bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
E-commerce Website Performance Evaluation: Technology, Strategy and Metrics
Authors: Gupta Sumit , Khanna Pooja , Kumar Sachin , Pragya .
Published: April 2024

Customers can shop conveniently online with the help of the Cooperative Store Management System, an e-commerce web application, without having to go to the store in person. This technology seeks to lessen the effort of sales staff and eliminate the possibility of manual errors by automating data entry operations. Customers can save costs dramatically and gain valuable time by using this method. In addition, clients may take advantage of increased convenience and better service quality because to the fact that these services are available from the comfort of their homes, which promotes customer retention and draws in new customers. Work has unraveled the intricacies of web development process, shedding light on the challenges faced and the inventive solutions devised. From the complexities of user interface (UI) and user experience (UX) design to the thoughtful analysis of essential qualities for our online store, every facet has been meticulously examined to ensure that the platform prioritizes user involvement, seamless navigation, and efficient communication channels. A detailed study is done to analyse the drawbacks of using marketplaces instead of self-owned sites for small scale business. This work shed light on the processes that went into the creation of a website. Additionally, it provides a thorough analysis of the architecture, Technology, and system's functionality. Facebook News Feed that uses React for dynamic contents, react.js allows for efficient updates to the news feed in real-time without having to reload the entire page. while in LinkedIn Mobile its mobile app uses AngularJS for front-end development. Very limited amount of research work done till date explores the issue of web strategy in web site evaluation, and none includes web strategy in their evaluation frameworks. Citing above problem, a strategic framework was adopted to ensure consistency and provide an efficient solution. AngularJS provides a structured framework for building dynamic and responsive user interfaces. For the use case - MERN Stack website, the Largest Contentful Paint comes as 3.8 sec, First Input Delay comes as 20 milli-sec and cumulative layout shifts come with no delay. These scores provide suggestions for improving various aspects of performance, such as optimizing images, leveraging browser caching, and minimizing render-blocking resources.
A Comprehensive Review on Cancer Immunotherapy in Veterinary Medicine
Authors: Saiyad Shimaakhtar , Bhanderi B. B. , Koringa P. G. , Mathakiya R. A. , Nimavat V. R.
Published: April 2024

According to a World Health Organization (WHO) estimate, cancer is one of the leading causes of mortality worldwide, expected to claim the lives of almost 10 million people in 2020. It is estimated that 30% of cancer incidences in low- and lower-middle-income countries are caused by diseases like hepatitis and HPV. Many tumours are treatable if detected early and treated properly. The most common malignancies in dogs include transmissible venereal tumours, mammary gland tumours (breast cancer), spleen cancer, skin cancer, lymphatic cancer, gum tumours (epulis cancer), and eye cancer. The frequency of canine cancer cases in India has been rising quickly.  

The fast-developing fields of cancer immunology and immunotherapy have revolutionized how cancer is seen and treated. The process of immunotherapy involves using the body's immune system to locate and destroy cancer cells. New immunotherapy medications that selectively target cancer cells while sparing healthy cells have been developed as a result of advancements in immunology. The present study reviews the cause, impacts and effects of Cancer along with the feasibility of Immunotherapy as a cure for the cancer.

Checkpoint inhibitors, monoclonal antibodies, vaccinations, and adoptive cell therapy are a few types of immunotherapies. To more effectively target these malignancies, researchers are exploring novel immunotherapy techniques such as oncolytic virotherapy or CAR T-cell treatment. Researchers are working to develop biomarkers to identify which patients would benefit most from immunotherapy.

Different immunotherapies have been used by veterinary medicine researchers to treat canine neoplasms. These include the use of "caninized" mAb against canine PD-L1 in dogs that have metastatic melanoma, IL-12 electrogene treatment for mast cell tumours in dogs, and hTyr-specific T cells for stage II and III melanoma. This review discusses several immunotherapy approaches for cancer and their outcomes.
Effect of Humic Acid on Growth, Yield and Soil Properties in Rice: A Review
Authors: Bera Bidyabhusan , Bokado Kangujam , Barkha . , Arambam Shainika
Published: April 2024

Humic acids, natural organic compounds derived from decaying organic matter, have gained significant attention in agriculture due to their potential to promote plant growth, yield, and soil fertility. Humic acid additions boost plant metabolism, promote root development, and increase nutrient absorption, leading to enhanced growth and development. Furthermore, humic acids have a significant role in improving the structure, moisture retention, and availability of nutrients in soil, thereby creating a favorable environment for plant growth. Studies have illustrated that humic acid application can lead to increased yields in a wide range of crops. Humic acid application efficiently increases hormonal activities and various enzyme activities which helps in tricarboxylic acid cycle, glycolysis, and respiration process. The mechanisms underlying this enhancement involve the modulation of physiological processes, such as photosynthesis, nutrient assimilation, and stress tolerance. In addition to promoting plant growth and yield, humic acid amendments have been shown to positively influence on soil properties. These include increased microbial activity, enhanced soil aggregation, and improved nutrient cycling. Moreover, humic acids can mitigate soil degradation processes, such as salinization, thereby promoting sustainable agricultural practices. Through the utilization of humic acids, farmers may maximize crop yields while reducing their ecological footprint, therefore promoting food security and sustainable agriculture.
The Role of Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Early Detection of Cancer: Present and Prospective Challenges for Future Research
Authors: Komenan Yvanne
Published: April 2024

Aim: Records have been reported on the inflicting attributes of cancer in society and how early detection is necessary for preventive measure and as a proactive step. The use of Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) has been proved as an effective and proficient diagnostic method for the early detection of cancer. This paper is an eye-opener for future researchers willing to investigate the use of magnetic resonance imaging in early detection of cancer. It critically discusses the present and prospective challenges in this area.
Objectives: In this paper, historical records of cancer and the application of MRI in the early detection of cancer are presented. The mechanism of MRI operation together with comprehensive concepts behind its application for early cancer detection are also presented. Recent challenges regarding the subject matter are presented for the benefits of future researchers.
Methodology: Literature review on recent studies conducted between 2009 and 2024 on using MRI for early cancer detection was discussed revealing the objectives, methodologies, results and conclusions from various studies.
Conclusions: Several limitations and constraints from previous studies and those perceived are presented in this paper for future consideration of research studies in this area. In conclusion, twenty research limitations are stated therein which are gaps that should be bridged by future researchers.
Assess the Magnitude of Genetic Diversity in Advance Breeding Line of Mungbean with Respect to Seed Yield and Component Traits
Authors: Sonaniya Pallavi , Ram Lekha , Soumith Gundlapalli , Solanki Ravindra , Bamaniya Ghanshyam , Sonaniya Rahul
Published: April 2024

The study was conducted across four distinct environments in Madhya Pradesh during the 2021 kharif season, utilizing a Randomized Complete Block Design involving fourteen Mungbean genotypes with three replications. Examination of genetic parameters unveiled a notable pattern: the phenotypic coefficient of variation (PCV) consistently exceeded the genotypic coefficient of variation (GCV) across all observed traitsof particular interest were the traits demonstrating the highest PCV and GCV values, notably seed yield per plant in E2 followed by biological yield per plant in E1. These findings strongly suggest the prevalence of additive gene action influencing these traits, as indicated by their high heritability estimates. The traits with the highest heritability values were seed yield per plant in E3 and E4, biological yield per plant in E2 and E4, and number of pods per plant in E1. These results underscore the genetic basis underlying these traits and their potential for targeted breeding efforts. Cluster I was the largest among all the clusters comprising 8 genotypes, whereas cluster II had 5 genotypes. While the clusters III were solitary cluster consisting one genotype only. Cluster II showed maximum intra cluster D2 value, whereas clusters III showed zero value for Intra cluster distance. The highest inter cluster divergence was observed between genotypes of cluster II and III. The percent contribution of individual characters toward the total divergence was found high for Harvest index, whereas Number of primary branches showed low percentage of contribution
Accessing Role of Urea Briquettes Fertilizer for Enhancing Nitogen Use Efficiency and Crop Productivity
Authors: Sarma Hridesh Harsha , Paul Akash , Robertson Ayekpam , Shobnur Shahin , Lhamu Sonam , Taku Anjali
Published: April 2024

Enhancing nitrogen efficiency in lowland rice cultivation while mitigating environmental impacts is imperative. Traditional urea application methods lead to significant nitrogen losses. Urea briquettes offer a solution by gradually releasing nitrogen in the ammonium form, minimizing losses through leaching, volatilization, and denitrification. Field trials demonstrate their superiority over prilled urea, with higher yields and increased nitrogen uptake. Binding agents like neem and karanj oils enhance briquette strength, allowing for mechanical applicator use. Utilizing local industrial wastes as filler materials improves briquette quality. To address adoption barriers, National Rice Research Institute, Cuttack has developed and evaluated five mechanical applicators. These include continuous and non-continuous types, each designed for specific application scenarios. Extensive testing assessed their performance in terms of speed, capacity, and placement uniformity. The development of user-friendly, cost-effective applicators is a critical step towards wider adoption of urea briquettes. These innovations streamline the labor-intensive application process and cater to the needs of smallholder farmers. Future research should focus on refining applicator designs for varied soil conditions and crop stages. Additionally, optimizing briquette formulations based on local resources can further enhance efficiency and reduce costs. Overall, urea briquettes coupled with efficient applicators represent a promising approach for sustainable rice cultivation. By reducing nitrogen losses and improving efficiency, they contribute to higher yields and environmental preservation. Continued efforts in research, development, and promotion are essential to realize the full potential of this technology and ensure its widespread adoption among farmers.
Imaging the Electric‐Field Distribution in Organic Devices by Confocal Electroreflectance Microscopy
Authors: Celebrano Michele , Sciascia Calogero , Cerullo Giulio , Zavelani‐Rossi Margherita , Lanzani Guglielmo , Cabanillas‐Gonzalez Juan
Published: February 2009

Space resolved Stark spectroscopy is introduced as a non invasive optical technique for imaging electric field distribution in organic semiconductors. Stark spectroscopy relies on the electric field induced change in the absorption/reflection. It is shown that local monitoring of Stark shift with confocal spatial resolution provides quantitative information on the strength of the local field as well as charge distribution within the transport channel.
Dynamics of 1,3‐Dipolar Cycloaddition Reactions of Diazonium Betaines to Acetylene and Ethylene: Bending Vibrations Facilitate Reaction
Authors: Xu Lai , Doubleday Charles E. , Houk K. N.
Published: February 2009

Biegsame Dipole: Die Dynamik bei 1,3‐dipolaren Cycloadditionen wurde mithilfe von Übergangsvektoren sowie quasiklassischen und Einzeltrajektorien untersucht. Die abgebildete Biegung des Dipols liefert den größten Beitrag zur Verzerrungsenergie des Übergangszustands beim bevorzugten konzertierten Reaktionspfad.

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Synthesis of Single‐Crystal Tetra(4‐pyridyl)porphyrin Rectangular Nanotubes in the Vapor Phase
Authors: Yoon Seok Min , Hwang In‐Chul , Kim Kwang S. , Choi Hee Cheul
Published: February 2009

Eindimensional: Rechteckige Nanoröhren (RNTs) aus 5,10,15,20‐Tetra(4‐pyridyl)porphyrin (H2TPyP) wurden durch einen Prozess aus Verdampfung, Kondensation und Umkristallisation erhalten. Daten aus Einkristall‐Röntgenbeugung und Elektronenbeugungsmuster belegen, dass die H2TPyP‐RNTs durch Stapelung der H2TPyP‐Einheiten über Wasserstoffbrücken, H‐π‐ und intermolekulare π‐π‐Wechselwirkungen entstehen.

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Water gas shift reaction via Pd‐based membranes
Authors: Tosti Silvano , Borgognoni Fabio , Rizzello Claudio , Violante Vittorio
Published: February 2009

The water gas shift reaction has been studied in tubular Pd‐based membranes: a thin walled dense tube and a composite Pd‐ceramic tube have been considered. A computer code based on a finite element model has been developed for modelling the membrane reactor. The model accounts for the reaction kinetic, the hydrogen diffusion through the porous ceramic support and permeation through the PdAg membrane and for the partial pressure gradients of hydrogen generated at the permeate side of the membrane when a flow of purge gas is introduced.

The code has been used to assess the influence of temperature, lumen pressure, presence of wall effects and sweep gas mode on the reaction conversion and hydrogen yield of the membrane reactors. At 200 kPa of lumen pressure and counter‐current sweep mode, it was found that both reaction conversion and hydrogen yield increase with temperature: the dense and the composite membranes exhibit very close values of conversion (more than 99% at 400 °C) and hydrogen yield (96–97% at 400 °C). In co‐current mode, the highest values of both reaction conversion and hydrogen yield have been assessed at 350 °C, while it was demonstrated that the beneficial effects of increasing the lumen pressure up to 400 kPa are maximum at 300 °C. Copyright © 2009 Curtin University of Technology and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The synergetic effect of plasma and catalyst on simultaneous removal of SO2 and NOx
Authors: Han Jun , Kim Heejoon , Sakaguchi Yuhei , Cheol‐ho Kim , Yao Hong
Published: February 2009

For the requirements of nitric oxide(NOx) and sulfur dioxide(SO2) removal in coal‐fired power plant, a new nonthermal plasma system combined with catalyst was developed. Moreover, the effect of parameters such as temperature, atmosphere, residence time and additives (NH3 and methanol) on NOx (NO and NO2) and SO2 conversion rate was also experimentally evaluated. The results indicated that the new system could greatly promote the NOx conversion rate. As for SO2, the new system only had a slight influence. High temperature suppressed the NO oxidization and slightly promoted the SO2 oxidation. The long residence time was beneficial to the NOx and SO2 oxidization. In the absence of water, the additive of NH3 can improve NO, NOx and SO2 oxidization rate due to the reactions between NH3 and NOx or SO2. Contrary to NH3, methanol had a negative effect on NOx and SO2 oxidization. Copyright © 2009 Curtin University of Technology and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Investigation on SO2 emission from 410t/h circulating fluidized bed boiler burning petroleum coke and coal
Authors: Duan Lun‐Bo , Chen Xiao‐Ping , Li Ying‐Jie , Liang Cai , Zhao Chang‐Sui
Published: February 2009

Effects of operation parameters including bed temperature, Ca/S molar ratio, excess air coefficient, fly ash recirculation rate and limestone microstructure on SO2 emission were investigated on a 410t/h circulating fluidized bed (CFB) boiler burning petroleum coke and coal. Results show that for different fuels, SO2 emission is correspondingly related to the sulfur content in it under the same operation conditions. With increasing bed temperature, SO2 concentration in the flue gas reduces first and then increases. There is an optimal desulfurization temperature. For burning bituminous coal (BC) only or 70% BC + 30% petroleum coke (PC), the optimal desulfurization temperature is about 850 °C, while it is about 850–870 °C for burning 50% anthracite (AN) + 50% PC. SO2 emission decreases with the increase in Ca/S ratio, excess air coefficient and fly ash recirculation rate. Microstructure of limestone has distinct effects on their SO2 retention capacity, and bigger specific surface area and higher specific pore volume lead to stronger SO2 capture activities. The optimal temperature, Ca/S ratio and excess air coefficient for different fuels are recommended for industrial application. Copyright © 2009 Curtin University of Technology and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Optimizing acidic methanolysis of poly(3‐hydroxyalkanoates) in gas chromatography analysis
Authors: Lo Chi‐Wei , Wu Ho‐Shing , Wei Yu‐Hong
Published: February 2009

This work was undertaken to develop an improved gas chromatography (GC) analysis of poly (3‐hydroxyalkanoate) (PHA) quantification method based on acidic methanolysis. This is achieved by investigating the kinetics of acidic hydrolysis of PHAs with sulfuric acid in the chloroform/aqueous solution to identify suitable hydrolytic pretreatment conditions for quantitative analysis of PHAs. The target parameters included sulfuric acid concentration, salt (NaCl) addition, kind of PHAs (commercial products of poly‐3‐hydroxybutyrate (PHB), poly(3‐hydroxybutyrate‐co‐3‐hydroxyvalerate) (PHBV‐8%) and poly(3‐hydroxybutyrate‐co‐3‐hydroxyhexanoate) (PHBHHx‐3.8% and‐10.5%), as well as the type of PHA‐producing microorganisms (Cupriavidus taiwanensis 184 and Burkholderia sp. PTU9). These results show that esters would preferentially accumulate in the organic phase when NaCl was added in the two‐phase system, thereby enhancing the accuracy of GC analysis. Decomposition efficiency of different types of PHAs was found to be dependent on sulfuric acid concentration, such as 1% H2SO4 was favorable for PHB decomposition, while 5 and 7% H2SO4 should be used to decompose PHBV and PHBHHx. Copyright © 2009 Curtin University of Technology and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
CO and NO desorption from N‐bounded carbonaceous surface complexes: density functional theory calculations
Authors: Wang Shaobin
Published: February 2009

The reaction of N‐bounded carbon with oxygen and subsequent desorption at molecular level was investigated using a density functional theory. The calculations show that the structure of surface N‐containing carbon complexes will show different behaviour in CO and NO desorption after chemisorption of O2. For the dissociative adsorption of O2 on N‐containing carbon surface, there is no significant difference in armchair and zigzag structure in terms of thermodynamics. However, the desorption of CO and NO from adsorbed complexes shows difference depending on the graphite structure. For zigzag structure, desorption of CO will be more favourable than NO, while for armchair CO and NO desorption will both be favourable. On the basis of the computation results, a reaction mechanism for N‐bounded carbon combustion is proposed. Copyright © 2009 Curtin University of Technology and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Field dependence and classification: Implications for global information systems
Authors: McCool Matthew , St. Amant Kirk
Published: February 2009

This article describes research designed to assess the interaction between culture and classification. Mounting evidence in cross‐cultural psychology has indicated that culture may affect classification, which is an important dimension to global information systems. Data were obtained through three classification tasks, two of which were adapted from recent studies in cross‐cultural psychology. Data were collected from 36 participants, 19 from China and 17 from the United States. The results of this research indicate that Chinese participants appear to be more field dependent, which may be related to a cultural preference for relationships instead of categories.
Comments on “Getting scarred and winning lotteries: Effects of exemplar cuing and statistical format on imagining low‐probability events,” By Newell, Mitchell, and Hayes (2008)
Authors: Koehler Jonathan J. , Macchi Laura
Published: February 2009

Newell, Mitchell, and Hayes (NMH) conduct three experiments designed to test whether exemplar cuing (EC) theory or a statistical format theory provides a more accurate account for how people make judgments about low‐probability events. They report finding support for the statistical format theory and little or no support for EC. However, NMH misstate the requirements for the production of exemplars in EC theory. As a result, they confuse non‐exemplar conditions with exemplar conditions in their experiments, and find results that are virtually irrelevant to EC theory. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Separation of hexahistidine fusion proteins with immobilized metal ion affinity chromatographic (IMAC) sorbents derived from MN+‐tacn and its derivatives
Authors: Jiang Wei , Prescott Mark , Devenish Rodney J. , Spiccia Leone , Hearn Milton T.W.
Published: February 2009

The capabilities of a new class of immobilized (im) metal ion chelate complexes (IMCCs), derived from 1,4,7‐triazacyclononane (tacn), bis(1,4,7‐triazacyclononyl) ethane (dtne) and bis(1,4,7‐triazacyclononyl)propane (dtnp) complexed with the borderline metal ions Cu2+, Ni2+, Zn2+, Mn2+, Co2+, and Cr3+, for the purification of proteins have been investigated. In particular, the binding behavior of a model protein, the C‐terminal hexahistidine tagged recombinant fusion protein Schistosoma japonicum glutathione S‐transferase‐Saccharomyces cerevisiae mitochondrial ATP synthase δ‐subunit (GST‐δATPase‐His6), with these new immobilized metal ion affinity chromatographic (IMAC) sorbents was compared to the properties of a conventional sorbent, derived from immobilized Ni(II)‐nitrilotriacetic acid (im‐Ni2+‐NTA). Investigations using the recombinant GST‐δATPase‐His6 and recombinant S. japonicum glutathione S‐transferase (GST) lacking a hexahistidine tag have confirmed that the C‐terminal tag hexahistidine residues were required for the binding process to occur with these IMAC systems. The results also confirm that recombinant fusion proteins such as GST‐δATPase‐His6 can be isolated in high purity with these IMAC systems. Moreover, these new macrocyclic systems manifest different selectivity features as a function of pH or ionic strength when compared to the conventional, unconstrained iminodiacetic acid (IDA) or NTA chelating ligands, complexed with borderline metal ions such as Cu2+ or Ni2+, as IMAC systems. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2009;103: 747–756. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Cultivar Variations of Australian‐Grown Danshen (Salvia miltiorrhiza): Bioactive Markers and Root Yields
Authors: Li Chun Guang , Sheng Shu Jun , Pang Edwin C. K. , Marriott Philip , May Brian , Zhou Shufeng , Story David , Xue Charlie Chang Li
Published: February 2009

Danshen (Salvia miltiorrhiza Bunge, Lamiaceae) is a commonly used and highly valued Chinese medicinal herb grown widely in China. In the present work, we studied cultivar variations of Australian‐grown Danshen in order to select optimal cultivars for local herbal production. Root yields of seven cultivars, V1–V7, were monitored in a one‐year field trial, and bioactive markers, including cryptotanshinone, tanshinone I, tanshinone IIA, and salvianolic acid B, were quantitatively determined using a validated RP‐HPLC method. Significant variations were found in root yields, root production efficiencies, and contents of the bioactive marker compounds. Linear correlations were observed among the contents of three tanshinones but not among those of tanshinones and salvianolic acid B. Among the cultivars, V6 was the best cultivar for production of tanshinones, and V4 and V5 were best for production of salvianolic acid B. The findings indicate that it is possible to achieve optimal root yields, and high contents of tanshinones and salvianolic acid B by selecting specific Danshen cultivars.
Anti‐Androgen Effects of Extracts and Compounds fromGanoderma lucidum
Authors: Liu Jie , Tamura Sadaaki , Kurashiki Kenji , Shimizu Kuniyoshi , Noda Kiyoshi , Konishi Fumiko , Kumamoto Shoichiro , Kondo Ryuichiro
Published: February 2009

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The 30% EtOH extracts ofGanoderma lucidumFr.Karst(Ganodermateceae) showed weak 5α‐reductase inhibitory activity and binding ability to androgen receptor. When LNCaP (lymph‐node carcinoma of the prostate) cells were treated with the EtOH extracts, cell proliferation was inhibited. Treatment with the extracts significantly inhibited the testosterone‐induced growth of the ventral prostate in castrated rats. These results showed thatG. lucidummight be a useful ingredient in the treatment of androgen‐induced diseases, such as benign prostatic hyperplasia or prostate cancer. From the 30% EtOH extracts, we isolated ganoderiol F, which showed binding activity to androgen receptor and inhibited LNCaP cell proliferation, as one of the active compounds in the 30% EtOH extracts.
High‐Molar‐Mass Hyaluronan Behavior During Testing Its Radical Scavenging Capacity in Organic and Aqueous Media: Effects of the Presence of Manganese(II) Ions
Authors: Rapta Peter , Valachová Katarína , Gemeiner Peter , Šoltés Ladislav
Published: February 2009

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This study compares the radical scavenging capacity of high‐molar‐mass hyaluronan (HA) using standardized methods applying 2,2‐diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radicals and 2,2′‐azinobis[3‐ethylbenzthiazoline sulfonate] (ABTS) radical cations as oxidants. Additionally, spin‐trapping technique combined with electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) was used to evaluate the ability of HA to scavenge reactive radicals. The thermal decomposition of K2S2O8 in pure H2O or in a H2O/dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) mixture at 333 K was used as a source of reactive paramagnetic species. We found that HA does not exhibit radical‐scavenging activity when DPPH radicals or ABTS.+ radical cations are used as oxidant, but that HA is an effective radical scavenger at low concentrations, if the oxidation reactions are initiated by the decomposition of K2S2O8. At higher HA concentrations, a more complex behavior and prooxidant HA action was observed. The influence of MnII ions on the reaction mechanisms of radical generation and termination in the K2S2O8/H2O/DMSO system in the presence of HA was studied in detail.
Essential Oil Variability in Natural Populations of Picea omorika, a Rare European Conifer
Authors: Nikolić Biljana , Tešević Vele , Ðorđević Iris , Marin Petar D. , Bojović Srdjan
Published: February 2009

This study is the first report on the composition and variability of essential oil in the relic, endemic, and vulnerable tree species Serbian spruce, Picea omorika, in its natural populations. In the needles of 108 trees of four natural populations, 49 components of essential oils were identified. The main compounds were bornyl acetate (29.2%), camphene (18.7%), and α‐pinene (12.9%). Fourteen additional components had the contents of up to 0.5%: α‐cadinol (6.1%), limonene (5.8%), santene (3.5%), (E)‐hex‐2‐enal (2.9%), T‐cadinol (2.9%), δ‐cadinene (2.3%), tricyclene (2.1%), myrcene (1.6%), β‐pinene (1.2%), borneol (0.9%), germacrene D (0.9%), α‐muurolene (0.6%), and two unidentified compounds. Population IV from Mileševka Canyon had a much higher content of bornyl acetate (42.9%). Populations I–III from Mt. Tara were more abundant in sesquiterpenes (up to 18.2%). The content of bornyl acetate, the multi‐variation analyses according to seven selected components, especially the cluster analysis and genetic analysis of α‐cadinol, which suggested the monogenic type of heredity, showed a clear differentiation of the two geographic areas, the similarity of populations I–III from the area of Mt. Tara, and the separation of the population IV from Mileševka Canyon.
Differences of platelet adhesion and thrombus activation on amorphous silicon carbide, magnesium alloy, stainless steel, and cobalt chromium stent surfaces
Authors: Hansi Christopher , Arab Amina , Rzany Alexander , Ahrens Ingo , Bode Christoph , Hehrlein Christoph
Published: February 2009

Background: Coronary stenting is considered to be the gold standard of percutaneous coronary interventions, because stents are able to reduce early and late elastic recoil (negative remodeling) and restenosis in comparison with balloon angioplasty alone. Objective: It is known that stent thrombogenicity and neointimal formation are determined by the surface characteristics of the stent platform, electrochemical features of the stent surface, and the degree of degradation after implantation. Metallic stents coated with amorphous silicon carbide and biodegradable stents made of magnesium alloy have been introduced clinically, but there are no data available comparing the biocompatibility of these novel stent materials with conventional stents. Methods: We demonstrate simple and reproducible in vitro methods assessing the rate of platelet adhesion and thrombus activation for biocompatibility tests of different stent surfaces. Results: We show that amorphous silicon carbide and magnesium alloy stent surfaces markedly lower the rate of platelet adhesion and platelet/fibrin activation when compared with uncoated stainless steel or cobalt chromium alloy surfaces. Semiconductor materials on the stent surface reduce platelet and fibrin activation by increasing the critical electron gap to greater than 0.9 eV resulting in a lower electron transfer out of the stent material. Conclusion: Passive stent coatings with specific semiconducting properties such as amorphous silicon carbide or magnesium alloy reduce thrombogenicity and may improve biocompatibility of a stent platform. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Simultaneous stent implantation to treat bifurcation stenoses in the pulmonary arteries: Initial results and long‐term follow up
Authors: Stapleton Gary E. , Hamzeh Rabih , Mullins Charles E. , Zellers Thomas M. , Justino Henri , Nugent Alan , Nihill Michael R. , Grifka Ronald G. , Ing Frank F.
Published: February 2009

Background: Balloon angioplasty of bifurcating pulmonary artery (PA) stenoses is often inadequate, and stent treatment often requires simultaneous implantation of two stents. This study evaluates initial results and long‐term follow up of transcatheter stent placement in bifurcating PAs. Methods: This is a retrospective review of patients (pts) who had bifurcating PA stents placed in main and lobar branches from 1993 to 2007. Results: Forty‐nine pts had bifurcating PA stents placed at a median age of 10.9 years (range 1–43 years). The mean minimum vessel diameter increased from 5.7 ± 2.5 mm to 11.0 ± 3.6 mm (P < 0.001), the mean gradient across the stenoses decreased from 37.0 ± 26.9 to 9.2 ± 13 mm Hg (P < 0.001), whereas the mean RV:FA ratio decreased from 0.76 ± 0.29 to 0.53 ± 0.24 (P < 0.001). There was one death due to severe pulmonary hemorrhage. F/U data were available in 38 pts (mean duration 6.3 ± 4.1 years, range 1.2–13.1 years). Thirty pts underwent repeat catheterizations (mean 2.3 ± 2.2 years poststent), with 26 requiring further interventions: Fifteen had balloon angioplasty alone and 11 had additional stents placed. There were no complications at f/u catheterization. Six pts underwent further palliative surgeries, although none for repair of branch PA stenoses. Conclusions: Simultaneous transcatheter placement of bifurcating PA stents provides immediate gradient relief of bifurcating stenoses in the proximal or lobar branch PAs and reduces RV systolic pressure. Further interventions can be safely performed in future procedures, and the presence of stents does not complicate future surgeries. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
An update on pain physiology: the relevance of Craig's and Jänig's hypotheses for hypnotic analgesia
Authors: Carli Giancarlo
Published: February 2009

The aim of the present review is to discuss two interesting hypotheses that explain the pathophysiology of pain: (1) Arthur Craig's hypothesis that the experience of pain, elicited by specific sensors projecting into the central nervous system through afferent pathways, is relevant for homeostasis and represents a specific emotion related to a homeostatic behavioural drive; and (2) Wilfrid Jänig's hypothesis that, in functional chronic pain syndromes, specific changes occur in autonomic, endocrine and somatic motor systems interactions which, then, result in dysregulation involving peripheral, spinal and brain mechanisms. Theoretically, on the basis of these two hypotheses, hypnotic suggestions for analgesia can affect pain at multiple levels, including its generation at the periphery, secondary sensory neurons sensitization, and modulation of endocrine/immune responses through the modulation of autonomic activity. Copyright © 2009 British Society of Experimental & Clinical Hypnosis. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Gemcitabine‐based doublets versus single‐agent therapy for elderly patients with advanced nonsmall cell lung cancer
Authors: Russo Antonio , Rizzo Sergio , Fulfaro Fabio , Adamo Vincenzo , Santini Daniele , Vincenzi Bruno , Gebbia Nicola , Carreca Ignazio
Published: February 2009

BACKGROUND:

Although platinum‐based combinations are considered the best option of care for patients with advanced nonsmall cell lung cancer (NSCLC), single‐agent therapy is the preferred treatment for older patients. Since the late 1990s, various combinations of third‐generation agents (gemcitabine [G], vinorelbine, docetaxel, and paclitaxel) have been tested, yielding contradictory results. The authors of this report performed a literature‐based meta‐analysis to assess the efficacy and tolerability of G‐based doublets compared with single‐agent chemotherapy for elderly patients with NSCLC.

METHODS:

Data from all published, randomized, phase 3 trials that compared a G‐based doublet with a third‐generation single agent in elderly patients were collected from electronic databases (Medline and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials), relevant reference lists, and abstract books. Pooled odds ratios (ORs) were calculated for the 1‐year survival rate, the overall response rate (ORR), and grade 3 and 4 toxicities.

RESULTS:

Four eligible trials (1436 patients) were selected from 442 studies that initially were identified. A significant difference in ORR favoring G‐based doublets over single agents was observed (OR, 0.65; 95% confidence interval [95% CI], 0.51‐0.82 [P < .001]), whereas the trend toward an improved 1‐year survival rate was not significant (OR, 0.78; 95% CI, 0.57‐1.06 [P = .169]). Grade 3 and 4 toxicities did not differ significantly except for thrombocytopenia (OR, 1.76; 95% CI, 1.12‐2.76 [P = .014]).

CONCLUSIONS:

G‐based doublets appeared to be effective and feasible compared with single agents in the treatment of elderly patients with advanced NSCLC who were not suitable for full‐dose, platinum‐based chemotherapy. Further prospective, elderly specific, phase 3 trials will be necessary. Cancer 2009. © 2009 American Cancer Society.
Afferents to the GABAergic tail of the ventral tegmental area in the rat
Authors: Kaufling Jennifer , Veinante Pierre , Pawlowski Sophie A. , Freund‐Mercier Marie‐Jose , Barrot Michel
Published: February 2009

We previously showed that chronic psychostimulant exposure induces the transcription factor DeltaFosB in γ‐aminobutyric acid (GABA)ergic neurons of the caudal tier of the ventral tegmental area (VTA). This subregion was defined as thetail of the VTA(tVTA). In the present study, we showed that tVTA can also be visualized by analyzing FosB/DeltaFosB response following acute cocaine injection. This induction occurs in GABAergic neurons, as identified by glutamic acid decarboxylase (GAD) expression. To characterize tVTA further, we mapped its inputs by using the retrograde tracers Fluoro‐Gold or cholera toxin B subunit. Retrogradely labeled neurons were observed in the medial prefrontal cortex, the lateral septum, the ventral pallidum, the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis, the substantia innominata, the medial and lateral preoptic areas, the lateral and dorsal hypothalamic areas, the lateral habenula, the intermediate layers of the superior colliculus, the dorsal raphe, the periaqueductal gray, and the mesencephalic and pontine reticular formation. Projections from the prefrontal cortex, the hypothalamus, and the lateral habenula to the tVTA were also shown by using the anterograde tracer biotinylated dextran amine (BDA). We showed that the central nucleus of the amygdala innervates the anterior extent of the VTA but not the tVTA. Moreover, the tVTA mainly receives non‐aminergic inputs from the dorsal raphe and the locus coeruleus. Although the tVTA has a low density of dopaminergic neurons, its afferents are mostly similar to those targeting the rest of the VTA. This suggests that the tVTA can be considered as a VTA subregion despite its caudal location. J. Comp. Neurol. 513:597–621, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The flow‐field downstream of a collapsible tube during oscillation onset
Authors: Truong N. K. , Bertram C. D.
Published: February 2009

The flow‐field immediately downstream of a collapsible tube during oscillation onset starting from the collapsed state was measured using two‐dimensional high‐speed particle image velocimetry. Both tube and fluid were chosen to produce oscillation at the lowest possible Reynolds number, of just over 300. The flow was examined in the plane formed by the tube axis extended into the downstream pipe and the major axis of the tube collapse cross‐section. The resulting time‐series of spatial fields of 2D velocity vectors was analysed by frequency content and by proper orthogonal decomposition. Areas of the flow where oscillation initially occurs were identified. Flow disturbances centred at various frequencies were identified, some associated with the growing oscillation arising from the instability of the fluid–structure interaction between the main flow and the tube and others associated with the instability of the confined twin jets emanating from the collapsed‐tube throat. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A comparative study of Java and C performance in two large‐scale parallel applications
Authors: Shafi Aamir , Carpenter Bryan , Baker Mark , Hussain Aftab
Published: February 2009

In the 1990s the Message Passing Interface Forum defined MPI bindings for Fortran, C, and C++. With the success of MPI these relatively conservative languages have continued to dominate in the parallel computing community. There are compelling arguments in favour of more modern languages like Java. These include portability, better runtime error checking, modularity, and multi‐threading. But these arguments have not converted many HPC programmers, perhaps due to the scarcity of full‐scale scientific Java codes, and the lack of evidence for performance competitive with C or Fortran. This paper tries to redress this situation by porting two scientific applications to Java. Both of these applications are parallelized using our thread‐safe Java messaging system—MPJ Express. The first application is the Gadget‐2 code, which is a massively parallel structure formation code for cosmological simulations. The second application uses the finite‐domain time‐difference method for simulations in the area of computational electromagnetics. We evaluate and compare the performance of the Java and C versions of these two scientific applications, and demonstrate that the Java codes can achieve performance comparable with legacy applications written in conventional HPC languages. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Thermoelectric properties of RE2−xMxCuO4 oxide sintering bulks
Authors: Ichino Yusuke , Nonoyama Tomoaki , Kaikawa Mayuho , Takagi Atsushi , Yoshida Yutaka , Takai Yoshiaki
Published: February 2009

La2−xSrxCuO4 (LSCO) and Sm2−xCexCuO4 (SCCO) polycrystal bulks with x=0 to 0.10 were made by solid‐phase reaction method. From the X‐ray diffraction patterns, LSCO and SCCO were confirmed single phase. Seebeck coefficient, resistivity, and heat conductivity decreased with increasing amount of Sr2+ and Ce2+ substitution. We estimated ZT from these values and found that the highest value of ZT=0.034 at 323 K was achieved in the LSCO with x=0.02. As a result, we conclude that LSCO and SCCO showed high thermoelectric properties around room temperature. We can expect RE2−xMxCuO4 will be a very useful material for thermoelectric module operating at room temperature. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Electron Comm Jpn, 91(12): 24–28, 2008; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/ecj.10003
Controller design for human‐assist robots with force filtering process
Authors: Tsuji Toshiaki , Ohnishi Kouhei
Published: February 2009

This paper describes a controller design method for robots supporting humans in real environments. Such robots must deal with various interactions between robots and the human environment. Furthermore, they also must autonomously classify the interactions from sensor information and select their actions according to the tasks and situations. This study introduces the idea of a spatial filter, a filter in the spatial domain, to construct such a control system. The method decomposes sensor information into function modes, spatial information essential for control. The force filtering process based on function modes makes the controller design simple and explicit. Some experimental results are presented in order to verify the validity of the proposed method. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Electron Comm Jpn, 91(12): 46–55, 2008; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/ecj.10186
Right‐wing authoritarianism, social dominance orientation and prejudice against threatening and competitive ethnic groups
Authors: Cohrs J. Christopher , Asbrock Frank
Published: February 2009

This research rests on the assumption that individual differences approaches to prejudice benefit from an integration of intergroup factors. Following Duckitt (2001), we assumed that two prominent individual differences variables, right‐wing authoritarianism (RWA) and social dominance orientation (SDO), would differentially predict majority members' levels of ethnic prejudice depending on specific factors of the intergroup context: RWA as an index of motivational concerns about social cohesion, stability and security should drive prejudice against outgroups perceived as socially threatening, and SDO as an index of concerns about ingroup superiority and dominance should predict prejudice against outgroups perceived as potential competitors for power‐status. Across two studies (Ns = 82, 176), using between‐participants and within‐participants experimental designs, the effects of RWA on prejudice were particularly powerful when the outgroup was manipulated to be socially threatening, but the effects of SDO on prejudice appeared not to increase when the outgroup was manipulated to be competitive. In Study 2, presenting the outgroup as having low status also increased the effect of RWA, but not the effect of SDO. These results support the differential prediction assumption for RWA, but not for SDO. Implications for the conceptualisation of RWA and SDO are discussed. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Production of paramylon, a β‐1,3‐glucan, by heterotrophic cultivation of Euglena gracilis on a synthetic medium
Authors: Šantek Boz̆idar , Felski Michael , Friehs Karl , Lotz Martin , Flaschel Erwin
Published: February 2009

Euglena gracilis was cultivated on a synthetic medium of well‐defined components. Biomass and paramylon (β‐1,3‐glucan) concentrations were the most important variables monitored. Mass production in the bioreactor was carried out following studies of operating conditions in shaken flasks. E. gracilis grew best at about 30°C and at a low pH of 3. A pH control was not necessary, although the pH increased considerably at the end of the cultivation processes. Aeration could be performed at low stirrer frequency. Biomass concentrations of about 13–14 g/L were obtained with paramylon mass fractions of 50–60%, by starting with a synthetic medium containing 15 g/L of glucose as the main carbon source.
Assessing impacts of capacity mechanism on long‐term market equilibrium
Authors: Han Choong‐Kyo , Hur Don , Sohn Jin‐Man , Park Jong‐Keun
Published: February 2009

It has long been presumed that the electricity market can provide the correct economic signal for the investment of new generation. However, in response to concerns over the reasonableness of an investment signal in the energy‐only electricity market, various designs of capacity mechanisms have been proposed to solve the adequacy problem. In this paper, we focus on analyzing the influence of capacity mechanisms on the long‐term market equilibrium in the electricity market. Three market models are considered: a price‐spike model, a capacity payment model, and a capacity demand curve model. The long‐term market equilibrium in each market model is calculated through load duration, price duration, net revenue, and generation investment models. To consider the generation companies' investment behavior when the profit contains uncertainties, different utility functions representing their risk attitude is introduced. This paper presents the sensitivity of the risk components such as the change of the generation companies' risk attitude, the forced outage rate, the error of the forecasted peak load, and the load factor. The performance of each market model has been compared, which would come to the conclusion that when the electricity market does not have enough demand response and the ability to remove the abuse of market power, as transitional measures, it is necessary to adopt the capacity demand curve model even though it is not market‐based approach and has the drawback that the performance depends on the shape of the capacity demand curve and market conditions. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.