bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Role of the Nature of Pillars in the Structural and Magnetic Properties of Magnetic Pillared Clays
Authors: Bachir Cherifa , Lan Yanhua , Mereacre Valeriu , Powell Annie K. , Koch Christian Bender , Weidler Peter G. 
Published: February 2012

AbstractPillared clays (PILCs) with magnetic properties have significant potential for application in industry and the environment, but relatively few studies of these types of materials have been carried out. The aim of the present work was to gain insight into the magnetic and structural properties of pillared clays by examining in detail the influence of the calcination temperature and the nature of different pillared clays on these properties.Magnetic layered systems from different pillared clays were prepared and characterized. Firstly, Ti-, Al-, and Zr-pillared clays (Ti-PILCs, Al-PILCs, and Zr-PILCs, respectively) were produced at different calcination temperatures and then magnetic pillared clays (Ti-M-PILCs, Al-M-PILCs, and Zr-M-PILCs) were prepared at ambient temperature. The synthesis involves a reduction in aqueous solution of the original Fe-exchanged pillared clay using NaBH4. The structural properties of pillared clays and their magnetic forms were investigated using X-ray diffraction, N2 adsorption, cation exchange capacity determination, and X-ray fluorescence (XRF) measurements. The properties of the magnetic pillared clays were investigated by superconducting quantum interference devices and Mössbauer spectroscopy. An evaluation of the data obtained allowed an estimation of the pillared structure in one PILC-model before and after magnetization. The model was determined on the basis of a simple geometric model and experimental data leading to the calculation of a filling factor (FF) which contained information about the number of intercalated pillared layers and the unaffected layers. In the case of Ti precursors, the best calcination temperature was 400°C, which maintained the highest specific surface area and pore volume with magnetic parameters suitable for magnetic application. Similar experiments with Al- and Zr-pillars have been discussed. A correlation between the XRF data, porosity, FF calculation, and magnetic properties led to the conclusion that the sample Al-M-PILC previously calcined at 500°C was the most stable material after the magnetization process. The same examination in the case of Zr materials suggested that the most stable sample had been calcined at 300°C (sample Zr-M-PILC-300).
Removal of Hg(II) from an Aqueous Medium by Adsorption onto Natural and Alkyl-Amine Modified Brazilian Bentonite
Authors: Guerra Denis L. , Silva Emiliano M. , Lara Weber , Batista Adriano C. 
Published: February 2012

AbstractMercury ion removal from waste-waters has been the subject of extensive research. The aim of the present investigation was to report the incorporation of the n-alkylamine molecules onto a bentonite surface and the capacities of these new chelating moieties on this modified bentonite surface for mercury removal from water. Bentonite collected from the Amazon region, Brazil, was used in an intercalation process with polar n-alkylamine molecules of general formula H3C(CH2)n-NH2 (n = 1 to 4) in 1,2-dichloroethane. The natural and modified bentonite samples were characterized by elemental analysis, Xray diffraction, helium picnometry, mercury porosimetry, and 29Si, 27Al, and 13C nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. Because of the increasing size of the molecules attached to the pendant chains, the metal-adsorption capability of the final chelating materials was measured in each case. The adsorption of Hg(II) on natural and modified bentonites was determined under different conditions. The effects of concentration of Hg(II), contact time, and pH were investigated; batch and dynamic adsorption experiments of Hg(II) were conducted on bentonite samples under various conditions. The ability of these materials to remove Hg(II) from aqueous solution was assessed by means of a series of adsorption isotherms at room temperature and pH 4.0. In order to evaluate the bentonite samples as adsorbents in a dynamic system, a glass column was filled with clay samples (1.0 g each) and fed with 1.8 × 10−4 mol dm−3 Hg(II) at pH 4.0. The energetic effects caused by adsorption of metal cations were determined by means of calorimetric titrations. Thermodynamics indicated the existence of favorable conditions for such Hg(II)-nitrogen interactions.
Adsorption of Neutral Red Dye from an Aqueous Solution onto Natural Sepiolite Using Full Factorial Design
Authors: Çoruh Semra , Geyikçi Feza , Elevli Sermin 
Published: February 2012

AbstractThe main objective of factorial design is to construct an empirical model to understand complex phenomena such as a purification process up to a given level of accuracy. The present study aimed to investigate the adsorption of Neutral Red dye (NR) from an aqueous solution onto sepiolite using 24 full factorial design. The combined effect of initial dye concentration, adsorbent dosage, pH, and particle size on adsorption of the dye was studied. The results were analyzed statistically using the student’s t-test, analysis of variance (ANOVA), and an F-test to define important experimental factors and their relative levels of importance. A regression model which may be used to estimate the removal efficiency of NR without performing any experiments was suggested. The coefficient of determination (R2 = 0.9938) indicated that <1% only of the total variations remain unexplained by the regression model. The experimental factors selected were determined to influence the adsorption process, but their relative importance varied according to the following sequence: pH > adsorbent dosage > particle size > initial concentration. The magnitude of the effects measured in this work can be used as a guide for how to adapt the adsorption process for different process conditions. The results also indicated that natural sepiolite is a suitable adsorbent for NR.
To Prosecute or Not to Prosecute? A Reconsideration of the Over-Zealous Prosecution of Parents under the Fraud Act 2006
Authors: Monaghan Chris 
Published: February 2012

The Fraud Act 2006 has received considerable public attention and press coverage as a result of the unsuccessful attempt to prosecute a mother for allegedly lying on her son's school application form. This article argues that it was inappropriate to begin proceedings using the Fraud Act 2006 in such circumstances. The use of fraud, which has become a catch-all offence under the Act, is dangerous. The prosecution attempted to stretch the statutory provisions of the Act and fell foul of the meaning of ‘gain’ or ‘loss' and the principle of ‘remoteness’. This article submits that it is wrong to criminalise behaviour just because we find it morally or socially objectionable. Consideration will also be given to whether there are other, more appropriate sanctions which may be taken in such circumstances.
Hearsay, Confessions and Mobile Telephones
Authors: Hirst Michael 
Published: February 2012

This article examines the concepts of hearsay and relevance as they apply to evidence derived from messages and call logs, etc. found on mobile telephones. In some cases such evidence may also raise issues as to the relationship between the statutory rules governing hearsay and those specifically governing confessions by defendants, and in particular their possible use against other defendants who may be incriminated by them. The Court of Appeal has examined these issues on a number of occasions, notably in the case of R v Twist (2011), but I will argue here that a number of mistakes have been made and some difficulties have been misunderstood or overlooked.
Variation in State Unintended Pregnancy Rates In the United States
Authors: Kost Kathryn , Finer Lawrence B. , Singh Susheela 
Published: February 2012

CONTEXT:
Newly available data show large differences in rates of unintended pregnancy across states. Because key policy and program decisions that could affect these rates are made by state governments, it is important to assess whether characteristics of the states are associated with this variation.
METHODS:
Regression analysis was used to assess the relationship between the variation in state unintended pregnancy rates in 2006 and state‐level aggregate measures of demographic composition, socioeconomic conditions, contraceptive use, and funding of and access to family planning services.
RESULTS:
State unintended pregnancy rates were positively associated with the proportion of resident women who were black or Hispanic. However, these associations were almost entirely accounted for by differences in the age and marital status of women, the proportion without health insurance and the proportion receiving Medicaid. In addition, these last two measures were strongly associated with state unintended pregnancy rates after the other measures were controlled for: An increase in the proportion of women uninsured was associated with elevated unintended pregnancy rates, and an increase in the proportion receiving Medicaid coverage was associated with reduced rates.
CONCLUSIONS:
State programs and policies should pay particular attention to increasing support for family planning services for minority groups. Findings also suggest that insurance coverage and receipt of Medicaid among women of reproductive age deserve further exploration as potentially important mechanisms for reducing state unintended pregnancy rates.
Robuste und energieeffiziente Bordnetzarchitekturen
Authors: Brabetz Ludwig , Hochrein Paul 
Published: February 2012

Zusammenfassung
Die kontinuierliche Zunahme von elektrischen und elektronischen (EE) Komponenten und Systemen im Fahrzeug hat zur Folge, dass ihr Anteil an der gesamten Energie- und Leistungsbilanz immer bedeutender wird und die Zahl sicherheitskritischer elektrisch basierter Funktionen signifikant ansteigt. Für die Energieversorgung wird daher eine sehr gute Energieeffizienz bei gleichzeitig extrem hoher Versorgungszuverlässigkeit und -qualität gefordert. Im vorliegenden Beitrag werden hierfür allgemeine Ansätze vorgestellt und anhand einer versorgungsabhängigen Leistungsregelung vertieft.
High-Throughput Screening of Catalytic Materials for JP-8 Fuel Cracking to Liquefied Petroleum Gas
Authors: Bedenbaugh John E. , Ashok Jangam , Chien Andrew , Kim Sungtak , Salim Shahriar , Glascock Mary , Lauterbach Jochen 
Published: February 2012

ABSTRACTA high-throughput methodology is applied for the discovery and optimization of novel catalyst formulations to convert readily available hydrocarbon-based JP-8 fuel directly into a lighter hydrocarbon product suitable for portable power applications utilizing LPG-powered fuel cells. In addition to catalytic cracking challenges, JP-8 cracking poses other challenges including high sulfur content (up to 3,000 ppmw) and significant concentration of aromatics, which are precursors to coking. An existing 16-channel high-throughput reactor system was modified for the JP-8 catalytic cracking studies. The catalyst support material was of primary importance in determining cracking activity. Alumina-based catalytic materials demonstrate the greatest activity for conversion of JP-8 to LPG during catalytic cracking at reactor temperatures above 600°C. This is attributed to the importance of acidic reaction sites within the structure of the catalytic support. The addition of noble metals to the alumina-based materials does not yield significant improvements in JP-8 conversion.
Randomized Trial Assessing the Effects of Ergocalciferol Administration on Circulating FGF23
Authors: Burnett-Bowie Sherri-Ann M. , Leder Benjamin Z. , Henao Maria P. , Baldwin Chantel M. , Hayden Douglas L. , Finkelstein Joel S. 
Published: February 2012

Summary

Background and objectives
Fibroblast growth factor 23 is a phosphate- and vitamin D–regulating hormone. The objective of this study was to determine the effect of ergocalciferol administration on fibroblast growth factor 23 levels in healthy vitamin D–deficient subjects.

Design, setting, participants, & measurements
In this 12-week trial conducted in a clinical research center, 18- to 45-year-old subjects (n=90) with 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels ≤20 ng/ml (by chemiluminescent immunoassay) were randomized to weekly ergocalciferol treatment of 50,000 international units or placebo, while consuming a self-selected diet. Changes in fibroblast growth factor 23, 25-hydroxyvitamin D (by liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectroscopy), 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D, parathyroid hormone, and serum phosphate were measured.

Results
Mean 25-hydroxyvitamin D (P<0.0001), 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D (P=0.01), and fibroblast growth factor 23 (P=0.003) increased in the treatment versus placebo group. In the treatment group, 25-hydroxyvitamin D increased from 18±7 to 40±12 ng/ml at week 4 (P<0.0001) and remained stable at 43±12 ng/ml at week 12 (P<0.0001); 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D increased from 42±17 to 52±18 pg/ml at week 4 (P<0.001) and then remained stable, and fibroblast growth factor 23 increased from 43±17 to 60±33 pg/ml at week 8 (P=0.001) and 74±42 pg/ml at week 12 (P<0.0001). Urinary phosphate excretion increased within the treatment group, but parathyroid hormone and serum phosphate were unchanged.

Conclusions
Ergocalciferol administration increases circulating fibroblast growth factor 23. When measuring fibroblast growth factor 23, concurrent 25-hydroxyvitamin D measurements should be obtained, because vitamin D deficiency may lower circulating fibroblast growth factor 23 levels.
Stress-free state of the red blood cell membrane and the deformation of its skeleton
Authors: Švelc Tjaša , Svetina Saša 
Published: February 2012

AbstractThe response of a red blood cell (RBC) to deformation depends on its membrane, a composite of a lipid bilayer and a skeleton, which is a closed, twodimensional network of spectrin tetramers as its bonds. The deformation of the skeleton and its lateral redistribution are studied in terms of the RBC resting state for a fixed geometry of the RBC, partially aspirated into a micropipette. The geometry of the RBC skeleton in its initial state is taken to be either two concentric circles, a references biconcave shape or a sphere. It is assumed that in its initial state the skeleton is distributed laterally in a homogeneous manner with its bonds either unstressed, presenting its stress-free state, or prestressed. The lateral distribution was calculated using a variational calculation. It was assumed that the spectrin tetramer bonds exhibit a linear elasticity. The results showed a significant effect of the initial skeleton geometry on its lateral distribution in the deformed state. The proposed model is used to analyze the measurements of skeleton extension ratios by the method of applying two modes of RBC micropipette aspiration.
An Upper Jurassic-Lower Cretaceous carbonate platform from the Vâlcan Mountains (Southern Carpathians, Romania): paleoenvironmental interpretation
Authors: Michetiuc Mihai , Catincuţ Camelia , Bucur Ioan 
Published: February 2012

An Upper Jurassic-Lower Cretaceous carbonate platform from the Vâlcan Mountains (Southern Carpathians, Romania): paleoenvironmental interpretationThe results of a biostratigraphic and sedimentological study of the Upper Jurassic-Lower Cretaceous limestones cropping out in the southern sector of the Vâlcan Mountains in Romania are presented, including the definition of microfacies types, fossil assemblages and environmental interpretation. Six microfacies types (MFT 1-MFT 6) have been identified, each of them pointing to a specific depositional environment. The deposits are characteristic of a shallow carbonate platform. They contain normal marine or restricted marine facies deposited in low or high energy environments from the inner, middle and outer platform. The age attribution of these deposits (Late Jurassic to Berriasian-Valanginian-?Hauterivian, and Barremian) is based on foraminiferal and calcareous algae associations. The micropaleontological assemblage is exceptionally rich in the Vâlcan Mountains and brings new arguments for dating the Upper Jurassic-Lower Cretaceous limestones in this area.
Oligocene dinoflagellate cysts from the North Alpine Foreland Basin: new data from the Eggerding Formation (Austria)
Authors: Soliman Ali 
Published: February 2012

Oligocene dinoflagellate cysts from the North Alpine Foreland Basin: new data from the Eggerding Formation (Austria)In spite of detailed geological and geophysical investigations, information available on palynostratigraphy for the successions deposited in the Austrian part of the North Alpine Foreland Basin (NAFB) is scanty. For the first time, relatively diverse and well preserved Oligocene dinocyst assemblages, comprising 53 genera and 138 species, are presented from the organic-rich sediments of the Eggerding Formation. These assemblages contribute to the biostratigraphy of the Oligocene deposits within the NAFB. Dinocysts such asChiropteridium lobospinosum, Membranophoridium aspinatum, Cordosphaeridiumspp.,Enneadocystaspp.,Deflandreaspp.,Spiniferites/Achomosphaeragroup,Hystrichokolpomaspp.,Apteodiniumspp.,Glaphyrocysta/Areoligeracomplex andWetzeliellaspp. represent the main palynological elements. The occurrence ofChiropteridiumspp.,Tuberculodinium vancampoae, Distatodinium biffiiandWetzeliella gochtiiis of particular importance for regional correlations within the Lower Oligocene sediments. A comparison with age-controlled assemblages from the North Sea Basin, Carpathian and circum-Mediterranean regions substantiate the attribution to the Rupelian. Lack or sporadic occurrence of the oceanic taxa (e.g.NematosphaeropsisandImpagidinium) and dominance ofGlaphyrocysta/Areoligeraindicate an inner-neritic marine setting during the deposition of the studied intervals. Although, it is difficult to reconstruct precisely the climatic conditions based on the recorded dinocysts, warm? sea surface water is suggested. A variation in salinities is interpreted based on the abundances ofHomotrybliumspp. The abundance of Peridiniaceae taxa (e.g.Lejeunecysta, Wetzeliella, and Deflandrea) indicates nutrient-rich surface water.
Sapphires related to alkali basalts from the Cerová Highlands, Western Carpathians (southern Slovakia): composition and origin
Authors: Uher Pavel , Giuliani Gaston , Szakáll Sándor , Fallick Anthony , Strunga Vladimír , Vaculovič Tomáš , Ozdín Daniel , Gregáňová Margaréta 
Published: February 2012

Sapphires related to alkali basalts from the Cerová Highlands, Western Carpathians (southern Slovakia): composition and originBlue, grey-pink and pink sapphires from the Cerová Highlands, Western Carpathians (southern Slovakia) have been studied using CL, LA-ICP-MS, EMPA, and oxygen isotope methods. The sapphire occurs as (1) clastic heavy mineral in the secondary sandy filling of a Pliocene alkali basaltic maar at Hajnáčka, and (2) crystals in a pyroxenebearing syenite/anorthoclasite xenolith of Pleistocene alkali basalt near Gortva. Critical evaluation of compositional diagrams (Fe, Ti, Cr, Ga, Mg contents, Fe/Ti, Cr/Ga, Ga/Mg ratios) suggests a magmatic origin for clastic blue sapphires with lower Cr and Mg, but higher Fe and Ti concentrations in comparison to the grey-pink and pink varietes, as well as similar compositional trends with blue sapphire from the Gortva magmatic xenolith. Moreover, blue sapphires show similar δ18O values: 5.1 ‰ in the Gortva xenolith, 3.8 and 5.85 ‰ in the Hajnáčka placer, closely comparable to mantle to lower crustal magmatic rocks. On the contrary, pink and grey-pink sapphires show higher Cr and Mg, but lower Fe and Ti contents and their composition points to a metamorphic (metasomatic) origin.
Conception of the Animated Interface Agent for the Concept Map Based Intelligent Knowledge Assessment System
Authors: Anohina-Naumeca Alla , Lukasenko Romans , Skripkins Dmitrijs 
Published: February 2012

Conception of the Animated Interface Agent for the Concept Map Based Intelligent Knowledge Assessment SystemThe paper presents the conception of the animated interface agent for the concept map based assessment system. The agent is being developed with an aim to solve problems related to rare use or users' unawareness of functional capabilities of the system. The conception consists of agent's goal, functions, inputs, outputs, embodiment, and properties. It is based on the interface agent characteristics and design requirements summarized in the paper, as well as analysis of system needs.
Aspect-Oriented Approach to Implement Message Handler in Multi-agent Systems
Authors: Liekna Aleksis , Grundspeņķis Jānis 
Published: February 2012

Aspect-Oriented Approach to Implement Message Handler in Multi-agent SystemsThis paper focuses on message handling in multi-agent systems. The proposed approach uses aspect-oriented programming to separate message handling from other agent concerns, thus increasing system's modularity and simplifying modification and expansion. To illustrate the proposed approach in practice, a prototype of a simple knowledge base agent model is implemented. The prototype is built on top of JADE platform. AspectJ is used for aspect-oriented implementation.
Mediated Competency Comparison between Job Descriptions and University Courses
Authors: Rudzajs Peteris , Kirikova Marite 
Published: February 2012

Mediated Competency Comparison between Job Descriptions and University Courses
In order to establish and maintain IT empowered cooperation between universities and industrial organizations; on the one hand universities should be informed about trends in the labour market, and on the other hand industrial organizations should have an insight into trends of knowledge development in universities. Furthermore, taking into consideration that a competency is becoming a kind of "currency" in the labour market, there is a need to compare competency demand from the industrial organizations and competency offer from the universities in order to see if the university can satisfy competency needs of industrial organizations. The use of competency frameworks and mappings between competency frameworks can facilitate information exchange about the competencies. The paper describes the method and the prototype for mediated competency comparison with respect to job descriptions and university courses. The prototype conforms to the architecture of collaboration support system and its services that have been designed with the purpose to maintain and exchange information between universities and industrial organizations.
Problems and Perspectives of Code Generation from UML Class Diagram
Authors: Sejans Janis , Nikiforova Oksana 
Published: February 2012

Problems and Perspectives of Code Generation from UML Class Diagram
As a result of increasing technological diversity, more attention is being focused on model driven architecture (MDA), and its standard - Unified Modeling Language (UML). UML class diagrams require correct diagram notation mapping to target programming language syntax under the framework of MDA. Currently there are plenty of CASE tools which claim that they are able to generate the source code from UML models. Therefore by combining the knowledge of a programming language, syntax rules and UML class diagram notation semantic, an experimental model for stressing the code generator can be produced, thus allowing comparison of quality of the transformation result. This paper describes a creation of such experimental models.