bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Preliminary Study of Fish Communities in an Estuarine Environment: The Ouladine Lagoon, Côte d'Ivoire
Authors: Djogli Khévine Robaverge Mahougnon , Eyi Annigbé Justin , Amenoudji Cossi Irénée , Amoutchi Amien Isaac , Dennis Hannah Ukamaka
Published: August 2024

This work aimed to provide the first data on the structure and organization of the fish population in Ouladine lagoon. The ichthyofauna of the Ouladine lagoon was sampled monthly from November 2022 to February 2023 using artisanal and commercial fishing. Catches were taken using a wide range of fishing gear (gillnets, harpoons and cast net) over the entire exploitable surface of the Ouladine lagoon ecosystem. A total of 25 species belonging to 17 families and 9 orders were identified. The orders with the highest number of families and species are the Perciformes (5 families and 12 species), followed by the Characiformes (3 families and 3 species) and the Gobiiformes (2 families and 3 species). The best represented family is the Cichlidae with 8 species. The main species are Sarotherodon melanotheron (41.6%), Coptodon guineensis (16.92%), Coptodon zillii (10.23%) and Chrysichthys nigrogitatus (7.78%). Sixteen (16%) marine species and one vulnerable species (Sardinella maderensis) were recorded among all the catches. The Shannon-Weaver diversity and equitability indices calculated over the entire study period were 1.97 bits/individual and 0.61 respectively, reflecting a diversified and organized environment. These results will serve as a reference for future investigations into the monitoring and conservation of species in the lagoon.
Evaluation of the Physiological and Agronomic Performance of New Sesame Varieties (Sesamum indicum L.) Introduced in Burkina Faso
Authors: Badiel Badoua , Kihindo Pascal Adama , Dondassé Edmond , Nana Rasmata , Ouédraogo Razacswendé Fanta , Tamini Zoumbiessé
Published: August 2024

In Burkina Faso, where agriculture employs more than 80% of the working population and contributes more than 40% of GDP, stepping up research in this field is becoming necessary for sustainable food and economic resilience. Thus, this study was carried out on sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) to highlight the morpho-physiological and agronomic performance of new sesame varieties. The experiment was conducted at the Gameplay agropedagogical station, east of Ouagadougou. A randomized complete block design with 3 replications was used. The study revealed that seed emergence took place on 3 DAS, the start of flowering varied with variety, and the cycle length was 90 days for all varieties. Varieties SN103 (24.5 mm) and SN303 (23 mm) were the most vigorous. S42 produced more capsules (245.53 capsules/plant), while LC162 (155.33 capsules/plant) and SN303 (154.47 capsules/plant) produced fewer. SN103 (84.80 seeds/capsule) and SN203 (82.66 seeds/capsule) had more seeds. Seeds of all varieties are statistically the same weight (approx. 3.4 g/1000 seeds). Thus, in descending order of seed yield, we have: S42 (57.43 g/plant) HB168 (50.05 g/plant), SN103 (49.81 g/plant), SN203 (47.49 g/plant), SN303 (40.97 g/plant) then LC162(37.89 g/plant). The most productive variety of foreign origin is therefore HB168. It needs to be subjected to water deficit conditions to assess its adaptability.
Triketone Derivates of Hydroxyl Phenyl Pyruvate Dioxygenase (HPPD) as Potential Herbicides against Diverse Weed Flora in Maize: Efficacy, Phyto-toxicity, Soil Residual Toxicity Impact on Succeeding Sunflower
Authors: Karthikeyan R. , Priya R. Sathya , Bharathi C. , Janaki P. , Chinnusamy C. , Kandeshwari M. , Saranraj T. , Balamurugan R.
Published: August 2024

Aim: Field experiments were conducted for two years during 2016-17 to 2017-18 to evaluate the compatibility of tembotrione 420 SC (Laudis) on maize and its residual effect on succeeding crop.
Methodology: Randomized complete block design with three replications were used. TNAU maize hybrid CO6 variety was sown with spacing of 60cm x 30cm. Seven weed control treatments were combined with various herbicide dosages followed by tembotrione (420 SC), 2,4-dimethyl amine salt (58% SL), atrazine (50% WP) and surfactant (isoxadifen-ethyl) were sprayed.
Results: POE tembotrione at 120 g a.i.ha-1 + surfactant at 1000 ml + atrazine at 500 g a.i.ha-1 applied at 2-4 leaf stage provided satisfactory control of all types of weeds (grassy weeds, broad-leaved weeds and sedges) in maize without causing any crop phyto-toxicity on maize, which led to a higher grain yield and improved profitability. It was significantly controlled the dominant grassy and broad-leaved weeds which are Setaria verticillata (L.), Dactyloctenium aegyptium (L.), Panicum repens (L.), Cyperus rotundus (L.), Trianthema portulacastrum (L.) and Cleome gynandra (L.) as compared to the remaining herbicidal treatment. Laudis with different herbicide combinations had no phyto-toxicity on maize and it had no residual toxicity effect in sunflower subsequent crop.
Interpretation: Compatibility of tembotrione (420 SC)  at 120 g a.i.ha-1 + surfactant at 1000 ml + atrazine (50% WP)  at 500 g a.i.ha-1 at 20 and 40 DAHS can maintain the total weed density and dry weight at a reasonable level and increase the productivity of rabi maize.
Humic Acid as an Organic Biosurfactant in Amelioration of Physical Constraints of Sandy Soils
Authors: Ashokan Akhila , V. Mini , B. Rani
Published: August 2024

Soil productivity is often attributed to soil structure, as fertile soil with ideal soil structure and adequate moisture level is considered productive. Soil structure is a key factor that influences the movement and retention of water in the soil, the pattern of soil erosion, the formation of crusts, nutrient recycling, root penetration, and the productivity of crops. The present study aims to assess the biosurfactant property of humic acid (HA) in weakly structured sandy soil. An incubation study was carried out by soil application of different doses of HA viz;0, 2.5, 5, 10 and 15 kg ha-1 for 30 days at field capacity. Soil supplemented with 15 kg ha-1 HA was observed to have the highest percentage of water stable aggregates (WSA), water holding capacity (WHC), and porosity, and the lowest value for bulk density (BD), dispersion ratio (DR) and clay dispersion ratio (CDR). The study proves that applying HA at the aforementioned dosage can bring about a notable enhancement in the stability in poorly structured sandy soils. Such organic biomolecules capable enough to bring about consistent improvements to soil quality within a short period will be beneficial for alleviating major obstacles in sustainable agriculture.
Effect of Honey and Vitamin C on the Growth Performance of Broiler Chickens
Authors: E.I. Azaka, , A.N. Ufele, , B.U. Ononye, , V.O. Offor, , P.I. Afoemezie, , K.C. Mbelede, , C.S. Olisa, , N.C. Okafor,
Published: August 2024

Most African countries experience the challenge of food shortage, primarily protein from animal origin. The current research was conducted to examine the effect of honey and vitamin C on the growth performance of broiler chickens. This study employed sixty broiler chickens that were four weeks old which were assigned to four dietary treatments.Treatment 1 was assigned to broilers in cage A which contained no honey and no vitamin C (Control) in their drinking water. Treatment 2 was assigned to broilers in cage B which contained only 5 ml of honey (H). Treatment 3 was assigned to broilers in cage C which contained only 100 mg of vitamin C (C). Treatment 4 was assigned to broilers in cage D which contained 5 ml of honey and 100 mg of vitamin C (HC). This study lasted for 10 weeks and the following parameters were monitored: weight gain and feed intake. The data collected were subjected to analysis of variance at 5% significant level. The result of this study revealed that the highest feed intake (P<0.05) was recorded in the broilers on Treatment 4 (4182.67 g) followed by those in Treatment 3 (4044.33 g), while the least feed intake was recorded in Treatment 1 (2096.67 g). Broilers on Treatment 4 gained the most weight (2013.333g), whereas those on Treatment 1 gained the least (1422.00g). The broilers in Treatment 4 had the highest specific growth rate (10.84g%/day), whereas Treatment 1 had the lowest (10.33g%/day). The highest feed conversion ratio was recorded in the broilers on Treatment 1 (1.49) while the least was recorded in Treatment 3 (2.50). There was significant difference (P<0.05) among the feed conversion ratio of broiler chicks given the four treatments after 10 weeks. It was concluded that it is better to use a combination of 5 ml honey and 100 mg vitamin C than using honey and vitamin C separately to improve the growth performance of broiler chickens.
An unusual long‐lived relativistic electron enhancement event excited by sequential CMEs
Authors: Yang Xiao C. , Zhu Guang W. , Zhang Xiao X. , Sun Yue Q. , Liang Jin B. , Wei Xin H.
Published: October 2014

An unusual long‐lived intense relativistic electron enhancement event from July to August 2004 is examined using data from Fengyun‐1, POES, GOES, ACE, the Cluster Mission, and geomagnetic indices. During the initial 6 days of this event, the observed fluxes in the outer zone enhanced continuously, and their maximum increased from 2.1 × 102 cm−2 sr−1 s−1 to 3.5 × 104 cm−2 sr−1 s−1, the region of enhanced fluxes extended from L = 3.5–6.5 to L = 2.5–6.5, and the flux peak location shifted inward from L ~ 4.2 to L ~ 3.3. During the following 7 days, without any locational movement, the flux peak increased slowly and exceeded the prestorm fluxes by about 4 orders of magnitude. Subsequently, the decay rate of relativistic electrons is so slow that the peak remains over 104 cm−2 sr−1 s−1 for about 30 days. The drift resonance between ULF waves, which arose from high‐speed solar wind and frequent impulses of solar wind dynamic pressure, and energetic electrons injected by substorms could be an important acceleration mechanism in this event. The local acceleration by whistler mode chorus could be another mechanism contributing to this enhancement. The plasmaspheric response to the interplanetary disturbances reveals that the enhanced outer zone is divided into two portions by the plasmapause. Accordingly, the slow loss rate in the plasmasphere due to hiss primarily contributed to the long‐lived characteristic of this event. This event reveals that the outer zone population behaviors are dominated by the interplanetary variations together with the responses of geomagnetic field and plasmasphere to these variations.
Large‐Scale Green Synthesis of Fluorescent Carbon Nanodots and Their Use in Optics Applications
Authors: Wang Jie , Peng Fei , Lu Yimei , Zhong Yiling , Wang Siyi , Xu Meifeng , Ji Xiaoyuan , Su Yuanyuan , Liao Liangsheng , He Yao
Published: October 2014

An easy and green synthetic strategy for the one‐pot large‐scale preparation of carbon nanodots (C‐dots) is demonstrated. The C‐dots have a series of excellent optical features such as strong fluorescence and excitation‐wavelength‐dependent photoluminescence properties. Notably, C‐dots can be rapidly and facilely achieved on a large scale (e.g., 0.3 g C‐dots/25 min) by using cheap, accessible, and natural materials (e.g., milk, honey, silk, hair, lemon, and magnolia) as the green carbonaceous precursor. The as‐prepared C‐dots, which are shown to serve as high‐performance fluorescent stains, are superbly suitable for a variety of optics‐related applications, including in vitro and in vivo bioimaging, printing inks, and sensors. Eventually, this kind of microwave‐assisted strategy could serve as a powerful tool for synthesizing large‐scale C‐dots with strong fluorescence, holding great promise for myriad optics‐related applications.
DNA extracted from saliva for methylation studies of psychiatric traits: Evidence tissue specificity and relatedness to brain
Authors: Smith Alicia K. , Kilaru Varun , Klengel Torsten , Mercer Kristina B. , Bradley Bekh , Conneely Karen N. , Ressler Kerry J. , Binder Elisabeth B.
Published: October 2014

DNA methylation has become increasingly recognized in the etiology of psychiatric disorders. Because brain tissue is not accessible in living humans, epigenetic studies are most often conducted in blood. Saliva is often collected for genotyping studies but is rarely used to examine DNA methylation because the proportion of epithelial cells and leukocytes varies extensively between individuals. The goal of this study was to evaluate whether saliva DNA is informative for studies of psychiatric disorders. DNA methylation (HumanMethylation450 BeadChip) was assessed in saliva and blood samples from 64 adult African Americans. Analyses were conducted using linear regression adjusted for appropriate covariates, including estimated cellular proportions. DNA methylation from brain tissues (cerebellum, frontal cortex, entorhinal cortex, and superior temporal gyrus) was obtained from a publically available dataset. Saliva and blood methylation was clearly distinguishable though there was positive correlation overall. There was little correlation in CpG sites within relevant candidate genes. Correlated CpG sites were more likely to occur in areas of low CpG density (i.e., CpG shores and open seas). There was more variability in CpG sites from saliva than blood, which may reflect its heterogeneity. Finally, DNA methylation in saliva appeared more similar to patterns from each of the brain regions examined overall than methylation in blood. Thus, this study provides a framework for using DNA methylation from saliva and suggests that DNA methylation of saliva may offer distinct opportunities for epidemiological and longitudinal studies of psychiatric traits. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Massenspektrometrie zur Quantifizierung von Wechselwirkungen zwischen Proteinen – von molekularen Chaperonen zu Membranporinen
Authors: Hopper Jonathan T. S. , Robinson Carol V.
Published: October 2014

Die Struktur von Proteinen steht in engem Zusammenhang mit ihrer Funktion, wobei gefaltete Proteinstrukturen Erkennungsmotive zur Bindung von Liganden und anderen Proteinen darstellen. Die Massenspektrometrie (MS) kann Informationen auf verschiedenen Ebenen der Proteinstruktur zur Verfügung stellen, angefangen bei der primären Aminosäuresequenz bis hin zur dreidimensionalen Faltung und Wechselwirkungen innerhalb der Quartärstruktur. Da es sich bei der MS um ein Gasphasenverfahren handelt, scheint es vielleicht widersinnig, sie zur Untersuchung der Struktur und nichtkovalenten Wechselwirkungen von Proteinen in Lösung zu nutzen. Wir zeigen hier jedoch durch neue Einblicke in dynamische Netzwerke aus Wechselwirkungen, Dissoziationsmechanismen und die Kooperativität der Ligandenbindung, dass MS‐Untersuchungen über die simple Erhaltung von Proteinwechselwirkungen in der Gasphase hinausgehen können. Wir ziehen mögliche Stolpersteine bei der Dateninterpretation in Betracht und legen einen besonderen Schwerpunkt auf jüngste Untersuchungen, die quantitative Informationen über dynamische Proteinwechselwirkungen sowohl in löslichen als auch in Membran‐gebundenen Proteinanordnungen liefern.
Legieren von Nanopartikeln im begrenzten Raum: Synthese eines aktiven und stabilen PtNi‐Brennstoffzellenkatalysators
Authors: Baldizzone Claudio , Mezzavilla Stefano , Carvalho Hudson W. P. , Meier Josef Christian , Schuppert Anna K. , Heggen Marc , Galeano Carolina , Grunwaldt Jan‐Dierk , Schüth Ferdi , Mayrhofer Karl J. J.
Published: October 2014

Die Effizienz von Polymerelektrolytmembran‐Brennstoffzellen hängt stark von der Funktionalität der Elektrokatalysatoren ab, d. h. deren Aktivität und Stabilität. Wir beschreiben hier die Entwicklung eines Katalysators, der die typische Aktivität nanoskaliger Pt‐Legierungen in der kathodischen Sauerstoffreduktion mit der exzellenten Stabilität eines nanostrukturierten Trägermaterials vereint. Aufgrund seiner hohen spezifischen Aktivität und großen aktiven Oberfläche zeigt der Katalysator eine ungewöhnliche massenbezogene Aktivität von 10 A mgPt−1. In beschleunigten Alterungstests behielt der Katalysator seine ursprüngliche Oberfläche und intrinsische Aktivität unter üblichen Betriebsbedingungen bei. Dieses exzellente Verhalten wird durch die raumbegrenzte Legierung der Nanopartikel in den Poren des Trägermaterials erreicht.
Schnelle Autoxidation bildet hochoxidierte RO2‐Radikale in der Atmosphäre
Authors: Jokinen Tuija , Sipilä Mikko , Richters Stefanie , Kerminen Veli‐Matti , Paasonen Pauli , Stratmann Frank , Worsnop Douglas , Kulmala Markku , Ehn Mikael , Herrmann Hartmut , Berndt Torsten
Published: October 2014

Auf welchen Wegen biogene Emissionen (vor allem Isopren und Monoterpene) in der Gasphase der Atmosphäre oxidiert werden, ist Gegenstand intensiver Forschung. Besonderes Interesse gilt hierbei der Bildung von Aerosolbestandteilen. Diese Laborstudie zeigt, dass die häufigsten Monoterpene (Limonen und α‐Pinen) nach dem Angriff von O3 oder OH‐Radikalen innerhalb von Sekunden hochoxidierte RO2‐Radikale mit bis zu 12 O‐Atomen und zugehörige geschlossenschalige Endprodukte bilden. Der Gesamtprozess, intramolekulare ROO→QOOH‐Reaktion mit anschließender O2‐Addition und Bildung eines neuen R′OO‐Radikals, ähnelt den bekannten Autoxidationsprozessen in flüssiger Phase (QOOH steht für ein Hydroperoxyalkyl‐Radikal). Feldmessungen belegen die Bedeutung des Prozesses für die Atmosphärenchemie. Somit ist das Prinzip der Autoxidation auf die Gasphasenoxidation von Kohlenwasserstoffen in der Atmosphäre anwendbar; sie liefert extrem schwerflüchtige Produkte, die zur organischen Aerosolmasse beitragen und dadurch das Aerosol‐Wolken‐Klimasystem beeinflussen.
Axially Chiral BODIPY DYEmers: An Apparent Exception to the Exciton Chirality Rule
Authors: Bruhn Torsten , Pescitelli Gennaro , Jurinovich Sandro , Schaumlöffel Anu , Witterauf Franziska , Ahrens Johannes , Bröring Martin , Bringmann Gerhard
Published: October 2014

The exciton chirality method (ECM) is commonly recognized as one of the best approaches to assign the absolute configuration of biaryls. This paper reports the first exception to this method for a simple biaryl system. ECD and VCD measurements in combination with DFT (B3LYP/6‐311G*), TDDFT (CAM‐B3LYP/6‐311G*), and Coupled‐Cluster (RI‐SCS‐CC2) calculations were used to determine the absolute configurations of axially chiral BODIPY DYEmers. The ECM fails to predict the sign of the intense CD couplet at 500 nm of the 1,1′‐coupled dimer. The odd behavior was rationalized by considering the strong transition magnetic dipole associated with the 500 nm transition, which leads to an unexpected dominance of the μm coupling at the expense of the μμ one in these compounds. This is the first case in which a strong μm coupling hampers the use of the ECM, but this behavior should not be restricted to the BODIPY chromophore.
Probing the interactions between carboxylated multi‐walled carbon nanotubes and copper–zinc superoxide dismutase at a molecular level
Authors: Guan Jin , Liu Guiliang , Cai Kai , Gao Canzhu , Liu Rutao
Published: October 2014

In order to evaluate the toxicity of multi‐walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs‐COOH) at a molecular level, the effect of MWCNTs‐COOH on antioxidant enzyme copper–zinc superoxide dismutase (Cu/ZnSOD) was investigated using fluorescence spectroscopy, UV/vis absorption spectroscopy, circular dichroism (CD) spectroscopy and isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC). By deducting the inner filter effect (IFE), the fluorescence emission spectra and synchronous fluorescence spectra indicated that there were interactions between MWCNTs‐COOH and Cu/ZnSOD. Moreover, the microenvironment of the amino acid residues in the enzyme was changed slightly. The UV/vis absorption and CD spectroscopic results showed appreciable conformational changes in Cu/ZnSOD. However, the results of a Cu/ZnSOD activity determination did not show any significant difference. In other words, MWCNTs‐COOH has no significant effect on enzyme activity. The ITC results showed that the binding of MWCNTs‐COOH to Cu/ZnSOD was a weak endothermic process, indicating that the predominant force of the binding was hydrophobic interaction. Moreover, it was essential to consider the IFE in fluorescence assays, which might affect the accuracy and precision of the results. The above results are helpful in evaluating the oxidative stress induced by MWCNTs‐COOH in vivo. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Bone mineralization is regulated by signaling cross talk between molecular factors of local and systemic origin: The role of fibroblast growth factor 23
Authors: Sapir‐Koren Rony , Livshits Gregory
Published: October 2014

Body phosphate homeostasis is regulated by a hormonal counter‐balanced intestine‐bone‐kidney axis. The major systemic hormones involved in this axis are parathyroid hormone (PTH), 1,25‐dihydroxyvitamin‐D, and fibroblast growth factor‐23 (FGF23). FGF23, produced almost exclusively by the osteocytes, is a phosphaturic hormone that plays a major role in regulation of the bone remodeling process. Remodeling composite components, bone mineralization and resorption cycles create a continuous influx‐efflux loop of the inorganic phosphate (Pi) through the skeleton. This “bone Pi loop,” which is formed, is controlled by local and systemic factors according to phosphate homeostasis demands. Although FGF23 systemic actions in the kidney, and for the production of PTH and 1,25‐dihydroxyvitamin‐D are well established, its direct involvement in bone metabolism is currently poorly understood. This review presents the latest available evidence suggesting two aspects of FGF23 bone local activity: (a) Regulation of FGF23 production by both local and systemic factors. The suggested local factors include extracellular levels of Pi and pyrophosphate (PPi), (the Pi/PPi ratio), and another osteocyte‐derived protein, sclerostin. In addition, 1,25‐dihydroxyvitamin‐D, synthesized locally by bone cells, may contribute to regulation of FGF23 production. The systemic control is achieved via PTH and 1,25‐dihydroxyvitamin‐D endocrine functions. (b) FGF23 acts as a local agent, directly affecting bone mineralization. We support the assumption that under balanced physiological conditions, sclerostin, by para‐ autocrine signaling, upregulates FGF23 production by the osteocyte. FGF23, in turn, acts as a mineralization inhibitor, by stimulating the generation of the major mineralization antagonist—PPi. © 2014 BioFactors, 40(6):555–568, 2014
Angiotensin‐converting enzyme inhibition, cell growth, and left ventricular hypertrophy in hypertension
Authors: Giles Thomas D.
Published: October 2014

Left ventricular hypertrophy is now recognized as an important risk marker in cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Left ventricular hypertrophy is an integral component of the complex pathophysiology of primary hypertension and results from mechanical, neurohumoral, and genetic factors. The renin‐angiotensin system is involved with the production of left ventricular hypertrophy, not only through the effects on systemic arterial blood pressure but also by both direct and indirect effects on myocardial cell growth. The angiotensin‐converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors are effective drugs for reducing blood pressure in primary hypertension. ACE inhibitor therapy is also associated with regression of left ventricular hypertrophy and restoration of normal diastolic and systolic left ventricular function. Regression of left ventricular hypertrophy is associated with improved prognosis. Thus, when left ventricular hypertrophy regression is a goal of antihypertensive treatment, the ACE inhibitors are effective drugs.
The use of benazepril in hypertensive patients age 55 and over
Authors: Smith Mcfate W. , Gomez Hector J.
Published: October 2014

Benazepril, a newer angiotensin‐converting enzyme inhibitor, has been evaluated for the treatment of mild to moderate hypertension in patients 55 years of age and older. The results of the clinical trials conducted to date indicate that benazepril provides effective antihypertensive therapy in this population, with efficacy comparable to that demonstrated in younger patients. Benazepril does not produce precipitous decreases in diastolic blood pressure following the initial dose, and is well tolerated by the elderly. It has a safety profile similar to that of placebo and generally better than that of hydrochlorothiazide.
Prins–Arylthiolation Reaction on Terpenoids: Diastereoselective Synthesis of 4‐Arylthiooctahydro‐2H‐chromenes
Authors: Sarmah Barnali , Baishya Gakul , Baruah Rajani K.
Published: October 2014

(–)‐Isopulegol undergoes Prins‐arylthiolation with different aldehydes and cyclohexanone in the presence of HBF4·OEt2 to generate a library of 4‐arylthiooctahydro‐2H‐chromene derivatives in good to excellent yields with moderate to high cis selectivity at ambient temperature in dichloromethane. Readily available HBF4·OEt2 as a catalyst outshines CF3CO2H, which is generally used in excess amounts in Prins cyclization and domino Prins‐arylthiolation reactions.
Study of water‐mist behaviour in hot air induced by a room fire: Model development, validation and verification
Authors: Mahmud H. M. Iqbal , Moinuddin Khalid A. M. , Thorpe Graham R.
Published: October 2014

Water‐mists are emerging as an effective agent for the suppression of fires. However, the mechanisms of suppression are complex and the behaviour of individual water droplets in a smoke layer generated by fires must be quantified. This study investigates the behaviour of individual droplets injected from a nozzle into a hot air environment induced by a room fire. A semi‐empirical model has been developed based on the conservation of mass, momentum and energy to evaluate the heat and mass transfer phenomena in an air‐water droplet system. The model has considered the effect of change of momentum of an evaporating droplet. A forward finite difference approach is applied to solve the governing time dependent ordinary differential equations. The droplets are considered to be ‘lumped mass’ and variable thermo‐physical properties of water and air and the change of Reynolds number of the droplets, due to the change of their diameter and velocity are considered. The effect of high evaporation rate on the mass and heat transfer coefficient and the contribution of radiation emanating by a flame and the surrounding boundary walls are also considered in the model which were not taken into account in the previous studies. Experimental data on terminal velocity and adiabatic saturation temperature are used to validate and verify the model. The validation and verification indicate that the proposed model predicted the terminal velocity within 4% of the experimental data and predicted the saturation temperature within 5% of the adiabatic saturation temperature. This semi‐empirical model is also used as a tool to validate a more comprehensive computational fluid dynamics (CFD) based tool, Fire Dynamics Simulator (FDS). It is found that FDS results agree well with the results of the proposed model. Furthermore, the proposed model can be used to evaluate the temperature, velocity, diameter and other physical properties of a droplet travelling through a layer of hot air. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Genome wide association study identifies a novel putative mammographic density locus at 1q12‐q21
Authors: Fernandez‐Navarro Pablo , González‐Neira Anna , Pita Guillermo , Díaz‐Uriarte Ramón , Tais Moreno Leticia , Ederra María , Pedraz‐Pingarrón Carmen , Sánchez‐Contador Carmen , Vázquez‐Carrete Jose Antonio , Moreo Pilar , Vidal Carmen , Salas‐Trejo Dolores , Stone Jennifer , Southey Melissa C. , Hopper John L. , Pérez‐Gómez Beatriz , Benitez Javier , Pollan Marina
Published: October 2014

Mammographic density (MD) is an intermediate phenotype for breast cancer. Previous studies have identified genetic variants associated with MD; however, much of the genetic contribution to MD is unexplained. We conducted a two‐stage genome‐wide association analysis among the participants in the “Determinants of Density in Mammographies in Spain” study, together with a replication analysis in women from the Australian MD Twins and Sisters Study. Our discovery set covered a total of 3,351 Caucasian women aged 45 to 68 years, recruited from Spanish breast cancer screening centres. MD was blindly assessed by a single reader using Boyd's scale. A two‐stage approach was employed, including a feature selection phase exploring 575,374 SNPs in 239 pairs of women with extreme phenotypes and a verification stage for the 183 selected SNPs in the remaining sample (2,873 women). Replication was conducted in 1,786 women aged 40 to 70 years old recruited via the Australian Twin Registry, where MD were measured using Cumulus‐3.0, assessing 14 SNPs with a p value <0.10 in stage 2. Finally, two genetic variants in high linkage disequilibrium with our best hit were studied using the whole Spanish sample. Evidence of association with MD was found for variant rs11205277 (OR = 0.74; 95% CI = 0.67–0.81; p = 1.33 × 10−10). In replication analysis, only a marginal association between this SNP and absolute dense area was found. There were also evidence of association between MD and SNPs in high linkage disequilibrium with rs11205277, rs11205303 in gene MTMR11 (OR = 0.73; 95% CI = 0.66–0.80; p = 2.64 × 10−11) and rs67807996 in gene OTUD7B (OR = 0.72; 95% CI = 0.66–0.80; p = 2.03 × 10−11). Our findings provide additional evidence on common genetic variations that may contribute to MD.
Microjet‐Initiated Nano‐Gaseous Layer Pinch‐Off from the Surface of a Bubble and Subsequent Breakup
Authors: Xiong Sha , Chin Lip Ket , Tandiono T. , Liu Ai‐Qun , Ohl Claus‐Dieter
Published: October 2014

This paper describes the first observation and study of the pinch‐off and breakup of nano‐gaseous layers from the surface of an accelerated bubble by a microjet. The microjet is generated by the interaction between two bubbles in a microfluidic channel. Femtoliter‐sized bubbles are developed from the breakup of the nano‐gaseous layers due to hydrodynamic instability. The dynamics of this whole process were demonstrated experimentally and studied theoretically. The ability to control the pinch‐off and breakup of a thin layer, especially in micro/nanofluidic systems, offers an opportunity to conduct precise manipulation on nanoscale materials for a wide range of cell biological applications.
Impacts of the feed contaminant deoxynivalenol on the intestine of monogastric animals: poultry and swine
Authors: Ghareeb Khaled , Awad Wageha A. , Böhm Josef , Zebeli Qendrim
Published: October 2014

Deoxynivalenol (DON) is one of the most prevalent cereal contaminants with major public health concerns owing to its high toxigenic potentials. Once ingested, DON first and foremost targets epithelial cells of the gastrointestinal tract, whose proper functioning, as the first line of defence, is of paramount importance for the host's health. Emerging evidences, summarized in this article, suggest that DON produces its toxicity primarily via activation of the mitogen‐activated protein kinases (MAPKs) signalling pathway and alteration in the expression of genes responsible for key physiological and immunological functions of the intestinal tissue of chickens and pigs. The activation of MAPKs signalling cascade results in disruption of the gut barrier function and an increase in the permeability by reducing expression of the tight junction proteins. Exposure to DON also down‐regulates the expression of multiple transporter systems in the enterocytes with subsequent impairment of the absorption of key nutrients. Other major intestinal cytotoxic effects of DON described herein are modulation of mucosal immune responses, leading to immunosupression or stimulation of local immune cells and cytokine release, and also facilitation of the persistence of intestinal pathogens in the gut. Both of the last events potentiate enteric infections and local inflammation in pigs and poultry, rendering enterocytes and the host more vulnerable to luminal toxic compounds. This review highlights the cytotoxic risks associated with the intake of even low levels of DON and also identifies gaps of knowledge that need to be addressed by future research. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Removal of arsenic from drinking water by photo‐catalytic oxidation on MoOx/TiO2 and adsorption on γ‐Al2O3
Authors: Iervolino Giuseppina , Vaiano Vincenzo , Rizzo Luigi , Sarno Giuseppe , Farina Anna , Sannino Diana
Published: October 2014

BACKGROUND

A typical approach for removing As from drinking water includes a pre‐oxidation step to transform the more toxic As(III) to As(V) and a subsequent separation process for As(V) removal. Unfortunately, typical oxidants result in the formation of toxic oxidation by‐products, so alternative options, such as TiO2 photocatalysis, have been investigated. But As(V) produced by oxidation of As (III) remains adsorbed on the catalyst surface, thus limiting process efficiency. In this work a new catalyst based on molybdenum oxide supported on titania (MoOx/TiO2) was investigated to overcome this drawback.

RESULTS

The complete photocatalytic oxidation of As(III) (5 mg L−1) to As(V) took place after 120 min exposure to UV‐A light. Moreover, the removal of As(V) by adsorption treatment downstream of the photocatalytic process was more effective (90% by γ‐Al2O3 after 10 min) compared with the combined photocatalysis–adsorption process. Finally, the experimental set‐up with UV LED irradiation was found to be more effective (96% As(III) converted) than the UV‐A light system (75% As(III) converted).

CONCLUSION

Photocatalytst did not adsorb As(V) which was completely released into the solution, thus preserving its surface activity and, consequently, drastically reducing operating costs related to catalyst reactivation. © 2014 Society of Chemical Industry
Mindful Leadership and Navigating the Seas of Change in the Information Age
Authors: Misner Joshua W.
Published: October 2014

Owing to innovations in information production and dissemination, the current rate of information creation is exploding exponentially, vaulting humanity into the Information Age. History has shown that revolutions in communication produce social upheaval, a phenomenon currently being experienced, particularly within the realm of leadership. Information overload is causing hyperstress, new forms of anxiety, and both personal and organizational issues relating to task focus and completion. The current article provides the context surrounding the issue of information overload, as well as suggestions for leaders to address the side effects created by a deluge of information.
Hereditary thyroid cancer syndromes and genetic testing
Authors: Rowland Kathryn J. , Moley Jeffrey F.
Published: October 2014

This review focuses on both hereditary medullary thyroid cancer (MTC) and hereditary nonmedullary thyroid cancer (NMTC) and discusses the genetics, clinical diagnosis and evaluation, and surgical approach to treatment of these malignancies. Areas of innovation as well as areas of debate are highlighted and management recommendations are made. J. Surg. Oncol. 2015 111:51–60. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Guiding intramuscular diaphragm injections using real‐time ultrasound and electromyography
Authors: Sarwal Aarti , Cartwright Michael S. , Mitchell Erin , Williams Koudy , Walker Francis O. , Childers Martin K.
Published: October 2014

Introduction: We describe a unique method that combines ultrasound and electromyography to guide intramuscular diaphragm injections in anesthetized large animals. Methods: Ultrasound was used to visualize the diaphragm on each side of spontaneously breathing, anesthetized beagle dogs and cynomolgus macaques. An electromyography (EMG) needle was introduced and directed by ultrasound to confirm that the needle entered the muscular portion of the diaphragm, and methylene blue was injected. Injection accuracy was confirmed upon necropsy by tracking the spread of methylene blue. Results: All methylene blue injections were confirmed to have been placed appropriately into the diaphragm. Conclusions: This study demonstrates the feasibility and accuracy of using ultrasound and EMG to guide injections and to reduce complications associated with conventional blind techniques. Ultrasound guidance can be used for clinical EMG of the diaphragm. Future applications may include targeted diaphragm injections with gene replacement therapy in neuromuscular diseases. Muscle Nerve 51: 287–289, 2015
A face‐oriented stabilized Nitsche‐type extended variational multiscale method for incompressible two‐phase flow
Authors: Schott B. , Rasthofer U. , Gravemeier V. , Wall W. A.
Published: October 2014

A novel extended variational multiscale method for incompressible two‐phase flow is proposed. In this approach, the level‐set method, which allows for accurately representing complex interface evolutions, is combined with an extended finite element method for the fluid field. Sharp representation of the discontinuities at the interface related to surface‐tension effects and large material–parameter ratios are enabled by this approach. To capture the discontinuities, jump enrichments are applied for both velocity and pressure field. Nitsche's method is then used to weakly impose the continuity of the velocity field. For a stable formulation on the entire domain, residual‐based variational multiscale terms are supported by appropriate face‐oriented ghost‐penalty and fluid stabilization terms in the region of enriched elements. Both face‐oriented terms and interfacial terms related to Nitsche's method are introduced such that it is accounted for viscous‐dominated and convection‐dominated transient flows. As a result, stability and well‐conditioned systems are guaranteed independent of the interface location. The proposed method is applied to four numerical examples of increasing complexity: two‐dimensional Rayleigh–Taylor instabilities, a two‐dimensional collapsing water column, three‐dimensional rising bubbles, and a three‐dimensional bubble coalescence. Excellent agreement with either analytical solutions or numerical and experimental reference data as well as robustness for all flow regimes is demonstrated for all examples. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effect of the coupling agent on the properties of poly(acrylic acid)−Al2O3 interpenetrating hybrids and sorption of metal ions
Authors: Campos Cristian H , Torres Cecilia C , Urbano Bruno F , Rivas Bernabé L
Published: October 2014

In this work we present the synthesis and characterization of a hybrid material based on poly(acrylic acid) (PAA), 3‐(trimethoxysilyl)propylmethacrylate (TMPM) and aluminium oxide (Al2O3). Hybrid materials applied for divalent cation retention were lead(II), cadmium(II), nickel(II) and copper(II) and the effect of the coupling agent TMPM was evaluated. The synthesis of the materials was carried out using a simultaneous radical polymerization/sol‐gel process for obtaining Al2O3−PAA composites using different amounts of TMPM as coupling agent. The physical and chemical properties of the hybrids were investigated using infrared spectroscopy, N2 absorption, SEM and TGA. The results indicate that all of the materials were simultaneous interpenetrating networks and that the morphologies and the properties depend on the amount of TMPM used. The metal ion retention properties were studied by a batch equilibrium procedure and sorption experiments were carried out under non‐competitive ion conditions. The hybrid exhibited metal ion uptake and dependence of metal sorption on the coupling agent content. Moreover, equilibrium sorption results are well described by Langmuir isotherms, and the sorption for different cations showed the following trend: Ni(II) < Cu(II) < Cd(II) < Pb(II). © 2014 Society of Chemical Industry
Labour Rights and Beyond—How Migrant Worker NGOs Negotiate Urban Spaces in the Pearl River Delta
Authors: Gransow Bettina , Zhu Jiangang
Published: October 2014

The Pearl River Delta (PRD) with its strong focus on international export production has a higher concentration of NGOs that support migrant workers than any other part of China. To better understand mechanisms of inclusion and exclusion affecting migrants in the city and their organisations, this paper takes up Martina Löw's (2008) space‐theoretical concept and her critical reference to Anthony Giddens' structuration theory showing how space can be interpreted as a duality of structural ordering and action elements. It asks whether these migrant worker NGOs can be seen as agents of change influencing the process of urban restructuring in the PRD and producing new urban spaces while negotiating with numerous different institutions on behalf of the workers. Based on a critical review of the literature, long‐term participatory observation and expert interviews with NGO leaders and staff, it uses four examples—NGO office space, factory space, litigation space and hospital space—to argue that these NGOs are producing transient urban spaces that not only advocate labour rights but also serve broader processes of creating and transforming the mega‐urban landscape of the PRD. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Ion beam synthesis of embedded III‐As nanocrystals in silicon substrate
Authors: Khelifi Rim , Frégnaux Mathieu , Le Gall Yann , Muller Dominique , Schmerber Guy , Mathiot Daniel
Published: October 2014

Our goal is to use the versatility of ion beam synthesis to grow nanocrystals of InxGa1‐xAs alloys embedded in a silicon substrate. We study, first, the annealing conditions necessary to grow well defined InAs and GaAs binary nanocrystals. High dose of As, Ga and In is implanted, respectively, at 130, 130 and 180 keV to have overlapping as‐implanted profiles. The nanocrystals growth is then achieved by rapid thermal annealing at various temperatures between 650 and 800 °C for 1 min under an argon gas flow. Rutherford backscattering spectroscopy profiles show that no significant impurity out‐diffusion occurs below 800 °C for both systems. In and As thermal redistributions lead to superposed profiles. Raman spectroscopy measurements prove that InAs nanocrystals are formed above 650 °C, while 800 °C annealing is necessary to obtain GaAs nanocrystals and show that these thermal budgets are enough to fully recrystallize the implanted layer. Grazing incidence X‐ray diffraction patterns exhibit clearly InAs and GaAs related peaks. These results prove that GaAs and InAs nanocrystals can be grown in a common temperature range (700‐800 °C), opening the route to the growth of ternary InxGa1‐xAs alloys in the same conditions. (© 2015 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Photoluminescence properties of lamellar nano‐composites obtained by Cd intercalation of GaSe and GaSe:Eu single crystals
Authors: Untila Dumitru , Cantser Valeriu , Caraman Mihail , Evtodiev Igor , Leontie Liviu , Dmitroglo Liliana
Published: October 2014

In this work surface morphology, composition and photoluminescence at 293 K and 78 K, of composite obtained by intercalation of GaSe and GaSe:Eu (0.49 at.% and 1.00 at.%) single crystal lamellas with Cd from vapor phase at 753 K and 830 K are investigated. As‐obtained composite consists of CdSe and microstructured GaSe single crystallites. Photoluminescence spectrum of GaSe:Eu single crystal lamellas is composed of Eu3+ emission band 5D0 → 7F1, 5D0 → 7F2 and 5D1 → 7F3 transitions) and indirect exciton line in GaSe crystallites. Emission spectrum of single crystalline GaSe–CdSe composite, at 78 K and 293 K, consists of donor‐acceptor band in GaSe microcrystallites and emission band of CdSe crystallites. Composite derived from the intercalation of GaSe:Eu (0.49 at.%) single crystals with Cd exhibits strong visible luminescence. Its quasi‐continuous photoluminescence spectrum is produced by superposition of luminescent emissions of CdSe nano‐ and microparticles, and microstructured GaSe. (© 2015 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Ion‐induced degradation of phase stability and hardness of TiZrSiN nanocomposite thin films
Authors: Uglov V. V. , Abadias G. , Dub S. N. , Tolmachova G. N. , Zlotski S. V. , Michel A. , Saladukhin I. A. , Leshkevich S. S. , Gaiduk P. I. , Jasulaitene V.
Published: October 2014

The effects of ion irradiation (180 keV Xe2+, doses 1×1016 cm–2 and 5×1016 cm–2) on the structure, phase composition and hardness of thin (300 nm) nanocomposite (Ti,Zr)1‐xSixNy films deposited by magnetron sputtering (silicon concentration x≤0.22) were studied. It was found that the increase in Si content results in the transformation of structure from nanocrystalline (x ≤ 0.07, grain size about 18 nm) to nanocomposite (0.07 ≤ x ≤ 0.11, grain size about 8 nm) and then to amorphous (x ≥ 0.18) state. Nanocomposite films consist of two‐phase: crystalline cubic (Ti,Zr)N grains (∼ 8 nm size) surrounded by a thin amorphous a ‐TiSiN layer. Ion irradiation with Xe ions triggers the crystallization of (Ti,Zr)N‐rich grains for amorphous films (x≥0.18). It was found that irradiation leads to a decrease in nanoindentation hardness, due to the accumulation of Xe ion in the film, as well as the elemental redistribution of solid solution constituents in the area of collisions cascades. (© 2015 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Modification and reduction of defects in thin gate dielectric of MIS devices by injection‐thermal and irradiation treatments
Authors: Andreev Vladimir V. , Bondarenko Gennady G. , Maslovsky Vladimir M. , Stolyarov Alexander A. , Andreev Dmitry V.
Published: October 2014

The effect of high‐field injection‐thermal and irradiation treatments on the MIS structures reliability and defect reduction in the nanoscale gate dielectric has been investigated. Injection‐thermal treatment (ITT) of MIS structures consisted of high‐field electron injection into gate dielectric with the charge of defined value and subsequent parameter stabilization of MIS structures by means of thermal annealing. The MIS structures have been studied using novel techniques of multilevel current stress. Our study shows that the ITT can improve reliability of MIS structures (increase of charge‐to‐breakdown value) and identify defective structures. The ITT provides structural modification of SiO2 and Si–SiO2 interfaces. It has been shown that the ITT at elevated temperatures can reduce the reliability of MIS devices. Performing ITT at high temperatures leads to decrease of charge‐to‐breakdown average value in MIS structures. It has been demonstrated that irradiation treatment allows to reduce density of defects in thermal SiO2 films, SiO2 films doped with phosphorus, oxynitride films and as a result to increase reliability of MIS devices. (© 2015 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Hydrogen‐Bonding‐Driven Aromatic Foldamers: Their Structural and Functional Evolution
Authors: Zhang Dan‐Wei , Wang Wei‐Kun , Li Zhan‐Ting
Published: October 2014

This Personal Account summarizes the development of the design of hydrogen‐bonding‐driven aromatic foldamers and their applications in supramolecular chemistry. This account begins with a short, non‐exhaustive description of the background in the study of hydrogen‐bonded aromatic foldamers. The construction of foldamers from discrete aromatic residues, including amide, urea, hydrazide and 1,2,3‐triazole units, is then described. In the following parts, the applications of such compact aromatic oligomers in supramolecular chemistry, including the development of acyclic receptors, the construction of hybrid helical sequences through intramolecular stacking, the promotion of the formation of covalently and noncovalently bonded macrocycles, the tuning of the mechanical properties of copolymers, and the regulation of the shuttling behavior of [2]rotaxanes and the controlled release of dye from reverse vesicles formed from them, are described. In the final part, the binding‐induced folding of conformationally flexible aromatic amide oligomers and their self‐binding are described.