bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A scenario for an evolutionary selection of ageing
Authors: Roget Tristan , Macmurray Claire , Jolivet Pierre , Meleard Sylvie , Rera Michael
Published: January 2024

Signs of ageing become apparent only late in life, after organismal development is finalized. Ageing, most notably, decreases an individual’s fitness. As such, it is most commonly perceived as a non-adaptive force of evolution and considered a by-product of natural selection. Building upon the evolutionarily conserved age-related Smurf phenotype, we propose a simple mathematical life-history trait model in which an organism is characterized by two core abilities: reproduction and homeostasis. Through the simulation of this model, we observe (1) the convergence of fertility’s end with the onset of senescence, (2) the relative success of ageing populations, as compared to non-ageing populations, and (3) the enhanced evolvability (i.e. the generation of genetic variability) of ageing populations. In addition, we formally demonstrate the mathematical convergence observed in (1). We thus theorize that mechanisms that link the timing of fertility and ageing have been selected and fixed over evolutionary history, which, in turn, explains why ageing populations are more evolvable and therefore more successful. Broadly speaking, our work suggests that ageing is an adaptive force of evolution.
Perirenal adipose tissue contains a subpopulation of cold-inducible adipocytes derived from brown-to-white conversion
Authors: Zhang Houyu , Li Yan , Ibáñez Carlos F , Xie Meng
Published: January 2024

Perirenal adipose tissue (PRAT) is a unique visceral depot that contains a mixture of brown and white adipocytes. The origin and plasticity of such cellular heterogeneity remains unknown. Here, we combine single-nucleus RNA sequencing with genetic lineage tracing to reveal the existence of a distinct subpopulation of Ucp1-&Cidea+ adipocytes that arises from brown-to-white conversion during postnatal life in the periureter region of mouse PRAT. Cold exposure restores Ucp1 expression and a thermogenic phenotype in this subpopulation. These cells have a transcriptome that is distinct from subcutaneous beige adipocytes and may represent a unique type of cold-recruitable adipocytes. These results pave the way for studies of PRAT physiology and mechanisms controlling the plasticity of brown/white adipocyte phenotypes.
A distinct subpopulation of adipocytes in adult perirenal adipose tissue arises through brown-to-white conversion but reverts to a thermogenic phenotype upon cold exposure
Authors: Zhang Houyu , Li Yan , Ibáñez Carlos F. , Xie Meng
Published: January 2024

Perirenal adipose tissue (PRAT) is a unique visceral depot that contains a mixture of brown and white adipocytes. The origin and plasticity of such cellular heterogeneity remains unknown. Here, we combine single-nucleus RNA sequencing with genetic lineage tracing to reveal the existence of a distinct subpopulation of
Ucp1
-
/
Cidea
+
adipocytes that arises from brown-to-white conversion during postnatal life in the peri-ureter region of mouse PRAT. Cold exposure restores
Ucp1
expression and a thermogenic phenotype in this subpopulation. These cells have a transcriptome that is distinct from subcutaneous beige adipocytes and may represent a unique type of cold-recruitable adipocytes. These results pave the way for studies of PRAT physiology and mechanisms controlling the plasticity of brown/white adipocyte phenotypes.
The usefulness of balance test in preseason evaluation of injuries in amputee football players: a pilot prospective observational study
Authors: Kasińska Zofia , Tasiemski Tomasz , Zwierko Teresa , Lesiakowski Piotr , Grygorowicz Monika
Published: January 2024

Background

Low balance ability is generally associated with an increased risk of ligament injuries. It seems that assessing the level of stability in amputee football players can help evaluate the accompanying risk of sports injuries. Thus, the study aimed to examine the usefulness of the balance test in preseason evaluation by calculating between-group differences in stability parameters between injured and non-injured amputee players.

Methods

The study was designed as a pilot prospective observational study. Twenty-five elite amputee football players representing the Polish National Team and the highest division in Polish League completed one-leg preseason balance tests on the Biodex Balance System before the start of the football season. All players in this study were male, with an average age of 29 years (SD = 7.9), a stature of 174.2 cm (SD 5.2) and a body mass of 80.1 kg (SD = 13.1). Then, players were prospectively observed over one football season, and lower leg injury data were prospectively collected through the nine months. The between-group differences were tested using the non-parametric Mann-Whitney U test for players who sustained an injury (yes) and those who did not within the analysed season (no). Overall (OSI), medial-lateral (MLSI), and anterior-posterior stability index (APSI) were analysed as primary outcomes.

Results

The preseason values of the balance tests were not predictive (p > 0.05) regarding sustaining an injury during the season. No between-group differences were noted for any analysed outcomes (p values ranged from 0.093 to 0.453).

Conclusions

Although static balance tasks offer a chance to make a preliminary assessment of injury prediction in amputee footballers, in overall, the balance test results cannot be regarded as the sole predictive injury risk factor in amputee football.
Estudio de preinversión sobre la implementación de un sistema de pastoreo racional Voisin para el campo “El Castaño”
Authors:   , Urgelles Latorre Bruno Ramón
Published: January 2024

Regenerative livestock farming stands out for its good ecological and financial results, since its focus is holistic and productive, and can be defined as management practices that take advantage of the photosynthetic power of plants with the objective of improve soil health and, as a consequence, improve water quality, grassland health, land productivity, resilience, biodiversity, and economic security for farmers. The objective of the study was to analyze technically and economically a production of cattle in the breeding stage with a regenerative grazing system, called Voisin Rational Grazing, in a field located in the Loncotoro sector, Los Lagos Region. A technically and economically evaluation was carried out, where economic indicators were analyzed, obtaining a VAN of 1,325,659 CLP, an IRR of 10.5%, the recovery period was in the ninth year, and the profitability index was 0.8, concluding that this activity was profitable. Then, an economic evaluation of a conventional and a Voisin Rational Grazing scenario was carried out in the field, where pasture production was increased by 10%, 20%, and 30% with respect to the original production, based on fertilizers in the case of conventional livestock and regenerative practices in the Voisin Rational Grazing, it was determined that the Voisin Rational Grazing scenario gave an TIR higher than the discount rate, unlike the conventional system. Finally, an economic flow was made for all scenarios considering a land lease price, concluding that the projects were not profitable if land lease price was included.
Prevalencia del Síndrome de Burnout en equipos de salud chilenos que se desempeñaron en UCI durante el primer peak de Pandemia COVID-19
Authors:   , Navia Albornoz Paz Carolina
Published: January 2024

El objetivo de la presente investigación fue estudiar la prevalencia del síndrome de burnout (BO) en profesionales que se desempeñaron en Unidades de Cuidados Intensivos en Chile, durante el primer peak nacional de Pandemia por Covid-19, y examinar variables demográficas, de estamento y otros estresores. Se realizó un estudio transversal, no experimental, de tipo exploratorio y relacional. Los participantes fueron invitados a través de redes sociales de la Sociedad Chilena de Medicina Intensiva y por medio de los grupos de WhatsApp de las distintas unidades de cuidados intensivos de Chile. La participación fue voluntaria y la encuesta estuvo disponible para ser respondida entre el 24 de junio y 20 de julio del 2020. La muestra final incluyó a 909 participantes de distintos estamentos. La encuesta incluyó preguntas para caracterizar socio-demográficamente a los participantes, antecedentes laborales, evaluación del burnout y factores asociados con la pandemia que pueden incidir en el desarrollo del BO. Para los descriptivos se calcularon medias, desviación estándar, además de frecuencias absolutas y porcentuales, para caracterizar la muestra y estimar prevalencia del síndrome. Se utilizó chi-cuadrado (p < 0.05) y prueba de Fisher (p < 0.05) para determinar si existían diferencias estadísticamente significativas entre grupos y regresiones logísticas para explorar la influencia de distintos factores sociodemográficos y asociados a la pandemia. Los resultados encontrados arrojan que el 73,3% de los participantes presentan BO. El cansancio emocional se manifestó en el 59,8% de los participantes, siendo el más prevalente, sin diferencias significativas entre profesión y otros factores. La despersonalización se encontró en un 30,9% de los encuestados y una reducción de realización personal en el 30,3%. Alejarse de la familia nuclear se relacionó negativamente con un alto nivel de cansancio emocional en todas las profesiones, reforzando el apoyo social como un factor protector de BO. Desempeñarse como enfermero/a se asoció con el BO en general, desempeñarse como TENS se relacionó a la dimensión de despersonalización. No existen resultados concluyentes respecto al rol que juega el miedo al contagio y otros indicadores propios de la pandemia en los índices de BO, lo que sería importante explorar en futuras investigaciones. Sin embargo, sería posible concluir que el comportamiento de este síndrome en el contexto agudo de alta demanda durante el primer peak de contagios y hospitalizaciones por Covid-19, estaría respondiendo a factores similares descritos en contexto de estrés crónico.
Atributos instrumentales y simbólicos de la imagen de una compañía que valoran los profesionales de la Universidad Católica de Chile que recién se incorporan al mercado laboral
Authors:   , Seballos Fernández Pamela Isidora
Published: January 2024

El objetivo principal de este estudio fue identificar los atributos de la imagen de una compañía que valoran los estudiantes y profesionales recién egresados de la Pontifica Universidad Católica de Chile (PUC). Se consideró particularmente desde quienes se encontraban cursando su último año de estudios hasta aquellos que poseían un máximo de 3 años de experiencia laboral. Al mismo tiempo, se incluyó en la muestra exclusivamente a alumnos y exalumnos de las carreras ingeniería, ingeniería comercial y psicología, en su mención laboral-organizacional, debido a su relación con empresas. Si bien la literatura ha abordado aquellos factores que atraen a nuevos profesionales, no se ha ahondado desde una perspectiva más acotada; considerando a personas que pertenecen a una misma institución académica. Esto podría incluir condiciones únicas en cuanto al contrato psicológico. Para llevar a cabo lo anterior, se utilizó un diseño de investigación cuantitativo, no experimental y descriptivo. Se aplicó una encuesta derivada de la escala EmpAt de atractivo organizacional (Berthon et al., 2005), agregando preguntas con respecto a datos demográficos, con el fin de identificar al participante por sexo, carrera y trayectoria laboral. Al mismo tiempo, se incluyeron interrogantes con respecto a la fuente de información más utilizada por los encuestados al momento de buscar empleo. La muestra final consistió en 231 personas, con una distribución similar en cuanto a los criterios de segmentación mencionados. Los resultados indican que los nuevos profesionales de estas carreras en la PUC valoran la posibilidad de adquirir experiencia laboral y nuevos aprendizajes, así como un clima laboral agradable, que implique buenas relaciones con jefes y compañeros de trabajo. El sexo surge como un factor diferenciador con respecto a los atributos simbólicos, pero no desde los instrumentales. Todo esto podría implicar ciertas condiciones a la hora de buscar atraer a estos nuevos colaboradores. Las características de la investigación y los instrumentos de recolección de datos utilizados entregan información relevante, pero a la vez no es posible levantar relaciones de causalidad entre las distintas variables consideradas. Esto se podría abordar en futuras exploraciones.
Annexes and Restorations of Ankara Castle from Past to Present
Authors: SANSAR Ahmet , AKYOL Ali Akın
Published: January 2024

Ankara, tarihi incelendiğinde Kral Yolu, İpek Yolu gibi önemli güzergâhlar üzerinde yer alan önemli bir şehirdir. Bu açıdan değerlendirildiğinde Ankara’nın jeopolitik önemi geçmişte birçok medeniyete ev sahipliği yapmasında etkili
olmuştur. Galat, sonrasında Roma dönemleri olsun, Ankara her dönemde bölgesinin merkezi olmuştur. Ankara’da geçmişten günümüze birçok döneme tanıklık etmiş ve hala varlığını sürdüren en önemli kültürel miras Ankara Kalesi’dir.
Bu yapı İç Kale ve Dış Kale olarak anılan bölümleri ile kente hâkim sarp kayalar üzerinde yer almaktadır. Kalenin kenti koruma amacıyla yapılan sur duvarları geçmişte birçok kez isyanlar, kuşatmalar ve savaşlara maruz kaldığı için
tahrip olmuş, onarımlar ve ekler yapılarak yapı işlevini devam ettirmiştir. Ankara Kalesi surlarının geçirdiği bu değişimler çalışmanın içeriğini oluşturmaktadır. Yapının geçmişten günümüze aldığı ekler ve onarımlar; literatür
ışığında edinilien bilgiler doğrultusunda, yerinde yapılan inceleme ve belgeleme çalışmaları karşılaştırmalar yapılarak derlenmiştir.Yapılış tarihi tam olarak bilinmeyen kalenin ilk kullanıcılarının antik dönem yazarı Strabon’un
eserinde, Galatların Tektosag boyunun olduğu anlaşılmaktadır. Ardından Romalılar, Bizanslılar, Selçuklular ve Osmanlılar Kaleye hâkim olmuş, yaşadıkları dönemde kale surlarına onarımlar ve ekler yaparak yapıyı şekillendirmişlerdir.
Günümüzde kalenin mimari yapısı Bizans dönemine aittir. Buna karşın kaleye Selçuklu döneminde Akkale burcu, son olarak da Osmanlı döneminde 1885 yılında saat kulesi eklenmiştir. Ankara Kalesi’nde Cumhuriyet Dönemi’nde de çeşitli
dönemlerde kapsamlı onarım çalışmaları yapılmıştır. Ankara Kalesi’nde en son yapılan onarım çalışmaları Dış Kale’nin kuzeybatı sur duvarlarında yapılan çalışmalardır. Bu bölümde Ankara Büyükşehir Belediyesi tarafından 2022 yılında
başlanan Arkeopark Projesi kapsamında surların özgün dokusuna uygun bir şekilde onarım çalışmaları yapılarak sağlamlaştırma çalışmaları gerçekleştirilmektedir.
An Investigation of Communication Students' Information, Technology, and Communication Characteristics in the Context of 21st-Century Skills
Authors: YAZICI Tülay
Published: January 2024

Tarihsel süreç içerisinde düşünme, eleştirme, ifade etme, problem çözme ve üretme gibi özellikler insan gelişiminin bileşenlerini oluşturmaktadır. Bu özelliklerin yanı sıra bilginin okuryazarlığı ve küresel bağlamda farkındalık gibi
beceriler de yeniçağda tüm bireyler için geçerlidir. 2000’li yıllar dünyanın dönüşüm ve değişim seyrini değiştirmiş ve 21. yüzyılın başlangıcı olan milenyum çağı düşünme, algılama, katılım, beceri, teknoloji kullanımı ve eğitim
başta olmak üzere birçok alanı biçimlendirmiştir. 21. yüzyıla ait bu beceriler hayatın her alanına hâkim olmuştur. Eğitim alanı da bu becerilerin en önemli olduğu alanlardan birdir. Teknoloji, bilgi ve iletişim biçimlerindeki değişimin
ve etkileşimin odağında ise yeni nesil çocuklar ve gençler yer almaktadır. Genel anlamda öğrenciler, başarılı olmak için 21. yüzyıl becerilerine ihtiyaç duymaktadır. Bu bağlamda çalışmada 21. yüzyıl becerilerine göre iletişim öğrencilerinin
bilgi, teknoloji ve iletişim özelliklerinin incelenmesi çalışmanın amacını oluşturmaktadır. Araştırmada; Muş Alparslan Üniversitesi İletişim Fakültesi Gazetecilik bölümünde kayıtlı ve aktif öğrenci sayısına sahip 1. 2. ve 3. sınıflarda
eğitim gören 104 öğrenci, çalışma grubu olarak belirlenmiştir. Araştırma çevrimiçi (online) olarak anket yöntemiyle gerçekleştirilmiştir. Araştırmadan elde edilen veriler doğrutusunda Muş Alparslan Üniversitesi İletişim Fakültesi
Gazetecilik bölümünde 1., 2. ve 3. sınıfta eğitim gören 104 öğrencinin büyük çoğunlukla, 21. yüzyıl becerileri bağlamında bilgi, teknoloji ve iletişim özelliklerinin tamamına sahip olduğu sonucu ortaya çıkmaktadır.
Toponymy Classification of Rural Settlements in Midyat District and the Concept of Toponymy in Geography Teaching
Authors: ÖZÜPEKÇE Salman , IŞIK Muhammed Said , DALGIÇ Sevgi
Published: January 2024

İnsanoğlu bu gezegendeki varoluş hikayesi boyunca yaşadığı doğal ortamı anlamlandırmaya çabalamıştır. Dünyayı ve zamanla evreni inceleyen türümüz, gördüğü tüm objeleri ve eylemleri tanımlama gayretine girmiş ve zamanla tüm varlıklara
ad vermeye başlamıştır. Bu ad verme yani ayırt etme sayesinde ortak bir dil geliştirebilmiştir. Türkiye coğrafyası geçmişten geleceğe tüm yer adlarını rastlantısal sebeplerle değil, aksine fiziki veya beşerî faaliyetlerden esinlenerek
oluşturmuştur. Bu süreç litolojiden vejetasyona, pedojenezden klimatolojiye, kültürel bellekten ulaşım faaliyetlerine varıncaya kadar birçok boyutta vuku bulmuştur. Bu bağlamda yer adları, medeniyetin oluşum sürecine ve coğrafi
mekânın özelliklerine ait fikirler sunmakta ve bize bir bakıma geçmişi anlatmaktadır. Bu araştırma kapsamında, Mardin ili Midyat ilçesinin kırsal toponimik özellikleri irdelenmiş ve coğrafya öğretimi açısından bu kavramın önemi
açıklanmaya çalışılmıştır. Sınıflama aşamasında beşerî ve fiziki coğrafya özellikleri ön planda tutulmuş ve alt gruplamalar bu eksende gerçekleştirilmiştir. Araştırma için Midyat ilçesinin seçilmesinde Süryanilerinde dahil olduğu
birçok etnik kökenden topluluğun bölgeye kattığı dilsel zenginlik ve Asurlar’dan Osmanlıya uzanan tarihsel derinlik etkili olmuştur. Midyat ilçesi ve yakın çevresi halihazırda 72 adet kırsal yerleşmeden meydana gelmiştir. Bu çalışma
kapsamında bu 72 adet köyün yer adları, fiziki coğrafya özelliklerinden sosyal-ekonomik yapısına kadar birçok birim göz önüne alınarak sınıflandırılmıştır. Bu amaca ulaşabilmek için Midyat sınırları içinde, insan-fiziki ortam ilişkiselliğini
ortaya koyacak olan toprak, Corine arazi kullanımı ve topoğrafya haritaları hazırlanmıştır. Bu bağlamda ilk olarak fiziki coğrafya haritası için araştırma alanının sayısal yükselti modeli (DEM) verisi temin edilmiş ve eş yükselti/morfometri
haritası oluşturulmuştur.
A New Era for Gold Nitrate Nanoparticle Applications
Authors: Botelho I. T. D. , Ferreira S. R. B. , Ferreira W. S.
Published: January 2024

Gold nanoparticles are included in the group of metallic nanoparticles, and their application has become possible recently because of new optical equipment, electronic devices, and probes capable of manufacturing, detecting, and identifying biomolecules of medical interest. Among the range of nanoparticles, one stands out: the gold nanoparticle. It doesn't possess toxic characteristics and can be administered in vivo. In this study, the structural, optical and electronic properties of gold nitrate were investigated using the density functional theory formalism, considering the gradient generalized approximation. Finally, we observe its application in nanobiotechnology, specifically photothermal applications.
Phytochemical and Bioanalytical Studies on Murraya koenigii Leaves and Exploring its Pharmaceutical Properties
Authors: Thiyagarajan Santhanamari , Kanchana Subramanian
Published: January 2024

The curry leaf plant Murraya koenigii is a widely consumed edible plant in Indian subcontinent for its nutritional benefits. Different parts of this plant have been proved to exhibit various pharmaceutical activities. The phytochemical analysis of aqueous leaf extract of M. koenigii indicted the presence of tannins, saponins, steroids, terpenoids and cardiac glycosides. The antimicrobial properties of five solvent extracts of M. koenigii leaves were tested against six pathogenic strains of microbes using agar well diffusion method.  The MICs of methanol extract for the bacteria Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli and Salmonella typhi were 250, 750 and 1000µg/mL respectively. While the acetone extract completely inhibited the bacteria E. coli (≥250µg/mL), it could exhibit the lethality only at high concentrations (≥1000µg/mL) for S. aureus and S. typhi. Moderate effects were shown by ethanol and chloroform extracts with the MICs ranging 750 - 1000µg/mL against the bacteria. The ethyl acetate extract was effective only against E. coli (250µg/mL). The methanol extract inhibited all the fungi with the MICs of ≥1000µg/mL against both Aspergillus niger and Trichophyton rubrum and ≥750µg/mL against Candida albicans. Acetone extract caused moderate (≥750µg/mL) and complete inhibition (≥250µg/mL) respectively of A. niger and C. albicans. The ethyl acetate, ethanol and chloroform extracts were effective only against C. albicans with the MICs ranging 500 - 1000µg/mL. The TLC and GC-MS studies revealed the occurrences of 7 and 13 secondary metabolites respectively in the M. koenigii leaf extracts encompassing three compounds with proven bioactive potentials.
Parthenium hysterophorus L.: An Overview of Management and Beneficial Aspects
Authors: Dheer Vineet , Singh Krishna Kumar , Vaish Prakhar , Kumar Krishan , Kumar Yogesh , Singh Muskan , Singh Raghvendra
Published: January 2024

The poisonous and invasive weed Parthenium hysterophorus L., also referred to as "famine weed" or "congress grass," is highly dangerous for human health, agriculture, and biodiversity. This plant is well known for its aggressive growth and allelopathic qualities, which prevent natural vegetation and good crops from growing. An overview of the benefits and treatment of Parthenium hysterophorus is given in this abstract. Many techniques, including mechanical removal, chemical herbicides, biological control agents, and cultural practices, are used to combat this weed. To successfully control its spread, integrated techniques are frequently advised. Parthenium hysterophorus has drawbacks, yet it also has some positive qualities. It has therapeutic qualities, and research indicates that it may be used in phytoremediation and the synthesis of biofuel. The main goal is to draw attention to how critical it is to manage Parthenium hysterophorus properly while investigating its possible benefits, underscoring the necessity of long-term, all-encompassing solutions to deal with this environmental threat.
Revitalizing Millets for Nutritional Security & Fortifying Food and Uplifting Small and Marginal Farmers in India: A Review
Authors: Gupta Harsh , Panigrahi Tulika , Patle Umesh , Pandre Ekta , Singh Tarun , Shweta Kumari
Published: January 2024

This comprehensive analysis explores the significance of millets as a solution for small and marginal farmers in India. The country faces substantial challenges in food and nutritional security, exacerbated by climate change, inequality, and inadequate infrastructure. Millets offer a promising solution, addressing malnutrition, ensuring food security, and demonstrating resilience to climate change. By diversifying cropping systems and promoting value addition, millets provide income-generating opportunities for farmers. However, challenges such as low productivity, limited awareness, insufficient value chain infrastructure, and market linkages hinder the widespread adoption of millets. Government initiatives, including the National Mission on Sustainable Agriculture and the National Food Security Mission, aim to support millet cultivation and production. Furthermore, policies promoting research and development, market access, and minimum support prices contribute to the growth of the millet sector. The nutritional benefits, climate resilience, and income opportunities associated with millets make them a valuable solution for small and marginal farmers. By investing in technology, infrastructure, and policy sup-port, India can harness the potential of millets to achieve sustainable agricultural practices, improve livelihoods, and ensure food and nutritional security.
Effect of Plant Growth Regulators on Yield and Quality of Cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.)
Authors: Nadoda Nisha A. , Barot D. C. , Chaudhari V. M. , Baria V. K.
Published: January 2024

The study investigated the effect of plant growth regulators (PGRs) on the yield and quality of cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) to explore its production potential conducted during the summer season of 2020 at the College farm, College of Horticulture, Sardarkrushinagar Dantiwada Agricultural University, Jagudan. The experiment followed a randomized block design (RBD) with three replications and ten treatments which including different concentrations of gibberellic acid (GA3), Naphthalene acetic acid (NAA) and ethrel viz., T1: Control (Water spray), T2: NAA at 50 ppm, T3: NAA at 75 ppm, T4: NAA at 100 ppm, T5: GA3 at 20 ppm, T6: GA3 at 40 ppm, T7: GA3 at 60 ppm, T8: Ethrel at 100 ppm, T9: Ethrel at 200 ppm, and T10: Ethrel at 300 ppm were applied at the 2-4 true leaf stages. Treatment T10 (Ethrel @ 300 ppm) exhibited the highest number of fruits per vine (14.13), while T4 (NAA @ 100 ppm) showed the maximum number of pickings (8.59). GA3 @ 40 ppm (T6) recorded the highest fruit yield per vine (1.87 kg), Fruit yield per plot (28.29 kg) and Fruit yield per hectare (251.50 q). Additionally, Treatment T6 produced fruits with the longest length (30.34 cm) and widest diameter (3.91 cm). These findings demonstrate the potential of plant growth regulators particularly Ethrel and GA3to significantly impact on cucumber yield and quality.
Soil Quality Index for Different Cropping Systems in Northwestern Himalaya Region of India
Authors: Kumar Ravinder , Paliyal Sukhdev Singh , Sharma Sanjay Kumar , Sharma Sandeep
Published: January 2024

Background: A study was conducted to examine the impact of soil quality under different cropping systems in Mid hill conditions of Himachal Pradesh”. The study was carried out to ascertain the physical, chemical and biological properties of soils under prevalent cropping systems maize- wheat, rice- wheat and vegetable based in different in mid hill conditions of northwestern Himachal Pradesh.

Methods: On the basis of representative 90 soil samples from two depths i.e. 0-0.15 m and 0.15-0.30 m were collected. Soil samples were analyzed for their physical, chemical and biological properties and key indicators were identified using multivariate statistical analysis for computing the soil quality index.

Results: Soil reaction across various sites under present study was 5.30-6.70. Higher salt accumulation (EC) was observed under vegetable based cropping systems as compared to those of cereal based. Organic carbon was medium to high and available N, P and K contents were in low to medium range. DTPA Fe, Mn, Zn and Cu were observed sufficient, whereas total Fe, Mn, Zn and Cu were recorded higher in cereal and vegetable based cropping system. Microbial biomass carbon, microbial biomass nitrogen, potentially mineralizable nitrogen and soil respiration were low to medium in all cropping systems.

Conclusion: Soil quality index was 1.00 under vegetable based cropping system as compared to the cereal based cropping systems.
Evidence for a susceptibility locus on chromosome 6q influencing phonological coding dyslexia
Authors: Petryshen Tracey L. , Kaplan Bonnie J. , Fu Liu Ming , de French Norma Schmill , Tobias Rose , Hughes Martha L. , Leigh Field L.
Published: August 2002

A linkage study of 96 dyslexia families containing at least two affected siblings (totaling 877 individuals) has found evidence for a dyslexia susceptibility gene on chromosome 6q11.2–q12 (assigned the name DYX4). Using a qualitative phonological coding dyslexia (PCD) phenotype (affected, unaffected, or uncertain diagnoses), two‐point parametric analyses found highly suggestive evidence for linkage between PCD and markers D6S254, D6S965, D6S280, and D6S251 (LODmax scores = 2.4 to 2.8) across an 11 cM region. Multipoint parametric analysis supported linkage of PCD to this region (peak HLOD = 1.6), as did multipoint nonparametric linkage analysis (P = 0.012). Quantitative trait linkage analyses of four reading measures (phonological awareness, phonological coding, spelling, and rapid automatized naming speed) also provided evidence for a dyslexia susceptibility locus on chromosome 6q. Using a variance‐component approach, analysis of phonological coding and spelling measures resulted in peak LOD scores at D6S965 of 2.1 and 3.3, respectively, under 2 degrees of freedom. Furthermore, multipoint nonparametric quantitative trait sibpair analyses suggested linkage between the 6q region and phonological awareness, phonological coding, and spelling (P = 0.018, 0.017, 0.0005, respectively, for unweighted sibpairs < 18 years of age). Although conventional significance thresholds were not reached in the linkage analyses, the chromosome 6q11.2–q12 region clearly warrants investigation in other dyslexia family samples to attempt replication and confirmation of a dyslexia susceptibility gene in this region. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Suggestive evidence for linkage of schizophrenia to markers at chromosome 15q13–14 in Taiwanese families
Authors: Liu Chih‐Min , Hwu Hai‐Gwo , Lin Ming‐Wei , Ou‐Yang Wen‐Chen , Lee Sandy F.‐C. , Fann Cathy S.J. , Wong Su‐Hsien , Hsieh Shu‐Hua
Published: August 2002

In order to evaluate the linkage of schizophrenia to loci at chromosome 15q, we genotyped six microsatellite markers at chromosome 15q11–14 in 52 Taiwanese schizophrenic families. Two phenotype models (narrow: DSM‐IV schizophrenia only; and broad: including schizophrenia, schizoaffective, and other nonaffective psychotic disorders) were used to define the disease phenotype. Maximum nonparametric linkage scores (NPL scores) of 3.33 (P = 0.0003) and 2.96 (P = 0.0008) were obtained at the marker D15S976 under broad and narrow models, respectively. Positive linkage results were also observed at the marker D15S1360, previously reported to have significant linkage to a neurophysiological deficit of schizophrenia, with NPL scores of 2.71 (P = 0.003) and 2.78 (P = 0.002) under broad and narrow models, respectively. The results provide suggestive linkage evidence of schizophrenia to loci at chromosome 15q13–14 in an ethnically distinct Taiwanese sample. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Sodium channel inactivation defects are associated with acetazolamide‐exacerbated hypokalemic periodic paralysis
Authors: Bendahhou Saïd , Cummins Theodore R. , Griggs Robert C. , Fu Ying‐Hui , Ptáček Louis J.
Published: August 2002

A novel mutation in a family with hypokalemic periodic paralysis is described. The mutation R672S is located in the voltage sensor segment S4 of domain II in the SCN4A gene encoding the human skeletal muscle voltage‐gated sodium channel. Functional expression of the R672S channels in human embryonic kidney 293 cells revealed a small but significant hyperpolarizing shift in the steady‐state fast inactivation, and a dramatic enhancement in channel slow inactivation. These two defects are mainly due to a slow recovery of the mutant channels from fast and/or slow inactivation. Our data may help explain the mechanism underlying hypokalemic periodic paralysis and the patient's worsening from acetazolamide.
Characteristics of arsenic elution from sewage sludge
Authors: Ito A. , Takachi T. , Kitada K. , Aizawa J. , Umita T.
Published: August 2002

Characteristics of arsenic elution from sewage sludge were studied at different sludge pH values to develop a removal process for arsenic in sewage sludge. Forms of arsenic compounds (arsenious acid (As(III)), arsenic acid (As(V)), monomethylarsonic acid and dimethylarsinic acid) eluted from the sludge were analyzed using high‐performance liquid chromatography–inductively, coupled plasma mass spectrometry. It was confirmed that four compounds of arsenic in the liquid phase separated from the sludge could be clearly classified and directly determined without being interfered with by coexistent matter dissolved from the sludge. An increase in sludge pH effectively increased the amount of arsenic eluted from the sludge. Although the sludge oxidation–reduction potential was increased by decreasing the sludge pH with sulfuric acid, the elution of arsenic was slight at pH 1. The predominant form of arsenic eluted from the sludge was arsenic acid at sludge pH 5, 7, 9 and 11, whereas it was arsenious acid at pH 1. Both monomethylarsonic and dimethylarsinic acids were insignificantly eluted at all of the pH values investigated. The form of arsenic dissolved from the sludge was found to almost correspond with that obtained from the Eh–pH diagram of arsenic in an aqueous system. It was concluded that elution of arsenic from sludge was promoted by increasing sludge pH and the dissolved arsenic existed mainly as arsenic acid at high pH. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
High‐resolution thermogravimetry of poly(phenylene sulfide) film under four atmospheres
Authors: Li Xin‐Gui , Huang Mei‐Rong , Bai He
Published: August 2002

The thermal degradation of poly(phenylene sulfide) (PPS) film is investigated in air, nitrogen, helium, and argon with different physical and reactive characteristics at room temperature to 790°C as ascertained by high‐resolution thermogravimetry (TG) at a variable heating rate in response to the changes in the sample's weight‐loss rate. Only a one‐step degradation process of the PPS is observed in nitrogen and argon, but a two‐step degradation process of PPS is found in helium. A four‐step degradation process of the PPS, which is hardly ever revealed by traditional TG, is found in this investigation, especially in air. The initial thermal degradation temperature and temperature at the first maximum weight‐loss rate of the PPS increase in the following order: helium < nitrogen < argon < air. The first maximum weight‐loss rate also increases with the variation of the atmosphere in the order nitrogen < air < argon < helium. The char yield at 700°C increases in the order air < helium < nitrogen < argon. The activation energy of the major degradation process of PPS, as calculated based on the high‐resolution TG data, is very high and increases in the order nitrogen < argon < helium < air. The thermal decomposition parameters of the PPS determined by the high‐resolution TG are systematically compared with those by traditional TG at a constant heating rate. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 83: 1940–1946, 2002
Enhancement of the dimensional stability of poly(ethylene‐2,6‐naphthalene dicarboxylate) filament by multistep zone annealing spinning
Authors: Chae Han Gi , Chae Dong Wook , Kim Byoung Chul , Seo Seung Won
Published: August 2002

Both good tensile properties and good resistance to thermal shrinkage are prerequisites for tire cord applications. For these purposes, poly(ethylene‐2,6‐naphthalene dicarboxylate) (PEN) filaments were prepared by multistep zone annealing (MSZA) spinning with a specially devised system. The melting temperature of the PEN filaments so obtained was slightly increased with an increasing total draw ratio. All the filaments exhibited a sharp melting peak around 270°C, but glass‐transition behavior was barely visible via differential scanning calorimetry. Rheovibron experiments showed α relaxation in the vicinity of 175°C. Increasing the draw ratio above 4 did not increase the birefringence value much, but it did lead to increases in the tensile properties. The PEN filaments consisted exclusively of α‐form crystals. The PEN filaments showed excellent resistance to thermal shrinkage, which was less than 1% even with heating to 140°C. In the MSZA spinning process, increasing the degree of hot drawing proved more effective than increasing the degree of cold drawing for obtaining PEN filaments with better dimensional stability at elevated temperatures. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 83: 916–922, 2002
Melting behavior of poly(trimethylene terephthalate)
Authors: Chung Wei‐Tsung , Yeh Wei‐Jun , Hong Po‐Da
Published: August 2002

In this study, the melting behavior of isothermally crystallized polytri‐ methylene terephthalate (PTT) was investigated. Multiple melting behaviors in DSC heating trace were found because two populations of lamellar stacks were formed during primary crystallization and the recrystallization at heating process, respectively. This fact could be also confirmed from the result of optical microscopy observation. The Hoffman–Weeks equation was applied to obtain equilibrium melting temperature (T). The T value of PTT is about 525 K, which is 10 K higher than that reported. Combining the enthalpy of fusion from the DSC result and the degree of crystallinity from WAXD result, the value of the equilibrium‐melting enthalpy ΔH was deduced to be approximately 28.8 kJ mol−1. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 83: 2426–2433, 2002
Influence of hydrogen donors on peroxide‐initiated melt grafting of vinylsilane to poly(ethylene‐co‐vinyl acetate)
Authors: Parent J. Scott , Spencer Mark , Whitney Ralph A.
Published: August 2002

A technique has been examined for reducing the extent of crosslinking resulting from 1,1‐di(t‐butylperoxy)‐3,3,5‐trimethylcyclohexane (L‐231) initiating melt grafting of vinyltriethoxysilane (VTEOS) onto poly(ethylene‐co‐vinyl acetate) (EVA). Using measurements of crosslink density and VTEOS conversion, a standard of selectivity for the EVA/VTEOS/L‐231 system at 145 °C was defined and used to assess the influence of a range of additives (0.25 mol per mole VTEOS). The data indicated that compounds such as 4‐nonene, N,N‐dimethylaniline, and cumene improve reaction selectivity, whereas dodecane and cyclohexyl acetate have no effect. A strong correlation between the minimum CH bond dissociation energy and the influence of a given compound is evident, suggesting that a labile CH bond is the key element of an effective additive. A mechanism of additive function on the basis of hydrogen atom donation is proposed. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 83: 2397–2402, 2002
Structure and physical properties of cellulose acetate/poly(L‐lactide) blends
Authors: Ogata Nobuo , Tatsushima Toru , Nakane Koji , Sasaki Kenji , Ogihara Takashi
Published: August 2002

Two biodegradable polymers, poly(L‐lactide) (PLLA) and cellulose acetate (CA), were solvent‐cast‐blended with chloroform. Macrophase separation took place without a compatibilizer. However, homogeneous blend films were obtained with the addition of tetraisopropyl titanate (TP) as a compatibilizer to the blend. We investigated the reasons for the blends exhibiting homogeneity and measured the physical properties of the blends. We reached the following conclusions: (1) the addition of TP produces small PLLA crystallites in the PLLA/CA blends, (2) the addition of TP reduces the thermal decomposition temperature of PLLA/CA blends, (3) Young's modulus of the blends is almost independent of the blend ratio, and (4) the introduction of TP assists with the hydrolysis of the blends. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 85: 1219–1226, 2002
The effect of specific β‐nucleation on morphology and mechanical behavior of isotactic polypropylene
Authors: Kotek Jiří , Raab Miroslav , Baldrian Josef , Grellmann Wolfgang
Published: August 2002

The commercial grade of isotactic polypropylene was modified by a specific β‐nucleating agent in a broad concentration range. The supermolecular structure of the specimens prepared by injection molding was characterized by X‐ray scattering and correlated with mechanical behavior. It was found that at a critical nucleant concentration of 0.03 wt % the content of the β‐modification virtually reaches a saturation level. With further addition of the nucleant, the β‐phase content increases only slightly. The long period passes through a distinct maximum at the same nucleant concentration. This singularity in structure remarkably correlates with a minimum of the yield stress and maxima of strain at break and fracture toughness. Such general behavior is also reflected in the correlation between the β‐phase concentration and fracture toughness profiles along the injection‐molded bars. It is suggested that in the critically nucleated material an optimum thickness of the amorphous interlayer with connecting chains between the β‐crystallites is established, rendering the material the highest possible ductility and toughness. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 85: 1174–1184, 2002
Thermally controlled molecular disassembly of a crosslinked polymer network by the incorporation of sterically hindered urea linkages
Authors: Malik Jitendra , Goldslager Barry A. , Clarson Stephen J.
Published: August 2002

Crosslinked polymer networks are excellent materials for multiple applications. However, although their crosslinked structure gives them many positive attributes, it also makes them intractable. Therefore, it is exceedingly difficult to reprocess crosslinked networks without exposure to extreme degradation conditions. In this work, we were able to create a crosslinked network that showed controlled disassembly upon stimulus. It was found that a controlled network disassembly process could be invoked by the incorporation of sterically hindered urea linkages into the polymer network. The network was shown to disassemble upon exposure to heat, whereas in the absence of heat, the network was found to maintain its crosslinked structure. The disassembly temperature could be varied by careful selection of the cleaving agent. This work focuses on showing the controlled network disassembly of a crosslinked polymer matrix as a function of temperature. Herein, we describe the factors that control the disassembly temperature and conclude with a possible mechanism for the disassembly process. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 85: 856–864, 2002
Surface modification of HDPE and PP by mechanical polishing and DC glow discharge and their adhesive joining to steel
Authors: Bhowmik S. , Ghosh P. K. , Ray S.
Published: August 2002

To improve the strengths of the adhesive joints of high density polyethylene (HDPE) and polypropylene (PP) to steel, the surfaces of HDPE and PP sheets have been treated by DC glow discharge to increase the polar component of surface energy significantly. Present study investigates the effect of mechanical polishing prior to surface modification of substrates of HDPE and PP sheets by exposure to DC glow discharge, on the surface energy and their adhesive joint strength to steel. The mechanical polishing has been carried out by abrading with 120, 220, 400, 600, 800, and 1000 grade emery paper of grit sizes 8.33, 4.54, 2.5, 1.67, 1.2, and 1 micron, respectively. The surface energy of a given surface has been evaluated by measuring contact angles of sessile drops of two test liquids of known surface tension components, such as deionized water and formamide. It is observed that 800‐grade emery paper of grit size 1.2 micron has been found most effective in terms of their reduction in contact angles and enhancement of their surface energies. The change in surface energy due to surface modification has also been evaluated by measuring the surface energies of unpolished sheets exposed to DC glow discharge. The surface modification of the polymers by glow discharge for 120 s at a power level of 13 W decreases the contact angle more on mechanically polished specimens than that observed on unpolished sheets. Due to glow discharge treatment, the polar component of surface energy increases significantly in HDPE and PP, especially when they are mechanically polished (800 grade) prior to glow discharge. However, in case of the HDPE sheets, the effect of glow discharge on the polar component of surface energy is significantly higher compared to that for dispersion component of surface energy, whereas the polar component of surface energy of the PP sheet is lower than the dispersion component of surface energy. But in both the cases, mechanical polishing prior to glow discharge appears to affect the polar component of surface energy. Mechanical polishing of the HDPE and PP sheets by abrading with 800‐grade emery paper prior to glow discharge treatment, increases the adhesive joint strengths over those observed in case of unpolished polymers exposed to glow discharge. However, the use of prior mechanical polishing increases the joint strength only by a little more than 10% compared to a five to seven times increase in strength observed as a consequence of exposure to glow discharge of as received samples. © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 80: 1140–1149, 2001
The development of controllable complex curing agents for epoxy resins. I. Preparation, characterization, and storage behavior of transition metal–diamine complexes
Authors: Hamerton Ian , Hay John N. , Howlin Brendan J. , Jepson Peter , Mortimer Stephen
Published: August 2002

A series of complexes incorporating diamine (o‐phenylene diamine and 2‐aminobenzylamine—OPD and 2‐ABA respectively) ligands and containing the acetato and chloro transition metal salts of Ni and Cu has been prepared and characterized using elemental analysis and spectroscopic methods. Infrared data show that complexation of the amino nitrogen atoms occurs to a high degree. The same curing agents have been incorporated into two commercial epoxy resins recognized as “industry standards” (MY721 and MY750), and their cure properties and shelf life assessed alongside commercial curative systems. The current work demonstrates that while complexes based on copper(II) and nickel(II) and containing OPD ligands may be prepared and incorporated into commercial epoxy resins, there are some advantages associated with using 2‐ABA (as the diamine ligand) due to the higher complex solubility and better processing characteristics that it imparts to the formulated system. In general, the 2‐ABA based complexes disperse well within commercial epoxy systems and display good storage stability over prolonged periods of time (up to 67 days at ambient temperature). Work continues to examine the thermal and mechanical characteristics of commercial epoxy resins cured using these complexes. © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 80: 1489–1503, 2001
Preparation and characterization of macroporous phenol‐furfural sulfonic acid resin catalyst
Authors: Su Zhixing , Li Yuntao , Miao Yuanzhao , Wang Tiejun , Pu Qiaosheng
Published: August 2002

The macroporous phenol‐furfural sulfonic acid resin catalyst (PFuSR) was prepared. The resin was characterized by chemical analysis, thermal analysis, scanning electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and reactions of esterification. There exist in PFuSR different kinds of acidic groups such as OH, COOH, and SO3H. The catalytic relative activity of PFuSR in the reaction of acetic acid and n‐butanol is 104 times that of macroporous polystyrene sulfonic acid resin D72. Thermal analysis showed that PFuSR did not begin to desulfonate until temperatures of 220°C were reached. The resin is suitable for use continually up to 200°C, verified by successfully performing the reaction of maleic anhydride with 2‐ethyl‐1‐hexanol to form di‐2‐ethylhexyl maleate. © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 80: 1764–1769, 2001
Kinetics of mesophase transition of lyotropic chitosan in dichloroacetic acid
Authors: Hu Zhongming , Wu Liheng , Wu Dacheng , Chen Shouxi
Published: August 2002

The mesophase transition and its kinetics of chitosan in the solutions of chitosan/dichloroacetic acid (DCA) were investigated by means of DSC and depolarized light intensity technique, respectively. The mesophase formation of chitosan in DCA involves nucleation and growth. The isothermal kinetics of mesophase formation from isotropic phase were described by Avrami using the equation with an exponent n close to 1, which suggests that the formation of chitosan mesophase is a process of instantaneous nucleation and one‐dimensional rod‐like growth in the temperature range investigated. This was confirmed by small angle light scattering Hv patterns of the mesophase. © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 80: 1770–1775, 2001