a single pulsation frequency can have for constraining stellar parameters in an eclipsing binary system (© 2010 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Asteroseismology of solar‐type stars with Kepler: III. Ground‐based data
Authors: Molenda‐Żakowicz J. , Bruntt H. , Sousa S. , Frasca A. , Biazzo K. , Huber D. , Ireland M. , Bedding T. , Stello D. , Uytterhoeven K. , Dreizler S. , De Cat P. , Briquet M. , Catanzaro G. , Karoff C. , Frandsen S. , Spezzi L. , Catala C.
Published: November 2010

We report on the ground‐based follow‐up program of spectroscopic and photometric observations of solar‐like asteroseismic targets for the Kepler space mission. These stars constitute a large group of more than a thousand objects which are the subject of an intensive study by the Kepler Asteroseismic Science Consortium Working Group 1 (KASC WG‐1). In the current work we will discuss the methods we use to determine the fundamental stellar atmospheric parameters using high‐quality stellar spectra. These provide essential constraints for the asteroseismic modelling and make it possible to verify the parameters in the Kepler Input Catalogue (KIC) (© 2010 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Convection and oscillations
Authors: Houdek G.
Published: November 2010

In this short review on stellar convection dynamics I address the following, currently very topical, issues: (1) the surface effects of the Reynolds stresses and nonadiabaticity on solar‐like pulsation frequencies, and (2) oscillation mode lifetimes of stochastically excited oscillations in red giants computed with different time‐dependent convection formulations (© 2010 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Modelling results for two late Be stars observed by CoRoT
Authors: Lovekin C. , Neiner C. , Saio H. , Mathis S. , Gutiérrez‐Soto J.
Published: November 2010

The Be stars HD 181231 (B5IVe) and HD 175869 (B8IIIe) have recently been observed using the CoRoT satellite for ∼5 months and ∼27 days respectively. This continuous, space‐based observation has allowed for the detection of many low amplitude modes in these stars. In the case of HD181231, the combination of the CoRoT data and ground‐based spectroscopic follow‐up data have placed tight constraints on the fundamental and pulsational properties of the star, allowing for detailed seismic modelling. For HD 175869, the variability has been proposed to be the result of inhomogeneities produced by stellar activity, located in or just above the photosphere. However, the CoRoT data does not exclude non‐radial pulsations as the origin of the variability. Through seismic modelling, we hope to clarify the origins of the variability. We compare observed frequencies to those calculated using a 2D stellar evolution and a 2D linear adiabatic pulsation code. We match the observed frequencies to a grid of 2D models in order to constrain the mass, age, rotation velocity and amount of convective core overshoot. We also compare our results to frequencies calculated using a 1D non‐adiabatic pulsation code. Using a combination of frequencies, we have been able to constrain the rotation and extra mixing for stars of a known mass and age. Here we determine the best fitting mass, age, rotation velocity and amount of extra mixing for these Be stars (© 2010 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Agronomic aspects of future energy crops in Europe
Authors: Zegada‐Lizarazu Walter , Elbersen H. Wolter , Cosentino Salvatore L. , Zatta Alessandro , Alexopoulou Efi , Monti Andrea
Published: November 2010

The recent policies enacted by the EU foresee an increased interest in the cultivation of energy crops. Hence systematized information on new energy crops and cropping strategies is necessary to optimize their production quantitatively and qualitatively and to integrate them into traditional production systems. This kind of information will offer farmers new perspectives and options to diversify their farming activities. Some of these crops, however, may compete for land and resources with existing food crops, while others could be grown in marginal/degraded lands with consequent beneficial effects on the environment. Therefore choosing the appropriate management components and species should be site specific and oriented to minimize inputs and maximize yields. In some cases, traditional food crops are used as dedicated energy crops with the advantage that their management practices are well known. On the other hand, the management of new dedicated energy crops, such as perennial herbaceous crops, often demands a range of structural features and tactical management approaches that are different to those commonly used for traditional food crops. Most of these crops are largely undomesticated and are at their early stages of development and improvement. In this work, state‐of‐the‐art research and development of agronomic management and the production of a wide range of multipurpose future energy crop species are reviewed and where possible examples of appropriate crop management practices that would enhance energy yields are provided. Interesting lines of investigation are also suggested. © 2010 Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd
Environmental impact assessment of energy crops cultivation in Europe
Authors: Fernando Ana L , Duarte Maria P , Almeida Joana , Boléo Sara , Mendes Benilde
Published: November 2010

The production of energy crops must be studied and evaluated in terms of environmental impact, in order to integrate them into a sustainable agricultural development. As bioenergy carriers they offer ecological advantages over fossil fuels by contributing to the reduction of greenhouse gases and acidifying emissions. However, there could be ecological shortcomings related to the intensity of agricultural production. There is a risk of polluting water and air, losing soil quality, enhancing erosion, and reducing biodiversity. In the scope of the project Future Crops for Food, Feed, Fiber and Fuel (4F Crops), supported by the European Union, an environmental impact assessment study was developed and applied to the production of potential energy crops in Europe. The following variables were selected as categories: use of water and mineral resources, soil quality and erosion, emission of minerals and pesticides to soil and water, waste generation and utilization, landscape, and biodiversity. In addition, a normalization and weighting procedure was applied, which attempts to aggregate environmental impacts. Results suggest that growing energy crops does not inflict higher impact on the environment compared to potato and wheat farming (regarding the studied categories). Although the different indicators did not yield a common pattern, overall results suggest that woody and lignocellulosic crops have an advantage over annual crop systems, namely regarding erodibility and biodiversity. Some crop management options, such as pesticides and fertilizers inputs, can influence the outcomes. However, site‐specific factors should be accurately assessed to evaluate the adequacy between crop and location. Environmental hotspots in the systems are detected and options for improvement are presented. © 2010 Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd
Overview of the markets for energy crops in EU27
Authors: Christou Myrsini , Alexopoulou Efthinia , Panoutsou Calliope , Monti Andrea
Published: November 2010

Agriculture and forestry provide a wide number of crops that are used for a range of non‐food products, such as fuels, chemicals, fibers, construction materials, lubricants, etc. The term ‘energy crops’ is commonly used to indicate plants grown to make energy, such as biopower, bioheat and biofuels. Nonetheless, the development and commercialization of energy crops can initiate new and expand current markets for agricultural feedstocks, reduce dependence on petroleum and other imports of critical materials, diversify agriculture, and strengthen rural and sustainable development. As demand is growing steadily both from policy and from industry (which seeks environmentally friendly feedstocks) tensions have already risen among sectors about securing their future supplies. Among the key drivers that promote the development of one or other market, in the short and long term, the following can be considered as the most important: regular energy crops' feedstock supply and consistency in terms of quantity and quality, sustainable growth and environmental impacts, market demands and state of development, price competitiveness, and technological scale‐up. Taking these issues into account, this perspective is a concise review of the state of the energy markets in the EU27 in the light of policy demand, economic and environmentally sustainable options, and the optimum choices of energy crops from 2010 to 2030. © 2010 Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd
Assessing European biodiesel markets and capacities
Authors: Covrig Claudiu , Bosch‐Gual Laia
Published: November 2010

Biodiesel markets experienced fast growth in recent years and are forecast to expand further. In Europe, the regional and national mandates and targets inspired producers to extend their capacities, betting on a bright future for biodiesel. However, even considering consumption growth rates of 10% for this year, a considerable share of European production capacity would be idle and local demand would still be fulfilled in part by imports coming mainly from South America. Dr Claudiu Covrig together with Laia Bosch‐Gual at Kingsman look at the main EU biodiesel players and ask when will sustainability be more valuable than price competitiveness? © 2010 Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd
On the theoretical precision and strategy selection problem of a single‐strategy approach: A comment on Glöckner, Betsch, and Schindler (2010)
Authors: Marewski Julian N.
Published: November 2010

According to the fast and frugal heuristics (FFH) program, humans make decisions by selecting from a repertoire of strategies. Glöckner, Betsch, and Schindler criticize such multi‐strategy frameworks for not explaining how people select between the different strategies. As an alternative, they propose a parallel constraint satisfaction (PCS) model that assumes a single strategy for all tasks. However, contrary to Glöckner et al.'s assertions, the FFH and other multi‐strategy frameworks have developed a number of approaches to strategy selection, tackling a difficult modeling problem that the PCS model disguises but cannot solve itself. Moreover, in contrast to the PCS model, which has not been completely spelled out, the repertoire of strategies assumed by the FFH framework is precisely defined, enabling researchers to make quantitative predictions about behavior. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Functional outcomes after extended surgery for gastric cancer
Authors:   Japan Clinical Oncology Group, Kurokawa Y , Sasako M , Sano T , Shibata T , Ito S , Nashimoto A , Kurita A , Kinoshita T
Published: November 2010

Background

Extended gastrectomy with para-aortic nodal dissection (PAND) or thorough dissection of mediastinal nodes using a left thoracoabdominal (LTA) approach is an alternative to D2 lymphadenectomy, with variable postoperative results.

Methods

Two randomized controlled trials have been conducted to compare D2 lymphadenectomy alone (263 patients) versus D2 lymphadenectomy plus PAND (260), and the abdominal–transhiatal (TH) approach (82) versus the LTA approach (85), in patients with gastric cancer. Prospectively registered secondary endpoints bodyweight, symptom scores and respiratory function were evaluated in the present study.

Results

Bodyweight was comparable after D2 and D2 plus PAND, but higher after TH than after LTA procedures at 1 and 3 years. At 1- and 3-year follow-up symptom scores were comparable between D2 and D2 plus PAND. A LTA approach resulted in significantly worse scores than a TH approach in terms of meal volume, return to work, incisional pain and dyspnoea up to 1 year. The decrease in vital capacity was significantly greater after LTA than TH procedures up to 6 months.

Conclusion

Bodyweight and postoperative symptoms were not affected by adding PAND to a D2 procedure. A LTA approach aggravated weight loss, symptoms and respiratory functions compared with a TH approach. Registration numbers: NCT00149279, NCT00149266 (http://www.clinicaltrials.gov).
Characterization of stem cells in Dupuytren's disease
Authors: Hindocha S , Iqbal S A , Farhatullah S , Paus R , Bayat A
Published: November 2010

Background

Dupuytren's disease (DD) is a common fibroproliferative disease of unknown origin. The source of abnormal cells leading to DD formation remains underexplored. In addition to fascia, palmar skin and fat-derived cells may be a potential source of cells causing DD. This study aimed to profile haematopoietic and mesenchymal stem cells in different DD tissue components compared with tissue removed at carpal tunnel surgery (control).

Methods

Biopsies were taken from the diseased cord, nodule, perinodular fat and skin overlying the nodule of ten patients with DD and compared with control tissue from seven patients having surgery for carpal tunnel syndrome. Fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS), immunohistochemistry and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (QRT-PCR) were used to identify expression of selected stem cell markers.

Results

FACS and QRT-PCR analysis identified the highest RNA expression and number of cells positive for adipocyte stem cell markers (CD13 and CD29) in the DD nodule in comparison with carpal tunnel control tissue (P = 0·053). CD34 RNA was overexpressed, and a higher percentage of these cells was present in DD skin compared with carpal tunnel skin (P = 0·001).

Conclusion

Each structural component of DD (cord, nodule, perinodular fat and skin) had distinct stem cell populations. These findings support the hypothesis that DD may result from mesenchymal progenitor cell expansion.
Synthesis of Chiral Cyclic Nitrones by Asymmetric Addition of β‐Ketosulfones to Nitroalkenes followed by Reductive Cyclization
Authors: García Mancheño Olga , Tangen Pia , Rohlmann Renate , Fröhlich Roland , Alemán José
Published: November 2010

The first organocatalytic addition of β‐ketosulfones to nitroalkenes catalyzed by thiourea cinchona alkaloids is presented. The readily obtained addition products were selectively transformed into chiral nitrones by reduction of the nitro group and in situ cyclization (up to 99:1 e.r. and >98:2 d.r.). Moreover, the utility of this method has additionally been demonstrated by the further transformation to functionalized N‐hydroxypyrrolidines that possess a quaternary center by addition of trimethylsilyl cyanide (TMSCN) to the CN bond of the cyclic nitrones in the presence of a Lewis acid.
DFT Calculation on polychlorinated phenarsazines: Their gas phase thermodynamic functions and the implications of Cl substituted position
Authors: Shi Jia Q. , Liu Hong X. , Xu Ying , Liu Hui , Flamm Alison , Wang Zun Y.
Published: November 2010

The thermodynamic properties of 136 polychlorinated phenarsazines (PCPAZs) have been calculated by density functional theory at the B3LYP/6‐31G* level. Then, isodesmic reactions are designed to calculate ΔfH° and ΔfG° of PCPAZs. The relations of these thermodynamic parameters with the number and position of Cl atom substitution (NPCS) are discussed and a relative stability order of PCPAZs is theoretically proposed according to the relative magnitude of their ΔfG°. In addition, the values of molar heat capacities at constant pressure from 200 to 1000 K for PCPAZs are calculated, and the temperature dependence relations of this parameter are obtained using the least‐squares method.
Numerical simulation process aspects of the novel static circulating jet mixer
Authors: Yu Yanfang , Wu Jianhua , Meng Huibo
Published: November 2010

A novel jet mixer was developed in virtue of static jet mixing and the static sealing technique. In this paper, the SST κ − ω model was chosen to simulate the flow field by analysing the flow pattern of multiple jets in the novel static circulating jet mixer (SCJM). The numerical predictions of mixing time in the upward pointing side entry jet were found in good agreement with the experimental as well as the results reported in the literature. The transport mechanism of fluid in novel SCJM was studied using PDF and higher order items of turbulent flow. Because of the mutual adsorption between the adjacent jets, the main jet velocity did not comply with self‐similarity and the jet axis has an offset when the L/R0 is above 0.231. The distributions of flatness and skewness in SCJM are out of normal distribution which indicated the existence of coherent structure. The optimum parameters, jet angle, and baffle length, were revealed by comparison of the energy dissipation ratios in many cases.

Un nouveau mélangeur à jet a été conçu grâce au mélange à jet statique et à la technique d'étanchéité statique (TES). Dans ce document, nous avons choisi le modèle de TES κ − ω pour simuler le champ d'écoulement en analysant la configuration de l'écoulement de plusieurs jets dans le nouveau mélangeur circulant à jet statique (MCJS). Les prédictions numériques du temps de mélange dans le jet latéral orienté vers le haut correspondent bien aux résultats expérimentaux et aux résultats indiqués dans la littérature. Le mécanisme de transport du fluide dans le nouveau MCJS a été analysé en utilisant la fonction de densité et des éléments d'ordre supérieur de l'écoulement turbulent. En raison de l'adsorption mutuelle entre les jets adjacents, la vitesse du jet principal n'est pas conforme à l'autosimilitude et l'axe du jet présente un désaxage lorsque le L/R0 est supérieur à 0,231. Les distributions de la planéité et de la dissymétrie dans le MCJS sortent de l'ordinaire, ce qui indique qu'une structure cohérente existe. Les paramètres optimaux, l'angle du jet et la longueur du déflecteur ont été trouvés en comparant les rapports de dissipation d'énergie de nombreux cas. © 2010 Canadian Society for Chemical Engineering
Low Serum Sodium as a Poor Prognostic Indicator for Mortality in Congestive Heart Failure Patients
Authors: DeWolfe Andrew , Lopez Barbara , Arcement Lee M. , Hebert Kathy
Published: November 2010

Background

The incidence of congestive heart failure (CHF) has not significantly declined over the past 50 years, and overall survival rates are low at 5 years following diagnosis. Numerous studies have shown low serum sodium to be a poor prognostic indicator of all cause mortality in CHF patients.

Hypothesis

The goal of this hypothesis was to validate if hyponatremia is an important predictor of mortality in an outpatient population of CHF patients on maximal combined angiotensin‐converting enzyme inhibitor (ACEI) and β‐blocker therapy.

Methods

A total of 364 (13% with hyponatremia) patients with CHF (ejection fraction [EF] ≤ 40%) were enrolled in a heart failure disease management program. The mean New York Heart Association (NYHA) class was II.XII. The average baseline serum sodium was 138.2 mEq/L.

Results

We evaluated the relationship between hyponatremia (<135 mEq/L) and all‐cause mortality at 40 months. During follow‐up, 8 patients in the hyponatremia group compared to 31 in the normonatremic group died. Results of Kaplan‐Meier analyses indicated there were no significant differences in mortality between the hyponatremia and normonatremic groups (log‐rank test = 0.39). Results for Cox proportional hazards models indicated low sodium was not a significant predictor of mortality (unadjusted odds ratio [OR]: 1.41, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.65, 3.07; adjusted OR: 1.60, 95% CI: 0.57, 4.53).

Conclusions

The relationship between hyponatremia and all‐cause mortality did not reach significance. Hyponatremia did not significantly predict mortality in a CHF population on maximal medical therapy. Copyright © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Surface functionalization of magnetic iron oxide nanoparticles for MRI applications – effect of anchoring group and ligand exchange protocol
Authors: Smolensky Eric D. , Park Hee‐Yun E. , Berquó Thelma S. , Pierre Valérie C.
Published: November 2010

Hydrophobic magnetite nanoparticles synthesized from thermal decomposition of iron salts must be rendered hydrophilic for their application as MRI contrast agents. This process requires refunctionalizing the surface of the nanoparticles with a hydrophilic organic coating such as polyethylene glycol. Two parameters were found to influence the magnetic behavior and relaxivity of the resulting hydrophilic iron oxide nanoparticles: the functionality of the anchoring group and the protocol followed for the functionalization. Nanoparticles coated with PEGs via a catecholate‐type anchoring moiety maintain the saturation magnetization and relaxivity of the hydrophobic magnetite precursor. Other anchoring functionalities, such as phosphonate, carboxylate and dopamine decrease the magnetization and relaxivity of the contrast agent. The protocol for functionalizing the nanoparticles also influences the magnetic behavior of the material. Nanoparticles refunctionalized according to a direct biphasic protocol exhibit higher relaxivity than those refunctionalized according to a two‐step procedure which first involves stripping the nanoparticles. This research presents the first systematic study of both the binding moiety and the functionalization protocol on the relaxivity and magnetization of water‐soluble coated iron oxide nanoparticles used as MRI contrast agents. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Human Thermoregulatory Responses to Acute Cold Stress with Special Reference to Water Immersion
Authors: Toner Michael M. , McArdle William D.
Published: November 2010

The sections in this article are:

Metabolic Adjustments to the Cold

Critical Temperature

Thermogenesis Below Critical Temperature

Heat Transfer and Thermal Adjustments to the Cold

Skin‐to‐Water Heat Transfer

Core‐to‐Skin Heat Transfer

Core‐to‐Core Heat Transfer

Core‐to‐Environment Heat Transfer

Thermal Balance in the Cold

Thermal Balance by Analysis of Survival Data

Thermal Balance Assessed by Thermal Models

Stability of Skin and Core Temperatures

Still Conditions vs. Voluntary Exertion
Intestinal Adaptation to Environmental Stress
Authors: Horvath Peter J , Weiser Milton M
Published: November 2010

The sections in this article are:

The Gastrointestinal System and its Ability to Respond to Environmental Stress and Injury

Immune Defense Mechanisms

Other Defense Mechanisms

Geophysical Environment

Environmental Temperature

Altitude

Industrial Contaminants of the Food Chain

Personal Life‐Style

Physical Activity and Exercise

Starvation

Luminal Environment and Diet

Gender Differences

Changes in the Gastrointestinal Tract in the Aged
Green and Sustainable Chemical Synthesis Using Flow Microreactors
Authors: Yoshida Jun‐ichi , Kim Heejin , Nagaki Aiichiro
Published: November 2010

Several features that allow flow microreactors contribute to green and sustainable chemical synthesis are presented: (1) For extremely fast reactions, kinetics often cannot be used because of the lack of homogeneity of the reaction environment when they are conducted in batch macroreactors. Better controllability, by virtue of fast mixing based on short diffusion paths in microreactors, however, leads to a higher selectivity of the products, based on kinetics considerations. Therefore, less waste is produced. (2) Reactions involving highly unstable intermediates usually require very low temperatures when they are conducted in macrobatch reactors. By virtue of short residence times, flow microreactors enable performing such reactions at ambient temperatures, avoiding cryogenic conditions and minimizing the energy required for cooling. (3) By virtue of the precise residence time control, flow microreactors allow to avoid the use of auxiliary substances such as protecting groups, enabling highly atom‐ and step‐economical straightforward syntheses. The development of several test plants based on microreaction technology has proved that flow microreactor synthesis can be applied to the green and sustainable production of chemical substances on industrial scales. (4) Microreactor technology enables on‐demand and on‐site synthesis, which leads to less energy for transportation and easy recycling of substances.