bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
photosynthesis in the 7H Asakaze komugi/Manas wheat/barley addition line during salt stress
Authors: Dulai S. , Molnár I. , Haló B. , Molnár-Láng M.
Published: January 2011

The photosynthetic responses induced by NaCl were investigated in the 7H Asakaze komugi/Manas wheat/barley addition line developed in the Agricultural Research Institute, Martonvásár, Hungary, in the wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) cv. Asakaze komugi (Akom) and wheat line Martonvásári 9 kr1 (Mv9kr1) and in the barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) cv. Manas. An increase in the NaCl concentration of the nutrient solution to 200 mmol L−1 resulted in considerable stomatal closure and a decreased net CO2 assimilation rate (A) in the wheat genotypes, while the changes in these parameters were less significant for barley and the 7H addition line. Parallel with this, a relatively high non-stomatal limitation (Lm) of A was observed in wheat genotypes, which was not significant in Manas or the wheat-barley addition line at this level of salt stress. At severe stress (300 mM L−1 NaCl concentration) A and stomatal conductance were strongly inhibited in all the genotypes examined; however, Lm was less significant in the addition line and its parental wheat genotype. These preliminary results suggest that the 7H Akom/Manas addition line might be a good candidate for improving the salt tolerance of wheat in the future, and encourage further detailed physiological analysis of this addition line.
Manganese and zinc concentrations in maize genotypes grown on soils differing in acidity
Authors: Rastija M. , Kovacevic V. , Rastija D. , Simic D.
Published: January 2011

Drought and soil acidity are two major abiotic stress factors limiting maize production worldwide, generating imbalances in the manganese (Mn) and zinc (Zn) status in plants. This study was conducted to determine the effects of drought stress on the Mn and Zn status in maize genotypes grown on acid and non-acid soils and how the Mn and Zn status affects the changes in grain yield caused by drought stress and soil acidity. Seventeen genotypes were grown at two locations differing in soil acidity in Eastern Croatia in 2003 and 2004. Positive values of an aridity index indicated drought stress in 2003. The genotypes had much higher Mn and Zn concentrations on acid soil than on nonacid soil: more than twice as high in both seasons for Zn and about 6 and 9 times higher in normal and in dry seasons, respectively, for Mn. This demonstrates that drought combined with soil acidity led to the excessive accumulation of Mn in maize plants. However, variation was observed between the maize genotypes for the Mn accumulation on soils differing in acidity when drought occurred. Some genotypes accumulated Mn on acid soil irrespective of drought. The Mn and Zn status had no discernible effect on the changes in grain yield caused by drought stress and/or soil acidity.
Effects of drought stress on biochemical and physiological parameters in callus cultures of Carthamus tinctorius varieties
Authors: Zebarjadi A. , Ghasempour H. , Soheilikhah Z.
Published: January 2011

The aim of the work was to evaluate the callus induction response and in vitro drought tolerance of eight genotypes of safflower. The experiment was laid out as a completely randomized design in a factorial arrangement with three replications. To evaluate the drought tolerance of the genotypes, growing calli were exposed to drought stress after two subcultures by adding different concentrations of mannitol to the culture medium for one month. Under stress conditions, the genotypes were compared in terms of proline content, cell viability, relative growth rate, ion content (Na+ and K+), relative water content and index of tolerance. Drought affected all the measured biochemical and physiological factors and there were significant differences between the tested genotypes. The proline content increased in drought-stressed calli, and mannitol, as a stress agent, stimulated the synthesis of proline in all the genotypes, especially at the highest concentration (505 mM), whereas the ion contents, cell viability, RWC, RGR and index of tolerance exhibited a significant decrease. This suggested that these biochemical and physiological traits could be used to predict the drought tolerance of safflower genotypes. The results indicated that the cultivars Isfahan and LRV-51-51 were more drought-tolerant under in vitro conditions than the other genotypes.
Cornelia Naxos szigetén
Authors: Nagyillés János
Published: January 2011

Lucanus Cornelia-alakja a nyelvi és motivikus utalások szerint Vergilius és Ovidius mitikus nőalakjainak rokona, de motivikus szinten sokat köszönhet Propertiusnak és Seneca tragédiáinak is. Lucanus Cornelia-narratívájában meglehetős bizonyossággal tételezhető tudatos nyelvi és motivikus utalás egyrészt Catullus Ariadnéjára, másrészt Ovidius több, hosszabb-rövidebb Ariadne-narratívájára. A tanulmány áttekinti az Ariadne-történetre való lehetséges utalásokat Lucanus eposzában. Rómában, ahol az Ariadne-történet legtöbbet emlegetett része a naxosi epizód volt, a krétai királylány alakjához kapcsolódott a katastérismos képzete: az ’Ariadne Naxoson’-történet Corneliával való összekapcsolása ezért mitológiai metaforája lehet a megistenülés képzetének. Cornelia tehát erényes asszonyként éppúgy kiérdemeli a megistenülést a férjével kapcsolatban, mint Pompeius a maga férfiúi állapotában.
A saját és az idegen – A római kánonképződés
Authors: Darab Ágnes
Published: January 2011

A tanulmány a római kánonképződés folyamatának bemutatására tesz kísérletet három szöveghely alapján. A kérdés vizsgálatának megkerülhetetlen kiindulópontja Cicero Brutusa, amely az első próbálkozás a római irodalmi teljesítmény összegzésére és a görögökéhez viszonyított értékelésére. Ennek az előzménynek a kontextusában vizsgálom az id. Plinius Naturalis Historiajának (7, 107–117) és Quintilianus Institutiojának (10, 1, 46–131; 12, 10, 1–9) a görög és a római irodalom történetét áttekintő fejezeteit: az alkalmazott módszereket (irodalmi komparatisztika, vizuális analógia), a narratív egységek struktúráját szervező szempontokat (kronológia, korszakolás: görög és római, régi és új, műfajok szerinti csoportosítás), és igen fontos szempontként a szövegek terminológiáját. Mindezek eredményeként kibontakozik a római kánon alakulástörténete, mely a köztársaság korának utolsó századában vette kezdetét és a Flavius-korban teljesedett ki, s amely a világot birtokba vevő Imperium Romanum kulturális identitásának egyik irodalmi formájaként értelmezhető.
Super high early strength cement: ambient cured compressive strength exceeding 24 MPa within 4 h after mixing
Authors: Sarigaphuti M.
Published: January 2011

A blended hydraulic cement with a normal setting behaviour but rapid strength gain has been developed. This blended cement is a mixture of Portland cement and high alumina cement with the inclusion of other admixtures in order to accelerate early strength and prolong setting time. Concrete made from this cement obtained a compressive strength that exceeded 24 MPa within 4 h after mixing. A practical example of the utilisation of this cement in concrete used for repairing the expansion joints between slab decks on a fly-over bridge across an intersection is presented herein. This concrete had an initial slump of 20 cm, setting time of 100 min and compressive strength of 25·4 MPa at 3 h after placing.
A kinetic study about the pozzolanic reactivity of loessic soils by conductometric methods: kinetic parameters
Authors: Quintana-Crespo E. , Villar-Cociña E.
Published: January 2011

Loessic sediments, widely distributed in the Argentine plains, are composed mainly of silt particles, transported and accumulated by wind during Quaternary geological times. At that period an important aeolian process took place together with explosive volcanic activity in the western area of the country. The chemical and mineralogical composition of loess and also their pozzolanic behaviour depend upon the predominance of each geological process. The present paper presents a kinetic study of the pozzolanic activity of loessic soils. The kinetics of reaction in loess/calcium hydroxide solution is investigated by means of electrical conductivity measurements and later the kinetic parameters are quantified by applying a kinetic–diffusive model to the process. The kinetic parameters that characterise the process (in particular the reaction rate constant) were determined in the fitting process of the model. The index of pozzolanic activity evaluated according to the obtained values of the reaction rate constant permits the characterisation of the pozzolanic activity of these materials in a rigorous way. The results show the variability and good pozzolanic properties of the loess analysed.
Effect of nano-CaCO3 on hydration of cement containing supplementary cementitious materials
Authors: Sato T. , Beaudoin J. J.
Published: January 2011

The efficacy of the addition of nano-CaCO3 in accelerating the hydration of ordinary Portland cement (OPC) delayed by the presence of high volumes of supplementary cementitious materials including fly ash and slag was investigated. The conduction calorimetry indicated that the early hydration of OPC was significantly accelerated by the addition of the nano-CaCO3 and the higher the amount of CaCO3 addition, the greater was the accelerating effect. The thermogravimetric analysis results showed that the amounts of added CaCO3 became slightly lower as the hydration took place; however, any new reaction products were not detected by the X-ray diffractometry analysis. The engineering properties, including microhardness and modulus of elasticity, in the early stage of the hydration were remarkably improved by the addition of nano-CaCO3. It was suggested that the seeding effect of the nano-CaCO3 particles and the nucleation of C–S–H caused the enhanced strength development.
Lessons from past are key to success for nuclear new-build
Authors: Earp John
Published: January 2011

The Institution of Civil Engineers has commissioned a report aimed at helping government and industry deliver the planned new fleet of nuclear power stations successfully. Chair of the report's steering group John Earp explains.
New UK building regulations focus on conserving fuel and power
Authors: Closs Steve
Published: January 2011

The UK implemented new building regulations in October 2010 that require a further 25% cut in carbon-dioxide emissions and more stringent testing for heat bridging and air-tightness. Steve Closs of building and environmental consultancy HRS Services introduces the new rules.
UK's new wide-ranging Bribery Act comes into force in April 2011
Authors: Amaee Robert
Published: January 2011

The UK's new wide-ranging Bribery Act 2010 comes into force in April 2011. Robert Amaee, head of anti-corruption and proceeds of crime at the UK's Serious Fraud Office, summarises the potentially serious implications for civil engineers.
Delivering value
Authors: Hansford Peter
Published: January 2011

This is the inaugural address of Peter Hansford, who became 146th president of the Institution of Civil engineers on 2 November 2010.
Battling construction waste and winning: lessons from UAE
Authors: Rogers Susan
Published: January 2011

The vast scale of urbanisation in the United Arab Emirates creates both instant buildings and hundreds of thousands of tonnes of waste. This paper reviews the waste-management strategies being adopted at the £10 billion Al Raha Beach Development in Abu Dhabi, which aim to reduce, reuse, recycle and recover construction waste by over 80%. They include developing a site-specific waste management plan, emphasising the importance of waste minimisation and management, creating a space on site for waste streams, ensuring there are dedicated resources and time, and being persistent in developing waste management options. The financial benefits to the developer have proved considerable.
Infrastructure UK unveils £200 billion 5-year investment plan
Authors: Stewart James
Published: January 2011

The UK government's advisory unit Infrastructure UK published a national infrastructure plan in October 2010 which sets out some £200 billion of investment over the next 5 years, three-quarters of which is expected to come from the private sector. Chief executive James Stewart reports.
Mix design for fine-grained exposed aggregate PCC pavement
Authors: Lee Seung Woo , Cho Yoon-Ho , Chon Beom Jun , Park Cheolwoo
Published: January 2011

It is essential for transportation agencies to make an effort to provide safe and smooth pavement. Fine-grained exposed aggregate Portland cement concrete (PCC) pavement has been successfully used in Europe and Japan as an alternative solution to simultaneously reduce the noise level of PCC pavement and to enhance long-term skid resistance. As the advantages of the fine-grained exposed aggregate PCC pavement are well recognised and there are a number of research reports, more comprehensive and thorough research is sought for better design and field practice specifications. This study aims to investigate the fundamental properties of the exposed aggregate PCC pavement, and expects to provide useful information for design and construction. An appropriate type of coarse aggregate mix design of exposed aggregate PCC pavement was suggested with consideration of noise reduction, skid resistance and strength of exposed aggregate PCC pavement.
Seasonal variability of skid resistance in paved roadways
Authors: Echaveguren Tomas , Solminihac Hernán de
Published: January 2011

Skid resistance is relevant for road safety. Past research studies have shown that in the long term, skid resistance oscillates around a trend value. Weather conditions, traffic, microtexture, macrotexture and polishing aggregate susceptibility are factors that contribute to this behaviour. Present models simulate this oscillatory pattern by considering a fixed wavelength adjusted to a calendar year, for a limited number of test sections and considering only heavy traffic. In the present study, an analysis of the long-term fluctuations of skid resistance was performed. Seventeen models were calibrated with different macrotexture levels, traffic and types of pavement surface. The investigation applied the concept of a polishing equivalence factor for traffic modelling in order to evaluate a truck as an equivalent car in terms of polishing. Models were based on a survey of skid resistance and macrotexture developed in the Chilean paved road network. It was concluded that asphalt surfaces were highly sensitive to factors that followed the seasonal pattern. The fluctuation obtained ranged between 0·08 and 0·25. In contrast, fluctuation was valued between 0·04 and 0·11 in cement concrete surfaces. Therefore, skid resistance values should be adjusted considering the season of the year in which they were measured and the type of pavement surface to obtain a value that can be compared with thresholds.
Heavy vehicle road wear on sealed unbound granular roads
Authors: Martin Tim Charles
Published: January 2011

A sound basis for estimating the load-related road wear due to heavy vehicles on the road network is needed for estimating varying heavy vehicle road user charges on Australia's arterial roads. A network-level equation for estimating the percentage load-related road wear was developed for the typical good-quality uncracked sealed unbound pavements in Australia's sealed arterial road network using a network-level roughness deterioration model based on observational and experimental data. The equation estimated that the percentage load-related road wear varied with changes to the traffic load and pavement strength, and to a much lesser extent an environmental coefficient. This equation gave different estimates of percentage load-related road wear than those based on the HDM-4 roughness deterioration model. The environmental term in the roughness deterioration equation for sealed granular pavements was found to be more appropriate than the environmental term used in the HDM-4 roughness deterioration equation. This outcome implies that the roughness deterioration equation for sealed granular pavements is likely to be more appropriate for predicting Australia's sealed granular pavement deterioration than the HDM-4 roughness deterioration model which was originally based on the deterioration of asphalt-bound pavements.
Traffic microsimulation scenario tests by the Taguchi method
Authors: Gunay Banihan , Hinislioglu Sinan
Published: January 2011

The usability of the Taguchi method in traffic simulation was investigated to demonstrate whether full factorial scenario testing is necessary on a small road network by changing certain links into one-way streets to ascertain the minimum total delay. A network with 52 links was constructed and four arbitrarily chosen links were made one-way streets, one by one in both directions. The best directions of traffic for each of these four links which gave minimum total delay time over the whole network were studied by means of Paramics microsimulation software. The simulation runs were designed using an orthogonal array technique in L8 array with four factors (with two levels each) and three interactions. The total delay time was selected as the response variable. The response data were analysed using an analysis of variance technique by the Taguchi method. In addition, the Taguchi outcome was judged against the results of the full factorial design of the actual Paramics runs for the best and transparent comparison. Furthermore, in comparison with full factorial design, the results demonstrated that the use of the Taguchi method enabled the interactions between the factors to be seen, which cannot be achieved so simply by simulation trials.
Physical modelling of in-ground waste repository capping systems
Authors: Richards David J. , Powrie William
Published: January 2011

This paper describes a series of geotechnical centrifuge tests carried out to investigate aspects of landfill capping system performance, in the context of a low-level radioactive waste disposal site. The effects of the basic cap geometry (sloping or flat) and the subsidence pattern imposed as the underlying waste degrades (ramp or step, i.e. slope or displacement discontinuity) are shown to influence cap performance. The effect of moving the toe of a sloping cap outside the landfill subsidence zone, thereby increasing the depth of inert fill below the cap, is also shown to be effective in limiting the displacements transmitted to the resistive layer. Analysis of the runoff from sloping capping systems shows that if the resistive layer fails, there is the potential for the infiltration rate through the cap to increase from near zero to almost 100% of the incident rainfall.
Laboratory test to study waste moisture from resistivity
Authors: Moreau Sylvain , Ripaud Florent , Saidi Fethi , Bouyé Jean-Michel
Published: January 2011

To improve confidence in the use of electrical resistivity measurements to study the leachate distribution in a landfill managed as a bioreactor, a series of laboratory tests has been performed. The tests investigated the effects of waste density, volumetric water content and waste composition on the electrical resistivity. Three waste samples with „different electrical resistivities as measured in the field were collected from a landfill site. Laboratory tests were performed in a 0·2 m3 test cell with a number of resistivity probes in horizontal and vertical arrays to observe variations in resistivity within the waste mass. Increasing waste compaction was associated with a decrease of resistivity heterogeneity, but laboratory resistivities were higher than those observed in the field. Anisotropy is apparent in the laboratory test, with a ratio of vertical to horizontal resistivity of about 1·5. Resistivity differences recorded in the landfill are explained by waste biodegradation and leachate resistivity for the test conditions considered, rather than by variations in the gravimetric water content of the waste.
Characterisation of landfills using a multidisciplinary approach
Authors: Paap Bob F. , Bakker Marcel A. J. , Hoekstra Nanne K. , Oonk Hans
Published: January 2011

The Netherlands has about 3800 abandoned landfills with a total surface of about 9000 ha. As they are often located near urban areas and their influence extends into their surrounding environment they put pressure on available space. Most abandoned landfills were in use until the 1960s and 1970s. Their precise geometry and composition are often unknown. The same can be said about the internal processes and resulting short- and long-term risks of the landfills. As a result landfills are often poorly understood and only monitored by measuring surrounding groundwater composition. In order to gain a better understanding of landfills – especially of their outer boundaries and the lateral variation in composition – a multidisciplinary approach is used consisting of geophysical and chemical measurements to characterise landfills. The aim of this paper is to share experiences from two sites – an abandoned landfill at the Bergen site situated in the coastal realm of the Netherlands and a modern landfill situated at the Landgraaf site in inland, hilly terrain – with a clear focus on the geophysical results. For the considered case studies, continuous vertical electrical sounding and electromagnetic measurements appeared to be preferred geophysical techniques. In combination with chemical measurements they are suitable for detecting waste site boundaries and in addition provide information on the heterogeneity observed within the considered waste sites.
Factors Affecting Dissolved Phosphorus and Nitrate Concentrations in Ground and Surface Water for a Valley Dairy Farm in the Northeastern United States
Authors: Flores‐López Francisco , Easton Zachary M. , Geohring Larry D. , Steenhuis Tammo S.
Published: January 2011

Agriculture often is considered to be a contributor of soluble reactive phosphorus (SRP) and nitrate‐N (NO3−‐N) to surface waters. This research analyzed SRP and NO3−‐N concentrations in groundwater and in a creek fed by groundwater on a valley dairy farm in the Cannonsville basin of the New York City (NYC) watershed. A total of 37 groundwater piezometers were installed to depths of 0.3 to 1.5 m. Water‐table depth and concentrations of SRP, NO3−‐N, dissolved organic carbon (DOC), and dissolved oxygen were measured at regular intervals over a three‐year period. A multivariate mixed model analysis of variance indicated that the SRP and NO3−‐N concentrations were controlled primarily by three classes of variables: environmental variables, including precipitation and water table depth; source variables, including manure applied and crop type; and chemical variables, including DOC and dissolved oxygen concentrations in groundwater. The highest groundwater concentrations of NO3−‐N and SRP were found at the shallowest water‐table depths, which has implications for agricultural nutrient management in areas with shallow groundwater.
Divergence Between Respirometry and Physicochemical Methods in the Fractionation of the Chemical Oxygen Demand in Municipal Wastewater
Authors: Fall C. , Flores N.A. , Espinoza M.A. , Vazquez G. , Loaiza‐Návia J. , van Loosdrecht M.C.M. , Hooijmans C.M.
Published: January 2011

For activated sludge modeling purposes, the methods used to evaluate the readily biodegradable chemical oxygen demand (RBCOD) in the influents are by biological or via physicochemical assays. However, there has not been sufficient wide comparison between these methods. The main goal of this study was to investigate the performance of the main chemical oxygen demand (COD) fractionation protocols, considering a representative wastewater in the context of tropical and developing countries. Different physicochemical characterization procedures, respirometric tests, and chemical analyses were performed. The fate of the soluble COD in the aeration tanks was studied. The results of the study showed that a marked difference may exist, in municipal wastewaters, between the estimates of the RBCOD fractions measured by respirometry and by any of the physicochemical methods. The evaluated influent showed a rather large fraction of COD that was passing the filters without being rapidly biodegradable, but which was removed quickly by enmeshment in the bioflocs. The consequences of such divergences and behavior are discussed.
Limitations Encountered for the Treatment of a Low C:N Waste Using a Modified Membrane‐Aerated Biofilm Reactor
Authors: Landes Nicholas C. , Jackson W. Andrew , Morse Audra N.
Published: January 2011

A modified membrane‐aerated biofilm reactor (mMABR) that combined oxygen permeable membranes and inert attachment media to support both nitrification and denitrification was used to treat a carbon‐limited (COD:N = 1.8) and ammonium‐rich (NH4+ = 650 g‐N/m3) space habitation waste stream. An eight‐fold increase in intramembrane air pressure did not affect process performance; however, for an air pressure of 11 kPa (gauge), lower and upper hydraulic loading limits for the mMABR were identified at 30 g‐N/m3·d and 123 g‐N/m3·d, respectively. Oxygen limitation occurred at the highest loading rate and alkalinity limitation occurred at the lowest loading rate. Partial nitrification was noted at both limitations. Additionally, increased recirculation ratios were shown to decrease denitrification efficiency. Mean carbon and nitrogen removal rates were as high as 75.3 g‐C/m3·d (0.26 g‐C/m2·d) and 63.8 g‐N/m3·d (0.22 g‐N/m2·d), respectively. The mMABR achieved maximal nitrification and denitrification performance given the stoichiometric nature of the waste.
Tacrolimus-Induced Neutropenia in Renal Transplant Recipients
Authors: De Rycke Anja , Dierickx Daan , Kuypers Dirk R.
Published: January 2011

Tacrolimus has become an important cornerstone in the prevention of rejection after kidney transplantation. However, its use has been complicated by several side effects, including chronic allograft nephropathy, diabetes mellitus, arterial hypertension, and neurotoxicity. Tacrolimus-induced neutropenia is a less recognized, but potentially harmful complication. Three patients with severe neutropenia developing within 3 months after kidney transplantation are described. After having excluded other well known causes, tacrolimus was considered the most probable culprit. Definitive proof of this hypothesis was obtained by discontinuation of tacrolimus and switching to cyclosporine, which led to recovery of white blood cell count in all three patients.
Plasma S100A12 Level Is Associated with Cardiovascular Disease in Hemodialysis Patients
Authors: Shiotsu Yayoi , Mori Yasukiyo , Nishimura Masato , Sakoda Chikako , Tokoro Toshiko , Hatta Tsuguru , Maki Noboru , Iida Kumiko , Iwamoto Noriyuki , Ono Toshihiko , Matsuoka Eiko , Kishimoto Noriko , Tamagaki Keiichi , Matsubara Hiroaki , Kosaki Atsushi
Published: January 2011

Background and objectives

S100A12 is an endogenous receptor ligand for advanced glycation end products. Cardiovascular disease remains a major cause of morbidity and mortality in patients with chronic kidney disease. In this study, we report cross-sectional data on 550 hemodialysis patients and assess the relationship between plasma S100A12 level and cardiovascular disease.

Design, setting, participants, & measurements

A cross-sectional study of 550 maintenance hemodialysis patients was conducted. We investigated the past history of cardiovascular disease and quantified the plasma level of S100A12 protein in all participants.

Results

Plasma S100A12 level was higher in hemodialysis patients with cardiovascular disease (n = 197; 33.8 ± 28.1 ng/ml) than in those without it (n = 353; 20.2 ± 16.1 ng/ml; P < 0.001). In multivariate logistic regression analysis, the plasma S100A12 level (odds ratio [OR], 1.28; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.13 to 1.44; P < 0.001) was identified as an independent factor associated with the prevalence of cardiovascular disease. The other factors associated with the prevalence of cardiovascular diseases were the presence of diabetes mellitus (OR, 2.81; 95% CI, 1.79 to 4.41; P < 0.001) and high-sensitivity CRP level (OR, 1.02; 95% CI, 1.00 to 1.05; P = 0.046). Furthermore, the plasma S100A12 level (OR, 1.30; 95% CI, 1.09 to 1.54; P = 0.004) was significantly associated with cardiovascular disease even in hemodialysis patients without diabetes mellitus (n = 348).

Conclusions

These results suggest that the plasma S100A12 protein level is strongly associated with the prevalence of cardiovascular disease in hemodialysis patients.
Kinetic models for xanthan gum production using Xanthomonas campestris from molasses
Authors: Gilani S.L. , Najafpour G.D. , Heydarzadeh H.D. , Zare H.
Published: January 2011

In process of xanthan gum production the effect of media temperature,
agitation rate and molasses concentration on yield of fermentation were
investigated. Xanthan gum was produced in batch fermentation by Xanthomonas
campestris PTCC 1473 from molasses. At 32?C, 500 rpm and media with 30g/l of
total sugar maximum production of xanthan gum (17.1g/l) was achieved. For the
purity of the xanthan FTIR spectrum was obtained. The identified spectrum was
compared with the commercial product. In batch culture, several kinetic
models for the biochemical reactions were extensively studied. The growth
kinetic parameters were evaluated by unstructured model and derived from the
related equations. Based on Malthus and Logistic rate equations, the maximum
specific growth rate, ?max, and initial cell dry weight, X0, were defined.
Luedeking-Piret and Modified Luedeking-Piret models were applied for the
product formation and substrate consumption rates. In batch experiments, the
kinetic parameters for the growth associated (m, a) and non-growth associated
(n, b) parameters were determined.
Current-fed Step-up DC/DC Converter for Fuel Cell Applications with Active Overvoltage Clamping
Authors: Andreiciks Aleksandrs , Steiks Ingars , Krievs Oskars
Published: January 2011

Current-fed Step-up DC/DC Converter for Fuel Cell Applications with Active Overvoltage Clamping

In order to use hydrogen fuel cells in domestic applications either as main power supply or backup source, their low DC output voltage has to be matched to the level and frequency of the utility grid AC voltage. Such power converter systems usually consist of a DC-DC converter and a DC-AC inverter. A double inductor step-up push-pull converter is investigated in this paper, presenting simulation and experimental results for passive and active overvoltage clamping. The prototype of the investigated converter is elaborated for 1200 W power to match the rated power of the proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cell located in hydrogen fuel cell research laboratory.
Preparation of Polyester-Based Metal-Cross Linked Polymeric Composites as Novel Materials Resistant to Bacterial Adhesion and Biofilm Formation
Authors: Saleh Suhair , Sweileh Bassam , Taha Sami O. , Mahmoud Ruhaifa , Taha Mutasem O.
Published: January 2011

Bacterial biofilms constitute an extremely resistant form of bacterial colonization with dire health and economical implications. Towards achieving polymeric composites capable of resisting bacterial adhesion and biofilm formation, we prepared five 2,6-pyridinedicarboxylate-based polyesters employing five different diol monomers. The resulting polyesters were complexed with copper (II) or silver (I). The new polymers were characterized by proton and carbon nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, inherent viscosity, infrared spectroscopy, differential scanning calorimetry and thermogravimetric analysis. The corresponding metal complexes were characterized by differential scanning calorimery and infrared spectroscopy. The amounts of complexed copper and silver were determined by atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Finally, the resulting composites were tested for their antibacterial potential and were found to effectively resist bacterial attachment and growth.
Chinese Influence on Early Modern Indonesian Art ? Hou Qua : a Chinese Painter in 19th-century Java
Authors: Krauss Werner
Published: January 2011

Werner Kraus

Chinese Influence on Early Modem Indonesian Art ? Hou Qua : a Chinese Painter in 19th- century Java

La découverte que la littérature indonésienne moderne avait été précédée par une littérature écrite en malais par les Chinois de Java fut l'une des étapes importantes de l'histoire littéraire indonésienne. Cet article avance que les Chinois pourraient avoir joué un rôle similaire dans le domaine pictural, celui d'une influence majeure sur l'apparition d'une peinture indonésienne non traditionnelle, à Java au XIXe siècle. L'influence chinoise sur les arts d'Asie du Sud-Est était déjà importante depuis des siècles. À la suite du développement de ce qu'on appela le marché de l'art chinois dans les ports francs de Macao et Canton, un nouveau style pictural pénétra le monde sud-est asiatique. On trouva rapidement une sorte d'art d'exportation à Manille et même à Batavia. Un certain nombre de ces peintres d'exportation furent employés par Raffles et des naturalistes anglais dans le Monde malais. Après l'ouverture forcée de la Chine, certains peintres commerciaux installèrent leurs activités dans les ports sud-est asiatiques. Nous savons que le peintre cantonais Sun Qua avait un studio à Singapour. D'autres se rendirent à Java et parvinrent à pénétrer le marché du portrait. Cet article identifie pour la première fois l'un de ces peintres chinois, Hou Qua, et montre les rapports qui le lièrent à la scène artistique javanaise.
Raden Saleh's Interpretation of the Arrest of Diponegoro : an Example of Indonesian "proto-nationalist" Modernism
Authors: Krauss Werner
Published: January 2011

Werner Kraus

Raden Saleh's Interpretation of the Arrest of Diponegoro : an Example of Indonesian "proto- nationalist " Modernism

L'arrestation de Diponegoro fut représentée par le peintre néerlandais Pieneman au début des années 1830, dans la tradition des interprétations héroïques de l'histoire néerlandaise. Diponegoro apparaissait soumis, de même que toute sa famille et sa suite. Tous les personnages du tableau semblaient comprendre que la rude action de De Kock avait pour but le bien des Javanais. L'approche de Raden Saleh est différente. C'est un Diponegoro furieux qui est le personnage actif, au centre du tableau. Son regard est provoquant, alors que celui des officiers néerlandais est figé et ne croise les yeux de personne. Le tableau de Saleh peut être interprété à deux niveaux : le premier emploie la perspective de la culture javanais ; le second prend en compte l'histoire de la peinture européenne. Cet unique tableau historique de Raden Saleh suit de près celui de Louis Gallait de 1841, L'abdication de Charles V, qui était l'un des tableaux historiques clefs dans les années précédant la Révolution de 1848. Louis Gallait était belge. Son tableau doit être compris comme une déclaration politique majeure envers le gouvernement néerlandais : notre lutte pour l'indépendance aujourd'hui ressemble à la vôtre il y a 400 ans. Raden Saleh saisit le message et le transforma en une déclaration proto-nationaliste : le Prince Diponegoro est le Guillaume le Taciturne javanais ; sa lutte contre l'occupation étrangère doit être comprise comme le possible début de la fin de la souveraineté néerlandaise à Java. Interprété de cette manière, Raden Saleh représente une partie, ou pour mieux dire une figure de proue, d'une conscience modernisante et mondialisante à Java.
Inscriptions islamiques en arabe de l'archipel des Maldives
Authors: Kalus Ludvik , Guillot Claude
Published: January 2011

Ludvik kalus, Université Paris IV - Sorbonne & Claude Guillot, Centre national de la

Recherche scientifique, Paris

Inscriptions islamiques en arabe de l 'archipel des Maldives

This article presents and analyses several Islamic inscriptions in Arabie, prior to the year 1000 Hijrah, which have been found in the Maldives archipelago. This descriptive inventory is complemented with comments about their significance for the history of the Maldives and for the commercial and cultural exchanges in the Indian ocean. Special attention is paid to the important inscription of the founding of the Friday mosque in Male, which has been read and commented upon by the Maghrebi traveler Ibn Battuta in ancient times. Not only does this inscription give details about the various restorations of the mosque, it also contains information about the conversion of the country to Islam in the XII th century and about the agent of this conversion, whose identity has varied along the centuries.
An Early Traveler's Compendium : Caspar Schmalkalden 's Images of Asia
Authors: Somers Heidhues Mary
Published: January 2011

Mary Somers Heidhues, Université de Hambourg

An Early Traveler's Compendium : Caspar Schmalkalden' s Images of Asia

Ce manuscrit du XVIIe siècle, conservé à la bibliothèque de recherche de Gotha et contenant la relation de voyage d'un employé allemand de la VOC, Caspar Schmalkalden (1616-1673), a été publié en 1983 et à nouveau en 2002. Ces deux éditions, cependant, omettent une section importante du texte, contenant la version finale, d'ailleurs incomplète, du récit du retour en Europe. D'autres manuscrits, des brouillons préliminaires, sont conservés dans des bibliothèques européennes. Le fait que Schmalkalden ait visité les Indes Orientales et Occidentales donne à cette relation un intérêt tout particulier, d'autant plus que l'auteur a fourni de nombreuses illustrations, souvent en couleurs. Cet article passe en revue les sections relatives à l'Asie, y compris l'annexe inédite, et tente d'expliquer la façon dont l'ouvrage a été composé. Comme tant de ses contemporains, il est parfois évident que Schmalkalden a emprunté ses informations à d'autres relations de voyage. On peut de même retrouver l'origine de certaines de ces illustrations dans des ouvrages antérieurs, notamment les séries d'images des Indes réalisées par le peintre Andries Beeckmann. Il est donc clair que ce texte attend toujours une édition critique définitive.
A Randomized Clinical Trial Comparing Myectomy and Recession in the Management of Inferior Oblique Muscle Overaction
Authors: Rajavi Zhale , Molazadeh Arman , Ramezani Alireza , Yaseri Mehdi
Published: January 2011

Purpose:

It is still not clear whether inferior oblique recession or inferior oblique myectomy is a better option for weakening inferior oblique overaction (IOOA). The aim of this study was to compare the effect of these two methods on IOOA.

Methods:

Patients who were candidates for surgical management of IOOA were randomly assigned to either IO myectomy or recession. Complete ophthalmic examinations were performed before surgery. In the myectomy group, 5 mm was excised from the inferior temporal region of IO muscle(s). In the recession group, the IO muscle was disinserted and subsequently sutured to a point 2 mm lateral and 4 mm posterior to the insertion of the inferior rectus muscle on the temporal side. Satisfactory results were defined as an IO function of grade 0 or 1+ at 3 months postoperatively.

Results:

The study included 50 patients (82 eyes) with a mean age of 12.3 ± 5.9 years (range: 3 to 32 years). Both methods were effective on the weakening of IOOA (
P
< .001). The rate of satisfactory results was similar in both groups (
P
= .686). The rate of residual IOOA and IO underaction did not differ between the two groups. Regarding the changes of horizontal or vertical deviations, V pattern, and dissociated vertical deviation, there was no statistically significant difference between the two groups.

Conclusion:

For treatment of IOOA, both IO myectomy and recession can be used with similar success rate.
Pediatric Ocular Injuries From Airsoft Toy Guns
Authors: Shazly Tarek A. , Al-Hussaini A. K.
Published: January 2011

Purpose:

To report ocular injuries caused by airsoft guns in children.

Methods:

A retrospective chart review of pediatric patients who sustained ocular injuries related to airsoft guns between November 2005 and December 2007. Place of trauma, presenting symptoms and signs, surgical interventions performed, and final visual outcome were reviewed.

Results:

Thirty-two patients with a mean age of 8.8 ± 4.0 years (range: 1.5 to 18 years) were examined; 28 were boys (87.5%). Presenting visual acuity ranged from hand motions to 20/20 and could not be assessed in 2 patients. Hyphema was a common finding that was present in 24 cases, corneal abrasions were present in 10 cases, and raised intraocular pressure was present in 7 cases. Seven patients presented with traumatic cataract, and two had iridodialysis. Immediate surgical intervention was performed in 7 patients and 7 patients were scheduled for elective surgery. The patients presented after an average of 1.9 ± 1.9 days (range: 4 hours to 6 days) after the injury. Average follow-up was 18 days (range: 7 days to 5 months). Final visual acuity was 20/200 or worse in 5 patients, 20/40 or better in 23 patients, and could not be assessed in 2 cases.

Conclusion:

Airsoft guns can cause a variety of serious injuries, sometimes necessitating operative intervention. The long-term morbidity from some of these injuries is significant. Airsoft guns are capable of inflicting serious and permanent ocular damage.
Inadvertent Intraocular Injection of Botulinum Toxin A
Authors: Pehere Niranjan , Jalali Subhadra , Mathai Annie , Naik Milind , Ramesh Kekunnaya
Published: January 2011

This report describes an inadvertent perforation of the globe while injecting botulinum toxin A into the medial rectus muscle without electromyography guidance. Botulinum toxin A does not appear to have toxic effects on the human retina. Close observation and necessary measures to treat any retinal breaks and control increased intraocular pressure should be undertaken.
Mental Illness and Problematic Sexual Behaviors
Authors: Belluardo-Crosby Marco
Published: January 2011

Advanced practice nurses and other health care professionals have increasingly been working with individuals with mental illnesses who also have a history of sexual misconduct. Unfortunately, due partly to minimal research on the subject—especially in the nursing field—these professionals are addressing the needs of this population without adequate preparation. This article provides an overview of mental illness and problematic sexual behaviors (MI/PSB) and highlights the importance of additional research for the MI/PSB population as a subgroup of sex offenders.
Telepsychiatry for Children and Adolescents
Authors: McGuinness Teena M. , Ellington Erin
Published: January 2011

The shortage and inadequate distribution of psychiatric care providers decreases access to mental health care for children and adolescents. One solution to the shortage is telepsychiatry. Studies of telepsychiatry show that it is effective and well received by both clinicians and patients. Despite its obvious benefits, challenges to the use of telepsychiatry remain.
Investigation of anisotropy constants dependence of ultra-thin ferromagnetic films with second order perturbed Heisenberg Hamiltonian
Authors: Samarasekara P
Published: January 2011

The variation of energy of ferromagnetic ultra-thin films with second and fourth order anisotropy was investigated using Heisenberg Hamiltonian with second order perturbation. The study was limited to sc(001) film with three layers. Graphs indicate energy minimums at certain values of second order anisotropy, fourth order anisotropy and angle. Films with fourth order anisotropy (Dm(4))/ω=4 can be easily oriented in the direction given by angle of 2.66 radians for the values of other energy terms used in this simulation. When the second order anisotropy (Dm(2))/ω is 3.1, preferred direction is 0.754 radians. When the second order anisotropy varies at a constant value of fourth order anisotropy, the graph indicates more energy minimums.Keywords: Heisenberg Hamiltonian; magnetic thin films; magnetic anisotropies; spinDOI: 10.4038/josuk.v3i0.2740J. Sci. Univ. Kelaniya 3 (2007) : 73-82
A new interpretation of primitive Pythagorean triples and a conjecture related to Fermat's Last Theorem
Authors: Piyadasa RAD , Munasinghe J , Arachchi DK Mallawa , Kumara KH
Published: January 2011

In this study primitive Pythagorean triples have been carefully examined and found that all of them satisfy a simple rule related to mean value theorem. It is pointed out that integral triples satisfying the equation on Fermat's Last Theorem should satisfy a special rule related to mean value theorem. A conjecture is proposed which may  lead to find a simple proof of Fermat's Last Theorem. Keywords: Pythagorean triples; Fermat's Last Theorem DOI: 10.4038/josuk.v3i0.2742J. Sci. Univ. Kelaniya 3 (2007) : 93-98
Effect of Crumble-Pellet and Mash Diets with Different Levels of Dietary Protein and Energy on the Performance of Broilers at the End of the Third Week
Authors: Jafarnejad S. , Farkhoy M. , Sadegh M. , Bahonar A. R.
Published: January 2011

This experiment was conducted to investigate the effect of the form of diets with different levels of protein and energy on broilers performance at the end of the third week. A total of 2800 male broiler chicks were fed with two forms of diet (mash and crumble-pellet), two levels of protein (23% and 21% CP), and two levels of energy (3200 and 3000 Kcal/Kg ME) from 1 to 21 days of age. The bodyweight (BW) and Feed conversion rate (FCR) were affected by the form of diet with the crumble-pellet form being better (). The diet with high protein significantly increased BW and decreased FCR (). The different levels of energy did not affect FCR and BW in crumble-pellet diet but should a significant effect on them in mash diet (). There were no significant interactions for any of the parameters tested except for interactions between energy and feed form. BW and FCR were improved by energy when diets were fed in the mash form (unlike the crumble-pellet form) at all ages. It is concluded that feeding crumble-pellets from 1 to 21 days of age improved BW and FCR and that an increase in the protein (unlike energy) content of the diet increased the performance of the chickens at the end of the third week.
Relationship of Physical Performance with Body Composition and Bone Mineral Density in Individuals over 60 Years of Age: A Systematic Review
Authors: Shin Hyehyung , Panton Lynn B. , Dutton Gareth R. , Ilich Jasminka Z.
Published: January 2011

The purpose of this review was to examine the relationship between physical performance and body composition measurements, including fat/muscle mass and bone mineral density (BMD) in individuals ≥60 years of age. Various measurements used to assess body composition, BMD, and physical performance (PP) were discussed as well. Medline/PubMed, CINAHL, and SCIE were used to identify articles. After limiting the search for age and kind of physical performance measures, 33 articles were evaluated. Higher fat mass was associated with poorer physical performance while higher muscle mass was a predictor of better physical performance, especially in the lower extremities. Additionally, evidence showed that higher muscle fat infiltration was a determinant of poorer physical performance. BMD was shown to be a good predictor of physical performance although the relationship was stronger in women than in men. Developing standardized methods for PP measurements could help in further investigation and conclusions of its relationship with body composition.