bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of Preparedness and Penetration of Self-directed Learning among First- year Medical Students at a Tertiary Care Teaching Hospital: A Questionnaire-based Cross-sectional Study
Authors: Pullanna Bollavaram , Rani V Subhashini , Rao B Narayana , Rao M Sudhakara
Published: August 2024

Introduction: Self-directed Learning (SDL) for medical students involves taking initiative, setting goals, seeking out resources, reflecting on progress and continuously adapting to the evolving field of medicine. Aim: To evaluate the preparedness and penetration of SDL concepts among first-year medical students. Materials and Methods: A questionnaire-based cross- sectional study was conducted in the Department of Anatomy, at Konaseema Institute of Medical Sciences and Research, Amalapuram, Andhra Pradesh, India, from September 2022 to October 2022. The students were exposed to atleast two sessions of orientation to the SDL concepts. The questionnaire had three sections with questions on preparedness, methodology and penetration of SDL. It was administered electronically through a secure online platform to ensure convenience and confidentiality. The questions were designed to gather information about the students’ prior knowledge and readiness for SDL, their current SDL practices, and their perception of SDL in medical education. Categorical variables preparedness and penetration were presented as percentages. Results: Among 150 medical students, 130 students participated in the survey, and excluding the incomplete submissions, 127 responses were considered for analysis. A total of 11 (8.6%) respondents were very familiar and 47 (37%) respondents were somewhat familiar with the concept of SDL. A total of 88 (69.2%) respondents said that they set learning goals with guidance from instructors. Only 21 (16.5%) students used online resources (e.g., medical websites, video lectures) daily. A total of 106 (83.4%) students agreed that SDL will be essential throughout their medical career as lifelong learners. Conclusion: The present survey showed that though most students are familiar with SDL, students still require faculty guidance for goal setting and expect explanatory videos specially prepared by faculty. Though most students agree that SDL is important in medical education and is essential throughout a medical career, at the same time, fewer than half of the students received formal training regarding SDL.
Improving the Leaf Nutrient and Mineral Elements of Constituents (Moringa oleifera L.) by Application of Certain Biostimulants and Biofertilizer
Authors: F. M Huria, , Shaaban E. H. , Gaber M. K.
Published: August 2024

Increasing the need for food as a result of global population growth negatively impacted the ecology and soil.  As a result of an increase in the demand for industrial chemical fertilizers and inefficient crop management. In this research, the effect of some biofertilizers, amino acids, and seaweed extracts on the chemical composition of the leaves of moringa plant was evaluated. The results showed that bio-fertilization with Phosphorein biofertilizer associated with amino acids and seaweed extracts at 700 mg/L (T25) was the most effective treatment for improving and maximizing the leaf nitrogen content. Also, Herein, T26 (soil bio-fertilized with cerealine plus bio-fertilizer with amino acid and seaweed extracts as foliar spray each at 700 mg/L) was the most effective treatment in improving the leaf contents of phosphorus, potassium, calcium, vitamin C, total carbohydrates which produced a better response than using each treatment separately.
Comprehensive Study of Compatibility and Performance of Grafted Brinjal
Authors: Jain Mahim , Pilania Shalini , Singh Virendra , Bairwa H. L. , Mahawer L. N. , Saharan Vinod , Bunker R. N. , Dulani Varun
Published: August 2024

In this report, we have studied graft compatibility of five scion cultivar Pusa Shyamala, Pusa hybrid -6, Pusa Kranti, Mahy 80 and Gopi 75 when grafted onto Kavach and CO2. As per data two scion, Mahy 80 and Gopi 75 when grafted on Kavach and CO2 showed maximum graft success from 82 to 88%. Moreover, in field experiment was having six treatments i.e. Mahy 80 grafted on Kavach, Mahy 80 when grafted on CO2, Gopi 75 grafted on Kavach, Gopi 75 grafted on CO2, Mahy 80 (non-grafted), Gopi 75 (non-grafted) with five replications. Among all treatments graft combination of Mahy 80 onto Kavach significantly enhanced plant height of 33.13, 56.84 and 78.07 cm at 30, 60 and 90 DAT respectively. Similarly, Mahy 80 onto Kavach reported maximum number of branches per plant, average fruit weight (153.14 g), fruit yield per plant (1.50 kg plant-1), fruit yield per hectare (41.75 t ha-1) while earliness in terms of days to first harvest (67.24 days) and maximum number of fruits per plant (13.13) was reported in Gopi 75 grafted onto Kavach. Therefore, we claim that for Mewar region scion Mahy 80 onto Kavach rootstock will be suitable grafted seedling of brinjal.
Combining Ability and Heterosis for Yield and Yield Attributing Traits in Bitter Gourd
Authors: R. Tejaswini , Kandpal Kavita , Chikkalingaiah  , Swamy T. S. Manjunatha , Kumar, T. L. Mohan , Dhange Pooja Rajendra , Gunaga Chandan Manjunath , S. Ashika,
Published: August 2024

A study was conducted during Rabi 2022 and Kharif 2023 at the Department of Horticulture, University of Agricultural Sciences, Bangalore to develop 49 F1 hybrids through the utilization of line × tester mating design. The parents and developed hybrids along with standard check (Pusa Hybrid 6) were evaluated in Randomized Complete Block Design) and Alpha lattice design, respectively, for yield and yield attributing traits. The combining ability analysis revealed that among 14 parents, Pusa Rasdar, Pusa Do Mausami, Pusa Vishesh, Hirkani and Pant Karela 4 were identified as best general combiners for most of the studied yield and yield attributing traits. The estimates of heterosis revealed that the hybrids, Konkan Karali × Pant Karela 4 (45.45%), Konkan Tara × Pusa Do Mausami (23.48%), Pusa Rasdar × Phule Green Gold (126.87%) and Hirkani × Pusa Do Mausami (46.20%) were top performing hybrids over standard check for fruit length, diameter, average weight and number of fruits per vine, respectively. Similarly, Pusa Rasdar × Pant Karela 4 (127.06%), Priya × Pusa Do Mausami (101.05%), Punjab 14 × Pusa Do Mausami (100.53%) and Pusa Rasdar × Pant Karela 3 (97.61%) were top performing hybrids over standard check for yield per vine. These hybrids also recorded highest significant sca effects hence, considered as good specific combiners.
The Relationship between Depression and Chronic Pain: A Literature Review
Authors: Reis Josué Tavares , Silva Iêgo Gutembergue Gonçalves , Borges Ana Caroline Ribeiro Lima , Reis Ana Paula Tavares Dos , Santos Wathyson Alex De Mendonça , Benevides Kamilla Araújo Martins Morais , Abreu Sara Alves Nunes De , Moreno Tayná , Almeida Julia Queiroz , Mangueira Claudia Denise Mendanha , Vasconcelos Fernando Holanda , Mariano Wagner Dos Santos , Sampaio Ana Cristina Mendanha
Published: August 2024

Considering the relationship between depression and chronic pain as a crucial aspect of physical and mental health, this study aims to conduct a comprehensive literature review to analyze this association. Depression, a complex psychiatric disorder, is characterized by symptoms such as depressed mood, fatigue, sleep disturbances, and loss of interest in daily activities. On the other hand, chronic pain is a debilitating condition that persists for at least three months, compromising the processing of painful stimuli in the central nervous system. Scientific studies have shown a high prevalence of depressive symptoms in patients with chronic pain, as well as the presence of chronic pain in individuals with depression, suggesting a possible cause-and-effect relationship. Biopsychosocial mechanisms, including chronic stress and neuroendocrine alterations, are involved in this complex connection. This comorbidity negatively impacts patients' quality of life, requiring comprehensive therapeutic approaches that involve pharmacological treatments, psychotherapeutic interventions, physical therapy, among others. Understanding the interaction between mood disorders and chronic pain is essential to improve clinical approaches and provide greater well-being to affected individuals.
Carbon Farming: Best Management Practices and Factors Affecting Farmers’ Acceptance
Authors: Ghosh Bhaskar , Barman Bikram , Ranjan Amandeep , Quader Sk Wasaful , Saurav Subhash Kumar
Published: August 2024

Carbon farming is a critical intersection of agriculture and climate change mitigation, aiming to reduce greenhouse gas emissions while sequestering carbon in agricultural landscapes. This practice entails using sustainable farming methods to increase soil carbon storage, such as cover cropping, reduced tillage, agroforestry, and improved grazing management. Farmers who integrate these techniques can not only improve soil health and agricultural productivity, but also make a significant contribution to global efforts to combat climate change. India, with its vast agricultural landscape, can benefit from carbon farming by improving soil health, increasing crop yields, and ensuring food security for its growing population. Economic incentives, such as carbon credits and markets that reward sustainable practices, provide additional motivation to Indian farmers. This review paper explores the principles and practices of carbon farming, as well as the policy frameworks that encourage its adoption. It highlights the institutional support available, such as government programs, research initiatives, and extension services aimed at promoting sustainable agriculture. However, Indian farmers face unique challenges and barriers when implementing these practices, including small landholdings, a lack of awareness, and financial constraints. Institutions play an important role in overcoming these barriers by providing technical assistance, financial support, and education. Strong research, education, and policy support are required to realise carbon farming's full potential in creating a sustainable and resilient agricultural sector in India.
Evaluation of Bentazone as Post-emergence Against Weed Flora of Direct Seeded Rice (Oryza sativa L.)
Authors: Tirkey Shweta , Rawat Anay , Verma Badal , Dangi Roop Singh , Tomar Deependra Singh
Published: August 2024

In direct-seeded rice (DSR) production systems, both rice seedlings and weeds emerge at the same time, as there is no flood water to prevent weed germination, growth, and development when the rice crops begin to sprout. Consequently, weeds are the primary obstacle to successful DSR, often leading to a significant reduction in yield. This research aimed to develop a strategy for effective weed management in DSR, focusing on enhancing growth and production through the use of herbicides. Therefore, a field experiment was conducted at the Breeder Seed Production Unit, Adhartal, Jawaharlal Nehru Krishi Vishwa Vidyalaya, Jabalpur (M.P.) during the Kharif season of 2016 to evaluate the effectiveness of various doses of Bentazone herbicide in direct-seeded rice. The experimental soil was clayey with a neutral pH of 7.2, medium organic carbon content (0.62%), available nitrogen (365 kg/ha), available phosphorus (16.34 kg P2O5/ha), and high available potassium (327.16 kg K2O/ha). Weed control treatments included Bentazone at 600, 800, 1000, 1200, 1600, 1800, and 2000 g/ha; 2,4-D at 380 g/ha; two hand weedings at 20 and 40 days after sowing (DAS); and an unweeded control. These treatments were arranged in a randomized block design with three replications. The primary weeds in the experimental field were monocots (Echinochloa colona, Dinebra retroflexa), sedges (Cyperus iria), and broad-leaved weeds (Mollugo pentaphylla, Alternanthera philoxeroides). The post-emergence application of Bentazone at 1600 g/ha was found to be the most economically effective for controlling dicot weeds in direct-seeded rice, resulting in the lowest weed index. This treatment also improved growth parameters (such as plant height, number of tillers per square meter, and plant dry weight), yield attributes (such as grains per panicle), and grain yield compared to other weed control treatments. Therefore, Bentazone at 1600 g/ha is recommended to farmers for achieving higher economic returns and effective weed control in direct-seeded rice.
Response of Sweet Corn to Nano Urea under Precision Nitrogen Management
Authors: Muchhadiya Ravindra M. , Kumawat P. D. , Sakarvadia H. L. , Chovatia P. K.
Published: August 2024

A lack of synchronization between nitrogen (N) demand and supply results in the loss of applied nitrogen from the soil-plant system. Leaf colour chart (LCC) based nano urea application according to crop specific need has the potential to enhance the crop productivity by reducing N losses. In this context, a field experiment was conducted during summer seasons of 2022 and 2023 on medium black calcareous soil at Junagadh (Gujarat) to study the response of sweet corn to nano urea under precision nitrogen management. Ten treatments comprising 40 kg N as basal (through DAP and urea) + 40 kg N through urea at 25-30 DAS + 40 kg N through urea at 40-45 DAS, 40 kg N as basal + 40 kg N through urea at 25-30 DAS + two foliar spray of nano urea 0.4% (4 ml/l water) when LCC ≤ 4, 40 kg N as basal + 30 kg N through urea at 25-30 DAS + three foliar spray of nano urea 0.4% when LCC ≤ 4, 40 kg N as basal + 20 kg N through urea at 25-30 DAS + four foliar spray of nano urea 0.4% when LCC ≤ 4, 40 kg N as basal + 20 kg N through urea at 25-30 DAS + three foliar spray of nano urea 0.4% when LCC ≤ 4, 40 kg N as basal + 10 kg N through urea at 25-30 DAS + four foliar spray of nano urea 0.4% when LCC ≤ 4, 40 kg N as basal + 10 kg N through urea at 25-30 DAS + three foliar spray of nano urea 0.4% when LCC ≤ 4, 40 kg N as basal + four foliar spray of nano urea 0.4% when LCC ≤ 4, 40 kg N as basal + three foliar spray of nano urea 0.4% when LCC ≤ 4 and control (without N application) in Randomized Block Design with three replications. Based on the results of two-years field study, it can be concluded that higher growth, green cob and fodder yields, quality, net returns and B: C ratio of sweet corn can be obtained by the application of 40 kg N as basal + 40 kg N through urea at 25-30 DAS + two foliar spray of nano urea 0.4% when LCC ≤ 4 or 40 kg N as basal + 30 kg N through urea at 25-30 DAS + three foliar spray of nano urea 0.4% when LCC ≤ 4 or 40 kg N as basal + 40 kg N through urea at 25-30 DAS + 40 kg N through urea at 40-45 DAS.
Role of turbulent transport in the evolution of the κ distribution functions in the plasma sheet
Authors: Stepanova Marina , Antonova Elizaveta E.
Published: April 2015

We studied the evolution of ion and electron distribution functions, approximated by κ distributions, in the plasma sheet with the distance from the Earth using the data of the Time History of Events and Macroscale Interactions during Substorms spacecraft mission. Five events were used to calculate the main parameters of the κ distribution. For these events at least four spacecraft were aligned along the tail between approximately 7 and 30 RE. It was found that for the majority of events the values of κ increase tailward. The observed radial profiles could be related to the inner magnetosphere sources of particle acceleration and to the net tailward transport of particles. This net transport is the result of a balance between the average regular bulk transport toward the Earth and the turbulent transport by eddies in the tailward direction.
Source‐receptor relationships of column‐average CO2 and implications for the impact of observations on flux inversions
Authors: Liu Junjie , Bowman Kevin W. , Henze Daven K.
Published: April 2015

Source‐receptor relationships are the fundamental quantities used in atmosphere CO2 flux inversions. In this study, we systematically investigate the global source‐receptor relationships of column CO2 (XCO2) in 12 continental‐scale receptors in terms of transport and local versus nonlocal flux contributions using the GEOS‐Chem adjoint model. Using simulated Greenhouse gases Observing Satellite (GOSAT) XCO2, we quantify the impact of inclusion (add‐on) or exclusion of observations (data‐denial) within a receptor region on flux inversion. We discuss the connections between the observation impact and the underlying source‐receptor relationships. The strong sensitivity of XCO2 to nonlocal fluxes makes the XCO2 observations have strong impact on nonlocal flux estimation. On an annual mean, the impact of GOSAT XCO2 over Europe on North America flux estimation is 10%–39% of the full observation impact. Because the Southern Hemisphere midlatitude XCO2 are most sensitive to local and tropical fluxes, the mean impact of GOSAT XCO2 over Southern South America on Northern South America (N‐S‐America) flux estimation is 30%–59% of the full observation impact. Because of the strong sensitivity of the XCO2 over N‐S‐America to Central Africa (C‐Africa) fluxes, the mean impact on C‐Africa flux estimation is between 14% and 31% of the full observation impact in spite of the sparse observation coverage. The results also show that XCO2 have similar sensitivity to local and nonlocal fluxes occurring 3 months before, which indicates that XCO2 observations cannot differentiate any fluxes occurring beyond 3 months.
A review on regional convection‐permitting climate modeling: Demonstrations, prospects, and challenges
Authors: Prein Andreas F. , Langhans Wolfgang , Fosser Giorgia , Ferrone Andrew , Ban Nikolina , Goergen Klaus , Keller Michael , Tölle Merja , Gutjahr Oliver , Feser Frauke , Brisson Erwan , Kollet Stefan , Schmidli Juerg , van Lipzig Nicole P. M. , Leung Ruby
Published: April 2015

Regional climate modeling using convection‐permitting models (CPMs; horizontal grid spacing <4 km) emerges as a promising framework to provide more reliable climate information on regional to local scales compared to traditionally used large‐scale models (LSMs; horizontal grid spacing >10 km). CPMs no longer rely on convection parameterization schemes, which had been identified as a major source of errors and uncertainties in LSMs. Moreover, CPMs allow for a more accurate representation of surface and orography fields. The drawback of CPMs is the high demand on computational resources. For this reason, first CPM climate simulations only appeared a decade ago. In this study, we aim to provide a common basis for CPM climate simulations by giving a holistic review of the topic. The most important components in CPMs such as physical parameterizations and dynamical formulations are discussed critically. An overview of weaknesses and an outlook on required future developments is provided. Most importantly, this review presents the consolidated outcome of studies that addressed the added value of CPM climate simulations compared to LSMs. Improvements are evident mostly for climate statistics related to deep convection, mountainous regions, or extreme events. The climate change signals of CPM simulations suggest an increase in flash floods, changes in hail storm characteristics, and reductions in the snowpack over mountains. In conclusion, CPMs are a very promising tool for future climate research. However, coordinated modeling programs are crucially needed to advance parameterizations of unresolved physics and to assess the full potential of CPMs.
Characterizing the semidiurnal internal tide off Tasmania using glider data
Authors: Boettger Daniel , Robertson Robin , Rainville Luc
Published: April 2015

The spatial structure of the semidiurnal internal tide in the vicinity of Tasmania is characterized using temperature and salinity data from Seaglider and Slocum glider deployments. Wavelet analysis of isopycnal displacements measured by the gliders was used to isolate the semidiurnal internal tide, with a solid signal observed both to the east and to the south of Tasmania. The signal south of Tasmania was attributed to local forcing, while that to the east of Tasmania was found to have propagated from the south east to the north west—a result which supports previous studies indicating the presence of an internal tidal beam originating over the Macquarie Ridge, south of New Zealand. Displacement amplitudes were observed to be amplified in the vicinity of the continental slope, with the incoming tidal beam shown to be both reflected and scattered on the continental slope and shelf, and energy transferred to higher modes.
Evaluation of the summer precipitation over China simulated by BCC_CSM model with different horizontal resolutions during the recent half century
Authors: Kan Mengyun , Huang Anning , Zhao Yong , Zhou Yang , Yang Ben , Wu Haomin
Published: April 2015

The performance of Beijing Climate Center climate system model with different horizontal resolutions (BCC_CSM1.1 with coarse resolution and BCC_CSM1.1 m with fine resolution) in simulating the summer precipitation over China during the recent half century is evaluated, and the possible underlying physical mechanisms related to the model biases are also further analyzed and discussed. Results show that increasing horizontal resolution does improve the summer precipitation simulation over most part of China especially in western China due to the more realistic description of the topography. However, the summer precipitation amount (PA) over eastern China characterized by monsoonal climates is much more underestimated in the finer resolution model. It is also noted that the improvement (deterioration) of the summer PA over western (eastern) China in BCC_CSM1.1 m model is mainly due to the better (worse) simulation of the moderate and heavy precipitation relative to BCC_CSM1.1 model. In addition, increasing model horizontal resolution can significantly improve the convective precipitation simulation especially over western China but shows very limited improvement in the large‐scale precipitation simulation. The much more underestimated summer PA over eastern China in BCC_CSM1.1 m model relative to BCC_CSM1.1 model is due to the significantly reduced positive biases of the convective PA but few changes in the negative biases of the large‐scale PA. Further mechanism analysis suggests that both the underestimated land‐sea thermal contrast and the overestimated Western Pacific subtropical high result in much less northeastward water vapor transport and summer PA over eastern China in BCC_CSM1.1 m model than in BCC_CSM1.1 model.
A new general 1‐D vadose zone flow solution method
Authors: Ogden Fred L. , Lai Wencong , Steinke Robert C. , Zhu Jianting , Talbot Cary A. , Wilson John L.
Published: April 2015

We have developed an alternative to the one‐dimensional partial differential equation (PDE) attributed to Richards (1931) that describes unsaturated porous media flow in homogeneous soil layers. Our solution is a set of three ordinary differential equations (ODEs) derived from unsaturated flux and mass conservation principles. We used a hodograph transformation, the Method of Lines, and a finite water‐content discretization to produce ODEs that accurately simulate infiltration, falling slugs, and groundwater table dynamic effects on vadose zone fluxes. This formulation, which we refer to as “finite water‐content”, simulates sharp fronts and is guaranteed to conserve mass using a finite‐volume solution. Our ODE solution method is explicitly integrable, does not require iterations and therefore has no convergence limits and is computationally efficient. The method accepts boundary fluxes including arbitrary precipitation, bare soil evaporation, and evapotranspiration. The method can simulate heterogeneous soils using layers. Results are presented in terms of fluxes and water content profiles. Comparing our method against analytical solutions, laboratory data, and the Hydrus‐1D solver, we find that predictive performance of our finite water‐content ODE method is comparable to or in some cases exceeds that of the solution of Richards' equation, with or without a shallow water table. The presented ODE method is transformative in that it offers accuracy comparable to the Richards (1931) PDE numerical solution, without the numerical complexity, in a form that is robust, continuous, and suitable for use in large watershed and land‐atmosphere simulation models, including regional‐scale models of coupled climate and hydrology.
On the robustness of numerical algorithms for linear systems and signal processing in finite precision arithmetic
Authors: Diene Oumar , Bhaya Amit
Published: April 2015

This paper proposes a model of the perturbations resulting from finite precision arithmetic implementation of numerical methods. Iterative methods for linear systems are represented as control systems, and the numerical errors caused by finite precision are represented as a multiplicative uncertainty. This representation makes it possible to use results from robust control theory to provide stability criteria, which, in turn, imply convergence, under finite precision arithmetic, of algorithms considered. Numerical examples are taken from several fields in order to illustrate the theoretical results. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Stretchable Thin‐Film Electrodes for Flexible Electronics with High Deformability and Stretchability
Authors: Cheng Tao , Zhang Yizhou , Lai Wen‐Yong , Huang Wei
Published: April 2015

Flexible and stretchable electronics represent today's cutting‐edge electronic technologies. As the most‐fundamental component of electronics, the thin‐film electrode remains the research frontier due to its key role in the successful development of flexible and stretchable electronic devices. Stretchability, however, is generally more challenging to achieve than flexibility. Stretchable electronic devices demand, above all else, that the thin‐film electrodes have the capacity to absorb a large level of strain (>>1%) without obvious changes in their electrical performance. This article reviews the progress in strategies for obtaining highly stretchable thin‐film electrodes. Applications of stretchable thin‐film electrodes fabricated via these strategies are described. Some perspectives and challenges in this field are also put forward.
Solvent Uptake of Liquid Rubber Toughened Epoxy/Clay Nanocomposites
Authors: Vijayan P. P. , Harikrishnan M. G. , Puglia D. , Vijayan P. P. , Kenny J. M. , Thomas S.
Published: April 2015

Carboxyl‐terminated poly (butadiene‐co‐acrylonitrile) (CTBN) liquid rubber toughened epoxy (epoxy/CTBN blend) and CTBN‐toughened epoxy/clay nanocomposites (epoxy/clay/CTBN nanocomposites) were prepared, and solvent (acetone) uptake was studied as a function of CTBN content. It was found that in both epoxy/CTBN blend and epoxy/clay/CTBN nanocomposites, the diffusion coefficient initially increased with an increase in CTBN content, with a maximum value registered for the systems containing 15 phr of CTBN. With a further increase of CTBN, the diffusion coefficient was found to decrease. The variation of solvent uptake with CTBN content depends on both the amount of dissolved rubber in the epoxy phase and the phase morphology associated with each composition. The high acetone uptake in 15 and 20 phr CTBN‐loaded system was found to be reduced dramatically by the incorporation of 3 phr nanoclay. Owing to the presence of high aspect ratio clay platelets, the diffusion of acetone undergoes a more tortuous path in epoxy/clay/CTBN nanocomposites than in epoxy/CTBN blends. A diffusion mechanism correlated to composition for epoxy/CTBN blend and epoxy/clay/CTBN nanocomposites was proposed.
Preventing falls in residential construction: Effectiveness of engaging partners for a national social marketing campaign
Authors: Macario Everly , Hannon Sandra Wills , Baker Robin , Branche Christine M. , Trahan Christina
Published: April 2015

Background

Falls are the leading cause of fatalities in construction. The Safety Pays, Falls Cost campaign aims to prevent falls in residential construction. A critical component of our social marketing approach was to involve 70 partners in reaching target audiences.

Methods

We assessed partner engagement April 2012–August 2013 through: (1) baseline partnership quality interviews (eight partners); (2) pre‐/post‐partner “market” readiness in‐depth interviews (three partners); (3) a pre‐/post‐ (29/31 partners) online partner engagement survey; and (4) standardized metrics to measure partner activity.

Results

We found a high level of interest and engagement that increased with the addition of prompting to action through regular communication and new resources from organizers and formation of local partnerships that were able to tailor their activities to their own communities or regions.

Conclusion

It is feasible to leverage government‐labor‐management partnerships that enjoy trust among target audiences to widely disseminate campaign materials and messages. Am. J. Ind. Med. 58:809–823, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Facile Synthesis and Phase Behaviors of Monofunctionalized Hexa‐peri‐hexabenzocoronenes
Authors: Zhou Yu , Zhang Meng‐Yao , Gu Ke‐Hua , Zhu Yu‐Feng , Fan Xing‐He , Shen Zhihao
Published: April 2015

Five different kinds of monofunctionalized hexa‐peri‐hexabenzocoronenes (HBCs) are synthesized by loading dialkyl‐diphenylacetylenes and asymmetric diphenylacetylene derivatives at the same time. This method shortens the synthetic route by half, with four fewer steps compared with the commonly used approach. In addition, this method is more economic and environmentally friendly. The self‐assembling properties of the molecules are greatly influenced by the substituted alkyl side chains. From the short linear hexyl chain (C6) to the longer n‐dodecyl (C12) chain and then to the branched alkyl chain (C10,6), the transition temperature from the crystalline phase to the liquid crystalline (LC) phase and that from the LC phase to the isotropic (Iso) state both decrease. Furthermore, the ester group far away from the aromatic core and its length are also important variables to control the phase behaviors of the molecules. The typical long‐range ordered hexagonal lattice (Colh phase) is found for all the monofunctionalized molecules in their LC states.
Cumulen‐Rotaxane: Stabilisierung und Charakterisierung von [9]Cumulenen
Authors: Franz Michael , Januszewski Johanna A. , Wendinger Dominik , Neiss Christian , Movsisyan Levon D. , Hampel Frank , Anderson Harry L. , Görling Andreas , Tykwinski Rik R.
Published: April 2015

Die Stabilisierung langer [n]Cumulene wird üblicherweise erreicht, indem sterisch anspruchsvolle “Schutzgruppen” an den Enden angebracht werden, welche die reaktive Kohlenstoffkette abschirmen. Wir stellen hier eine alternative Strategie vor: Stabilisierung durch Einfädeln der sp‐Kohlenstoffkette in einen Phenanthrolin‐basierten Makrocyclus. Dies führt zu stabilen [9]Cumulen‐Rotaxanen, die es uns erlaubten, die Eigenschaften von [n]Cumulenen in Abhängigkeit von ihrer Länge in bis dato unerreichtem Detail zu untersuchen. Dabei nutzten wir quantitative UV/Vis‐Spektroskopie, Cyclovoltammetrie und dynamische Differenzkalorimetrie. Die experimentellen Befunde können durch DFT‐Rechnungen reproduziert und verstanden werden.
Resolving the Differences Between the 1.9 Å and 1.95 Å Crystal Structures of Photosystem II: A Single Proton Relocation Defines Two Tautomeric Forms of the Water‐Oxidizing Complex
Authors: Petrie Simon , Pace Ron J. , Stranger Rob
Published: April 2015

Great progress has been made in characterizing the water‐oxidizing complex (WOC) in photosystem II (PSII) with the publication of a 1.9 Å resolution X‐ray diffraction (XRD) and recently a 1.95 Å X‐ray free‐electron laser (XFEL) structure. However, these achievements are under threat because of perceived conflicts with other experimental data. For the earlier 1.9 Å structure, lack of agreement with extended X‐ray absorption fine structure (EXAFS) data led to the notion that the WOC suffered from X‐ray photoreduction. In the recent 1.95 Å structure, Mn photoreduction is not an issue, but poor agreement with computational models which adopt the ‘high’ oxidation state paradigm, has again resulted in criticism of the structure on the basis of contamination with lower S states of the WOC. Here we use DFT modeling to show that the distinct WOC geometries in the 1.9 and 1.95 Å structures can be straightforwardly accounted for when the Mn oxidation states are consistent with the ‘low’ oxidation state paradigm. Remarkably, our calculations show that the two structures are tautomers, related by a single proton relocation.
Cumulene Rotaxanes: Stabilization and Study of [9]Cumulenes
Authors: Franz Michael , Januszewski Johanna A. , Wendinger Dominik , Neiss Christian , Movsisyan Levon D. , Hampel Frank , Anderson Harry L. , Görling Andreas , Tykwinski Rik R.
Published: April 2015

The stabilization of long [n]cumulenes has traditionally been achieved by placing sterically bulky “protecting groups” at the termini, which shield the reactive carbon chain from unwanted reactions. Herein, we present an alternative strategy: stabilization through threading the sp‐hybridized carbon chain through a phenanthroline‐based macrocycle. The result is stable [9]cumulene rotaxanes that enable the study of properties as a function of length for [n]cumulenes in unprecedented detail, including by quantitative UV/Vis spectroscopy, cyclic voltammetry, and differential scanning calorimetry. The experimental results are supported by DFT calculations.
Meta-analysis of the effect of preoperative breast MRI on the surgical management of ductal carcinoma in situ
Authors: Fancellu A , Turner R M , Dixon J M , Pinna A , Cottu P , Houssami N
Published: April 2015

Background

MRI has been used increasingly in the diagnosis and management of women with invasive breast cancer. However, its usefulness in the preoperative assessment of ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) remains questionable. A meta-analysis was conducted to examine the effects of MRI on surgical treatment of DCIS by analysing studies comparing preoperative MRI with conventional preoperative assessment.

Methods

Using random-effects modelling, the proportion of women with various outcomes in the MRI versus no-MRI groups was estimated, and the odds ratio (OR) and adjusted OR (adjusted for study-level median age) for each model were calculated.

Results

Nine eligible studies were identified that included 1077 women with DCIS who had preoperative MRI and 2175 who did not. MRI significantly increased the odds of having initial mastectomy (OR 1·72, P = 0·012; adjusted OR 1·76, P = 0·010). There were no significant differences in the proportion of women with positive margins following breast-conserving surgery (BCS) in the MRI and no-MRI groups (OR 0·80, P = 0·059; adjusted OR 1·10, P = 0·716), nor in the necessity of reoperation for positive margins after BCS (OR 1·06, P = 0·759; adjusted OR 1·04, P = 0·844). Overall mastectomy rates did not differ significantly according to whether or not MRI was performed (OR 1·23, P = 0·340; adjusted OR 0·97, P = 0·881).

Conclusion

Preoperative MRI in women with DCIS is not associated with improvement in surgical outcomes.
Baseline prevalence of abdominal aortic aneurysm, peripheral arterial disease and hypertension in men aged 65–74 years from a population screening study (VIVA trial)
Authors: Grøndal N , Søgaard R , Lindholt J S
Published: April 2015

Background

Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) screening has been introduced into some health systems and could easily be supplemented with broader vascular screening. The aim of this study was to evaluate the screening set-up and investigate combined screening for AAA, peripheral arterial disease (PAD) and possible hypertension (HT), and detection rates.

Methods

This observational study was based on the intervention arm of a screening trial in 25 083 Danish men aged 65–74 years. A combined screening programme for AAA, PAD and HT was offered at local hospitals. Participants with positive test results were offered secondary prophylaxis and/or referred to their general practitioner. The programme set-up included decentralized screening by three mobile teams at 14 venues. Diagnostic criteria were: aortic diameter at least 30 mm for AAA, ankle : brachial pressure index below 0·9 or above 1·4 for PAD, and BP exceeding 160/100 mmHg for HT.

Results

Overall, 18 749 men (uptake 74·7 per cent) attended the screening. An AAA was diagnosed in 3·3 (95 per cent c.i. 3·0 to 3·6) per cent, PAD in 10·9 (10·5 to 11·4) per cent and HT in 10·5 (10·0 to 10·9) per cent. Lipid-lowering and/or antiplatelet treatment was initiated in 34·8 per cent of the participants.

Conclusion

Preventive actions were started in one-third of the attenders. The long-term effect of this on morbidity and mortality is an important part of future analysis. The trial confirms that the prevalence of AAA in Denmark has decreased only slightly in the past decade, from 4·0 to 3·3 per cent, in contrast to other nations.
Application of an aqueous two‐phase micellar system to extract bromelain from pineapple (Ananas comosus) peel waste and analysis of bromelain stability in cosmetic formulations
Authors: Spir Lívia Genovez , Ataide Janaína Artem , De Lencastre Novaes Letícia Celia , De Borba Gurpilhares Daniela , Moriel Patrícia , Silveira Edgar , Pessoa Adalberto , Tambourgi Elias Basile , Mazzola Priscila Gava
Published: April 2015

Bromelain is a set of proteolytic enzymes found in pineapple (Ananas comosus) tissues such as stem, fruit and leaves. Because of its proteolytic activity, bromelain has potential applications in the cosmetic, pharmaceutical, and food industries. The present study focused on the recovery of bromelain from pineapple peel by liquid–liquid extraction in aqueous two‐phase micellar systems (ATPMS), using Triton X‐114 (TX‐114) and McIlvaine buffer, in the absence and presence of electrolytes CaCl2 and KI; the cloud points of the generated extraction systems were studied by plotting binodal curves. Based on the cloud points, three temperatures were selected for extraction: 30, 33, and 36°C for systems in the absence of salts; 40, 43, and 46°C in the presence of KI; 24, 27, and 30°C in the presence of CaCl2. Total protein and enzymatic activities were analyzed to monitor bromelain. Employing the ATPMS chosen for extraction (0.5 M KI with 3% TX‐114, at pH 6.0, at 40°C), the bromelain extract stability was assessed after incorporation into three cosmetic bases: an anhydrous gel, a cream, and a cream‐gel formulation. The cream‐gel formulation presented as the most appropriate base to convey bromelain, and its optimal storage conditions were found to be 4.0 ± 0.5°C. The selected ATPMS enabled the extraction of a biomolecule with high added value from waste lined‐up in a cosmetic formulation, allowing for exploration of further cosmetic potential. © 2015 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Biotechnol. Prog., 31:937–945, 2015
What Makes a Strong Organic Electron Donor (or Acceptor)?
Authors: Eberle Benjamin , Hübner Olaf , Ziesak Alexandra , Kaifer Elisabeth , Himmel Hans‐Jörg
Published: April 2015

Organic electron donors are of importance for a number of applications. However, the factors that are essential for a directed design of compounds with desired reduction power are not clear. Here, we analyze these factors in detail. The intrinsic reduction power, which neglects the environment, has to be separated from extrinsic (e.g., solvent) effects. This power could be quantified by the gas‐phase ionization energy. The experimentally obtained redox potentials in solution and the calculated ionization energies in a solvent (modeled with the conductor‐like screening model (COSMO)) include both intrinsic and extrinsic factors. An increase in the conjugated π‐system of organic electron donors leads to an increase in the intrinsic reduction power, but also decreases the solvent stabilization. Hence, intrinsic and extrinsic effects compete against each other; generally the extrinsic effects dominate. We suggest a simple relationship between the redox potential in solution and the gas‐phase ionization energy and the volume of an organic electron donor. We finally arrive at formulas that allow for an estimate of the (gas‐phase) ionization energy of an electron donor or the (gas‐phase) electron affinity of an electron acceptor from the measured redox potentials in solution. The formulas could be used for neutral organic molecules with no or only small static dipole moment and relatively uniform charge distribution after oxidation/reduction.
Formation of Contiguous Quaternary and Tertiary Stereocenters by Sequential Asymmetric Conjugate Addition of Grignard Reagents to 2‐Substituted Enones and Mg–Enolate Trapping
Authors: Germain Nicolas , Alexakis Alexandre
Published: April 2015

Herein a comprehensive study is provided on the asymmetric conjugate addition (ACA) of Grignard reagents to α‐substituted cyclic enones. After the elucidation of the optimal experimental conditions, the scope of Grignard reagents and Michael acceptors was examined. Whereas secondary Grignards gave better enantioselectivities with 2‐cyclopentenones, both linear and branched Grignard reagents were tolerated for the ACA to 2‐methylcyclohexenone. The sequential ACA–enolate trapping, which leads to quaternary stereocenters, was then studied. Thus, many electrophiles have been tested, thereby giving rise to highly functionalized cyclic ketones with contiguous α‐quaternary and β‐tertiary centers. The present technique is believed to bring a new approach to versatile terpenoid‐like skeletons of bioactive natural products. Straightforward derivatizations of enantioenriched saturated cyclic ketones further support the potential of the present methodology in synthesis.
The 6,6‐Dicyanopentafulvene Core: A Template for the Design of Electron‐Acceptor Compounds
Authors: Finke Aaron D. , Jahn Burkhard O. , Saithalavi Anas , Dahlstrand Christian , Nauroozi Djawed , Haberland Sophie , Gisselbrecht Jean‐Paul , Boudon Corinne , Mijangos Edgar , Schweizer W. Bernd , Ott Sascha , Ottosson Henrik , Diederich François
Published: April 2015

The electron‐accepting ability of 6,6‐dicyanopentafulvenes (DCFs) can be varied extensively through substitution on the five‐membered ring. The reduction potentials for a set of 2,3,4,5‐tetraphenyl‐substituted DCFs, with varying substituents at the para‐position of the phenyl rings, strongly correlate with their Hammett σp‐parameters. By combining cyclic voltammetry with DFT calculations ((U)B3LYP/6‐311+G(d)), using the conductor‐like polarizable continuum model (CPCM) for implicit solvation, the absolute reduction potentials of a set of twenty DCFs were reproduced with a mean absolute deviation of 0.10 eV and a maximum deviation of 0.19 eV. Our experimentally investigated DCFs have reduction potentials within 3.67–4.41 eV, however, the computations reveal that DCFs with experimental reduction potentials as high as 5.3 eV could be achieved, higher than that of F4‐TCNQ (5.02 eV). Thus, the DCF core is a template that allows variation in the reduction potentials by about 1.6 eV.
A Visible Light Photocatalytic Cross‐Dehydrogenative Coupling/Dehydrogenation/6π‐Cyclization/Oxidation Cascade: Synthesis of 12‐Nitroindoloisoquinolines from 2‐Aryltetrahydroisoquinolines
Authors: Rusch Fabian , Unkel Lisa‐Natascha , Alpers Dirk , Hoffmann Frank , Brasholz Malte
Published: April 2015

A visible light‐induced photocatalytic dehydrogenation/6π‐cyclization/oxidation cascade converts 1‐(nitromethyl)‐2‐aryl‐1,2,3,4‐tetrahydroisoquinolines into novel 12‐nitro‐substituted tetracyclic indolo[2,1‐a]isoquinoline derivatives. Various photocatalysts promote the reaction in the presence of air and a base, the most efficient being 1‐aminoanthraquinone in combination with K3PO4. Further, the 12‐nitroindoloisoquinoline products can be accessed directly from C1‐unfunctionalized 2‐aryl‐1,2,3,4‐tetrahydroisoquinolines by extending the one‐pot protocol with a foregoing photocatalytic cross‐dehydrogenative coupling reaction, resulting in a quadruple cascade transformation.
Increased proliferation in atypical hyperplasia/endometrioid intraepithelial neoplasia of the endometrium with concurrent inactivation of ARID1A and PTEN tumour suppressors
Authors: Ayhan Ayse , Mao Tsui‐Lien , Suryo Rahmanto Yohan , Zeppernick Felix , Ogawa Hiroshi , Wu Ren‐Chin , Wang Tian‐Li , Shih Ie‐Ming
Published: April 2015

Abstract Uterine endometrioid carcinoma is the most common neoplastic disease in the female genital tract and develops from a common precursor lesion, atypical hyperplasia/endometrioid intraepithelial neoplasia (AH/EIN). Although the genomic landscape of endometrioid carcinoma has been recently revealed, the molecular alterations that contribute to tumour progression from AH/EIN to carcinoma remain to be elucidated. In this study, we used immunohistochemistry to determine if loss of expression of two of the most commonly mutated tumour suppressors in endometrioid carcinoma, PTEN and ARID1A, was associated with increased proliferation in AH/EIN. We found that 80 (70%) of 114 cases exhibited decreased or undetectable PTEN and 17 (15%) of 114 cases had focal loss of ARID1A staining. ARID1A loss was focal, while PTEN loss was diffuse, and all specimens with ARID1A loss had concurrent PTEN loss (p = 0.0003). Mapping the distribution of PTEN and ARID1A staining in the same specimens demonstrated that all AH/EIN areas with ARID1A loss were geographically nested within the areas of PTEN loss. A significant increase in the proliferative activity was observed in areas of AH/EIN with concurrent loss of PTEN and ARID1A compared to immediately adjacent AH/EIN areas showing only PTEN loss. In a cell culture system, co‐silencing of ARID1A and PTEN in human endometrial epithelial cells increased cellular proliferation to a greater degree than silencing either ARID1A or PTEN alone. These results suggest an essential gatekeeper role for ARID1A that prevents PTEN inactivation from promoting cellular proliferation in the transition of pre‐cancerous lesions to uterine endometrioid carcinoma.
Titanium Dioxide/Graphene Oxide Nanocomposites as Heterogeneous Catalysts for the Esterification of Benzoic Acid with Dimethyl Carbonate
Authors: Josephine Durairaj Santhakumar Ruby , Sakthivel Balasubramanian , Sethuraman Kunjithapatham , Dhakshinamoorthy Amarajothi
Published: April 2015

Graphene oxide (GO) was prepared by modified Hummers' method starting from commercially available graphite. Different amounts of titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiO2) were loaded on the sheets of GO to obtain titanium dioxide/graphene oxide (TiO2/GO) nanocomposites. The as‐synthesized 5 wt % TiO2/GO nanocomposite was characterized by UV/Vis spectroscopy, photoluminescence spectroscopy, FTIR, powder X‐ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and atomic force microscopy techniques. The catalytic activity of the 5 wt % TiO2/GO nanocomposite was evaluated in the esterification of benzoic acid using dimethyl carbonate (DMC) as a green methylating agent. Furthermore, the activity of this nanocomposite for the conversion of benzoic acid was higher than that of the parent GO, TiO2, TiO2/activated carbon, and TiO2/graphite.