bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Distribution and utilization of bamboos in the midwestern and the far-western regions of Nepal
Authors: Das AN , Thapa HB 
Published: October 2013

The distribution and utilization of bamboo species in the mid-western and the far-western regions were recorded using various methods including Rapid Rural Appraisal (RRA) and Participatory Rural Appraisal (PRA) tools, field visits and specimen collection. Of the eleven genera of bamboo recorded from the regions, most of the species were found to be of indigenous types. In the mid-western region, 48 bamboo species were recorded: 18 identified at species level and 11 at genera level. However, 19 species could not be identified, although their local names were recorded. Similarly, in the far-western region, 31 species were recorded: 10 were identified at species as well as genera levels. In this region too, 11 species could not be identified, only local names were recorded. Greater diversity of bamboos exists in the hills than in the Terai belt of the regions studied. High Mountain districts such as Jumla, Dolpa, and Darchula contain considerably less quantity of large diameter sized bamboos (bans) than small sized diameter bamboos (nigalo). Although, in these regions, 18 uses of bamboo were noted, many species are mostly used for weaving. The development of bamboo resources in the regions can help reduce poverty, generate employment and sustain rural livelihoods. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/banko.v21i1.9059 Banko Janakari, Vol. 21, No. 1 2011; 13-24
Impurity-controlled densification: a new model for stratified polar firn
Authors: Freitag Johannes , Kipfstuhl Sepp , Laepple Thomas , Wilhelms Frank 
Published: October 2013

AbstractA new densification model, which simulates the effect of impurities on the densification of polar firn, is presented. The classical densification models of Herron and Langway (1980) and Pimienta and Barnola (Barnola and others, 1991) are modified by assuming that the activation energy for deformation is reduced by the impurities. Motivated by recent observations, the impurity effect is formulated on an empirical basis using the seasonally varying Ca2+ ion concentration. Excellent agreement between simulated and measured high-resolution density profiles confirms the new approach. The same parameterization applies for Greenland and Antarctica despite the one order of magnitude difference in impurity concentration. The new models allow us, for the first time, to simulate the density layering in firn down to the firn–ice transition. Our results emphasize the importance of impurities and density layering for the air entrapment and for dating gas records of deep ice cores, in particular for glacial climate conditions where the impurity concentrations are 10–100-fold higher than in modern firn.
Using marine resistivity to map geotechnical properties: a case study in support of dredging the Panama Canal
Authors: Rucker Dale F. , E. Noonan Gillian 
Published: October 2013

ABSTRACTThe distribution of subbottom geotechnical strength properties within the Panama Canal are needed to help with the Canal’s expansion. Core data already exist in the Canal, including lithological/stratigraphical descriptions and qualitative measurements of rock hardness. These data have been acquired within the Canal during previous expansion activities conducted over the past 60 years. Alone, the core data can be used to estimate rock hardness at unsampled locations using geostatistical methods. However, to help reduce uncertainty in the interpolation of rock hardness, a spatially continuous electrical resistivity survey was conducted to provide a better means of bridging information between cores. Although no direct causative link between rock hardness and resistivity exists, it was thought that the resistivity would be dependent upon jointly influencing parameters that comprise the geome‐chanical attributes of the rock, in this case porosity. For example, tuff generally had lower hardness and lower resistivity values compared to andesite and differences in porosity of these rock types would help explain the trend. When considering the resistivity in this geologic context, the spatial interpolation of rock hardness showed better agreement with measured data at sampled locations compared to methods that did not consider any geological context (including kriging of core data or a polynomial regression model between resistivity and rock hardness). Additionally, it is believed that full three‐dimensional inverse modelling of the resistivity data helped to correctly resolve the location of low‐resistivity features that could have been detected as off‐line effects in two‐dimensional processing algorithms. With these results, it is anticipated that the costs of dredging could be reduced by the simple fact that necessary resources can be anticipated for some of the harder rock types.
Integrated geophysical survey for 3D modelling of a coastal aquifer polluted by seawater
Authors: Martorana R. , Lombardo L. , Messina N. , Luzio D. 
Published: October 2013

ABSTRACTGeophysical surveys are carried out in the coastal area of Petrosino (south‐western Sicily) to study the time evolution of seawater contamination of the coastal aquifer, probably increased due to human impact. The overexploitation of the aquifer, due to an intensive agricultural use has affected significantly the natural hydro‐geochemical state of the basin. The study is based on a processing and integrated analysis of hydrogeological, geochemical and geophysical data. In particular in the last two years seasonal time‐lapse electrical resistivity tomographies (ERT), new TDEM soundings and Multi‐Analysis Surface Wave soundings (MASW) have been carried out. The interpretation of the total set of previously existing and new geophysical data made it possible to reconstruct a three‐dimensional model of the electrical resistivity of the aquifer, aimed at defining the extent and geometry of the seawater intrusion. Furthermore, the execution of a series of high‐resolution time‐lapse electrical tomographies and a correlation analysis between geophysical measures and geo‐chemical, geological and hydrogeological data allowed to discriminate the effects of the salt concentration in the groundwater and the porosity and saturation degree of the rock on the time variations of the measured electrical resistivity. Finally, the average porosity of the rocks forming the reservoir was determined.
Electrical resistivity imaging of unknown bridge foundations
Authors: Arjwech R. , Everett M.E. , Briaud J.‐L. , Hurlebaus S. , Medina‐Cetina Z. , Tucker S. , Yousefpour N. 
Published: October 2013

ABSTRACTUnknown bridge foundations pose a significant safety risk due to stream scour and erosion. Records from older structures may be non‐existent, incomplete or incorrect. We evaluate 2D and 3D electrical resistivity imaging (ERI) as a means to reliably identify the depth of unknown bridge foundations. A survey procedure is described for mixed terrain/water environments in the presence of rough terrain. Some electrodes are installed on the stream banks while others are adapted for underwater use. Tests were conducted at five field sites, including three roadway bridges, a geotechnical test site and a railway bridge, containing drilled shafts and spread footings of both known and unknown depth extent. The 2D data acquisition was carried out in the dipole‐dipole configuration. The 2D ERI method resolved the shape and depth extent of the larger bridge foundations but, with less accuracy, the shape and depth extent of the smaller foundations. The 3D ERI method is time‐consuming and does not add sufficient additional value over 2D ERI to become a practical tool for unknown bridge foundation investigations. The 2D ERI method is a cost‐effective geophysical method that is relatively easy to use by bridge engineers.
Una mirada de la tutoría y el asesoramiento en el marco del Proyecto Montegrande
Authors: González Paola 
Published: October 2013

El siguiente artículo lleva a cabo una revisión del trabajo del asesor educacional en el marco de la implementación del Proyecto Montegrande que impulsara el Ministerio de Educación como parte de las políticas de la Reforma Educacional en cuanto a la innovación y mejoramiento educativo durante el periodo 1997-2004. Se centra específicamente el análisis en la experiencia profesional del rol del asesor-tutor y los elementos teóricos, políticos y técnicos a considerar que incidieron en su labor y en el desarrollo de la estrategia interna de asesoramiento ministerial para estos liceos de anticipación.
Textrode-enabled transthoracic electrical bioimpedance measurements – towards wearable applications of impedance cardiography
Authors: Marquez J.C. , Rempfler M. , Seoane F. , Lindecrantz K. 
Published: October 2013

Abstract
During the last decades the use of electrical bioimpedance (EBI) in the medical field has been the subject of extensive research, as an affordable, harmless and non-invasive technology. In some specific applications, such as body composition assessment where EBI has proven a good degree of effectiveness and reliability, the use of textile electrodes and measurement garments have shown good performance and reproducible results. Impedance cardiography (ICG) is a modality of EBI that can benefit from the implementation and use of wearable sensors. ICG is based on continuous impedance measurements of a longitudinal segment across the thorax taken at a single frequency. The need for a specific electrode placement on the thorax and neck can be easily ensured with the use of a garment with embedded textile electrodes, also known as “textrodes.” The first step towards the implementation of garment-based ICG is to determine the quality of ICG measurements with textile sensors to allow estimation of fundamental ICG parameters. In this work, the measurement performance of a 2-belt set with incorporated textrodes for thorax and neck is compared against ICG measurements obtained with Ag/AgCl electrodes. The analysis is based on the quality of the fundamental ICG signals (ΔZ, dZ/dt and ECG), systolic time intervals and other ICG parameters. The results indicate the feasibility of using textrodes for ICG measurements with consistent measurements and relatively low data dispersion. Thus, enabling the development of measuring garments for ICG measurements.
La trame augustinienne dans Qu’est-ce que la religion ? de Keiji Nishitani
Authors: Giraud Vincent 
Published: October 2013

Nishitani Keiji (1900-1990) a mis en oeuvre une reprise féconde des questions propres à la tradition métaphysique occidentale en prenant appui sur la conception bouddhiste de la vacuité (japonais : kū ; sanscrit : śūnyatā) . Marchant sur les traces d’Augustin et de sa pensée de la conversion, il a lié aussi étroitement que possible pensée philosophique et quête religieuse. Le nouvel édifice conceptuel élaboré par Nishitani autour de la notion de śūnyatā ne prend en effet tout son sens que pour qui se rend capable d’une conversion au sens religieux du terme, décentrement radical de sa propre existence en direction de la vacuité, et permettant seul un accès véritable à l’être. La saisie par Nishitani de l’essence de la religion le conduit ainsi dans les parages de l’augustinisme, éclairant d’un jour nouveau le possible usage contemporain des catégories bouddhistes.
Cosmic ray solar modulation and Forbush decrease analyses based on atmospheric neutron spectrometry at mountain altitude and GEANT4 simulations of extensive air showers
Authors: Cheminet A. , Hubert G. , Lacoste V. , Maurin D. , Derome L. 
Published: October 2013

AbstractA Bonner sphere spectrometer extended to high energies (HERMEIS) was set up at the summit of the Pic du Midi de Bigorre in the French Pyrenees (altitude: +2,885 m; geomagnetic cutoff: 5.6 GV) in May 2011. The spectral fluence rate distribution of the cosmic ray induced neutrons was continuously measured over a broad energy range from meV up to several GeV and with a 1 h time resolution. While the Sun's activity was increasing and reaching its 24th maximum in the 11 year solar cycle, some Forbush decreases were observed in the atmospheric secondary radiation at mountain altitude. We investigated the evolution of the cascade fluence rate (i.e., neutrons with energy greater than 20 MeV) during the March 2012 events with a series of strong coronal mass ejections hitting the Earth's magnetosphere. The amplitude of the greatest Forbush decrease peaked at 10%. Then, a simulation work based on the GEANT4 toolkit was carried out to quantify the solar modulation induced on the galactic cosmic ray transportation during these events. We performed calculations of extensive air showers generated by monoenergetic primaries (Hydrogen and Helium nuclei) for several zenith incidences. Hence, a complete database was built and validated. We derived an analytical model to estimate the atmospheric neutron spectrum at the Pic du Midi according to primary spectra which only depend on the solar modulation potential (force field approximation). We compared the solar modulation potentials obtained in March 2012 with the ones derived by the neutron monitor yield method. Finally, a satisfying agreement was found.
Oxidative Alkene Cleavage by Chemical and Enzymatic Methods
Authors: Rajagopalan Aashrita , Lara Miguel , Kroutil Wolfgang 
Published: October 2013

AbstractThe cleavage of alkenes to the corresponding carbonyl products is a widely employed method in organic synthesis, especially to introduce oxygen functionalities into molecules, remove protecting groups and tailor large molecules. Chemical methods available for alkene cleavage include, for instance, ozonolysis, several metal‐based variants (KMnO4, OsO4, RuO4, etc.), electrochemical alternatives, singlet oxygen, hypervalent iodine and organic molecules in combination with oxygen. Furthermore, several enzymatic methods for alkene cleavage have been described to establish safe, mild and selective oxidation methods. Various heme and non‐heme iron‐dependent enzymes catalyse the alkene cleavage at ambient temperature and atmospheric pressure in an aqueous buffer, showing good chemo‐ and regioselectivities in selected cases. Quite recently some Cu‐, Mn‐ and Ni‐dependent enzymes have been identified for this reaction. This review gives an overview of the different chemical and enzymatic methods available for the cleavage of alkenes.magnified image
Preparation of cellulose adsorbents with ionic liquid and pore expansion for chromatographic applications
Authors: Zhang Qi‐Lei , Shi Fei , Wang Peng , Lin Dong‐Qiang , Yao Shan‐Jing 
Published: October 2013

ABSTRACTChromatography is a widely used technique in protein separation, and the adsorbents are essential to separate target proteins from raw mixtures. In this study, porous cellulose beads were prepared with a direct dissolution of microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) using an ionic liquid solvent 1‐butyl‐3‐methylimidazolium chloride. Pore expanding agents (cassava starch and cyclohexane) were added in MCC solutions to change the pore structure of the cellulose beads. The results showed that the mean pore size of cellulose beads increased after the application of pore expanding agents, whereas the wet density and the specific surface area were decreased. Residence time distribution studies indicated that the beads prepared with the addition of cyclohexane had the best performance for a series of molecules with different molecular weights. The cellulose beads were coupled with diethylaminoethyl and the adsorption properties with bovine serum albumin as a model protein showed that the beads prepared with cyclohexane had the best protein adsorption capability. The chromatographic results demonstrated that ionic liquids are effective solvents for cellulose dissolution and pore expanding agents can be used to enhance the pore structure of cellulose beads. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2014, 131, 40060.
Synthesis and characterization of composite flocculant PAFS–CPAM for the treatment of textile dye wastewater
Authors: Sun Yongjun , Zheng Huaili , Tan Mingzhuo , Wang Yili , Tang Xiaomin , Feng Li , Xiang Xinyi 
Published: October 2013

AbstractIn this study, a new composite flocculant was prepared by premixing polymeric aluminum ferric sulfate (PAFS) with cationic polyacrylamide (CPAM) to treat textile dye wastewater. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) were conducted to investigate the structure and morphology of the PAFS–CPAM. The effects of flocculant dosage, initial pH of textile dye wastewater, and settling time after flocculation on the removal of turbidity and chemical oxygen demand (COD) were examined. The flocculation efficiency of PAFS–CPAM for dye treatment was compared with PAFS, CPAM, PAFS/CPAM (PAFS followed by CPAM), and CPAM/PAFS (CPAM followed by PAFS). The synergy of PAFS and CPAM increased the (Fe–Al)b species of PAFS–CPAM. Treatment with PAFS–CPAM was more effective in removing turbidity and COD than PAFS, CPAM, PAFS/CPAM, and CPAM/PAFS. The turbidity and COD removal rates of textile wastewater were higher than 80 and 90% in the pH range of 5.5 to 8.5, respectively. Furthermore, PAFS–CPAM demonstrated excellent performance in reducing sludge volume after flocculation. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2014, 131, 40062.
Study on ester–amide exchange reactions between Nylon 1010 and Ethylene‐vinyl acetate rubber
Authors: Lu Xianbo , Zhang Hongmei , Zhang Yong 
Published: October 2013

AbstractReactive processing is a useful method to improve the compatibility of immiscible polymer blends. Nylon 1010/Ethylene‐vinyl acetate rubber (EVM) blends were prepared via melt blending at 240°C and tetrabutyl titanate (Ti(OBu)4) was used as a catalyst. Ester–amide exchange reactions were proven to take place between Nylon and EVM during the shear processing. Melt flow index, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and proton nuclear magnetic resonance spectra were used to study the reactions. It was demonstrated that tuning the shear rate could control the properties and reaction extent of Nylon 1010/EVM/Ti(OBu)4 blends. The results revealed that the reactions were promoted by high shear rate. Tensile strength of the blends increased from 4.5 to 11.4 MPa when the shear rate increased from 20 to 80 rpm. Meanwhile, scanning electron microscopy was adopted to study the morphology of the reactive blends. It was found that the morphology of the blends was changed from sea‐island structures to co‐continuous structures while increasing the shear rate from 20 to 100 rpm. Dynamic mechanical analysis confirmed that high‐shear processing was found to promote the compatibility of the blends. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2014, 131, 40064.
The p38‐Mediated Rapid Down‐Regulation of Cell Surface gp130 Expression Impairs Interleukin‐6 Signaling in the Synovial Fluid of Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis Patients
Authors: Honke Nora , Ohl Kim , Wiener Anastasia , Bierwagen Jeff , Peitz Joachim , Di Fiore Stefano , Fischer Rainer , Wagner Norbert , Wüller Stefan , Tenbrock Klaus 
Published: October 2013

ObjectiveInterleukin‐6 (IL‐6) signaling plays an important proinflammatory role, but this role is restricted by regulatory mechanisms that, for example, reduce the cell surface availability of the signal‐transducing chain of the IL‐6 receptor, gp130. The aim of this study was to determine whether the inflammatory environment in arthritic joints has an impact on monocytic gp130 surface expression and the extent to which regulatory processes in the synovial fluid (SF) can be reproduced in an in vitro model.MethodsFlow cytometry and live cell imaging were used to measure the cell surface expression and internalization of gp130. STAT‐3 phosphorylation was monitored by flow cytometry and Western blotting.ResultsIn patients with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA), levels of cell surface gp130 expression in SF monocytes were reduced compared to those in peripheral blood (PB) monocytes. These reduced levels were reproduced when PB monocytes from healthy donors were stimulated with SF, and this reduction was dependent on p38 MAPK. The induction of p38 by IL‐1β in PB monocytes interfered with IL‐6 signaling due to the reduced cell surface expression of gp130.ConclusionThese results suggest that p38‐mediated proinflammatory stimuli induce the down‐regulation of gp130 on monocytes and thus restrict gp130‐mediated signal transduction. This regulatory mechanism could be of relevance to processes in the inflamed joints of patients with JIA.
Interleukin‐6 Receptor Blockade Enhances CD39+ Regulatory T Cell Development in Rheumatoid Arthritis and in Experimental Arthritis
Authors: Thiolat A. , Semerano L. , Pers Y. M. , Biton J. , Lemeiter D. , Portales P. , Quentin J. , Jorgensen C. , Decker P. , Boissier M.‐C. , Louis‐Plence P. , Bessis N. 
Published: October 2013

ObjectiveThe rationale for blocking interleukin‐6 (IL‐6) in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) lies chiefly in the proinflammatory effect of this cytokine. Few studies have evaluated the consequences of anti–IL‐6 receptor (IL‐6R) antibody treatment on Treg cells. This study was undertaken to elucidate the mechanism of action of anti–IL‐6R antibody treatment by studying the effects on Treg cells in an experimental arthritis model and in patients with RA.MethodsMice with collagen‐induced arthritis (CIA) were treated with a mouse anti–IL‐6R antibody (MR16‐1), and changes in Treg, Th1, and Th17 cells were assessed at key time points during the course of the disease. Peripheral blood from 15 RA patients was collected on day 0 and after 3 months of tocilizumab treatment for flow cytometry analysis of Th17 and Treg cells.ResultsIn MR16‐1–treated mice, Th17 cell frequencies were unchanged, whereas Treg cell frequencies were increased. The Treg cell phenotype showed marked changes, with an increase in the frequency of CD39+ Treg cells in the lymph nodes and spleen. Interestingly, similar CD39+ Treg cell expansion was observed in RA patients who were tocilizumab responders at 3 months, with no change in Th17 cell frequency. Moreover, fluorescence‐activated cell–sorted CD39+ Treg cells from responder RA patients were functionally able to suppress the proliferation of conventional T cells.ConclusionIn both CIA and RA, the frequency of functionally suppressive CD39+ Treg cells is increased as a result of anti–IL‐6R treatment, whereas Th17 cells are unaffected. The modification of Treg cell frequency and phenotype may be one of the mechanisms involved in the therapeutic effect of IL‐6 blockade in RA.