bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Clinical Study and Outcome of Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome
Authors: Patil Gayatri Linganagouda , Hosanemati Geeta , Patil LS , V Vijayanath , Patil Venkatesh M , Surpur Rajeshwari R
Published: August 2011

Aims : Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is one of the common Gynaecological condition of diverse etiology 30% of the infertile women have anovulation due to polycystic ovarian disease, 20-30% of them have hyperandrogenemia and hyperprolactenemia. Method : An explorative type of hospital based study of 102 patient, during a 2 year period (Oct. 2008 – Oct. 2010) was done. Of which 75 (73.52%) were married women and 27 (26.47%) were unmarried women with varied symptomatology. Results: 67.6% of patients were in the age group 21-30 years. Ovulation induction was done in all the infertile group, an ovulation induction rate of 88.40% was achieved and of these 21 (34.42%) conceived, others on follow up. Of the unmarried women, all of whom had menstrual irregularities along with obesity (51.85%) and hirsutism (48.14%), after treatment 66.66% had an improvement in their symptoms, other still on follow up. Conclusion: This study demonstrates the various presentations either single or in combination and their response to various medical and surgical management. There should be a relational approach to therapy; treatment of polycystic ovarian syndrome should be tailored according to the major symptoms of the patients. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/njog.v6i1.5248 NJOG 2011; 6(1): 22-27
Ternary Compounds in the Sn-Rich Section of the Ba–Ga–Sn System: Ba8Ga16–xSn30+x (1.1 ≤ x ≤ 2.8) Clathrates of Type-I and Type-VIII, and BaGa2–xSn4+x (x ≈ 0.2) with a Clathrate-like Structure
Authors: Schäfer Marion C. , Yamasaki Yuki , Fritsch Veronika , Bobev Svilen
Published: August 2011

Systematic syntheses in the Ba–Ga–Sn system confirmed the existence of a new ternary phase BaGa1.79Sn4.21(2) (EuGa2Ge4 structure type; orthorhombic space group Cmcm, Pearson symbol oS28) with lattice parameters a = 4.5383(6) Å, b = 12.2486(16) Å, c = 14.3747(19) Å. The structure is best viewed as an open-framework based on tetrahedrally coordinated Sn/Ga atoms with Ba atoms enclosed in the voids within it. The new phase co-precipitates with two other compounds with very similar compositions—Ba8Ga14.5Sn31.5(4) (K4Si23 structure type; cubic space group , Pearson symbol cP54; a = 11.6800(12) Å), and Ba8Ga13.2Sn32.8(3), (Eu4Ga8Ge15 structure type; cubic space group , Pearson symbol cI54; a = 11.5843(7) Å). Detailed discussion on how syntheses affect the crystal chemistry, and the temperature dependence of the atomic displacement parameters, obtained from single-crystal structure refinements, are also reported in this article.
FK506-Binding Protein 22 from a Psychrophilic Bacterium, a Cold Shock-Inducible Peptidyl Prolyl Isomerase with the Ability to Assist in Protein Folding
Authors: Budiman Cahyo , Koga Yuichi , Takano Kazufumi , Kanaya Shigenori
Published: August 2011

Adaptation of microorganisms to low temperatures remains to be fully elucidated. It has been previously reported that peptidyl prolyl cis-trans isomerases (PPIases) are involved in cold adaptation of various microorganisms whether they are hyperthermophiles, mesophiles or phsycrophiles. The rate of cis-trans isomerization at low temperatures is much slower than that at higher temperatures and may cause problems in protein folding. However, the mechanisms by which PPIases are involved in cold adaptation remain unclear. Here we used FK506-binding protein 22, a cold shock protein from the psychrophilic bacterium Shewanella sp. SIB1 (SIB1 FKBP22) as a model protein to decipher the involvement of PPIases in cold adaptation. SIB1 FKBP22 is homodimer that assumes a V-shaped structure based on a tertiary model. Each monomer consists of an N-domain responsible for dimerization and a C-catalytic domain. SIB1 FKBP22 is a typical cold-adapted enzyme as indicated by the increase of catalytic efficiency at low temperatures, the downward shift in optimal temperature of activity and the reduction in the conformational stability. SIB1 FKBP22 is considered as foldase and chaperone based on its ability to catalyze refolding of a cis-proline containing protein and bind to a folding intermediate protein, respectively. The foldase and chaperone activites of SIB1 FKBP22 are thought to be important for cold adaptation of Shewanella sp. SIB1. These activities are also employed by other PPIases for being involved in cold adaptation of various microorganisms. Despite other biological roles of PPIases, we proposed that foldase and chaperone activities of PPIases are the main requirement for overcoming the cold-stress problem in microorganisms due to folding of proteins.
Development of a Highly Sensitive and Specific Immunoassay for Determining Chrysoidine, A Banned Dye, in Soybean Milk Film
Authors: Lei Hongtao , Liu Jin , Song Lijun , Shen Yudong , Haughey Simon A. , Guo Haoxian , Yang Jinyi , Xu Zhenlin , Jiang Yueming , Sun Yuanming
Published: August 2011

A highly specific and sensitive indirect competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (icELISA）was developed for the first time for the detection of chrysoidine, a dye banned in soybean milk film. Two haptens with different spacer arms were synthesized to produce antibodies. Both homologous and heterologous immunoassay formats were compared to enhance the icELISA sensitivity. The heterologous icELISA exhibited better performance, with an IC50 (50% inhibitory concentration) of 0.33 ng/mL, a limit of detection (LOD, 10% inhibitory concentration) of 0.04 ng/mL, and a limit of quantitation (LOQ, 20%–80% inhibitory concentration) from 0.09 to 4.9 ng/mL. The developed icELISA was high sensitive and specific, and was applied to determine chrysoidine in fortified soybean milk film samples. The results were in good agreement with that obtained by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analyses.
A Microring Resonator Based Negative Permeability Metamaterial Sensor
Authors: Sun Jun , Huang Ming , Yang Jing-Jing , Li Ting-Hua , Lan Yao-Zhong
Published: August 2011

Metamaterials are artificial multifunctional materials that acquire their material properties from their structure, rather than inheriting them directly from the materials they are composed of, and they may provide novel tools to significantly enhance the sensitivity and resolution of sensors. In this paper, we derive the dispersion relation of a cylindrical dielectric waveguide loaded on a negative permeability metamaterial (NPM) layer, and compute the resonant frequencies and electric field distribution of the corresponding Whispering-Gallery-Modes (WGMs). The theoretical resonant frequency and electric field distribution results are in good agreement with the full wave simulation results. We show that the NPM sensor based on a microring resonator possesses higher sensitivity than the traditional microring sensor since with the evanescent wave amplification and the increase of NPM layer thickness, the sensitivity will be greatly increased. This may open a door for designing sensors with specified sensitivity.
Sensitivities of Key Parameters in the Preparation of Silver/Silver Chloride Electrodes Used in Harned Cell Measurements of pH
Authors: Brewer Paul J. , Stoica Daniela , Brown Richard J. C.
Published: August 2011

A questionnaire was completed by fourteen world leading national metrology institutes to study the influence of several variables in the preparation of Ag/AgCl electrodes on the accuracy of Harned cell measurements of pH. The performance of each institute in the last decade has been assessed based on their results in eight key comparisons, organized by the Bureau International des Poids et Measures Consultative Committee for Amount of Substance, involving the measurement of pH of phosphate, phthalate, carbonate, borate and tetroxalate buffer solutions. The performance of each laboratory has been correlated to the results of the questionnaire to determine the critical parameters in the preparation of Ag/AgCl electrodes and their sensitivities with respect to the accuracy of pH measurement. This study reveals that the parameters most closely correlated to performance in comparisons are area of electrode wire exposed to the electrolyte, diameter and porosity of the Ag sphere prior to anodisation, amount of Ag converted to AgCl during anodisation, stability times employed for electrodes to reach equilibrium in solution prior to measurement, electrode rejection criteria employed and purity of reagents.
Continuous flow photolysis of aryl azides: Preparation of 3H-azepinones
Authors: Bou-Hamdan Farhan R , Lévesque François , O'Brien Alexander G , Seeberger Peter H
Published: August 2011

Photolysis of aryl azides to give nitrenes, and their subsequent rearrangement in the presence of water to give 3H-azepinones, is performed in continuous flow in a photoreactor constructed of fluorinated ethylene polymer (FEP) tubing. Fine tuning of the reaction conditions using the flow reactor allowed minimization of secondary photochemical reactions.
Chemoport Anchoring—The In Situ Technique
Authors: Harish Krishnamachar , Madhu Yagachikatte Chikkanarasaiah
Published: August 2011

Chemoports are subcutaneously placed long term central venous access devices usually inserted under local anaesthesia. Rare complications include port inversion or flip over. These can be prevented by anchoring the port to the tissues at its base. We describe an in-situ technique of port anchoring. Here, the port is first ‘fixed’ temporarily to the overlying skin by Huber needle, thus facilitating placement of fixing sutures without port manipulation. The described technique is safe and we have not encountered complications. In addition, explanting the port was easier due to the use of delayed absorbable sutures. It is safer to anchor the port even if the port pocket ensures that the port fits in snugly. This described technique results in minimal manipulation of portcatheter system thereby ensuring that the catheter tip which is properly placed remains unaltered.
Liturgical singing as ritual symbol
Authors: Calitz Coenie
Published: August 2011

Liturgical singing is more than text and melody; it is also symbol and ritual. It is part of the ensemble of rituals within the worship service. As a ritual symbol, it is closely connected to the culture or subculture where it is conducted. Meaning is not only immanent in the text (lyrics), but assigned on a continuous base and differs from culture to culture. As a ritual symbol, liturgical singing does not only point to another reality, but presents the other reality within the cultural context of the worship service; within ritual the music and melody are more important than text and lyrics. Liturgical singing as a ritual symbol is never static, but in a continuous process of change.
Identification of early-maturing maize inbred lines based on multiple traits under drought and low N environments for hybrid development and population improvement
Authors: Badu-Apraku B. , Akinwale R.
Published: August 2011

Badu-Apraku, B. and Akinwale, R. O. 2011. Identification of early-maturing maize inbred lines based on multiple traits under drought and low N environments for hybrid development and population improvement. Can. J. Plant Sci. 91: 931–942. Drought and low nitrogen stresses are major limiting factors to maize (Zea mays L.) production and productivity in West and Central Africa. Studies were conducted from 2007 to 2009 at three locations in Nigeria under induced drought stress and low nitrogen conditions. The objective was to identify superior inbred lines for use as parents for hybrid production and for introgression into maize breeding populations. The inbreds TZEI 17, TZEI 13, TZEI 23, TZEI 2, TZEI 3, TZEI 22, TZEI 7, TZEI 11, and TZEI 8 were identified as the most promising parents under drought stress. Under low N, TZEI 7, TZEI 11, TZEI 2, TZEI 4, TZEI 10, TZEI 8, and TZEI 22 were selected. TZEI 11, TZEI 2, TZEI 8, and TZEI 22 had combined tolerance to drought stress and low N and could be used as germplasm sources for introgression of tolerance genes as well as for the development of drought and/or low-N-tolerant hybrids. Under drought stress, TZEI 17, TZEI 3, TZEI 23, and TZEI 13 were the closest to the ideal genotype, while TZEI 7, TZEI 2, and TZEI 11 were the closest under low-N conditions.
The unique fatty acid and antioxidant composition of ostrich fern (Matteuccia struthiopteris) fiddleheads
Authors: Delong John , Hodges D. Mark , Prange Robert , Forney Charles , Toivenon Peter , Bishop M. Conny , Elliot Michele , Jordan Michael
Published: August 2011

DeLong, J. M., Hodges, D. M., Prange, R. K., Forney, C. F., Toivenon, P. M. A., Bishop, M. C., Elliot, M. L. and Jordan, M. A. 2011. The unique fatty acid and antioxidant composition of ostrich fern ( Matteuccia struthiopteris ) fiddleheads. Can. J. Plant Sci. 91: 919–930. The purpose of this study was to investigate the health-promoting composition of ostrich fern (Matteuccia struthiopteris) fiddlehead tissue by focussing on its fatty acid and antioxidant content and antioxidant activity. The curled crosiers (fiddleheads) were harvested following emergence and before 10 cm growth from eight or nine sites in eastern Canada during 2008 and 2009. The crosiers were then refrigerated or kept on ice until cleaned, subsequently frozen in liquid nitrogen, and then stored at −85°C. All tissue samples (except those used for ascorbate analysis) were freeze-dried, ground in a ball mill and stored at −80°C until analyzed. The current study showed that fiddlehead tissue had an unusual fatty acid composition including γ-linolenic, dihomo-γ-linolenic, arachidonic and eicosapentanoeic acids. The concentration of the antioxidant compounds ascorbic acid [3.0 µmol g−1dry weight (DW)], α- and γ-tocopherol (314 and 80.8 µg g−1DW, respectively) and α- and β-carotene (43.8 and 122 µg g−1DW, respectively) and the xanthophyll pigments violaxanthin (225 µg g−1DW), zeaxanthin (127 µg g−1DW) and lutein (238 µg g−1DW), ranged from high to very high for green plant tissue. The phenolic compound content (51.6 mg gallic acid equiv. g−1DW) was also high compared with other fruits and vegetables and was likely responsible for the elevated antioxidant activity (1529 µmol trolox equiv. g−1DW; oxygen radical absorbing capacity assay) values recorded. Site differences were apparent for several of these measurements. Ostrich fern fiddlehead tissue appears to be a rich and unique source of antioxidant compounds, xanthophyll pigments and essential fatty acids.
Alternative oilseed crops for biodiesel feedstock on the Canadian prairies
Authors: Blackshaw Robert , Johnson Eric , Gan Yantai , May William , McAndrew David , Barthet Veronique , McDonald Tanya , Wispinski Dan
Published: August 2011

Blackshaw, R. E., Johnson, E. N., Gan, Y., May, W. E., McAndrew, D. W., Barthet, V., McDonald, T. and Wispinski, D. 2011. Alternative oilseed crops for biodiesel feedstock on the Canadian prairies. Can. J. Plant Sci. 91: 889–896. Increased demand for biodiesel feedstock has encouraged greater napus canola (Brassica napus L.) production, but there may be a need for greater production of other oilseed crops for this purpose. A multi-site field study was conducted to determine the oil yield potential of various crops relative to that of napus canola in the semi-arid, short-season environment of the Canadian prairies. Oilseed crops evaluated included rapa canola (Brassica rapa L.), juncea canola (Brassica juncea L.), Ethiopian mustard (Brassica carinata L.), oriental mustard (Brassica juncea L.), yellow mustard (Sinapis alba L.), camelina (Camelina sativa L.), flax (Linum usitatissimum L.), and soybean [Glycine max (L.) Max.]. Crop emergence and growth were generally good for all crops, but soybean did not fully mature at some locations. The number of site-years (out of a total of 9) that crops attained similar or greater yields compared to napus canola were camelina (6), oriental mustard (5), juncea canola (3), flax (3), soybean (3), rapa canola (2), yellow mustard (2), and Ethiopian mustard (1). The ranking of seed oil concentration was napus canola=rapa canola= juncea canola=flax>camelina=oriental mustard>Ethiopian mustard>yellow mustard>soybean. Considering yield and oil concentration, the alternative oilseed crops exhibiting the most potential for biodiesel feedstock were camelina, flax, rapa canola and oriental mustard. Oils of all crops were easily converted to biodiesel and quality analyses indicated that all crops would be suitable for biodiesel feedstock with the addition of antioxidants that are routinely utilized in biodiesel fuels.
Composition and correlation between major seed constituents in selected lentil (Lens culinaris. Medik) genotypes
Authors: Tahir Mohammad , Lindeboom Nienke , Båga Monica , Vandenberg Albert , Chibbar Ravindra
Published: August 2011

Tahir, M., Lindeboom, N., Båga, M., Vandenberg, A. and Chibbar, R. N. 2011. Composition and correlation between major seed constituents in selected lentil ( Lens culinaris Medik.) genotypes. Can. J. Plant Sci. 91: 825–835. Development of lentil cultivars with increased seed amylose, protein and reduced concentration of anti-nutritional constituents are desired from the perspectives of lentil utilization and human health. In selected lentil genotypes, we studied seed weight, seed coat weight and color, seed composition and the association between major quality traits. Significant (P ≤ 0.05) variation existed for all traits except seed coat weight. The starch and protein concentrations ranged from 39.4 to 45.3 g and from 23.8 to 29.3 g 100 g−1 flour DM whereas the amylose concentration ranged from 29.8 to 34.0 g 100 g−1 starch. Glucose, sucrose and raffinose family oligosaccharides (RFO) concentrations of lentil genotypes ranged from 0.04 to 0.08 g, from 0.7 to 2.4 g, and from 4.6 to 6.6 mmoles 100 g−1 flour DM, respectively. Raffinose, stachyose and verbascose concentrations varied from 1.6 to 2.4 g, from 1.7 to 2.9 g, and from 1.2 to 1.9 g 100 g−1 flour DM, respectively. A significant (P ≤ 0.05) positive correlation existed between 1000-seed weight and starch, 1000-seed weight and RFO and sucrose concentration. Similarly, a significant (P ≤ 0 .05) negative correlation was found between starch and protein concentration, 1000-seed weight and protein concentration, and 1000-seed weight and amylose concentration. The lack of a significant correlation between RFO and other quality traits indicates that selection for low RFO concentration may not affect other important quality traits in lentil seeds.
CDC Hornet yellow field pea
Authors: Warkentin Tom , Vandenberg Albert , Tar'an Bunyamin , Banniza Sabine , Bett Kirstin , Barlow Brent , Ife Scott , Horner Jaret , Silva Devini de , Thompson Mark , Parada Mauricio , Wagenhoffer Stacey , Prado Thiago
Published: August 2011

Warkentin, T., Vandenberg, A., Tar'an, B., Banniza, S., Bett, K., Barlow, B., Ife, S., Horner, J., de Silva, D., Thompson, M., Parada, M., Wagenhoffer, S. and Prado, T. 2011. CDC Hornet yellow field pea. Can. J. Plant Sci. 91: 947–949. CDC Hornet, a yellow cotyledon field pea (Pisum sativum L.) cultivar, was released in 2010 by the Crop Development Centre, University of Saskatchewan for distribution to Select seed growers in Saskatchewan and Alberta through the Variety Release Committee of the Saskatchewan Pulse Growers. CDC Hornet has good lodging resistance, medium-sized, round seeds, and good yielding ability. CDC Hornet is adapted to the field pea growing regions of western Canada.
TRIAD: The Translational Research Informatics and Data Management Grid
Authors: Ervin D. , Dhaval R. , Borlawsky T. , Lai A. , Payne P.
Published: August 2011

Objective: Multi-disciplinary and multi-site biomedical research programs frequently require infrastructures capable of enabling the collection, management, analysis, and dissemination of heterogeneous, multi-dimensional, and distributed data and knowledge collections spanning organizational boundaries. We report on the design and initial deployment of an extensible biomedical informatics platform that is intended to address such requirements.

Methods: A common approach to distributed data, information, and knowledge management needs in the healthcare and life science settings is the deployment and use of a service-oriented a>rchitecture (SOA). Such SOA technologies provide for strongly-typed, semantically annotated, and stateful data and analytical services that can be combined into data and knowledge integration and analysis “pipelines.” Using this overall design pattern, we have implemented and evaluated an extensible SOA platform for clinical and translational science applications known as the Translational Research Informatics and Data-management grid (TRIAD). TRIAD is a derivative and extension of the caGrid middleware and has an emphasis on supporting agile “working interoperability” between data, information, and knowledge resources.

Results: Based upon initial verification and validation studies conducted in the context of a collection of driving clinical and translational research problems, we have been able to demonstrate that TRIAD achieves agile “working interoperability” between distributed data and knowledge sources.

Conclusion: Informed by our initial verification and validation studies, we believe TRIAD provides an example instance of a lightweight and readily adoptable approach to the use of SOA technologies in the clinical and translational research setting. Furthermore, our initial use cases illustrate the importance and efficacy of enabling “working interoperability” in heterogeneous biomedical environments.
Receptor modeling of near-roadway aerosol mass spectrometer data in Las Vegas, Nevada, with EPA PMF
Authors: Brown S. G. , Lee T. , Norris G. A. , Roberts P. T. , Collett J. L. , Paatero P. , Worsnop D. R.
Published: August 2011

Abstract. Ambient non-refractory PM1 aerosol particles were measured with an Aerodyne High Resolution Time-of-Flight Aerosol Mass Spectrometer (HR-AMS) at an elementary school 20 m from the US 95 freeway in Las Vegas, Nevada, during January 2008. Additional collocated continuous measurements of black carbon (BC), carbon monoxide (CO), nitrogen oxides (NOx), and meteorological data were collected. The US Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) positive matrix factorization (PMF) data analysis tool was used to apportion organic matter (OM) as measured by HR-AMS, and rotational tools in EPA PMF were used to better characterize the solution space and pull resolved factors toward known source profiles. Three- to six-factor solutions were resolved. The four-factor solution was the most interpretable, with the typical AMS PMF factors of hydrocarbon-like organic aerosol (HOA), low-volatility oxygenated organic aerosol (LV-OOA), biomass burning organic aerosol (BBOA), and semi-volatile oxygenated organic aerosol (SV-OOA). When the measurement site was downwind of the freeway, HOA composed about half the OM, with SV-OOA and LV-OOA accounting for the rest. Attempts to pull the PMF factor profiles toward source profiles were successful but did not qualitatively change the results, indicating that these factors are very stable. Oblique edges were present in G-space plots, suggesting that the obtained rotation may not be the most plausible one. Since solutions found by pulling the profiles or using Fpeak retained these oblique edges, there appears to be little rotational freedom in the base solution. On average, HOA made up 26 % of the OM, and it made up nearly half of the OM when the monitoring site was downwind of US 95 during morning rush hour. LV-OOA was highest in the afternoon and accounted for 26 % of the OM. BBOA occurred in the evening hours, was predominantly from the residential area to the north, and on average constituted 12 % of the OM; SV-OOA accounted for the remaining third of the OM. Use of the pulling techniques available in EPA PMF and ME-2 suggested that the four-factor solution was very stable.
Depositional ice nucleation onto hydrated NaCl particles: a new mechanism for ice formation in the troposphere
Authors: Wise M. E. , Baustian K. J. , Koop T. , Freedman M. A. , Jensen E. J. , Tolbert M. A.
Published: August 2011

Abstract. Sea-salt aerosol particles (SSA) are ubiquitous in the marine boundary layer and over coastal areas. Therefore SSA have ability to directly and indirectly affect the Earth's radiation balance. The influence SSA have on climate is related to their water uptake and ice nucleation characteristics. In this study, optical microscopy coupled with Raman spectroscopy was used to detect the formation of an NaCl hydrate that could form under atmospheric conditions. NaCl(s) particles deliquesced at the well established value of 75.7 ± 2.5 % RH. NaCl(aq) particles effloresced to a mixture of hydrated and non-hydrated particles at temperatures between 236 and 252 K. The aqueous particles effloresced into the non-hydrated form at temperatures warmer than 252 K. At temperatures colder than 236 K all particles effloresced into the hydrated form. The deliquescence relative humidities (DRH) of hydrated NaCl(s) particles ranged from 76.6 to 93.2 % RH. Based on the measured DRH and efflorescence relative humidities (ERH), we estimate crystalline NaCl particles could be in the hydrated form 40–80 % of the time in the troposphere. Additionally, the ice nucleating abilities of NaCl(s) and hydrated NaCl(s) were determined at temperatures ranging from 221 to 238 K. NaCl(s) particles depositionally nucleated ice at an average Sice value of 1.11 ± 0.07. Hydrated NaCl(s) particles depositionally nucleated ice at an average Sice value of 1.02 ± 0.04. When a mixture of hydrated and anhydrous NaCl(s) particles was present in the same sample, ice preferentially nucleated on the hydrated particles 100 % of the time. While both types of particles are efficient ice nuclei, hydrated NaCl(s) particles are better ice nuclei than NaCl(s) particles.
Importance of relative humidity in the oxidative ageing of organic aerosols: case study of the ozonolysis of maleic acid aerosol
Authors: Gallimore P. J. , Achakulwisut P. , Pope F. D. , Davies J. , Spring D. R. , Kalberer M.
Published: August 2011

Abstract. Many important atmospheric aerosol processes depend on the chemical composition of the aerosol, e.g. water uptake and particle cloud interactions. Atmospheric ageing processes, such as oxidation reactions, significantly and continuously change the chemical composition of aerosol particles throughout their lifetime. These ageing processes are often poorly understood. In this study we utilize an aerosol flow tube set up and an ultra-high resolution mass spectrometer to explore the effect of relative humidity (RH) in the range of <5–90 % on the ozonolysis of maleic acid aerosol which is employed as model organic aerosol system. The effect of oxidative ageing on the hygroscopicity of maleic acid particles is also investigated using an electrodynamic balance and thermodynamic modelling. RH has a profound effect on the oxidation of maleic acid particles. Very little oxidation is observed at RH < 50 % and the only observed reaction products are glyoxylic acid and formic acid. In comparison, when RH > 50 % there are about 15 oxidation products identified. This increased oxidation was observed even when the particles were exposed to high humidities long after the ozonolysis reaction. This result might have negative implications for the use of water as an extraction solvent for the analysis of oxidized organic aerosols. These humidity-dependent differences in the composition of the ozonolyzed aerosol demonstrate that water is both a key reactant in the oxidation scheme and a determinant of particle phase and hence diffusivity. The measured chemical composition of the processed aerosol is used to model the hygroscopic growth, which compares favourably with water uptake results from the electrodynamic balance measurements. A reaction mechanism is presented which takes into account the RH dependent observations. This study emphasises the importance of studying the combined effects of several atmospheric parameters such as oxidants and RH to accurately describe the complex oxidation scheme of organic aerosols.
Hygroscopic behavior of individual NaNO3 particles
Authors: Lee M.-J. , Jung H.-J. , Eom H.-J. , Maskey S. , Kim H. K. , Ro C.-U.
Published: August 2011

Abstract. Previous controversial studies on the hygroscopic behavior of NaNO3 aerosols and our frequent observation of crystalline NaNO3-containing ambient aerosol particles prompted this extensive hygroscopic study on NaNO3 aerosol particles. In this work, the hygroscopic behavior of individual NaNO3 particles of 2.5–4.0 μm in diameter is investigated on a single-particle basis using an optical microscopy technique. Quite different hygroscopic behaviors between particles generated by the nebulization of NaNO3 solution and powdery particles were observed; i.e., most of generated particles continuously grew and shrank during humidifying and dehydration processes, respectively, and yet all the individual powdery particles had reproducible deliquescence and efflorescence relative humidities (DRHs and ERHs). The different behaviors of the two NaNO3 systems are due to the different nucleation mechanisms. Our hygroscopic studies of NaNO3 particles generated from aqueous NaNO3 solutions indicate that they nucleate via homogeneous nucleation, but the time scale for the nucleation to occur is too long to be atmospherically relevant. And thus no efflorescence of the particles has been observed in the laboratory measurements. However, when chemical species acting as heterogeneous nuclei are present, then efflorescence occurs which can explain the observation of ambient crystalline NaNO3 particles. It is imperative to work with heterogeneous nucleation systems which are more relevant to the real world.
Statistical analysis of a LES shallow cumulus cloud ensemble using a cloud tracking algorithm
Authors: Dawe J. T. , Austin P. H.
Published: August 2011

Abstract. A technique for the tracking of individual clouds in a Large Eddy Simulation (LES) is presented. We use this technique on a LES of a shallow cumulus cloud field based upon the Barbados Oceanographic and Meteorological Experiment (BOMEX) to calculate statistics of cloud height, lifetime, and other physical properties for individual clouds in the model. We also examine the question of nature versus nurture in shallow cumulus clouds: do properties at cloud base determine the upper-level properties of the clouds (nature), or are cloud properties determined by the environmental conditions they encounter (nurture). We find that clouds which ascend through an environment that has been pre-moistened by previous cloud activity are no more likely to reach the inversion than clouds that ascend through a drier environment. Cloud base thermodynamic properties are uncorrelated with upper-level cloud properties, while mean fractional entrainment and detrainment rate displays moderate correlations with cloud properties up to the inversion. Conversely, cloud base area correlates well with upper-level cloud area and maximum cloud height. We conclude that cloud thermodynamic properties are primarily influenced by entrainment and detrainment processes, cloud area and height are primarily influenced by cloud base area, and thus nature and nurture both play roles in the dynamics of BOMEX shallow cumulus clouds.
Understanding climate processes in the Murray-Darling Basin: utility and limitations for natural resources management
Authors: Gallant A. J. E. , Kiem A. S. , Verdon-Kidd D. C. , Stone R. C. , Karoly D. J.
Published: August 2011

Abstract. Ocean-atmosphere processes causing variations in the climate of Australia's Murray-Darling Basin (MDB) occur on time scales from days to centuries, all are important, and none are likely to act in isolation. Instead, interactions between all hydroclimatic drivers, on multiple time scales, are likely to have caused the variations observed in MDB instrumental records. The source and relative importance of each climate driver varies due to the geographic spread of the Basin from the subtropics to the middle latitudes. Such differences were highlighted during the period from 1997–2010 when the southern MDB experienced prolonged and severe dry conditions, while decadal-scale rainfall in the northern MDB remained close to normal. Although recent studies have provided insights into possible mechanisms, the cause of this recent drying is still uncertain. To this end, this paper addresses the current state of knowledge about the processes causing climate variations in the MDB and the utility and limitations of this knowledge for natural resources management.
Thought, Utterance, Power:
Authors: Karshner Edward
Published: August 2011

To the ancient mind, magic was a powerful force to be subjected to or to control. Egypt, more than any other early culture, stressed the importance of intellectual agency as the antidote to the imperfection perceived between foundational thinking and anti-foundational speaking. Just as rhetoric seeks to express the conceptual ideal pursued by philosophical inquiry, these earlier thinkers stressed magical language as the key to unlocking the power of the cosmos. This article will explore the Ancient Egyptian concept of rhetorical magic as a practical wisdom that allows an individual to function fully within the boundaries established by a perceived cosmic order. The Ancient Egyptians applied rhetorical magic to ease the dissonance felt between intellectual engagement and the semiotically saturated cosmology in which they dwelt. These same ancient rhetorical practices hold promise in assisting our own attempts to navigate a world inundated with information.
Extracellular Biosynthesis of Silver Nanoparticles Using
Escherichia coli ATCC 8739, Bacillus subtilis ATCC 6633, and
Streptococcus thermophilus ESh1 and Their Antimicrobial Activities
Authors: El-Shanshoury Abd El-Raheem R. , ElSilk Sobhy E. , Ebeid Mohamed E.
Published: August 2011

The development of reliable and eco-friendly organisms of silver nanomaterials is an important aspect of current nanotechnology research and application. Recently, microorganisms have been explored as potential biofactory for synthesis of silver nanoparticles. In this study, through screening of common bacteria, we report extracellular biosynthesis of metallic silver nanoparticles by the reduction of aqueous Ag+ using Escherichia coli ATCC 8739, Bacillus subtilis ATCC 6633, and Streptococcus thermophilus ESh1 as potential candidates for the rapid synthesis of silver nanoparticles. The culture supernatant of silver nanoparticles biosynthesis by reduction of silver ion coming in contact with the cell filtrate was fast and was formed within few minutes. UV-visible spectrum of the aqueous media obtained from the above bacteria containing silver ion showed a peak around 420 nm corresponding to the plasmon absorbance of silver nanoparticles. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) micrographs showed formation of well-dispersed silver nanoparticles in the range of 5–25 nm. X-ray diffraction (XRD) of silver nanoparticles exhibited 2θ values corresponding to the silver nanocrystal. In vitro studies indicated that the formed silver nanoparticles showed variable antimicrobial activity against Escherichia coli, Bacillus subtilis, Salmonella typhimurium, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Staphylococcus aureus, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa and the fungus like yeast (Candida albicans). The diameter of inhibition zone varied according to the silver nanocrystal concentration and the test microorganism.
The Performance of Quantiferon TB Gold In-Tube as a Screening Tool in Paediatric Rheumatology prior to Initiation of Infliximab: A Single Centre's Experience
Authors: Maritsi Despoina , Al-Obadi Muthana , Brogan Paul A. , Eleftheriou Despina , Dixon Garth L. J.
Published: August 2011

Background. Patients with autoimmune diseases and latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) are at risk of developing catastrophic tuberculosis disease following infliximab treatment. Quantiferon-TB gold in-Tube (QTB) has proven a more accurate screening tool than tuberculin skin test (TST) in adult populations.
Objectives. To assess the utility and validity of QTB in children, prior to treatment with infliximab.
Methods. Retrospective cohort of patients started on infliximab following endorsement of QTB as a screening tool by the NICE guidelines in 2006.
Results. Twenty three patients (12 females and 11 males) were included in the study. A chest radiograph (CXR) and QTB was performed prior to starting infliximab. Fourteen patients had a recorded negative TST result. One patient had a positive QTB while two had indeterminate results. Their CXRs were not suggestive of TB and TSTs were negative. The patients with indeterminate results were started on infliximab and had regular clinical assessment for TB disease. Repeat QTB was negative in one while remained indeterminate in the other. None of our 23 patients developed TB.
Conclusion. QTB is a useful screen tool for LTBI. Indeterminate results warrant careful assessment and re-evaluation, but should not preclude from initiation of anti TNF treatment.
True Stress-True Strain Models for Structural Steel Elements
Authors: Arasaratnam P. , Sivakumaran K. S. , Tait M. J.
Published: August 2011

A standard uniaxial tensile test, which establishes the engineering stress-strain relationship, in general, provides the basic mechanical properties of steel required by a structural designer. Modern numerical analysis techniques used for analysis of large strain problems such as failure analysis of steel structures and elements metal forming, metal cutting, and so forth, will require implementation and use of true stress-true strain material characterization. This paper establishes a five stage true stress-strain model for A992 and 350W steel grades, which can capture the behavior of structural steel, including the postultimate behavior of steel, until fracture. The proposed model uses a power law in strain hardening range and a weighted power law in the postultimate range. The true stress-true strain model parameters were established through matching of numerical analysis results with the corresponding standard uniaxial tensile test experimental results. The material constitutive relationship so derived was then applied to predict the load-deformation behavior of coupons with a hole in the middle region subjected to direct tension loading. The predicted load-deformation behavior of perforated tension coupons agreed well with the corresponding test results validating the proposed characterization of the true stress-true strain relationship for structural steel.
Kinematical Conformal Cosmology: Fundamental Parameters from Astrophysical Observations
Authors: Varieschi Gabriele U.
Published: August 2011

We continue the presentation of an alternative cosmology based on conformal
gravity, following our kinematical approach to the subject introduced in a
recent paper. In line with the assumptions of our model, which proposes a
closed-form expression for the cosmic scale factor , we revise the
Hubble and deceleration parameters and introduce modified cosmological
distances, analyzing in particular the case of the luminosity distance. Our kinematical conformal cosmology is then able to explain the anomalous
acceleration of the Pioneer spacecraft, as due to a local region of gravitational blueshift. From the reported data of the Pioneer anomaly, we also
compute the current value of our first fundamental parameter, , in line with the original estimate by P. Mannheim of this quantity. Our second fundamental parameter, , interpreted
as the current value of a cosmological time variable, is derived from a
detailed fitting of type Ia supernovae “gold-silver” data, producing Hubble plots of the same
quality of those obtained by standard cosmology, but without requiring any
dark matter or dark energy contribution. If further experiments will confirm the presence of an anomalous frequency
blueshift in the outer region of the solar system, as described by our model,
kinematical conformal cosmology might become a viable alternative to standard
cosmological theories.
Is Weight Loss–Induced Muscle Mass Loss Clinically Relevant?
Authors: Conte Caterina , Hall Kevin D. , Klein Samuel
Published: June 2024

This Viewpoint explores the effects of weight loss achieved through GLP-1–based antiobesity medications on weight regain, fat-free mass, and skeletal muscle mass in people with obesity.
Geographic Distribution of Clinical Trials for Advanced-Stage Cancer
Authors: Swenson Wade T. , Swenson Abigail , Westergard Emily , Schroeder Zachary
Published: June 2024

This quality improvement study evaluates the geographic distribution of clinical trials and assesses the distances patients with cancer must travel to access a clinical trial site.
Charge Carrier Dynamics of the Mixed Conducting Interphase in All‐Solid‐State Batteries: Lithiated Li1.3Al0.3Ti1.7(PO4)3 as a Case Study
Authors: Scheiber Thomas , Gadermaier Bernhard , Finšgar Matjaž , Wilkening H. Martin R.
Published: June 2024

All‐solid‐state batteries relying on Li metal as negative electrode material and a ceramic electrolyte may severely suffer from unwanted interfacial processes. Here, Li1.3Al0.3Ti1.7(PO4)3 (LATP) serve as a model electrolyte which is known to form an ionic‐electronic, that is, mixed conducting interphase (MCI) when in contact with metallic Li or any other Li source. Li1.3+xAl0.3Ti1.7(PO4)3 with x = 0.2, 0.6 and 1.3 is prepared via ex situ chemical lithiation to mimic the formation of MCIs taking place otherwise operando. The preparation of large amounts of lithiated LATP with controlled Li contents allowed us to use nuclear and electric techniques to study local structures and ionic/electronic dynamics in detail. The results point to the formation of a core‐shell two‐phase morphology with the Li‐rich Li3Al0.3Ti1.7(PO4)3 phase covering the nonlithiated Li‐poor regions. The originally poor electronic conductivity σeon of 6.5 × 10−12 S cm−1 (293 K) increases by ≈3 orders of magnitude, hence reaching the order of 6.6 × 10−9 S cm−1 for x = 0.6. At even higher loadings (x = 1.3), a decrease in conductivity is seen, i.e., not exceeding alarming values for σeon. Quantifying electronic and ionic transport processes will help assessing the extent of damage through MCI formation and discussing whether any strategies to mitigate such formation is necessary at all.
Controllable Synthesis of Sub‐10 nm ZnS Nanograins Confined in Micro‐Size Carbon Skeleton for Aqueous Zn–S Batteries
Authors: Yang Min , Yan Zichao , Zhang Hui , Li Junwei , Zhu Zhiqiang , Liu Li , Jiao Lifang
Published: June 2024

Aqueous zinc–sulfur battery (AZSB) is a promising technology for energy storage, but its practical application is severely limited by the sluggish redox kinetics and large volume expansion of the sulfur cathode. Herein, the controllable synthesis of sub‐10 nm ZnS nanograins confined in micro‐size carbon skeleton (MN‐ZnS/C─H) and its application as the cathode for AZSB is reported. It is revealed that the carbon source, polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP), can weakly coordinate with Zn2+ and provide a physical confinement for inhibiting the agglomeration of ZnS nanograins during the calcination process. Moreover, the particle size of ZnS (from sub‐10 to 350 nm) and the shape of ZnS/carbon composite (from bulk to sphere) can be well controlled by tuning the chain length of PVP. In the unique hierarchical structure, the ZnS nanograins can provide an optimized ion transmission path, and the micro‐size carbon network not only ensures high electronic conductivity but also maintains structure integrity upon volume variation, endowing the MN‐ZnS/C─H electrode with a high reversible capacity of 370 mA h g−1 at 0.2 A g−1, high rate capability of 209 mA h g−1 at 4 A g−1, and a long lifespan of 210 cycles with 93.2% capacity retention at 2 A g−1.
Recent Progress of Fluorinated Conjugated Polymers
Authors: Zhang Tianhao , Chen Zhihui , Zhang Weifeng , Wang Liping , Yu Gui
Published: June 2024

In recent years, conjugated polymers have received widespread attention due to their characteristic advantages of light weight, favorable solution processability, and structural modifiability. Among various conjugated polymers, fluorinated ones have developed rapidly to achieve high‐performance n‐type or ambipolar polymeric semiconductors. The uniqueness of fluorinated conjugated polymers contains the high coplanarity of their structures, lower frontier molecular orbital energy levels, and strong nonbonding interactions. In this review, first the fluorinated building blocks, including fluorinated benzene and thiophene rings, fluorinated B←N bridged units, and fluoroalkyl side chains are summarized. Subsequently, different synthetic methods of fluorinated conjugated polymers are described, with a special focus on their respective advantages and disadvantages. Then, with these numerous fluorinated structures and appropriate synthetic methods bear in mind, the properties and applications of the fluorinated conjugated polymers, such as cyclopentadithiophene‐, amide‐, and imide‐based polymers, and B←N embedded polymers, are systematically discussed. The introduction of fluorine atoms can further enhance the electron‐deficiency of the backbone, influencing the charge carrier transport performance. The promising fluorinated conjugated polymers are applied widely in organic field‐effect transistors, organic solar cells, organic thermoelectric devices, and other organic opto‐electric devices. Finally, the outlook on the challenges and future development of fluorinated conjugated polymers is systematically discussed.
Hydrogen‐Bonding Integrated Low‐Dimensional Flexible Electronics Beyond the Limitations of van der Waals Contacts
Authors: Liu Dexing , Liu Ziyi , Gao Xinyu , Zhu Jiahao , Wang Zifan , Qiu Rui , Ren Qinqi , Zhang Yiming , Zhang Shengdong , Zhang Min
Published: June 2024

Van der Waals (vdW) integration enables clean contacts for low‐dimensional electronic devices. The limitation remains; however, that an additional tunneling contact resistance occurs owing to the inherent vdW gap between the metal and the semiconductor. Here, it is demonstrated from theoretical calculations that stronger non‐covalent hydrogen‐bonding interactions facilitate electron tunneling and significantly reduce the contact resistance; thus, promising to break the limitations of the vdW contact. π‐plane hydrogen‐bonding contacts in surface‐engineered MXene/carbon nanotube metal/semiconductor heterojunctions are realized, and an anomalous temperature‐dependent tunneling resistance is observed. Low‐dimensional flexible thin‐film transistors integrated by hydrogen‐bonding contacts exhibit both excellent flexibility and carrier mobility orders of magnitude higher than their counterparts with vdW contacts. This strategy demonstrates a scalable solution for realizing high‐performance and low‐power flexible electronics beyond vdW contacts.
Enantioselective Reduction of Cyclobutenones Using Ene‐Reductases
Authors: Yasukawa Tomohiro , Gilles Pierre , Martin Juliette , Boutet Julien , Cossy Janine
Published: June 2024

Enantioselective reduction of cyclobutenones to optically active cyclobutanones has been achieved by using whole‐cell overexpressing Seqenzym ene‐reductases (EREDs). By using these enzymes, trans‐cyclobutanones were isolated in good yields and with enantiomeric excesses up to 99%.