bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cluster Analysis in Fodder Oats (Avena sativa L.)
Authors: Reddy Annem Sethuvardhan , G. Gayathri , Reddy Amaranatha
Published: June 2024

Oats is an important crop used globally for food and fodder, holding significant economic value. In the context of livestock farming, fodder oats (Avena sativa L.) is an important crop during winter season. A comprehensive analysis of thirty oat genotypes was conducted at The Regional Agricultural Research Station at Ambalavayal in Wayanadan Eastern Plateaux of Kerala to identify superior genotypes that could increase forage production and improve nutritional quality during the Rabi season of 2022-23. A cluster analysis using Mahalanobis D2 statistics was performed employing the Tocher method within the Indostat software, involving eleven morphological and six nutritional traits. The thirty genotypes were categorized into seven clusters based on their D2 values using the Euclidean method. Cluster I consisted of 14 genotypes (OL-1942, OL-1944, OL-1980, OL-15, OL-212, OL-11, OL-1952, OL-1874-1, OL-1975-2, OL-1976-1, OL-12, OL-1967, AVT-1, OL-13), followed by Cluster II with 8 genotypes (OL-10, OL-2000, OL-1977, OL-1964, OL-1988, OL-1896, OL-1802, OL-1974). Cluster IV comprised 3 genotypes (OL-1937, OL-1963, OL-125), Cluster III included two genotypes (OL-9, JHO-822), and Cluster V(OL-1931-1), VI(OL-1969), and VII(OL-1949) each had one genotype. The inter-cluster D2 values were found to be higher than the intra-cluster D2 values implying that there is a substantial amount of diversity among the genotypes under study with respect to the considered characters. The highest intra-cluster distance was observed in Cluster IV (42.81), followed by Cluster II, Cluster I, and Cluster III.  The maximum inter-cluster D2 values were observed between Clusters IV and VII (102.31), and the minimum was observed between Clusters II and V (45.44). Based on the cluster mean, Cluster III was observed to be a significant contributor of days to first and 50% flowering, days to maturity, crude fibre content, total phenolic and antioxidant content. Cluster IV was a potential contributor to green fodder yield, dry matter yield, leaf and stem dry weight, plant height, and phytate content. Cluster V was associated with the number of tillers and crude protein content. Cluster VI was related to the number of leaves and condensed tannin content. Cluster VII was pertaining to the leaf-stem ratio.
Effects of Controlled Humidity on the Growth of Spring Onions
Authors: Sumaoy J.V. , Velez E.M. , Cabanducos N.A. , Quinlat K.R. , Pacquiao P.A. , Salvan V.J. , Matutes K.C. , Magbago F.D. , Romo K.L. , Sabellina M.A. , Buna G.M.
Published: June 2024

This study investigates the influence of environmental factors, specifically relative humidity on plant growth. The objective was to assess the impact of maintaining relative humidity levels between 60% and 70% on the growth of spring onions caried out at the Mindanao State University at Naawan - Integrated Developmental School campus. Key parameters such as leaf appearance and weight were measured for spring onions grown in two different environments: a mini greenhouse equipped with a commercial humidifier and an open field. The collected data was subjected to statistical analysis using the mean, T-test, and Mann-Whitney U test. The findings revealed that the average weight of spring onions grown in a controlled humidity environment was significantly higher than those grown in the open field, where the average relative humidity was below 40%. In terms of leaf appearance, 93% of the spring onions grown in controlled humidity exhibited normal conditions, compared to only 80% of those grown in the open field. In conclusion, for both parameters assessed in this study, spring onions grown in a controlled humidity environment demonstrated significantly better growth and quality than those grown in the open field, with a significant difference (p<0.05) observed between the two growth environments. Lastly, based on weather conditions, the study recommends the activation of humidifiers only during sunny weather, when relative humidity levels are considerably low. This research contributes valuable insights to the field of agricultural science and has potential implications for improving the yield and quality of spring onions.
Global Diversification of Tilapia Production Techniques: Recent Overview- part 1
Authors: Samaddar Ayan , Ghosh Tapas , Verma Durgesh Kumar
Published: June 2024

Tilapia secure a bright position in finfish production worldwide because of their excellent flesh quality, disease resistance as well as the capacity to survive in a variety of farming systems and environmental circumstances. They hold a promising position in the propagation of aquaculture in developing countries because the culture is easy, farmers are friendly, and minimum infrastructure is required for their culture. Although more than 70 tilapia species, only three are commonly cultivated: Oreochromis niloticus, Oryza mossambicus, and Oryza aureus, where Nile tilapia contributing about 75% of the total production of tilapia. accounts for approximately 8.3% of the  total aquaculture production. These three species grow rapidly under diverse environmental conditions and are able to adapt to different culture systems. These qualities have made them a natural choice for freshwater aquaculture to address food security and the requirement of dietary protein in several developing countries in Asia. However, prolific breeding results in productivity loss, the non-availability of quality seeds, and improper management strategies, which have hindered their cultivation and adoption worldwide for many decades. These problems have been resolved to a large extent in recent years through the introduction of innovative and improved culture practices, better farm management strategies, and the introduction of hormonal and selective breeding techniques.  This review explores how tilapia production has increased through the diversification of cultural focused techniques under diverse climatic conditions, infrastructure facilities, and the application of modern tools. Advanced genetic tools and polyculture opportunities could serve as the main target areas to provide maximum efforts for sustainable outcomes.
Lighting the Path: Evaluating Light-Emitting Diode Therapy Versus Salicylic Acid Peel for Inflammatory Acne- A Case Series Analysis
Authors: MLG Diogo, , FGM Carvalho, , RCS Santos, , LF Dourado, , SP Matuck, , KPS Fernandes, , C Pavani, , LJ Motta,
Published: June 2024

Aims: This study aims to assess the efficacy of red, blue, and combined red-blue light therapy versus 20% salicylic acid peel in treating Grades 2 and 3 inflammatory acne.
Study Design: Cases studies.
Place and Duration of Study: Universidade Nove de Julho, Universidade Adventista de São Paulo, São Paulo Brazil. Between March 2022 from April 2024.
Introduction: Acne is an inflammatory disorder that occurs in the pilosebaceous follicles and deeply affects the self-esteem and quality of life of individuals. Conventional treatments usually produce side effects and promote antibiotic resistance. Light therapy has emerged as a promising modality in clinical and scientific realms for acne management. This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of red, blue and combined red-blue light therapy versus 20% salicylic acid peeling in the treatment of inflammatory acne grade 2 and 3.
Methodology: We divided 20 participants into four groups who used a mask of LEDs.  Group 1 used a mask with blue light (470nm), group 2 used a mask with red light (660nm), group 3 used a mask with red (660nm) and blue (470nm) lights combined in the same device. The groups that used the LED masks received the treatment 3 times a week for 30 days, totaling 12 sessions.  Group 4 was submitted to two sessions of salicylic acid peeling at 20%, every 15 days.
Results: Blue light (group 1) showed an improvement of 28.40% in the general skin condition. Group 4 of salicylic acid peeling had an improvement of 28.37%. The combined red and blue light group had an improvement of 26.43%, while the red light showed an improvement of 10.97%.
Conclusion:  Based on the series of cases presented, all groups showed improvement, but blue light showed higher results than red light and salicylic acid. However, studies with a larger number of participants should be performed and the ideal parameters for Led use in inflammatory acne should be discussed.
Morphological Characterization of Callosobruchus maculatus and C. chinensis and Seed Damage Assessment in Monogamous and Polygamous Condition in Mung Bean
Authors: Singh Saurabh , Tiwari Brajrajsharan , Kumar Ankur , Pandey Rakesh
Published: June 2024

The pulse beetles or bruchids cause serious damage in stored legumes. Two most important bruchids are Callosobruchus maculatus and C. chinensis. Among the various pulses, the preferred host of these beetles is mung bean. Therefore, an estimation of seed damage and to study the morphological characters of both species, experiment was conducted in the Department of Entomology, Banda University of Agriculture and Technology, Banda. The observations related to the body size of C. chinensis was smaller in comparison to the C. maculatus and C. chinensis caused lower seed damage than C. maculatus. The weight loss of mung bean seeds caused by C. maculatus was 45.39 ± 5.90 % in monogamous condition and 56.11 ± 5.27% in polygamous condition and the seed weight loss caused by C. chinensis was 36.44 ± 4.72 % in monogamous condition and 48.02 ± 5.51% in polygamous condition. The maximum seed weight loss caused by the polygamous conditions of C. maculatus and C. chinensis, respectively, followed by monogamous conditions of C. maculatus and C. chinensis, respectively.
Building a Scalable Security Operations Center: A Focus on Open-source Tools
Authors: Bassey Christian , Chinda Ebenezer Tonye , Idowu Samson
Published: June 2024

Given the prevalence of a wide variety of cyber attacks against businesses of all sizes, it is essential to ensure that adequate security monitoring of organizational assets and infrastructure is in place to ensure the early detection and response to security incidents. By using a security information and event management (SIEM) tool in collaboration with other security tools, such as an extended detection and response (XDR) tool, all housed in an organizational unit, adequate security monitoring and response to detected incidents can be achieved. This research builds a SOC architecture with various components to ensure complete security visibility across endpoints and digital assets. Then, it proposes low-cost open-source tooling that can be used to implement this architecture. To validate the performance of this architecture, the architecture was implemented using the proposed tools, which included the Wazuh platform as the XDR and SIEM tool, TheHive for case management, and Suricata for network intrusion detection. Subsequently, various cybersecurity scenarios, such as brute force attacks, malware downloads, and DoS attacks, were executed against endpoints monitored by this deployed architecture. The results show that the tools implemented performed the correct exposure assessment and successfully detected and responded to the various scenarios. This paper proposed a security operations center architecture utilizing open-source tools and successfully implemented it to detect common cybersecurity attacks.
Modelling Long Memory Time Series for Groundnut Prices in Andhra Pradesh with Autoregressive Fractionally Integrated Moving Average for Forecasting
Authors: Swarnalatha P. , Rao V. Srinivasa , Reddy G. Raghunadha , Rathod Santosha , Ramesh D. , Devi K. Uma
Published: June 2024

The presence of long memory in time series is characterized by an autocorrelation function that decreases slowly or hyperbolically. The most suitable model for capturing this phenomenon is the Autoregressive Fractionally Integrated Moving Average (ARFIMA) model, which is particularly useful for modeling historical prices in financial data analysis. This research aims to assess ARFIMA modeling of long memory processes using the Geweke and Porter-Hudak (GPH) parameter estimation method. The model was applied to the monthly prices of Groundnut in Andhra Pradesh, from the period January 2002 to December 2023. The best-fitted model identified was ARFIMA (1,0.43,1), which demonstrates a strong short-term forecasting ability, closely matching actual prices with lowest AIC, MSE and RMSE values when compared to SARIMA(1,1,3)(0,1,2)12 model. The study concluded that the ARFIMA model forecasted better than the SARIMA model for forecasting of Groundnut prices of Andhra Pradesh.
Nutraceutical Value and Therapeutic Applications of Indian Heritage Fruits: A Review
Authors: J. Kalaivani , V Jegadeeswari. , K.R. Vijayalatha. , R. Arulmozhiyan , K Padmadevi.
Published: June 2024

This review delves into the nutraceutical value and therapeutic uses of bael, woodapple, aonla, ber, and karonda fruits, revered for their medicinal properties across traditional medicine systems. Enriched with essential nutrients and bioactive compounds like phenolics, flavonoids, and alkaloids, they offer diverse health benefits, including immune support and digestive health enhancement. Through a meticulous analysis of scientific literature, the review underscores their potential in preventive and holistic healthcare. By acknowledging and leveraging their nutraceutical and therapeutic potentials, individuals and communities can endeavor towards improved health and well-being.
Growth and Yield Parameters of Ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum) as Influenced by Irrigation Regimes and Nitrogen Levels
Authors: Hazarika Nilotpal , Sharma Karuna Kanta , Kurmi Khagen , Deka Bipul
Published: June 2024

A field experiment was conducted at the Instructional-cum-Research (ICR) Farm, Assam Agricultural University, Jorhat during 2017-2018 and 2018-2019. The experiment was laid out in split-plot design with three replications. The treatments consisted of five levels of irrigation in main plot viz., I0: Rainfed, I1: Irrigation at critical growth stages, I2: Irrigation at IW: CPE ratio of 1.0, I3: Irrigation at IW:CPE ratio of 1.2 and I4: Irrigation at IW:CPE ratio of 1.4 along with four levels of N - N0: 0 kg N/ha, N1: 30 kg N/ha, N2: 60kg N/ha and N3: 90 kg N/ha in sub- plots. The soil of the experimental site was sandy loam in texture, acidic in reaction, medium in organic carbon, medium in available N, available P2O5 and low in available K2O. The results revealed that different irrigation regimes significantly influenced the plant height, number of tillers/m2, number of leaves/m2, green fodder yield and dry matter yield of ryegrass at all the three cuts. The highest data recorded in irrigation at IW:CPE ratio of 1.4. The effect of levels of N on plant height, number of tillers/m2, number of leaves/m2, green fodder yield and dry matter yield of ryegrass were found to be significant at all three cuts in ryegrass. Application of 90 kg N/ha recorded the highest data than all other levels of nitrogen.
A novel KIF11 mutation in a Turkish patient with microcephaly, lymphedema, and chorioretinal dysplasia from a consanguineous family
Authors: Hazan Filiz , Ostergaard Pia , Ozturk Taylan , Kantekin Esin , Atlihan Fusun , Jeffery Steve , Ozkinay Ferda
Published: May 2012

Microcephaly–lymphedema–chorioretinal dysplasia (MLCRD) syndrome is a rare syndrome that was first described in 1992. Characteristic craniofacial features include severe microcephaly, upslanting palpebral fissures, prominent ears, a broad nose, and a long philtrum with a pointed chin. Recently, mutations in KIF11 have been demonstrated to cause dominantly inherited MLCRD syndrome. Herein, we present a patient with MLCRD syndrome whose parents were first cousins. The parents are unaffected, and thus a recessive mode of inheritance for the disorder was considered likely. However, the propositus carries a novel, de novo nonsense mutation in exon 2 of KIF11. The patient also had midline cleft tongue which has not previously been described in this syndrome. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Grafting modification of electrospun polystyrene fibrous membranes via an entrapped initiator in an acrylic acid aqueous solution
Authors: Tao Ran , Zhu Xinsheng , Zuo Yu‐Ting , Fan Li‐Juan , Wang Bing , Xin Ji‐Ting
Published: May 2012

Ultrafine electrospun polymer fibers, with their large specific surface areas, have not found wide applications partly because the fiber surfaces usually carry an insufficient quantity of active groups. The electrospinning and surface‐grafting copolymerization of polystyrene fibrous membranes were carried out via the embedded radical initiator approach. The results from X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy show that the initiator added to the polystyrene dope was deliberately expelled onto the fiber surfaces. The microstructure and hydrophilicity of the grafted membranes were investigated with Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and water contact angle and water uptake capacity measurements. An increase in the initiator dosages led to decreases in the grafting rate, water uptake, and hydrophilicity of the grafted membranes; the opposite was true for increases in the neutralization of acrylic acid (AA). However, the grafting, water uptake, and hydrophilicity of the grafted membranes presented nonlinear relationships with the concentration of AA. The initiator emigration technique will provide a facile and feasible platform for the surface‐grafting modification of electrospun membranes. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci., 2013
Sulfonated polyimide/chitosan composite membrane for vanadium redox flow battery: Membrane preparation, characterization, and single cell performance
Authors: Yue Mingzhu , Zhang Yaping , Wang Lei
Published: May 2012

A novel sulfonated polyimide/chitosan (SPI/CS) composite membrane was prepared from self‐made SPI (50% of sulfonation degree) through an immersion and self‐assembly method, which was successfully applied in vanadium redox flow battery (VRB). The proton conductivity of SPI/CS composite membrane is effectively improved compared to the plain SPI membrane. The VO2+ permeability coefficient across SPI/CS composite membrane is 1.12 × 10−7 cm2 min−1, which is only one tenth of that of Nafion® 117 membrane. Meanwhile, the proton selectivity of SPI/CS composite membrane is about eight times higher than that of Nafion® 117 membrane. In addition, the oxidative stability SPI/CS composite membrane is superior to that of pristine SPI membrane. The VRB single cell using SPI/CS composite membrane showed higher energy efficiency (88.6%) than that using Nafion® 117 membrane, indicating that SPI/CS composite membrane is a promising proton conductive membrane for VRB application. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci., 2013
Development and evaluation of a novel dosage form of diltiazem HCl using ethylene vinyl acetate copolymer and sodium starch glycolate (in vitro/in vivo study)
Authors: Al‐Nimry Suhair S. , Alkhamis Khouloud A. , Ibrahim Hussein G. , Salem Mutaz S.
Published: May 2012

The work aims at developing a CR formulation, with high encapsulation efficiency of diltiazem HCl, suitable for twice daily administration. Microparticles, using EVA copolymer, were prepared by coacervation‐phase separation technique, subjected to controlled extraction and vacuum freeze drying processes to generate and immobilize a non uniform initial drug concentration distribution, and evaluated in vitro and in animals. Effects of increasing initial drug concentration, varying polymer system, increasing porosity, and decreasing tortuosity, varying the size of the microparticles and the pH of the dissolution medium on the release rate were evaluated. The results indicated that the release rate from microparticles was constant (zero‐order) for an appreciable period of time but it was low for twice‐daily administration. It increased with increasing initial drug concentration, varying polymer system, increasing porosity, and decreasing tortuosity, and decreasing the size of the microparticles but the duration of constant release was shorter except for formulations containing 2.00 and 2.25% sodium starch glycolate. 10‐h duration of constant release was achieved and the zero‐order release rate was within the required rate to achieve the desired therapeutic level. The pH of the dissolution medium did not have any effect on the release rate. The results of the in vivo study indicated that in vitro dissolution correlated well with in vivo AUC0‐10 and that there were no statistically significant differences in AUC0‐10 and Cmax between the new CR formulation and Cardizem® CD. Accordingly, a new CR formulation that delivers diltiazem HCl at a constant rate, suitable for twice daily administration was developed. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci., 2013
A comparative study on curing characteristics and thermomechanical properties of elastomeric nanocomposites: The effects of eggshell and calcium carbonate nanofillers
Authors: Saeb Mohammad Reza , Ramezani‐Dakhel Hadi , Khonakdar Hossein Ali , Heinrich Gert , Wagenknecht Udo
Published: May 2012

After‐hatching eggshell (AHES) nanobiofiller and nanocalcium carbonate (nano‐CA) were separately added to various elastomers, such as acrylonitrile butadiene rubber (NBR), styrene butadiene rubber (SBR), and natural rubber (NR), in various amounts of 5, 10, and 15 phr. The effect of particle size and dispersion of such nanofillers on thermomechanical properties and curing characteristics were then investigated. The ultimate tensile properties of SBR and NR nanocomposites were improved to some extent when 5 phr of AHES nanofiller was added to the rubber compound compared to CA. In the case of NBR nanocompounds, however, the mechanical properties were seemingly comparable, irrespective of the type of nanofiller. This contradictive behavior could be attributed to the alteration of crosslink density due to particular filler–matrix interaction while using mineral and natural fillers. The results of the rheometric study revealed that using AHES rather than CA slightly increases the scorch time of all types of prepared nanocomposites, whereas a significant drop in the optimum curing time was seen for NBR nanocomposites containing AHES biofiller. Moreover, thermogravimetric analysis showed similar thermal stability for SBR nanocomposites containing AHES and CA fillers. Finer particle size of CA and higher porosity of AHES at high and low loading levels were respectively the main reasons for improvement of ultimate properties. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci., 2013
Electrospun magnetic carbon composite fibers: Synthesis and electromagnetic wave absorption characteristics
Authors: Yang Ying , Guo Zhen , Zhang Huan , Huang Daqing , Gu Jialin , Huang Zhenghong , Kang Feiyu , Alan Hatton T. , Rutledge Gregory C.
Published: May 2012

Electrospun polyacrylonitrile (PAN)‐based carbon composite fibers embedded with magnetic nanoparticles have been developed as materials for electromagnetic wave absorption. The nanocomposite fibers were prepared by electrospinning from a dispersion of magnetite (Fe3O4) nanoparticles stabilized by L‐glutamic acid in a solution of PAN and N, N‐dimethyl formamide. The Fe3O4‐embedded PAN nanofibers were stabilized at 270°C in air and carbonized at 800°C in nitrogen. The Fe3O4 nanoparticles were crystalline with a particle size of about 7 nm, most of which was reduced to Fe3C with agglomerates of up to 50 nm diameter in the carbon fibers. The carbon morphology was mostly disordered, but exhibited a layered graphitic structure in the vicinity of the nanoparticles. The carbon composite fiber exhibited ferromagnetic behavior, and the induced magnetic saturation per unit mass of fibers increased with increasing Fe3O4 content in the precursor. The complex relative dielectric permittivity was tuned by adjusting the amount of Fe3O4 in the carbon fiber precursor. With increasing Fe3O4 content, good electromagnetic wave absorption characteristics were observed below 6 GHz, even for samples with fiber loadings as low as 5 wt %. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci., 2013
Effect of intermolecular and intramolecular forces on hydrodynamic diameters of poly(N‐isopropylacrylamide) copolymers in aqueous solutions
Authors: Yang Lei , Liu Tianqing , Song Kedong , Wu Shuang , Fan Xin
Published: May 2012

A novel copolymer, poly(N‐isopropylacrylamide‐co‐hydroxypropyl methacrylate‐co‐3‐trimethoxysilypropyl methacrylate) has been synthesized and the hydrodynamic diameters in various aqueous solutions under different temperatures are determined by dynamic light scattering. The results show that the hydrodynamic diameters of copolymers have no obvious change in each working solution below lower critical solution temperature (LCST); across LCST, the diameters increased suddenly at different initial temperature in various aqueous solutions; above LCST, they decreased slightly as the temperature increased in UHQ water, and increased continuously with increasing temperature or salt concentration in saline solutions, and reduced with the rising of pH value in pH buffer. These are attributed to different intermolecular and intramolecular forces leading to disparity in dimension, conformation, and LCST of copolymers. The hydrogen bonding between water molecules and copolymer chains could maintain size and conformation of copolymer single chain; the hydrogen bonding between amide linkages and hydrophobic interactions between isopropyl groups result in intramolecular collapse and intermolecular aggregation; the electrostatic repulsion weakens aggregation extent of copolymers. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci., 2013
Self‐assembly of bovine serum albumin and poly(acrylic acid) induced by noncovalent bonds
Authors: Du Weiping , Wang Yansong
Published: May 2012

Bovine serum albumin/poly(acrylic acid), BSA/PAA, nano‐scaled particles were produced by noncovalent bonds induced self‐assembly method at acid pH area. Proper conditions during preparation process, such as pH value, BSA/PAA weight ratio(WR), PAA molecular weight, were researched by studying the hydrodynamic diameter, polydispersity index, and ζ potential of the nanoparticles. Complex formation between BSA and PAA was studied by FT‐IR, AFM, and TEM. BSA chains are supposed to be partly trapped in the nanoparticles core after interaction with PAA because of the electrostatic attractions and hydrogen bonds interactions between BSA and PAA, while the rest of the BSA chains should form the shell of the nanoparticles. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci., 2013
Study of viscoelastic properties of nanocomposites of SiO2–acrylonitrile–butadiene–styrene
Authors: Haghtalab Ali , Rahimi Sedighe
Published: May 2012

Nanocomposites of acrylonitrile–butadiene–styrene (ABS) and nanosilica with different nanoparticle sizes and various loadings are prepared. Rheological experiments such as frequency sweep, strain sweep, and rotational test are performed to investigate the influence of nanoparticle loading and size on the viscoelastic properties of the nanocomposites. The results show that nanocomposites with higher filler loading and smaller particle size have both higher storage and loss moduli. Moreover, the results indicate that the storage modulus is more sensitive than loss modulus to filler loading and nanoparticle size. The smaller nanoparticles and higher filler loadings lead to the enhancement of nanoparticle surface area so that the viscoelastic properties are intensified through increase of polymer chain adsorption on nanoparticle, and creation of a network structure in the nanocomposites. The network structure causes changes to the rheological behavior of the nanocomposite such as solid‐like behavior in the low‐frequency region and reduction of the Newtonian region. The scanning electron microscopy micrographs revealed that the particle aggregates increase with particle size reduction and increasing nanoparticle content. We also used a nonlinear optimization to obtain the parameters of a multimode Maxwell model for low nanofiller content ABS/SiO2 nanocomposites and found the relaxation times of the polymer chains increased with increasing nanoparticle content. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci., 2013
Optical characterization and differential scanning calorimetry studies of carboxymethyl cellulose–nickel chloride composite system
Authors: Abdel‐Rahim Farid M. , Mahmoud K. H. , Aly K. A.
Published: May 2012

Carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) films doped with nickel chloride hexahydrate have been prepared by casting technique. The phase transitions and thermal stability of the prepared samples were investigated by differential scanning calorimetry and thermogravimetry. The optical absorption was recorded at room temperature in the wavelength range of 190–2500 nm. From the absorption edge studies, the values of the Urbach energy (Ee) were found to be 0.58 eV in case of the pure polymer; however, the Urbach energy values were found to be in the range of 0.64–1.0 eV under additional different percentages of nickel chloride. These energy values indicate that the model based on random fluctuations of the internal fields associated with structure disorder is preferable and transitions are made between band tails. Refractive index, complex dielectric constants have also been determined. Color properties of the prepared samples are discussed in the frame work of CIE L*u*v* color space. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci., 2013
Factors affecting the occurrence of smooth‐coated otter in aquatic systems of the Upper Gangetic Plains, India
Authors: Nawab Asghar , Hussain Syed Ainul
Published: May 2012

With the increasing human pressure on wildlife and its habitat, particularly in South and Southeast Asia, the population of the smooth‐coated otter (Lutrogale perspicillata), a key carnivore of freshwater ecosystems, is rapidly declining. Reliable information on its abundance and other factors affecting its occurrence is lacking from many parts of its range, hindering development of conservation measures.

In this paper the findings are presented on relative abundance and habitat parameters associated with the occurrence of the smooth‐coated otter in the Corbett Tiger Reserve (CTR), India. Information on habitat structure, spraint (faeces) sites, and otter signs (e.g. footprints, spraints), were recorded in each 500 m section of five rivers in different seasons. The search covered 380, 100 m × 15 m plots laid along the shoreline of the river banks. The importance of different habitat features influencing habitat selection was assessed using an ordination technique.

In the CTR, the presence of otters was recorded from the three river systems that were relatively undisturbed and supported potential microhabitats for otters. The relative abundance of otters in the Reserve varied between 0.3 and 0.48 individuals km‐1.

Occurrence of otters in the region was governed by the presence of habitat features such as rocky and sandy river stretches with gentle bank‐slopes, bank‐side vegetation serving as escape cover, and slow water current. Relatively narrow rivers with several streams joining the main course and with a large number of fallen dead trees were favoured.

The reservoir was an unsuitable habitat for otters owing to its steep bank‐slopes (47.38° ± 1.69°) and deep water (6.99 m ± 30.46 m). Various forms of fishing activities, followed by livestock grazing, removal of sand and boulders from the river and removal of shoreline vegetation adversely affected the presence of otter.

Restoration of degraded habitats to meet the requirements of otters is the only option for their long‐term conservation. Existing critical otter habitats should be identified and brought into the protected area network, and the wetlands and river basins forming otter habitat managed at a landscape level. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Aquatic macroinvertebrate biodiversity: patterns and surrogates in mountainous Spanish national parks
Authors: Guareschi S. , Gutiérrez‐Cánovas C. , Picazo F. , Sánchez‐Fernández D. , Abellán P. , Velasco J. , Millán A.
Published: May 2012

In Spain, national parks represent the mainstay of conservation polices and attempt to protect the most representative natural ecosystems. However, studies on the ecology and conservation of aquatic biodiversity within protected areas are still scarce. This study aimed at compiling an inventory of the macroinvertebrate families inhabiting the aquatic ecosystems of each mountainous Spanish national park (Sierra Nevada, Cabañeros, Ordesa, Picos de Europa, Aigüestortes and Monfragüe). The results were used to answer two questions: (i) Which environmental variables are related to macroinvertebrate composition and richness in these protected ecosystems? (ii) Which taxon or group of taxa could act as biodiversity surrogates?

Sampling was carried out in 81 aquatic ecosystems across the six national parks during the summers of 2008–2010.

The national parks with the highest richness were Picos de Europa and Cabañeros. Overall, the six parks incorporated 66.2% of the taxa included in the Iberian checklist. Multivariate techniques showed that maximum altitude and the presence of lotic habitats were the most important variables related to different community compositions. The best richness model included the presence of a lotic habitat, together with the percentage of the catchment area with non‐irrigated agriculture and siliceous geology.

Selecting several diverse lotic and lentic water bodies at different altitudes provides the best way of representing Iberian macroinvertebrate diversity. Coleoptera family richness may be used as a macroinvertebrate biodiversity surrogate in Iberian mountainous protected areas because it displayed the highest correlation with the other taxonomic groups and remaining richness values. Such an indicator could be complemented with the use of Odonata family richness for standing waters.

The adequacy of Coleopera and Odonata as biodiversity surrogates should be tested at a wider geographic scale, and other surrogacy concepts (e.g. community composition) considered for assessing the role of this network in the protection of rare and endemic species.

Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Maximizing modern distribution of complex anatomical spatial information: 3D reconstruction and rapid prototype production of anatomical corrosion casts of human specimens
Authors: Li Jianyi , Nie Lanying , Li Zeyu , Lin Lijun , Tang Lei , Ouyang Jun
Published: May 2012

Anatomical corrosion casts of human specimens are useful teaching aids. However, their use is limited due to ethical dilemmas associated with their production, their lack of perfect reproducibility, and their consumption of original specimens in the process of casting. In this study, new approaches with modern distribution of complex anatomical spatial information were explored to overcome these limitations through the digitalization of anatomical casts of human specimens through three‐dimensional (3D) reconstruction, rapid prototype production, and Web‐based 3D atlas construction. The corrosion cast of a lung, along with its associated arteries, veins, trachea, and bronchial tree was CT‐scanned, and the data was then processed by Mimics software. Data from the lung casts were then reconstructed into 3D models using a hybrid method, utilizing both “image threshold” and “region growing.” The fine structures of the bronchial tree, arterial, and venous network of the lung were clearly displayed and demonstrated their distinct relationships. The multiple divisions of bronchi and bronchopulmonary segments were identified. The 3D models were then uploaded into a rapid prototype 3D printer to physically duplicate the cast. The physically duplicated model of the lung was rescanned by CT and reconstructed to detect its production accuracy. Gross observation and accuracy detection were used to evaluate the duplication and few differences were found. Finally, Virtual Reality Modeling Language (VRML) was used to edit the 3D casting models to construct a Web‐based 3D atlas accessible through Internet Explorer with 3D display and annotation functions. Anat Sci Educ. © 2012 American Association of Anatomists.
Loosely‐guided, self‐directed learning versus strictly‐guided, station‐based learning in gross anatomy laboratory sessions
Authors: Kooloos Jan G.M. , de Waal Malefijt Maarten C. , Ruiter Dirk J. , Vorstenbosch Marc A.T.M.
Published: May 2012

Anatomy students studying dissected anatomical specimens were subjected to either a loosely‐guided, self‐directed learning environment or a strictly‐guided, preformatted gross anatomy laboratory session. The current study's guiding questions were: (1) do strictly‐guided gross anatomy laboratory sessions lead to higher learning gains than loosely‐guided experiences? and (2) are there differences in the recall of anatomical knowledge between students who undergo the two types of laboratory sessions after weeks and months? The design was a randomized controlled trial. The participants were 360 second‐year medical students attending a gross anatomy laboratory course on the anatomy of the hand. Half of the students, the experimental group, were subjected without prior warning to station‐based laboratory sessions; the other half, the control group, to loosely‐guided laboratory sessions, which was the course's prevailing educational method at the time. The recall of anatomical knowledge was measured by written reproduction of 12 anatomical names at four points in time: immediately after the laboratory experience, then one week, five weeks, and eight months later. The strictly‐guided group scored higher than the loosely‐guided group at all time‐points. Repeated ANOVA showed no interaction between the results of the two types of laboratory sessions (P = 0.121) and a significant between‐subject effect (P ≤ 0.001). Therefore, levels of anatomical knowledge retrieved were significantly higher for the strictly‐guided group than for the loosely‐guided group at all times. It was concluded that gross anatomy laboratory sessions with strict instructions resulted in the recall of a larger amount of anatomical knowledge, even after eight months. Anat Sci Educ. © 2012 American Association of Anatomists.
Crosstalk between endogenous and synthetic components – synthetic signaling meets endogenous components
Authors: Morey Kevin J. , Antunes Mauricio S. , Barrow Matt J. , Solorzano Fernando A. , Havens Keira L. , Smith J. Jeff , Medford June
Published: May 2012

Synthetic biology uses biological components to engineer new functionality in living organisms. We have used the tools of synthetic biology to engineer detector plants that can sense man‐made chemicals, such as the explosive trinitrotoluene, and induce a response detectable by eye or instrumentation. A goal of this type of work is to make the designed system orthogonal, that is, able to function independently of systems in the host. In this review, the design and function of two partially synthetic signaling pathways for use in plants is discussed. We describe observed interactions (crosstalk) with endogenous signaling components. This crosstalk can be beneficial, allowing the creation of hybrid synthetic/endogenous signaling pathways, or detrimental, resulting in system noise and/or false positives. Current approaches in the field of synthetic biology applicable to the design of orthogonal signaling systems, including the design of synthetic components, partially synthetic systems that utilize crosstalk to signal through endogenous components, computational redesign of proteins, and the use of heterologous components, are discussed.
Triple‐negative breast cancer: multipronged approach, single‐arm pilot phase II study
Authors: Recchia Francesco , Candeloro Giampiero , Desideri Giovambattista , Necozione Stefano , Recchia Cornelia O. C. , Cirulli Vincenzo , Rea Silvio
Published: May 2012

Anthracyclines (A) and taxanes (T) are standard first‐line chemotherapy agents for patients with advanced breast cancer. Platinum analogues have also shown activity in the triple‐negative breast cancer (TNBC) histology, but clinical data are limited. Here we report the long‐term follow‐up of a phase II study on TNBC treated with a combined modality therapy, including induction with AT, cyclophosphamide, methotrexate, and 5‐fluorouracil (CMF) with concurrent radiation therapy, and a dose‐dense consolidation chemotherapy (HDCT) with carboplatin (CBDCA), ifosfamide (IFX), etoposide (VP‐16). Patients' median age was 44 years, with 73% premenopausal. Epirubicin 75 mg/m2 and docetaxel 75 mg/m2 were administered to 70 patients with TNBC: as neoadjuvant and adjuvant therapy to 12 and 58 patients, respectively. Postoperative radiation therapy, 5000 cGy, was delivered, synchronous with triweekly CMF. After radiation therapy, two courses of HDCT with CBDCA, IFX, VP‐16, were given, with hematological growth factors. After a median follow‐up of 81 months, all patients were evaluable for toxicity and response. Most important toxicity were grade 3 skin reaction and grade 4 hematological in 3% and 31% of patients, respectively. Pathological complete response was observed in 25% of patients receiving preoperative chemotherapy. Treatment failures were as follows: eight visceral, four contralateral breast cancer, four locoregional, and one leukemia. Five‐year progression‐free survival and overall survival rate were 78% and 91%, respectively. Induction chemotherapy, followed by chemoradiation therapy and HDCT, provides a prolonged disease‐free period and a significant increase in overall survival in TNBC, with an acceptable toxicity profile.
ChemInform Abstract: Ni5‐δSn4Zn (δ ≈ 0.25) from Single‐Crystal Data.
Authors: Schmetterer Clemens , Effenberger Herta Silvia , Marker Martin C. J. , Flandorfer Hans
Published: May 2012

Single crystals of the title compound are grown from the elements (alumina crucible, 1453 K).
ChemInform Abstract: Crystal Structure and Physical Properties of Ce3Rh5Si.
Authors: Lipatov A. , Kaczorowski D. , Gribanov A. , Seropegin Y.
Published: May 2012

The new title compound is prepared by arc melting of the elements and its crystal structure is determined by powder XRD.
ChemInform Abstract: Molten Salt Synthesis of a Mixed‐Valent Lanthanide(III/IV) Oxychloride with an Unprecedented Sillen X24 Structure: Ce1.3Nd0.7O3Cl.
Authors: Vigier Jean‐Francois , Renard Catherine , Henry Natacha , Laplace Annabelle , Abraham Francis
Published: May 2012

The new title compound is precipitated under wet argon from NdCl3 and CeCl3 in a molten LiCl/CaCl2 (30:70) mixture (705 °C, 4 h).
ChemInform Abstract: Magnetic and Electrical Transport Properties of Gd2CoGe6 and Tb2CoGe6 Germanides.
Authors: Kaczorowski D. , Konyk M. , Romaka L.
Published: May 2012

The title compounds are characterized by magnetization and electrical resistivity measurements.
ChemInform Abstract: Tri‐Metallic Deltahedral Zintl Ions: Experimental and Theoretical Studies of the Novel Dimer [(Sn6Ge2Bi)2]4‐.
Authors: Gillett‐Kunnath Miriam M. , Munoz‐Castro Alvaro , Sevov Slavi C.
Published: May 2012

[K(2,2,2‐crypt)]4 [(Sn6Ge2Bi)2]·1.5en is synthesized either by reacting (Sn9‐xGex)4‐ clusters with BiPh3 or by direct extraction from precursors of nominal composition K4Ge4Sn4Bi.
ChemInform Abstract: Novel Phosphine—Phosphites and Their Use in Asymmetric Hydrogenation.
Authors: Farkas Gergely , Balogh Szabolcs , Szoelloesy Aron , Uerge Laszlo , Darvas Ferenc , Bakos Jozsef
Published: May 2012

Rhodium complexes derived from axially chiral ligands (I) are efficient catalysts in the asymmetric hydrogenation reactions of dehydroamino acid esters (II) and itaconate (IV), in the latter case even at only 0.01 mol% catalyst loading.
ChemInform Abstract: Two Iron Catalysts Are Better than One: A General and Convenient Reduction of Aromatic and Aliphatic Primary Amides.
Authors: Das Shoubhik , Wendt Bianca , Moeller Konstanze , Junge Kathrin , Beller Matthias
Published: May 2012

The first iron‐based catalytic reduction of primary amides (I) and (III) is presented by using a selective, operational simple, safe and mild protocol.
ChemInform Abstract: Highly Efficient and Convenient Strecker Reaction of Carbonyl Compounds and Amines with TMSCN Catalyzed by MCM‐41 Anchored Sulfonic Acid as a Recoverable Catalyst.
Authors: Dekamin Mohammad G. , Mokhtari Zahra
Published: May 2012

A mild, straightforward, and green one‐pot three‐component procedure for the synthesis of α‐aminonitriles is developed.
ChemInform Abstract: Synthesis of Benzoylacetonitriles from Pd‐Catalyzed Carbonylation of Aryl Iodides and Trimethylsilylacetonitrile.
Authors: Park Ahbyeol , Lee Sunwoo
Published: May 2012

This novel method provides a broad scope and good yields of carboxylated products without any additional ligands.
ChemInform Abstract: A Highly Active and Magnetically Retrievable Nanoferrite—DOPA—Copper Catalyst for the Coupling of Thiophenols with Aryl Halides.
Authors: Baig R. B. Nasir , Varma Rajender S.
Published: May 2012

Diaryl sulfides (III) are synthesized using a magnetically recoverable heterogeneous Cu catalyst under microwave irradiation.
ChemInform Abstract: Nickel(0)‐Catalyzed Heck Cross‐Coupling via Activation of Aryl C—OPiv Bonds.
Authors: Ehle Andrew R. , Zhou Qi , Watson Mary P.
Published: May 2012

The coupling with various, mainly aromatic, olefins is catalyzed by Ni(dppf), generated in situ.
ChemInform Abstract: Iron‐Catalyzed Tandem Cross‐Dehydrogenative Coupling (CDC) of Terminal Allylic C(sp3) to C(sp2) of Styrene and Benzoannulation in the Synthesis of Polysubstituted Naphthalenes.
Authors: Liu Hua , Cao Li , Sun Jia , Fossey John S. , Deng Wei‐Ping
Published: May 2012

For the title reaction a high regioselectivity is observed to afford naphthalene derivatives (III), (V) and (VII)/(VIII) rather than cyclopentenes.
ChemInform Abstract: A One‐Pot Three‐Component Reaction for the Preparation of Highly Functionalized Tryptamines.
Authors: Yeo Se Jeong , Liu Yongxiang , Wang Xiang
Published: May 2012

A general and facile method for the synthesis of the title compounds (IV) and (VI) is developed.
ChemInform Abstract: A Modular Approach to the Synthesis of 1,4,5‐Substituted‐2‐aminoimidazoles.
Authors: Su Zhaoming , Peng Lingling , Melander Christian
Published: May 2012

A short route is developed to synthesize the biologically interesting title compounds (15 examples).
ChemInform Abstract: Scope and Limitations of a Modified Hantzsch Reaction for the Synthesis of Oxazole‐Dehydroamino Acid Derivatives from Dehydroamino Acid Amides.
Authors: Nagaya Akihiro , Yamagishi Yoji , Yonezawa Yasuchika , Akai Shoji , Shin Chung‐gi , Sato Ken‐ichi
Published: May 2012

A series of oxazoles (III) is prepared in good yields by a Hantzsch‐type reaction of amides (I) with bromides (II) and a subsequent dehydration of intermediate 4,5‐dihydro‐1,3‐oxazol‐4‐ol derivatives.
ChemInform Abstract: Synthesis and Antitumor Evaluation of Some New 1,3,4‐Oxadiazole‐Based Heterocycles.
Authors: Bondock Samir , Adel Shymaa , Etman Hassan A. , Badria Farid A.
Published: May 2012

A series of 1,3,4‐oxadiazole derivatives carrying different pharmacophores and heterocyclic rings that are relevant to potential antitumor and cytotoxic activities is synthesized starting from hitherto unreported 5‐cyanomethyloxadiazole (II).
ChemInform Abstract: Asymmetric Synthesis of Functionalized Chromans via a One‐Pot Organocatalytic Domino Michael—Hemiacetalization or —Lactonization and Dehydration Sequence.
Authors: Enders Dieter , Urbanietz Gregor , Hahn Robert , Raabe Gerhard
Published: May 2012

The sequence is highly diastereo‐ and enantioselective and produces different tricyclic heterocyclic scaffold as base structures of natural products.
ChemInform Abstract: Synthesis of Novel Vicinal Coumarin‐ and Oxindole‐Functionalized Dispiropyrrolidines and Dispiropyrrolizidines via [3 + 2]‐Cycloaddition Reactions.
Authors: Bakthadoss Manickam , Kannan Damodharan , Sivakumar Govindan
Published: May 2012

The adducts generated from isatin and sarcosine or L‐proline undergo [3 + 2] cycloaddition with (E)‐arylidene‐3,4‐dihydrocoumarins to yield polycyclic products with complete diastereoselectivity.