bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Inorganic Membranes for Hydrogen Production from the Water-Gas Shift Reaction: Materials, Reactor Design, and Simulation
Authors: Ding Li Ping , Wang Zehong
Published: March 2011

Inorganic membranes for gas separation and purification have attracted great research interest. One application utilizing these materials is for H2 production from the water-gas shift reactions (WGS). The exothermic, reversible WGS reaction is controlled by thermodynamic equilibrium and exhibits decreased conversion with increasing temperatures. It is envisaged that the reaction conversion will surpass the equilibrium value if the reaction is conducted in a hydrogen-permselective membrane reactor, where the hydrogen product can be continuously removed from the reactor to shift the reaction equilibrium. In this article, the most recent development on material synthesis and fabrication of microporous ceramic membranes and dense palladium-based metal membranes are firstly reviewed according to their performance for H2 permeance and permselectivity over slightly larger molecules. The modification methods for improving membrane structure integrity, hydrophobicity, and stability at high temperature operation are also discussed. Subsequently, inorganic membrane reactors for the WGS reaction are evaluated in terms of CO conversion, hydrogen purity and operation parameters. Finally, modeling on gas transport through inorganic membranes and simulation of membrane reactors are discussed. By comparing the performance of various membranes, future prospective and improvement on membrane preparation and membrane reactor design are proposed.
CFD Multifluid Simulation of Spouted Beds with and without Internal Draft Tubes
Authors: Rahimi Mahmood Reza , Azizi Salar
Published: March 2011

The insertion of an axially positioned non-porous and porous draft tube into the conventional spouted bed has shown potential advantages in stability and flexibility of the system and controlling particle trajectory history. In this work with computational fluid dynamics (CFD), important information on the flow field within three types of spouted bed has been provided and influences of using internal tube on spouted beds hydrodynamics were investigated. The simulation used the multi-fluid Eulerian-Eulerian approach based on kinetic theory of granular flows (KTGF), incorporating a kinetic-frictional constitutive model for dense assemblies of particulate solids and Gidaspow’s drag model for the interaction between gas and particles. Finally, the modeling results were compared with the experimental data from literature.
Di Bao Receipt and Its Importance for Combating Poverty in Urban China
Authors: Gustafsson Bjorn A , Quheng Deng
Published: March 2011

Since the second half of the 1990s, economic restructuring in urban China has led to widespread joblessness and income insecurity. The rapid expansion of the system of social assistance, Di Bao, can be understood from this perspective. Using a survey covering large parts of urban China in 2002, we investigate factors affecting receipt and how receipt affects urban poverty. Results from estimating probability models indicate that social assistance receipt is strongly linked to joblessness among household members, the household's expenditure burden, as well as the lack of financial assets. Furthermore, a long education of the household head and membership in the Communist Party reduces the probability of receiving social assistance while having been sent to rural China during the Cultural Revolution increases it. For some types of households, receipt of Di Bao differs greatly across cities in China. The social assistance payments appear strongly targeted to the poor. However, as the Di Bao payments typically are small and many of the urban poor are not receivers, much urban poverty remains.
Supplemental Security Income for the Second Decade
Authors: Wiseman Michael
Published: March 2011

Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is an odd combination of income support for families with disabled children, disabled working‐age adults, and elderly persons with inadequate retirement incomes. Less than three percent of Americans receive SSI payments. The program faces challenges on all three fronts: Payments for children with disabilities bear little relationship to family need or costs associated with caring for disabled children. State efforts to promote transition of children and adults from general assistance and TANF to SSI appear driven by fiscal considerations with little attention to health, functioning, and social integration objectives. Measuring the impact of poverty among the elderly is hampered by severe underreporting of benefits in survey data, most notably the Current Population Survey. This paper argues that SSI serves important purposes, but that all three target populations, especially children, might be served best by gradual decoupling or at least improved integration with other programs targeted to each of the three groups.
Review of Advancing Global Education: Patterns of Potential Human Progress
Authors: Soltys Dennis
Published: March 2011

Dennis Soltys reviews the second volume of a five‐part series that will further comprise health, infrastructure, and governance. The first volume, on poverty, was reviewed by this author in the No. 2, 2010, issue of the journal of Poverty & Public Policy.
Herbst treatment with mandibular cast splints—revisited
Authors: El-Fateh Tarek , Ruf Sabine
Published: March 2011

Objective:

The objective of this study was to reassess the dento-skeletal treatment effects and the amount of anchorage loss during reduced mandibular splint (RMS) Herbst treatment.

Materials and Methods:

One hundred consecutive Class II patients treated with a RMS-Herbst appliance were analyzed. The mean pretreatment age of the patients was 14.5 years, and the mean treatment time with the Herbst appliance was 8.1 months. Both before (T1) and after (T2) Herbst treatment a cephalometric measurement of lower incisor inclination, a sagittal occlusion analysis, and a dental cast analysis were performed. A comparison was performed with a historic Herbst control group treated with total mandibular cast splints (TMS).

Results:

During treatment the lower incisors proclined markedly (12.9° ± 4.6°). The amount of incisor proclination in the RMS group was, on average, 3.6° larger (P < .001) than in the TMS group. The lower incisor proclination increased from 11.9° (prepeak) to 14.3° (young adult). The level of professional experience of the practitioners performing the treatment did not influence the amount of incisor proclination significantly. The total available space in the lower arch increased by an average of 1.8 mm, and a space opened between the lower second premolars and lower permanent first molars in 62% of the present RMS-Herbst (average of 0.4 mm per side).

Conclusions:

Treatment with RMS-Herbst appliances leads to higher proclination of the lower incisors than does treatment with TMS-Herbst appliances; it also leads to an overall larger amount of anchorage loss.
Multimodality Imaging of β-Cells in Mouse Models of Type 1 and 2 Diabetes
Authors: Yong Jing , Rasooly Julia , Dang Hoa , Lu Yuxin , Middleton Blake , Zhang Zesong , Hon Larry , Namavari Mohammad , Stout David B. , Atkinson Mark A. , Tian Jide , Gambhir Sanjiv Sam , Kaufman Daniel L.
Published: March 2011

OBJECTIVE

β-Cells that express an imaging reporter have provided powerful tools for studying β-cell development, islet transplantation, and β-cell autoimmunity. To further expedite diabetes research, we generated transgenic C57BL/6 “MIP-TF” mice that have a mouse insulin promoter (MIP) driving the expression of a trifusion (TF) protein of three imaging reporters (luciferase/enhanced green fluorescent protein/HSV1-sr39 thymidine kinase) in their β-cells. This should enable the noninvasive imaging of β-cells by charge-coupled device (CCD) and micro-positron emission tomography (PET), as well as the identification of β-cells at the cellular level by fluorescent microscopy.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

MIP-TF mouse β-cells were multimodality imaged in models of type 1 and type 2 diabetes.

RESULTS

MIP-TF mouse β-cells were readily identified in pancreatic tissue sections using fluorescent microscopy. We show that MIP-TF β-cells can be noninvasively imaged using microPET. There was a correlation between CCD and microPET signals from the pancreas region of individual mice. After low-dose streptozotocin administration to induce type 1 diabetes, we observed a progressive reduction in bioluminescence from the pancreas region before the appearance of hyperglycemia. Although there have been reports of hyperglycemia inducing proinsulin expression in extrapancreatic tissues, we did not observe bioluminescent signals from extrapancreatic tissues of diabetic MIP-TF mice. Because MIP-TF mouse β-cells express a viral thymidine kinase, ganciclovir treatment induced hyperglycemia, providing a new experimental model of type 1 diabetes. Mice fed a high-fat diet to model early type 2 diabetes displayed a progressive increase in their pancreatic bioluminescent signals, which were positively correlated with area under the curve–intraperitoneal glucose tolerance test (AUC-IPGTT).

CONCLUSIONS

MIP-TF mice provide a new tool for monitoring β-cells from the single cell level to noninvasive assessments of β-cells in models of type 1 diabetes and type 2 diabetes.
Central Leptin Signaling Is Required to Normalize Myocardial Fatty Acid Oxidation Rates in Caloric-Restricted ob/ob Mice
Authors: Sloan Crystal , Tuinei Joseph , Nemetz Katherine , Frandsen Jonathan , Soto Jamie , Wride Noah , Sempokuya Tomoki , Alegria Luis , Bugger Heiko , Abel E. Dale
Published: March 2011

OBJECTIVE

ob/ob and db/db mice manifest myocardial hypertrophy, insulin resistance, altered substrate utilization, mitochondrial dysfunction, and lipid accumulation. This study was designed to determine the contribution of central and peripheral leptin signaling to myocardial metabolism and function in ob/ob and db/db mice in the absence of diabetes and morbid obesity.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

Male ob/ob mice (aged 4 weeks) were caloric restricted by pairfeeding to a leptin-treated ob/ob group. In addition to determining glucose tolerance and circulating lipid concentrations, myocardial substrate metabolism and mitochondrial function were determined in saponin-permeabilized cardiac fibers. Second, experiments were performed to determine whether leptin treatment by intraperitoneal injection or intracerebroventricular infusion could normalize myocardial palmitate oxidation in caloric-restricted ob/ob mouse hearts.

RESULTS

Despite normalizing body weight and glucose tolerance, fat mass and circulating lipid levels remained increased in caloric-restricted ob/ob animals. Palmitate oxidation remained elevated in caloric-restricted ob/ob hearts and was normalized by intraperitoneal or intracerebroventricular leptin. Intraperitoneal and intracerebroventricular treatment also normalized circulating free fatty acid levels, myocardial fatty acid oxidation gene expression, and myocardial insulin sensitivity.

CONCLUSIONS

These data suggest that impaired hypothalamic leptin signaling is sufficient to increase myocardial fatty acid oxidation by increasing delivery of free fatty acid substrates and peroxisome proliferator–activated receptor-α ligands to the heart.
Plasma Kallikrein Mediates Retinal Vascular Dysfunction and Induces Retinal Thickening in Diabetic Rats
Authors: Clermont Allen , Chilcote Tamie J. , Kita Takeshi , Liu Jia , Riva Priscilla , Sinha Sukanto , Feener Edward P.
Published: March 2011

OBJECTIVE

Plasma kallikrein (PK) has been identified in vitreous fluid obtained from individuals with diabetic retinopathy and has been implicated in contributing to retinal vascular dysfunction. In this report, we examined the effects of PK on retinal vascular functions and thickness in diabetic rats.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

We investigated the effects of a selective PK inhibitor, ASP-440, and C1 inhibitor (C1-INH), the primary physiological inhibitor of PK, on retinal vascular permeability (RVP) and hemodynamics in rats with streptozotocin-induced diabetes. The effect of intravitreal PK injection on retinal thickness was examined by spectral domain optical coherence tomography.

RESULTS

Systemic continuous administration of ASP-440 for 4 weeks initiated at the time of diabetes onset inhibited RVP by 42% (P = 0.013) and 83% (P < 0.001) at doses of 0.25 and 0.6 mg/kg per day, respectively. Administration of ASP-440 initiated 2 weeks after the onset of diabetes ameliorated both RVP and retinal blood flow abnormalities in diabetic rats measured at 4 weeks’ diabetes duration. Intravitreal injection of C1-INH similarly decreased impaired RVP in rats with 2 weeks’ diabetes duration. Intravitreal injection of PK increased both acute RVP and sustained focal RVP (24 h postinjection) to a greater extent in diabetic rats compared with nondiabetic control rats. Intravitreal injection of PK increased retinal thickness compared with baseline to a greater extent (P = 0.017) in diabetic rats (from 193 ± 10 μm to 223 ± 13 μm) compared with nondiabetic rats (from 182 ± 8 μm to 193 ± 9 μm).

CONCLUSIONS

These results show that PK contributes to retinal vascular dysfunctions in diabetic rats and that the combination of diabetes and intravitreal injection of PK in rats induces retinal thickening.
Associations of Common Genetic Variants With Age-Related Changes in Fasting and Postload Glucose
Authors: Jensen Anders C. , Barker Adam , Kumari Meena , Brunner Eric J. , Kivimäki Mika , Hingorani Aroon D. , Wareham Nicholas J. , Tabák Adam G. , Witte Daniel R. , Langenberg Claudia
Published: March 2011

OBJECTIVE

In the general, nondiabetic population, fasting glucose increases only slightly over time, whereas 2-h postload glucose shows a much steeper age-related rise. The reasons underlying these different age trajectories are unknown. We investigated whether common genetic variants associated with fasting and 2-h glucose contribute to age-related changes of these traits.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

We studied 5,196 nondiabetic participants of the Whitehall II cohort (aged 40–78 years) attending up to four 5-yearly oral glucose tolerance tests. A genetic score was calculated separately for fasting and 2-h glucose, including 16 and 5 single nucleotide polymorphisms, respectively. Longitudinal modeling with age centered at 55 years was used to study the effects of each genotype and genetic score on fasting and 2-h glucose and their interactions with age, adjusting for sex and time-varying BMI.

RESULTS

The fasting glucose genetic score was significantly associated with fasting glucose with a 0.029 mmol/L (95% CI 0.023–0.034) difference (P = 2.76 × 10−21) per genetic score point, an association that remained constant over time (age interaction P = 0.17). Two-hour glucose levels differed by 0.076 mmol/L (0.047–0.105) per genetic score point (P = 3.1 × 10−7); notably, this effect became stronger with increasing age by 0.006 mmol/L (0.003–0.009) per genetic score point per year (age interaction P = 3.0 × 10−5), resulting in diverging age trajectories by genetic score.

CONCLUSIONS

Common genetic variants contribute to the age-related rise of 2-h glucose levels, whereas associations of variants for fasting glucose are constant over time, in line with stable age trajectories of fasting glucose.
Inherited Variation in Vitamin D Genes Is Associated With Predisposition to Autoimmune Disease Type 1 Diabetes
Authors: Cooper Jason D. , Smyth Deborah J. , Walker Neil M. , Stevens Helen , Burren Oliver S. , Wallace Chris , Greissl Christopher , Ramos-Lopez Elizabeth , Hyppönen Elina , Dunger David B. , Spector Timothy D. , Ouwehand Willem H. , Wang Thomas J. , Badenhoop Klaus , Todd John A.
Published: March 2011

OBJECTIVE

Vitamin D deficiency (25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] <50 nmol/L) is commonly reported in both children and adults worldwide, and growing evidence indicates that vitamin D deficiency is associated with many extraskeletal chronic disorders, including the autoimmune diseases type 1 diabetes and multiple sclerosis.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

We measured 25(OH)D concentrations in 720 case and 2,610 control plasma samples and genotyped single nucleotide polymorphisms from seven vitamin D metabolism genes in 8,517 case, 10,438 control, and 1,933 family samples. We tested genetic variants influencing 25(OH)D metabolism for an association with both circulating 25(OH)D concentrations and disease status.

RESULTS

Type 1 diabetic patients have lower circulating levels of 25(OH)D than similarly aged subjects from the British population. Only 4.3 and 18.6% of type 1 diabetic patients reached optimal levels (≥75 nmol/L) of 25(OH)D for bone health in the winter and summer, respectively. We replicated the associations of four vitamin D metabolism genes (GC, DHCR7, CYP2R1, and CYP24A1) with 25(OH)D in control subjects. In addition to the previously reported association between type 1 diabetes and CYP27B1 (P = 1.4 × 10−4), we obtained consistent evidence of type 1 diabetes being associated with DHCR7 (P = 1.2 × 10−3) and CYP2R1 (P = 3.0 × 10−3).

CONCLUSIONS

Circulating levels of 25(OH)D in children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes vary seasonally and are under the same genetic control as in the general population but are much lower. Three key 25(OH)D metabolism genes show consistent evidence of association with type 1 diabetes risk, indicating a genetic etiological role for vitamin D deficiency in type 1 diabetes.
Antidiabetic Actions of Endogenous and Exogenous GLP-1 in Type 1 Diabetic Patients With and Without Residual β-Cell Function
Authors: Kielgast Urd , Holst Jens J. , Madsbad Sten
Published: March 2011

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the effect of exogenous as well as endogenous glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) on postprandial glucose excursions and to characterize the secretion of incretin hormones in type 1 diabetic patients with and without residual β-cell function.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

Eight type 1 diabetic patients with (T1D+), eight without (T1D−) residual β-cell function, and eight healthy matched control subjects were studied during a mixed meal with concomitant infusion of GLP-1 (1.2 pmol/kg/min), saline, or exendin 9-39 (300 pmol/kg/min). Before the meal, half dose of usual fast-acting insulin was injected. Plasma glucose (PG), glucagon, C-peptide, total GLP-1, intact glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP), free fatty acids, triglycerides, and gastric emptying rate (GE) by plasma acetaminophen were measured.

RESULTS

Incretin responses did not differ between patients and control subjects. Infusion of GLP-1 decreased peak PG by 45% in both groups of type 1 diabetic patients. In T1D+ patients, postprandial PG decreased below fasting levels and was indistinguishable from control subjects infused with saline. In T1D− patients, postprandial PG remained at fasting levels. GLP-1 infusion reduced GE and glucagon levels in all groups and increased fasting C-peptide in T1D+ patients and control subjects. Blocking endogenous GLP-1 receptor action increased endogenous GLP-1 secretion in all groups and increased postprandial glucose, glucagon, and GE in T1D+ and T1D− patients. The insulinogenic index (the ratio of insulin to glucose) decreased in T1D+ patients during blockade of endogenous GLP-1 receptor action.

CONCLUSIONS

Type 1 diabetic patients have normal incretin responses to meals. In type 1 diabetic patients, exogenous GLP-1 decreases peak postprandial glucose by 45% regardless of residual β-cell function. Endogenous GLP-1 regulates postprandial glucose excursions by modulating glucagon levels, GE, and β-cell responsiveness to glucose. Long-term effects of GLP-1 in type 1 diabetic patients should be investigated in future clinical trials.
Improved Insulin Sensitivity by GLUT12 Overexpression in Mice
Authors: Purcell Scott H. , Aerni-Flessner Lauren B. , Willcockson Alexandra R. , Diggs-Andrews Kelly A. , Fisher Simon J. , Moley Kelle H.
Published: March 2011

OBJECTIVE

Evidence suggests that insulin-sensitive glucose transporters (GLUTs) other than GLUT4 may exist. To investigate whether GLUT12 may represent another insulin-sensitive GLUT, transgenic (TG) mice that overexpress GLUT12 were characterized.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

TG mice that overexpressed GLUT12 under a β-actin promoter were generated. Glucose metabolism in TG and wild-type control mice was compared using glucose and insulin tolerance tests and hyperinsulinemic-euglycemic clamps. In addition, basal and insulin-stimulated glucose clearance rates into insulin-sensitive peripheral tissues were measured using [3H]-2-deoxy-d-glucose.

RESULTS

GLUT12 was overexpressed by 40–75% in TG compared with wild-type mice in insulin-sensitive tissues with no change in GLUT4 content. Body weight and fasting blood glucose did not differ between wild-type and TG mice; however, insulin concentrations were reduced in TG mice. Enhanced oral glucose tolerance was noted in TG mice by a reduced blood glucose excursion compared with wild-type mice (P < 0.05). Enhanced insulin sensitivity was noted by a greater decrease in blood glucose in TG mice during insulin tolerance testing. Hyperinsulinemic-euglycemic clamps confirmed enhanced insulin sensitivity in GLUT12-overexpressing mice (P < 0.01). Tissues of TG mice exhibited normal basal glucose clearance rates; however, under insulin-stimulated conditions, glucose clearance was significantly increased (P < 0.01) in tissues of TG mice.

CONCLUSIONS

Increased expression of GLUT12 results in improved whole-body insulin sensitivity mediated by an increased glucose clearance rate in insulin-responsive tissues under insulin-stimulated, but not basal, conditions. These findings provide evidence that GLUT12 represents a novel, second insulin-sensitive GLUT.
Protection From Retinopathy and Other Complications in Patients With Type 1 Diabetes of Extreme Duration
Authors: Sun Jennifer K. , Keenan Hillary A. , Cavallerano Jerry D. , Asztalos Bela F. , Schaefer Ernst J. , Sell David R. , Strauch Christopher M. , Monnier Vincent M. , Doria Alessandro , Aiello Lloyd Paul , King George L.
Published: March 2011

OBJECTIVE

To assess complication prevalence and identify protective factors in patients with diabetes duration of ≥50 years. Characterization of a complication-free subgroup in this cohort would suggest that some individuals are protected from diabetes complications and allow identification of endogenous protective factors.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

Cross-sectional, observational study of 351 U.S. residents who have survived with type 1 diabetes for ≥50 years (Medalists). Retinopathy, nephropathy, neuropathy, and cardiovascular disease were assessed in relation to HbA1c, lipids, and advanced glycation end products (AGEs). Retrospective chart review provided longitudinal ophthalmic data for a subgroup.

RESULTS

A high proportion of Medalists remain free from proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR) (42.6%), nephropathy (86.9%), neuropathy (39.4%), or cardiovascular disease (51.5%). Current and longitudinal (the past 15 years) glycemic control were unrelated to complications. Subjects with high plasma carboxyethyl-lysine and pentosidine were 7.2-fold more likely to have any complication. Of Medalists without PDR, 96% with no retinopathy progression over the first 17 years of follow-up did not experience retinopathy worsening thereafter.

CONCLUSIONS

The Medalist population is likely enriched for protective factors against complications. These factors might prove useful to the general population with diabetes if they can be used to induce protection against long-term complications. Specific AGE combinations were strongly associated with complications, indicating a link between AGE formation or processing with development of diabetic vasculopathy.
A Decrease in Glucose Variability Does Not Reduce Cardiovascular Event Rates in Type 2 Diabetic Patients After Acute Myocardial Infarction
Authors: Siegelaar Sarah E. , Kerr Lisa , Jacober Scott J. , Devries J. Hans
Published: March 2011

OBJECTIVE

To assess the effect of intraday glucose variability (GV) on cardiovascular outcomes in a reanalysis of Hyperglycemia and Its Effect After Acute Myocardial Infarction on Cardiovascular Outcomes in Patients With Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (HEART2D) study data.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

Type 2 diabetic patients after acute myocardial infarction were randomized to an insulin treatment strategy targeting postprandial (PRANDIAL; n = 557) or fasting/interprandial (BASAL; n = 558) hyperglycemia. GV was calculated as mean amplitude of glycemic excursions (MAGE), mean absolute glucose (MAG) change, and SD.

RESULTS

The PRANDIAL strategy resulted in an 18% lower MAG than BASAL (mean [SEM] difference 0.09 [0.04] mmol/L/h, P = 0.02). In addition, MAGE and SD were lower in the PRANDIAL group, however, not significantly. HbA1c levels and cardiovascular event rates were comparable between groups.

CONCLUSIONS

A PRANDIAL strategy demonstrated lower intraday GV vs. a BASAL strategy with similar overall glycemic control but did not result in a reduction in cardiovascular outcomes. This does not support the hypothesis that targeting GV would be beneficial in reducing subsequent secondary cardiovascular events.
The characteristics of the chemical flow within the Motru catchment area, south — west Romania
Authors: Ionuş Oana
Published: March 2011

The present paper, with reference to the Motru catchment area, contributes to the hydrochemical studies at an international level and to the completion of the characteristics regarding the chemical flow in Romania. In this regard, it emphasizes once again the dependence between the content of dissolved salts (fixed residue — mg/l) on the one hand and the lithological conditions, human activity, flow and the surface of the catchments on the other hand. The calculation and the analysis of the chemical flow for the Motru catchment area (located in the south-west of Romania) was performed on the basis of two parameters: the average flow of dissolved chemical substances (mg/s) and specific average chemical flow (t/kmp year) recorded at the monitoring stations on the Motru River and its tributaries during the period 2005–2009.

The values obtained (for example: 2.63 mg/s and 47.7 t/km2 year, at the Fata Motrului station, on the Motru River, in 2009) confirm the importance of the areal factors of natural background in the analysis of chemical flow as a morpho-dynamic process and implicitly for the chemical quality of surface waters.
Late Quaternary palaeoenvironment and palaeoclimate of the Lake Fehér (Fehér-tó) sequence at Kardoskút (South Hungary), based on preliminary mollusc records
Authors: Sümegi Pál , Lócskai Tünde , Hupuczi Júlia
Published: March 2011

Forty (22 freshwater gastropod, 14 gastropod, 4 bivalves) species and 3428 specimens of molluscs were collected and identified from a 6.3 m sequence, obtained from a core profile, of lake and fluvial sediments at Kardoskút, South Hungary. According to changes in the molluscan fauna, six malacological-palaeoecological zones can be identified in this profile. The Quaternary malacological data from the Lake Fehér core profile suggests that the Late Pleniglacial and Early Holocene development of the molluscan fauna, and local palaeoclimatic and palaeoenvironmental conditions in this area, differed from other regions in Europe.
Pleistocene trace fossils in the Ironshore Formation, Little Cayman, British West Indies
Authors: Metz Robert
Published: March 2011

Oosparite grainstones of the Pleistocene Ironshore Formation, Little Cayman, British West Indies, contain the trace fossils Conichnus conicus, Ophiomorpha nodosa, and Planolites beverleyensis. The dominance of vertically-oriented trace fossils, complexity of cross-stratifications, coarseness of the sediment channel fill, and presence of several rudstone layers suggest deposition close to the seaward portion of lagoonal channels where higher energy conditions prevailed.
The most problematic variable in the course of human-biometeorological comfort assessment — the mean radiant temperature
Authors: Kántor Noémi , Unger János
Published: March 2011

This paper gives a review on the topic of the mean radiant temperature Tmrt, the most important parameter influencing outdoor thermal comfort during sunny conditions. Tmrt summarizes all short wave and long wave radiation fluxes reaching the human body, which can be very complex (variable in spatial and also in temporal manner) in urban settings. Thermal comfort researchers and urban planners need easy and sound methodological approaches to assess Tmrt. After the basics of the Tmrt calculation some of the methods suitable for obtaining Tmrt also in urban environments will be presented.. Two of the discussed methods are based on instruments which measure the radiation fluxes integral (globe thermometer, pyranometer-pyrgeometer combination), and three of the methods are based on modelling the radiation environment with PC software (RayMan, ENVI-met and SOLWEIG).
State of stress in the northern Tabas block, east-central Iran, as inferred from focal mechanisms of the 1978 Tabas earthquake sequence
Authors: Behzad Zamani G.
Published: March 2011

In this paper, the state of stress in the northern Tabas block in east-central Iran is analyzed based on the systematic inversion of aftershock focal mechanisms from the 1978.09.16 Tabas earthquake, to characterise the stress regime that controls most earthquakes in this area. Here, stress inversions of double-couple focal mechanisms of earthquakes recorded during the 30 days following the main shock have been carried out. The calculated average stress regime indicates dominant major 226° to 237° trending compression for the Tabas region. The dominating regime in east-central Iran is thrusting with a minimum stress axis, σ
3, close to vertical. The reconstruction of the main seismotectonic stress in east-central Iran with a NE-SW compression is consistent with independent information of the active plate convergence related to Arabia-Eurasia convergence. Most earthquakes in the mentioned area occur near or around concealed Quaternary thrust faults with their activity being controlled by the NE-SW compression. Where ϕ, the ratio of principal stress differences, is 0.5, a small difference between σ
2; σ
3 and σ
1 and small amounts of deviatoric stress is indicated. Therefore, for small deviatoric horizontal σ
1 it is not possible to increase and reactivate small sections of basement thrust faults and create secondary basement aftershocks. Reconstructed stress regimes in this study for sedimentary cover (237) and basement (226) of Tabas are similar. Therefore, it seems that the basement and cover were coupled together, possibly along the 2–4 km of upper Precambrian low-grade metamorphic rocks. Then these segments of the fold-and-thrust belt were involved in similar seismic activity under a similar stress regime.
Territorial dynamics and boundary effects in a protected area of the Central Iberian Peninsula
Authors: Heras Paloma , Fernández-Sañudo Paloma , López-Estébanez Nieves , Roldán María
Published: March 2011

We analysed the main changes in land use over a 21 year period within the perimeter of a Protected Natural Area (PNA) and outside this perimeter. The area is characterised by its Mediterranean mid-mountain landscape and its piedmont, which extends almost as far as the city of Madrid. We employed cartography of land use and plant formation from 1980 and 2001. We identified land uses and their changes in this time period in order to determine the principal territorial dynamics (scrub encroachment, urban development, forest encroachment, new pastures and new crops). Subsequently, we performed a comparative analysis between the changes inside and those outside the protected area. The results show that there is a boundary effect between the protected area and the surrounding zone, which is more notable in the areas where urban development has intensified. This kind of research serves to establish whether or not a PNA contributes to protecting and conserving natural resources as compared to what occurs in the unprotected surrounding area, which tends to be subjected to more aggressive dynamics.
Effect of block rotation on the pitch of slickenlines
Authors: Xu Shunshan , Nieto-Samaniego Ángel , Alaniz-Álvarez Susana , Velasquillo-Martínez Luis
Published: March 2011

Rotation of faults or pre-existing weakness planes produce two effects on the slickenlines of fault planes. First, the rotation leads to changes in the pitch of slickenlines. As a result, the aspect of the pre-existing fault may change. For example, after rotation, a normal fault may show features of an oblique fault, a strike-slip fault, or a thrust fault. Second, due to rotation, stress states on the fault planes are different from those before the rotation. As a consequence some previous planes may be reactivated. For an isolated plane, the reactivation due to rotation can produce new sets of slickenlines. With block rotation, superimposed slickenlines can be generated in the same tectonic phase. Thus, it is not appropriate to use fault-slip data from slickenlines to analyze the stress tensor in a region where there is evidence of block rotation. As an example, we present the data of slickenlines from core samples in the Tunich area of the Gulf of Mexico. The results wrongly indicate that the calculated stress tensor deviates from the far-field stress tensor.
The hydrocarbon potential, thermal maturity, sequence stratigraphic setting and depositional palaeoenvironment of carbonaceous shale and lignite successions of Panandhro, northwestern Kutch Basin, Gujarat, Western India
Authors: Sahay Vinay
Published: March 2011

The objective of the present paper is to provide geochemical and palynological data to characterize lignites and carbonaceous shales from Panandhro, northwestern Kutch Basin, Gujarat, Western India, in terms of their hydrocarbon potential, thermal maturity, sequence stratigraphic settings and depositional palaeoenvironment. The samples, collected in Panandhro lignite mine, belong to Naredi Formation of Late Paleocene-Early Eocene age. The geochemical results are based on proximate analysis, ultimate analysis, X-ray diffraction and Rock-Eval py-rolysis analyses, whereas palynological data include palynofossil composition and thermal alteration index (TAI). The TOC, hydrogen index (HI), cracked hydrocarbon (S2), bitumen index (BI), quality index (QI), and the total genetic potential (S1+S2) values indicate that the studied lignites and carbonaceous shales have good source rock potential. The organic matter is predominantly of type II and type II/III kerogen, which has potential to generate oil as well as gas. Thermal maturity determined from thermal alteration index (TAI), Tmax and production index (PI) indicates that the organic matter is immature, and in the diagenesis stage of organic matter transformation. The deposition of the studied carbonaceous shales and lignites took place in palaeoenvironments varying from brackish mangrove to freshwater swamp. This study indicates that the proportion of ferns, palms, volatile matter content, S/C, H/C ratios, as well as the presence of siderite and quartz can be used as an indicator of accommodation trends in the coal depositional system. The Panandhro carbonaceous shales and lignites were deposited during the lowstand systems tract with many cycles of small magnitude trangressive-regressive phases. Thus, the geochemistry and ecological palynology are useful not only for the investigation of coal quality and origin, but also to infer accommodation space settings of the mire. This can be gainfully utilized in the coal industry for coal mine planning, development and exploitation, because of the predictive ability to infer changes in stratigraphy and coal quality.
Appropriate sampling strategy and analytical methodology to address contamination by industry. Part 2: Geochemistry and speciation analysis
Authors: Shtiza Aurela , Swennen Rudy
Published: March 2011

The degree of contamination in soils, sediments and dusts can be assessed based on knowledge of a variety of factors, such as industrialization, type of contaminants, deposition conditions, contamination-control techniques, along with the characteristics of the recipient environmental compartments, which include pathways for contamination transport, depth of infiltration, and degree of groundwater contamination. The impact of contaminants also depends on the quantity, mobility and speciation of contaminants/wastes as well as on the sensitivity of the recipient compartments. With sufficient knowledge of these factors, a number of conclusions can be drawn concerning the status of contamination in industrialized areas. This literature review aims to scrutinize some of the methods used to analyse the occurrence, speciation, mobility, bioavailability and likely the toxic effects of contaminants in the environment.
A size control for quartz silt (making particulates at planetary surfaces)
Authors: Smalley Ian , Vita-Finzi Claudio
Published: March 2011

Quartz silt is widespread in terrestrial sediments [1]. Its ubiquity has led to its neglect as a geomaterial, and studies of silt as such are relatively rare, but it presents an interesting and continuing petrological problem. Is silt a specific geological material, is it defined by a formation process, and a set of size parameters? In the world of clastic quartz sedimentology there are obvious mode sizes; there is a sand mode at around 300–500 μm and a silt mode, an order of magnitude smaller, at 30–50 μm. Are these both defined by specific geological processes?
Combining ability and heterosis for fiber quality traits in cotton
Authors: Bolek Yuksel , Cokkizgin Hatice , Bardak Adem
Published: March 2011

Combining ability and heterosis for fiber quality traits in cotton

Combining ability analysis and heterosis for cotton fiber quality traits were studied in a set of diallel crosses involving eight cotton (Gossypium sp.) genotypes. Randomized complete block design was used to test 56 F1 and 8 parents for fiber quality traits; length (Len), strength (Str), micronaire (Mic), uniformity (Unf), elongation (Elg), spinning consistency index (Sci) and short fiber index (Sfi). Analysis revealed significant general combining ability (GCA) and specific combining ability (SCA) effects for all the traits and additive gene effects were important in the inheritance of the traits. Giza-45 had the highest GCA effects for Len, Sci, Unf and Elg while Is-4 had the highest Str value. Mic and Sfi values were lowest for Askabat-100 and Giza-45, respectively. The cross Cukurova-1518 × 108-F and Nazilli-84S × Askabat-100 had the lowest SCA effects for Mic and Sfi, respectively. The highest values for Len (Askabat-100 × 108-F), for Str (Acala Prema × 108-F), for Sci (Is-4 × Giza-45), for Unf (Stoneville-453 × Askabat-100) and for Elg (108-F × Is-4) were also obtained. Hybridizations among Askabat-100 × Nazilli-84S, Is-4 × Giza-45, Askabat-100 × Stoneville-453, Askabat-100 × Giza-45, Is-4 × 108F, Giza-45 × 108F, Giza-45 × Acala Prema, Nazilli-84S × Giza-45, Is-4 × Nazilli-84S and Acala Prema × Askabat-100 crosses yielded the best heterosis and heterobeltiosis values. Aforementioned parents and crosses could be utilized for further selection of high fiber quality and applying 3-way crosses or modified backcross or recurrent selection to genotypes having good combining ability would improve fiber quality.
Radar Signatures of Complex Buried Objects in Ground Penetrating Radar
Authors: Panzner Berthold , Jöstingmeier Andreas , Omar Abbas
Published: March 2011

Radar Signatures of Complex Buried Objects in Ground Penetrating Radar

The evaluation of radar signatures of buried objects for three experimental ground penetrating radar setups will be addressed in this paper. The contribution will present corresponding results and experiences. The performance of the imaging capabilities of the designed radar system will be assessed by reconstruction of complex shaped test objects, which have been placed within the ground. The influence of system parameters of the ground penetrating radar have been varied systematically in order to analyze their effects on the image quality. Among the modified parameters are the step size in transverse plane, height of the antenna over ground, frequency range, frequency points, antennas and varying instrument settings. A signal processing technique based on synthetic aperture radar has been applied on the measured raw data. The focus radius around a specific target has been analyzed concerning the compromise between image quality and processing time. The experiments demonstrate that the designed ground penetrating radar systems are capable for detection of buried objects with high resolution.
Radar and Optical Images Fusion Using Stripmap SAR Data with Multilook Processing
Authors: Kulpa Krzysztof , Malanowski Mateusz , Misiurewicz Jacek , Samczynski Piotr
Published: March 2011

Radar and Optical Images Fusion Using Stripmap SAR Data with Multilook Processing

The paper presents the real-life data results of SAR and optical images data fusion. The fusion has been carried out for SAR images obtained in stripmap SAR mode using multilook processing with different methods of final image creation. The aim of the fusion was to enhance the target recognition capabilities on the Earth surface for a simple single-channel SAR receiver.
Methods of Achieving Good GPR Image Resolution Using Focused SAR Processing
Authors: Zych Mariusz
Published: March 2011

Methods of Achieving Good GPR Image Resolution Using Focused SAR Processing

The paper describes the simulation and measurement results for a ground penetrating SAR radar. The main purpose of this paper is to present the complexity of the issues relating to GPR. Permittivity of the ground determination error causes the resolution deterioration of the resulting image therefore an important task of the digital signal processing is the correct estimation of the permittivity. The article presents several methods devoted to this subject. As a simulation model of SAR system the pulse radar with LFM (Linear Frequency Modulation) signal has been applied. The aim of the experiment is to test ability of the SAR system to obtain fully focused image of the underground targets. The real data measurements took place on the 6th floor at the Faculty of Electronics and Information - Warsaw University of Technology. During measurement campaign the GPR SAR demonstrator mounted on the rails wagon has been used to generate radar motion.
Influence of the Aperture Edge Diffraction Effects on the Mutual Coupling Compensation Technique in Small Planar Antenna Arrays
Authors: Zamłyński Mariusz , Słobodzian Piotr
Published: March 2011

Influence of the Aperture Edge Diffraction Effects on the Mutual Coupling Compensation Technique in Small Planar Antenna Arrays

In this paper the quality of a technique to compensate for mutual coupling (and other phenomena) in small linear antenna arrays is investigated. The technique consists in calculation of a coupling matrix, which is than used to determine corrected antenna array excitation coefficients. Although the technique is known for more than 20 years, there is still very little information about how different phenomena existing in a real antenna arrays influence its performance. In this paper two models of antenna arrays are used. In the first model the effect of mutual coupling is separated from the aperture edge diffraction. In the second model antenna both mutual coupling and aperture edge diffraction effects are included. It is shown that mutual coupling itself can be compensated very well and an ultralow sidelobe level (i.e. -50 dB) could be achieved in practice. In the presence of diffraction effects -46.3 dB sidelobe level has been attained, but radiation pattern can be controled only in narrow angle range (i.e. up to ±60°).
Reaching Beyond Our Walls: Library Outreach to Veterinary Practitioners
Authors: Sewell Robin R. , Funkhouser Norma F. , Foster Christine L.
Published: March 2011

The Texas A&M University Medical Sciences Library (MSL) supports lifelong learning for Texas veterinarians and College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences (CVMBS) alumni through several ongoing outreach efforts. The MSL provides free document delivery and literature search services to practicing veterinarians in support of patient care. The MSL also responded to unique opportunities to expand services and increase its visibility through collaborations with the American Association of Equine Practitioners and CABI, provider of VetMed Resource. The MSL continues to explore ways to expand its mission-critical veterinary outreach work and market library services to veterinarians through participation in continuing education, regional meetings, and veterinary student instruction.
Toxic effects of prolonged endosulfan exposure on some blood parameters in albino rat
Authors: Das B , Pervin Kawser , Roy AK , Ferdousi Z , Saha AK
Published: March 2011

Endosulfan is a worldwide used synthetic insecticide that has an important role on management of pests in agriculture. The present work was undertaken to determine the effect of endosulfan on the haematological and haemochemical parameters of albino rats. Rats were feed with 5 mg/kg body weight endosulfan in mixed food stuff for 42 days. The studies were conducted on sexually matured male rats covering five groups of animals with control. Total counts of erythrocytes and haemoglobin were decreased and leucocytes were increased in treated group. Differential counts of leucocytes showed significant increase in basophils and monocytes. The levels of serum glucose, urea, creatinine and bilirubin increased significantly, suggesting that the synthetic insecticide had remarkable toxic effects on the haematological and biochemical parameters in the experimental animals. Key words: Endosulfan; prolonged exposure; haematology; haemochemical parameters; albino rat DOI: 10.3329/jles.v5i0.7346 J. Life Earth Sci., Vol. 5: 29-32, 2010
Evaluation of Lithium-Ion Battery Equivalent Circuit Models for State of Charge Estimation by an Experimental Approach
Authors: He Hongwen , Xiong Rui , Fan Jinxin
Published: March 2011

To improve the use of lithium-ion batteries in electric vehicle (EV) applications, evaluations and comparisons of different equivalent circuit models are presented in this paper. Based on an analysis of the traditional lithium-ion battery equivalent circuit models such as the Rint, RC, Thevenin and PNGV models, an improved Thevenin model, named dual polarization (DP) model, is put forward by adding an extra RC to simulate the electrochemical polarization and concentration polarization separately. The model parameters are identified with a genetic algorithm, which is used to find the optimal time constant of the model, and the experimental data from a Hybrid Pulse Power Characterization (HPPC) test on a LiMn2O4 battery module. Evaluations on the five models are carried out from the point of view of the dynamic performance and the state of charge (SoC) estimation. The dynamic performances of the five models are obtained by conducting the Dynamic Stress Test (DST) and the accuracy of SoC estimation with the Robust Extended Kalman Filter (REKF) approach is determined by performing a Federal Urban Driving Schedules (FUDS) experiment. By comparison, the DP model has the best dynamic performance and provides the most accurate SoC estimation. Finally, sensitivity of the different SoC initial values is investigated based on the accuracy of SoC estimation with the REKF approach based on the DP model. It is clear that the errors resulting from the SoC initial value are significantly reduced and the true SoC is convergent within an acceptable error.