bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prevalence of the Metabolic Syndrome Among U.S. Workers
Authors: Davila Evelyn P. , Florez Hermes , Fleming Lora E. , Lee David J. , Goodman Elizabeth , LeBlanc William G. , Caban-Martinez Alberto J. , Arheart Kristopher L. , McCollister Kathryn E. , Christ Sharon L. , Clark John C. , Clarke Tainya
Published: June 2010

OBJECTIVE

Differences in the prevalence of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and its risk factors among occupational groups have been found in several studies. Certain types of workers (such as shift workers) may have a greater risk for metabolic syndrome, a precursor of CVD. The objective of this study was to assess the differences in prevalence and risk of metabolic syndrome among occupational groups using nationally representative data of U.S. workers.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

Data from 8,457 employed participants (representing 131 million U.S. adults) of the 1999–2004 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey were used. Unadjusted and age-adjusted prevalence and simple and multiple logistic regression analyses were conducted, adjusting for several potential confounders (BMI, alcohol drinking, smoking, physical activity, and sociodemographic characteristics) and survey design.

RESULTS

Of the workers, 20% met the criteria for the metabolic syndrome, with “miscellaneous food preparation and food service workers” and “farm operators, managers, and supervisors” having the greatest age-adjusted prevalence (29.6–31.1%) and “writers, artists, entertainers, and athletes,” and “engineers, architects, scientists” the lowest (8.5–9.2%). In logistic regression analyses “transportation/material moving” workers had significantly greater odds of meeting the criteria for metabolic syndrome relative to “executive, administrative, managerial” professionals (odds ratio 1.70 [95% CI 1.49–2.52]).

CONCLUSIONS

There is variability in the prevalence of metabolic syndrome by occupational status, with “transportation/material moving” workers at greatest risk for metabolic syndrome. Workplace health promotion programs addressing risk factors for metabolic syndrome that target workers in occupations with the greatest odds may be an efficient way to reach at-risk populations.
Doom and Democracy: An Essay in Political Soteriology
Authors: Kohák Erazim
Published: June 2010

Doom and Democracy: An Essay in Political Soteriology

The essay explores the philosophical (metatheoretical) presuppositions of democratic social strategy in the current "apocalyptic age". Here democracy means a way of life based on the assumption that individual freedom, mutual respect and fundamental good will toward the other can be taken for granted; as a feasible and a desirable way of ordering human affairs. In this broadly cultural sense, democracy is an outgrowth of a deeply rooted consensus on the posture of respect and good will toward all. Yet democracy, with its Enlightenment heritage of sober rationality, seems ill-equipped for dealing with apocalyptic threats. That what makes our age apocalyptic is truth denied. The arrogant posture of omnipotence leads to paralysis. A democratic strategy needs to be one that has the courage to face the truth and the commitment to deal heart and will with the finite tasks we recognise once we give up the arrogance of infinite ones.
Democracy and Common Interests across Borders
Authors: Ryder John
Published: June 2010

Democracy and Common Interests across Borders

Our conception of the nation state, and the borders that separate nations, is an anachronism. It derives from the 17th century origins of the European state, and the general roughly Newtonian ideas of the time, according to which individual things are entirely distinct from one another. If we shift our fundamental ideas and consider things, including nations, as relational, then borders take on different functions than they traditionally do. Furthermore, if nations are constituted in their relations with one another, then there are serious implications for our conception of democracy in general and international relations conducted democratically. Democracy, and democratic international relations, consists of the pursuit of common interests across borders and boundaries, domestic and international.
Outcomes of cystocele repair surgery in relation to different anesthesia methods
Authors: PAKBAZ MOJGAN , MOGREN INGRID , LÖFGREN MATS
Published: June 2010

Objective. To investigate outcomes of cystocele surgery by different anesthesia and evaluation of patient satisfaction. Design. Population‐based, retrospective study. Setting. All clinics that included patients in the Swedish National Register for Gynecological Surgery. Population. A total of 1,364 women who underwent cystocele repair from January 2006 to June 2009. Methods. The study population was retrieved from the Register among women who had surgery and where there was complete information on concurrently used anesthesia. Clinical variables were compared. Peri‐ and postoperative complications were investigated. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was applied to identify independent factors for patient satisfaction. Main outcome measures. Time to recovery, complications and patient satisfaction. Results. We found a wide variation between hospitals with respect to use of local anesthesia (LA) in cystocele surgery. Length of hospital stay, duration of use of postoperative painkilling drugs, and patient‐reported time to return to daily activity were shorter in the LA group compared to the other two anesthesia forms. Postoperative complications did not differ between groups. Age (≥50 years) and patient‐reported complications were independent factors related to patient satisfaction (OR 3.05; 95%CI 1.36–6.82 and OR 0.21; 95%CI 0.12–0.36, respectively). Patient satisfaction did not relate to methods of anesthesia. Conclusion. Cystocele surgery can be performed safely using LA thus limiting the use of more invasive anesthesia methods. LA benefits patients and should be increasingly used.
Improvement in the Scratch Resistance of Polymers by Roller Burnishing Process
Authors: Low K. O. , El-Tayeb N. S. M. , Brevern P. V.
Published: June 2010

The ability of engineering polymers to resist scratching action has rapidly become a vital requirement for diverse industrial applications because scratches may greatly reduce the life cycle of the components. Therefore, the present work aims to study the possibility of using roller burnishing process to enhance the scratch resistance of polymers to a single pass scratching action. The effects of burnishing feed rate and roller contact width on the scratch hardness of poly(oxymethylene) and polyurethane were considered. The results revealed that low burnishing feed rate and smaller roller contact width led to an increase in scratch hardness for both polymers. The scratch fractures were also observed using SEM to study the changes in wear modes.
Effect of Processing Conditions on the Dispersion of Vapor Grown Carbon Fiber in a Polyamide 6 and the Crystalline Structure of their Composites by Melt Compounding
Authors: Koyama T. , Tanoue S. , Iemoto Y.
Published: June 2010

We present the preparation of polyamide 6 (PA6)/Vapor Grown Carbon Fiber (VGCF) composites by melt compounding. Two commercialized forms of PA6 with different melt flow rates (herein named PA6-low and PA6-high.) and two VGCF, VGCF-H (aspect ratio: 40) and VGCF-S (aspect ratio: 100) were used in this study. Young's modulus and the yield strength increased when small amount of VGCF (e.g. 1 wt.%) was added to PA6, and the properties of PA6-low/VGCF composites increased with a decrease in the aspect ratio of VGCF. According to scanning electron microscopy (SEM) observations, the dispersion state of VGCF in PA6-low/VGCF-S composites is superior to the PA6-low/VGCF-H composites. This may be due to the weakening of tensile properties caused by cracks between the adjoining crystals generated by the large amount of VGCF that act as nucleants. Hence, the aspect ratio of VGCF has an influence on the tensile properties of PA6/VGCF composites. The mechanical properties were shown to increase with VGCF-H length. Matrix viscosity and the screw rotation speed were also found to influence the mechanical properties of PA6/VGCF-H composites.
Is There a Single German Party System?
Authors: Dalton Russell J. , Jou Willy
Published: June 2010

Few aspects of politics have been as variable as partisan politics in the two decades since German unification. In the East, citizens had to learn about democratic electoral politics and the party system from an almost completely fresh start. In the West, voters experienced a changing partisan landscape and the shifting policy positions of the established parties as they confronted the challenges of unification. This article raises the question of whether there is one party system or two in the Federal Republic. We first describe the voting results since 1990, and examine the evolving links between social milieu and the parties. Then we consider whether citizens are developing affective party ties that reflect the institutionalization of a party system and voter choice. Although there are broad similarities between electoral politics in West and East, the differences have not substantially narrowed in the past two decades.
The Normative Power of a Normal State: Power and Revolutionary Vision in Germany's Post-Wall Foreign Policy
Authors: Crawford Beverly
Published: June 2010

Germany's growing weight on the world stage is indisputable, and its foreign policy is exceptional among powerful states. This article argues that while the original vision of cooperative security and multilateralism guiding German policy was shaped by occupation, division, and weakness, it has shown astonishing resilience, even as Germany has regained sovereignty, unity, and power. For a weak and divided Federal Republic, a vision that eschewed the exercise of power ensured survival; for a strong united Germany, a vision that minimizes the role of power is revolutionary and controversial. I argue that this revolutionary policy is now the most effective one to meet the challenges of a transformed world marked by new and unconventional threats and risks—a world in which traditional measures of power have lost much of their usefulness in securing the national interest. Ironically, however, while the policy vision that downplays the role of power persists, Germany's material power has grown. Germany's renewed power position makes it an influential actor in an international system where perceptions of power still matter. And the old policy vision makes German foreign policy the most appropriate for solving new global problems whose solution defies power politics. This paradoxical combination of power and vision in Germany's postunification foreign policy has introduced a new and effective form of "normative power" in global politics.
Learning to Live with Recreated Climates
Authors: Hulme Mike
Published: June 2010

This article suggests that our current (fearful) preoccupation with climate change emerges from two paradoxical desires: the desire to recover some mythical benign stable state for the world's climate and the desire to assert ourselves over the world's climate by engineering our way to achieve this outcome. But by seeing climate either as something to be idealized or as something to master, we fail to see what is happening to the world's climate. It is being reinvented as a novel entity, now co-produced between human and nonhuman actors. Rather than resist and lament the results of this new creative force, we must learn to live with them.
Materiality and Social Life
Authors: Schatzki Theodore
Published: June 2010

An important issue in contemporary social theory is how social thought can systematically take materiality into account. This article suggests that one way social theory can do so is by working with an ontology that treats materiality as part of society. The article presents one such ontology, according to which social phenomena consist in nexuses of human practices and material arrangements. This ontology (1) recognizes three ways materiality is part of social phenomena, (2) holds that most social phenomena are intercalated constellations of practices, technology, and materiality, and (3) opens up consideration of relations between practices and material arrangements. A brief practice-material history of the Kentucky Bluegrass region where the author resides illustrates the idea that social phenomena evince changing material configurations over time.
Killing “Without Getting Into Trouble”? Assisted Suicide and Scots Criminal Law
Authors: Ferguson Pamela R
Published: June 2010

Attempting suicide is not a crime in Scots law, but it may nevertheless be criminal to assist someone else to commit suicide. This article distinguishes various levels of assistance in suicide, and attempts to determine what, if any, charges are likely to be brought in Scots law against a person who aids someone in committing, or attempting to commit, suicide.
Ecological Economic Evaluation Based on Emergy as Embodied Cosmic Exergy: A Historical Study for the Beijing Urban Ecosystem 1978–2004
Authors: Ming Jiang Mei , Zhan-Ming Chen , Bo Zhang , Cheng Li Shuang , Hua Xia Xiao , Yi Zhou Shi , Bo Zhou Jiang
Published: June 2010

For ecological economic evaluation based on the unified biophysical matrix this research illustrates an updated emergy synthesis in terms of embodied cosmic exergy instead of embodied solar energy, which successes the foundation of systems ecological theory but changes the starting point for the estimation from simply the sun to the cosmos. According to the modified definition implicating explicit scarcity and strict additivity based on the fundamental thermodynamics laws, the updated emergy approach overcomes the confusable and intractable deficiencies of traditional one and shows firmer theoretical basis as well as better applicability. As a case study for the regional socio-economic ecosystem, a cosmic emergy based ecological economic evaluation of the Beijing urban ecosystem during the period 1978-2004 is presented. The local and external resources supporting the concerned ecosystem are accounted and analyzed in a common unit, i.e., cosmic Joule, according to which a series of indicators are applied to reveal its evolutional characteristics through five aspects as emergy structure, emergy intensity, emergy welfare, environmental impacts, and degree of exploitation and economic efficiency. During the analyzed period, the major emergy source sustaining the operation of the ecosystem had changed from the renewable resources exploited locally to the nonrenewable resources purchased from outside. Emergy intensity for the Beijing urban ecosystem kept rising owing to the continuous investment of resources, which not only improved the living standard but also intensified the environmental pressure. Moreover, the increase of exploitation degree was accompanied with the decline of economic efficiency, while the rising emergy investment ratio implicates that Beijing was at the risks of resources shortage and high dependence on external resources
Analysis of the Nucleophilic Solvation Effects in Isopropyl Chlorothioformate Solvolysis
Authors: D’Souza Malcolm J. , Mahon Brian P. , Kevill Dennis N.
Published: June 2010

Correlation of the solvent effects through application of the extended Grunwald-Winstein equation to the solvolysis of isopropyl chlorothioformate results in a sensitivity value of 0.38 towards changes in solvent nucleophilicity (l) and a sensitivity value of 0.72 towards changes in solvent ionizing power (m). This tangible l value coupled with the negative entropies of activation observed indicates a favorable predisposition towards a modest rear-side nucleophilic solvation of a developing carbocation. Only in 100% ethanol was the bimolecular pathway dominant. These observations are very different from those obtained for the solvolysis of isopropyl chloroformate, where dual reaction channels were proposed, with the addition-elimination reaction favored in the more nucleophilic solvents and a unimolecular fragmentation-ionization mechanism favored in the highly ionizing solvents.
Effects of Electric Potential Treatment of a Chromium Hexacyanoferrate Modified Biosensor Based on PQQ-Dependent Glucose Dehydrogenase
Authors: Tseng Ta-Feng , Yang Yang-Li , Lin Yuh-Jiuan , Lou Shyh-Liang
Published: June 2010

A novel potential treatment technique applied to a glucose biosensor that is based on pyrroloquinoline quinone (PQQ)-dependent glucose dehydrogenase (GDH) and chromium hexacyanoferrate (CrHCF) incorporated into a platinum (Pt) electrode was demonstrated. CrHCF, serving as a mediator, was electrochemically deposited on the Pt electrode as ascertained by CV, SEM, FTIR and XPS measurements. The potential treatment of CrHCF, which converts Fe(II) to Fe(III), enables the glucose detection. The amperometric measurement linearity of the biosensor was up to 20 mM (R = 0.9923), and the detection sensitivity was 199.94 nA/mM per cm2. More importantly, this biosensor remained stable for >270 days.
In-situ Monitoring of Internal Local Temperature and Voltage of Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells
Authors: Lee Chi-Yuan , Fan Wei-Yuan , Hsieh Wei-Jung
Published: June 2010

The distribution of temperature and voltage of a fuel cell are key factors that influence performance. Conventional sensors are normally large, and are also useful only for making external measurements of fuel cells. Centimeter-scale sensors for making invasive measurements are frequently unable to accurately measure the interior changes of a fuel cell. This work focuses mainly on fabricating flexible multi-functional microsensors (for temperature and voltage) to measure variations in the local temperature and voltage of proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFC) that are based on micro-electro-mechanical systems (MEMS). The power density at 0.5 V without a sensor is 450 mW/cm2, and that with a sensor is 426 mW/cm2. Since the reaction area of a fuel cell with a sensor is approximately 12% smaller than that without a sensor, but the performance of the former is only 5% worse.
Neurological Disease Rises from Ocean to Bring Model for Human Epilepsy to Life
Authors: Ramsdell John S.
Published: June 2010

Domoic acid of macroalgal origin was used for traditional and medicinal purposes in Japan and largely forgotten until its rediscovery in diatoms that poisoned 107 people after consumption of contaminated mussels. The more severely poisoned victims had seizures and/or amnesia and four died; however, one survivor unexpectedly developed temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) a year after the event. Nearly a decade later, several thousand sea lions have stranded on California beaches with neurological symptoms. Analysis of the animals stranded over an eight year period indicated five clusters of acute neurological poisoning; however, nearly a quarter have stranded individually outside these events with clinical signs of a chronic neurological syndrome similar to TLE. These poisonings are not limited to sea lions, which serve as readily observed sentinels for other marine animals that strand during domoic acid poisoning events, including several species of dolphin and whales. Acute domoic acid poisoning is five-times more prominent in adult female sea lions as a result of the proximity of their year-round breeding grounds to major domoic acid bloom events. The chronic neurological syndrome, on the other hand, is more prevalent in young animals, with many potentially poisoned in utero. The sea lion rookeries of the Channel Islands are at the crossroads of domoic acid producing harmful algal blooms and a huge industrial discharge site for dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDTs). Studies in experimental animals suggest that chronic poisoning observed in immature sea lions may result from a spatial and temporal coincidence of DDTs and domoic acid during early life stages. Emergence of an epilepsy syndrome from the ocean brings a human epilepsy model to life and provides unexpected insights into interaction with legacy contaminants and expression of disease at different life stages.
The Revolution in Viral Genomics as Exemplified by the Bioinformatic Analysis of Human Adenoviruses
Authors: Torres Sarah , Chodosh James , Seto Donald , Jones Morris S.
Published: June 2010

Over the past 30 years, genomic and bioinformatic analysis of human adenoviruses has been achieved using a variety of DNA sequencing methods; initially with the use of restriction enzymes and more currently with the use of the GS FLX pyrosequencing technology. Following the conception of DNA sequencing in the 1970s, analysis of adenoviruses has evolved from 100 base pair mRNA fragments to entire genomes. Comparative genomics of adenoviruses made its debut in 1984 when nucleotides and amino acids of coding sequences within the hexon genes of two human adenoviruses (HAdV), HAdV–C2 and HAdV–C5, were compared and analyzed. It was determined that there were three different zones (1-393, 394-1410, 1411-2910) within the hexon gene, of which HAdV–C2 and HAdV–C5 shared zones 1 and 3 with 95% and 89.5% nucleotide identity, respectively. In 1992, HAdV-C5 became the first adenovirus genome to be fully sequenced using the Sanger method. Over the next seven years, whole genome analysis and characterization was completed using bioinformatic tools such as blastn, tblastx, ClustalV and FASTA, in order to determine key proteins in species HAdV-A through HAdV-F. The bioinformatic revolution was initiated with the introduction of a novel species, HAdV-G, that was typed and named by the use of whole genome sequencing and phylogenetics as opposed to traditional serology. HAdV bioinformatics will continue to advance as the latest sequencing technology enables scientists to add to and expand the resource databases. As a result of these advancements, how novel HAdVs are typed has changed. Bioinformatic analysis has become the revolutionary tool that has significantly accelerated the in-depth study of HAdV microevolution through comparative genomics.
Hydration of portland cement, natural zeolite mortar in water and sulphate solution
Authors: Janotka I. , Mojumdar S. C.
Published: June 2010

The objective of this paper is to characterise sulphate resistance of mortars made from ordinary Portland cement ( PC ) and Portland-pozzolan cement with 35 wt.% of zeolite addition (zeolite-blended cement-ZBC ). Mortars with two different cement types were tested in water and 5% sodium sulphate solution for 720 days. A favourable effect of zeolite on increased sulphate resistance of the cement is caused by decrease in free Ca(OH)2 content of the mortar There is not sufficient of Ca(OH)2 available for reacting with the sulphate solution to form voluminous reaction products. A decreased C3A, content due to 35 wt.% replacement of PC by zeolite is the next pronounced factor improving resistance of the mortar with such blended cement.
Evaluation of bricks durability using destructive and nondestructive methods (DT and NDT)
Authors: Cultrone G. , De la Torre M. J. , Sebastián E. , Cazalla O.
Published: June 2010

We have studied the physical-mechanical behaviour of solid bricks treated with consolidants and/or water-repellents in accelerated aging tests to determine their durability. The bricks were manufactured with a quartz-rich clay lacking in carbonates to which was added small amounts of different additives (calcite, dolomite or sodium chloride). During the manufacturing process, we attempted to replicate solid bricks similar to those used in many Cultural Heritage buildings. We have concluded that silicon resin gives the best results, whatever the additive used, whereas acrylic resin gives the least satisfactory results.
Hydric properties of some iberian ornamental granites with different superficial finishes: a petrophysical interpretation
Authors: Rojo A. , Alonso F. J. , Esbert R. M.
Published: June 2010

Some physical properties of three ornamental granites with different superficial finishes (polished, sawn and flamed) were quantified by standard tests. These granites are commercially known as Rosa Porrino, Rosavel and Blanco Alcazar. The determined properties were: density, open porosity, water absorption, capillarity, evaporation, vapour absorption and water vapour permeability. The values of the hydric properties in the studied granites fundamentally depended on their textural characteristics, mainly grain size, micro cracking network and open porosity, and, to a lesser extent, on their superficial finish.
Petrophysical characteristics of the sandstones used in the construction of the Monumental Heritage of Ciudad Rodrigo, Salamanca. Spain
Authors: Varas M. J. , Molina E. , Vicente M. A.
Published: June 2010

Knowledge of the petrophysical characteristics of stones used in construction is evidently advantageous in the sense that it can help avoid wasting time and future disappointments when attempting to assess the results both in restoration work and in actual construction work. However, if the material used is sandstone, as in the case addressed here, such knowledge is even more pertinent since such materials are soft and porous. Here we offer an exhaustive study of the petrophysical characteristics of the sandstones used in the construction of the Monumental Heritage of Ciudad Rodrigo (Salamanca, Spain). Five different types of stone were used; namely, the Red, Brown, Striped, Nodular and White, varieties. The differences among these varieties lie in the degree of diagenetic transformation they have undergone. Each of them has important mineralogical, textural and structural differences as compared with its counterparts, implying that each variety will behave differently when used for construction purposes. The Red variety is the least transformed and hence the least suitable for construction. By contrast, the White is the variety that has undergone the greatest degree of diagenesis and is hence the most appropriate for such purposes.
Cast in place temperature´s 5 influence on fresh concrete made with limestone filler and blended cement
Authors: Soria E. A. , Rahhal V.F.
Published: June 2010

Properties of fresh concrete play a relevant role on placing and consolidation; and its design strength and durability depends on them. It is well known too that the concrete temperature during placing affects all its properties in different ways and extent. This paper presents the influence of placing temperature of concretes made with portland cement, limestone filer cement and blended cement, commercially available, on slump, slump loss, setting time and bleeding. The results show that generally when concrete temperature rises, the bleeding and slump fall down and the slump loss and setting time are accelerated. However, regardless of the strength class the type of cement affects the value of these variations
Static modulus of elasticity of concrete measured by the ultrasonic method
Authors: Sena Rodrigues G. S. , Pazini Figueiredo E.
Published: June 2010

Lately, a huge number of accidents caused by problems found in the durability of concrete structures due to inappropriate project design, lack of control of quality during the project \s execution, inadequate maintenance practices and an aggressive environment has been reported. This finding has required from the professionals constant inspections and evaluations of the real conditions of all concrete structures. In order to perform those inspections, one should know not only the elastic modulus to analyze the concrete structural behaviour but also to investigate its performance, since the strains may yield cracks able to compromise the durability- of structures. Non-destructive testing techniques, particularly the ultrasonic testing, are performed to evaluate and determine the quality of a concrete structure or element. Currently, such essays have been widely researched and analyzed all over the world because they enable the examination of structures without damaging them. The purpose of the present study was to correlate the ultrasonic pulse velocity and the elastic modulus of several concrete specimens molded with a range of water-cement ratios, different kinds of aggregates and curing methods. All the concrete specimens were tested in different ages to determine the pulse velocity and the static modulus of elasticity standardized according to KBR 8522, through mechanical extensometers, electrical strain gauge and LVTD inductive transducer.
The influence of shrinkage reducing admixtures on plastic shrinkage
Authors: Mora J. , Aguado A. , Gettu R.
Published: June 2010

Shrinkage reducing admixtures (SRAs) are viable alternatives for reducing plastic shrinkage cracking in concrete. The objective of the present paper is to study early age plastic shrinkage in restrained concrete elements, where three different SRAs have been used. The influence of the admixture is analyzed through the following measurements: capillary pressure, evaporation, temperature evolution, crack evolution and settlement. The tests for studying the cracking and deformation were made on two different configurations (i.e., restrained prisms with reduced cross-section and restrained panel), in a wind tunnel, with controlled wind temperature and velocity. The conclusions obtained indicate the viability of the use of this type of admixture and the usefulness of the test methods.
Influence of the external solution in the electroosmotic flux induced by realkalisation
Authors: Castellote M. , Llorente I. , Andrade C.
Published: June 2010

Electrochemical repair methods are based on the application of an impressed direct current between the reinforcement and an auxiliary electrode placed at the concrete surface. In the case of realkalisation, the aim of the treatment consists in restoring the alkalinity of the concrete around the rebar to repassivate it. The realkalisation seems to be primarily provided by the generation of OH- at the rebar which is acting as cathode, through the reaction of water hydrolysis. It had been claimed that also carbonate ions penetrate towards the rebar by the electroosmosis; however it was not until very recently that the authors were able to demonstrate and quantify it through hardened carbonated concrete. In the present paper, laboratory trials are reported showing the influence of the external solution in the electroosmotic flux. The experiments have been carried out on normalised carbonated OPC mortars and 4 different solutions have been tested, ranging from 0.1 to 2M in Na2CO3. As a result, it has been proved that the electroosmotic flux is not constant during the experiment. The pH in the anolyte is the determining parameter on the zeta potential and consequently in the electroosmotic flux, reaching its maximum, for the experiments of this research, at the pH of the buffer carbonate/'bicarbonate.
Remaining structural capacity of concrete beams with localized corrosion of the embedded reinforcing steel
Authors: Torres-Acosta A. A. , Martínez-Madrid M. , Muñoz-Noval A.
Published: June 2010

This work presents an experimental investigation which correlates the flexure load capacity loss of reinforced concrete beams with the amount of steel cross section loss due to localized corrosion of the embedded steel. Concrete beams (100x150x1500 mm) with the central portion contaminated by chlorides, placed during mixing of the concrete, were used in this investigation. By applying a 200 µA/cm2 constant anodic current for approximately 48 to 183 days, further acceleration of the corrosion process was achieved. After the corrosion-acceleration period was over, the specimens were tested in flexure under three-point loading. In addition, the average corrosion penetration, χAVER* estimated for each corroded beam from gravimetric metal loss. The results obtained show a decrease as high as 20% in the flexure load capacity values from the localized corroded specimens with only 14% of re bar radius loss.
Influence of alkalis from different sources than cement in the evolution of alkali-silica reaction
Authors: Olague C. , Wenglas G. , Castro P.
Published: June 2010

A bibliographical revision of the existent literature allows showing symptoms of alkali-silica reaction (ASR) in highways, and the practical and economic method uranyl acetate to confirm the presence of ASR. The existence of reaction in concrete pavements of Chihuahua City was verified by a visual observation of patterns cracks, examination of gel deposits and the presence of reactive materials. Considering that the cement used to construct this pavements with problems of ASR, was low alkalis cement, the research was devoted to study the influence of alkalis coming from different sources than cement in the evolution of reaction such as: a) aggregates: gravel and sand, b) mix water, c) additives and d) minerals additions The initial classification of cements like high and low alkalis concerned to ASR must be revised for accept the fact that there is not a unique maximum limit alkalis of cement under which the expansible reactivity cannot occur.
Behaviour of built light construction on expansible clays. Technical of design and rehabilitation
Authors: Arrieta L. , Sánchez Naveda F.
Published: June 2010

The construction pathology of housing built on expansible clays is one of the most requested topics to be investigated in order to obtain solutions mainly in housing of social interest. A vision of the solution alternatives is presented that are being applying in Venezuela and specifically in the cities of Barquisimeto and Coro where the most harmful expansion characteristics are presented registered in the world literature. This population is located to the north of the country in front of the Caribbean Sea with arid climate, deep phreatic level, appreciable loamy profile and water deficit. The investigation methodology and some proven procedures for the design of foundations in light housings and for the rehabilitation of damaged buildings are supported with the results of the researches on the part of the two authors and their research teams coming from two different Universities and with 20 years of experience in the practical field. 3 cases are illustrated, two of them with historical value in the design of housings of social interest and one of severely affected constructions and actually rehabilitated with success. Finally some practical recommendations are provided to be considered in the elaboration of projects related with the construction of light housings on expansible floors.
Role of the CXCR4/CXCL12 Axis in Lymphangioleiomyomatosis and Angiomyolipoma
Authors: Clements Debbie , Markwick Lee J. , Puri Nidhi , Johnson Simon R.
Published: June 2010

Lymphangioleiomyomatosis (LAM) is a progressive disease caused by accumulation of metastatic (LAM) cells in the lungs, lymphatics, and the tumor angiomyolipoma (AML). LAM cells have biallelic loss of either tuberous sclerosis complex gene (but predominantly TSC-2) and resultant dysregulation of the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway. Chemokines are associated with neoplastic cell growth, survival, and homing to specific organs and may play similar roles in LAM. Our objective was to study comprehensively the expression and function of chemokine receptors and how their function interacts with dysregulation of the mTOR pathway in LAM and AML. We used RT-PCR and FACS to study receptor expression in primary AML cells and immunohistochemistry to investigate expression in tissues. Chemokine receptor function was analyzed in AML cells by Western blotting of signaling proteins and cell proliferation and apoptosis assays. Primary AML cells, LAM, and AML tissues expressed CCR3, CXCR4, CXCR6, and CXC3CR1. In AML cells, their ligands CXCL12 CX3CL1, CCL11, CCL24, and CCL28 caused robust phosphorylation of p42/44 MAPK and Akt. CXCL12 was expressed in type II pneumocytes covering LAM nodules and caused AML cell growth and protection from apoptosis, which was blocked by AMD3100, a CXCR4 inhibitor. The mTOR inhibitor rapamycin, but not AMD3100, inhibited growth of AML tumor xenografts. We conclude that the CXCL12/CXCR4 axis promotes, but is not absolutely required for, AML/LAM cell growth and survival.
Immunization against Lamb Haemonchosis with a Recombinant Somatic Antigen ofHaemonchus contortus(rHcp26/23)
Authors: García-Coiradas Leticia , Angulo-Cubillán Francisco , Valladares Basilio , Martínez Enrique , de la Fuente Concepción , Alunda José María , Cuquerella Montserrat
Published: June 2010

Haemonchosis, caused by the abomasal nematodeHaemonchus contortus, is a common parasitic disease of sheep. Our previous results showed that a soluble fraction from adult stages of the nematode (p26/23) induced partial protection against challenge. Recombinant DNA technology was applied to obtain a synthetic protein (rHcp26/23). Immunological assays (ELISA, Western blotting, and immunolocalization), using sera from lambs immunized with p26/23, confirmed the identity of the recombinant protein and demonstrated that the synthetic protein is equivalent to the purified protein employed in the previous immunoprophylaxis studies. Vaccination of lambs with 300 μgof rHcp26/23 and Freund's adjuvant elicited a notable specific antibody response. Immunization did not induce any significant protection after challenge with 16000 infective larvae ofH. contortus, and comparable values for parasite faecal egg output, packed cell volume, and abomasal parasite burdens were found in vaccinated and control animals.
Uncertainty assessment of current size-resolved parameterizations for below-cloud particle scavenging by rain
Authors: Wang X. , Zhang L. , Moran M. D.
Published: June 2010

Abstract. Current theoretical and empirical size-resolved parameterizations of the scavenging coefficient (Λ), a parameter commonly used in aerosol transport models to describe below-cloud particle scavenging by rain, have been reviewed in detail and compared with available field and laboratory measurements. Use of different formulations for raindrop-particle collection efficiency can cause uncertainties in size-resolved Λ values of one to two orders of magnitude for particles in the 0.01–3 μm diameter range. Use of different formulations of raindrop number size distribution can cause Λ values to vary by a factor of 3 to 5 for all particle sizes. The uncertainty in Λ caused by the use of different droplet terminal velocity formulations is generally small than a factor of 2. The combined uncertainty due to the use of different formulations of raindrop-particle collection efficiency, raindrop size spectrum, and raindrop terminal velocity in the current theoretical framework is not sufficient to explain the one to two order of magnitude under-prediction of Λ for the theoretical calculations relative to the majority of field measurements. These large discrepancies are likely caused by additional known physical processes (i.e, turbulent transport and mixing, cloud and aerosol microphysics) that influence field data but that are not considered in current theoretical Λ parameterizations. The predicted size-resolved particle concentrations using different theoretical Λ parameterization can differ by up to a factor of 2 for particles smaller than 0.01 μm and by a factor of >10 for particles larger than 3 μm after 2–5 mm of rain. The predicted bulk mass and number concentrations (integrated over the particle size distribution) can differ by a factor of 2 between theoretical and empirical Λ parameterizations after 2–5 mm of moderate intensity rainfall.
Theoretical description of functionality, applications, and limitations of SO2 cameras for the remote sensing of volcanic plumes
Authors: Kern C. , Kick F. , Lübcke P. , Vogel L. , Wöhrbach M. , Platt U.
Published: June 2010

Abstract. The SO2 camera is a novel device for the remote sensing of volcanic emissions using solar radiation scattered in the atmosphere as a light source for the measurements. The method is based on measuring the ultra-violet absorption of SO2 in a narrow wavelength window around 310 nm by employing a band-pass interference filter and a 2 dimensional UV-sensitive CCD detector. The effect of aerosol scattering can in part be compensated by additionally measuring the incident radiation around 325 nm, where the absorption of SO2 is about 30 times weaker, thus rendering the method applicable to optically thin plumes. For plumes with high aerosol optical densities, collocation of an additional moderate resolution spectrometer is desirable to enable a correction of radiative transfer effects. The ability to deliver spatially resolved images of volcanic SO2 distributions at a frame rate on the order of 1 Hz makes the SO2 camera a very promising technique for volcanic monitoring and for studying the dynamics of volcanic plumes in the atmosphere. This study gives a theoretical basis for the pertinent aspects of working with SO2 camera systems, including the measurement principle, instrument design, data evaluation and technical applicability. Several issues are identified that influence camera calibration and performance. For one, changes in the solar zenith angle lead to a variable light path length in the stratospheric ozone layer and therefore change the spectral distribution of scattered solar radiation incident at the Earth's surface. The varying spectral illumination causes a shift in the calibration of the SO2 camera's results. Secondly, the lack of spectral resolution inherent in the measurement technique leads to a non-linear relationship between measured weighted average optical density and the SO2 column density. Thirdly, as is the case with all remote sensing techniques that use scattered solar radiation as a light source, the radiative transfer between the sun and the instrument is variable, with both "radiative dilution" as well as multiple scattering occurring. These effects can lead to both, over or underestimation of the SO2 column density by more than an order of magnitude. As the accurate assessment of volcanic emissions depends on our ability to correct for these issues, recommendations for correcting the individual effects during data analysis are given. Aside from the above mentioned intrinsic effects, the particular technical design of the SO2 camera can also greatly influence its performance, depending on the setup chosen. A general description of an instrument setup is given, and the advantages and disadvantages of certain specific instrument designs are discussed. Finally, several measurement examples are shown and possibilities to combine SO2 camera measurements with other remote sensing techniques are explored.
A bidirectional between‐set statistical analysis method and its applications
Authors: Zhao Chunhui , Gao Furong
Published: June 2010

In this work, a bidirectional statistical modeling and analysis approach is developed to relate two data tables (X1 and X2) under the supervision of each other. Different from quality prediction where the interest was to interpret one set of variables by another set, the current task lies in modeling simultaneously both data spaces in bidirectional fashion (X1 ↔ X2) responding to different between‐set relationships. It is performed in two steps. The first step aims at a bidirectional latent variable (Bi‐LV) extraction and preparation, by which the between‐set covarying relationship is preliminarily set up. In the second step, where a joint postprocessing is performed on the Bi‐LV modeling result (here termed Bi‐JPLV algorithm), different types of systematic variations are decomposed in each space. Correlated and unique variations are discriminated and evaluated in specific model parameters separately revealing between‐set similarity and dissimilarity, respectively. The proposed method gives a good interpretation of the underlying information within each data space from a bidirectional viewpoint, revealing practical application potential. The feasibility and performance of the proposed method are illustrated with both numerical and real industrial cases. © 2010 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 2011
Characterization of feeder effects on continuous solid mixing using fourier series analysis
Authors: Gao Yijie , Muzzio Fernando , Ierapetritou Marianthi
Published: June 2010

Variance reduction ratio (VRR) is generally considered as an important index in characterizing the continuous powder mixing. Although the capacity of the mixer to smooth out feeder fluctuations can be expressed by the VRR, few studies are performed quantitatively in this area. The feeder effects are investigated on the solid mixer through the Fourier series analysis. The VRR is deduced quantitatively using the Fourier series of the feed rate variability and the residence time distribution (RTD), which facilitate the explicit decomposition of VRR into intensities of different frequency components. It provides a novel model to determine whether the integrated feeder‐mixer system satisfies specific solid mixing performance criteria, and provides guidelines of system improvement. © 2010 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 2011
Synthesis and characterization of Schiff‐base‐containing polyimides
Authors: Ghaemy Mousa , Mighani Hossein
Published: June 2010

Benzyl bisthiosemicarbazone and its complexes with nickel (NiLH4) and copper (CuLH4) were used as diamine monomers for the synthesis of new Schiff‐base polyimides. The solution polycondensation of these monomers with the aromatic dianhydrides afforded metal‐containing Schiff‐base polyimides with inherent viscosities of 0.98–1.33 dL/g (measured in N‐methyl‐2‐pyrrolidone at 25°C). The polyimides were generally soluble in a wide range of solvents such as N,N‐dimethylformamide, N,N‐dimethylacetamide, tetrahydrofuran, dimethyl sulfoxide, tetrachloroethane, hexamethylene phosphoramide, N‐methyl‐2‐pyrrolidone, ethyl acetate, and pyridine at room temperature. The initial degradation temperatures of the resultant polyimides fell in the range of 220–350°C in nitrogen with char yields ranging from 36 to 64% at 700°C. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2010
Ultrafine particles of bismuth(III) compounds in the phase of crosslinked polymers: Precursors for new sorbents and catalysts
Authors: Gutsanu V. , Cojocaru L. , Lisa G. , Volodina G. F.
Published: June 2010

In this article, we show that strongly basic anion exchangers (AV‐17 and Purolite A‐400) are able to retain Bi(III)‐containing cations from Bi(NO3)3 solutions. The sorption isotherms of the cations at 30 and 50°C were obtained. The sorption increased with increasing temperature. Scanning electron microscopy showed that in the polymer phase, ultrafine particles of Bi(III)‐containing compounds were formed. On heating (87°C) in water and in an Na2SO4 solution, Bi(III)‐containing ultrafine particles became relatively massive. Powder X‐ray diffraction showed the existence of the crystalline phase of BiOCl and Bi2O3 on the surface and in the volume of the polymer granules. The behavior of the Bi(III)‐containing polymer in the HCl, HNO3, and H2SO4 solutions (pH 0–2.5) was investigated. The Bi(III)‐containing compounds in the polymer phase were stable at pH > 2. The desorption degree of Bi3+ in the HNO3 solution was much greater than in the HCl or H2SO4 solutions. Thermogravimetric investigation (in an N2 atmosphere) in the range 25–1000°C of the Bi(III)‐containing polymer was also carried out. The Bi(III)‐containing polymer was stable up to 120°C. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2010
ChemInform Abstract: Crystal Structure of BaGdCl5.
Authors: MASSELMANN S. , MEYER G.
Published: July 2010

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 100 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract of an article which was published elsewhere, please select a “Full Text” option. The original article is trackable via the “References” option.
ChemInform Abstract: Cyclic Phosphidostannate(III) Anions [Sn12P24]36‐ in Sr3[Sn2P4].
Authors: EISENMANN B. , ROESSLER U.
Published: July 2010

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 100 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract of an article which was published elsewhere, please select a “Full Text” option. The original article is trackable via the “References” option.