bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Weed infestation of spring barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) depending on the cover crop and weed control method
Authors: Gawęda Dorota , Wesołowski Marian , Kwiatkowski Cezary A.
Published: April 2014

The aim of this 3-year field study was to evaluate the effect of some stubble crops and weed control methods on the species composition, number and air-dry weight of weeds in a spring barley crop grown in short-term monoculture. The study was conducted in the period 2009–2011 at the Uhrusk Experimental Farm, on mixed rendzina soil classified as very good rye soil complex. It included stubble crops which were ploughed under in each year (control treatment without cover crop, white mustard, lacy phacelia, a mixture of legumes – narrow-leaf lupin + field pea) and 3 weed control methods used in spring barley crops (mechanical, mechanical and chemical, chemical weed control). Veronica persica was the weed species that occurred in greatest numbers in the spring barley crop sown after stubble crops. All cover crops reduced the numbers of Avena fatua which was the dominant species in the control treatment. Chemical as well as chemical and mechanical weed control significantly reduced the numbers of Avena fatua compared to the treatment where only double harrowing was used for weed control. The stubble crops did not reduce weed infestation of spring barley. Compared to the control treatment, the ploughing-in of white mustard and the mixture of legumes reduced the dry weight of weeds by 49.1 and 22.7%, respectively. Mechanical weed management proved to be less effective in reducing the number and dry weight of weeds compared to the other weed control methods. A significant negative correlation was found between the dry weight of weeds in the spring barley crop and the dry weight of the ploughed-in white mustard cover crop under the conditions of chemical weed control as well as in the case of the mixture of legumes when complete mechanical and chemical weed control was used.
Diversity of segetal weeds in pea (Pisum sativum L.) depending on crops chosen for a crop rotation system
Authors: Kostrzewska Marta K. , Jastrzębska Magdalena , Treder Kinga , Wanic Maria
Published: April 2014

This study, lasting from 1999 to 2006, was conducted at the Research Station in Tomaszkowo, which belongs to the University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn. The experiment was set up on brown rusty soil classified as good rye complex 5 in the Polish soil valuation system. The analysis comprised weeds in fields sown with pea cultivated in two four-field crop rotation systems with a different first crop: A. potato – spring barley – pea – spring barley; B. mixture of spring barley with pea – spring barley – pea – spring barley. Every year, at the 2–3 true leaf stage of pea, the species composition and density of individual weed species were determined; in addition, before harvesting the main crop, the dry matter of weeds was weighed. The results were used to analyze the constancy of weed taxa, species diversity, and the evenness and dominance indices, to determine the relationships between all biological indicators analyzed and weather conditions, and to calculate the indices of similarity, in terms of species composition, density and biomass of weeds, between the crop rotations compared.

The species richness, density and biomass of weeds in fields with field pea were not differentiated by the choice of the initial crop in a given rotation system. In the spring, the total number of identified taxa was 28 and it increased to 36 before the harvest of pea plants. Chenopodium album and Echinochloa crus-galli were the most numerous. Chenopodium album, Echinochloa crus-galli, Sonchus arvensis, Fallopia convolvulus and Viola arvensis were constant in all treatments, regardless of what the first crop in rotation was or when the observations were made.

The species diversity and the evenness and species dominance indices varied significantly between years and dates of observations. Species diversity calculated on the basis of the density of weed species was higher in the rotation with a mixture of cereals and legumes, while that calculated on the basis of weed biomass was higher in the system with potato. The similarity indices, which express the convergence of floristic composition as well as of the density and biomass of weeds growing in pea fields in the two crop rotation systems compared, were within a broad range (42–86%). The biodiversity of weed communities was more closely correlated to total precipitation than to air temperature.
The effect of flower removal on the growth and quality of bushes of two rose (Rosa L.) varieties
Authors: Baryła Piotr , Kapłan Magdalena , Kiczorowski Piotr , Krawiec Marcela , Palonka Salwina , Wociór Stanisław , Wójcik Irena
Published: April 2014

The present study was conducted during the period 2008–2011 in a production nursery without irrigation and established on grey-brown podzolic soil classified as soil class II. The study investigated the effect of regular flower removal on the growth and quality of bushes of the following rose (Rosa L.) varieties: a multi-flowered variety ‘Arthur Bell’ and a large-flowered variety ‘Burgund’. In the case of the multi-flowered variety ‘Arthur Bell’, flower removal was found to have a significant effect on the number and total length of shoots growing from the bud union in bushes. On the other hand, this practice was not shown to have an effect on the growth and quality of bushes of the large-flowered variety ‘Burgund’.

 In the case of bushes of the studied varieties budded on Rosa multiflora Thunb. rootstock, the study showed significant differences in plant growth and branching between years. In 2009, after spring frosts that damaged young shoots and as an effect of a lower amount of rainfall by about 60 mm during the growing season, a much worse quality of rose bushes was obtained than in the other years.
Glandular and non-glandular hairs in the seasonally dimorphic Origanum dictamnus L. (Lamiaceae) as a means of adaptation to cold stress
Authors: Bosabalidis Artemios M. , Sawidis Thomas
Published: April 2014

Origanum dictamnus is a seasonally dimorphic plant having different appearance in winter and summer. Shoots of winter plants are leaf-naked except for their apical region which bears a cluster of small leaves covered with a thick indumentum of non-glandular hairs. This indumentum highly contributes to the avoidance of cold penetration into the leaf mesophyll, allowing thus plants to endure winter low temperatures. Shoots of summer plants are vigorous with large green leaves. Non-glandular hairs are dendroid with a 5-celled vertical stub and several lateral branches. Glandular hairs are of two types, large peltate hairs and small capitate hairs. Peltate hairs are numerous and consist of a 12-celled head, a unicellular stalk, and a basal epidermal cell.. They constitute the sites of essential oil secretion. Capitate hairs occur in a small number and are composed of a unicellular head, a unicellular stalk and a basal epidermal cell. They are not secreting essential oil, but a hydrophilic material. The oil secreted by the peltate hairs has antioxidant properties, opposes the oxidative stress resulted from low temperatures, and contributes to the adaptation of the plant to winter cold stress.
The effect of the application of the exact and approximate methods on values of selected ecological indices
Authors: Ługowska Maria , Rzymowska Zofia
Published: April 2014

The work presents the results of a study on the biodiversity of agrocenoses using ecological indices. In order to calculate the measures, phytosociological relevés were made and exact methods were applied in winter cereals, spring cereals, tuber crops and stubble fields. The objective of the work was to compare ecological indices (Simpson’s index of dominance C, Simpson’s index of species richness D, and Shannon-Wiener index of biodiversity H’) calculated using the number of plants and their cover determined based on the degree of presence. Moreover, correlation analysis was conducted between the indices computed using the two approaches applied.

The results of the study revealed significant differences between all the indices calculated using the exact and approximate methods. In turn, comparisons of the measures computed for individual crops showed significant differences only for potato crops and winter cereals. No significant differences were found between the indicators calculated for spring cereals and stubble fields.
Evaluation of the effect of weather on concentrations of airborne Artemisia pollen using circular statistic
Authors: Borycka Katarzyna , Kasprzyk Idalia
Published: April 2014

The diurnal pollen pattern of Artemisia seems to be similar in many regions in Central and Eastern Europe, with its highest concentration before noon. This research is a continuation of a preliminary study that was carried out in Rzeszów 10 years ago. The Spearman nonparametric correlation test and the angular-linear correlation were used to verify assumptions about the influence of meteorological parameters on daily and hourly variations of Artemisia pollen concentrations in the atmosphere. The results showed that the patterns of hourly and daily Artemisia pollen concentration in the air of Rzeszów did not differ significantly from the results obtained in previous years, except PI value which was significantly lower. The majority of Artemisia pollen grains appeared in the air before noon and in the early afternoon. However, on some days the peaks occurred around midnight. The hourly and daily Artemisia pollen concentrations were strongly influenced by temperature and relative humidity. Daily concentration was also influenced by radiation and sunshine duration. We do not exclude other factors, such as secondary deposition and long distance transport. We proposed circular statistics as an appropriate method of analysis of the relationship between meteorological parameters and hourly airborne pollen concentration.
A study on the effects of foliar feeding under different soil fertilization conditions on the yield structure and quality of common oat (Avena sativa L.)
Authors: Chwil Stanisław
Published: April 2014

The present study was conducted based on a field experiment established on very acidic medium soil (silt loam). The experimental design included 4 soil fertilization treatments: O, NPK, NPK + MgSO4. 7H2O, NPK + CaO + MgO, and 3 foliar feeding treatments: O(H2O), Insol PK + 5% urea solution, Ekosol U. The test plant was the oat cultivar ‘Kwant’. The aim of this study was to characterize in detail the response of oats to foliar feeding under the conditions of different soil fertilization with calcium and magnesium compounds. The experimental factors applied increased the yield parameters and differentiated the nutrient content in oat grain and straw. Soil fertilization had a greater effect on the quality parameters of primary yield than the foliar fertilizers used in the study. The best production and quality effects in growing oats were obtained after the application of MgSO4 and magnesium lime. Foliar feeding also affected beneficially the quantitative and qualitative characteristics of the yield. Among the fertilizers used, Insol PK showed a better effect than Ekosol U, in particular on the yield structure and the amino acid composition of proteins.
Explanation of the sporadic‐E layer formation by comparing FORMOSAT‐3/COSMIC data with meteor and wind shear information
Authors: Yeh Wen‐Hao , Liu Jann‐Yenq , Huang Cheng‐Yung , Chen Shih‐Ping
Published: April 2014

The formation of the sporadic E (Es) layer can be interpreted in several different ways, with wind shear theory and the meteor ionization mechanism being the most commonly used explanations. Nevertheless, neither the wind shear theory nor the meteor ionization mechanism alone can completely explain the formation of the Es layer. The meteor ionization mechanism cannot interpret the different activity in this layer between the Northern and Southern Hemispheres, while the wind shear theory cannot explain the source of the large amount of ionized particles in the Es layer. In this study, the activity in the Es layer is compared with information about meteors and the global vertical speed of ionized particles. The information about meteors is obtained from International Meteor Organization and Radio Meteor Observing Bulletin. The global vertical speed information for ionized particles is calculated using the International Geomagnetic Reference Field model, Horizontal Wind Model (HWM07), and Mass Spectrometer‐Incoherent Scatter model. The activity in the Es layer is based on the value of the irregular degree index, which is derived from the signal‐to‐noise ratio obtained from Formosa Satellite Mission‐3/Constellation Observing System for Meteorology, Ionosphere, and Climate (FORMOSAT‐3/COSMIC) Global Positioning System radio occultation mission. Taking both wind shear theory and the meteor ionization mechanism together, the source of the ionized particles in the Es layer and the difference in the activity in the Es layer between Northern and Southern Hemispheres can thus be explained more completely.
Decomposition of the wind and nonwind effects on observed year‐to‐year air quality variation
Authors: Li Ying , Lau Alexis , Wong Agnes , Fung Jimmy
Published: April 2014

Changes in emissions and wind are often identified as the two dominant factors contributing to year‐to‐year variations in the concentration of primary pollutants. However, because changes in wind and emissions are intertwined, it has been difficult to quantitatively differentiate their effects on air quality directly from observed data. In particular, if the annual mean concentration of pollutants is higher than the previous year, it is difficult to identify whether the deterioration in air quality is caused by wind blowing from more polluted regions or an increase in contributing emissions. In this paper, based on wind and pollution roses, we propose a method to differentiate the effects of wind and nonwind (e.g., emissions) changes using direct observation. An index (L) is first defined to quantify the validity of the linear decomposition. The method is then validated by idealized experiments, numerical experiments, and a 2 year observation data set from an actual emissions control program. Finally, we demonstrate the proposed method by studying long‐term particulate matter (PM10) variations in Hong Kong during 2000–2011. We find that for most of the period, the linear decomposition of the changes in annual PM10 is valid (up to 90% confidence) and is dominated by the change in nonwind effects (e.g., emissions), whereas the average absolute effect from the wind variability is about 20%. Sensitivity analyses also suggest that our method should work in any location as long as the observed wind and pollution data have sufficient duration and resolution to resolve the corresponding wind and pollution roses.
Quantile regression for investigating scaling of extreme precipitation with temperature
Authors: Wasko Conrad , Sharma Ashish
Published: April 2014

The consensus in the scientific community is that the intensity of extreme precipitation will increase in a warmer climate. However, as there is limited observational evidence to this effect, there is a growing body of research which focuses on directly investigating the relationship between temperature and precipitation. This is currently performed by binning precipitation data in temperature bins and then investigating the trend in the precipitation percentiles in each bin with temperature. In this paper, we highlight limitations in the binning approach and present quantile regression as an alternative to the above process. Quantile regression allows estimation of this scaling directly and, unlike binning, is unbiased with sample size. Moreover, quantile regression presents a natural framework for investigation into other factors (covariates) that may be affecting the nature of the scaling relationship. Results using subdaily rainfall data for Australia show the efficacy of the proposed quantile regression method, as well as the presence of season indicators as significant covariates that affect the scaling relationship of precipitation with temperature. A general increase in the scaling coefficient in winter versus summer is observed.
Normally Oriented Adhesion versus Friction Forces in Bacterial Adhesion to Polymer‐Brush Functionalized Surfaces Under Fluid Flow
Authors: Swartjes Jan J. T. M. , Veeregowda Deepak H. , van der Mei Henny C. , Busscher Henk J. , Sharma Prashant K.
Published: April 2014

Bacterial adhesion is problematic in many diverse applications. Coatings of hydrophilic polymer chains in a brush configuration reduce bacterial adhesion by orders of magnitude, but not to zero. Here, the mechanism by which polymer‐brush functionalized surfaces reduce bacterial adhesion from a flowing carrier fluid by relating bacterial adhesion with normally oriented adhesion and friction forces on polymer (PEG)‐brush coatings of different softness is studied. Softer brush coatings deform more than rigid ones, which yields extensive bond‐maturation and strong, normally oriented adhesion forces, accompanied by irreversible adhesion of bacteria. On rigid brushes, normally oriented adhesion forces remain small, allowing desorption and accordingly lower numbers of adhering bacteria result. Friction forces, generated by fluid flow and normally oriented adhesion forces, are required to oppose fluid shear forces and cause immobile adhesion. Summarizing, inclusion of friction forces and substratum softness provides a more complete mechanism of bacterial adhesion from flowing carrier fluids than available hitherto.
Stunting, adiposity, and the individual‐level “dual burden” among urban lowland and rural highland peruvian children
Authors: Pomeroy Emma , Stock Jay T. , Stanojevic Sanja , Miranda J. Jaime , Cole Tim J. , Wells Jonathan C.K.
Published: April 2014

Background

The causes of the “dual burden” of stunting and obesity remain unclear, and its existence at the individual level varies between populations. We investigate whether the individual dual burden differentially affects low socioeconomic status Peruvian children from contrasting environments (urban lowlands and rural highlands), and whether tibia length can discount the possible autocorrelation between adiposity proxies and height due to height measurement error.

Methods

Stature, tibia length, weight, and waist circumference were measured in children aged 3–8.5 years (n = 201). Height and body mass index (BMI) z scores were calculated using international reference data. Age‐sex‐specific centile curves were also calculated for height, BMI, and tibia length. Adiposity proxies (BMI z score, waist circumference‐height ratio (WCHtR)) were regressed on height and also on tibia length z scores.

Results

Regression model interaction terms between site (highland vs. lowland) and height indicate that relationships between adiposity and linear growth measures differed significantly between samples (P < 0.001). Height was positively associated with BMI among urban lowland children, and more weakly with WCHtR. Among rural highland children, height was negatively associated with WCHtR but unrelated to BMI. Similar results using tibia length rather than stature indicate that stature measurement error was not a major concern.

Conclusions

Lowland and rural highland children differ in their patterns of stunting, BMI, and WCHtR. These contrasts likely reflect environmental differences and overall environmental stress exposure. Tibia length or knee height can be used to assess the influence of measurement error in height on the relationship between stature and BMI or WCHtR. Am. J. Hum. Biol. 26:481–490, 2014. © 2014 The Authors American Journal of Human Biology Published byWiley Periodicals, Inc.
Using cross correlations to investigate how chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes) use conspecific gaze cues to extract and exploit information in a foraging competition
Authors: Hall Katie , Oram Mike W. , Campbell Matthew W. , Eppley Timothy M. , Byrne Richard W. , De Waal Frans B.M.
Published: April 2014

In a dyadic informed forager task, chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes) are known to exploit the knowledge of informed subordinates; however, the behavioral mechanisms they employ are unknown. It is tempting to interpret outcome measures, such as which individual obtained the food, in a cognitively richer way than the outcomes may justify. We employed a different approach from prior research, asking how chimpanzees compete by maneuvering around each other, whether they use gaze cues to acquire information from others, and what information they use in moment‐to‐moment decision‐making. We used cross correlations, which plot the correlation between two variables as a function of time, systematically to examine chimpanzee interactions in a series of dyadic informed forager contests. We used cross correlations as a “proof of concept” so as to determine whether the target actions were contingent on, or occurred in a time‐locked pattern relative to, the referent actions. A subordinate individual was given privileged knowledge of food location. As expected, an ignorant dominant followed the informed subordinate's movement in the enclosure. The dominant also followed the subordinate's gaze direction: after she looked at the subordinate, she was more likely to gaze toward this same direction within one second. In contrast, the subordinate only occasionally followed the dominant's movement and gaze. The dominant also changed her own direction of movement to converge on the location to which the subordinate directed her gaze and movement. Cross correlation proves an effective technique for charting contingencies in social interactions, an important step in understanding the use of cognition in natural situations. Am. J. Primatol. 76:932–941, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Palaeodiet reconstruction in a woman with probable celiac disease: A stable isotope analysis of bone remains from the archaeological site of Cosa (Italy)
Authors: Scorrano Gabriele , Brilli Mauro , Martínez‐Labarga Cristina , Giustini Francesca , Pacciani Elsa , Chilleri Filberto , Scaldaferri Franco , Gasbarrini Antonio , Gasbarrini Giovanni , Rickards Olga
Published: April 2014

Stable isotope analysis in the reconstruction of human palaeodiets can yield clues to early human subsistence strategies, origins and history of farming and pastoralist societies, and intra‐ and intergroup social differentiation. In the last 10 years, the method has been extended to the pathological investigation. Stable isotope analysis to better understand a diet‐related disease: celiac disease in ancient human bones was carried out. To do this, we analyzed the nitrogen and carbon isotopic composition of human (n = 37) and faunal (n = 8) bone remains from the archaeological site of Cosa at Ansedonia, on the Tyrrhenian coast near Orbetello (Tuscany), including the skeletal remains of a young woman (late 1st century–early 2nd century Common Era [CE]) with morphological and genetic features suggestive of celiac disease. We compared the young woman's isotopic data with those of other individuals recovered at the same site but from two later time periods (6th century CE; 11–12th century CE) and with literature data from other Italian archaeological sites dating to the same period. Her collagen δ13C and δ15N values differed from those of the samples at the same site, and from most but not all of the contemporary sites. Although the woman's diet appears distinct, chronic malnutrition resulting from severe malabsorption of essential nutrients due to celiac disease may have affected the isotopic composition of her bone collagen. Am J Phys Anthropol 154:349–356, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Physical activity and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: A European population‐based case–control study
Authors: Pupillo Elisabetta , Messina Paolo , Giussani Giorgia , Logroscino Giancarlo , Zoccolella Stefano , Chiò Adriano , Calvo Andrea , Corbo Massimo , Lunetta Christian , Marin Benoit , Mitchell Douglas , Hardiman Orla , Rooney James , Stevic Zorica , Bandettini di Poggio Monica , Filosto Massimiliano , Cotelli Maria Sofia , Perini Michele , Riva Nilo , Tremolizzo Lucio , Vitelli Eugenio , Damiani Danira , Beghi Ettore ,   the EURALS Consortium
Published: April 2014

Objective

To assess whether physical activity is a risk factor for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).

Methods

From February 2008 to April 2012, 652 patients with ALS from European population‐based registries (France, Ireland, Italy, United Kingdom, Serbia) and 1,166 population controls (matched for age, sex, and residency) were assessed. Upon direct interview, data were collected on occupation and history of sport and leisure activities, physical activity, and accidental injuries. Physical exercise was defined as having spent time doing activities that caused an individual to breath hard at least once per month and was coded as none, job‐related, and/or sport‐related. Sport‐related and work‐related physical exercise were quantified using metabolic equivalents (METs). Risks were calculated using conditional logistic regression models (adjusting for age, country, trauma, and job‐related physical activity) and expressed as odds ratios (ORs) and adjusted ORs (Adj ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs).

Results

Overall physical activity was associated with reduced odds of having ALS (Adj OR = 0.65, 95% CI = 0.48–0.89) as were work‐related physical activity (Adj OR = 0.56, 95% CI = 0.36–0.87) and organized sports (Adj OR = 0.49, 95% CI = 0.32–0.75). An inverse correlation was observed between ALS, the duration of physical activity (p = 0.0041), and the cumulative MET scores, which became significant for the highest exposure (Adj OR = 0.34, 95% CI = 0.21–0.54). An inverse correlation between ALS and sport was found in women but not in men, and in subjects with repeated traumatic events.

Interpretation

Physical activity is not a risk factor for ALS and may eventually be protective against the disease. ANN NEUROL 2014;75:708–716
Oberflächenverstärkte Raman‐Spektroskopie: Konzepte und chemische Anwendungen
Authors: Schlücker Sebastian
Published: April 2014

Die oberflächenverstärkte Raman‐Spektroskopie (SERS) hat sich in den letzten Jahrzehnten zu einer ausgereiften schwingungsspektroskopischen Technik entwickelt, und die Zahl der Anwendungen in der Chemie, den Material‐ und insbesondere den Lebenswissenschaften steigt rasant. Dieser Aufsatz erklärt die theoretischen Grundlagen von SERS in einem kurzen Tutorium und fasst – basierend auf Ergebnissen aus Originalarbeiten der letzen Jahre – wichtige fundamentale Aspekte, die für das Verständnis von SERS wichtig sind, zusammen. Daran schließt sich ein Abschnitt über neuere Ansätze zur Synthese und Präparation plasmonischer Nanostrukturen an. Chemische Anwendungen von SERS bilden das Herzstück des Aufsatzes. Sie decken eine breite Spanne an Themen ab, von der Katalyse und Spektroelektrochemie bis hin zur Einzelmoleküldetektion und (bio)analytischen Anwendungen.
Two‐Dimensional CuSe Nanosheets with Microscale Lateral Size: Synthesis and Template‐Assisted Phase Transformation
Authors: Wu Xue‐Jun , Huang Xiao , Liu Juqing , Li Hai , Yang Jian , Li Bing , Huang Wei , Zhang Hua
Published: April 2014

Semiconducting nanosheets with microscale lateral size are attractive building blocks for the fabrication of electronic and optoelectronic devices. The phase‐controlled chemical synthesis of semiconducting nanosheets is of particular interest, because their intriguing properties are not only related to their size and shape, but also phase‐dependent. Herein, a facile method for the synthesis of phase‐pure, microsized, two‐dimensional (2D) CuSe nanosheets with an average thickness of approximately 5 nm is demonstrated. These hexagonal‐phased CuSe nanosheets were transformed into cubic‐phased Cu2−xSe nanosheets with the same morphology simply by treatment with heat in the presence of CuI cations. The phase transformation, proposed to be a template‐assisted process, can be extended to other systems, such as CuS and Cu1.97S nanoplates. Our study offers a new method for the phase‐controlled preparation of 2D nanomaterials, which are not readily accessible by conventional wet‐chemical methods.
A Superhydrophobic Sponge with Excellent Absorbency and Flame Retardancy
Authors: Ruan Changping , Ai Kelong , Li Xingbo , Lu Lehui
Published: April 2014

Frequent oil spillages and the industrial discharge of organic solvents have not only caused severe environmental and ecological damage, but also create a risk of fire and explosion. Therefore, it is imperative, but also challenging, to find high‐performance absorbent materials that are both effective and less flammable. Here we present a superior superhydrophobic sponge that exhibits excellent absorption performance through a combination of its superhydrophobicity, high porosity, and robust stability. More importantly, it inherits the intrinsic flame‐retardant nature of the raw melamine sponge, and is thus expected to reduce the risk of fire and explosion when being used as an absorbent for flammable oils and organic compounds. Moreover, the fabrication of this sponge is easy to scale up, since it does not use a complicated process or sophisticated equipment. These characteristics make the sponge a much more competitive product than the commercial absorbent, nonwoven polypropylene fabric.
Investigations of the electrical conduction mechanisms of polyaniline‐DBSA/poly(acrylonitrile‐butadiene styrene) blends
Authors: Campos Milton , Miziara Thiago A. S. , Cristovan Fernando H. , Pereira Ernesto C.
Published: April 2014

The electrical properties of Al/PANI‐DBSA/ABS/Au blend with PANI (5%) w/w have been investigated by using of current‐voltage (I‐V) measurements, in a temperature range of 100–313 K. The analysis of I‐V characteristics in the forward direction was based on thermionic emission mechanism for applied electrical field till ∼3 × 102 V/cm. The thickness dependence of the current‐voltage relationship, clearly demonstrates that the electrical current for larger fields is space charge limited current (SCLC). Temperature dependences of the ideality factor, barrier height, and series resistance have been calculated. The mobility of carriers which is temperature dependent was calculated using the trap free SCLC as 1.53 × 10−4 cm2 V−1 s−1 at room temperature. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2014, 131, 40688.
Determination of the SiH content of hydrogen silicone oil by a combination of the fourier transform near infrared, attenuated total reflectance–fourier transform infrared, and partial least squares regression models
Authors: Zhai Qianqian , Zhao Shigui , Zhou Chuanjian , Li Wenjie , Peng Cun
Published: April 2014

To verify the feasibility of the determination of the SiH content (HC) of hydrogen silicone oil (HS‐oil) with Fourier transform near infrared (FT‐NIR) spectroscopy and attenuated total reflectance (ATR)–Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy combined with the partial least squares regression (PLS‐R) model, HS‐oil samples were synthesized from concentrated hydrosilicone oil (HC = 1.4 wt %), octamethylcyclotetrasiloxane, and hexamethyldisiloxane or prepared by the dilution of concentrated hydrosilicone oil with octamethylcyclotetrasiloxane. The FT‐NIR PLS‐R model (8695–4000 cm−1, two principal components) was developed from the FT‐NIR spectral data, and the coefficient of determination for cross‐validation (R2) and the coefficient of determination for external validation (r2) were 0.992 and 0.995, respectively. The ATR–FTIR PLS‐R model (2302–2040 cm−1, one principal component) was developed from the ATR–FTIR spectral data; it produced an R2 of 0.995 and an r2 of 0.996. This study demonstrated that the combination of FT‐NIR and ATR–FTIR spectroscopy with the PLS‐R model were successfully used to determine the HC of the HS‐oil. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2014, 131, 40694.
Rheological behaviors of fumed silica/low molecular weight hydroxyl silicone oil
Authors: Zhang Guo‐Dong , Wu Ji‐Rong , Tang Long‐Cheng , Li Jia‐Yun , Lai Guo‐Qiao , Zhong Ming‐Qiang
Published: April 2014

ABSRACT

The structure and viscoelastic properties of fumed silica gels in low molecular weight hydroxyl silicone oil were investigated by means of steady and dynamic rheology. It is found that the fumed silica/hydroxyl silicone oil suspension exhibits shear‐thickening under steady shear and “strain‐thickening” under oscillatory shear condition. Effects of hydroxy groups on the rheological behavior of silicone oil suspension with highly dispersed hydrophilic amorphous silica were investigated by infrared, 1H‐NMR, and rheological test. The results show that the hydroxy groups on this system play an important role on the formation of shear thickening behavior of the suspension solution. At the same particle diameter and mass fraction, the amount of hydroxy groups on this system has a strong effect on increasing the viscosity of the suspension, which is likely due to multiassociation hydrogen bonding between liquid molecules and silanol groups on fumed silica surfaces (SiOH). © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2014, 131, 40722.
Adjuvanted A/H1N1 (2009) influenza vaccination during pregnancy: Description of a prospective cohort and spontaneously reported pregnancy‐related adverse reactions in the Netherlands
Authors: de Vries Loes , van Hunsel Florence , Cuppers‐Maarschalkerweerd Benedikte , van Puijenbroek Eugène , van Grootheest Kees
Published: April 2014

Background

During influenza pandemics, pregnant women have an increased risk of severe complications. Vaccination can diminish these complications. In the Netherlands, the adjuvanted vaccines Focetria® and Pandemrix® were used during the A/H1N1 (2009) influenza pandemic. The national vaccination scheme included pregnant women, but knowledge concerning the safety of adjuvants during pregnancy was lacking. The aim of the study is to assess safety of adjuvanted influenza vaccines during pregnancy.

Methods

The Dutch Teratology Information Service, part of the Netherlands Pharmacovigilance Centre Lareb, recruited 295 A/H1N1 (2009) vaccinated pregnant women through health care providers. Questionnaires were sent during the pregnancy to their health care providers and a second one 6 weeks after the estimated date of birth. Reported complications and adverse outcomes were compared with background rates. Additionally, the spontaneously reported pregnancy‐related adverse reactions in the database of the Netherlands Pharmacovigilance Centre Lareb are described.

Results

Compared with the background rate, no increased risk of spontaneous abortions or congenital malformations was observed. There were three spontaneous abortions among 23 first trimester exposures. In the cohort of 281 pregnancies with known outcomes, three major malformations were observed after exposure at any time during pregnancy. In these cases exposure occurred once periconceptional, and twice in the second trimester. Furthermore, no increased risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes or neonatal problems were observed. The spontaneously reported pregnancy‐related adverse events showed no unexpected pattern.

Conclusion

The present study adds further reassurance for the safe use of adjuvanted vaccines during pregnancy and facilitates decision making in future pandemics. Birth Defects Research (Part A) 100:731–738, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
LC‐MS/MS methods for the determination of edaravone and/or taurine in rat plasma and its application to a pharmacokinetic study
Authors: Tang Dao‐quan , Bian Ting‐ting , Zheng Xiao‐xiao , Li Ying , Wu Xiao‐wen , Li Yin‐jie , Du Qian , Jiang Shui‐shi
Published: April 2014

Three liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (LC‐MS/MS) methods were respectively developed and validated for the simultaneous or independent determination of taurine and edaravone in rat plasma using 3‐methyl‐1‐p‐tolyl‐5‐pyrazolone and sulfanilic acid as the internal standards (IS). Chromatographic separations were achieved on an Agilent Zorbax SB‐Aq (100 × 2.1 mm, 3.5 µm) column. Gradient 0.03% formic acid–methanol, isocratic 0.1% formic acid–methanol (90:10) and 0.02% formic acid–methanol (40:60) were respectively selected as the mobile phase for the simultaneous determination of two analytes, taurine or edaravone alone. The MS acquisition was performed in multiple reaction monitoring mode with a positive and negative electrospray ionization source. The mass transitions monitored were m/z [M + H]+ 175.1 → 133.0 and [M + H]+ 189.2 → 147.0 for edaravone and its IS, m/z [M − H]− 124.1 → 80.0 and [M − H]− 172.0 → 80.0 for taurine and its IS, respectively. The validated methods were successfully applied to study the pharmacokinetic interaction of taurine and edaravone in rats after independent intravenous administration and co‐administration with a single dose. Our collective results showed that there were no significant alterations on the main pharmacokinetic parameters (area under concentration–time curve, mean residence time, half‐life and clearance) of taurine and edaravone, implying that the proposed combination therapy was pharmacologically feasible. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Determination of tacrine‐6‐ferulic acid in rat plasma by LC‐MS/MS and its application to pharmacokinetics study
Authors: Sun Xiuman , Zhang Peiting , Pi Rongbiao , Zhou Yuting , Deng Xuejiao , Xie Zhiyong , Liao Qiongfeng
Published: April 2014

Tacrine, as a drug for treating Alzheimer's disease (AD), has low efficacy owing to its single function and serious side effects. However, tacrine‐6‐ferulic acid (T6FA), the dimer which added ferulic acid to tacrine, has been found to be a promising multifunctional drug candidate for AD and much more potent and selective on acetylcholinesterase (AChE) than tacrine. The aim of the present work was to develop and validate an LC‐MS/MS method with electrospray ionization for the quantification of T6FA in rat plasma using tacrine‐3‐ferulic acid (T3FA) as internal standard and to examine its application for pharmacokinetic study in rats. Following a single liquid–liquid extraction with ethyl acetate, chromatographic separation was achieved at 25 °C on a BDS Hypersil C18 column with a mobile phase composed of 1% formic acid and methonal (30:70, v/v) at a flow rate of 0.2 mL/min. Quantification was achieved by monitoring the selected ions at m/z 474.2 → 298.1 for T6FA and m/z 432.2 → 199.0 for T3FA. The method was validated to be rapid, specific, accurate and precise over the concentration range of 0.5–1000.0 ng/mL in rat samples. Furthermore, it was successfully applied for the pharmacokinetic measurement of T6FA with an oral administration at 40 mg/kg to rats. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The Role of the Conformational Profile of Polysaccharides on Skin Penetration: The Case of Hyaluronan and Its Sulfates
Authors: Cilurzo Francesco , Vistoli Giulio , Gennari Chiara G. M. , Selmin Francesca , Gardoni Fabrizio , Franzè Silvia , Campisi Monica , Minghetti Paola
Published: April 2014

The literature data suggest the capacity of biomacromolecules to permeate the human skin, even though such a transdermal permeation appears to be governed by physicochemical parameters which are significantly different compared to those ruling the skin permeation of small molecules. On these grounds, the present study was undertaken to investigate the in vitro diffusion properties through the human epidermis of hyaluronic acid and their sulfates. Low‐ and medium‐molecular‐weight hyaluronic acids and the corresponding derivatives at two degrees of sulfation were then tested. In vitro studies evidenced that the sulfated polymers permeate better than the corresponding hyaluronic acid, despite their vastly greater polarity, while the observed permeation markedly decreases when increasing the polymer's molecular weight regardless of the sulfation degree. Using a fluorescent‐labeled polysaccharide, it was also evidenced that hyaluronans have a great affinity for corneocytes and likely cross the stratum corneum mainly through a transcellular route. The molecular‐dynamics study revealed how the observed permeations for the investigated polysaccharides can be rationalized by monitoring their conformational profiles, since the permeation was found to be directly related to their capacity to assume extended and flexible conformations.
Myrtus communis Essential Oil: Chemical Composition and Antimicrobial Activities against Food Spoilage Pathogens
Authors: Ben Hsouna Anis , Hamdi Naceur , Miladi Ramzi , Abdelkafi Slim
Published: April 2014

Myrtus communis is a typical plant of the Mediterranean area, which is mainly used as animal and human food and, in folk medicine, for treating some disorders. In the present study, we evaluated in vitro antibacterial and antifungal properties of the essential oils of Myrtus communis (McEO), as well as its phytochemical composition. The GC/MS analysis of the essential oil revealed 17 compounds. Myrtenyl acetate (20.75%), 1,8‐cineol (16.55%), α‐pinene (15.59%), linalool (13.30%), limonene (8.94%), linalyl acetate (3.67%), geranyl acetate (2.99%), and α‐terpineol (2.88%) were the major components. The antimicrobial activity of the essential oil was also investigated on several microorganisms. The inhibition zones and minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) values of bacterial strains were in the range of 16–28 mm and 0.078–2.5 mg/ml, respectively. The inhibitory activity of the McEO against Gram‐positive bacteria was significantly higher than against Gram‐negative. It also exhibited remarkable activity against several fungal strains. The investigation of the mode of action of the McEO by the time‐kill curve against Listeria monocytogenes (food isolate) showed a drastic bactericidal effect after 5 min using a concentration of 312 μg/ml. These results evidence that the McEO possesses antimicrobial properties, and it is, therefore, a potential source for active ingredients for food and pharmaceutical industries.
Chemical Composition of the Essential Oils of Three Endemic Species of Anthemis Sect. Hiorthia (DC.) R.Fern. Growing Wild in Sicily and Chemotaxonomic Volatile Markers of the Genus Anthemis L.: An Update
Authors: Maggio Antonella , Riccobono Luana , Spadaro Vivienne , Scialabba Anna , Bruno Maurizio , Senatore Felice
Published: April 2014

The chemical composition of the essential oils isolated from the aerial parts of Anthemis pignattiorum Guarino, Raimondo & Domina and A. ismelia Lojac. and the aerial parts and flowers of Anthemis cupaniana Tod. ex Nyman, three endemic Sicilian species belonging to the section Hiorthia, was determined by GC‐FID and GC/MS analyses. (Z)‐Muurola‐4(14),5‐diene (27.3%) was recognized as the main constituent of the A. pignattiorum essential oil, together with isospathulenol (10.6%), sabinene (7.7%), and artemisyl acetate (6.8%), while in the oil obtained from the aerial parts of A. ismelia, geranyl propionate (8.8%), bornyl acetate (7.9%), β‐thujone (7.8%), neryl propionate (6.5%), and τ‐muurolol (6.5%) prevailed. α‐Pinene was the main compound of both the aerial part and flower oils of A. cupaniana (18.4 and 13.2%, resp.). Also noteworthy are the considerable amounts of artemisyl acetate (12.7%) and β‐thujone (11.8%) found in the oil from the aerial parts and those of tricosane (9.8%) and sabinene (7.6%) evidenced in the flower oil. Furthermore, an update on the main compounds identified in the essential oils of all the Anthemis taxa studied so far was presented, and cluster analyses were carried out, to compare the essential oils of these taxa.
Matrix Model Simulation of a Vertical Roller Mill with High‐Efficiency Slat Classifier
Authors: Faitli Jozsef , Czel Peter
Published: April 2014

On‐site operational tests were performed in OMYA's limestone processing plant in Eger, Hungary, on a technology with Pfeiffer's 2800 C vertical roller grinding mill. The matrix model of the complete core technology of the system, including one comminution stage and three separation stages, was developed. Roller grinding was modeled as repetitive grinding of a number of consecutive breaking stages. The resulting comminution matrix of the breaking stages was written, by this way the feedback from the second separation unit could be modeled. The Rosin‐Rammler function fitted well on the measured separation points of the revolving slats separator and was also applied for the simulation of the other two separators.
Mechanochemistry in Technology: From Minerals to Nanomaterials and Drugs
Authors: Baláž Peter , Baláž Matej , Bujňáková Zdenka
Published: April 2014

Mechanochemistry, a branch of solid‐state chemistry, analyzes processes which can occur in solids due to the application of mechanical energy. This energy is supplied by high‐energy milling. The mechanochemical approach belongs to the group of procedures that intensify the course of processes by producing various surface and bulk defects in treated solids. The accumulated energy acquired by milling is utilized in subsequent processes. In principle, the potential of mechanochemistry can be applied in cases, where the economic demand, the high temperatures as well as wet processes are under consideration. Several applications of mechanochemistry will be illustrated to demonstrate its potential in such apparently distinct fields like extractive metallurgy, materials engineering, and medicine.
CuO–ZnO Micro/Nanoporous Array‐Film‐Based Chemosensors: New Sensing Properties to H2S
Authors: Xu Zongke , Duan Guotao , Li Yue , Liu Guangqiang , Zhang Hongwen , Dai Zhengfei , Cai Weiping
Published: April 2014

CuO–ZnO micro/nanoporous array‐films are synthesized by transferring a solution‐dipped self‐organized colloidal template onto a device substrate and sequent heat treatment. Their morphologies and structures are characterized by X‐ray diffraction, field‐emission scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and X‐ray photoelectron spectrum analysis. Based on the sensing measurement, it is found that the CuO–ZnO films prepared with the composition of [Cu2+]/[Zn2+]=0.005, 0.01, and 0.05 all show a nice sensitivity to 10 ppm H2S. Interestingly, three different zones exist in the patterns of gas responses versus H2S concentrations: a platform zone, a rapidly increasing zone, and a slowly increasing zone. Further experiments show that the hybrid CuO–ZnO porous film sensor exhibits shorter recovery time and better selectivity to H2S gas against other interfering gases at a concentration of 10 ppm. These new sensing properties may be due to a depletion layer induced by p–n junction between p‐type CuO and n‐type ZnO and high chemical activity of CuO to H2S. This work will provide a new construction route of ZnO‐based sensing materials, which can be used as H2S sensors with high performances.
Carbamoyl Radical‐Mediated Synthesis and Semipinacol Rearrangement of β‐Lactam Diols
Authors: Betou Marie , Male Louise , Steed Jonathan W. , Grainger Richard S.
Published: April 2014

In an approach to the biologically important 6‐azabicyclo[3.2.1]octane ring system, the scope of the tandem 4‐exo‐trig carbamoyl radical cyclization—dithiocarbamate group transfer reaction to ring‐fused β‐lactams is evaluated. β‐Lactams fused to five‐, six‐, and seven‐membered rings are prepared in good to excellent yield, and with moderate to complete control at the newly formed dithiocarbamate stereocentre. No cyclization is observed with an additional methyl substituent on the terminus of the double bond. Elimination of the dithiocarbamate group gives α,β‐ or β,γ‐unsaturated lactams depending on both the methodology employed (base‐mediated or thermal) and the nature of the carbocycle fused to the β‐lactam. Fused β‐lactam diols, obtained from catalytic OsO4‐mediated dihydroxylation of α,β‐unsaturated β‐lactams, undergo semipinacol rearrangement via the corresponding cyclic sulfite or phosphorane to give keto‐bridged bicyclic amides by exclusive N‐acyl group migration. A monocyclic β‐lactam diol undergoes Appel reaction at a primary alcohol in preference to semipinacol rearrangement. Preliminary investigations into the chemo‐ and stereoselective manipulation of the two carbonyl groups present in a representative 7,8‐dioxo‐6‐azabicyclo[3.2.1]octane rearrangement product are also reported.