bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of Salt Stress on Decomposition of Organic Matter and Nitrogen Mineralization in Animal Manure Amended Soils
Authors: Walpola BC , Arunakumara KKIU
Published: October 2010

As it is believed that soil salinity can alter the organic matter turnover process, the present study discussed the influence of soil salinity on the decomposition of organic matter and nitrogen mineralization in animal manure amended soils. A factorial combination of two soil types (saline and non-saline soils) with three types of animal manure (i.e. poultry manure, goat manure and cow dung) was used to assess the C and N mineralization. The amount of CO2-C released from both soils was not significant (P ≤ 0.05) until day 2 of incubation. However, as incubation progressed, the amount of CO2-C released from manure amended soils was found to be significantly (P ≤ 0.05) higher than that of the control. However in the case of cow dung amended soils, release of CO2-C was not much influenced by the salinity stress. The NH4+ -N content of both soils was found to be reached to the peak at day 14, followed by gradual reductions in all treatments. However, saline soil showed significantly (P ≤ 0.05) low NH4+ -N content compared to the non-saline soil. Though, the nutritional composition of applied manures was different, no significant (P ≤ 0.05) differences were found among the treatments in terms of N mineralization. Furthermore, no distinct pattern of treatment behavior could be observed for NO2- -N contents also. However, the content of NO3- -N was found to be dominated in non-saline soil throughout the incubation. Results could be concluded that the response pattern of C and N mineralization to salinity stress depended on the type of animal manure incorporate to the soil and duration of incubation. Key words: salinity stress; animal manure; decomposition of organic matter; nitrogen mineralization DOI: 10.4038/jas.v5i1.2319 Journal of Agricultural Sciences Vol.5(1) 2010 pp.9-18
Comparison of Assimilate Partitioning in Organically and Conventionally Grown Tea
Authors: Wekumbura WGC , Mohotti AJ , Arachchi LP Vidhana , Mohotti KM
Published: October 2010

The partitioning of assimilates were compared in organically and conventionally grown tea. Dry matter and nutrient partitioning was examined in 12-year old tea bushes cultivar DT1 of the 'TRI OR-CON' trial at St Coombs Estate, Talawakele. Three organic treatments were compared with conventional, inorganic management. Introduced organic treatments were tea waste, compost and Neem oil cake as soil amendments and managed according to International Federation of Organic Agriculture Movements guidelines. The treatments were arranged according to Randomized Complete Block design with four replicates and bushes were carefully uprooted and dry matter and nutrient partitioning were studied in different parts. The highest amount of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium partitioning were found in the flush in all treatments compared to other parts of tea bushes. Organic treatments such as tea waste and Neem oil cake resulted the highest nitrogen content in flush as 4.06% and 4.05% respectively. Compost and conventional treatments showed lower nitrogen content of 3.59% and 3.56% respectively. However, the fallen leaves and branches also contained a certain amount of nutrients and that indicate the importance of fallen leaves as well as use of pruned residues for nutrient recycling. Dry matter partitioning was not significantly different in the above four treatments, whilst higher dry matter partitioning into stem part followed by root system and the lowest dry matter partitioning was observed in the leaf part of the bush. It is evident that partitioning of assimilates was similar in organically and conventionally managed tea bushes. Key Words: Chemical fertilizer; Compost; Dry matter and nutrient partitioning; Neem Oil cake; Nutrient partitioning; Tea waste DOI: 10.4038/jas.v5i1.2330 Journal of Agricultural Sciences Vol.5(1) 2010 pp.32-41
A Comparative Study on Feeding of Total Mixed Ration vs Conventional Feeding on Weight Gain in Weaned Friesian Heifers under Tropical Environment
Authors: Nissanka NPC , Bandara RMAS , Disnaka KGJS
Published: October 2010

The study was carried out by using eighteen post weaned Friesian heifers (111.05 ± 9.2 day old and weighing 96.6 ± 8.4 kg) to determine the effect of Total Mixed Ration (TMR) feeding system based on Wet brewer's grain, Kikuyu grass, commercial pellet feed and commercial Mineral Mixture on daily weight gain in Friesian heifers. Nutritional composition of each feed ingredient was proximately analyzed and the ration was formulated according to the recommended nutritional requirement of a weaned dairy heifer (NRC 2001). One group was fed with TMR feeding system and the other group was fed with conventional feeding system as a control. Weight gain was measured weekly of each animal under each treatment. Throughout the experimental period (8 weeks), the average daily weight gain (ADG) was 0.55 kg/d in the treatment group and it was 0.33 kg/d in the control group. ADG was significantly different in between these two groups at p < 0.009. Key Words: Average daily gain (ADG); Total Mixed Ration (TMR); Weaned heifers; conventional feeding system. DOI: 10.4038/jas.v5i1.2331 Journal of Agricultural Sciences Vol.5(1) 2010 pp.42-51
Synergistic Effect of IL-6 and IL-4 in Driving Fate Revision of Natural Foxp3+ Regulatory T Cells
Authors: Kastner Lauren , Dwyer David , Qin F. Xiao-Feng
Published: October 2010

Expression of forkhead transcription factor Foxp3 defines a distinct lineage of naturally arising regulatory T cells (nTregs) that is segregated from effector CD4+ T cells during early development in the thymus. It remains elusive whether nTregs can convert into effector cells by turning off their Foxp3 expression and, if so, whether Th17 is a default alternative fate choice. In this report we provide compelling evidence showing that effector T cell-polarizing cytokines IL-6 and IL-4 can act synergistically to induce marked downregulation and inactivation of Foxp3 gene expression in mouse nTregs, and consequently the loss of suppressor phenotype and functions. However, the resulting Foxp3− cells are not polarized and do not express IL-17 or other Th17-associated genes. Therefore, nTreg fate revision is not restricted to the Treg–Th17 axis and is likely to represent a rather broad phenomenon with divergent outcomes.
IL-33 Mediates Inflammatory Responses in Human Lung Tissue Cells
Authors: Yagami Akiko , Orihara Kanami , Morita Hideaki , Futamura Kyoko , Hashimoto Noriko , Matsumoto Kenji , Saito Hirohisa , Matsuda Akio
Published: October 2010

IL-33 is a member of the IL-1 family and mediates its biological effects via the ST2 receptor, which is selectively expressed on Th2 cells and mast cells. Although polymorphic variation in ST2 is strongly associated with asthma, it is currently unclear whether IL-33 acts directly on lung tissue cells at sites of airway remodeling. Therefore, we aimed to identify the IL-33–responsive cells among primary human lung tissue cells. ST2 mRNA was expressed in both endothelial and epithelial cells but not in fibroblasts or smooth muscle cells. Correspondingly, IL-33 promoted IL-8 production by both endothelial and epithelial cells but not by fibroblasts or smooth muscle cells. Transfection of ST2 small interference RNA into both endothelial and epithelial cells significantly reduced the IL-33–dependent upregulation of IL-8, suggesting that IL-33–mediated responses in these cells occur via the ST2 receptor. Importantly, Th2 cytokines, such as IL-4, further enhanced ST2 expression and function in both endothelial and epithelial cells. The IL-33–mediated production of IL-8 by epithelial cells was almost completely suppressed by corticosteroid treatment. In contrast, the effect of corticosteroid treatment on the IL-33–mediated responses of endothelial cells was only partial. IL-33 induced activation of both ERK and p38 MAPK in endothelial cells but only ERK in epithelial cells. p38 MAPK was required for the IL-33–mediated responses of endothelial cells, whereas ERK was required for IL-33–mediated IL-8 production by epithelial cells. Taken together, these findings suggest that IL-33–mediated inflammatory responses of lung tissue cells may be involved in the chronic allergic inflammation of the asthmatic airway.
IL-2 and IL-4 Stimulate MEK1 Expression and Contribute to T Cell Resistance against Suppression by TGF-β and IL-10 in Asthma
Authors: Liang Qiaoling , Guo Lei , Gogate Shaila , Karim Zunayet , Hanifi Arezoo , Leung Donald Y. , Gorska Magdalena M. , Alam Rafeul
Published: October 2010

The T cell-driven airway inflammation in chronic asthma is uninhibited and sustained. We examined the resistance of T cells from asthmatic patients against suppression by TGF-β, IL-10 and glucocorticoids and explored its signaling mechanism. CD4+CD25− T cells from allergic asthmatic subjects demonstrated increased TCR-stimulated proliferation as compared with healthy and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease controls. This proliferation was resistant to inhibition by TGF-β, IL-10, and dexamethasone and to anergy induction. CD4 T cells from asthmatic patients, but not chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, allergic rhinitis, and healthy subjects, showed increased expression of MEK1, heightened phosphorylation of ERK1/2, and increased levels of c-Fos. IL-2 and IL-4 stimulated the expression of MEK1 and c-Fos and induced T cell resistance. The inhibition of MEK1 reversed, whereas induced expression of c-Fos and JunB promoted T cell resistance against TGF-β– and IL-10–mediated suppression. We have uncovered an IL-2– and IL-4–driven MEK1 induction mechanism that results in heightened ERK1/2 activation in asthmatic T cells and make them resistant to certain inhibitory mechanisms.
The β-Human Chorionic Gonadotropin-Related Peptide LQGV Exerts Anti-Inflammatory Effects through Activation of the Adrenal Gland and Glucocorticoid Receptor in C57BL/6 Mice
Authors: van der Zee Marten , van den Berg Jan Willem , van Holten-Neelen Conny , Dik Willem A.
Published: October 2010

The systemic inflammatory response syndrome is a complex host response to a variety of clinical insults, generally leading to severe pathology. The human chorionic gonadotropin β-chain–related tetrapeptide leucine-glutamine-glycine-valine (LQGV) reduces hemorrhagic and LPS-induced systemic inflammatory response syndrome, but its mechanisms of action are not yet fully understood. Through the combination of in vivo, in vitro, and ex vivo approaches, we demonstrate that LQGV actively stimulates corticosterone production in mice and thereby suppresses in vivo TLR4-directed inflammation upon LPS administration. Blocking in vivo glucocorticosteroid receptor signaling reduced the prosurvival effect of LQGV. Also, upon multiple TLR activation by heat-killed Listeria monocytogenes, splenocytes from LQGV-treated mice produced significantly less TNF-α and IL-6, which was absent after in vitro blockage of the glucocorticosteroid receptor. Using adrenal gland and adrenal cell line cultures, we show that LQGV stimulates corticosterone production. Moreover, by using specific pharmacological inhibitors of the adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) and luteinizing hormone receptors as well as of cAMP signaling, we demonstrate that LQGV stimulates the ACTH receptor. These data show that the β-human chorionic gonadotropin–related tetrapeptide LQGV stimulates adrenal glucocorticosteroid production through activation of the ACTH receptor with consequent glucocorticoid receptor activation and immunosuppression in C57BL/6 mice.
NKG2D Initiates Caspase-Mediated CD3ζ Degradation and Lymphocyte Receptor Impairments Associated with Human Cancer and Autoimmune Disease
Authors: Hanaoka Nobuyoshi , Jabri Bana , Dai Zhenpeng , Ciszewski Cezary , Stevens Anne M. , Yee Cassian , Nakakuma Hideki , Spies Thomas , Groh Veronika
Published: October 2010

Deficiencies of the T cell and NK cell CD3ζ signaling adapter protein in patients with cancer and autoimmune diseases are well documented, but mechanistic explanations are fragmentary. The stimulatory NKG2D receptor on T and NK cells mediates tumor immunity but can also promote local and systemic immune suppression in conditions of persistent NKG2D ligand induction that include cancer and certain autoimmune diseases. In this paper, we provide evidence that establishes a causative link between CD3ζ impairment and chronic NKG2D stimulation due to pathological ligand expression. We describe a mechanism whereby NKG2D signaling in human T and NK cells initiates Fas ligand/Fas-mediated caspase-3/-7 activation and resultant CD3ζ degradation. As a consequence, the functional capacities of the TCR, the low-affinity Fc receptor for IgG, and the NKp30 and NKp46 natural cytotoxicity receptors, which all signal through CD3ζ, are impaired. These findings are extended to ex vivo phenotypes of T and NK cells among tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes and in peripheral blood from patients with juvenile-onset lupus. Collectively, these results indicate that pathological NKG2D ligand expression leads to simultaneous impairment of multiple CD3ζ-dependent receptor functions, thus offering an explanation that may be applicable to CD3ζ deficiencies associated with diverse disease conditions.
Contribution of Astrocyte-Derived IL-15 to CD8 T Cell Effector Functions in Multiple Sclerosis
Authors: Saikali Philippe , Antel Jack P. , Pittet Camille L. , Newcombe Jia , Arbour Nathalie
Published: October 2010

The contribution of local factors to the activation of immune cells infiltrating the CNS of patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) remains to be defined. The cytokine IL-15 is pivotal in the maintenance and activation of CD8 T lymphocytes, a prominent lymphocyte population found in MS lesions. We investigated whether astrocytes are a functional source of IL-15 sufficient to enhance CD8 T lymphocyte responses and whether they provide IL-15 in the inflamed CNS of patients with MS. We observed that human astrocytes in primary cultures increased surface IL-15 levels upon activation with combinations of proinflammatory cytokines. Expanded human myelin autoreactive CD8 T lymphocytes cultured with such activated astrocytes displayed elevated lytic enzyme content, NKG2D expression, and Ag-specific cytotoxicity. These functional enhancements were abrogated by anti–IL-15–blocking Abs. Immunohistochemical analysis of brain tissue sections obtained from patients with MS demonstrated colocalization for IL-15 and the astrocyte marker glial fibrillary acidic protein within white matter lesions. The majority of astrocytes (80–90%) present in demyelinating MS lesions expressed IL-15, whereas few astrocytes in normal control brain sections had detectable IL-15. IL-15 could be detected in the majority of Iba-1–expressing microglia in the control sections, albeit in lower numbers when compared with microglia/macrophages in MS lesions. Furthermore, infiltrating CD8 T lymphocytes in MS lesions were in close proximity to IL-15–expressing cells. Astrocyte production of IL-15 resulting in the activation of CD8 T lymphocytes ascribes a role for these cells as contributors to the exacerbation of tissue damage during MS pathogenesis.
Enzymatic Strategies to Detoxify Gluten: Implications for Celiac Disease
Authors: Caputo Ivana , Lepretti Marilena , Martucciello Stefania , Esposito Carla
Published: October 2010

Celiac disease is a permanent intolerance to the gliadin fraction of wheat gluten and to similar barley and rye proteins that occurs in genetically susceptible subjects. After ingestion, degraded gluten proteins reach the small intestine and trigger an inappropriate T cell-mediated immune response, which can result in intestinal mucosal inflammation and extraintestinal manifestations. To date, no pharmacological treatment is available to gluten-intolerant patients, and a strict, life-long gluten-free diet is the only safe and efficient treatment available. Inevitably, this may produce considerable psychological, emotional, and economic stress. Therefore, the scientific community is very interested in establishing alternative or adjunctive treatments. Attractive and novel forms of therapy include strategies to eliminate detrimental gluten peptides from the celiac diet so that the immunogenic effect of the gluten epitopes can be neutralized, as well as strategies to block the gluten-induced inflammatory response. In the present paper, we review recent developments in the use of enzymes as additives or as processing aids in the food biotechnology industry to detoxify gluten.
Development and Validation of HPTLC Method for Estimation of Carbamazepine in Formulations and Its In Vitro Release Study
Authors: Patel Rashmin B. , Patel Mrunali R. , Bhatt Kashyap K. , Patel Bharat G.
Published: October 2010

A new, simple, and rapid high-performance thin-layer chromatographic method was developed and validated for quantitative determination of Carbamazepine. Carbamazepine was chromatographed on silica gel 60 F254 TLC plate using ethyl acetate-toluene-methanol (5.0 + 4.0 + 1.0 v/v/v) as mobile phase. Carbamazepine was quantified by densitometric analysis at 285 nm. The method was found to give compact spots for the drug (Rf=0.47 ± 0.01). The linear regression analysis data for the calibration plots showed good linear relationship with r2=.9995 in the concentration range 100–600 ng/spot. The method was validated for precision, recovery, repeatability, and robustness as per the International Conference on Harmonization guidelines. The minimum detectable amount was found to be 16.7 ng/spot, whereas the limit of quantitation was found to be 50.44 ng/spot. Statistical analysis of the data showed that the method is precise, accurate, reproducible, and selective for the analysis of Carbamazepine. The method was successfully employed for the estimation of equilibrium solubility, quantification of Carbamazepine as a bulk drug, in commercially available preparation, and in-house developed mucoadhesive microemulsion formulations and solution.
Preimplantation diagnosis of genetic diseases
Authors: Adiga SK , Kalthur G , Kumar P , Girisha KM
Published: October 2010

One of the landmarks in clinical genetics is prenatal diagnosis of genetic disorders. The recent advances in the field have made it possible to diagnose the genetic conditions in the embryos before implantation in a setting of in vitro fertilization. Polymerase chain reaction and fluorescence in situ hybridization are the two common techniques employed on a single or two cells obtained via embryo biopsy. The couple who seek in vitro fertilization may screen their embryos for aneuploidy and the couple at risk for a monogenic disorder but averse to abortion of the affected fetuses after prenatal diagnosis, are likely to be the best candidates to undergo this procedure. This article reviews the technique, indications, benefits, and limitations of pre-implantation genetic testing in clinical practice.
Duty and Service: Life and Career of a Tamil Teacher of English in Sri Lanka
Authors: HAYES DAVID
Published: October 2010

This article discusses the life and career of a Tamil teacher of English working in the government education system in northern Sri Lanka. Based on data gathered in an extended life history interview, the article explores the teacher's own experiences of schooling, his reasons for entering teaching as a profession, his professional training, and aspects of his working life in areas fought over by government and LTTE (Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam) forces. The teacher's narrative is contextualized within the history of the ethnic conflict in Sri Lanka between the majority Sinhalese and minority Tamils and aims to shed some light on how an individual finds the motivation to continue to work in a situation of extreme personal danger and, further, how he positions himself within his community as a teacher of a foreign language which might be seen as an irrelevance to students in his context. Though the limitations of case studies are recognized, as well as the particularly distressing conditions of life and work for this teacher, the article nevertheless contends that his story will contribute to extending the knowledge base of TESOL as a discipline by providing space for a voice from a peripheral community to be heard.
Toward a Taxonomy of Written Errors: Investigation Into the Written Errors of Hong Kong Cantonese ESL Learners
Authors: CHAN ALICE Y. W.
Published: October 2010

This article examines common lexicogrammatical problems found in Cantonese English as a second language (ESL) learners' written English output. A study was conducted with 387 student participants, who were asked to do two untutored and unaided free‐writing tasks of about 200–300 words each. A range of lexicogrammatical error types commonly found among Hong Kong Cantonese ESL learners was identified. Errors from the lexical level included vocabulary compensation and inaccurate directionality; errors from the syntactic level included calquing, existential structures, incorrect ordering of adverbials, and independent clauses as subjects; and those from the discourse level included periphrastic‐topic constructions. Mothertongue influence was inevitably an important source of the problems, but inadequate mastery of correct usage of the target language and universal processes were also important factors. The results of the study have potential for enhancing our understanding of the interlanguage grammar of learners and the nature, sources, and prevalence of learner problems. The results also have promising pedagogical implications, as they inform teachers of the levels, nature, sources, prevalence, and gravity of learner errors and equip them with the key ingredients needed for the design of appropriate remedial instructional materials. A discussion of how the taxonomical classification would be useful for language teachers is also given.
World Englishes and the Classroom: An EFL Perspective
Authors: BRUTHIAUX PAUL
Published: October 2010

The TESOL Quarterly publishes brief commentaries on aspects of English language teaching. For this issue, we asked two teacher educators to comment on the implications of World Englishes for second language teaching.
REVIEWS
Authors: MATSUDA PAUL KEI
Published: October 2010

Book reviewed in this article:

TESOL Quarterly welcomes evaluative reviews of publications relevant to TESOL professionals. In addition to textbooks and reference materials, these include computer and video software, testing instruments, and other forums of nonprint materials.

English as a Lingua Franca: A Corpus‐Based Analysis Luke Prodromou

Cultural Globalization and Language Education B. Kumaravadivelu

Language Teacher Identities: Co‐Constructing Discourse and Community Matthew Clarke
Variation of particle number size distributions and chemical compositions at the urban and downwind regional sites in the Pearl River Delta during summertime pollution episodes
Authors: Yue D. L. , Hu M. , Wu Z. J. , Guo S. , Wen M. T. , Nowak A. , Wehner B. , Wiedensohler A. , Takegawa N. , Kondo Y. , Wang X. S. , Li Y. P. , Zeng L. M. , Zhang Y. H.
Published: October 2010

Abstract. In order to characterize the features of particulate pollution in the Pearl River Delta (PRD) in the summer, continuous measurements of particle number size distributions and chemical compositions were simultaneously performed at Guangzhou urban site (GZ) and Back-garden downwind regional site (BG) in July 2006. Particle number concentration from 20 nm to 10 μm at BG was (1.7±0.8)×104 cm−3, about 40% lower than that at GZ, (2.9±1.1)×104 cm−3. The total particle volume concentration at BG was 94±34 μm3 cm−3, similar to that at GZ, 96±43 μm3 cm−3. More 20–100 nm particles, significantly affected by the traffic emissions, were observed at GZ, while 100–660 nm particle number concentrations were similar at both sites as they are more regional. PM2.5 values were similar at GZ (69±43 μg m−3) and BG (69±58 μg m−3) with R2 of 0.71 for the daily average PM2.5 at these two sites, indicating the fine particulate pollution in the PRD region to be regional. Two kinds of pollution episodes, the accumulation pollution episode and the regional transport pollution episode, were observed. Fine particles over 100 nm dominated both number and volume concentrations of total particles during the late periods of these pollution episodes. Accumulation and secondary transformation are the main reasons for the nighttime accumulation pollution episode. SO42−, NO3− accounted for about 60% in 100–660 nm particle mass and PM2.5 increase. When south or southeast wind prevailed in the PRD region, regional transport of pollutants took place. Regional transport contributed about 30% to fine particulate pollution at BG during a regional transport case. Secondary transformation played an important role during regional transport, causing higher increase rates of secondary ions in PM1.0 than other species and shifting the peaks of sulfate and ammonium mass size distributions to larger sizes. SO42−, NO3−, and NH4+ accounted for about 70% and 40% of PM1.0 and PM2.5, respectively.
Aerosol exposure versus aerosol cooling of climate: what is the optimal emission reduction strategy for human health?
Authors: Löndahl J. , Swietlicki E. , Lindgren E. , Loft S.
Published: October 2010

Abstract. Particles, climate change, and health have thought-provoking interactions. Air pollution is one of the largest environmental problems concerning human health. On the other hand, aerosol particles can have a cooling effect on climate and a reduction of those emissions may result in an increased temperature globally, which in turn may have negative health effects. The objective of this work was to investigate the "total health effects" of aerosol emissions, which include both exposure to particles and consequences for climate change initiated by particles. As a case study the "total health effect" from ship emissions was derived by subtracting the number of deaths caused by exposure with the estimated number of lives saved from the cooling effect of the emissions. The analysis showed that, with current level of scientific understanding, it could not be determined whether ship emissions are negative or positive for human health on a short time scale. This first attempt to approximate the combined effect of particle emissions on health shows that reductions of particulate air pollution will in some cases (black carbon) have win-win effects on health and climate, but sometimes also cause a shift from particle exposure-related health effects towards an increasing risk of health consequences from climate change. Thus, measures to reduce aerosol emissions have to be coupled with climate change mitigation actions to achieve a full health benefit on a global level.
Ozone production in remote oceanic and industrial areas derived from ship based measurements of peroxy radicals during TexAQS 2006
Authors: Sommariva R. , Brown S. S. , Roberts J. M. , Brookes D. M. , Parker A. E. , Monks P. S. , Bates T. S. , Bon D. , de Gouw J. A. , Frost G. J. , Gilman J. B. , Goldan P. D. , Herndon S. C. , Kuster W. C. , Lerner B. M. , Osthoff H. D. , Tucker S. C. , Warneke C. , Williams E. J. , Zahniser M. S.
Published: October 2010

Abstract. During the Texas Air Quality Study II (TexAQS 2006) campaign, a PEroxy Radical Chemical Amplifier (PERCA) was deployed on the NOAA research vessel R/V Brown to measure total peroxy radicals (HO2+ΣRO2). Day-time mixing ratios of HO2+ΣRO2 between 25 and 110 ppt were observed throughout the study area – the Houston/Galveston region and the Gulf coast of the U.S. – and analyzed in relation to measurements of nitrogen oxides, volatile organic compounds (VOC) and photolysis rates to assess radical sources and sinks in the region. The measurements of HO2+ΣRO2 were used to calculate the in-situ net photochemical formation of ozone. Measured median values ranged from 0.6 ppb/h in clean oceanic air masses up to several tens of ppb/h in the most polluted industrial areas. The results are consistent with previous studies and generally agree with observations made during the previous TexAQS 2000 field campaign. The net photochemical ozone formation rates determined at Barbours Cut, a site immediately south of the Houston Ship Channel, were analyzed in relation to local wind direction and VOC reactivity to understand the relationship between ozone formation and local VOC emissions. The measurements of HO2+ΣRO2 made during the R/V Brown TexAQS 2006 cruise indicate that ozone formation is NOx-limited in the Houston/Galveston region and influenced by highly reactive hydrocarbons, especially alkenes from urban and industrial sources and their photooxidation products, such as formaldehyde.
Simulating satellite observations of 100 kHz radio waves from relativistic electron beams above thunderclouds
Authors: Füllekrug M. , Hanuise C. , Parrot M.
Published: October 2010

Abstract. Relativistic electron beams above thunderclouds emit 100 kHz radio waves which illuminate the Earth's atmosphere and near-Earth space. This contribution aims to clarify the physical processes which are relevant for the spatial spreading of the radio wave energy below and above the ionosphere and thereby enables simulating satellite observations of 100 kHz radio waves from relativistic electron beams above thunderclouds. The simulation uses the DEMETER satellite which observes 100 kHz radio waves from fifty terrestrial Long Range Aid to Navigation (LORAN) transmitters. Their mean luminosity patch in the plasmasphere is a circular area with a radius of 300 km and a power density of 22 μW/Hz as observed at 660km height above the ground. The luminosity patches exhibit a southward displacement of 450 km with respect to the locations of the LORAN transmitters. The displacement is reduced to 150 km when an upward propagation of the radio waves along the geomagnetic field line is assumed. This residual displacement indicates that the radio waves undergo 150 km sub-ionospheric propagation prior to entering a magnetospheric duct and escaping into near-Earth space. The residual displacement at low (L<2.14) and high (L>2.14) geomagnetic latitudes ranges from 100 km to 200 km which suggests that the smaller inclination of the geomagnetic field lines at low latitudes helps to trap the radio waves and to keep them in the magnetospheric duct. Diffuse luminosity areas are observed northward of the magnetic conjugate locations of LORAN transmitters at extremely low geomagnetic latitudes (L<1.36) in Southeast Asia. This result suggests that the propagation along the geomagnetic field lines results in a spatial spreading of the radio wave energy over distances of 1 Mm. The summative assessment of the electric field intensities measured in space show that nadir observations of terrestrial 100 kHz radio waves, e.g., from relativistic electron beams above thunderclouds, are attenuated by at least 50 dB when taking into account a transionospheric attenuation of 40 dB.
Aura MLS observations of the westward-propagating s=1, 16-day planetary wave in the middle atmosphere: climatology and cross-equatorial propagation
Authors: Day K. A. , Hibbins R. E. , Mitchell N. J.
Published: October 2010

Abstract. The Microwave Limb Sounder (MLS) on the Aura satellite has been used to measure temperatures in the stratosphere, mesosphere and lower thermosphere (MLT). The data used here are from August 2004 to June 2010 and latitudes 75° S to 75° N. The temperature data reveal the persistent presence of a westward propagating 16-day planetary wave with zonal wavenumber 1. The wave amplitude maximises in winter in the stratosphere and MLT at middle to high latitudes, where monthly-mean amplitudes can be as large as ~8 K. Significant wave amplitudes are observed in the summer-time MLT and at lower stratospheric heights of up to ~20 km at middle to high latitudes. Wave amplitudes in the Northern Hemisphere approach values twice as large as those in the Southern Hemisphere. Wave amplitudes are also closely related to climatological zonal winds and are largest in regions of strongest eastward flow. There is a~reduction in wave amplitudes at the stratopause. No significant wave amplitude is observed near the equator or in the strongly westward background winds of the atmosphere in summer. This behaviour is interpreted as a consequence of wave/mean-flow interactions. It has been suggested that the summer-time 16-day wave in the MLT is ducted across the equator from the winter hemisphere and that this ducting is modulated by the equatorial Quasi-Biennial Oscillation (QBO) in the westerly phase. Here we observe that the QBO modulates the 16-day wave in the polar summer-time MLT in the Northern Hemisphere as previously observed, but this modulation is not seen in the Southern Hemisphere.
Climatology of northern polar latitude MLT dynamics: mean winds and tides
Authors: Kishore Kumar G. , Hocking W. K.
Published: October 2010

Abstract. Mean winds and tides in the northern polar Mesosphere and Lower Thermosphere (MLT) have been studied using meteor radars located at Resolute Bay (75° N, 95° W) and Yellowknife (62.5° N, 114.3° W). The measurements for Resolute Bay span almost 12 years from July 1997 to February 2009 and the Yellowknife data cover 7 years from June 2002 to October 2008. The analysis reveals similar wind flow over both sites with a difference in magnitude. The summer zonal flow is westward at lower heights, eastward at upper heights and the winter zonal flow is eastward at all heights. The winter meridional flow is poleward and sometimes weakly equatorward, while non winter months show equatorward flow, with a strong equatorward jet during mid-summer months. The zonal and meridional winds show strong interannual variation with a dominant annual variation as well as significant latitudinal variation. Year to year variability in both zonal and meridional winds exists, with a possible solar cycle dependence. The diurnal, semidiurnal and terdiurnal tides also show large interannual variability and latitudinal variation. The diurnal amplitudes are dominated by an annual variation. The climatological monthly mean winds are compared with CIRA 86, GEWM and HWM07 and the climatological monthly mean amplitudes and phases of diurnal and semidiurnal tides are compared with GSWM00 predictions. The GEWM shows better agreement with observations than the CIRA 86 and HWM07. The GSWM00 model predictions need to be modified above 90 km. The agreements and disagreements between observations and models are discussed.
Laparoscopic Approach of a Unicornuate Uterus with Noncommunicating Rudimentary Horns
Authors: Medeiros Lidia Rosi , Rosa Daniela Dornelles , Silva Fabio Rosa , Silva Bruno Rosa , Rosa Maria Ines
Published: October 2010

Background. Müllerian duct malformations delineate a miscellaneous group of congenital anomalies that result from arrested development, abnormal formation, or incomplete fusion of the mesonephric ducts.
Case. This paper describes the diagnosis and management of a noncommunicating rudimentary horn complicated by severe pelvic pain and associated endometriosis. Conclusion. This condition was diagnosed by laparoscopy and hysteroscopy examination. Operative videolaparoscopy proved to be a successful approach for the treatment of this congenital Müllerian anomaly.
Fibrous Composites With Anisotropic Distribution of Mechanical Properties After Layer‐by‐Layer Deposition of Aligned Electrospun Fibers
Authors: Chen Jiangang , Li Xiaohong , Cui Wenguo , Xie Chengying , Zou Jie , Zou Bin
Published: October 2010

Nanofibers and composite nanofibers have been used as mechanical reinforcement in a bulk matrix, but there is little research done on bulk nanocomposites made out of nanofibers. In the current study, in situ grown composite fibers of poly(DL‐lactide) (PDLLA) and hydroxyapatite (HA) were obtained with uniaxial distribution, which were deposited by layer‐by‐layer with different interlayer angles, and hot‐pressed into fibrous composites with anisotropic distribution of mechanical properties. Composite fibrous mats with the HA loading of 25.2 ± 2.1% and orientation degree of 75.4 ± 3.6% were obtained. Orthogonal experiments design was employed to qualitatively analyze effects of the hot‐pressing parameters on the mechanical properties. The holding temperature, pressure, and duration were optimized as 60 °C, 2 MPa, and 10 min, respectively, to maintain the fibrous structure, strengthen the interfiber bondings, and eliminate the dimensional shrinkage of the hot‐pressed fibrous composites. The ultimate tensile strength along the axial direction was 36.2 ± 2.2 MPa, which was significantly higher than that along the transverse direction. Furthermore, the aligned composite fibers were deposited by layer‐by‐layer with different interlayer angles, and the quantitative equations of the ultimate tensile strength along the axial and transverse directions were drafted as a function of the interlayer deposition angles. The results of cell culture indicated that the presence of HA nanoparticles in the fibrous composites improved the hydrophilicity and provided favorable conditions for cell proliferation and osteogenic differentiation. It is suggested that hot‐pressed fibrous composites with anisotropic distribution of mechanical properties be potential as bone substitutes and repairing devices.
Switchable Adhesion on Liquid/Solid Interfaces
Authors: Liu Mingjie , Jiang Lei
Published: October 2010

Construction and application of surfaces with switchable liquid–solid adhesion have generated worldwide interest during the past a few years. These surfaces are of great importance not only for fundamental research but for various practical applications in smart and fluid‐controllable devices. This Feature Article reviews several techniques that have been developed to switch the adhesion on liquid/solid interfaces, including tuning the surface chemical composition, tailoring the surface morphology, and applying external stimuli. Particular attention is paid to superhydrophobic surfaces with reversible switching between low‐ and high‐adhesion to water droplets in response to external stimuli. The dynamic behavior of water droplets on such surfaces can be controlled ranging from rolling to pinning state, while maintaining superhydrophobic states. In addition, smart adhesion in oil/water/solid system and platelet/water/solid system are also discussed, which is of importants for application in designing novel anti‐bioadhesion materials.
Green process for methacrolein separation with ionic liquids in the production of methyl methacrylate
Authors: Yan Ruiyi , Li Zengxi , Diao Yanyan , Fu Chao , Wang Hui , Li Chunshan , Chen Qiong , Zhang Xiangping , Zhang Suojiang
Published: October 2010

Separation of methacrolein (MAL) is a critical technique for the production of methyl methacrylate, which is an important raw material for the preparation of acrylic resins applied in a variety of end‐uses. In this work, an azeotropic distillation process and an ionic liquid (IL) green process were developed for the separation of MAL with BmimBF4. The two processes were simulated with Aspen plus. The simulated results are in good agreement with the experimental results which were attained in a pilot plant. Also the economic and green degree analysis of these two processes was investigated. When compared with the azeotropic distillation process, the IL green process exhibits economic superiority and green degree superiority. © 2010 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 2011
Fluidization of mixtures of two solids differing in density or size
Authors: Formisani B. , Girimonte R. , Vivacqua V.
Published: October 2010

The complex mechanism by which homogeneous mixtures of two solids achieve fluidization is subjected to theoretical analysis, to elaborate relationships capable to provide their “initial” and “final fluidization velocity” uif and uff, i.e., the limits that encompass the suspension process. The article shows how the equation that describes the force equilibrium of fluidization can be rewritten in forms that account for the distribution of the components of density‐ or size segregating mixtures during the transition to the fluidized state. This approach leads to the theoretical expression of uif and uff of either type of system, whose differences of behavior are correctly reproduced by accounting for the voidage reduction typical of beds of particles of different size. The comparison with experimental results at varying mixture composition demonstrates that the equations give a coherent interpretation of the dependence of the fluidization velocity interval of two‐solid mixtures on the principal variables of interest. © 2010 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 2011
Mixing of dense binary suspensions: Multi‐component hydrodynamics and spatial phase distribution by PEPT
Authors: Guida Antonio , Nienow Alvin W. , Barigou Mostafa
Published: October 2010

The three‐component flow field and spatial phase distribution of binary mixtures of glass particles suspended in water in a stirred vessel have been resolved using positron emission particle tracking (PEPT). The Lagrangian flow data provided by the technique have been converted to give a detailed Eulerian description of each of the three phase components of the flow generated by a pitched blade turbine. For the first time, it has been possible to determine the full 3D velocity and concentration fields of the liquid phase and both the solid components within opaque dense slurries of this type containing up to 40 wt % solids. Spatial distributions of local time‐averaged slip velocity have also been obtained for each solid component showing wide variations. The detailed PEPT measurements have enabled the solids mass balance and the mass continuity of the three phase components to be accurately verified throughout the vessel. © 2010 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 2011
Design of formulated products: A systematic methodology
Authors: Conte Elisa , Gani Rafiqul , Ng Ka Ming
Published: October 2010

In chemical product design one tries to find a product which exhibits the desired (target) behavior specified a priori. The identity of the ingredients of chemical‐based products maybe unknown at the start, but some of their desired qualities and functions are usually known. A systematic model‐based computer‐aided methodology for design and verification of a class of chemical‐based products (liquid formulations) is presented. This methodology is part of an integrated three‐stage approach for design/verification of liquid formulations where stage‐1 generates a list of feasible product candidates and/or verifies a specified set through a sequence of predefined activities (work‐flow). Stage‐2 and stage‐3 (not presented here) deal with the planning and execution of experiments, for product validation. Four case studies have been developed to test the methodology. The computer‐aided design (stage‐1) of a paint formulation and an insect repellent lotion are presented. © 2011 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 2011
The homology of defective crystal lattices and the continuum limit
Authors: Delphenich D.H.
Published: October 2010

The problem of extending fields that are defined on lattices to fields defined on the continua that they become in the continuum limit is basically one of continuous extension from the 0‐skeleton of a simplicial complex to its higher‐dimensional skeletons. If the lattice in question has defects, as well as the order parameter space of the field, then this process might be obstructed by characteristic cohomology classes on the lattice with values in the homotopy groups of the order parameter space. The examples from solid‐state physics that are discussed are quantum spin fields on planar lattices with point defects or orientable space lattices, vorticial flows or director fields on lattices with dislocations or disclinations, and monopole fields on lattices with point defects.
Studying the pulverization mechanism of rubber with a modified design of the solid‐state shear extrusion process
Authors: Chaubey Trapti , Arastoopour Hamid
Published: October 2010

Waste rubber cannot be reprocessed by melting because of its three‐dimensionally crosslinked molecular structure. Mechanical size reduction is the most common method for recycling and reusing waste rubber. The modified solid‐state shear extrusion (SSSE) process developed at the Illinois Institute of Technology was used for mechanical size reduction of rubber in a continuous process. In this work, an extended screw was used in conjunction with the original design of the SSSE apparatus to achieve greater rubber pulverization with a higher throughput rate and lower power consumption. The operating conditions of the modified SSSE apparatus were optimized to produce finer rubber particles that could be further used in a wide variety of applications. Controlling the residence time of rubber particles inside the pulverization section was crucial for producing a fine powder without agglomeration. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011
Synthesis and characterization of dextrin‐grafted polypropylene
Authors: Kaur Inderjeet , Khanna N. Deepika
Published: October 2010

We carried out the graft copolymerization of the water‐soluble natural polymer dextrin onto preirradiated polypropylene (PP) in an aqueous medium using benzoyl peroxide (BPO) as the radical initiator. PP was irradiated by γ rays from a Co60 source at a constant dose rate of 3.40 kGy/h to introduce hydroperoxide linkages, which served as the sites for grafting. The graft copolymerization was studied as a function of different reaction parameters, and the maximum percentage grafting (Pg; 55%) of dextrin onto PP was obtained at optimum conditions of [BPO] = 5.165 × 10−2 mol/L, temperature = 60°C in 120 min with 15 mL of water. Different grafting parameters, such as the percentage apparent grafting, percentage grafting, and percentage true grafting have been evaluated. The graft copolymers were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, and scanning electron microscopy. Swelling studies were carried out in pure, binary, ternary, and quaternary solvent systems composed of water, ethanol (EtOH), dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), and N,N‐dimethylformamide (DMF) at different ratios. The maximum swelling percentage PP‐g‐dextrin (both composite and true graft) was observed in pure DMSO and DMF followed by EtOH and water. Water‐retention studies of PP and PP‐g‐dextrin (both composite and true graft) were investigated at different time periods, temperatures, and pH values. The maximum percentage water retention of PP‐g‐dextrin (composite, 124%) was observed at 8 h and 50°C in a neutral medium (pH 7). © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011