bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Recovery of aluminium from multi-component packaging using a fluidised bed reactor
Authors: Żukowski Witold , Baron Jerzy , Zabagło Jadwiga , Kandefer Stanisław , Olek Małgorzata
Published: January 2009

Recovery of aluminium from multi-component packaging using a fluidised bed reactor

This study presents the use of fluidised bed combustion to produce thermal energy, aluminium recovery and the reduction of the Tetra Pak and Combibloc packaging waste stream. Fluidisation and the pneumatic transport, which take place in the same apparatus, allow recovering bits of the aluminium foil from the combustion zone. The limited time spent in the high temperature zone leads to a high content of free metal in the solids separated in the ash trap and cyclone. Other solid products are practically chemically inert and may be disposed in a landfill of municipal or inert wastes.
Reduction of carbon dioxide emission through the sorption in situ using a fluidised bed reactor
Authors: Żukowski Witold , Englot Sylwia , Baron Jerzy , Kandefer Stanisław , Olek Małgorzata
Published: January 2009

Reduction of carbon dioxide emission through the sorption in situ using a fluidised bed reactor

The paper discusses the possibility of using the reversible reaction CaCO3 ↔ CaO + CO2 for the cyclic capture and release of CO2 directly inside a fluidised bed combustor. This could lead to the lowering of CO2 emissions into the atmosphere, as part of an effort to mitigate the greenhouse effect associated with the rising atmospheric CO2 concentrations resulting from obtaining energy from burning fossil fuels.

An enrichment coefficient E has been introduced and defined as a measure of the production of CO2 (on calcining CaCO3) or its removal (on carbonation of CaO) with respect to the level associated with fuel combustion alone. The observations made on the effect of introducing an additional external stream of CO2 on the efficiency of the chemical capture process have been described. Through an appropriate control of the temperature inside the reactor it is possible to change the value of E over the range [-0.8; 0.8]. This implies that up to about 80% of the CO2 derived from the fuel can be temporarily retained within the bed and released later, at a higher concentration. The proposed method of burning fuel in a chemically active fluidised bed could be an available method leading to CO2 isolation from the flue gases and leading to its eventual sequestration.
Long-term interaction of coal combustion by-product with water
Authors: Żygadło Maria , Woźniak Magdalena
Published: January 2009

Long-term interaction of coal combustion by-product with water

A terrestrial disposal of the fly ash has been regarded as a potential source of contamination due to the enrichment and surface association of trace elements in ash particles. In laboratory conditions the leaching of soluble components existing in ashes proceeds in a different way than in land deposits.

On the landfill site coal combustion by-products are under the pressure of atmosphere agents, especially water, sun and rain activity (drying and wetting alternately), freeze/thaw (in cold climate) and gases included in the air. Also the time of exposition is an important parameter.

In the presented experiment the observed dynamics of ash solubility over a long period of time provides the evidence that in the ash-water system, a variety of precipitation processes dominate the solubility of solid mass. Simulating the weathering by the freeze/thaw test approximates the effectuated changes in ash particles structure.

The leaching of a particular ash component depends on reactions in the ash-water systems.

Solidification by compaction of the material is often favoured because of the cementitious properties of ashes being in contact with water. Secondary hydrated minerals such as ettringite, portlandite and calcite are formed during a contact with water. Calcium -silicate hydrates, aluminate-hydrates and gypsum can occur as secondary minerals. The solubility of such new phases and the solidification process determine the leaching characteristics of the ash mass.
The Impact of Financial Aid on College GPA at Three Flagship Public Institutions
Authors: Stater Mark
Published: January 2009

Academic achievement in higher education is an important current policy issue because institutions are under public pressure to justify state subsidies and rising tuitions with demonstrable gains in student learning. This article uses data from three flagship public universities to examine the effects of financial aid on first- through fourth-year college grade point average. The findings indicate that need-based aid and merit-based aid both have positive effects throughout college, and thus colleges may be able to use financial policy levers to increase academic achievement. However, since the effect of merit aid is larger than that of need-based aid, institutions may have incentives to reallocate aid and admissions spots from needy to merit students unless appropriate safeguards are adopted.
Isolation of Betulinic Acid, its Methyl Ester and Guaiane Sesquiterpenoids with Protein Tyrosine Phosphatase 1B Inhibitory Activity from the Roots of Saussurea lappa C.B.Clarke
Authors: Choi Ji Young , Na MinKyun , Hyun Hwang In , Ho Lee Seung , Young Bae Eun , Yeon Kim Bo , Seog Ahn Jong
Published: January 2009

Activity-guided fractionation of a MeOH extract of the roots of Saussurea lappa C.B.Clarke (Compositae), using an in vitro protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B (PTP1B) inhibition assay, led to the isolation of four active constituents: betulinic acid (1), betulinic acid methyl ester (2), mokko lactone (3) and dehydrocostuslactone (4), along with nine inactive compounds. Our findings indicate that betulinic acid (1) and its methyl ester 2, as well as the two guaiane sesquiterpenoids 3 and 4 are potential lead moieties for the development of new PTP1B inhibitors.
The Main Chemical Composition and in vitro Antifungal Activity of the Essential Oils of Ocimum basilicum Linn. var. pilosum (Willd.) Benth
Authors: Zhang Ji-Wen , Li Sheng-Kun , Wu Wen-Jun
Published: January 2009

The essential oils of the aerial parts of Ocimum basilicum Linn.var. pilosum (Willd.) Benth., an endemic medicinal plant growing in China, was obtained by hydrodistillation and analysed by GC-MS. Fifteen compounds, representing 74.19% of the total oil were identified. The main components were as follows: linalool (29.68%), (Z)-cinnamic acid methyl ester (21.49%), cyclohexene (4.41%), α- cadinol (3.99%), 2,4-diisopropenyl-1-methyl-1-vinylcyclohexane (2.27%), 3,5-pyridine-dicarboxylic acid, 2,6-dimethyl-diethyl ester (2.01%), β-cubebene (1.97%), guaia-1(10),11-diene (1.58%), cadinene (1.41%) (E)-cinnamic acid methyl ester (1.36%) and β-guaiene (1.30%). The essential oils showed significant antifungal activity against some plant pathogenic fungi.
Determination of Antimony (III) in Real Samples by Anodic Stripping Voltammetry Using a Mercury Film Screen-Printed Electrode
Authors: Domínguez-Renedo Olga , Jesús Gómez González M. , Julia Arcos-Martínez M.
Published: January 2009

This paper describes a procedure for the determination of antimony (III) by differential pulse anodic stripping voltammetry using a mercury film screen-printed electrode as the working electrode. The procedure has been optimized using experimental design methodology. Under these conditions, in terms of Residual Standard Deviation (RSD), the repeatability (3.81 %) and the reproducibility (5.07 %) of the constructed electrodes were both analyzed. The detection limit for Sb (III) was calculated at a value of 1.27×10–8 M. The linear range obtained was between 0.99 × 10–8 – 8.26 × 10–8 M. An analysis of possible effects due to the presence of foreign ions in the solution was performed and the procedure was successfully applied to the determination of antimony levels in pharmaceutical preparations and sea water samples.
Algorithmic Foundation of Spectral Rarefaction for Measuring Satellite Imagery Heterogeneity at Multiple Spatial Scales
Authors: Rocchini Duccio
Published: January 2009

Measuring heterogeneity in satellite imagery is an important task to deal with. Most measures of spectral diversity have been based on Shannon Information theory. However, this approach does not inherently address different scales, ranging from local (hereafter referred to alpha diversity) to global scales (gamma diversity). The aim of this paper is to propose a method for measuring spectral heterogeneity at multiple scales based on rarefaction curves. An algorithmic solution of rarefaction applied to image pixel values (Digital Numbers, DNs) is provided and discussed.
Emission Characteristics and Factors of Selected Odorous Compounds at a Wastewater Treatment Plant
Authors: Jeon Eui-Chan , Son Hyun-Keun , Sa Jae-Hwan
Published: January 2009

This study was initiated to explore the emission characteristics of Reduced Sulfur Compounds (RSCs: hydrogen sulfide, methyl mercaptan, dimethyl sulfide, dimethyl disulfide), ammonia and trimethylamine from a Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP) located at Sun-Cheon, Chonlanam-Do in South Korea. The study also evaluates flux profiles of the six selected odorous compounds and their flux rates (µg/m2/min) and compares their emission characteristics. A Dynamic Flux Chamber DFC was used to measure fluxes of pollutants from the treatment plant. Quality control of odor samples using a non-reactive sulfur dioxide gas determined the time taken for DFC concentration to reach equilibrium. The reduced sulfur compounds were analyzed by interfacing gas chromatography with a Pulsed Flame Photometric Detector (PFPD). Air samples were collected in the morning and afternoon on one day during summer (August) and two days in winter (December and January). Their emission rates were determined and it was observed that during summer relatively higher amounts of the selected odorous compounds were emitted compared to winter. Air samples from primary settling basin, aeration basin, and final settling basin were tested and the total amount of selected odorous compounds emitted per wastewater ton was found to be 1344 µg/m3 from the selected treatment processes. It was also observed that, in this study, the dominant odor intensity contribution was caused by dimethyl disulfide (69.1%).
Evaluation of the Convergence Region of an Automated Registration Method for 3D Laser Scanner Point Clouds
Authors: Bae Kwang-Ho
Published: January 2009

Using three dimensional point clouds from both simulated and real datasets from close and terrestrial laser scanners, the rotational and translational convergence regions of Geometric Primitive Iterative Closest Points (GP-ICP) are empirically evaluated. The results demonstrate the GP-ICP has a larger rotational convergence region than the existing methods, e.g., the Iterative Closest Point (ICP).
Jeong, H.; Jeon, S. Determination of Dopamine in the Presence of Ascorbic Acid by Nafion and Single-Walled Carbon Nanotube Film Modified on Carbon Fiber Microelectrode. Sensors 2008, 8, 6924-6935
Authors: Jeong Haesang , Jeon Seungwon
Published: January 2009

n/a
Vasić, V. et al. Na+,K+-ATPase as the Target Enzyme for Organic and Inorganic Compounds. Sensors 2008, 8, 8321-8360
Authors: Vasić Vesna , Momić Tatjana , Petković Marijana , Krstić Danijela
Published: January 2009

n/a
Value of diagnostic radioiodine scintigraphy and thyroglobulin measurements after rhTSH injection
Authors: de Keizer B. , de Klerk J. M. H. , Lentjes E. G. W. M. , Lips C. J. M. , van Isselt J. W. , Verburg F. A.
Published: January 2009

Measurements of thyroglobulin (Tg) levels 72 h after administration of recombinant human thyrotropin (rhTSH) are recommended by the manufacturer in the follow-up of patients with differentiated thyroid carcinoma (DTC). In our department, Tg measurements are performed both 24 h and 72 h after administration of rhTSH, together with 72 h post rhTSH 131I whole body scintigraphy (WBS). The objective of this study is to compare the diagnostic usefulness of Tg measurements 24 and 72 h after rhTSH administration, and 131I WBS. Patients and methods: 181 patients were included who had been referred to our Nuclear Medicine Department for follow-up after 131I ablation of DTC. Tg measurements 24 h (Tg24) and 72 h (Tg72) after rhTSH, and 131I WBS, were done in all patients. The lower detection limit of Tg was 0,2 μg/l. Results: 47 patients (26%) had detectable Tg levels: in 4/47 cases (8%) only Tg24 was detectable (always <1 μg/l), and in 6/47 cases (11%), only Tg72 was detectable. In 10/47 patients with detectable Tg-levels, Tg24 and Tg72 tested equally. In 27/47 cases, Tg24 was lower, and in 10/47 higher, than Tg72. Two patients with one or two positive Tg-test results also had a positive 131I WBS. In 8 patients (14%) only the 131I WBS was positive; an anatomical substrate for such a Tgnegative positive WBS was confirmed in only 2 patients. Conclusion: Tg-measurement 72 hours after rhTSH injection reveals all clinically relevant detectable Tg-levels. Diagnostic 131I scintigraphy may be omitted, even in highrisk patients.
Radiation exposure in the environment of patients after application of radiopharmaceuticals
Authors: Boldt F. , Kobe C. , Hammes J. , Eschner W. , Schicha H. , Sudbrock F.
Published: January 2009

Aim: After therapeutical application of radionuclides the patient has to be regarded as a radioactive source. The radiation exposure differs from diagnostic nuclear medicine due to the amount of radioactivity and due to β-radiation. Measurements of photon dose rates were carried out and estimates of β-radiation outside the patient using Monte-Carlo methods. Calculations of maximum β-ranges in tissue were also performed. Detailed knowledge of the radiation exposure close to the patient is of major importance with respect to radiation protection of the staff. Method: Photon dose rates for 32 patients were determined after treatment with [131I]NaI and [131I]meta-iodobenzylguanidin, [32P]Na2HPO4, [90Y]Zevalin and [153Sm]EDTMP. Readings were taken immediately after application at eight distances. Results: For therapies with 131I photon dose rates amount to 2 mSv·h-1·GBq-1 close to the patient. Taking the typical activities of 3.7 GBq for thyroid carcinoma and up to 11 GBq for mIBG therapies into account this leads to a considerable radiation exposure of approximately 7.5 mSv/h and 20 mSv/h, respectively. At a distance of 2 m the dose rates fall to 1/100 compared to the vicinity. For 153Sm the maximum of 100 μSv·h-1·GBq-1 is significantly lower compared to therapies using radioiodine. After application of 32P or 90Y all photon dose rates are lower (>10 μSv·h-1·GBq-1) but in both cases high energy β-particles associated with high maximum ranges exceeding 1 cm in tissue have to be considered. Conclusion: The remarkable difference of the dose rates in the vicinity of the radioactive patient compared to readings at 2 m distance underlines the major importance of the distance for radiation protection. After application of nuclides emitting high energy β-particles their contribution outside the patient should be considered. For typical procedures in the patient's vicinty the radiation exposure of the personnel remains below the annual limit of 20 mSv.
Three-phase 18F-fluorocholine PET/CT in the evaluation of prostate cancer recurrence
Authors: Steiner Ch. , Vees H. , Zaidi H. , Wissmeyer M. , Berrebi O. , Kossovsky M. P. , Khan H. G. , Miralbell R. , Ratib O. , Buchegger F.
Published: January 2009

Aim: Contribution of 3-phase 18F-fluorocholine PET/CT in suspected prostate cancer recurrence at early rise of PSA. Patients, methods: Retrospective analysis was performed in 47 patients after initial treatment with radiotherapy (n = 30) or surgery (n = 17). Following CT, 10 minutes list-mode PET acquisition was done over the prostate bed after injection of 300 MBq of 18F-fluorocholine. Three timeframes of 3 minutes each were reconstructed for analysis. All patients underwent subsequent whole body PET/CT. Delayed pelvic PET/CT was obtained in 36 patients. PET/CT was interpreted visually by two observers and SUVmax determined for suspicious lesions. Biopsies were obtained from 13 patients. Results: Biopsies confirmed the presence of cancer in 11 of 13 patients with positive PET for a total of 15 local recurrences in which average SUVmax increased during 14 minutes post injection and marginally decreased in delayed scanning. Conversely inguinal lymph nodes with mild to moderate metabolic activity on PET showed a clearly different pattern with decreasing SUVmax on dynamic images. Three-phase PET/CT contributed to the diagnostic assessment of 10 of 47 patients with biological evidence of recurrence of cancer. It notably allowed the discrimination of confounding blood pool or urinary activity from suspicious hyperactivities. PET/CT was positive in all patients with PSA ≥ 2 ng/ml (n = 34) and in 4/13 patients presenting PSA values <2 ng/ml. Conclusion: 18F-fluorocholine 3-phase PET/CT showed a progressively increasing SUVmax in biopsy confirmed cancer lesions up to 14 minutes post injection while decreasing in inguinal lymph nodes interpreted as benign. Furthermore, it was very useful in differentiating local recurrences from confounding blood pool and urinary activity.
Myeloablative radioimmunotherapy with 188Re-CD66mAb before stem cell transplantation
Authors: Steinbach G. , Bunjes D. , Reske S.N. , Buchmann I. , Mutschler J.
Published: January 2009

Aim: Tumour necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) serum levels may increase due to intensive conditioning regimes with highdose- chemotherapy and total body irradiation (TBI) before stem cell transplantation. This increases the risk for developing acute graft versus host disease (aGvHD) after stem cell transplantation. In this prospective study we investigated the influence of radioimmunotherapy with 188Re- CD-66-mAb on changes on TNF-α serum levels. Patients, methods: In 18 patients we measured TNF-α before and up to 96 hours after radioimmunotherapy, in 2 patients in addition following TBI, in 9 patients also following chemotherapy. For measuring TNF-α we used an automated immunochemiluminescence assay (Immulite 1000 DPC Biermann, Bad Nauheim). The mean follow up period to record incidence of aGVHD was 100 days after stem cell transplantation. Results: Compared to the basal levels before, the levels of TNF-α after conditioning with 188Re-CD-66-mAb did not increase significantly and remained in the physiological range. In contrast, these initial physiological cytokine levels increased and became pathological following 48 h after total body irradiation (13.2 ± 6.6 pg/ml) and chemotherapy (10.8 ± 15.7 pg/ml). In our study we found a low incidence of aGvHD (22.2%, n = 4/18). Conclusion: These results demonstrate that additional conditioning therapy with 188Re-CD-66-mAb does not increase proinflammatory cytokine levels of TNF-α. This finding may indicate that additive radioimmunotherapy may not be a significant factor for increasing the rate of conditioning- associated aGvHD.
Early Cretaceous mesofossils from Portugal and eastern North America related to the Bennettitales‐Erdtmanithecales‐Gnetales group
Authors: Friis Else Marie , Pedersen Kaj Raunsgaard , Crane Peter R.
Published: January 2009

Four new genera and six new species of fossil seed (Buarcospermum tetragonium, Lignierispermum maroneae, Lobospermum glabrum, L. rugosum, L. stampanonii, Rugonella trigonospermum) are described from five Early Cretaceous mesofossil floras from Portugal and eastern North America. The four genera are distinguished by differences in size, shape, and details of seed anatomy, but all are unusual in having an outer seed envelope with a distinctive anatomical structure that surrounds the nucellus and the integument. The integument is extended apically into a long, narrow micropylar tube. The four new genera are part of a diverse, but previously unrecognized, complex of extinct plants that was widespread in Early Cretaceous vegetation and that coexisted in similar habitats with early angiosperms. The distinctive structure of these seeds, and the strong similarities to other fossil seeds (Ephedra, Ephedripites, Erdtmanispermum, Raunsgaardispermum, and some Bennettitales) already known from the Early Cretaceous, suggests that this newly recognized complex of extinct plants, together with Bennettitales, Erdtmanithecales, and Gnetales (the BEG group), is phylogenetically closely related.
Floral variation and floral genetics in basal angiosperms
Authors: Soltis Pamela S. , Brockington Samuel F. , Yoo Mi‐Jeong , Piedrahita Ana , Latvis Maribeth , Moore Michael J. , Chanderbali Andre S. , Soltis Douglas E.
Published: January 2009

Recent advances in phylogeny reconstruction and floral genetics set the stage for new investigations of the origin and diversification of the flower. We review the current state of angiosperm phylogeny, with an emphasis on basal lineages. With the surprising inclusion of Hydatellaceae with Nymphaeales, recent studies support the topology of Amborella sister to all other extant angiosperms, with Nymphaeales and then Austrobaileyales as subsequent sisters to all remaining angiosperms. Notable modifications from most recent analyses are the sister relationships of Chloranthaceae with the magnoliids and of Ceratophyllaceae with eudicots. We review “trends” in floral morphology and contrast historical, intuitive interpretations with explicit character‐state reconstructions using molecular‐based trees, focusing on (1) the size, number, and organization of floral organs; (2) the evolution of the perianth; (3) floral symmetry; and (4) floral synorganization. We provide summaries of those genes known to affect floral features that contribute to much of floral diversity. Although most floral genes have not been investigated outside of a few model systems, sufficient information is emerging to identify candidate genes for testing specific hypotheses in nonmodel plants. We conclude with a set of evo‐devo case studies in which floral genetics have been linked to variation in floral morphology.
The impact of natural disasters on buildings’ architectural styles
Authors: Kušar Domen
Published: January 2009

Natural disasters have been part of people’s lives throughout history. As a discipline that plans people’s dwellings and designs their living environment, architecture has managed to cope with natural disasters and their impacts relatively successfully over the millennia. Certain disasters can be expected throughout the world, and the safety measures connected with them are similar. Nonetheless, the geographical conditions linked to natural disasters most influence the architectural style of buildings and the entire urban landscape through various factors. This paper discusses the impact of specific disasters or threats on changes in the architectural style of buildings and settlements. Special emphasis is placed on dangers or disasters that threaten the buildings in the Ljubljana Marsh. This region has long been considered inappropriate for settlement. However, because it is close to Ljubljana, it has attracted settlement, despite demanding a special construction method. The Slovenian architect Jože Plečnik, who designed the Church of St. Michael in Črna Vas in the Ljubljana Marsh, also had to deal with these issues. An analysis of the church shows that Plečnik, who lived in the nearby suburb of Trnovo, was familiar with major threats to settlements in the Ljubljana Marsh and took them into account. Unfortunately, the economic situation did not allow him to protect this building from fire as well.
Geomorphology of the Pohorje mountains
Authors: Gams Ivan
Published: January 2009

The Pohorje mountain range, young mountains with prevailing metamorphic rocks and dacite, continues to uplift above the igneous laccolith in the area of the rapid rising asthenosphere in the transition to the Pannonian basin also due to changes in temperature and, resultantly, of the density of uplifting dacite- and other intrusions which have not metamorphosed the surrounding sediments. On the Pohorje by the river Drava (hereinafter the Drava Pohorje), the drainage network does not match the orography, because, between the Vuzenica-Radlje basin and Fala, the Drava epigenetically deepened its gorge into the marginal range of Kobansko. Modest plateaus on the ridge of the Pohorje originate from the time when the base level maintained a cover of the so-called Eibiswald strata between the Karavanke and the Kobansko in the upper Miocene. The originally larger ridge plateau in the centre of the Pohorje was lowered by erosion and periglacial processes; it has been preserved as an inclined plateau on the Eastern Pohorje. Explained through the recent tectonic shifting, established by means of GPS in the years 1996–2002 at the peak Velika Kopa, is the southeastwards curving of the five valleys above the Legen terrace where, supposedly, original headwaters of the Spodnja Mislinja came from. Due to its geological, geomorphological and hydrological peculiarities the Legen Quaternary terrace deserves that it should be declaired the ‘geopark’, the first one in Slovenia. Even more explicit and extensive is the westwards curving of the valleys on the northern slope of the Pohorje, and their northeastward orientation in the Ribnica-Lovrenc-Selnica valley system. In the east section of the Lovrenc valley system above Fala the brook Rečnikov potok has not adjusted its course to the recent tectonic subsiding, so that its valleys run obliquely to the slope inclination. The up to 700 metres deep Mislinja rift lowered the central ridge of the Pohorje to 1299 metres. Blowing intensely across it, the northeastern Pleistocene cold winds made possible the origination of two smaller glaciers in the upper drainage basin of the Radoljna. The gently sloping Pohorje landforms are not the result of the old age but of the disintegration of granular rocks to permeable sand, above which the thick cover of continuous roots of grasses and prevailing spruce reduces the erosion.
A Second Approximation to the Induced Drag of a Rotor in Forward Flight
Authors: Prouty R. W.
Published: January 2009

The method of determining the induced drag of a wing from the distribution of circulation in its wake has been adapted for an infinite‐bladed helicopter rotor. Using this method, a “rotor induced efficiency factor” can be determined which will result in computing
more realistic induced drag values than the conventional momentum method. The factor is shown to be a function of rotor geometry and flight conditions and is plotted for several combinations of these parameters.
VTOL RPVs—A Technology Assessment
Authors: Lindenbaum Bernard
Published: January 2009

Well proven VTOL approaches and concepts, other than the helicopter, are available to permit development of RPVs necessary to meet requirements of the military. Such RPVs can be built today, with low risk and with high confidence.
A Quasilinear Analysis and Design Technique for Nonlinear Flight Control Systems
Authors: Dabundo Charles , Curtiss H. C.
Published: January 2009

Nonlinear characteristics which are likely to be present in rotorcraft flight control systems include saturation, deadzone, and hysteresis. These occur due to the physical nature of the flight hardware or may be intentionally designed into the system to enhance safety or performance.
A technique to include such nonlinear behavior in the analysis and design of flight control systems is presented and illustrated by examples. This technique, called the Quasilinear System Analysis and Design (QSAD) Method is based on describing function theory and can be applied to systems
of fairly general structure. The method promotes physical insight into the effects of nonlinearities, and provides a quantitative approach to the consideration of nonlinear effects in control system design. The QSAD method provides a means to design a more robust control system in the presence
of nonlinearities.
Cover Picture: EBSD Technique Visualization of Material Flow in Aluminum to Steel Friction‐stir Dissimilar Welding (Adv. Eng. Mater. 12/2008)
Authors: Coelho R. S. , Kostka A. , dos Santos J. , Pyzalla A. R.
Published: January 2009

The Cover shows EBSD‐related work (montage of inverse pole figure maps) conducted to visualize material flow, texture development and recrystallization in aluminum to steel friction‐stir dissimilar welding. More details can be found in the article by R. S. Coelho et al. on page 1127 of this issue.
Highly Efficient Hole Injection Using Polymeric Anode Materials for Small‐Molecule Organic Light‐Emitting Diodes
Authors: Choudhury Kaushik Roy , Lee Jaewon , Chopra Neetu , Gupta Alok , Jiang Xuezhong , Amy Fabrice , So Franky
Published: January 2009

A novel, highly efficient hole injection material based on a conducting polymer polythienothiophene (PTT) doped with poly(perfluoroethylene‐perfluoroethersulfonic acid) (PFFSA) in organic light‐emitting diodes (OLEDs) is demonstrated. Both current–voltage and dark‐injection‐current transient data of hole‐only devices demonstrate high hole‐injection efficiency employing PTT:PFFSA polymers with different organic charge‐transporting materials used in fluorescent and phosphorescent organic light‐emitting diodes. It is further demonstrated that PTT:PFFSA polymer formulations applied as the hole injection layer (HIL) in OLEDs reduce operating voltages and increase brightness significantly. Hole injection from PTT:PFFSA is found to be much more efficient than from typical small molecule HILs such as copper phthalocyanine (CuPc) or polymer HILs such as polyethylene dioxythiophene: polystyrene sulfonate (PEDOT‐PSS). OLED devices employing PTT:PFFSA polymer also demonstrate significantly longer lifetime and more stable operating voltages compared to devices using CuPc.
Game theory application to Fed Cattle procurement in an experimental market
Authors: Carlberg Jared G. , Hogan Robert J. , Ward Clement E.
Published: January 2009

Consolidation in meatpacking has elicited many market power concerns and studies. A noncooperative, infinitely repeated game theory model was developed and an empirical model estimated to measure beef packing firm behavior in cattle procurement. Experimental market data from three semester‐long classes using the Fed Cattle Market Simulator (FCMS) were used. Collusive behavior was found for all three data periods though the extent of collusion varied across semester‐long data periods. Results may have been influenced by market conditions imposed on the experimental market in two of the three semesters. One was a marketing agreement between the largest packer and two feedlots and the other involved limiting the amount and type of public market information available to participants. Findings underscore the need for applying game theory to real‐world transaction‐level, fed cattle market data. [EconLit Citations: C730, L100]. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Vertical integration and cost behavior in poultry industry in Ogun and Oyo States of Nigeria
Authors: Bamiro Olasunkanmi M. , Shittu Adebayo M.
Published: January 2009

In this article, the influence of vertical integration on cost behavior in poultry farming in southwestern Nigeria is examined. The study was based on primary data obtained in cross‐section survey of 211 randomly selected poultry farms in the study area. An average farmer in the sample was 44 years old; 85% were males and 72% had tertiary education. An average poultry farm in the sample had 4,342 birds, about half of which were laying birds. A set of cost and revenue share equations estimated by Zellner's seemingly unrelated regression (SUR) method revealed that vertical integration (measured in proxy by value‐added sales ratio) is feed and veterinary service using, labor saving, and output augmenting. However, the scale effect of vertical integration was found to be higher in layers production than what obtains in broilers and cock/cockerel productions. [EconLit citations: Q120, D240, R340]. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Mergers and acquisitions, employment, wages, and plant closures in the U.S. meat product industries
Authors: Nguyen Sang V. , Ollinger Michael
Published: January 2009

The purpose of this article is to evaluate the impact of mergers and acquisitions (M&As) on wages, employment, and plant closures in the meat packing, prepared meat products, and poultry slaughter and processing industries during two merger periods, 1977–1987 and 1982–1992. The analysis relies on two balanced panel datasets of all plants owned by meat and poultry firms that existed in the 1977 Census of Manufacturing and survived until 1987 and another dataset of plants that existed in 1982 and survived until 1992. We find that (a) M&As are positively associated with wages in the meat packing and prepared meat products industries during 1977–1987, but not during 1982–1992; (b) changes in employment are positively related to M&As in all three meat and poultry industries during 1977–1987, but only in the poultry industry during 1982–1992; and (c) M&As are generally negatively associated with plant closures [EconLit. Citations: J630]. © 2009 wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Understanding heterogeneous preferences of cooperative members
Authors: Kalogeras Nikos , Pennings Joost M.E. , van der Lans Ivo. A. , Garcia Philip , van Dijk Gert
Published: January 2009

We study the heterogeneity in the preference structure of cooperative members. Using conjoint analysis the utility that members attach to intra‐organizational and strategic attributes of their cooperative is elicited. Recognizing that members are not homogenous, a concomitant finite‐mixture regression model is employed to allow preferences to vary across different member segments. With data from 120 cooperative members, we find that most members demonstrate rather similar preferences for strategic attributes but differ with respect to the intra‐organizational attributes of control and management. Members' preference structures are affected by business size and attitudes towards risk. [EconLit Citations: Q130; M000, C400]. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Intra‐firm trade in the context of European integration: evidence from the French multinational agribusiness
Authors: Chevassus‐Lozza Emmanuelle , Galliano Danielle
Published: January 2009

This article identifies the factors that lead multinational firms to internalize their international exchanges and aims to determine the impact of the implementation of the Single European Market on firms' strategies. We analyze the interaction between the microeconomic characteristics of firms and those of their environment because this interaction determines a multinational firm's decision to internalize trade. The empirical work is based on the ‘industrial globalization’ survey conducted by the French statistics institutes in 1993 and 1999. With regard to the French agri‐food trade, there has been an increase in intra‐firm (IFT) trade within the EU‐15 borders and the European multinational networks. The main determinants of intra‐firm trade are the firms' need to generate economies of scale and to protect and exploit their ‘firm‐specific advantages’ related to the technology and nature of the product. The model sheds light on the role and the development of intra‐regional networks of subsidiaries. [JEL classifications: F10, F14, F23]. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Quantitative variability of cyanogenesis in Cathariostachys madagascariensis—the main food plant of bamboo lemurs in Southeastern Madagascar
Authors: Ballhorn Daniel J. , Kautz Stefanie , Rakotoarivelo Fanny P.
Published: January 2009

Giant bamboo (Cathariostachys madagascariensis) is a major food plant for three sympatric species of bamboo‐eating lemurs (Hapalemur aureus, H. griseus, and Prolemur simus) in the rain forests of southeastern Madagascar. This plant species is strongly cyanogenic. However, quantitative data on cyanide concentration in C. madagascariensis are scarce. Previous studies reported 15 mg cyanide per 100 g fresh shoot material (corresponding to approx. 57 µmol cyanide per gram dry weight). However, we found mean concentrations (±SE) ranging from 139.3±19.32 in ground shoots to 217.7±16.80 µmol cyanide per gram dry weight in branch shoots. Thus, cyanogenesis of C. madagascariensis was up to four times higher than reported before. In contrast to the strongly cyanogenic shoots no cyanide could be detected in differently aged leaves of C. madagascariensis confirming earlier studies. Within individual shoots fine‐scaled analysis revealed a characteristic ontogenetic pattern of cyanide accumulation. Highest concentrations were found in youngest parts near the apical meristem, whereas concentrations decreased in older shoot parts. Beyond the general intra‐individual variability of cyanogenic features analyses indicated site‐specific variability of both, the ontogenetic pattern of cyanide concentration as well as the total amount of cyanide accumulated in shoots. Additionally, analyses of soluble proteins—one important nutritive measure affecting food plant quality—demonstrated a converse quantitative relation of protein concentrations in leaves to cyanide concentration in shoots at the site‐specific level. We, thus, suggest integrative analyses on quantitative variation of cyanogenesis together with nutritive plant parameters in future studies. This approach would allow obtaining more detailed insights into spatial variability of giant bamboo's overall browse quality and its impact on lemur herbivores. Am. J. Primatol. 71:305–315, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Nucleation: What Happens at the Initial Stage?
Authors: Zhang Tian Hui , Liu Xiang Yang
Published: January 2009

Die anfängliche Struktur von Kristallkeimen hängt vom Grad der Übersättigung ab. Bei niedrigen Übersättigungen entstehen flüssigkeitsartige Kristallkeime, die mit zunehmender Größe N einen kontinuierlichen Strukturübergang zu kristallartigen Keimen vollziehen. Dieses allmähliche Wachstum führt zu einer erniedrigten Keimbildungsbarriere ΔG*, und im Vergleich zur anfänglichen Bildung kristallartiger Cluster ist die Keimbildung erleichtert.

magnified image
Nucleation: What Happens at the Initial Stage?
Authors: Zhang Tian Hui , Liu Xiang Yang
Published: January 2009

Crystallizing growth: The initial structure of crystal nuclei is supersaturation‐dependent. At low degrees of supersaturation, liquid‐like nuclei are formed initially, which undergo a continuous structure transition from liquid‐like to crystal‐like as the size N increases. This gradual structure evolution substantially lowers the nucleation barrier ΔG* and facilitates the nucleation relative to the formation of crystal‐like clusters from the beginning.

magnified image
Cataloging professionals in the digital environment: A content analysis of job descriptions
Authors: Park Jung‐ran , Lu Caimei , Marion Linda
Published: January 2009

This study assesses the current state of responsibilities and skill sets required of cataloging professionals. It identifies emerging roles and competencies focusing on the digital environment and relates these to the established knowledge of traditional cataloging standards and practices. We conducted a content analysis of 349 job descriptions advertised in AutoCAT in 2005–2006. Multivariate techniques of cluster and multidimensional‐scaling analyses were applied to the data. Analysis of job titles, required and preferred qualifications/skills, and responsibilities lends perspective to the roles that cataloging professionals play in the digital environment. Technological advances increasingly demand knowledge and skills related to electronic resource management, metadata creation, and computer and Web applications. Emerging knowledge and skill sets are increasingly being integrated into the core technical aspects of cataloging such as bibliographic and authority control and integrated library‐system management. Management of cataloging functions is also in high demand. The results of the study provide insight on current and future curriculum design of library and information‐science programs.
Identifying significant facilitators of dark network evolution
Authors: Hu Daning , Kaza Siddharth , Chen Hsinchun
Published: January 2009

Social networks evolve over time with the addition and removal of nodes and links to survive and thrive in their environments. Previous studies have shown that the link‐formation process in such networks is influenced by a set of facilitators. However, there have been few empirical evaluations to determine the important facilitators. In a research partnership with law enforcement agencies, we used dynamic social‐network analysis methods to examine several plausible facilitators of co‐offending relationships in a large‐scale narcotics network consisting of individuals and vehicles. Multivariate Cox regression and a two‐proportion z‐test on cyclic and focal closures of the network showed that mutual acquaintance and vehicle affiliations were significant facilitators for the network under study. We also found that homophily with respect to age, race, and gender were not good predictors of future link formation in these networks. Moreover, we examined the social causes and policy implications for the significance and insignificance of various facilitators including common jails on future co‐offending. These findings provide important insights into the link‐formation processes and the resilience of social networks. In addition, they can be used to aid in the prediction of future links. The methods described can also help in understanding the driving forces behind the formation and evolution of social networks facilitated by mobile and Web technologies.
Propioin synthesis using thiamine diphosphate‐dependent enzymes
Authors: Mikolajek Renaud J. , Spiess Antje C. , Pohl Martina , Büchs Jochen
Published: January 2009

Benzaldehyde lyase (BAL, EC 4.1.2.38) from Pseudomonas fluorescens and benzoylformate decarboxylase (BFD, EC 4.1.1.7) from Pseudomonas putida are thiamine diphosphate‐dependent enzymes. These enzymes share a common tetrameric structure and catalyze various CC‐bond forming and breaking reactions. Here we describe a detailed study of the asymmetric synthesis of propioin from propanal catalyzed by BAL or BFD in aqueous solution in a batch reactor. Both enzymes are deactivated in the presence of high concentration of propanal. Compared to BAL, BFD is more stable under reaction conditions as well as during storage. The kinetic studies showed a typical Michaelis‐Menten kinetic for BAL with a maximal specific reaction rate of 26.2 U/mg and an unusually high KM of 415 mM, whereas the v/[S]‐plot for BFD is almost linear in the concentration range (100–1500 mM) investigated. Both enzymes produce propioin with opposite enantiomeric excess: BAL produced the (S)‐propioin (ee of 35%), whereas BFD yielded the (R)‐enantiomer (ee of 67%). © 2009 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Biotechnol. Prog., 2009
Effect of moderate electric field frequency and growth stage on the cell membrane permeability of Lactobacillus acidophilus
Authors: Loghavi Laleh , Sastry Sudhir K. , Yousef Ahmed E.
Published: January 2009

Changes in growth kinetics and metabolic activity of microorganisms under the presence of a moderate electric field (MEF) have been hypothesized as being due to temporary permeabilization of cell membranes. We investigated herein the effects of frequency and growth stage on cell membrane permeabilization of Lactobacillus acidophilus OSU 133 during MEF fermentation. Cells were stained with two fluorescent nucleic acid stains: the green, nonselective, cell membrane permeable SYTO 9, and the red, cell membrane impermeable propidium iodide (PI). Fluorescence exhibition post‐treatment was assessed using fluorescence microscopy. Total plate counting was done to determine whether or not the permeabilized population represented live cells. Fermentation treatments investigated were conventional (control) and MEF (2 V/cm, 45, 60, 1,000, 10,000 Hz) at 30°C. Studies were conducted at 45 Hz for lag, exponential, and stationary phases of growth. Low frequency MEF treated cells exhibited significantly greater numbers of red cell counts than conventional treatments; further, no significant differences existed in viable counts between MEF and conventional treatments, suggesting that the red counts represent permeabilized live cells. MEF treatments at the early stage of bacterial growth at 45 Hz exhibited the maximum permeabilization followed by treatments at 60 Hz. MEF treated samples at frequencies higher than 60 Hz did not exhibit red fluorescence. Cells at lag phase showed the greatest susceptibility to permeabilization followed by those at exponential phase. No evidence of electroporation was observed during the stationary phase. To our knowledge, these observations provide the first evidence that cell membrane permeabilization occurs under the presence of electric fields as low as those under MEF. © 2009 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Biotechnol. Prog., 2009
Alkali‐catalyzed low temperature wet crosslinking of plant proteins using carboxylic acids
Authors: Reddy Narendra , Li Ying , Yang Yiqi
Published: January 2009

We report the development of a new method of alkali‐catalyzed low temperature wet crosslinking of plant proteins to improve their breaking tenacity without using high temperatures or phosphorus‐containing catalysts used in conventional poly(carboxylic acid) crosslinking of cellulose and proteins. Carboxylic acids are preferred over aldehyde‐containing crosslinkers for crosslinking proteins and cellulose because of their low toxicity and cost and ability to improve the desired properties of the materials. However, current knowledge in carboxylic acid crosslinking of proteins and cellulose requires the use of carboxylic acids with at least three carboxylic groups, toxic phosphorous‐containing catalysts and curing at high temperatures (150–185°C). The use of high temperatures and low pH in conventional carboxylic acid crosslinking has been reported to cause substantial strength loss and/or undesired changes in the properties of the crosslinked materials. In this research, gliadin, soyprotein, and zein fibers have been crosslinked with malic acid, citric acid, and butanetetracarboxylic acid to improve the tenacity of the fibers without using high temperatures and phosphorus‐containing catalysts. The new method of wet crosslinking using carboxylic acids containing two or more carboxylic groups will be useful to crosslink proteins for various industrial applications. © 2009 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Biotechnol. Prog., 2009
Design and characterization of a microfluidic packed bed system for protein breakthrough and dynamic binding capacity determination
Authors: Shapiro Michael S. , Haswell Steve J. , Lye Gary J. , Bracewell Daniel G.
Published: January 2009

A 1.5 μL ion exchange chromatography column to accommodate resins used for biopharmaceutical processing has been designed to produce breakthrough curves and to quantify dynamic and maximum protein binding capacities. Channels within a glass chip were fabricated using photolithography and isotropic etching. The design includes a 1 cm long microfluidic column in which compressible, polydispersed porous agarose beads (70 μm mean diameter) were packed using a keystone method where particles aggregate in a narrow channel. The depth of the column is such that two bead layers exist. The fabrication technique used forms Cartesian geometries as opposed to circular cross sections found in standard columns. The voidage was therefore higher than standard values when measured by 3D confocal microscopy. In conjunction with microscopic techniques, the column allows visualization of events within the bed such as adsorption profiles that would otherwise be difficult to observe. In this work, the binding of fluorescently labeled protein during isocratic loading was used to generate breakthrough from the microcolumn. Useful breakthrough curves were achieved using mobile phase velocities from 60 to 270 cm h−1. Calculated dynamic binding capacities were compared well with previously published data on conventional scale columns. The microfluidic chromatography column described here thus allows study of process scale chromatography behavior at scales 20,000 times smaller than in current practice. The work described in this article is representative of the proof of principle of a potentially powerful tool for the generation of microfluidic process bed data for the biopharmaceutical industry. © 2009 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Biotechnol. Prog., 2009