bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Famennian conodont assemblage in the Compte section (Upper Devonian, Central Pyrenees) and its comparison with Eurasian sequences
Authors: Barrera-Lahoz Héctor , Valenzuela-Ríos José I. , Liao Jau-Chyn
Published: May 2024

A detailed study of the fossil assemblages of Famennian conodonts has been carried out in the Compte section in the Central Pyrenees. The studied section comprises the upper part of the Comabella Formation, the La Mena Fm and the lower part of the Barousse Fm. Fifty samples have been collected from a 11.73 m thick Famennian stratigraphic succession. Forty–seven lower–middle Famennian conodont taxa have been identified, belonging to four genera: Palmatolepis, Polygnathus, Icriodus and Mehlina. The identified conodont assemblages change through the studied section: in the lower part, Palmatolepis and Icriodus taxa are more frequent and in the overlaying strata, Palmatolepis and Polygnathus taxa are dominant. Several conodont taxa have been recorded for the first time in Central Pyrenees zone. The conodont sequence analysis suggests a lower to middle Famennian age (from the termini to mg. marginifera Zones) in the Compte section (Beds 98–120). On the other hand, a comparison of the Pyrenean conodont assemblages with those from other relevant regions has been carried out. The conodont associations from Compte shows certain similarities with those from western and eastern Europe; however, sequences from eastern and central Asian exhibit some differences.
Развитие метода дискретных вихрей в сочетании с быстрым методом мультиполя в задачах гидродинамики
Authors: Сумбатян Межлум Альбертович , Пискунов Андрей Сергеевич
Published: May 2024

In this paper, the flow of a non-viscous incompressible fluid is discussed in terms of vorticity. In the framework of the discrete vortex method, each material particle of the fluid is considered in Lagrange variables; in this case, the velocities are determined by the Biot-Savard law. Thus, the influence of vortices on each other is taken into account. The aim of the work is to construct a numerical method of different orders of accuracy in the problems of vortex dynamics. The fast multipole method used in combination with the standard midpoint and fourth order Runge-Kutta methods significantly reduces the algorithmic complexity. In the fast multipole method, any vortex system is represented by discrete vortices. The fluid domain, determined by the motion of vortices, is divided into several ring-type subdomains, in each of which the velocities are calculated sequentially. To verify the combinability of the numerical methods, three test cases are considered: the dynamics of the symmetric and asymmetric Lamb-Chaplygin dipoles, as well as the rotation of the fluid occupying a cylindrical region of finite radius. It is known that the latter example is rather complex for direct numerical calculations in contrast to the elementary representation of its analytical solution. In fact, the performed calculations confirm that, without the Fast Multipole Method, the numerical treatment for this test case is hardly possible at a sufficiently large number of discrete vortices within a reasonable amount of time. The results of the test calculations are presented in the form of graphs and tables. The application of the standard discrete vortex methods combined with the fast multipole method shows that, due to the optimal number of subdomains and discrete vortices, the time of calculations can be significantly reduced.
Neurexins control the strength and precise timing of glycinergic inhibition in the auditory brainstem
Authors: Jiang He-Hai , Xu Ruoxuan , Nie Xiupeng , Su Zhenghui , Xu Xiaoshan , Pang Ruiqi , Zhou Yi , Luo Fujun
Published: May 2024

Neurexins play diverse functions as presynaptic organizers in various glutamatergic and GABAergic synapses. However, it remains unknown whether and how neurexins are involved in shaping functional properties of the glycinergic synapses, which mediate prominent inhibition in the brainstem and spinal cord. To address these issues, we examined the role of neurexins in a model glycinergic synapse between the principal neuron in the medial nucleus of the trapezoid body (MNTB) and the principal neuron in the lateral superior olive (LSO) in the auditory brainstem. Combining RNAscope with stereotactic injection of AAV-Cre in the MNTB of neurexin1/2/3 conditional triple knockout mice, we showed that MNTB neurons highly express all isoforms of neurexins although their expression levels vary remarkably. Selective ablation of all neurexins in MNTB neurons not only reduced the amplitude but also altered the kinetics of the glycinergic synaptic transmission at LSO neurons. The synaptic dysfunctions primarily resulted from an impaired Ca
2+
sensitivity of release and a loosened coupling between voltage-gated Ca
2+
channels and synaptic vesicles. Together, our current findings demonstrate that neurexins are essential in controlling the strength and temporal precision of the glycinergic synapse, which therefore corroborates the role of neurexins as key presynaptic organizers in all major types of fast chemical synapses.
Signalling: Growth Promoters and Inhibitors
Authors: Mohan Immadisetty , Gill Rubina , Reddy Kopparthi Vijayaram , Tejasree Akkiraju
Published: May 2024

Plant growth and development are intricately regulated by a multitude of signaling pathways that respond to internal and external cues. Central to these regulatory mechanisms are the signaling pathways of growth promoters and inhibitors. Various growth-promoting hormones, including auxins, cytokinins, gibberellins, and brassinosteroids, stimulate cell division, elongation, and differentiation, playing vital roles in shaping plant architecture and influencing various developmental processes. The pathways of these growth promoters involve specific receptors and transcription factors that orchestrate growth in response to dynamic signals. In contrast, growth inhibitors, represented by hormones like abscisic acid, ethylene, jasmonic acid, and salicylic acid, act as crucial checkpoints that restrict growth during stress, pathogen attacks, or other adverse conditions. These signaling pathways trigger growth inhibition and activate defense mechanisms, enabling plants to adapt to challenging environments. Balancing the interplay between growth promoters and inhibitors allows plants to allocate resources efficiently and ensure their survival under changing circumstances. Understanding these signaling pathways is not only fundamental to plant biology but also essential for applications in agriculture, horticulture, and environmental management. This abstract provides a concise overview of these essential processes. This knowledge enables us to manipulate plant growth and development for improved crop yields, disease resistance, and stress tolerance. Ongoing research continues to unravel the complexities of these pathways, offering valuable insights into how plants delicately balance growth promotion and inhibition to thrive in an ever-evolving world.
Towards Sustainable Agriculture: Integrating Agronomic Practices, Environmental Physiology and Plant Nutrition
Authors: Chandel Naval , Kumar Abhishek , Kumar Rajesh
Published: May 2024

Sustainable agriculture aims to meet the growing global demand for food without compromising environmental integrity. This review paper explores the integration of agronomic practices, environmental physiology, and plant nutrition as pathways toward sustainable crop production. Intensive agricultural practices have led to significant problems such as soil degradation, loss of biodiversity, and environmental pollution. Recent advancements in plant physiology have enhanced our understanding of plant growth and response to biotic and abiotic stresses. Optimizing crop production in a sustainable manner depends on insights into key processes like photosynthesis, water use efficiency, and nutrient uptake. This review discusses the role of plant growth-promoting microorganisms (PGPMs) as biofertilizers, providing an alternative to harmful agrochemicals. PGPMs can improve soil health and promote plant growth when applied to soil, seeds, or plant surfaces, reducing reliance on synthetic fertilizers and pesticides. Additionally, nanotechnology in agriculture is examined, illustrating how nanomaterials (NMs) and nano-based fertilizers can enhance nutrient absorption and increase crop yields. Beyond these scientific approaches, there is an urgent need to implement novel agricultural practices that support sustainability. The world population is growing at a disquieting rate, placing tremendous pressure on natural resources. This threatens future generations' access to nutritious food and clean air. Innovative approaches like climate-smart agriculture, organic farming, biodynamic agriculture, sustainable intensification, and regenerative agriculture, along with practices such as integrated farming systems, precision agriculture, integrated nutrient management, and integrated pest management, have proven to safeguard agricultural sustainability. By integrating these innovative approaches and practices, it is possible to meet the increasing demands for food while preserving the environment.
Determining the Effect of Organic and Inorganic Fertilizers on Growth and Yield in Wheat (Triticum aestivum L)
Authors: Kajal . , Singh Varun Kumar , Kumar Rajesh , Mukesh . , Kumar Narendra
Published: May 2024

The present investigation entitled Effect of organic and inorganic manures on growth and yield in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.). was conducted at Agriculture Research Farm of Brahmanand post graduate college, Rath ( southern U.P.) on Rath, Mahoba road during rabi of 2022- 23.  The experiment was laid out into Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with 3 replication and consisted. Four organic treatments viz. O0 = Control (No Organic sources), O1= Vermi compost @ 2.5t ha-1, O2 = Compost @ 5t ha-1, O3 =Liquid consortia @ 250ml /50 kg seed 5 and four inorganic treatments viz. I0 = Control (no inorganic sources), I1 = Nano urea @ 250ml/50 kg seed, I2 (60:30:30) NPK kg ha-1, I3 = ( 90:45:45) NPK kg  ha-1. The result of the study revealed that maximum Initial Plant population (24.44 and 28.22), Height of main shoot (91.06 and 89.89cm) Number of functional leaves(10.87 and 10.65 ) Number of tillers per plant (3.87 and 3.65), Length of spike per plant ( 11.65 and 10.75),  Number of grain per plant (52.38 and 45.46) Weight Grain of ear (2.11 and 2.02 gm), Number of fertile spikelets per plant (5.02 and 4.), Number of sterile spikelets per plant ( 20.66 and 19.86 ), Test weight (39.12 and 39.09 g),  Grain yield, (44.36 and 45.04q ha-1), Straw yield (76.57 and 74.05q ha-1 ), Harvest Index (42.79 and 44.45 %) was reported in O2 = Compost @ 5t ha-1 and I1 = Nano urea @ 250ml/50 kg seed respectively.
The Role of Mesenchymal Stem Cells Secretome in Regeneration of Thyroid Tissue Damage after Thyroid Lobectomy: A Literature Review
Authors: Sentoso Joko Wibowo , Putra Agung , Nugroho Henky Agung
Published: May 2024

Mesenchymal Stem Cells (MSC) are a type of stem cell that is multipotent and originates from the mesoderm and ectoderm at an early stage of development and can differentiate into: 1. Ectodermal derivatives such as: neurons, keratocytes and keratinocytes; 2. Endodermal derivatives such as: hepatocytes and pancreatic β cells. MSCs were first discovered in the bone marrow, but in recent research they have been found in many other body tissues, such as the lungs, pancreas, liver, adipose tissue, synovial tissue, muscles, bones, amniotic fluid and umbilical cord blood. MSCs vary in content, accessibility, proliferation ability, immunomodulatory capacity, and the cytokines they secrete, and have different therapeutic potential based on different sources. Recent evidences showed that even the secreted factor including secretome, microvesicles, or exosomes alone without the cell may repair damaged tissue in various conditions. In this review, we summarize the latest research which aims to provide an overview of the influence of the mesenchymal stem cells secretome in regenerating damaged follicular thyroid tissue after thyroid lobectomy, so that in the future research can be carried out on this matter to minimize complications after thyroid lobectomy, can even regenerate follicular thyroid tissue, and can be an option treatment to help overcome the current challenges of hormone replacement therapy.
Impact of Front Line Demonstrations on Yield Enhancement of Ginger (var. Nadia) Raised Single Node Seedlings through Pro Tray Technology in Tribal Area of Alluri Sitaramraju District of Andhra Pradesh, India
Authors: Babu N. Sathi , Kumar N. Raja , Kumar N. Kishor , Babu P. , Sowjanaya A. , Naidu P.V.S. Ramu , Rajesh P. , Sravanthi Y.
Published: May 2024

To overcome the problems of high seed usage due to the high cost of seed material and rhizome rot disease in ginger in tribal agency areas of ASR district. Hence, the ICAR-ANGRAU, Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Kondempudi conducted Front Line Demonstrations (FLD) in five selected villages, namely Paderu, Peddabayalu, Hukumpeta, Dumbriguda, and Araku mandals of Alluri Sitaramraju district (ASR) of Andhra Pradesh, for three years (2019–20, 2020–21, and 2021-22). The purpose of the FLD was to showcase the superior performance of single node raised seedlings of the ginger variety Nadia raised through portray technology compared to the normal farmer practice variety Nadia. The single-node ginger (Var.Nadia) seedlings cultivated using technological demonstration of yield and economic analysis in contrast to farmers' practices 50 farmers participated actively in the FLD, which covered 20.5 acres. In terms of production, pooled fresh rhizome yields of 139.57 and 120.02 q/ha, respectively, showed that single-node grown seedlings of ginger var. Nadia raised by modern technology were superior over farmer practice. Single-node ginger (var. Nadia) seedlings grown by this technique exhibited an upsurge in fresh rhizome output from 10.28 to 20.39 percent over the course of the demonstration years. Average cost-benefit ratios for the three years for demonstration plots and farmer practice were 1:3.18, 1:3.26, and 1:3.61, and 1:2.09, 1:2.08, and 1:2.01, respectively. The extension gap of three years (2019–20, 2020–21, and 2021–22) was 27.71, 16.1, and 14.84 q/ha in demonstration plots, respectively. Results on the Technology Index ranged between 12.07 to 6.62% and 20.78 to 5.17% for single-node ginger (var.Nadia) seedlings raised through pro tray technology and farmers’ practices, respectively. All three years of study revealed that for single-node ginger (var.Nadia) seedlings raised through portray technology, there is much significance and scope for up scaling the demonstrated technology in tribal agency areas of Alluri Sitaramraj district, Andhra Pradesh.
Effect of Bee Attractants on the Attraction of Apis dorsata and their Impact on Seed Yield of Niger Guizotia abyssinica (L.f.) Cass Crop
Authors: Dwarka . , Panday Anand Kumar , Tare Shraddha , Thakur Shobharam , Katara Vijay Kumar
Published: May 2024

The study was conducted at the experimental farm of the PC Unit Sesame and Niger, College of Agriculture, Jawaharlal Nehru Krishi Vishwa Vidyalaya (JNKVV), located in Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh, during the Kharif season of 2021. The primary objective of the experiment was to assess the influence of bee attractants on the attraction of Apis dorsata (giant honey bees) and their subsequent impact on the seed yield of niger crop. The experiment was designed using a Randomized Block Design (RBD) with nine treatments and three replications. This experimental setup allows for systematic testing of the effects of different bee attractants on both bee behavior and crop yield while controlling for potential sources of variation. By utilizing this design, researchers can obtain reliable data on the efficacy of various bee attractants in enhancing pollination and improving seed yield in niger crops. The results showed that the both at 10% and 50% flowering stage Apis dorsata visit was numerically the highest with flower extract of Madhuca longifolia 10% with 20.42 and 19.25 Apis dorsata/m2/5min, respectively. This was followed by rose water spray with 19.25 and 15.33 Apis dorsata/m2/5min, respectively. The population of Apis dorsata was received from the controlled condition 4.08 and 6.08 Apis dorsata/m2/5min at 10% and 50% flowering stage, respectively. This was followed by water spray 5.75 and 8.58 Apis dorsata/m2/5min at 10% and 50% flowering stage, respectively. The foliar spray of mahua flower extract and rose water 10% were found significantly superior over others in respect to record higher seed yield and recorded 6.90 q and 6.70 q/ha seed yield, respectively.
Identifying People Wearing Masks in the Wild by Yolov7 Algorithm
Authors: Kadhum Aseil Nahum , Kadhum Aseel Nahum
Published: May 2024

Rapid face detection is an important matter at the present time, as face detection while wearing a mask has today become an important security matter in institutions, as well as protecting society from the spread of diseases, especially after the outbreak of infection with the Corona virus. Covid-19 virus. Due to the rapid spread of the Covid-19 pandemic, there is a need for society to adhere to wearing a mask in all public institutions, to prevent the spread of this disease. Researchers worked to find solutions to recognize faces and distinguish a person's identity. There was a problem in detecting faces and recognizing them easily, as researchers found many solutions to detect faces. So far, detecting faces while wearing a mask has problems with accuracy. In this research, a model of the deep learning algorithm, YOLOv7, will be used. It is a YOLO model that is characterized by accuracy and speed compared to previous YOLO models, and compared to a deep learning algorithm that performs two-stage detection, such as the CNN algorithm. Here the YOLOv7 model of the YOLO algorithm is proposed for face detection and recognition with and without mask. It is a model in which the structure of the algorithm has been modified, as it is distinguished by its speed in detecting faces compared to its predecessors. also reviewed most of the experiments with algorithm YOLO (You Only Look Once) detection algorithms and CNN (Convolutional Neural Network), and noticed that YOLOv7 is a better model than previous YOLO models in detecting faces while wearing a mask in terms of speed and accuracy. Face detection and discrimination has become very important at the present time from a security standpoint in all public places and requires accuracy and speed in detection.
Fear, Familiarity, and the Perception of Risk: A Quantitative Analysis of Disaster-Specific Concerns of Paramedics
Authors: Smith Erin C. , Burkle Frederick M. , Archer Frank L.
Published: July 2010

Introduction:Paramedics play an integral role in the response to and management of disasters and mass casualty events. Providing a core component of the front line response to disasters, paramedics potentially expose themselves to a variety of health and safety risks, including physical injury, death, communicable disease, and psychological effects. The health and safety risks to emergency service personnel were highlighted by the deaths of firefighters, paramedics, and police during the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, and the infection, illness, and deaths of paramedics and emergency health care staff during the severe acute respiratory syndrome outbreak in 2003.

Objective:Given that a willing and able prehospital workforce is a vital component of any successful response to a disaster situation, the present study explored paramedics' perception of risk and willingness to work, with a specific focus on identifying which type of disasters that paramedics associate with greater levels of fear, familiarity, and risk.

Methods:A total of 175 paramedics completed a survey ranking 40 disaster scenarios for levels of fear and familiarity.

Results:The results indicate that paramedics ranked nuclear and radiological events and outbreaks of new and highly infectious disasters highest for fear and unfamiliarity. This has implications for preparedness, education, and training.

(Disaster Med Public Health Preparedness. 2011;5:46-53)
The Origin of the High Voltage in DPM12/P3HT Organic Solar Cells
Authors: Sánchez‐Díaz Antonio , Izquierdo Marta , Filippone Salvatore , Martin Nazario , Palomares Emilio
Published: July 2010

Organic solar cells made using a blend of DPM12 and P3HT are studied. The results show that higher Voc can be obtained when using DPM12 in comparison to the usual mono‐substituted PCBM electron acceptor. Moreover, better device performances are also registered when the cells are irradiated with sun‐simulated light of 10–50 mW cm−2 intensity. Electrochemical and time‐resolved spectroscopic measurements are compared for both devices and a 100‐mV shift in the density of states (DOS) is observed for DPM12/P3HT devices with respect to PCBM/P3HT solar cells and slow polaron‐recombination dynamics are found for the DPM12/P3HT devices. These observations can be directly correlated with the observed increase in Voc, which is in contrast with previous results that correlated the higher Voc with different ideality factors obtained using dark‐diode measurements. The origin for the shift in the DOS can be correlated to the crystallinity of the blend that is influenced by the properties of the included fullerene.
Engineering Nanoparticle Cluster Arrays for Bacterial Biosensing: The Role of the Building Block in Multiscale SERS Substrates
Authors: Yang Linglu , Yan Bo , Premasiri W. Ranjith , Ziegler Lawrence D. , Negro Luca Dal , Reinhard Björn M.
Published: July 2010

Noble metal nanoparticle cluster arrays (NCAs) are a novel class of engineered substrates for surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS), in which the noble metal nanoparticles interact on multiple length scales to create a multiscale E‐field cascade enhancement. In this work the role of the building block for the NCA performance is quantified. Periodic NCAs with constant cluster diameter (D = 200 nm) but variable nanoparticle diameter (d) and intercluster separation (Λ) were assembled on glass and their optical response and SERS enhancement were systematically characterized as a function of D, Λ, and d. An increase of d from 40 to 80 nm and simultaneous decrease of Λ from 200 to 50 nm led to an improvement of the ensemble averaged SERS enhancement factor by a factor of up to ∼8. The coefficient of variation (cv) of the enhancement factors (G) is significantly lower for the d = 80 nm NCAs than for the d = 40 nm and d = 60 nm NCAs. Optimized (D = 200 nm, Λ = 50 nm, d = 80 nm) NCAs show the overall highest signal reproducibility of all investigated NCAs and random nanoparticle substrates and achieve effective single cell detection sensitivity.
A Graphene Oxide˙Streptavidin Complex for Biorecognition – Towards Affinity Purification
Authors: Liu Zunfeng , Jiang Linhua , Galli Federica , Nederlof Igor , Olsthoorn René C. L. , Lamers Gerda E. M. , Oosterkamp Tjerk. H. , Abrahams Jan Pieter
Published: July 2010

In our postgenomic era, understanding of protein‐protein interactions by characterizing the structure of the corresponding protein complex is becoming increasingly important. An important problem is that many protein complexes are only stable for a few minutes. Dissociation will occur when using the typical, time‐consuming purification methods such as tandem affinity purification and multiple chromatographic separations. Therefore, there is an urgent need for a quick and efficient protein‐complex purification method for 3D structure characterization. The graphene oxide (GO)·streptavidin complex is prepared via a GO·biotin·streptavidin strategy and used for affinity purification. The complex shows a strong biotin recognition capability and an excellent loading capacity. Capturing biotinylated DNA, fluorophores and Au nanoparticles on the GO·streptavidin complexes demonstrates the usefulness of the GO·streptavidin complex as a docking matrix for affinity purification. GO shows a high transparency towards electron beams, making it specifically well suited for direct imaging by electron microscopy. The captured protein complex can be separated via a filtration process or even via on‐grid purification and used directly for single‐particle analysis via cryo‐electron microscopy. Therefore, the purification, sample preparation, and characterization are rolled into one single step.
A Transparent, Flexible, Low‐Temperature, and Solution‐Processible Graphene Composite Electrode
Authors: Chang Haixin , Wang Guangfeng , Yang An , Tao Xiaoming , Liu Xuqing , Shen Youde , Zheng Zijian
Published: July 2010

The synthesis and preparation of a new type of graphene composite material suitable for spin‐coating into conductive, transparent, and flexible thin film electrodes in ambient conditions is reported here for the first time. Solution‐processible graphene with diameter up to 50 μm is synthesized by surfactant‐assisted exfoliation of graphite oxide and in situ chemical reduction in a large quantity. Spin‐coating the mixing solution of surfactant‐functionalized graphene and PEDOT:PSS yields the graphene composite electrode (GCE) without the need for high temperature annealing, chemical vapor deposition, or any additional transfer‐printing process. The conductivity and transparency of GCE are at the same level as those of an indium tin oxide (ITO) electrode. Importantly, it exhibits high stability (both mechanical and electrical) in bending tests of at least 1000 cycles. The performance of organic light‐emitting diodes based on a GCE anode is comparable, if not superior, to that of OLEDs made with an ITO anode.
Towards Supramolecular Engineering of Functional Nanomaterials: Pre‐Programming Multi‐Component 2D Self‐Assembly at Solid‐Liquid Interfaces
Authors: Ciesielski Artur , Palma Carlos‐Andres , Bonini Massimo , Samorì Paolo
Published: July 2010

Materials with a pre‐programmed order at the supramolecular level can be engineered with a sub‐nanometer precision making use of reversible non‐ covalent interactions. The intrinsic ability of supramolecular materials to recognize and exchange their constituents makes them constitutionally dynamic materials. The tailoring of the materials properties relies on the full control over the self‐assembly behavior of molecular modules exposing recognition sites and incorporating functional units. In this review we focus on three classes of weak‐interactions to form complex 2D architectures starting from properly designed molecular modules: van der Waals, metallo‐ligand and hydrogen bonding. Scanning tunneling microscopy studies will provide evidence with a sub‐nanometer resolution, on the formation of responsive multicomponent architectures with controlled geometries and properties. Such endeavor enriches the scientist capability of generating more and more complex smart materials featuring controlled functions and unprecedented properties.
Preparation of mineral source water from deep sea water: Reduction of sulfate ion using selemion ASV membrane
Authors: Lu Hsiang‐Yung , Lin Chih‐Shan , Lee Shih‐Chi , Ku Ming‐Hong , Hsu Jyh‐Ping , Tseng Shiojenn , Lin Sung‐Hwa
Published: July 2010

Adopting a laboratory‐scaled electrodialysis (ED) process, we investigate the performance of a monovalent anion exchange permselective membrane in the reduction of the concentration of sulfate ions during the production of mineral source water from deep sea water (DSW). The dependence of the separation efficiency of anions on the operating time and the applied DC voltage is investigated based on a brine having salinity of about 15% prepared from DSW. The experimental results reveal that if the applied DC voltage is high, the change in the liquid volume during ED is dominated by the ions transported and the effect of electroosmosis. In addition, the amount of chloride ions transported correlates roughly linearly with the operating time, and the transport of sulfate ions is found to be blocked by chloride ions, presumably because of that the pore size of the permselective layer is close to the size of sulfate ions. © 2010 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 2011
A predictive model for the excess gibbs free energy of fully dissociated electrolyte solutions
Authors: Hsieh Meng‐Ting , Lin Shiang‐Tai
Published: July 2010

In this work, we show that the mean activity coefficient, osmotic coefficient, and vapor pressure of aqueous electrolyte solutions can be successfully predicted through combining the Pitzer‐Debye‐Hückel model for long‐range interactions and the modified COSMO‐SAC model for short‐range interactions. This method contains only a small number (13) of universal parameters to describe various types of interactions between different species, such as ions, hydrogen‐bonding species, and non‐hydrogen bonding species. This approach does not require any pair interaction parameters between species and does not contain any ion specific parameter other than the element radius. We have examined this method for the properties of three types of systems, including a single salt in water, mixture salts in water, and a single salt in solvent mixtures containing water and alcohols. The predicted results are found to be in good agreement with those from experiments over wide ranges of concentration and temperature. This model is, in principle, applicable to all types of electrolyte solutions and is especially useful for property estimation for cases when no experimental data are available. © 2010 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 2011
A multi‐scale theoretical model for gas–Liquid interface mass transfer based on the wide spectrum eddy contact concept
Authors: Han Luchang , Luo Hean , Liu Yuejin , You Kuiyi , Liu Pingle
Published: July 2010

On the basis of the wide spectrum eddy contact concept and the isotropic turbulence theory, a multi‐scale theoretical model for the prediction of liquid‐side mass transfer coefficient in gas–liquid system was developed. The model was derived from an unsteady‐state convection and diffusion equation and considered the contributions of eddies with different sizes to the overall mass transfer coefficient. The proper contact time distribution at the surface is need to be determined to obtain satisfactory results with this model. Moreover, a simplified model was also proposed based on the assumption of steady‐state mass transfer mechanism for single eddy. The results predicted by this model showed a very good agreement with the available experimental data in a comparatively wide range of turbulence intensities. © 2010 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 2011
The two‐dimensional pore and polarization transport model to describe mixtures separation by nanofiltration: Model validation
Authors: Déon S. , Dutournié P. , Limousy L. , Bourseau P.
Published: July 2010

Nanofiltration is a membrane process which is used to separate charged molecules such as ions. Even if this process is well known, there is no mean to predict the performances of a given separation. The aim of this paper is to present a two‐dimensional model called “pore and polarization transport model” which includes all the steps of the ions transfer. The membrane transport modeling is based on the classical one‐dimensional vision coupling the Donnan, steric, and dielectric exclusions with the extended Nernst‐Planck transport equation. But the originality of this study comes from the modeling of the transport through the polarization layer. The model used in this study is an improvement of the previous version, which includes an electrical gradient within the polarization layer allowing the prediction of polarization layer establishment even for ionic mixtures. The purpose of this article is to describe the model accurately before validating it with various ionic solutions. © 2010 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 2011
Discordance between serum cardiac biomarker and immunoglobulin‐free light‐chain response in patients with immunoglobulin light‐chain amyloidosis treated with immune modulatory drugs
Authors: Dispenzieri Angela , Dingli David , Kumar Shaji K. , Rajkumar S. Vincent , Lacy Martha Q. , Hayman Suzanne , Buadi Frances , Zeldenrust Stephen , Leung Nelson , Detweiler‐Short Kristen , Lust John A. , Russell Stephen J. , Kyle Robert A. , Gertz Morie A.
Published: July 2010

We evaluated the capability of soluble cardiac biomarkers to predict tolerability and outcomes of IMiD‐containing treatments among 106 patients treated on clinical trials. Baseline elevations in troponin T (TnT) and N‐terminal brain naturietic protein (NT‐proBNP) predicted for an inability to tolerate IMiD‐based regimens. The best predictors for early attrition during cycle 1 were TnT ≥ 0.07 μg/L and NT‐proBNP ≥ 11,939 ng/L. NT‐proBNP‐response underperformed TnT‐response as a predictor for overall survival (OS), but both predicted for early protocol attrition. Despite hematologic response, IMiD‐treated patients were at higher risk for NT‐proBNP rises and early drug discontinuation than a control population but not for early death. These observations prompt two questions: (1) does IMiD‐based therapy lead to increased fluid retention and/or cardiac toxicity and (2) is an NT‐proBNP‐driven cardiac response system valid in IMiD‐treated amyloidosis patients? Recognition of potential drug‐induced cardiac toxicity is important so that increased cardiac surveillance and drug dose‐adjustment or discontinuation may be implemented. Am. J. Hematol. 85:757‐759, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Demographic and ecological effects on patterns of parasitism in eastern chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes schweinfurthii) in Gombe National Park, Tanzania
Authors: Gillespie Thomas R. , Lonsdorf Elizabeth V. , Canfield Elizabeth P. , Meyer Derek J. , Nadler Yvonne , Raphael Jane , Pusey Anne E. , Pond Joel , Pauley John , Mlengeya Titus , Travis Dominic A.
Published: July 2010

From January 2006 to January 2008, we collected 1,045 fecal samples from 90 individually‐recognized, free‐ranging, eastern chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes schweinfurthii) inhabiting Gombe National Park, Tanzania to determine how patterns of parasitism are affected by demographic and ecological covariates. Seventeen parasite species were recovered, including eight nematodes (Oesophagostomumsp.,Necatorsp.,Probstmayria gombensis,Strongyloides fulleborni,Ascarissp.,Trichurissp.,Abbreviata caucasica, and an unidentified strongyle), 1 cestode (Bertiellasp.), 1 trematode (Dicrocoeliidae), and 7 protozoa (Entamoeba coli, Entamoeba histolytica/dispar, Iodamoeba bütschlii, Troglodytella abrassarti,Troglocorys cava,Balantidium coli, and an unidentified protozoa). Significant differences were observed in interannual infection prevalence and parasite richness between 2006 and 2007. Intercommunity comparisons demonstrated higher prevalence of parasites for the Mitumba compared with Kasekela chimpanzee community. Prevalence of several parasites was strongly correlated with monthly rainfall patterns for both 2006 and 2007. Subadult chimpanzees had lower prevalence for most parasite species compared with adults in both years and also yielded a lower average parasite species richness. No significant differences were observed between males and females in prevalence in 2006. However, in 2007 the prevalence ofS. fulleborniandI. bütschliiwere higher in males than in females. Parasite prevalence and richness were substantially higher in this multiyear study compared with previous short‐term studies of the gastrointestinal parasites of Gombe chimpanzees. This coupled with the significant interannual and interseasonal variation, demonstrated in this study, emphasizes the importance of multiyear monitoring with adequate sample size to effectively determine patterns of parasitism in wild primate populations. Am J Phys Anthropol, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
A mitochondrial revelation of early human migrations to the Tibetan Plateau before and after the last glacial maximum
Authors: Qin Zhendong , Yang Yajun , Kang Longli , Yan Shi , Cho Kelly , Cai Xiaoyun , Lu Yan , Zheng Hongxiang , Zhu Dongchen , Fei Dongmei , Li Shilin , Jin Li , Li Hui
Published: July 2010

As the highest plateau surrounded by towering mountain ranges, the Tibetan Plateau was once considered to be one of the last populated areas of modern humans. However, this view has been tremendously changed by archeological, linguistic, and genetic findings in the past 60 years. Nevertheless, the timing and routes of entry of modern humans into the Tibetan Plateau is still unclear. To make these problems clear, we carried out high‐resolution mitochondrial‐DNA (mtDNA) analyses on 562 Tibeto‐Burman inhabitants from nine different regions across the plateau. By examining the mtDNA haplogroup distributions and their principal components, we demonstrated that maternal diversity on the plateau reflects mostly a northern East Asian ancestry. Furthermore, phylogeographic analysis of plateau‐specific sublineages based on 31 complete mtDNA sequences revealed two primary components: pre‐last glacial maximum (LGM) inhabitants and post‐LGM immigrants. Also, the analysis of one major pre‐LGM sublineage A10 showed a strong signal of post‐LGM population expansion (about 15,000 years ago) and greater diversity in the southern part of the Tibetan Plateau, indicating the southern plateau as a refuge place when climate dramatically changed during LGM. Am J Phys Anthropol, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Dopamine receptor D4 allele distribution in Amerindians: A reflection of past behavior differences?
Authors: Tovo‐Rodrigues Luciana , Callegari‐Jacques Sidia M. , Petzl‐Erler M. Luiza , Tsuneto Luiza , Salzano Francisco M. , Hutz Mara H.
Published: July 2010

TheDRD4variable number of tandem repeats (VNTR) allele distribution of 172 Guarani (Kaiowá and Ñandeva subgroups) and Kaingang Brazilian Amerindians is reported. These results are integrated with those previously obtained for this ethnic group. Allele frequencies for the three populations are within the interval observed for 15 other Native American populations and show intermediate values between those observed in Amazonia and Patagonia. Significant differences in allele distribution between recent past hunter–gatherer and agriculturalist populations are observed, with an increase of the7Rallele among hunter–gatherers (P< 0.001). Analysis of molecular variance (AMOVA) and pairwiseFSTdata suggest three distinct sectors for the genetic landscape of Native South America: Andes, Center/Southeast region, and Amazonia. Common traits among hunter–gatherers such as novelty‐seeking temperament, hyperactivity, and impulsivity could have been important and advantageous in new environments during America's prehistoric colonization. Am J Phys Anthropol, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Brief communication: Subvertical grooves on interproximal wear facets from the El Sidrón (Asturias, Spain) Neandertal dental sample
Authors: Estalrrich Almudena , Rosas Antonio , García‐Vargas Samuel , García‐Tabernero Antonio , Santamaría David , de la Rasilla Marco
Published: July 2010

The distribution of subvertical grooves on interproximal wear dental facets from the El Sidrón (Asturias, Spain) Neandertals is described and analyzed. Out of 93 teeth, 64.5% present subvertical grooves, including a high frequency (50%) on the anterior dentition. Contrary to some studies, subvertical grooves from adjacent facets perfectly overlap each other and do not interdigitate, probably forming small channels. Both the facet and the groove surface share the same polished appearance, suggesting a common origin. Statistical analyses reveal that the number of grooves is neither dependent on the degree of occlusal wear, nor on the position on the tooth or the individual's age. However, facet width is an important factor determining the number of subvertical grooves. The etiology of subvertical grooves formation on Neandertal teeth remains unclear. Am J Phys Anthropol, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
“Targeted Metabolomics” in der Biomarkerforschung
Authors: Griffiths William J. , Koal Therese , Wang Yuqin , Kohl Matthias , Enot David P. , Deigner Hans‐Peter
Published: July 2010

Der Begriff “Metabolomics” bezeichnet ein wissenschaftliches Betätigungsfeld, das im ureigenen Sinn interdisziplinär ist und in dem analytische Chemie, Plattformtechnologie, Massenspektrometrie und NMR‐Spektroskopie sowie Datenanalyse kombiniert zum Einsatz kommen. Angewendet in der Biomarkerforschung schließt das Gebiet die Pathobiochemie, Systembiologie, Medizin und molekulare Diagnostik mit ein, ebenso wie Bioinformatik und multivariate Statistik. Nachdem Metabolomics‐Ansätze im Screening angeborener Stoffwechselstörungen bei Neugeborenen mittlerweile fest etabliert sind, weitet sich die Anwendung in der diagnostischen Forschung gegenwärtig auf eine zunehmende Zahl an Erkrankungen aus. Hier werden die wichtigsten technischen Voraussetzungen sowie neuere Entwicklungen auf den Gebieten Metabolomics und Datenanalyse herausgestellt. Das Hauptaugenmerk liegt auf der Biomarker‐Identifizierung und ‐Qualifizierung sowie auf “Targeted Metabolomics” mithilfe von Hochdurchsatz‐Massenspektrometrie.
Mouse out root sheath cells cultured on E‐cadherin‐coated dishes exhibit neuronal cell morphology
Authors: Xia Lingling , Liu Qing , Zhou Guangdong , Zhang Wenjie , Cao Yilin , Liu Wei
Published: July 2010

Epithelial cadherin (E‐cadherin) coating system has been employed to culture embryonic undifferentiated cells in order to better maintain stem‐cell self‐renewal function and cell proliferation potential. In this study, recombinant E‐cad‐Fc was used to coat the dish at a concentration of 10 µg/ml to observe the effect of the coating on cell behavior of cultured mouse out root sheath (ORS) cells. The results demonstrated that culturing the ORS cells on E‐cadherin‐coated dishes could lead to neuronal cell morphology change of part of the ORS cells. In addition, Nestin gene expression was upregulated in the cells of coated group compared to the cells of non‐coated group. Particularly, elongated cell morphology with fine cell processes connecting to nearby cells became significant in the subpopulation of the cells that strongly adhered to the coated culture dish. These results preliminarily indicate that E‐cadherin coating may favor the neurogenic lineage differentiation of hair follicle derived cells, which deserves further detailed studies. © 2010 Curtin University of Technology and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Proper orthogonal decomposition and its applications
Authors: Sanghi Sanjeev , Hasan Nadeem
Published: July 2010

The proper orthogonal decomposition (POD) has become a very useful tool in the analysis and low‐dimensional modelling of flows. It provides an objective way of identifying the ‘coherent’ structures in a turbulent flow. The application of POD to the case of a thermally driven two‐dimensional flow of air in a horizontal rotating cylinder is presented. The data for the POD analysis are obtained by numerical integrations of the governing equations of mass, momentum and energy. The decomposition based on POD modes or eigenfunctions is shown to converge to within 5% deviation of the computational data for a maximum of 15 modes for the different cases. The presence of degenerate eigenvalues is an indicator of travelling waves in the flow, and this is confirmed by symmetry in both space and time for the corresponding eigenfunctions. Wave speeds are also determined for these travelling waves. Furthermore, low‐dimensional models are constructed employing a Galerkin procedure. The low‐dimensional models yield accurate qualitative as well as quantitative behaviour of the system. Not more than 20 modes are required in the low‐dimensional models to accurately model the system dynamics. The ability of low‐dimensional models to accurately predict the system behaviour for the set of parameters different from the one they were constructed from is also examined. Copyright © 2010 Curtin University of Technology and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Ethylene/propylene copolymerization over three conventional C2‐symmetric metallocene catalysts: Correlation between catalyst configuration and copolymer microstructure
Authors: Lu Li , Niu Hui , Dong Jin‐Yong , Zhao Xutao , Hu Xuteng
Published: July 2010

This work reports on a correlation between catalyst configuration and copolymer microstructure for ethylene/propylene (E/P) copolymerization using three conventional C2‐symmetric metallocene catalysts, namely, rac‐Et(Ind)2ZrCl2 (EBI), rac‐Me2Si(2‐Me‐4‐Ph‐Ind)2ZrCl2 (SiPh), and rac‐CH2(3‐tBu‐Ind)2ZrCl2 (MBu), with MAO as a common cocatalyst. Copolymerization reactions were conducted in toluene at three different temperatures with varied E/P ratios. Some typically obtained copolymers were characterized in detail using 13C‐NMR spectroscopy, by which triad distribution data were elaborated in a statistical method to determine the reactivity ratios (rE and rP) of the comonomers, which were also obtained by Fineman‐Rose estimation. The production of alternating‐like copolymers from EBI is attributed to the rapid interconversion between two conformation states of the active site, one of which favors the incorporation of propylene but the other one does not. Both SiPh and MBu are structurally more rigid and of larger dihedral angles than EBI; however, SiPh which owns open active site conformation tend to produce random copolymers at all studied temperatures, and for MBu, sterically hindered catalyst, block‐like copolymers were obtained. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2010
Tailoring surface properties of cellulose acetate membranes by low‐pressure plasma processing
Authors: Huang Chun , Tsai Ching‐Yuan , Juang Ruey‐Shin , Kao Hsiang‐Chien
Published: July 2010

The aim of this study was to tailor the surface properties of cellulose acetate membranes using low‐pressure plasma processing. Argon (Ar) plasma and Difluoromethane (CH2F2) plasma were used to control the surface wettabilities of cellulose acetate membranes. Optical emission spectroscopy was used to examine the various chemical species of low‐pressure plasma processing. In this investigation, the plasma‐treated surfaces were analyzed by X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, while changes in morphology and surface roughness were determined with confocal laser scanning microscopy. Ar plasma activation resulted in hydrophilic surface. CH2F2 plasma deposited hydrophobic layer onto the cellulose acetate membrane because of strong fluorination of the top layer. The results reveal low‐pressure plasma processing is an effective method to control the surface properties of cellulose acetate membranes. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2010
Well‐defined diblock and triblock copolymers for KrF lithography
Authors: Lee Ting‐Yu , Lin Yi‐Jen , Yu Chao‐Ying , Chang Jui‐Fa
Published: July 2010

One of the major components of a photoresist formulation is polymer resin. Well‐defined diblock and random copolymer of tert‐butyl acrylate (tBA) and 4‐acetoxystyrene (StyOAc), as well as triblock and random tertpolymer of tBA, StyOAc, and Sty were prepared by reversible addition fragmentation chain transfer polymerization (RAFT) process. The polymers all possess Mw about ten thousand and PDI less than 1.23. After hydrolysis under basic condition, the hydroxystyrene (StyOH) analogs are obtained and then are formulated as photoresist. Lithographic evaluation under KrF excimer laser shows that random copolymer based photoresist exhibits better S/L patterns according to SEM images. However, the lithographic performance of the terpolymer based resists is similar. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2010