bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
MICROWAVE REMOTE SENSING IN SOIL QUALITY ASSESSMENT
Authors: Saha S. K.
Published: September 2012

Abstract. Information of spatial and temporal variations of soil quality (soil properties) is required for various purposes of sustainable agriculture development and management. Traditionally, soil quality characterization is done by in situ point soil sampling and subsequent laboratory analysis. Such methodology has limitation for assessing the spatial variability of soil quality. Various researchers in recent past showed the potential utility of hyperspectral remote sensing technique for spatial estimation of soil properties. However, limited research studies have been carried out showing the potential of microwave remote sensing data for spatial estimation of various soil properties except soil moisture. This paper reviews the status of microwave remote sensing techniques (active and passive) for spatial assessment of soil quality parameters such as soil salinity, soil erosion, soil physical properties (soil texture & hydraulic properties; drainage condition); and soil surface roughness. Past and recent research studies showed that both active and passive microwave remote sensing techniques have great potentials for assessment of these soil qualities (soil properties). However, more research studies on use of multi-frequency and full polarimetric microwave remote sensing data and modelling of interaction of multi-frequency and full polarimetric microwave remote sensing data with soil are very much needed for operational use of satellite microwave remote sensing data in soil quality assessment.
INVENTORY OF IRRIGATED RICE ECOSYSTEM USING POLARIMETRIC SAR DATA
Authors: Srikanth P. , Ramana K. V. , Shankar T. P. , Choudhary K. K. , Chandrasekhar K. , Seshasai M.V.R. , Behera G.
Published: September 2012

Abstract. An attempt has been made in the current study to assess the potential of polarimetric SAR data for inventory of kharif rice and the major competing crop like cotton. In the process, physical process of the scattering mechanisms occurring in rice and cotton crops at different phonological stages was studied through the use of temporal Radarsat 2 Fine quadpol SAR data. The temporal dynamics of the volume, double and odd bounce, entropy, anisotropy, alpha parameters and polarimertic signatures, classification through isodata clustering and Wishart techniques were assessed. The Wishart (H-a) classification showed higher overall as well as rice and cotton crop accuracies compared to the isodata clustering from Freeman 3-component decomposition. The classification of temporal SAR data sets independently showed that the rice crop forecasting can be advanced with the use of appropriate single date polarimetric SAR data rather than using temporal SAR amplitude data sets with the single polarization in irrigated rice ecosystems
SPATIAL TEMPORAL SOWING PATTERN OF RAPESEED-MUSTARD CROP IN INDIA USING MULTI-DATE IRS AWIFS DATA
Authors: Rajak D. R. , Patel H. A. , Chaudhari K. N. , Patel N. K. , Panigrahy S. , Parihar J. S.
Published: September 2012

Abstract. This paper highlights the results on spatial pattern of sowing of rapeseed/mustard in four major states in India using multidate Advanced Wide Field Sensor (AWiFS) data for 2010-11 crop season. Geo-referenced, calibrated AWiFS data acquired during October 2010 to February 2011 were used to generate the Normalised Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) image sets. Iterative Self-Organizing Data Analysis Technique (ISODATA) based clustering of the multi date NDVI dataset for mustard crop pixels was performed. The clusters were segregated to spectral emergence classes using a spectral profile matching approach with reference to ground truth data. The sowing dates were derived from the spectral emergence data using a lag period based on field observation. Analysis showed the sowing pattern in the study states is spread over around 60 days from mid October to mid December. Three distinct clusters of sowing pattern were observed. The major one (around 40%) is sown between mid October and first week of November. Around 25% area is sown from last week of November to mid December. The other 35% area is sown in between these two periods. Analysis of temperature, a key weather variable influencing the growth of this crop, showed that the crop sowing in northern Rajasthan and Haryana is delayed by about one month to avoid the frost damage during reproductive phase. In the parts of Gujarat, southern parts of Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh (MP), an early sowing in the second fortnight of October was observed, mainly to avoid higher mean temperatures during the month of March.
ANALYSIS OF MULTI-TEMPORAL SATELLITE DATA FOR FOREST FIRE CHARACTERISATION OVER CENTRAL INDIAN REGION – A CLIMATE CHANGE PERSPECTIVE
Authors: Debnath B. , Kiran Chand T. R. , Rajashekar G. , Murthy M. S. R.
Published: September 2012

Abstract. Globally, forest fires are considered as one of the major drivers of climate change, altering the terrestrial ecosystems and radiation balance of the earth-atmospheric system through high carbon emissions, emissions of trace gases, aerosols and black carbon into the atmosphere (Balch et al. 2010). The current study presents the impact of air temperature variation on forest fire occurrences in Central Indian region during 2003–2010. The decadal (2001–2010) fire events in Central India were analysed in relation to Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectrometer (MODIS) derived Enhanced Vegetation Index (EVI) and Land Surface Temperature (LST) and interpolated air temperature data from Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) to characterise the regional impact of climate on fire occurrences. The study shows the exponential relation of fire with LST and rise in air temperature. There exists an inverse relation between spatial patterns of fire and EVI, which represents the intra-annual variability in fire incidences during the summer season in Central Indian region. Majority of the fire incidences are recoded in the March month of every year with highest rank in the year 2009. The linear regression relation of forest fire density and decadal mean temperature has been applied to simulate the probable fire vulnerable zones for the 2020s decade using projected temperature spatial layer from IPCC HaDCM3 (Hadley Centre Coupled Model, version 3) data.
ALARMING SYSTEM FOR SHIFTING WILD ANIMALS FROM FOREST DURING FLOOD USING DTED AND FINITE NUMERICAL METHODS
Authors: Arya R. K.
Published: September 2012

Abstract. The paper presents a methodology to develop a three dimension model of any area using DTED data and mapping toolbox of MATLAB. This three dimension model is further use to calculate the volume from minimum bottom level using finite numerical methods and hence to classifying the area based on level and volume of water occupying upto particular level. This data is used to create the alarming system for shifting of wild animals from area based on volume and elevation data during flood. Further based on these results, areas are determined which are going to flood if water comes either through rain or through Tsunami.. Simulations are performed to compare the results between mathematical formulations and numerical methods.
História do tempo presente e historiografia
Authors: Dosse François
Published: September 2012

O presente artigo redigido em francês foi apresentado em forma de conferência na abertura do I Seminário Internacional História do Tempo Presente, promovido pelo Programa de Pós-Graduação em História da Universidade do Estado de Santa Catarina e ANPUH-Seção-Santa Catarina, realizado entre os dias 07 e 09 de novembro de 2011, na cidade de Florianópolis/Brasil. O autor, tendo em vista a historiografia francesa, apresenta um conjunto de reflexões que visa, por um lado, historicizar a emergência deste campo historiográfico e, por outro, inferir sobre os problemas e desafios presentes na escrita da História do Tempo Presente.
Imagens audiovisuais e história do tempo presente
Authors: Lagny Michèle
Published: September 2012

O presente artigo redigido em francês foi apresentado em forma de conferência no encerramento do I Seminário Internacional História do Tempo Presente, promovido pelo Programa de Pós-Graduação em História da UDESC e ANPUH-Seção SC, realizado nos dias 07 a 09 de novembro de 2011, em Florianópolis/SC. Nele apresentam-se discussões sobre o interesse pelo audiovisual por parte dos historiadores, no momento em que emerge o conceito de história do tempo presente, na França.
Suábios do Danúbio: lembrar, escrever, esquecer
Authors: Marques Marilda
Published: September 2012

Resenha do livro O Oitavo Dia: produção de sentidos identitários na Colônia Entre Rios-PR (segunda metade do século XX), de Marcos Nestor Stein.
Augmentation Mammaplasty Using Implants: A Review
Authors: Takayanagi Susumu
Published: September 2012

One of the techniques for augmentation mammaplasty is the procedure using implants. Even though this technique has been used for many years, there are still several controversial issues to be discussed and overcome for patient safety. In this review article, capsular contracture, leak or rupture of the implants, possible systemic disease, relation with breast cancer, and recent problems with Poly Implant Prothese implants are described and discussed.
Influence of the Alveolar Cleft Type on Preoperative Estimation Using 3D CT Assessment for Alveolar Cleft
Authors: Choi Hang Suk , Choi Hyun Gon , Kim Soon Heum , Park Hyung Jun , Shin Dong Hyeok , Jo Dong In , Kim Cheol Keun , Uhm Ki Il
Published: September 2012

Background The bone graft for the alveolar cleft has been accepted as one of the essential treatments for cleft lip patients. Precise preoperative measurement of the architecture and size of the bone defect in alveolar cleft has been considered helpful for increasing the success rate of bone grafting because those features may vary with the cleft type. Recently, some studies have reported on the usefulness of three-dimensional (3D) computed tomography (CT) assessment of alveolar bone defect; however, no study on the possible implication of the cleft type on the difference between the presumed and actual value has been conducted yet. We aimed to evaluate the clinical predictability of such measurement using 3D CT assessment according to the cleft type.

Methods The study consisted of 47 pediatric patients. The subjects were divided according to the cleft type. CT was performed before the graft operation and assessed using image analysis software. The statistical significance of the difference between the preoperative estimation and intraoperative measurement was analyzed.

Results The difference between the preoperative and intraoperative values were -0.1±0.3 cm3 (P=0.084). There was no significant intergroup difference, but the groups with a cleft palate showed a significant difference of -0.2±0.3 cm3 (P<0.05).

Conclusions Assessment of the alveolar cleft volume using 3D CT scan data and image analysis software can help in selecting the optimal graft procedure and extracting the correct volume of cancellous bone for grafting. Considering the cleft type, it would be helpful to extract an additional volume of 0.2 cm3 in the presence of a cleft palate.
Algorithm for Primary Full-thickness Skin Grafting in Pediatric Hand Burns
Authors: Park Yang Seo , Lee Jong Wook , Huh Gi Yeun , Koh Jang Hyu , Seo Dong Kook , Choi Jai Koo , Jang Young Chul
Published: September 2012

Background Pediatric hand burns are a difficult problem because they lead to serious hand deformities with functional impairment due to rapid growth during childhood. Therefore, adequate management is required beginning in the acute stage. Our study aims to establish surgical guidelines for a primary full-thickness skin graft (FTSG) in pediatric hand burns, based on long-term observation periods and existing studies.

Methods From January 2000 to May 2011, 210 patients underwent primary FTSG. We retrospectively studied the clinical course and treatment outcomes based on the patients' medical records. The patients' demographics, age, sex, injury site of the fingers, presence of web space involvement, the incidence of postoperative late deformities, and the duration of revision were critically analyzed.

Results The mean age of the patients was 24.4 months (range, 8 to 94 months), consisting of 141 males and 69 females. The overall observation period was 6.9 years (range, 1 to 11 years) on average. At the time of the burn, 56 cases were to a single finger, 73 to two fingers, 45 to three fingers, and 22 to more than three. Among these cases, 70 were burns that included a web space (33.3%). During the observation, 25 cases underwent corrective operations with an average period of 40.6 months.

Conclusions In the volar area, primary full-thickness skin grafting can be a good indication for an isolated injured finger, excluding the web spaces, and injuries of less than three fingers including the web spaces. Also, in the dorsal area, full-thickness skin grafting can be a good indication. However, if the donor site is insufficient and the wound is large, split-thickness skin grafting can be considered.
Usefulness of Oncoplastic Volume Replacement Techniques after Breast Conserving Surgery in Small to Moderate-sized Breasts
Authors: Yang Jung Dug , Kim Min Chul , Lee Jeong Woo , Cho Young Kyoo , Choi Kang Young , Chung Ho Yun , Cho Byung Chae , Park Ho Yong
Published: September 2012

Background In Korean women, many of whom have small to moderate-sized breasts, it is difficult to cover a partial breast defect using oncoplastic volume displacement techniques after removal of an adequate volume of tissue during oncologic surgery. In such cases, oncoplastic volume replacement techniques are more useful.

Methods From January 2007 to December 2011, 104 women underwent a total of 107 breast-conserving surgeries with various kinds of oncoplastic volume replacement techniques. We used latissimus dorsi (LD) myocutaneous flap for cases in which the resection mass was greater than 150 g. In case with a resection mass less than 150 g, we used regional flaps such as a lateral thoracodorsal flap, a thoracoepigastric flap, or perforator flaps such as an intercostal artery perforator (ICAP) flap or a thoracodorsal artery perforator (TDAP) flap.

Results The mean age was 46.1 years, and the average follow-up interval was 10.3 months. The patients underwent oncoplastic volume replacement techniques with a lateral thoracodorsal flap (n=9), thoracoepigastric flap (n=7), ICAP flap (n=25), TDAP flap (n=12), and LD flap (n=54). There was one case of congestion in an LD flap, and two cases of fat necrosis in an ICAP flap. Most of the patients were satisfied with the cosmetic results.

Conclusions Oncoplastic volume replacement techniques can be reliable and useful for the correction of breast deformity after breast-conserving surgery, especially in patients with small to moderate-sized breasts.
Fluorinated (Co)Polymers: Synthesis, Properties, and Applications
Authors: Ameduri Bruno
Published: September 2012

Fluorinated polymers are usually synthesized by radical (co)polymerization of fluoroalkenes. These interesting materials have outstanding properties such as thermal stability, chemical inertness (to solvents, oils, water, acids, and bases), low refractive index, permittivity, dissipation factor and water absorptivity, as well as excellent weatherability, durability, and resistance to oxidation. Actually, two families of fluorinated polymers can be considered: (1) in first group, the fluorinated groups are located on the polymer backbone and their chemical inertness, thermal stability, low refractive index, and dielectric constant are exploreed, and (2) the second group contains a fluorinated dangling group that induces enhanced surface properties. Various strategies of synthesis via radical conventional or controlled copolymerizations are proposed; some of them are well‐architectured fluoropolymers (block, graft, alternated, and so on) just like their properties and applications ranging from energy‐related‐materials (fuel cell membranes, separators for lithium ion batteries, piezoelectric devices) to original fluorinated elastomers, thermoplastic elastomers, surfactants, thermostable polymers, and optical devices.
The Mystery Man Can Help Reduce False Identification for Child Witnesses: Evidence from Video Line‐ups
Authors: Havard Catriona , Memon Amina
Published: September 2012

It is well established that children (as young as 5 years) can correctly identify a target from a target present (TP) line‐up as accurately as adults; however, when shown a target absent (TA) line‐up, children make more false identifications. In the present study, children aged 5–7 and 8–11 years viewed a film of a staged theft, then 1–2 days later were shown either a TP or TA video line‐up. Half of the witnesses viewed line‐ups that included a ‘mystery man’ (a black silhouette with a white question mark), which they could select if they did not recognise anyone from the line‐up. When the ‘mystery man’ was present in the line‐up, there were significantly fewer false identifications for the TA line‐ups. This study shows that including a silhouette in a video line‐up can help reduce false identifications for children as young as 5 years of age, without reducing correct identifications. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The Unified Project
Authors: Pope Albert
Published: September 2012

Albert Pope argues that a unified architectural and urban project is not possible without addressing the conceptual divide that exists between building and infrastructure. It is a split that was first set in motion by the breakdown of Modernism in the 1960s and was reaffirmed by the rise of Postmodernism. Since then, architectural form and urban infrastructure have not only remained disjointed, but have been overtly celebrated by the collages and juxtapositions of the contemporary and the historic in our cities.
Void Metabolism
Authors: Tsukamoto Yoshiharu
Published: September 2012

Since the Second World War, the urban fabric of Tokyo has been shaped by individual landownership and the proliferation of the detached house. For most Japanese architectural offices, domestic practice provides the mainstay of their work. This focus on the single private house, though, also limits the range of possibilities for urban interventions. Yoshiharu Tsukamoto of Atelier Bow‐Wow explains how through its development of ‘Void Metabolism’, the studio has been able to turn its focus on the residential into a positive, breaking down the barriers between private and shared space in the city.
Shape and the City
Authors: Somol RE
Published: September 2012

At a time when architecture's historical relationship to the city ‐founded on various formal and, more recently, informal homologies – has been rendered inoperative, how might a renewed architecture constructively inform the megalopolis? RE Somol flings all the formal and informal protocols offered to the city by architecture out of the pram and calls for a politics of shape, a potential trajectory tested with two projects by Zago Architecture.
Too Big To Fail
Authors: Dunn Sarah , Felsen Martin
Published: September 2012

Sarah Dunn and Martin Felsen of UrbanLab tackle the timidity of current practice: ‘Why, as a discipline, do we think that we can counter big crises with small ideas?’ They call for a contemporary revival and redefinition of the megastructure. This is exemplified by their project for the Free Water District (FWD) in the Great Lakes, which enables the infrastructural reconstruction and urban renewal of a post‐industrial landscape.
Dancing with Entropy
Authors: Geuze Adriaan , Skjonsberg Matthew
Published: September 2012

Finding inspiration and drive in the chaos and fragmentation of today's world, Adriaan Geuze and Matthew Skjonsberg of West 8 have developed an approach that they refer to as ‘radical contextualism’. This requires not only a respect for reality and existing conditions, but also an openness to multiple layers of meaning and a wide variety of inputs, whether historic, cultural, anecdotal or even random. Giving themselves over to evolutionary entropy, they work with ingenuity with whatever they encounter.
Decoupling the Bias‐Stress‐Induced Charge Trapping in Semiconductors and Gate‐Dielectrics of Organic Transistors Using a Double Stretched‐Exponential Formula
Authors: Choi Hyun Ho , Kang Moon Sung , Kim Min , Kim Haena , Cho Jeong Ho , Cho Kilwon
Published: September 2012

A novel strategy for analyzing bias‐stress effects in organic field‐effect transistors (OFETs) based on a four‐parameter double stretched‐exponential formula is reported. The formula is obtained by modifying a traditional single stretched‐exponential expression comprising two parameters (a characteristic time and a stretched‐exponential factor) that describe the bias‐stress effects. The expression yields two characteristic times and two stretched‐exponential factors, thereby separating out the contributions due to charge trapping events in the semiconductor layer‐side of the interface and the gate‐dielectric layer‐side of the interface. The validity of this method was tested by designing two model systems in which the physical properties of the semiconductor layer and the gate‐dielectric layer were varied systematically. It was found that the gate‐dielectric layer, in general, plays a more critical role than the semiconductor layer in the bias‐stress effects, possibly due to the wider distribution of the activation energy for charge trapping. Furthermore, the presence of a self‐assembled monolayer further widens the distribution of the activation energy for charge trapping in gate‐dielectric layer‐side of the interface and causes the channel current to decay rapidly in the early stages. The novel analysis method presented here enhances our understanding of charge trapping and provides rational guidelines for developing efficient OFETs with high performance.
Recombination in Polymer:Fullerene Solar Cells with Open‐Circuit Voltages Approaching and Exceeding 1.0 V
Authors: Hoke Eric T. , Vandewal Koen , Bartelt Jonathan A. , Mateker William R. , Douglas Jessica D. , Noriega Rodrigo , Graham Kenneth R. , Fréchet Jean M. J. , Salleo Alberto , McGehee Michael D.
Published: September 2012

Polymer:fullerene solar cells are demonstrated with power conversion efficiencies over 7% with blends of PBDTTPD and PC61BM. These devices achieve open‐circuit voltages (Voc) of 0.945 V and internal quantum efficiencies of 88%, making them an ideal candidate for the large bandgap junction in tandem solar cells. Voc’s above 1.0 V are obtained when the polymer is blended with multiadduct fullerenes; however, the photocurrent and fill factor are greatly reduced. In PBDTTPD blends with multiadduct fullerene ICBA, fullerene emission is observed in the photoluminescence and electroluminescence spectra, indicating that excitons are recombining on ICBA. Voltage‐dependent, steady state and time‐resolved photoluminescence measurements indicate that energy transfer occurs from PBDTTPD to ICBA and that back hole transfer from ICBA to PBDTTPD is inefficient. By analyzing the absorption and emission spectra from fullerene and charge transfer excitons, we estimate a driving free energy of –0.14 ± 0.06 eV is required for efficient hole transfer. These results suggest that the driving force for hole transfer may be too small for efficient current generation in polymer:fullerene solar cells with Voc values above 1.0 V and that non‐fullerene acceptor materials with large optical gaps (>1.7 eV) may be required to achieve both near unity internal quantum efficiencies and values of Voc exceeding 1.0 V.
Cu3P Binary Phosphide: Synthesis via a Wet Mechanochemical Method and Electrochemical Behavior as Negative Electrode Material for Lithium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Stan Marian Cristian , Klöpsch Richard , Bhaskar Aiswarya , Li Jie , Passerini Stefano , Winter Martin
Published: September 2012

Mechanochemical synthesis of Cu3P in the presence of n‐dodecane results in a material with a secondary particle size distribution of 10 μm, secondary particles which consist of homogeneously agglomerated 20 nm primary particles. The electrochemical performance of Cu3P with lithium is influenced by the reaction depth, in other words by the lower potential cut‐off. During the electrochemical reaction, the displacement of copper by lithium from the Cu3P structure until the formation of Li3P and Cu deteriorates the capacity retention. Improved performance was obtained when the charge potential was limited to 0.50 V (vs. Li/Li+) and the formation of the LixCu3‐xP phase (0 ≤ × ≤ 2). In this case, when the potential is limited to 0.5 V, the capacity is stable for more than 50 cycles. Acceptable electrochemical performances in Li‐ion cells within the voltage range 0.50–2.0 V (vs. Li/Li+) were shown when Cu3P was used as an anode and Li1.2(Ni0.13Mn0.54Co0.13)O2 and LiNi0.5Mn1.5O4 as positive electrode materials.
Experimental measurement of dynamic effect in capillary pressure relationship for two‐phase flow in weakly layered porous media
Authors: Das Diganta Bhusan , Mirzaei Mahsanam
Published: September 2012

Well‐defined laboratory experiments have been conducted to determine the significance of dynamic effect in capillary pressure relationships for two‐phase flow in weakly heterogeneous (layered) porous media. The heterogeneous layers are composed of a fine sand layer sandwiched between two coarse sand layers. Dynamic and quasi‐static capillary pressure–saturation (Pc–S) and ∂S/∂t–t relationships are determined, which are then used to determine the dynamic effect, indicated by a dynamic coefficient (τ). As well known, τ establishes the speed at which flow equilibrium (∂S/∂t = 0) is reached. In consistent with previous studies, τ is found to be a nonlinear function of saturation that depends on the medium permeability and the intensity of heterogeneity. τ values increase in the regions of less permeability (fine sand) in the domain. However, the τ–S functional dependence follows similar trends at different locations within the domain including regions of different permeability. We argue that saturation weighted average of local τ–S curves can be used as an effective τ–S curve for the whole domain which, when done, follows an exponential trend too. The effective τ–S curves suggest that the effective τ values for the porous layers lie between the τ values of coarse and fine sands at the same water saturation, and it is dominated by the τ values of coarse sand as it occupied the maximum volume of the domain. © 2012 The Authors. AIChE Journal, published by Wiley on behalf of the AIChE. This is an open access article under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits use, distribution and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited. AIChE J, 59: 1723–1734, 2013
12q14 microdeletion associated with HMGA2 gene disruption and growth restriction
Authors: Alyaqoub Fadel , Pyatt Robert E. , Bailes Andrea , Brock Amanda , Deeg Carol , McKinney Aimee , Astbury Caroline , Reshmi Shalini , Shane Kate P. , Thrush Devon Lamb , Sommer Annemarie , Gastier‐Foster Julie M.
Published: September 2012

The 12q14 microdeletion syndrome is a rare condition that has previously been characterized by pre‐ and postnatal growth restriction, proportionate short stature, failure to thrive, developmental delay, and osteopoikilosis. Previously reported microdeletions within this region have ranged in size from 1.83 to 10.12 Mb with a proposed 2.61 Mb smallest region of overlap containing the LEMD3, HMGA2, and GRIP1 genes. Here, we report on the identification of a 12q14 microdeletion in a female child presenting with proportionate short stature, failure to thrive, and speech delay. The genomic loss (minimum size 4.17 Mb, maximum size 4.21 Mb) contained 25 RefSeq genes including IRAK3, GRIP1, and the 3′ portion of the HMGA2 gene. This is the first partial deletion of HMGA2 associated with the 12q14 microdeletion syndrome. This case further clarifies the association of LEMD3 deletions with the 12q14 microdeletion syndrome and provides additional support for the role of the HMGA2 gene in human growth. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Modification of the Green Fluorescent Protein Chromophore with Large Aromatic Moieties: Photophysical Study and Solid‐State Emission
Authors: Huang Guangxi , Zhang Guanxin , Wu Yishi , Liao Qing , Fu Hongbing , Zhang Deqing
Published: September 2012

Green fluorescent protein (GFP)‐like chromophores 1–5, in which the p‐hydroxylphenyl group is substituted with large aromatic moieties, were synthesized and their crystal structures were determined. Compared with that of p‐hydroxybenzylideneimidazolinone (GFP chromophore), the fluorescence spectra of 1–5 are red‐shifted because of elongated of π‐conjugation. However, the incorporation of large aromatic moieties cannot inhibit the intramolecular torsional motions and, thus, 1–5 are generally weakly fluorescent in solution. The results manifest that the solid‐state emission of these GFP‐like chromophores is significantly influenced by the intermolecular packing. The emission spectra of 1–5 are further red‐shifted in the solid‐state, and 5 in the crystalline state emits in at red wavelengths with an emission maximum at 624 nm. 1, 3, and 4 are weakly emissive in both crystalline and powder forms. Interestingly, one crystalline state of 2 (2 B) emits relatively strongly, whereas another crystalline state 2 A emits rather weakly.
Sex differences in periodontal disease in catastrophic and attritional assemblages from medieval london
Authors: DeWitte Sharon N.
Published: September 2012

Periodontal disease is one of the most common chronic diseases in living populations, and most studies that have examined sex differences in periodontal disease have found higher frequencies in men compared to women. This study examines sex differences in periodontal disease in two cemeteries from medieval London: the East Smithfield cemetery (c. 1349–1350), an exclusively Black Death cemetery that represents catastrophic mortality (n = 161), and the St. Mary Graces cemetery (c. 1350–1538), a post‐Black Death attritional assemblage that represents normal medieval mortality (n = 100). The results reveal a significantly higher frequency of periodontal disease, independent of age, among males compared with females in St. Mary Graces, but no significant difference between the sexes in East Smithfield. The sex differences in the attritional assemblage might reflect heightened susceptibility to periodontal disease in the living population or sex differences in frailty. The differences in the sex patterns of periodontal disease between the two cemeteries might be the result of disproportionately negative effects of the Great Bovine Pestilence and consequent decreases in dairy availability on female oral health among victims of the Black Death. Am J Phys Anthropol, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Effect of boric acid and melamine on the intumescent fire‐retardant coating composition for the fire protection of structural steel substrates
Authors: Ullah Sami , Ahmad Faiz , Yusoff P. S. M. Megat
Published: September 2012

Intumescent coating is an insulating material designed to decrease heat transfer to a substrate structure. The coating presented in this research article was based on expandable graphite, ammonium polyphosphate, melamine, and boric acid. Bisphenol A epoxy resin BE‐188 was used as a binder with ACR hardener H‐2310 polyamide amine. Different formulations were developed to study the effect of expansion and heat shielding after fire testing. The coating was tested at 950°C for 1 h. The results show that the coating was stable and well bonded with the substrate. The coating was characterized with thermogravimetric analysis (TGA, Parkin Elmer, Norwalk, CT, 06859, USA), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR, Nicolet 400 D Shimadzu spectrometer) spectroscopy, X‐ray diffraction (XRD, Bruker D8 advance Diffracto meter, Bruker Germany), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM, Carl Zeiss Leo 1430VP, UK). The morphology of char was studied by SEM on the coating after fire testing. XRD and FTIR spectroscopy showed the presence of graphite, boron phosphate, boron oxide, and sassolite in the residual char. TGA (Pyris 1, manufactured by Parkin Elmer, Norwalk, CT, 06859, USA) and differential thermal gravimetric analysis (DTGA) showed that boric acid enhanced the residual weight of the intumescent fire‐retardant coating. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci., 2013
State of the water in crosslinked sulfonated poly(ether ether ketone)
Authors: Al Lafi Abdul G. , Hay James N.
Published: September 2012

We investigated the material properties of different crosslinked sulfonated poly(aryl ether ketone) membranes, focusing on the effect of the degree of sulfonation and crosslinking density on the water uptake, the physical state of the water, and the pore size distribution within the membranes. We observed that the degree of sulfonation and, in particular, the ion‐exchange capacity (IEC) had less effect on the control of the extent of water absorbed than the crosslinking density of the membranes. Crosslinking also enabled the membranes to reach a higher water contents without losing mechanical integrity. Moreover, increasing the crosslinking density resulted in the presence of more bound water, without dissolution of the membrane. The crosslinked membranes had lower methanol permeability and electroosmotic drag values. Only at low IEC values and low water uptake in partially crystalline sulphonated poly(ether ether ketone), SPEEK could the presence of nanometer pores in the water‐equilibrated crosslinked membranes be confirmed by thermoporometry and the pore size distributions were then comparable to those reported for Nafion membranes. At higher IEC values, the water uptake was extremely high, up to 300%, and then the structure of the swollen membranes was more analogous to that of a dilute aqueous solution of the sulfonated polymer, and no nanopores were present. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci., 2013
Study on the influence of electron beam irradiation on the thermal, mechanical, and rheological properties of ethylene‐octene copolymer with high comonomer content
Authors: Poongavalappil Sameepa , Svoboda Petr , Theravalappil Rajesh , Svobodova Dagmar , Danek Michal , Zatloukal Martin
Published: September 2012

Ethylene‐octene copolymer (EOC) was irradiated using electron beam irradiation at different dosages (30, 60, 90, and 120 kGy). Effect of irradiation dosage on thermal and mechanical properties was studied. When compared to low density polyethylene, EOC exhibited higher degree of crosslinking reflected in increased gel content, higher elastic modulus (G′), and lower tan δ obtained by rheology measurement at 150°C. Crosslinking caused improvement in high‐temperature creep and room temperature and also elevated temperature elastic properties. Differential scanning calorimetry revealed that e‐beam irradiation has caused a gradual reduction in crystallinity and a presence of a fraction with higher melting temperature. In the case of EOC, as the extent of crosslinking increased, stress at break showed an increasing trend whereas irradiation dosage had an inverse effect on elongation at break. Radiation dosage has positive effect on thermal stability estimated by thermogravimetric analysis. After 30 min of thermal degradation at 220°C, slightly higher CO peak for crosslinked sample was found by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy while for room temperature samples no CO peak was detected. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci., 2013
Improvement of the thermal properties of poly(3‐hydroxybutyrate) (PHB) by low molecular weight polypropylene glycol (LMWPPG) addition
Authors: Roa Juan P. B. , Patrício Patrícia S. de O. , Oréfice Rodrigo L. , Lago Rochel M.
Published: September 2012

In this work, blends of poly(3‐hydroxybutyrate) (PHB) with 5, 10, 15, and 20 wt % low molecular weight poly(propylene glycol) (LMWPPG) have been prepared and characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) with attenuated total reflectance (ATR) accessory and simultaneous thermal analysis (TG/DTA). FTIR and thermal analyses suggested that the presence of LMWPPG led to a maximum crystallinity for the blend PHB/PPG (90/10) blend. The presence of LMWPPG also caused a significant increase of the PHB processability window, i.e., the difference of the melting and degradation temperature, of PHB from 105 to 134°C, which is extremely important for the industrial uses of PHB. This PHB stabilization effect is discussed in terms of an intermolecular interaction of the PHB carbonyl with LMWPPG methyl groups which probably hinders the classical radon β‐scission PHB intramolecular decomposition mechanism. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci., 2013
pH and organic solvent‐sensitive properties of crosslinked polymeric spheres formed by a soap‐free emulsion polymerization
Authors: Shi Congcong , Chen Xi , Chen Lu , Chen Mingxing , Jiang Ran
Published: September 2012

Narrowly distributed poly (styrene‐co‐(4‐vinylpyridine)) microspheres are facilely prepared by a soap‐free emulsion polymerization, and their structures and properties are investigated by TEM, FTIR spectra, DSC, and DLS, respectively. The sizes and glass transition temperatures of the polymeric spheres increase with an increase of 4‐vinylpyridine in the reactive system. In addition, these polymeric spheres show good stability in water and a series of organic solvents due to their crosslinked structures. When poly(styrene‐co‐(4‐vinylpyridine)) microspheres are obtained in the reactive system where the weight ratio of 4‐vinyl pyridine to styrene is less than 4/6, they can be well dispersed in water as well as in organic solvents such as ethanol, toluene and DMF, and show obvious pH sensitive and organic solvent‐sensitive characteristics. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci., 2013
Molecular dynamics simulation on interacting and mechanical properties of polylactic acid and attapulgite(100) surface
Authors: Zhou Su‐Qin , Cheng Xiao‐Chun , Jin Ye‐Ling , Wu Jie , Zhao Deng‐Shan
Published: September 2012

The method of molecular dynamics (MD) simulations was used to investigate the interaction between the PLA and the attapulgite, and the influence of the temperature on the mechanical properties of the PLA and the PLA‐attapulgite. After the PLA blends the attapulgite, the structures and properties of the PLA and the attapulgite change due to their strong interaction. However, this interaction weakens gradually with temperature increasing. The isotropy of the composite of PLA‐attapulgite is strengthened in comparison with the PLA. In addition, the temperature can change the mechanical properties of the PLA‐attapulgite, but the mechanical properties of the PLA are hardly influences on the temperature. The PLA‐attapulgite is more rigid and tough than the PLA at the room temperature but the toughness of the composite of PLA‐attapulgite becomes worse than that of the PLA at 350 K. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci., 2013
Fabrication of superhydrophobic fabric coating using microphase‐separated dodecafluoroheptyl‐containing polyacrylate and nanosilica
Authors: An Qiufeng , Xu Wei , Hao Lifen , Fu Yongshan , Huang Liangxian
Published: September 2012

Superhydrophobic coating was developed on cotton fabric in this article using a dodecafluoroheptyl‐containing polyacrylate (DFPA) and nanosilica. Film morphology of DFPA on cotton fibers/fabrics and chemical compositions of the treated cotton fabric were investigated using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), atomic force microscopy (AFM), and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), respectively. DFPA could form a relatively even film on the cotton fabric/fiber under SEM observation; however, it presented a rough and microphase‐separated pattern under AFM observation. There were many mountain‐like protuberances. The height of the protuberances and the root mean square roughness (Rms) of the film reached about 20–50 nm and 12.511 nm in 2 × 2‐μm2 scanning field (as the scale data was 100 nm). XPS analysis indicated that the perfluoroalkyl groups had the tendency to enrich at the film–air interface. DFPA could make the treated cotton fabric with a water contact angle (WCA) at about 138.5°. Cotton fabric was previously roughened using a 1 wt % silica sol with an average particle size of 20–30 nm and then finished by DFPA; hydrophobicity of the resultant cotton fabric was strongly improved, and WCA could reach 153.6°. The color of this superhydrophobic fabric would not be influenced, but its softness decreased compared to untreated fabric. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci., 2013
Morphological properties of impact fracture surfaces and essential work of fracture analysis of cellulose nanofibril‐filled polypropylene composites
Authors: Yang Han‐Seung , Gardner Douglas J. , Nader Jacques W.
Published: September 2012

Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was employed to investigate crack initiation and propagation process in notched and unnotched Izod impact fracture surfaces of the cellulose nanofiber (CNF) and microfibrillated cellulose (MFC)‐filled polypropylene (PP) composites compared with microcrystalline cellulose (MCC)‐filled composites. CNF is in the form of short fibers 50–300 nm in diameter and 6–8 in aspect ratio, MFC is in the form of long fibrils 50–500 nm in diameter and 8,000–80,000 in aspect ratio, and MCC is in the form of particles 50 μm in average diameter and 1–2 in aspect ratio. The reinforcement material size of CNF and MFC are smaller than that of MCC which means that the larger interfacial area between filler and matrix leading to larger energy dissipation at the interface during the impact fracture. The reinforcement‐matrix debondings nearby MCC particles caused easy crack propagation which contributes smaller energy dissipation at the interface. A slip‐stick behavior and stress whitened area during the fracture were observed. Morphological investigation helps to explain impact fracture behavior. According to essential work of fracture (EWF) analysis of Izod impact results, EWF method is applicable to analyze impact fracture behavior and the energy consumed in crack initiation and propagation during the fracture process can be calculated. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci., 2013
Non‐lethal efforts to deter shark predation of Hawaiian monk seal pups
Authors: Gobush Kathleen S. , Farry Shawn C.
Published: September 2012

More than a decade of shark predation on nursing and newly weaned pups of the endangered Hawaiian monk seal (Monachus schauinslandi) has significantly contributed to a steep decline of the French Frigate Shoals (FFS) subpopulation.

In an effort to develop non‐lethal methods of mitigating predation, the feasibility of deploying potential shark deterrents at FFS was examined, and then tests were done to see if any of the successfully deployed devices or a continuous human presence deters shark predation of monk seal pups.

During the feasibility trial, an underwater acoustic playback and a moored boat performed without issue. A float array proved hazardous to non‐target wildlife and electronic diver devices functioned poorly; both were omitted from further experimentation.

The number of shark sightings and predation incidents at two pupping islets was compared across two experimental treatments: (1) acoustic playback and a moored boat, and (2) continuous human presence, versus a control. Sharks were sighted with a remote camera system; predation incidents were evident from bite wounds or the disappearance of pups.

Observed shark activity was rare (12 sightings on video and six predation incidents) but similar to recent years. The number of shark sightings and predation incidents did not differ significantly between the two treatments and the control.

The relative scarcity of shark activity in the shallows around the pupping islets made detecting a treatment effect challenging. Sharks' wariness to humans is probably variable, unpredictable, possibly individualistic and unreliable at FFS. The acoustic playback as a deterrent could benefit from further testing and development. Other non‐lethal or lethal approaches for mitigating predation should be investigated to protect monk seal pups at FFS. Published 2012. This article is a U.S. Government work and is in the public domain in the USA.
Wnt/β‐Catenin Signaling Pathway Upregulates c‐Myc Expression to Promote Cell Proliferation of P19 Teratocarcinoma Cells
Authors: Zhang Shuai , Li Yi , Wu Yuling , Shi Kun , Bing Lujun , Hao Jing
Published: September 2012

Aberrant activation of the Wnt/β‐catenin signaling pathway is a common event in human tumor progression. Wnt signaling has also been implicated in maintaining a variety of adult and embryonic stem cells by imposing a restraint to differentiation. To understand the function and mechanism of Wnt/β‐catenin signaling on the pathogenesis of teratocarcinoma, we used the mouse teratocarcinoma P19 cell line as a model in vitro. Gsk3β specific inhibitor (SB216763) was used to activate Wnt/β‐catenin signaling. All trans‐retinoic acid (RA) was used to induce P19 cell differentiation. At different culture times, gene expression was examined by immunofluorescence staining, quantitative real‐time PCR, and Western‐blotting; BrdU incorporation assays were performed to measure P19 cell proliferation. Small interference RNA technology was used to downregulate c‐myc expression. The results showed that SB216763 induced the nuclear translocation of β‐catenin, upregulated the expression of c‐myc and pluripotency related genes, oct4, sox2 and nanog, and blocked cell differentiation induced by all trans‐RA. The proliferation of P19 cells was significantly enhanced by SB216763, as well as c‐myc overexpression. C‐myc downregulation inhibited P19 cell proliferation caused by activation of Wnt/β‐catenin signaling and induced P19 cell differentiation. In conclusion, activation of the Wnt/β‐catenin pathway could promote the proliferation and inhibit the differentiation of mouse teratocarcinoma cells by upregulation of c‐myc expression. Anat Rec, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
On a compound Poisson risk model with dependence and in the presence of a constant dividend barrier
Authors: Cossette Hélène , Marceau Etienne , Marri Fouad
Published: September 2012

In this paper, we consider a classical risk process with dependence and in the presence of a constant dividend barrier. The dependence structure between the claim amounts and the interclaim times is introduced through a Farlie–Gumbel–Morgenstern copula. We analyze the expectation of the discounted penalty function and the expectation of the present value of the distributed dividends. For each function, an integro‐differential equation with boundary conditions is derived, and the solution is provided. Finally, we find an explicit solution for each function when the claim amounts are exponentially distributed. We illustrate the impact of the dependence on these two quantities. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.