bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Analisis kemiripan komunitas artropoda predator hama padi penghuni permukaan tanah sawah rawa lebak dengan lahan pinggir di sekitarnya
Authors: Effendy Effendy , Hety Usna , Herlind Siti , Irsan Chandra , Thalib Rosdah
Published: March 2014

Di Sumatera Selatan luas lahan rawa lebak 1,4 juta ha, 12% dimanfaatkan sebagai sawah dan perkebunan, sisanya belum dikelola. Penelitian ini bertujuan mengetahui kemiripan komunitas artropoda predator penghuni permukaan tanah sawah rawa lebak dengan lahan pinggir yang berada di sekitarnya. Penelitian dilakukan di Kabupaten Ogan Ilir, Kabupaten Musi Banyuasin, dan Kota Palembang, Sumatera Selatan. Di setiap lokasi dipilih empat tipe habitat rawa lebak, berupa pertanaman padi, semak-semak, padang ilalang, dan hamparan gulma berdaun lebar. Pengambilan sampel artropoda predator penghuni tanah menggunakan perangkap sumuran. Pemasangan perangkap dilakukan sebanyak lima kali, yaitu 15 hari sebelum padi ditanam, saat tanaman padi berumur 1, 2, dan 3 bulan, serta 15 hari setelah panen. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan kelimpahan relatif artropoda predator di permukaan tanah di pertanaman padi adalah 95,03% dan di habitat lahan pinggir disekitar pertanaman padi adalah 95,12-97,21%. Keanekaragaman spesies artropoda predator di permukaan tanah pada habitat padi dengan habitat lahan pingir menunjukkan tingkat kemiripan 0,73-0,84. Habitat lahan pinggir di sekitar pertanaman padi dapat menjadi penampung artropoda predator dan sumber musuh alami hama tanaman padi pada musim tanam padi berikutnya.
Keanekaragaman serangga dan struktur vegetasi pada habitat burung insektivora Lanius schach Linn. di Tanjungsari, Yogyakarta
Authors: Lala Fredy , Wagiman F. X. , Putra Nugroho S.
Published: March 2014

Keanekaragaman serangga dan struktur vegetasi suatu ekosistem adalah dua aspek penting yang mempengaruhi perkembangbiakan burung insektivora. Penelitian bertujuan untuk mengetahui karakteristik habitat asli Lanius schach di Tanjungsari yang meliputi jenis dan komposisi vegetasi serta preferensi burung terhadap serangga mangsa. Pengamatan vegetasi dan serangga menggunakan kombinasi metode jalur dan garis berpetak pada jalur sepanjang 10 km yang terbagi atas sepuluh titik pengamatan. Penghitungan jenis pohon dan serangga pada setiap petak pengamatan berukuran 20 m x 20 m, jenis perdu pada 10 m x 10 m, jenis semak 5 m x 5 m dan jenis rumput 2 m x 2 m. Jenis dan komposisi vegetasi dihitung dengan analisis vegetasi, sedangkan keanekaragaman serangga menggunakan indeks Shannon. Uji mangsa dilakukan untuk mengetahui preferensi burung insektivora terhadap serangga. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa komposisi vegetasi terdiri atas 7 spesies rumput, 20 spesies semak, 5 spesies perdu, dan 18 spesies pohon. Vegetasi tiap kelompok dengan indeks nilai penting (INP) tertinggi berturut-turut adalah Tectona grandis, Ipomoea sp., I. cylindrica, dan Panicum brevifolium. Keanekaragaman tertinggi kelompok vegetasi berturut-turut adalah semak (2,430), pohon (1,696), rumput (1,680) dan perdu (1,364). Indeks keanekaragaman serangga adalah 2,572 dan belalang (ordo Orthoptera) adalah serangga yang paling disukai L. schach. Habitat burung insektivora L. schach memiliki karakteristik habitat yang didominasi T. grandis dan memiliki keanekaragaman semak yang tinggi.
Preferensi dan tanggap fungsional Neoseiulus californicus McGregor (Acari: Phytoseiidae) sebagai predator Tetranychus kanzawai Kishida (Acari: Tetranychidae)
Authors: Santoso Sugeng , Iswella Edwin
Published: March 2014

Tungau laba-laba kanzawa (TLK), Tetranychus kanzawai Kishida (Acari: Tetranychidae) merupakan hama penting pada berbagai jenis tanaman di Indonesia. Pengendalian tungau ini umumnya dilakukan menggunakan akarisida, yang bisa menimbulkan dampak samping negatif. Salah satu alternatif cara pengendalian yang aman adalah dengan tungau predator. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui preferensi dan tanggap fungsional tungau predator Neoseiulus californicus McGregor (Acari: Phytoseiidae) terhadap beberapa stadia TLK. Penelitian dilakukan di laboratorium pada suhu ruang. N. californicus diberi mangsa telur dan nimfa TLK untuk mengetahui preferensinya. N. californicus juga diberi mangsa telur TLK pada beberapa tingkat kepadatan untuk mengetahui tanggap fungsionalnya. Imago betina dan deutonimfa N. californicus lebih memilih telur dibandingkan nimfa TLK. Jumlah telur yang dikonsumsi oleh imago betina dan deutonimfa N. californicus meningkat dengan meningkatnya kepadatan mangsa. Jumlah telur yang diletakkan imago betina N. californicus semakin meningkat dengan meningkatnya kepadatan mangsa. Waktu pencarian mangsa oleh imago betina dan deutonimfa N. californicus semakin cepat dengan meningkatnya kepadatan mangsa yang diberikan. Pada populasi mangsa yang rendah N. californicus bisa memangsa sesamanya.
Field Emission — Fundamental Theory to Usage
Authors: Jensen Kevin L.
Published: March 2014

An introduction to the history of electron emission, and the placement of field emission within it, is given. An account of the removal of electrons from a metal surface by the application of an electric field large enough to induce appreciable quantum mechanical tunneling is developed. The most commonly used equation describing field emission due to Fowler and Nordheim is derived. Complications to the Fowler‐Nordheim equation are given in the following order: influence of temperature and the development of a General Thermal‐Field emission equation; field enhancement and emission area associated with multidimensional structures and the evaluation of total current from an emitter tip; effects of a distribution of emitters varying in apex radius; the effects of space charge on field emission; and finally, beam quality (in particular, emittance) associated with field emission sources.
Organic Semiconductors
Authors: Sariciftci Niyazi Serdar
Published: March 2014

Devices such as organic light emitting diodes (OLED), flat panel displays, organic field effect transistors (OFET), organic photovoltaic elements (OPV), organic photodetector arrays (OPDA) are entering the market. Liquid crystal based optoelectronic devices are commonly used today in display technology and in spatial light modulators. Other applications such as OLED's are commercially introduced in home electronics and mobile phones. The technological advantages of this class of materials consist among others: i) tunability of the electronic bandgap by chemical synthesis, ii) processability of the materials in a large scale (large area devices), iii) reduction of production costs by roll‐to‐roll production (typical for polymeric “plastic materials”). Thus, the advantages of the chemical industrial production schemes such as dye industry or plastic industry and the properties of semiconductors are combined in the organic semiconductor technology.

This article reviews organic semiconductor devices in general by discussing the electronic properties of molecular crystals and polymers with extended π‐electrons. The analogy will be illustrated between valence band (VB), conduction band (CB) picture in semiconductor physics and π, π*bands in organic chemistry, respectively. Transport properties and photophysical effects will be explained briefly. Examples of devices and their operations will be reviewed. A visit to photonic devices using molecular semiconductors will close the article.
Gas Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry in On‐site Analysis of Chemicals Related to the Chemical Weapons Convention
Authors: Gregg Hugh , Murty Mamidanna Rama Venkata Satyanarayana
Published: March 2014

This article describes the current procedures for on‐site gas chromatographic/mass spectrometric analysis of samples collected during inspections related to the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC). Such inspections are made by an inspection team compiled by the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW). The analytical procedures are described in a standard operating procedures (SOP) covering gas chromatography mass spectrometric analysis, data analysis, and quality control. The approved analytical instrumentation for on‐site inspections is described.
Firearm and Toolmark Opinion Evidence: Admissibility of Opinions After
Daubert
and the
NAS
Reports
Authors: DesPortes Betty Layne
Published: March 2014

Firearm and toolmark opinion evidence—in particular firearm identification testimony—has been admitted in courts in the United States for over a century, but the milestones of
Daubert
and the “
NAS
Reports” mark changes in the legal landscape concerning the admission of certain firearm and toolmark opinion evidence. The seminal event of the 1993 United States Supreme Court opinion in
Daubert v. Merrell Dow Pharmaceuticals
led to challenges to the admission of firearm and toolmark opinion evidence, but more challenges resulted from the publication of two reports by the National Academy of Sciences in 2008 and 2009. In 2008, the National Academy of Sciences published “
Ballistic Imaging
”, which questioned the fundamental assumptions of uniqueness and reproducibility underlying firearm identification evidence. The 2009 publication of the National Academy of Sciences Report
Strengthening Forensic Science in the United States: A Path Forward
further sparked challenges to the admission of firearm and toolmark opinion testimony and identification conclusions offered by experts. Published so closely in time, it is difficult to separate the legal impact of the two reports and for purposes of this article the two reports will be considered together. In this article, the “post‐
Daubert
” and “post‐
NAS
Reports” decisions concerning the admission of firearm and toolmark opinion evidence are discussed with a focus on cases involving firearm identification evidence.

As with other areas of forensic science, neither
Daubert
nor the
NAS
Reports resulted in the widespread exclusion of firearm and toolmark opinion evidence but the legal landscape has been altered with some courts limiting opinions of certainty and with broader recognition of the reliance on the subjective findings of examiners in firearm identification evidence.
Tribocharging and the Triboelectric Series
Authors: Gooding Diana M. , Kaufman George K.
Published: March 2014

Tribocharging is a process in which materials contact one another, rub, and then separate, each with a resulting charge distribution. This process is familiar and applied extensively in processes such as electrophotography and energy harvesting, but it is not completely understood. The triboelectric series is a qualitative or semiquantitative ordering of materials according to their tendency to develop a positive or negative net charge when tribocharged against other materials. It is remarkable that, despite differences in surface preparation, modes of contact among materials, and laboratory conditions, triboelectric series generated by different groups remain largely consistent with each other. This article examines a variety of triboelectric series, discrepancies among them, and the competing possible mechanisms behind tribocharging, which appear to include electron transfer, ion transfer, H
+
and OH
–
partitioning, bond dissociation, chemical changes, and material transfer. Combinations of these mechanisms may occur simultaneously but at different rates, which may help to explain some of the inconsistencies among different triboelectric series.
Three‐Dimensional Co3O4@MnO2 Hierarchical Nanoneedle Arrays: Morphology Control and Electrochemical Energy Storage
Authors: Kong Dezhi , Luo Jingshan , Wang Yanlong , Ren Weina , Yu Ting , Luo Yongsong , Yang Yaping , Cheng Chuanwei
Published: March 2014

In this paper, a highly ordered three‐dimensional Co3O4@MnO2 hierarchical porous nanoneedle array on nickel foam is fabricated by a facile, stepwise hydrothermal approach. The morphologies evolution of Co3O4 and Co3O4@MnO2 nanostructures upon reaction times and growth temperature are investigated in detail. Moreover, the as‐prepared Co3O4@MnO2 hierarchical structures are investigated as anodes for both supercapacitors and Li‐ion batteries. When used for supercapacitors, excellent electrochemical performances such as high specific capacitances of 932.8 F g−1 at a scan rate of 10 mV s−1 and 1693.2 F g−1 at a current density of 1 A g−1 as well as long‐term cycling stability and high energy density (66.2 W h kg−1 at a power density of 0.25 kW kg−1), which are better than that of the individual component of Co3O4 nanoneedles and MnO2 nanosheets, are obtained. The Co3O4@MnO2 NAs are also tested as anode material for LIBs for the first time, which presents an improved performance with high reversible capacity of 1060 mA h g−1 at a rate of 120 mA g−1, good cycling stability, and rate capability.
In‐Situ Investigation of Quantitative Contributions of the Anode, Cathode, and Electrolyte to the Cell Performance in Anode‐Supported Planar SOFCs
Authors: Wu Wei , Guan Wan Bing , Wang Guo Liang , Wang Feng , Wang Wei Guo
Published: March 2014

A novel method that embeds Pt voltage probes into the triple‐phase boundary (TPB) is developed. Moreover, the quantitative contributions of the anode, the cathode, and the electrolyte to cell performance are investigated in situ for anode‐supported planar solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs). The voltage and maximum output power density (MOPD) measured by the probes, which are placed on both sides of the electrolyte, account for 97.3% and 94.4%, respectively, of those of the cell during the instantaneous current–voltage testing. When the stack is discharged at 0.32 A cm−2 for 200 h, the voltage drops of the anode, the cathode, and the electrolyte account for 76.9%, 15.4%, and 7.7%, respectively, of the total voltage drop of the unit cell. The ohmic resistance of the unit cell primarily depends on the resistance that results from the TPB. The variation in cell resistance is mainly attributed to the increase in anode polarization resistance caused by Ni particle agglomeration. However, cell voltage is more sensitive to the TPB ohmic resistance, which may be the primary factor for SOFC degradation.
Designing flow and temperature uniformities in parallel microchannels reactor
Authors: Al‐Rawashdeh Ma'moun , Yue Fangyuan , Patil Narendra G. , Nijhuis T. A. , Hessel Volker , Schouten Jaap C. , Rebrov Evgeny V.
Published: March 2014

A design methodology is proposed to maintain gas and liquid flow nonuniformities below an acceptable limit in a parallel micro/millichannels reactor by determining the maximum allowed temperature deviation in each part of the reactor. The effect of temperature deviation on flow distribution was quantified using a hydraulic resistive network model. The effect of flow rate on temperature deviation was demonstrated using a one‐dimensional energy balance model. Experiments were conducted using the barrier‐based micro/millichannels reactor (BMMR). Flow distribution in the BMMR is based on placing hydraulic resistances (barrier channels) in the gas and liquid manifolds to regulate the flows. Temperature deviation in the barrier channels affects flow nonuniformity by 10 times more than in the reaction channels. Above a certain critical liquid residence time, flow rate has no significant effect on the temperature deviation which depends on the liquid used, reactor material of construction, and its geometrical dimensions. © 2014 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 60: 1941–1952, 2014
Modeling tandem AAG8‐MEK inhibition in melanoma cells
Authors: Sun Bing , Kawahara Masahiro , Nagamune Teruyuki
Published: March 2014

Drug resistance presents a challenge to the treatment of cancer patients, especially for melanomas, most of which are caused by the hyperactivation of MAPK signaling pathway. Innate or acquired drug‐resistant relapse calls for the investigation of the resistant mechanisms and new anti‐cancer drugs to provide implications for the ultimate goal of curative therapy. Aging‐associated gene 8 (AAG8, encoded by the SIGMAR1 gene) is a chaperone protein profoundly elaborated in neurology. However, roles of AAG8 in carcinogenesis remain unclear. Herein, we discover AAG8 antagonists as new MEK inhibitors in melanoma cells and propose a novel drug combination strategy for melanoma therapy by presenting the experimental evidences. We report that specific antagonism of AAG8, efficiently suppresses melanoma cell growth and migration through, at least in part, the inactivation of the RAS‐CRAF‐MEK signaling pathway. We further demonstrate that melanoma cells that are resistant to AAG8 antagonist harbor refractory CRAF‐MEK activity. MEK acts as a central mediator for anti‐cancer effects and also for the resistance mechanism, leading to our proposal of tandem AAG8‐MEK inhibition in melanoma cells. Combination of AAG8 antagonist and very low concentration of a MEK inhibitor synergistically restricts the growth of drug‐resistant cells. These data collectively pinpoint AAG8 as a potential target and delineate a promising drug combination strategy for melanoma therapy.
Emission Behavior of Secondary Thioamide‐Based Cationic Pincer Platinum(II) Complexes in the Aggregate State
Authors: Honda Hiroya , Ogawa Yasuyuki , Kuwabara Junpei , Kanbara Takaki
Published: March 2014

Cationic pincer platinum(II) complexes bearing secondary thioamide units showed aggregation‐induced emission (AIE) activity in chloroform/hexane and methanol/water mixtures. Hydrogen bonding of the thioamide units and interionic interactions contributed to the AIE activities.
Active actinidin retains function upon gastro‐intestinal digestion and is more thermostable than the E‐64‐inhibited counterpart
Authors: Grozdanovic Milica M , Ostojic Sanja , Aleksic Ivana , Andjelkovic Uros , Petersen Arnd , Gavrovic‐Jankulovic Marija
Published: March 2014

BACKGROUND

Actinidin is a cysteine protease and major allergen from kiwi fruit. When purified under specific native conditions, actinidin preparations from fresh kiwi fruit contain both an active and inactive form of this enzyme. In this study, biochemical and immunological properties upon simulated gastro‐intestinal digestion, as well as thermal stability, were investigated for both active and E‐64‐inhibited actinidin.

RESULTS

Active actinidin retained its primary structure and proteolytic activity after 2 h of simulated gastric digestion, followed by 2 h of intestinal digestion, as assessed by SDS‐PAGE, zymography and mass spectroscopy. Immunological reactivity of active actinidin was also preserved, as tested by immunoelectrophoresis. The E‐64 inhibited actinidin was fully degraded after 1 h of pepsin treatment. Differential scanning calorimetry showed that active actinidin has one transition maximum temperature (Tm) at 73.9°C, whereas in the E‐64–actinidin complex the two actinidin domains unfolded independently, with the first domain having a Tm value of only 61°C.

CONCLUSION

Active actinidin is capable of reaching the intestinal mucosa in a proteolytically active and immunogenic state. Inhibitor binding induces changes in the actinidin molecule that go beyond inhibition of proteolytic activity, also influencing the digestion stability and Tm values of actinidin, features important in the characterisation of food allergens. © 2014 Society of Chemical Industry
Tirasemtiv amplifies skeletal muscle response to nerve activation in humans
Authors: Hansen Richard , Saikali Khalil G. , Chou Willis , Russell Alan J. , Chen Michael M. , Vijayakumar Vipin , Stoltz Randall R. , Baudry Stephane , Enoka Roger M. , Morgans David J. , Wolff Andrew A. , Malik Fady I.
Published: March 2014

Introduction: In this study we tested the hypothesis that tirasemtiv, a selective fast skeletal muscle troponin activator that sensitizes the sarcomere to calcium, could amplify the response of muscle to neuromuscular input in humans. Methods: Healthy men received tirasemtiv and placebo in a randomized, double‐blind, 4‐period, crossover design. The deep fibular nerve was stimulated transcutaneously to activate the tibialis anterior muscle and produce dorsiflexion of the foot. The force–frequency relationship of tibialis anterior dorsiflexion was assessed after dosing. Results: Tirasemtiv increased force produced by the tibialis anterior in a dose‐, concentration‐, and frequency‐dependent manner with the largest increases [up to 24.5% (SE 3.1), P < 0.0001] produced at subtetanic nerve stimulation frequencies (10 Hz). Conclusions: The data confirm that tirasemtiv amplifies the response of skeletal muscle to nerve input in humans. This outcome provides support for further studies of tirasemtiv as a potential therapy in conditions marked by diminished neuromuscular input. Muscle Nerve 50: 925–931, 2014
TDDFT modeling of the CO‐photolysis of Fe2(S2C3H6)(CO)6, a model of the [FeFe]‐hydrogenase catalytic site
Authors: Bertini Luca , Greco Claudio , Fantucci Piercarlo , De Gioia Luca
Published: March 2014

Upon irradiation with ultraviolet wavelengths, Fe2(S2C3H6)(CO)6, a simple model of the [FeFe]‐hydrogenase active site, undergoes CO dissociation to form the unsaturated Fe2(S2C3H6)(CO)5 species and successively a solvent adduct at the vacant coordination site. In the present work, the CO‐photolysis of Fe2(S2C3H6)(CO)6 was investigated by density functional theory (DFT) and time‐dependent DFT (TDDFT). Trans Fe2(S2C3H6)(CO)5 form and the corresponding trans heptane or acetonitrile solvent adducts are the lowest energy ground state forms. CO dissociation barriers computed for the lowest triplet state are roughly halved with respect to those for the ground state suggesting that some low‐lying excited potential energy surface (PES) could be loosely bound with respect to FeC bond cleavage. The TDDFT excited state PESs and geometry optimizations for the excited states likely involved in the CO‐photolysis suggest that the FeS bond elongation and the partial isomerization toward the rotated form could take place simultaneously, favoring the trans CO photodissociation. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Preparation and Characterization of Preyssler‐type Phosphotungstic Acid, H15–n[P5W30O110Mn+], with Different Encapsulated Cations (M = Na, Ca, Bi, Eu, Y, or Ce), and their Thermal Stability and Acid Catalyst Properties
Authors: Takahashi Keita , Sano Tsuneji , Sadakane Masahiro
Published: March 2014

Preyssler‐type phosphotungstic acid, H15–n[P5W30O110Mn+], with different encapsulated cations (M = Ca2+, Bi3+, Eu3+, Y3+, Ce3+) were prepared and characterized using 31P NMR and IR spectroscopy, acid‐base titration, and elemental analyses. The pKa value of an internal proton of Ca‐encapsulated derivative, [P5W30O110CaHin]12–, was estimated to be 5.9. Their thermal stabilities and acid catalyst properties were compared with a parent Na‐encapsulated Preyssler‐type phoshotungstic acid, H14[P5W30O110Na]. Thermal stability of the Preyssler‐type molecule was increased by exchanging the encapsulated Na+ with Bi3+, Eu3+, or Ce3+, with keeping their high acidic properties.
On the lifetimes of evaporating droplets
Authors: Stauber J. M. , Wilson S. K. , Duffy B. R. , Sefiane K.
Published: March 2014

The complete description of the lifetime of a droplet on a solid substrate evaporating in a ‘stick–slide’ mode is obtained. The unexpectedly subtle relationship between the lifetime of such a droplet and the lifetimes of initially identical droplets evaporating in the extreme modes (namely the constant contact radius and constant contact angle modes) is described and summarised in an appropriate master diagram. In particular, it is shown that the lifetime of a droplet is not, in general, constrained by the lifetimes of the extreme modes.
Using a drug-word Stroop task to differentiate recreational from dependent drug use
Authors: Smith Dana G. , Ersche Karen D.
Published: March 2014

Distinguishing dependent from recreational drug use can be a surprisingly difficult task, and the current means for identifying substance abuse can be inadequate or even misleading. In subjective self-reports, those who are most at risk may downplay their consumption, not admitting to the full extent of their habit, and measures purely of quantity of use rarely capture the true nature of an individual's relationship to the drug, such as a psychological dependence on the substance. This trend is particularly true for heavy stimulant use, which is absent of the physical withdrawal symptoms that can help identify opiate or alcohol dependence. As such, a simple objective measure to help identify substance abuse, particularly in individuals who might not otherwise raise suspicion, would be a valuable tool in both clinical and experimental settings. We propose that the drug-word Stroop task, an objective assessment of attentional bias and distraction to salient drug-related stimuli, would be a valuable tool in helping to make these categorizations. This measure has been shown to correlate with drug craving, as well as to successfully distinguish dependent from recreational stimulant users and to help to predict outcomes in treatment-seeking individuals. Here, we survey prior literature on the drug-word Stroop task and provide a perspective on using the assessment as a potential diagnostic for drug use severity.
Evaluating the impact of the Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative on breast-feeding rates: a multi-state analysis
Authors: Hawkins Summer Sherburne , Stern Ariel Dora , Baum Christopher F , Gillman Matthew W
Published: March 2014

Objective

To evaluate the impact of the Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative (BFHI) on breast-feeding initiation and duration overall and according to maternal education.

Design

Quasi-experimental study using data from five states (Alaska, Maine, Nebraska, Ohio, Washington) that participated in the Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System from 1999 to 2009. Using differences-in-differences models that included year and hospital fixed effects, we compared rates of breast-feeding initiation and duration (any and exclusive breast-feeding for ≥4 weeks) before and after BFHI accreditation between mothers who gave birth in hospitals that were accredited or became accredited and mothers from matched non-BFHI facilities. We stratified analyses into lower and higher education groups.

Setting

Thirteen BFHI hospitals and nineteen matched non-BFHI facilities across five states in the USA.

Subjects

Mothers (n 11 723) who gave birth in BFHI hospitals and mothers (n 13 604) from nineteen matched non-BFHI facilities.

Results

Although we did not find overall differences in breast-feeding initiation between birth facilities that received BFHI accreditation compared with non-Baby-Friendly facilities (adjusted coefficient = 0·024; 95 % CI −0·00, 0·51), breast-feeding initiation increased by 3·8 percentage points among mothers with lower education who delivered in Baby-Friendly facilities (P = 0·05), but not among mothers with higher education (adjusted coefficient = 0·002; 95 % CI −0·04, 0·05). BFHI accreditation also increased exclusive breast-feeding for ≥4 weeks by 4·5 percentage points (P = 0·02) among mothers with lower education who delivered in BFHI facilities.

Conclusions

By increasing breast-feeding initiation and duration among mothers with lower education, the BFHI may reduce socio-economic disparities in breast-feeding.
N-doped porous hollow carbon nanofibers fabricated using electrospun polymer templates and their sodium storage properties
Authors: Zeng Linchao , Li Weihan , Cheng Jianxiu , Wang Jiaqing , Liu Xiaowu , Yu Yan
Published: March 2014

N-doped hollow porous carbon nanofibers (P-HCNFs) were prepared through pyrolyzation of hollow polypyrrole (PPy) nanofibers fabricated using electrospun polycaprolactone (PCL) nanofibers as a sacrificial template.
The Spatial Hearing Questionnaire: Data From Individuals With Normal Hearing
Authors: Perreau Ann E. , Spejcher Bryn , Ou Hua , Tyler Richard
Published: March 2014

Purpose

Although a number of questionnaires are available to assess hearing aid benefit and general hearing disability, relatively few investigate spatial hearing ability in more complex listening situations. The aim of this study was to document the performance of individuals with normal hearing using the Spatial Hearing Questionnaire (SHQ; Tyler, Perreau, & Ji, 2009) and to compare performance with published data from cochlear implant (CI) users.

Method

Fifty-one participants with normal hearing participated. All participants completed the 24-item SHQ. Also, a factor analysis and reliability tests were performed.

Results

Performance on the SHQ was high (87%) for the participants with normal hearing. Subjective ratings varied across different listening situations: Understanding speech in quiet (98%) was rated higher than sound localization (84%) and understanding speech in a background of noise (85%). Compared with previously published data (Tyler, Perreau, & Ji, 2009), listeners with normal hearing rated their spatial hearing ability significantly better than bilateral and unilateral CI users. Results confirmed that the SHQ is a reliable measure of spatial hearing ability for listeners with normal hearing.

Conclusions

Overall, results indicated that the SHQ is able to capture expected differences between individuals with normal hearing and CI users. These new data can be used as targets following the provision of hearing devices.
Solution for selective harmonic optimisation in diode‐clamped inverters using radial basis function neural networks
Authors: Banaei Mohamad Reza , Shayan Pouya Asadi
Published: March 2014

In this study, a new heuristic based intelligent algorithm is proposed for the elimination of harmonics in diode‐clamped inverters. Numerous methods have been introduced for optimising harmonics in diode‐clamped inverter such as Newton–Raphson method. These methods are not sometimes applicable because of difficulty of initialising algorithm parameters and singularity problems in Jacobian‐based methods. Radial basis function neural network is used in the proposed method which is one of the most useful members of the neural networks family, because of their capability in the approximation problems. They work on the basis of this fact that, it has been proved that any arbitrary non‐linear function can be exactly modelled by a combination of some non‐linear basis functions. The proposed algorithm can be applied to solve the selective harmonic elimination problem of any multilevel inverters with any number of levels. The method has the benefit of high rate of convergence and accuracy besides simplicity in implementation. Theoretical results are authorised by experiments and simulations for a seven‐level diode‐clamped inverter. The obtained results prove efficiency and capability of the proposed method.
Evidence of entropically driven C60 fullerene aggregation in aqueous solution
Authors: Voronin Dmitry P. , Buchelnikov Anatoly S. , Kostjukov Viktor V. , Khrapatiy Sergii V. , Wyrzykowski Dariusz , Piosik Jacek , Prylutskyy Yuriy I. , Ritter Uwe , Evstigneev Maxim P.
Published: March 2014

In the present work, we report the first experimental evidence of entropically driven C60 fullerene aggregation in aqueous solution, occurring with nearly zero enthalpy change.
Neutron detection using boron gallium nitride semiconductor material
Authors: Atsumi Katsuhiro , Inoue Yoku , Mimura Hidenori , Aoki Toru , Nakano Takayuki
Published: March 2014

In this study, we developed a new neutron-detection device using a boron gallium nitride (BGaN) semiconductor in which the B atom acts as a neutron converter. BGaN and gallium nitride (GaN) samples were grown by metal organic vapor phase epitaxy, and their radiation detection properties were evaluated. GaN exhibited good sensitivity to α-rays but poor sensitivity to γ-rays. Moreover, we confirmed that electrons were generated in the depletion layer under neutron irradiation. This resulted in a neutron-detection signal after α-rays were generated by the capture of neutrons by the B atoms. These results prove that BGaN is useful as a neutron-detecting semiconductor material.
Applications of large eddy simulation methods to gyrokinetic turbulence
Authors: Bañón Navarro A. , Teaca B. , Jenko F. , Hammett G. W. , Happel T. ,   ASDEX Upgrade Team
Published: March 2014

The large eddy simulation (LES) approach—solving numerically the large scales of a turbulent system and accounting for the small-scale influence through a model—is applied to nonlinear gyrokinetic systems that are driven by a number of different microinstabilities. Comparisons between modeled, lower resolution, and higher resolution simulations are performed for an experimental measurable quantity, the electron density fluctuation spectrum. Moreover, the validation and applicability of LES is demonstrated through a series of diagnostics based on the free energetics of the system.
Resistive switching in manganite/graphene hybrid planar nanostructures
Authors: Rocci Mirko , Tornos Javier , Rivera-Calzada Alberto , Sefrioui Zouhair , Clement Marta , Iborra Enrique , Leon Carlos , Santamaria Jacobo
Published: March 2014

We report on the fabrication and magnetotransport characterization of hybrid graphene-based nanodevices with epitaxial nanopatterned La0.7Sr0.3MnO3 manganite electrodes grown on SrTiO3 (100). The few-layer graphene was deposited onto the predefined manganite nanowires by using a mechanical transfer technique. These nanodevices exhibit resistive switching and hysteretic transport as measured by current-voltage curves. The resistance can be reversibly switched between high and low states, yielding a consistent non-volatile memory response. The effect is discussed in terms of changes in the concentration of oxygen vacancies at the space charge region of the Schottky barriers building at the contacts.
Effects of gum chewing on postoperative bowel motility after caesarean section: a meta‐analysis of randomised controlled trials
Authors: Zhu Y‐P , Wang W‐J , Zhang S‐L , Dai B , Ye D‐W
Published: March 2014

Background

Gum chewing has been reported to enhance bowel motility and reduce postoperative ileus (POI). However, the efficacy remains imprecise for women following caesarean section.

Objectives

To summarise and evaluate the current evidence for postoperative gum chewing on the recovery of bowel function following caesarean section.

Search strategy

We searched studies from the following electronic databases: PubMed, EMBASE, SCOPUS and Cochrane Library from inception to 30 May 2013.

Selection criteria

We included randomised controlled trials (RCTs) of women after caesarean section; these RCTs should compared gum chewing with no gum chewing and reported on at least one of the outcomes: time to flatus, time to bowel sound, time to passing stool and length of hospital stay (LOS).

Data collection and analysis

Study outcomes were presented as mean differences (for continuous data) with 95% confidence interval (95% CI). The risk of bias in the study results was assessed using the assessment tool from the Cochrane Handbook.

Main results

Six RCTs including 939 women were included in our meta‐analysis. The pooled results demonstrated that gum chewing is superior to no gum chewing with a reduction of 6.42 hours (95% CI −7.55 to −5.29) for time to first flatus, 3.62 hours (95% CI −6.41 to −0.83) for time to first bowel sound, 6.58 hours (95% CI −10.10 to −3.07) for time to first stool and 5.94 hours (95% CI −9.39 to −2.49) for LOS. In addition, no evidence emerged for any side effects caused by gum chewing.

Conclusions

The current evidence suggests that gum chewing is associated with early recovery of bowel motility and shorter LOS for women after caesarean section. This safe and inexpensive intervention should be included in routine postoperative care following a caesarean section.
Novel Y‐chromosome polymorphisms in Chinese domestic yak
Authors: Li R. , Wang S.‐Q. , Xu S.‐Y. , Huang J.‐P. , Wang F.‐Q. , Ma Z.‐J. , Dang R.‐H. , Lan X.‐Y. , Chen H. , Lei C.‐Z.
Published: March 2014

Y‐chromosome‐specific haplotypes (Y‐haplotypes) constructed using single nucleotide polymorphisms (Y‐SNPs) in the MSY (male‐specific region of the Y‐chromosome) are valuable in population genetic studies. But sequence variants in the yak MSY region have been poorly characterized so far. In this study, we screened a total of 16 Y‐chromosome‐specific gene segments from the ZFY, SRY, UTY, USP9Y, AMELY and OFD1Y genes to identify Y‐SNPs in domestic yaks. Six novel Y‐SNPs distributed in the USP9Y (g.223C>T), UTY19 (g.158A>C and g.169C>T), AMELY2 (g.261C>T), OFD1Y9 (g.165A>G) and SRY4 (g.104G>A) loci, which can define three Y‐haplotypes (YH1, YH2 and YH3) in yaks, were discovered. YH1 was the dominant and presumably most ancient haplotype based on the comparison of UTY19 locus with other bovid species. Interestingly, we found informative UTY19 markers (g.158A>C and g.169C>T) that can effectively distinguish the three yak Y‐haplotypes. The nucleotide diversity was 1.7 × 10−4 ± 0.3 × 10−4, indicating rich Y‐chromosome diversity in yaks. We identified two highly divergent lineages (YH1 and YH2 vs. YH3) that share similar frequencies (YH1 +  YH2: 0.82–0.89, YH3: 0.11–0.18) among all three populations. In agreement with previous mtDNA studies, we supported the hypothesis that the two highly divergent lineages (YH1 and YH2 vs. YH3) derived from a single gene pool, which can be explained by the reunion of at least two paternal populations with the divergent lineages already accumulated before domestication. We estimated a divergence time of 408 110 years between the two divergent lineages, which is consistent with the data from mitochondrial DNA in yaks.
Review article: permanent drug withdrawal is desirable and achievable for autoimmune hepatitis
Authors: Czaja A. J.
Published: March 2014

Background

Autoimmune hepatitis can be rendered treatment‐free, but the difficulty, frequency and risks associated with the pursuit of this outcome are unclear.

Aim

To describe the frequency that autoimmune hepatitis can be rendered treatment‐free, identify the features that characterise these patients, examine the pathogenic pathways that may sustain or terminate the disease and indicate management protocols that can obtain this result.

Methods

Studies cited in Pub Med from 1972–2014 for autoimmune hepatitis, treatment, relapse, remission and outcome were selected.

Results

The frequency of a treatment‐free state varies from 19% to 40% in patients observed for ≥3 years after drug withdrawal. Complete laboratory resolution and reversion to normal liver tissue prior to drug withdrawal favours this response. The development of cirrhosis during therapy may increase treatment‐dependence. Persistent liver damage and the generation of neo‐antigens during the apoptosis of hepatocytes may perpetuate the disease. Genetic and age‐related effects on the vigour of the immune response may also contribute. Reversion to normal liver tissue is achieved in only 22% of patients during conventional corticosteroid therapy, and the emerging pharmacological and biological interventions may improve this frequency. A management strategy designed to achieve a treatment‐free state accommodates all candidates for this outcome, and it can be modified to a long‐term maintenance strategy as warranted by the clinical response.

Conclusions

Permanent drug withdrawal is a treatment outcome that is desirable and achievable in patients with autoimmune hepatitis. Normalisation of liver tests and liver tissue during treatment enhances this occurrence.
Effects of Wind Energy Development on Nesting Ecology of Greater Prairie‐Chickens in Fragmented Grasslands
Authors: MCNEW LANCE B. , HUNT LYLA M. , GREGORY ANDREW J. , WISELY SAMANTHA M. , SANDERCOCK BRETT K.
Published: March 2014

Wind energy is targeted to meet 20% of U.S. energy needs by 2030, but new sites for development of renewable energy may overlap with important habitats of declining populations of grassland birds. Greater Prairie‐Chickens (Tympanuchus cupido) are an obligate grassland bird species predicted to respond negatively to energy development. We used a modified before–after control–impact design to test for impacts of a wind energy development on the reproductive ecology of prairie‐chickens in a 5‐year study. We located 59 and 185 nests before and after development, respectively, of a 201 MW wind energy facility in Greater Prairie‐Chicken nesting habitat and assessed nest site selection and nest survival relative to proximity to wind energy infrastructure and habitat conditions. Proximity to turbines did not negatively affect nest site selection (β = 0.03, 95% CI = −1.2–1.3) or nest survival (β = −0.3, 95% CI = −0.6–0.1). Instead, nest site selection and survival were strongly related to vegetative cover and other local conditions determined by management for cattle production. Integration of our project results with previous reports of behavioral avoidance of oil and gas facilities by other species of prairie grouse suggests new avenues for research to mitigate impacts of energy development.

Efectos del Desarrollo de la Energía Eólica sobre la Ecología de Anidación de Gallinas de la Gran Pradera en Pastizales Fragmentados
Use of Multispecies Occupancy Models to Evaluate the Response of Bird Communities to Forest Degradation Associated with Logging
Authors: CARRILLO‐RUBIO EDUARDO , KÉRY MARC , MORREALE STEPHEN J. , SULLIVAN PATRICK J. , GARDNER BETH , COOCH EVAN G. , LASSOIE JAMES P.
Published: March 2014

Forest degradation is arguably the greatest threat to biodiversity, ecosystem services, and rural livelihoods. Therefore, increasing understanding of how organisms respond to degradation is essential for management and conservation planning. We were motivated by the need for rapid and practical analytical tools to assess the influence of management and degradation on biodiversity and system state in areas subject to rapid environmental change. We compared bird community composition and size in managed (ejido, i.e., communally owned lands) and unmanaged (national park) forests in the Sierra Tarahumara region, Mexico, using multispecies occupancy models and data from a 2‐year breeding bird survey. Unmanaged sites had on average higher species occupancy and richness than managed sites. Most species were present in low numbers as indicated by lower values of detection and occupancy associated with logging‐induced degradation. Less than 10% of species had occupancy probabilities >0.5, and degradation had no positive effects on occupancy. The estimated metacommunity size of 125 exceeded previous estimates for the region, and sites with mature trees and uneven‐aged forest stand characteristics contained the highest species richness. Higher estimation uncertainty and decreases in richness and occupancy for all species, including habitat generalists, were associated with degraded young, even‐aged stands. Our findings show that multispecies occupancy methods provide tractable measures of biodiversity and system state and valuable decision support for landholders and managers. These techniques can be used to rapidly address gaps in biodiversity information, threats to biodiversity, and vulnerabilities of species of interest on a landscape level, even in degraded or fast‐changing environments. Moreover, such tools may be particularly relevant in the assessment of species richness and distribution in a wide array of habitats.

Uso de Modelos de Ocupación para Múltiples Especies para Evaluar la Respuesta de las Comunidades de Aves a la Degradación de Bosques Asociada con la Tala
ALL IN: AN EMPIRICAL ANALYSIS OF LEGISLATIVE VOTING ON INTERNET GAMBLING RESTRICTIONS IN THE UNITED STATES
Authors: Halcoussis Dennis , Lowenberg Anton D.
Published: March 2014

In 2006, the U.S. Congress passed the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act (UIGEA) which prohibited financial institutions from processing transactions arising from online gaming activities, thereby severely hindering U.S. residents from participating in online casino games, primarily poker. Enactment of this legislation followed lobbying and political pressure from a variety of interest groups. By examining House roll call votes, we identify empirically the sources of political influence that resulted in passage of the internet gambling legislation. We find that party affiliation was of primary importance, with Republicans more likely to vote in favor of the bill. The percentage of constituents who are Evangelical Christians and also the number of gambling establishments in the district were positively associated with votes for the bill. However, contributions from the gaming industry decreased the probability a congressman would vote for the bill. (JEL D72, L83)
Plasma cell myeloma with unusual morphology–A series of 6 cases
Authors: Gupta Ruchi , Hussain Naushad , Rahman Khaliqur , Nityanand Soniya
Published: March 2014

Morphological variants of plasma cells have been described in cases of Plasma cell neoplasm. Presence of these atypical forms poses difficulty in morphological diagnosis and demands the use of ancillary techniques to ascertain the nature of these atypical cells. We hereby report a series of 6 such cases where the bone marrow examination showed plasma cells with atypical morphology, leading to varied differential diagnosis; however immunophenotyping by flow cytometry in adjunct to serum electrophoresis, immunofixation and free light chain assays confirmed the diagnosis.
Role of oxidative stress and autoimmunity in onset and progression of vitiligo
Authors: Laddha Naresh C. , Dwivedi Mitesh , Mansuri Mohmmad Shoab , Singh Mala , Gani Amina R. , Yeola Asmita P. , Panchal Vipul N. , Khan Fazal , Dave Darshana J. , Patel Ananddeep , Madhavan Shajil E. , Gupta Richa , Marfatia Zarna , Marfatia Yogesh S. , Begum Rasheedunnisa
Published: March 2014

Vitiligo is an acquired depigmentation disorder characterized by the loss of functional melanocytes from the epidermis. Two major theories of vitiligo pathogenesis include autoimmunity and oxidative stress‐mediated toxicity in melanocytes. The present study aimed to evaluate both the hypotheses in vitiligo patients and to investigate their role in the disease onset and progression. Antimelanocyte antibody levels and lipid peroxidation (LPO) levels were evaluated in 427 patients and 440 controls; antithyroid peroxidase (TPO) antibody levels were estimated in 102 patients and 72 controls. Patients showed a significant increase in LPO and antimelanocyte antibody levels compared to controls. Antimelanocyte antibody and LPO levels were higher in active vitiligo compared to stable. Only 9.8% of patients showed the presence of anti‐TPO antibodies in their circulation. Oxidative stress may be the initial triggering event to precipitate vitiligo in Gujarat population, which is exacerbated by contributing autoimmune factors together with oxidative stress.
Anatomical distribution analysis reveals lack of Langerin+ dermal dendritic cells in footpads and tail of C57BL/6 mice
Authors: Voisin Benjamin , Mairhofer David Gabriel , Chen Suzie , Stoitzner Patrizia , Mueller Christopher George , Flacher Vincent
Published: March 2014

Epidermal Langerhans cells (LCs) and dermal dendritic cells (dDCs) capture cutaneous antigens and present them to T‐cells in lymph nodes (LNs). The function of LCs and Langerin+ dDCs was extensively studied in the mouse, but their anatomical repartition is unknown. Here, we found LCs in back skin, footpads and tail skin of C57BL/6, BALB/c, 129/Sv and CBA/J mice. Langerin+ dDCs were readily observed in back skin of all strains, but only in footpads and tail of BALB/c and CBA/J mice. Similarly, while LCs were equally present in all LNs and strains, Langerin+ dDCs were found in popliteal LNs (draining footpads) only in BALB/c and CBA/J mice. The sciatic LNs, which we identified as the major tail‐draining lymphoid organ, were devoid of Langerin+ dDCs in all strains. Thus, functionally different DCs reside in different skin areas, with variations among mouse strains, implying a potential impact on the cutaneous immune reaction.