bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Satire and the King of Aram
Authors: Robker Jonathan M.
Published: November 2011

Abstract

The text of 1 Kings 20 has presented many exegetes with a fertile plain from which to reap a multitude of historical data about the history of Israel. Various concepts have been developed in order to approach the text, almost always gleaning some historical circumstances behind the text or recounted within the text. Every facet that could lead to a historical reconstruction based on this text has been explored in the last century. But what if such a study misses the point of this text? Maybe the composer of this text sought to present different information to the audience beyond purely historical data. With this in mind, we’ll take a renewed look at the narrative of 1 Kings 20. The text of 1 Kings 20 may or may not be interested in providing the reader with historical details; it is definitely interested in satirizing the king of Aram.
Failure of a National Construction of Belonging: Social Integration of Burkinabe Migrants Displaced from Côte d’Ivoire
Authors: Riester Andrea
Published: November 2011

Abstract

This case study analyzes how the government of Burkina Faso tried to rhetorically and practically integrate migrants who returned to the country in the wake of the Ivorian civil war in 2002. Their experience of migration and displacement has shaped these migrants’ political subjectivity but not led to the creation of a separate group identity. In Burkina Faso, however, these so-calledrapatriéswere seen as a homogeneous group and either treated as needy victims of persecution, or, following the current international discourse on migration and development, as particularly enterprising individuals. In describing different political subjectivities amongst the displaced in their interaction with local authorities in the town of Batié in combination with efforts of the administration to implement particular development goals, the article also reflects on Geschiere’s argument, that decentralization and the resulting decline in state power fuels autochthony claims. In the Burkinabe case it is not the absence of the state, but rather its entanglement with local actors that heightens ethnic tensions.
On the Importance of Vaisala RS92 Radiosonde Humidity Corrections for a Better Agreement between Measured and Modeled Satellite Radiances
Authors: Kottayil Ajil , Buehler Stefan A. , John Viju O. , Miloshevich Larry M. , Milz M. , Holl G.
Published: November 2011

A study has been carried out to assess the importance of radiosonde corrections in improving the agreement between satellite and radiosonde measurements of upper-tropospheric humidity. Infrared [High Resolution Infrared Radiation Sounder (HIRS)-12] and microwave [Advanced Microwave Sounding Unit (AMSU)-18] measurements from the NOAA-17 satellite were used for this purpose. The agreement was assessed by comparing the satellite measurements against simulated measurements using collocated radiosonde profiles of the Atmospheric Radiation Measurement (ARM) Program undertaken at tropical and midlatitude sites. The Atmospheric Radiative Transfer Simulator (ARTS) was used to simulate the satellite radiances. The comparisons have been done under clear-sky conditions, separately for daytime and nighttime soundings. Only Vaisala RS92 radiosonde sensors were used and an empirical correction (EC) was applied to the radiosonde measurements. The EC includes correction for mean calibration bias and for solar radiation error, and it removes radiosonde bias relative to three instruments of known accuracy. For the nighttime dataset, the EC significantly reduces the bias from 0.63 to −0.10 K in AMSU-18 and from 1.26 to 0.35 K in HIRS-12. The EC has an even greater impact on the daytime dataset with a bias reduction from 2.38 to 0.28 K in AMSU-18 and from 2.51 to 0.59 K in HIRS-12. The present study promises a more accurate approach in future radiosonde-based studies in the upper troposphere.
Communicating with voters by blogs? Campaigning for the 2009 European Parliament elections
Authors: Vesnic-Alujevic Lucia
Published: November 2011

Following the rise in use of online communication in electoral campaigns throughout the world, this article deals with the use of blogs by politicians in Europe. Through the approach of Critical Discourse Analysis, it analyzes blog posts written by the European Parliament incumbents running for the European Parliament elections in 2009, from four different EU states and ideological backgrounds, and at the same time the four largest political groups in the European Parliament. The purpose of the study is to reveal the campaign strategy and dominant discourses through the analysis of the format, style and appeals. The findings reveal the differences in discourses between four political blogs, which result from the different use of language and appeals.
A triangle that may work well: Looking through the angles of a three-way exchange in cancer medical encounters
Authors: Cordella Marisa
Published: November 2011

Following a discourse analysis approach this study examines triadic encounters of nine medical consultations carried out in an outpatient cancer clinic in Santiago, Chile involving an oncologist, a patient and a patient’s companion. Consultations are fully transcribed and analysed to understand the participatory roles patients’ companions play in the medical exchanges. In addition, the type of linguistic functions associated with each role and the advantages or downsides of companions’ involvement in the encounters are also investigated. The analysis reveals seven prominent roles that companions may engage in during the visits. These are studied in detail. The results show that although companions may not always provide information that is consistent with the patients’ views, they can be of great help. Relieving the patients of many daunting tasks, monitoring their well-being, establishing a partnership and bringing vital information to the clinic are instances where the controlling power that some may exercise in the medical encounter can be outweighed.
Carbazole and Hydroxy Groups-tagged Poly(aspartic acid) Scale Inhibitor for Cooling Water Systems
Authors: Gao Li-Jun , Feng Jiu-Ying , Jin Bei , Zhang Qiu-Na , Liu Tian-Qin , Lun Yang-Qing , Wu Zhao-Jun
Published: November 2011

In order to conveniently monitor the concentration of poly(aspartic acid) (PASP) used as a green scale inhibitor in cooling water systems, and to improve calcium phosphate inhibition, carbazole and hydroxy groups-tagged PASP (CHGTPASP) was synthesized by ring-opening reaction of N-(2,3-epoxylpropyl)carbazole (EPC) with partially ethanolamine-modified polysuccinimide (PEAMPSI) followed by alkaline hydrolysis. CHGTPASP has good Ca3(PO4)2 and CaCO3 inhibition and its fluorescence intensity (Fi) is good linear to concentration. These multifunctional properties are of importance in industrial water processing economically and environmentally.
Rehabilitation of the Atrophic Maxilla With Tilted Implants: Review of the Literature
Authors: Peñarrocha-Oltra David , Candel-Martí Eugenia , Ata-Ali Javier , Peñarrocha-Diago María
Published: November 2011

We review the evidence-based literature on the use of tilted implants in the rehabilitation of patients with maxillary atrophy. Studies from 1999 to 2010 on patients with atrophic maxilla rehabilitated with tilted implants were reviewed. Clinical series with at least 10 patients rehabilitated using tilted implants and a follow-up of at least 12 months after prosthetic load were included. Case reports and studies with missing data were excluded. In each study the following was assessed: surgical technique, prosthesis type, timing of implant loading, success rate and marginal bone loss of tilted and axial implants, complications and patient satisfaction level. Thirteen studies were included, reporting a total of 782 tilted and 666 axial implants in 319 patients. Success rates went from 91.3% to 100% for axial implants and from 92.1% to 100% for tilted implants; radiographic marginal bone loss went from 0.4 mm to 0.92 mm in tilted implants and from 0.35 mm to 1.21 mm in axial implants. No statistically significant differences were found in any of the studies. No surgical complications and only minor prosthetic complications were reported. High patient satisfaction was found with all types of prosthesis (full-arch fixed, partial fixed and overdentures) placed over tilted implants. The literature on tilted implants shows that implants placed with this technique, both used alone and combined with axially placed implants, and rehabilitated with different prosthetic options have high success rates, minimal complications and high patient satisfaction. However, lack of homogeneity among studies and relatively short follow-up periods for most studies make necessary more studies.
O método BiblioGrad para avaliação de acervos de livros de graduação: instrumento para gestão de recursos para aquisição em um sistema de bibliotecas universitárias
Authors: Strehl Letícia , Scharnberg June Magda Rosa , Horowitz Zaida , Castanho Viviane Carrion
Published: November 2011

O artigo apresenta um método criado no âmbito da Biblioteca Central da Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul para a avaliação de acervos de livros que subsidiam as atividades de ensino de graduação. Descreve a fase de montagem do sistema de informações necessário para a elaboração do relatório de avaliação dos acervos. E, por fim, apresenta como os dados do relatório são congregados numa fórmula proposta com a finalidade de distribuir recursos para compra de livros de graduação entre as unidades do sistema de bibliotecas.
Abordagem diagnóstica e terapêutica da toxoplasmose em gestantes e as repercussões no recém-nascido
Authors: Pessanha Tatiana Melino , Carvalho Manoel de , Pone Marcos Vinícius S , Gomes Júnior Saint Clair
Published: November 2011

OBJETIVO:Avaliar a abordagem diagnóstica e terapêutica da toxoplasmose de gestantes que apresentaram IgM positiva para a doença e o acompanhamento de seus filhos em um hospital público no Rio de Janeiro, RJ. MÉTODOS: Estudo transversal retrospectivo de 2003 a 2006, realizado por meio da análise dos prontuários de 98 gestantes com sorologia IgM positiva para toxoplasmose e seus filhos (99 crianças). O seguimento das crianças com e sem infecção congênita foram analisados, assim como a apresentação clínica daquelas com infecção congênita e os testes diagnósticos utilizados para identificar a infecção pelo Toxoplasma gondii durante a gestação. RESULTADOS: O diagnóstico sorológico foi realizado em 76 pacientes no segundo e terceiro trimestre gestacional. Em 36 gestantes, a determinação dos níveis séricos de IgM foi o único teste diagnóstico realizado para infecção pelo toxoplasma. Em 49 gestantes, os índices de IgM, pela técnica ELFA, foram baixos. O teste de avidez de IgG foi realizado em 62 gestantes e somente 13 o realizaram no primeiro trimestre gestacional. O tratamento específico para toxoplasmose foi empregado em 93 gestantes. A taxa de transmissão vertical foi de 4%. Manifestações clínicas de toxoplasmose congênita foram encontradas em todas as crianças infectadas. Todas as crianças não infectadas apresentaram declínio de IgG específica para toxoplasmose ao longo do acompanhamento ambulatorial; a idade média de IgG comprovadamente negativa nessas crianças foi de 5,4 meses. CONCLUSÕES: Os resultados sugerem que uma sorologia positiva para IgM, como um único marcador sorológico para detectar infecção recente, tem um valor limitado.
Consumo alimentar e controle metabólico em crianças e adolescentes portadores de diabetes melito tipo 1
Authors: Teles Sheylle Almeida S , Fornés Nélida Schmid
Published: November 2011

OBJETIVO: Avaliar a relação entre consumo alimentar e controle metabólico em crianças e adolescentes com diabetes melito tipo 1 (DM1). MÉTODOS: Estudo transversal com 11 crianças e 39 adolescentes com DM1. Coletaram-se dados alimentares (hábitos, três recordatórios de 24 horas - R24h), terapêuticos (insulinoterapia), bioquímicos (índice da hemoglobina glicada - inHbA, glicemias casuais - GLC, pós-prandiais - GLPP e perfil lipídico). Utilizou-se o teste t de Student e a correlação de Pearson, sendo significante p<0,05. RESULTADOS: Dentre os indivíduos estudados, identificaram-se alimentação fora de horário em 64% e consumo de produtos açucarados em 6%. Os parâmetros que compõem o perfil lipídico foram adequados em: colesterol total sérico - CTs (88%), LDL (92%), TG (100% das crianças e 69% dos adolescentes) e HDL (82% das crianças e 85% dos adolescentes). Quanto aos parâmetros que medem o controle glicêmico, o inHbA foi adequado em 64% e a GLPP em 18%. Houve correlação negativa entre CTs e consumo de carboidratos (r=-0,324; p=0,022) e positiva com o consumo de lipídeos (r=0,315; p=0,026). CONCLUSÕES: O maior consumo de lipídeos e a consequente menor ingestão de carboidratos correlacionaram-se a maiores níveis de CTs.
Amamentação, hábitos bucais deletérios e oclusopatias em crianças de cinco anos de idade em São Pedro, SP
Authors: Rochelle Isaura Maria Ferraz , Tagliaferro Elaine Pereira da Silva , Pereira Antonio Carlos , Meneghim Marcelo de Castro , Nóbilo Krunislave Antonio , Ambrosano Gláucia Maria Bovi
Published: November 2011

OBJETIVO: estimar a frequência de oclusopatias e suas associações com o tipo e o período de amamentação, hábitos bucais deletérios e informações recebidas pelas mães no pré-natal, em crianças com cinco anos de idade que frequentavam creches municipais. MÉTODOS: a amostra consistiu de 162 crianças residentes no município de São Pedro, SP. Em entrevista com cada mãe, informações sobre o tempo e a forma de aleitamento, a presença de hábitos deletérios, e orientações recebidas pela mãe durante o pré-natal foram coletadas. O exame epidemiológico foi realizado nas dependências das creches, por um único examinador, previamente calibrado, sob iluminação direta. As seguintes variáveis foram avaliadas: presença e severidade de oclusopatias [ligeiro apinhamento e espaçamento (AE), mordida aberta (MA), sobremordida (SM), mordida cruzada uni ou bilateral (MC), overjet positivo (OV) e relação terminal dos segundos molares decíduos (RTM)]. A análise dos dados consistiu de análise univariada (teste qui-quadrado) e de regressão logística múltipla. RESULTADOS: a prevalência de oclusopatias foi de 95,7% (AE = 22,8%; MA = 24,7%; SM = 20,4%; MC = 14,8%; e OV = 13,0%). Na RTM, o terminal reto foi predominante (85,0%). Dentre os hábitos bucais deletérios, o uso de chupeta foi o único indicador de risco (OR = 5,25; p = 0,001) para mordida aberta em crianças que a utilizaram por mais de três anos, detectado nas regressões logísticas. CONCLUSÃO: a prevalência de oclusopatias e de hábitos bucais deletérios na amostra estudada foi alta. As crianças que usavam chupeta por mais de três anos mostraram maior probabilidade de apresentar mordida aberta.
Fractionation, Characterization and Speciation of Lead in the Industrially Polluted Soils of Tejgaon Area of Bangladesh and Lead Pollution of Associated Plants and Water
Authors: Mondol MN , Chamon AS , Faiz B , Rahman MH , Elahi SF
Published: November 2011

The Tejgaon industrial area is located within the Dhaka Municipality area and about 5 km north of the city centre. At Tejgaon soil pH was around neutrality (mean 6.73) although the minimum value was 5.3 and the maximum 7.6. High buffering capacity resulting from high soil organic matter content (4.87-11.55%) probably influenced soil pH to a neutral value. Electrical conductivity (EC) (25-551 μS), organic matter (OM) (4.87-11.55%) and nitrogen (N) contents were also influenced by the industrial wastes and effluents of the factories. The average Pb concentrations (mg/kg) in different soil fractions were 7.80, 21.85, 56.15 and 130.29 and 11.42, 20.27, 40.33 and 95.08 in water-soluble, NH4OAc extractable, DTPA ( Dietheline-Triamine-Penta-Acetic acid) extractable and total fractions during dry (January) and rainy seasons (September) respectively. Comparing 1st (rainy season) and 2nd (dry season) sampling data, Pb concentrations in different soil fractions were higher in the 2nd sampling data. Concentration of total Pb in soils during 1st sampling were found above the natural background level with few exceptions. Only 4% of total Pb (=20 mg kg-1) samples were in the normal range during wet season. Lead concentration in the group of tolerable level was 58% (>20-<=100 mg kg-1) and 38% (>=100 mg kg-1) were found in the group of in excess of tolerable level during 1st sampling. On the other hand 62.5% (>=100 mg kg-1) were found in the group of in excess of tolerable level (0.01 mg kg-1 Pb) during dry season. In case of water samples, total Pb concentration in the rainy season, all samples were found in the group of in excess of tolerable level during 1st sampling. Plant samples were found to contain untolerable total Pb (>20 mg kg-1) during rainy and dry seasons, respectively. Key words: Speciation; Tejgaon soil; Industrial area; Lead. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjsir.v46i3.9032 BJSIR 2011; 46(3): 277-290
A Study on the Effect of Processing Parameters of the Finisher Card Machine on the Physical Properties of Blended Jute Yarn
Authors: Mahabubuzzaman AKM , Miazi MOG , Khan AN
Published: November 2011

Carding is an important step in processing line of jute spinning. A cylinder is the heart of the whole carding machine due to the carding action, which causes from its cylinder speed and other rollers. This action occurs in breaker card and finisher card machine. This study was carried out to find out the effectiveness of various delivery roller speeds of finisher card cylinder on quality of jute-blended yarn 275 tex (8 lbs/spy). An assessment of the quality of 275 tex (8 lbs/spy) yarns spun from the 100% raw jute and jute acrylic blend were made in terms of their physical properties. The results were compared with those of the 100% jute yarns. Raw jute was blended with acrylic and their blended yarns were manufactured mainly to take advantage of value addition and to produce better yarn of jute fibre. For spinning jute acrylic blended yarn, jute fibre was mixed with acrylic in the ratio of 80% jute and 20% acrylic. Medium delivery roller speed (1830 inch/min) of the finisher card cylinder is better than any other speeds for good quality of jute blended yarn. The physical properties of the produced yarns such as load at break, strain percentage, tenacity at break, textile modulus, and quality ratio were tested. Some empirical relations have been developed between the processing parameters of the machine and physical properties of the yarn. The developed equations are valid within the experimental region. Key words: Carding; Spinning; Cylinder; Speed; Quality; Jute yarn DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjsir.v46i3.9034 BJSIR 2011; 46(3): 303-306
Elemental Analysis of Anethum sowa L. (Dill) Root by XRF Spectrometry
Authors: Saleh-e-In MM , Sultana A , Hossain MA , Ahsan M , Roy SK
Published: November 2011

Anethum sowa L. (Dill) were collected from different places of Bangladesh and subjected to quantitative estimation of the elements present in roots of the herb. The elemental analyses were done by XRF (PW 2404 PANAlytical) method. The maximum percentage (%) of the elements found in the root samples were: 24.71, 24.43, 10.30, 9.21, 5.16, 5.11, 3.72, 3.46, 3.08, 2.36, 0.32 and 0.16 for K, Ca, Si, Na, Cl, Mg, Al, S, P, Fe, Ti and Mn respectively. Rb, Sr and Zr were present in small amount and Ni, Cu, Zn, Y and Ba were present in trace amount. However Co, Pb, As and Hg were not found in any of the samples under investigation. This analyses may be helpful for the use of Anethum sowa L. root in pharmaceutical preparation and in ayurvedic form of medicine. Keywords: Anethum sowa L; Dill; Elemental composition; XRF Spectrometry. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjsir.v46i3.9035 BJSIR 2011; 46(3): 307-312
Demonstration of Decolorization of Various Dyes by Some Bacterial Isolates Recovered from Textile Effluents
Authors: Mahbub KR , Ferdouse J , Anwar MN
Published: November 2011

In the present study some predominant bacteria from textile effluent were isolated and their decolorizing activity was evaluated. Heavy load of bacteria (1.3 × 103 to 3.07 × 107 cfu/ml) were found in eight effluent samples collected from two textile industries. Six dye decolorizing bacteria were isolated and identified as Bacillus fastidiosus, Bacillus polymyxa, Bacillus licheniformis, Bacillus megaterium, Staphylococcus aureus and Micrococcus luteus. The isolates were tested for their ability to decolorize different concentrations (0.01, 0.05 and 0.1%) of six different textile dyes. Among the dyes Terasil red W-FS and Terasil black W-NS were found to be completely decolorized by the all isolates at different concentrations. Cibacron yellow F-4G was decolorized very easily by B. fastidiosus while the other dyes were only partially decolorized by the test organisms. Cibacron blue FN-R, Cibacron navy FN-B and Cibacron orange FN-R were only weakly decolorized by the most of the isolates. The results of the present study show that B. fastidiosus, B. polymyxa, M. luteus and S. aureus were the potential isolates in the treatment of dyeing industry effluents and their potentiality can be exploited to clean up the environment. Key words: Bacteria; Effluent; Dye; Decolonization. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjsir.v46i3.9037 BJSIR 2011; 46(3): 323-328
Antimicrobial Compounds from the Rihzomes of Sansevieria hyacinthoides
Authors: Sultana N , Rahman MM , Ahmed S , Akter S , Haque MM , Parveen S , Moeiz SMI
Published: November 2011

Three known compounds were isolated from the n-hexane extract of the rihzomes of Sansevieria hyacinthoides, they were two steriods; β- sitosterol (1) and daucosterol (2), and a flavonoid; isokaemferide (3). The structures of the compounds were elucidated on the basis of NMR spectral analysis as well as comparison with available data in the literature. All extracts and the three pure compounds were evaluated for their antimicrobial activity. The compounds showed moderate activity against Bacillus subtilis, Stapylococcus aureus, Salmonella typhi and Candida albicans. Key words: Sansevieria hyacinthoides; Antimicrobial activity; Infectious diseases; Flavonoid; Steriods DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjsir.v46i3.9038 BJSIR 2011; 46(3): 329-332
In vitro Plant Regeneration of Four Local Varieties of Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) Grown in Bangladesh
Authors: Banu TA , Sarker RH , Hoque MI
Published: November 2011

In vitro regeneration system was developed through direct organogenesis from decapitated mature embryo explants of locally grown four chickpea varieties, namely, Barichhola-4, Hyprochhola, Binachhola-3 and Binachhola-4. Best response towards multiple shoot regeneration was obtained on MS medium supplemented with 0.5 mg/l BAP, 0.5 mg/l Kn, 0.2 mg/l NAA along with double concentrations of CaCl2 and NH4NO3. However good shoot health and expanded leaf was found on MS medium containing 1.0 mg/l kn. Apart from this, few experiments were conducted with decapitated embryo attached cotyledon. Using this explants highest number of multiple shoots were obtained on MSB medium containing 4× micronutrients of MS medium with 3.0 mg/l BAP and 0.04 mg/l NAA in all four varieties. Shoots regenerated on 1.0 mg/l kn supplemented medium showed good response towards rooting on MS medium supplemented with 0.2 mg/l IBA in all four varieties. It was observed that micrografting is an alternative technique to in vitro rooting in chickpea. Key words: In vitro regeneration; Decapitated embryo; Chickpea. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjsir.v46i3.9047 BJSIR 2011; 46(3): 379-384
Constituents of Volatile Oils from Limnophila aromatica and Adenosma capitatum
Authors: Chowdhury JU , Bhuiyan MNI , Begum J
Published: November 2011

The essential oils isolated from the aerial parts of Limnophila aromatica (Lamk.) Merr. and Adenosma capitatum (Benth) Benth ex Hance were analyzed by GC-MS. Twenty nine and forty two components were identified, representing 99.3 and 98.6% of the total oils respectively. Oil of L. aromatica rich in Z-ocimene (39.2%), terpinolene (17.2%) and camphor (12.9%). On the other hand, A. capitatum rich in limonene (24.7%), fenchone (21.6%) and 2-carene (17.6%). Key words : Limnophila aromatic; Adenosma capitatum; Essential oils; Z-ocimene; Limonene. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjsir.v46i3.9048 BJSIR 2011; 46(3): 385-388
Trend of Particulate Matter PM 2.5 and PM 10 in Dhaka City
Authors: Rouf MA , Nasiruddin M , Hossain AMS , Islam MS
Published: November 2011

Dhaka City has been affecting with severe air pollution particularly by particulate matter. The ambient air quality data for particulate matter were collected during April 2002 to September 2005 at the Continuous Air Quality Monitoring Station (CAMS) located at Sangshad Bhaban, Dhaka. Data reveal that the pollution from particulate matter greatly varies with climatic condition. While the level comes down the limit value in the monsoon period (April-October), it goes beyond the limit during non-monsoon time (November-March). The latest data show that during monsoon period PM 10 concentration varies from 50 μg/m3 to 80 μg/m3 and PM 2.5 concentration from 20 μg/m3 to 60 μg/m3 and during non monsoon period PM 10 varies from 100 μg/m3 to 250 μg/m3 and PM 2.5 varies from 70 μg/m3 to 165 μg/m3. The seasonal variation clearly indicates the severe PM 10 pollution during the dry winter season and also sometime during post-monsoon season in Dhaka City. Keywords: Air pollution; PM 2.5; PM 10; Air quality DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjsir.v46i3.9049 BJSIR 2011; 46(3): 389-398
Gauss-Legendre Numerical Integrations over a Quadrilateral Element in Closed Form
Authors: Islam MS , Saha G , Akter N
Published: November 2011

In this paper we investigate the stiffness matrix of a general quadrilateral element in closed form using n x n Gauss-Legendre quadrature rule. For this, we propose four types of nodal coordinate transformation. The terms of the matrix are divided into two groups, namely - diagonal and non-diagonal. Only one term (called leading) from each group is computed, and then the remaining fourteen terms are computed from these two leading terms exploited one of the proposed types of coordinate transformation. This leads us a great savings in computational time and memory space. In order to compute the matrix we use these transformations in two ways, and thus two algorithms are given to generate the matrix. Finally, numerical example is given to verify the effectiveness of the present formulation. Keywords: Gauss-Legendre quadrature; Numerical integration; Quadrilateral finite element; Stiffness matrix; Closed form. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjsir.v46i3.9050 BJSIR 2011; 46(3): 399-405
Incorporation of Hyperbranched Supramolecules into Nafion Ionic Domains via Impregnation and In-Situ Photopolymerization
Authors: Nazir Nadzrinahamin A. , Kyu Thein , Reinsel Anna M. , Espe Matthew , Nosaka Mami , Kudo Hiruto , Nishikubo Tadatomi
Published: November 2011

Nafion membranes were impregnated with photocurable supramolecules, viz., hyperbranched polyester having pendant functional carboxylic acid groups (HBPEAc-COOH) by swelling in methanol and subsequently photocured in-situ after drying. Structure-property relationships of the HBPEAc-COOH impregnated Nafion membranes were analyzed on the basis of Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance (SSNMR) and dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA). FTIR and SSNMR investigations revealed that about 7 wt % of HBPEAc-COOH was actually incorporated into the ionic domains of Nafion. The FTIR study suggests possible complexation via inter-species hydrogen bonding between the carboxylic groups of HBPEAc-COOH and the sulfonate groups of Nafion. The α-relaxation peak corresponding to the glass transition temperature of the ionic domains of the neat Nafion-acid form was found to increase from ~100 to ~130 °C upon impregnation with enhanced modulus afforded by the cured polyester network within the ionic domains. The AC impedance fuel cell measurement of the impregnated membrane exhibited an increasing trend of proton conductivity with increasing temperature, which eventually surpassed that of neat Nafion above 100 °C. Of particular importance is that the present paper is the first to successfully incorporate polymer molecules/networks into the Nafion ionic domains by means of impregnation with hyperbranched supramolecules followed by in-situ photopolymerization.
Reproducibility of Fluorescein and Indocyanine Green Angiographic Assessment for RAP Diagnosis: A Multicenter Study
Authors: Parravano Mariacristina , Pilotto Elisabetta , Musicco Ilenia , Varano Monica , Introini Ugo , Staurenghi Giovanni , Menchini Ugo , Virgili Gianni
Published: November 2011

Purpose

To explore the interobserver agreement in the diagnosis of retinal angiomatous proliferation (RAP) using fluorescein (FA) and indocyanine green angiographies (ICGA) and to detect which morphologic features of the neovascular lesion are associated with RAP diagnosis.

Methods

In this cross-sectional study, consecutive patients with newly diagnosed neovascular age-related macular degeneration (AMD) evaluated in 8 retina centers were considered. The FA and ICGA were obtained in all centers according to a standard protocol, both performed either as a static or as a dynamic examination. All images were graded by 2 observers from different institutions.

Results

A total of 201 eyes with neovascular AMD of 155 consecutive patients (mean age 76±8 years) were considered. Overall RAP prevalence was 30% using FA and 26% using ICGA. Patients studied with dynamic angiography were twice as likely to be diagnosed with RAP as those using static angiography. Interobserver agreement for the overall detection of RAP was high using FA (kappa: 0.868; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.793-0.944) and very high using ICGA (kappa: 0.905; 95% CI 0.836-0.974). The agreement between the 2 observers tended to be higher for the truncated vessel than for the anastomosis in FA as well as in ICGA, but no comparison yielded statistical significance (p=0.258 and p=0.584, respectively).

Conclusions

The interobserver agreement for RAP detection was very good both using FA and ICGA, but the overall detection of RAP was higher for dynamic strategy compared with static one.
DNA‐Templated Assembly of Naphthalenediimide Arrays
Authors: Nakamura Mitsunobu , Okaue Tsukasa , Takada Tadao , Yamana Kazushige
Published: November 2011

π‐Stacked naphthalenediimide (NDI) arrays are of interest as charge‐transport materials. We have designed and synthesized an NDI derivative with two ZnII–cyclens that act as receptors for the thymine base in DNA. UV/Vis and CD spectroscopy, gel filtration, and molecular‐modeling studies have shown that the bis(ZnII–cyclen)–NDI can be assembled in the presence of oligo‐dT to form π‐stacked NDI arrays. The assembly of the NDI arrays was found to be dependent on the length of the oligo‐dT and the temperature. The NDI–oligo‐dT assembly on a gold substrate exhibits photocurrent responses due to electron transfer through the π‐stacked array.
Segregation of visual inputs from different regions of the compound eye in two parallel pathways through the anterior optic tubercle of the bumblebee (Bombus ignitus)
Authors: Pfeiffer Keram , Kinoshita Michiyo
Published: November 2011

Visually guided behaviors require the brain to extract features of the visual world and to integrate them in a context‐specific manner. Hymenopteran insects have been prime models for ethological research into visual behaviors for decades but knowledge about the underlying central processing is very limited. This is particularly the case for sky‐compass navigation. To learn more about central processing of visual information in general and specifically to reveal a possible polarization vision pathway in the bee brain, we used tracer injections to investigate the pathways through the anterior optic tubercle, a prominent output target of the insect optic lobe, in the bumblebee Bombus ignitus. The anterior optic tubercle of the bumblebee is a small neuropil of 200 μm width and is located dorsolateral to the antennal lobe at the anterior surface of the brain. It is divided into a larger upper and a smaller lower subunit, both of which receive input from the optic lobe and connect to the lateral accessory lobe, and the contralateral tubercle, via two parallel pathways. The lower subunit receives input from the dorsal rim area (DRA) of the compound eye. The bumblebee DRA shares structural similarities with polarization‐sensitive DRAs of other insects and looks similar to that of honeybees. We identified several neurons within this pathway that could be homologous to identified polarization‐sensitive neurons in the locust brain. We therefore conclude that the pathway through the lower subunit of the anterior optic tubercle could carry polarization information from the periphery to the central brain. J. Comp. Neurol. 520:212–229, 2012. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A Basic Predator‐Prey Type Model for Low Frequency Discharge Oscilations in Hall Thrusters
Authors: Wang Ch. , Wei L. , Yu D.
Published: November 2011

The mechanism of low frequency oscillations in Hall thrusters is usually explained using the predator‐prey type model, but the reasonable boundary conditions for the model have not been given. Analyses on thrusters' model equations show that besides the processes of neutral replenishment and ionization avalanche, the effects of dynamic electric field are also necessary for low frequency oscillations. The dynamic electric field reflects the interaction of ionization zone with acceleration zone, and is embodied in boundary conditions of the predator‐prey type model. Furthermore, a basic predator‐prey type model with reasonable boundary conditions and complete physical mechanism is proposed. And the effects of electric field on low frequency oscillations are verified by experiment (© 2011 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
In vitro and in vivo testing of a novel, hyperelastic thin film nitinol flow diversion stent
Authors: Kealey C. P. , Chun Y. J. , Viñuela F. E. , Mohanchandra K. P. , Carman G. P. , Viñuela F. , Levi D. S.
Published: November 2011

A flexible, low profile, flow diversion stent could replace endovascular coiling for the treatment of intracranial aneurysms. Micropatterned‐thin film nitinol (TFN) is a novel biomaterial with high potential for use in next‐generation endovascular devices. Recent advancements in micropatterning have allowed for fabrication of a hyperelastic thin film nitinol (HE‐TFN). In this study, the authors describe in vitro and in vivo testing of novel HE‐TFN based flow diverting stents. Two types of HE‐TFN with expanded pores having long axes of 300 and 500 μm were used to fabricate devices. In vitro examination of the early thrombotic response in whole blood showed a possible mechanism for the device's function, whereby HE‐TFN serves as a scaffold for blood product deposition. In vivo testing in swine demonstrated rapid occlusion of model wide‐neck aneurysms. Average time to occlusion for the 300‐μm device was 10.4 ± 5.5 min. (N = 5) and 68 ± 30 min for the 500‐μm device (N = 5). All aneurysms treated with bare metal control stents remained patent after 240 min (N = 3). SEM of acutely harvested devices supported in vitro results, demonstrating that HE‐TFN serves as a scaffold for blood product deposition, potentially enhancing its flow‐diverting effect. Histopathology of devices after 42 days in vivo demonstrated a healthy neointima and endothelialization of the aneurysm neck region. HE‐TFN flow‐diverting stents warrant further investigation as a novel treatment for intracranial aneurysms. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 2012.
Reactivity of 2‐aryl‐1,3‐dithiane anions towards neopentyl, neophyl and phenyl iodides. New evidence for an SRN1 mechanism
Authors: Oksdath‐Mansilla Gabriela , Peñéñory Alicia B.
Published: November 2011

The reactions of 2‐(4‐Z‐phenyl)‐1,3‐dithiane anions (Z = H, OMe, Cl, CN) with neopentyl, neophyl and phenyl iodides were studied in DMSO, taking into consideration the effect of the Z substituent on the dithiane anions reactivity as well as on the product distribution. These substitution reactions proceed by an SRN1 mechanism with radicals and radical anions as intermediates. Two competitive pathways are possible for the radical anion of the substitution product, namely electron transfer (ET) to the substrate giving the substitution product and C–S bond fragmentation to yield a distonic radical anion. ET is the main pathway for the reactions between dithiane anions bearing electron‐donor substituents and neopentyl or its analogue iodides affording the substitution products in moderate yields (41–53%). Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Diagnosis of cystocele type by clinical examination and pelvic floor ultrasound
Authors: Chantarasorn V. , Dietz H. P.
Published: November 2011

Objectives

To use the International Continence Society pelvic organ prolapse quantification (ICS POP‐Q) examination to distinguish between two types of cystocele and compare findings with pelvic floor ultrasound results.

Methods

We enrolled 94 patients who underwent a structured interview, physical examination using the ICS POP‐Q, four‐dimensional pelvic‐floor ultrasound examination and multichannel urodynamic testing. Cystourethrocele (Green type II) and isolated cystocele (Green type III) were differentiated by the presence of an anterior vaginal wall groove on POP‐Q examination and by measurement of the retrovesical angle on pelvic floor ultrasound. Clinical examination was performed by two observers, blinded to each other's results, and an ultrasound examination was subsequently performed by the first observer.

Results

The agreement between two observers for the clinical diagnosis of cystocele types was moderate (κ = 0.561 and 0.544, P < 0.0001). Clinical diagnosis showed moderate to good agreement with ultrasound findings for both observers (κ between 0.318 and 0.794, P ⩽ 0.001).

Conclusion

Radiological cystocele type (Green classification) can be distinguished both clinically and on ultrasound, and agreement between methods as well as interobserver agreement for the clinical diagnosis is moderate to good. Copyright © 2012 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The medial frontal cortex and the subjective control of behaviour
Authors: Seitz R.J.
Published: November 2011

The role of the cortex at the medial aspect of the frontal lobe for the subjective control of behaviour has been elaborated in re­cent years. As apparent from meta-analy­ses of functional imaging studies, the medial frontal cortex accommodates critical nodes in a caudo-rostral gradient that are involved in the evaluation of sensorimotor, empathic and abstract information. Brain electrical activity was found to be changed in the medial frontal cortex as early as 120 ms after stimu­lus presentation in relation to the modulation of perception. These functions become estab­lished during adolescence, mediating subjective perspective in a social context. They are most likely brought about by dedicated neurons of the mirror neuron system, but sub­cortical connections suggest a relationship to the reward system. While lesions of the medial frontal cortex such as brain infarction and brain tumours are rare, impairments of me­dial frontal cortex functions occur quite frequently in neurological, psychiatric and psy­chosomatic disorders. Essentially, the medial frontal cortex is closely connected to the concept of personality, opening up an approach for an interdisciplinary scientific discourse.
Hydrologic projections for the western United States
Authors: Gangopadhyay Subhrendu , Pruitt Tom , Brekke Levi , Raff David
Published: November 2011

Motivated by a common interest in establishing data access for climate change impacts analysis, the U.S. Department of the Interior's Bureau of Reclamation (referred to hereinafter as Reclamation) has collaborated since 2007 with federal and nonfederal entities to provide monthly gridded precipitation and temperature data from 112 contemporary climate projections (Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phase 3 (CMIP3)) over the contiguous United States. The grid size resolution of this downscaled data archive (publicly available at http://gdo‐dcp.ucllnl.org/downscaled_cmip3_projections/) is 1/8° latitude x 1/8° longitude (approximately 12 x 12 kilometers) and covers the period 1950–2099 [Maurer et al., 2007]. Downscaling is necessary to develop hydroclimate data (e.g., precipitation and temperature) from a coarse‐ resolution climate model grid to a higher‐resolution grid, and the CMIP3 archive was downscaled using the statistical method of bias correction. Although approximately 1000 unique users to date have downloaded the precipitation and temperature information contained within the archive (commonly referred to as the bias corrected spatially downscaled, or BCSD‐CMIP3, archive), these temperature and precipitation projections have not been used to consistently generate hydrologic projections over the United States and at fine enough scale to perform hydrologic impacts analysis and support local adaptation assessments. Without available hydrologic projections, planners typically develop and apply their own site‐specific and local hydrology models to fill this information gap. However, this makes consistent regional intercomparisons of hydrologic impacts of climate change difficult.
Congressional committee scrutinizes Environmental Protection Agency
Authors: Showstack Randy
Published: November 2011

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), a favored target of criticism by those claiming the agency's regulatory actions hurt the economy, faced further scrutiny during a 17 November House of Representatives hearing to review the agency's research and development activities and discuss the Environmental Research, Development and Demonstration Act (ERDDA), which authorizes research and development activities at EPA. Although the act has not been reauthorized since 1980, EPA also derives authority from a number of other specific environmental laws such as the Clean Air Act, Safe Drinking Water Act, and Clean Water Act. The House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology's Subcommittee on Energy and Environment, which held the hearing, is undertaking the process for reauthorizing ERDDA, according to Rep. Andrew Harris (R‐Md.), subcommittee chair.
Sensing the Earth using Global Navigation Satellite System signals
Authors: Jin Shuanggen , Rizos Chris , Rius Antonio
Published: November 2011

International Workshop on GNSS Remote Sensing for Future Missions and Sciences; Shanghai, China, 7–9 August 2011 The Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) has been widely used in navigation, positioning, and geoscience applications. Recently, the versatility of GNSS as a new remote sensing tool has been demonstrated with the use of refracted, reflected, and scattered GNSS signals to sound the atmosphere and ionosphere, ocean, land surfaces (including soil moisture), and cryosphere. Existing GPS radio occultation (RO) missions—e.g., the U.S.‐Argentina SAC‐C, German Challenging Minisatellite Payload (CHAMP), U.S.‐Germany Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment (GRACE), Taiwan‐U.S. Formosa Satellite Mission‐3/Constellation Observing System for Meteorology, Ionosphere, and Climate (FORMOSAT‐3/COSMIC) satellites, German TerraSAR‐X satellite, and European MetOp—together with groundbased GNSS observations, have provided precise and high‐resolution information on tropospheric water vapor, pressure, temperature, tropopause parameters, ionospheric total electron content, and electron density profiles. GNSS signals reflected from the ocean and land surface can determine the ocean height, ocean surface wind speed and wind direction, soil moisture, and ice and snow thickness. With improvement expected due to the next generation of multifrequency GNSS systems and receivers, and new space‐based instruments tracking GNSS reflected and refracted signals, new scientific applications of GNSS are expected in the near future across a number of environmental remote sensing fields.
Film at Fall Meeting: Do‐it‐yourself flicks, Richard Alley preview
Authors: Adams Mary Catherine
Published: November 2011

Have you ever wished science had Hollywood star power? On Tuesday evening, 6 December, watch short science films and hear Hollywood filmmakers give advice to AGU scientists about these short films. Oceanographer‐turned‐filmmaker Randy Olson will host AGU's “The S Factor” video workshop along with screenwriter Sean Hood, cowriter of Halloween: Resurrection and the 2011 remake ofConan the Barbarian, and Jason Ensler, co‐producer‐director of TNT's Franklin & Bash. Olson is writer‐director of the documentaries Flock of Dodos and Sizzle: A Global Warming Comedy and author of Don't Be Such a Scientist: Talking Substance in an Age of Style. The workshop starts at 7:00 P.M. in Moscone South, Room 300.
Observations improve understanding of the heliosphere
Authors: Balcerak Ernie
Published: November 2011

The outer regions of the heliosphere, a giant bubble around the solar system created by solar wind, are difficult to study directly. The Interstellar Boundary Explorer (IBEX) mission, which maps emission of energetic neutral atoms from the boundary between the heliosphere and the interstellar medium, has greatly contributed to understanding of the heliosphere and even discovered some unexpected features. In particular, IBEX maps showed a strange “ribbon” of enhanced energetic neutral atom emission that was not predicted by any theory. The origins of this ribbon, which stretches more than 300° across the sky, remain unknown. McComas et al. review IBEX observations, current understanding of the heliosphere, hypotheses that have been proposed to explain the ribbon, and directions for future research. (Geophysical Research Letters, doi:10.1029/2011GL048763, 2011)
Interconnection of nitrogen fixers and iron in the Pacific Ocean: Theory and numerical simulations
Authors: Dutkiewicz S. , Ward B. A. , Monteiro F. , Follows M. J.
Published: November 2011

We examine the interplay between iron supply, iron concentrations and phytoplankton communities in the Pacific Ocean. We present a theoretical framework which considers the competition for iron and nitrogen resources between phytoplankton to explain where nitrogen fixing autotrophs (diazotrophs, which require higher iron quotas, and have slower maximum growth) can co‐exist with other phytoplankton. The framework also indicates that iron and fixed nitrogen concentrations can be strongly controlled by the local phytoplankton community. Together with results from a three‐dimensional numerical model, we characterize three distinct biogeochemical provinces: 1) where iron supply is very low diazotrophs are excluded, and iron‐limited nondiazotrophic phytoplankton control the iron concentrations; 2) a transition region where nondiazotrophic phytoplankton are nitrogen limited and control the nitrogen concentrations, but the iron supply is still too low relative to nitrate to support diazotrophy; 3) where iron supplies increase further relative to the nitrogen source, diazotrophs and other phytoplankton coexist; nitrogen concentrations are controlled by nondiazotrophs and iron concentrations are controlled by diazotrophs. The boundaries of these three provinces are defined by the rate of supply of iron relative to the supply of fixed nitrogen. The numerical model and theory provide a useful tool to understand the state of, links between, and response to changes in iron supply and phytoplankton community structure that have been suggested by observations.