bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Design of flare systems using safety instrumented functions
Authors: Kent Steven 
Published: October 2009

AbstractIn the design of a flare header system, it is common practice to design the system for the total load from all the relief valves discharging into the system for a given scenario such as power failure or cooling water failure. The total load can be reduced by the application to the process of one or more safety instrumented functions (SIFs) which are designed to eliminate specific loads. However, full credit for all the SIFs cannot be taken because some of them may fail when called on to operate. Thus, to design the flare system, the designer must assume some of the SIFs fail and the question to be decided is how many SIFs should be assumed to have failed. The purpose of this article is to show how to determine the number of SIFs likely to fail on a given demand. It is shown that the probability of failure is governed by the binomial probability distribution. This probability is independent of system geometry and individual loads. The ideas of the binomial probability distribution are then expanded to show how, by explicit consideration of system geometry and individual loads, the size of the system may be further reduced. Copyright © 2009 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Process Saf Prog, 2010
Arrays of Si cones prepared by ion beams: growth mechanisms
Authors: Shang N. G. , Ma X. L. , Liu C. P. , Bello I. , Lee S. T. 
Published: October 2009

AbstractArrays of uniformly distributed Si cones with controlled orientations are fabricated on Si substrates by an ion beam technique. The axes of produced Si cones are well aligned with the direction of ion beams. Each cone essentially consists of a metal containing tip and a single crystalline Si base with the crystallographic orientation identical to the Si substrate. TEM studies show tapered pit interface between the tip and the base, visualizing the ion impinging process. The tip comprises tetragonal MoSi2, domains of Mo‐modulated Si ordered superstructures and a few Mo nanoparticles. Experimental evidence indicates that the cone formation follows the left‐standing model. Since the cones progressively are sharpened with the elapsed time of their formation, they might develop into whiskers if the ion bombardment and supply of sputtered metal clusters are prolonged.
Quantum pumps formed of double walled carbon nanotubes
Authors: Zólyomi V. , Oroszlány L. , Lambert C. J. 
Published: October 2009

AbstractUsing the Brouwer formula, we employ Green's function technique to study charge pumping in shuttle geometry double walled carbon nanotubes. We find strong chirality dependence, and that there is virtually no pumping if the chiral angle of the two walls is the same. We discuss which are the optimal chiralities that can be used for such quantum pumps. Furthermore, we argue that charge pumping with double walled tubes can be used to probe the strength of the inter‐layer coupling between the inner and outer nanotube.
13C NMR investigation of fullerene–cubane C60·C8H8 cocrystals
Authors: Matus Péter , Bokor Mónika , Kriza György , Kováts Éva , Pekker Sándor , Domján Attila , Durkó Gábor , Jalsovszky István 
Published: October 2009

AbstractThe rotor–stator molecular cocrystal C60·C8H8 (fullerene–cubane) has been investigated by 13C nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR). The room‐temperature spectrum obtained using 1H–13C cross‐polarization technique shows two lines with chemical shifts identical with the shifts of the original molecular constituents demonstrating the lack of a strong electronic interaction between C60 and C8H8. The temperature dependence of the spin‐lattice relaxation time of the fullerene component confirms the existence of a first‐order orientational ordering transition around 145 K. The activation energies of large‐angle C60 reorientations above and below the ordering transitions are 260 K and 570 K, respectively. The transition temperature and the activation energies are significantly lower than in other C60 compounds. The 13C spectrum remains narrow down to 115 K indicating that similarly to pristine C60, the molecular reorientational motion is still fast in the ordered phase on the NMR time scale.
A missing composite covariate in survival analysis: A case study of the Chinese Longitudinal Health and Longevity Survey
Authors: Lagona Francesco , Zhang Zhen 
Published: October 2009

AbstractWe estimate a Cox proportional hazards model where one of the covariates measures the level of a subject's cognitive functioning by grading the total score obtained by the subject on the items of a questionnaire. A case study is presented where the sample includes partial respondents, who did not answer some questionnaire items. The total score takes, hence, the form of an interval‐censored variable and, as a result, the level of cognitive functioning is missing on some subjects. We handle the partial respondents by taking a likelihood‐based approach where survival time is jointly modelled with the censored total score and the size of the censoring interval. Estimates are obtained by an E‐M‐type algorithm that reduces to the iterative maximization of three complete log‐likelihood functions derived from two augmented data sets with case weights, alternated with weights updating. This methodology is exploited to assess the Mini‐Mental State Examination index as a prognostic factor of survival in a sample of Chinese older adults. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
In vitro Inhibition of Fungal Activity by Macrophage‐Mediated Sequestration and Release of Encapsulated Amphotericin B Nanosupension in Red Blood Cells
Authors: Staedtke V. , Brähler M. , Müller A. , Georgieva R. , Bauer S. , Sternberg N. , Voigt A. , Lemke A. , Keck C. , Möschwitzer J. , Bäumler H. 
Published: October 2009

AbstractThe efficacy of antifungal treatment has been diminished by the biodistribution limitations of amphotericin B (AmB) due to its pharmacological profile, as well as the severe side effects it causes. A cellular drug‐delivery system, which incorporates human erythrocytes (RBCs) loaded with an AmB nanosuspension (AmB‐NS), is developed in order to improve antifungal treatment. AmB‐NS encapsulation in RBCs is achieved by using hypotonic hemolysis, leading to intracellular AmB amounts of 3.81 ± 0.47 pg RBC−1 and an entrapment efficacy of 15–18%. Upon phagocytosis of AmB‐NS–RBCs, leukocytes show a slow AmB release over ten days, and no alteration in cell viability. This results in an immediate, permanent inhibition of intra‐ and extracellular fungal activity. AmB‐NS–RBC‐leukocyte‐mediated delivery of AmB is efficient in amounts 1000 times lower than the toxic dose. This drug‐delivery method is effective for the transport of water‐insoluble substances, such as AmB, and this warrants consideration for further testing.
A domain‐specific approach to adolescent reporting of parental control
Authors: Arım Rübab G. , Marshall Sheila K. , Shapka Jennifer D. 
Published: October 2009

ABSTRACTThis study evaluated the psychometric properties of a newly developed adolescent‐reported domain‐specific measure of parental behavioral control. In addition, this study examined the relationships between domains of perceived behavioral control and adolescent problem behaviors and tested whether psychological control played a mediating role in these associations. Participants were 267 students, ranging in age from 9 to 16 years. Both high maternal and paternal use of behavioral control in the friendship domain were positively associated with externalizing behaviors. Low paternal use of control in the prudential and multifaceted domains was also positively associated with externalizing behaviors. Psychological control mediated the association between behavioral control in the friendship domain and externalizing behaviors, suggesting a potential overlap between perceptions of parental behavioral and psychological control. These findings highlight the need to study adolescents' perceptions of parental control in specific domains to fully understand its relationship with adolescent outcomes.
Use of oral ketamine in chronic pain management: A review
Authors: Blonk Maren I. , Koder Brigitte G. , van den Bemt Patricia M.L.A. , Huygen Frank J.P.M. 
Published: October 2009

AbstractThe analgesic effect of ketamine is primarily based on the antagonism of theN‐methyl‐d‐aspartate (NMDA) receptor. Activation of NMDA receptors may play a crucial role in the pathogenesis of chronic pain. Little formal research has been performed on the efficacy and safety of ketamine in chronic pain, especially concerning long‐term oral administration. This review provides an overview of the available clinical data on the use of oral ketamine in chronic pain management. A literature search was performed in MEDLINE, EMBASE and the Cochrane Library, resulting in 22 relevant articles. Because most retrieved articles were of a descriptive nature (e.g. case reports and case series) a quantitative analysis was not possible. There was no consistent dose–response relation. A recommended starting dosage in ketamine‐naive patients is 0.5 mg/kg racemic ketamine or 0.25 mg/kg S‐ketamine as a single oral dose. The dosage is increased by the same amount if required. For a continuous analgesic effect it is usually given 3–4 times daily. The injection fluid can be taken orally. When parenteral ketamine is switched to oral administration the daily dosage can be kept equal and, depending on clinical effect and/or adverse effects, is slowly increased. The pharmacologically active metabolite norketamine is believed to contribute to the analgesic effect of oral ketamine. Lack of evidence regarding efficacy, and the poor safety profile, do not support routine use of oral ketamine in chronic pain management. Oral ketamine may have a limited place as add‐on therapy in complex chronic pain patients if other therapeutic options have failed.
A methodology for the analysis of the relationships between farms and their physical environment
Authors: RIVEIRO J. A. , MAREY-PÉREZ M. F. , DÍAZ-VARELA E. R. , ÁLVAREZ C. J. 
Published: October 2009

SUMMARYAgricultural activity involves direct interaction with the physical environment factors in the environmental context in which the activity is developed. Galicia, northwest Spain, is an environmentally heterogeneous region that encompasses territorial spaces with different levels of suitability for each agricultural activity. In barely 30 years, the production systems of the region have evolved from self-sufficiency to commercial production; however, the requirements of production for each differ greatly. During such a transformation, many farms have disappeared while other farms have conformed to the requirements of the current production systems without changing location. Decision-making in rural planning requires knowing the spatial distribution of farms, the evolution of farm distribution and the relationship between the spatial location of farms (associated with some specific environmental characteristics) and the production systems used.The current paper describes a methodology for analysing the spatial distribution of farms and for determining the relationships between the spatial location of farms and the values of the physical environment factors that are characteristic of each spatial location. The methodology has been developed by using Agricultural Census data and is exemplified through the analysis of two crops (wheat and potato) and one farming activity (dairy farming). Results show the location of farms and the production systems used, and reveal different degrees of fit to the physical environment factors considered.
Investigation on effect of medium temperature upon SBS and SBS optical limiting
Authors: Hasi W.L.J. , Guo X.Y. , Lu H.H. , Fu M.L. , Gong S. , Geng X.Z. , Lu Z.W. , Lin D.Y. , He W.M. 
Published: October 2009

AbstractThe effect of medium temperature upon characteristic of stimulated Brillouin scattering (SBS) and SBS optical limiting is investigated. The physical mechanism behind is analyzed theoretically and experimentally verified in Continuum's Nd: YAG Q-switched laser system using FC-72 as the SBS medium. The temperature affects the electrostrictive coefficient, refractive index, density and acoustic velocity of the medium weakly. In contrast, the kinematic viscosity, which is inversely proportional to the temperature, is related to gain coefficient and phonon lifetime and thus greatly affects the SBS characteristics. Therefore, in the low temperature, the kinematic viscosity is usually high, which can lead to a small gain coefficient and a short phonon lifetime. Therefore, the SBS characteristic can be changed by controlling the temperature to a great extent.
Determining that a label is kind-referring: factors that influence children's and adults' novel word extensions
Authors: TARE MEDHA , GELMAN SUSAN A. 
Published: October 2009

ABSTRACTThe present studies examined factors that influence children's and adults' interpretation of a novel word. Four factors are hypothesized to emphasize that a label refers to a richly structured category (also known as a ‘kind’): generic language, internal property attributions, familiar kind labels and absence of a target photograph. In Study 1, for college students (N=125), internal property attributions resulted in more taxonomic and fewer shape responses. In Study 2, for four-year-olds (N=126), the presence of generic language and familiar kind labels resulted in more taxonomic choices. Further, the presence of familiar kind labels resulted in fewer shape choices. The results suggest that, when learning new words, children and adults are sensitive to factors that imply kind reference.
Agricultural chemicals in ground water: Extent and implications
Authors: Hallberg George R. 
Published: October 2009

AbstractThe accelerated use of agricultural chemicals over the past 20–30 years has increased production and generally has been profitable, but it has also had an adverse impact on ground water quality in many major agricultural areas. The contamination of ground water, related to nitrogen fertilizers and pesticides, from widespread, routine land application, as well as from point sources has become a serious concern. Ground water contamination also impairs surface water quality. Research, world-wide, has shown increases in NO3-N in ground water concurrent with major increases in N-fertilization. Many shallow ground water supplies now exceed recommended NO3-N drinking water standards. While many sources contribute N into the environment, synthetic fertilizers have become the major component. There are clear economic incentives to improve management; harvested crops often account for less than 50 percent of the purchased fertilizer inputs. Pesticides are appearing in ground water with unanticipated frequency, and while their concentrations are generally below acute toxic levels, many are of concern for possible chronic effects. Such widespread contamination is of real concern because of the potential for long-term and widespread exposure of the public through drinking water. Surveys of farmers indicate a desire to improve management practices and reduce chemical inputs. Promoting the principles of alternative, sustainable agriculture is a necessary element in the resolution of these problems.
Ground water research, information, and policy needs: Strategies and priorities for extension
Authors: Francis Charles A. 
Published: October 2009

AbstractThe Cooperative Extension Services in many states have concentrated on educational publications and programs which describe the complexities of the hydrologic cycle and where pollutants can enter the system. Recognizing that farming is a prime source of nonpoint source pollution in some areas, extension programs have focused on alternative agricultural practices which can reduce that pollution. Both national and state extension services have published recommendations on increasing public awareness, developed linkages with research, and provided leadership in education about pollution problems and how to solve them. The current national task forces on extension priorities include “water quality” as one of eight key areas for future extension emphasis. Alternative farming practices which can help reduce the pollution levels from agriculture include careful soil sampling, interpretation of analyses, setting yield goals, and matching nutrient applications to crop needs. Modified methods of nutrient application can also help. Reduced tillage, crop rotations, increased use of legumes, and keeping cover on the land through a greater part of the year can all help. Reduced applications of pesticides and use of alternative pest control measures have potential to improve ground water quality. There are economic as well as environmental reasons to reduce chemical and fertilizer applications in agriculture. This is a critical time for producers and researchers to examine alternative practices which can help improve ground water quality for future generations.
An agronomic and economic comparison of a conventional and a low-input cropping system in the Palouse
Authors: Goldstein Walter A. , Young Douglas L. 
Published: October 2009

AbstractThe variable costs and net returns for a conventionally managed rotation and for a low-input, legume-based rotation were compared under 1986 economic conditions in the Palouse region of Washington. The conventional system was a four-year wheat/barley/wheat/pea rotation with fertilizers and pesticide inputs each year. The low-input system was a three-year pea-medic/medic/wheat rotation with pesticide inputs used only on peas. As the biennial medic was allowed to set and drop seed and revolunteer in subsequent stands of spring peas, the system was called the “perpetuating-alternativelegume-system” or “PALS”. Identical wheat yields were assumed between the two systems as field trials showed that wheat which followed medic without fertilizer produced similar yields to wheat after cereals with fertilizer. Pea yields were assumed to be lower under PALS due to competition from the medic. Medic was neither harvested nor grazed. For PALS, herbicides on wheat were replaced by harrowing because trials showed that wheat after medic competed better with weeds than wheat after cereals. Variable costs for PALS were only 44 percent of those for the conventional system ($56.82 versus $129.40/acre/year). Fertilizers, pesticides, and application accounted for 56 percent of the costs for the conventional system, but only 26 percent for PALS. The conventional system generated higher gross returns because a crop was harvested every year. Because of its lower production costs, PALS generated higher net returns when crops were sold for market prices. The conventional system was more profitable than PALS only when wheat and barley were valued at current government target prices. Under high and low yielding conditions PALS was more profitable than the conventional system when wheat prices were lower than $3.50 and $5.36/bushel, respectively. Government target and local market wheat prices in 1986 were $4.38 and $2.40/bushel, respectively. If world market competition and domestic policy pressures reduce crop price supports and grain prices in the future, low-input systems would become more profitable than conventional practices. PALS is promising but requires further agronomic evaluation before recommendations can be made.
Self identified research needs of New York organic farmers
Authors: Baker Brian P. , Smith Douglas B. 
Published: October 2009

AbstractA survey of organic farmers in New York State identified problems in need of university research. Weed management was the most frequently mentioned problem by far, identified as significant by two-thirds of the organic farmers. Only a few other problems were listed as significant, including insufficient time for farm work, lack of markets, low prices, and lack of appropriate tools. These were cited by more than a third of the farmers. Drought, insect management, and a lack of a dependable supply of labor were cited by about one-third of the respondents. The survey also examined organic farmers' information sources. They do not use conventional sources of agricultural information, such as the extension service and conventional agricultural media, as much as books, magazines, and newsletters on organic f arming, other organic f armers, and on-farm experiments. Many respondents noted that local extension agents did not know very much about non-chemical solutions to organic production problems. They considered University Extension to be accessible, but not very useful in solving problems specific to organic farming, and had many suggestions to improve Land Grant research in organic agriculture.
Agricultural chemicals in ground water: Preventing contamination by removing barriers against low-input farm management
Authors: Fleming Malcolm H. 
Published: October 2009

AbstractAgricultural pesticides and fertilizers have contaminated ground water in areas throughout the U.S. This contamination may adversely affect more than 50 million people. The cost of monitoring to determine the extent of ground water contamination in vulnerable areas is likely to exceed one billion dollars. To reduce the possibility of contamination farmers can adopt “low-input” production methods. Unfortunately, several factors inhibit farmers from adopting low-input methods. These factors include the tendency of farmers to ignore the external costs of agrichemical use, especially environmental damage, the lack of up-to-date information describing low-input farming techniques, and government support programs that indirectly discourage farmers from adopting low-input methods. The federal government can take several steps to eliminate these obstacles. Farm support programs can be changed to eliminate incentives that encourage heavy agrichemical use and to require more stringent environmental compliance to be eligible for program benefits. Taxes can be imposed on agrichemicals to offset their external costs and to provide new funds for research on alternatives. Finally, current agricultural research priorities can be shifted to emphasize low-input production methods.