bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Study on Costs and Returns of Potato in Azamgarh District of Eastern Uttar Pradesh, India
Authors: Yadav Ram Singh , Kushwaha R.R. , Maurya Kuldeep , Singh Amit Kumar , Singh Rahul Kumar , Verma Ambrish Kumar
Published: April 2024

Potato is the most important food crop of India after rice and wheat. It has always been the ‘poor man’s friend. Potato is an economical food and rich source of energy. The total potato produce in the world was 376.82 million tonnes from 18.33 million hectare of area. Both the area and production of potato has increased manifold during the past decades. India produced nearly 36.28 million tonnes of potato from 1.82 million hectare. In Uttar Pradesh potato is grown in 564.3hectares with a production of 13808 million tonnes and productivity of 24.5 million tonnes per hectare. The study conducted pawai block of Azamgarh district. The study showed that an overall farms i.e.1.553 ha and cropping intensity i.e. 217.92 per cent as exhibiting inverse relationship with the size of form. Perfarm average investment on overall farm came to Rs.242208.79 and maximum share was under the head of building i.e. 57.00 per cent followed by farm machinery and livestock share. The overall average cost of cultivation (C3) per hectare was Rs. 78154.62 and gross income came to Rs. 123527.20, which offers a net income of Rs. 45372.50.
Exploring Primary School Pupils’ Career Aspirations in Ibadan, Nigeria: A Qualitative Approach
Authors: Arigbabu Abayomi Shamsudeen , Olaniyi Oluwaseun Oladeji , Adeola Adebajo
Published: April 2024

Aspiration constitutes a significant social construct, encapsulating the forward-looking mental framework of an individual. Adapting the Social Cognitive Career Theory, this research aimed to delineate the factors influencing the career aspirations of primary school students in their final and penultimate years in Ibadan. Data were amassed via unstructured yet in-depth interviews with 48 pupils, who were chosen using a multi-stage sampling method from two distinct local government areas within Ibadan. Subsequent to collection, the data underwent transcription, coding, and thematic analysis. The study highlighted the prevalence of gender-stereotyped career choices. The research identified that environmental factors exert varying degrees of influence on the pupils' career aspirations, whereas perceived academic capabilities play a pivotal role in shaping these aspirations. Based on these findings, it is recommended to incorporate comprehensive career guidance and development programs within the primary education curriculum in Ibadan.
Genetic Variability Estimation in Forty Pigeonpea Germplasm for Yield and Yield Attributing Traits
Authors: Sinha Surabhi , Kumar Niraj , Bhavana P. , Lal H. C. , Mahto C. S. , Kumar Binay , Singh Ankit , Kumari Jyoti
Published: April 2024

Aim: The present research aimed to estimate the genetic variability in forty pigeonpea germplasms for yield and yield-attributing traits such as initial plant stand, final plant stand, days to 50% flowering, primary branches, secondary branches, plant height, days to maturity, wilt incidence%, pod borer infestation %, 100 seed weight, number of pods per plant, yield (g/plot), yield (kg/ha).

Study Design: study was conducted in randomised block desigh (RBD) design with two replications and spacing of 60 cm X 30 cm.

Place and Duration of Study: The present investigation was carried out during kharif 2021-2022 and 2022-2023 at the research farm of Birsa Agricultural University farm located at Kanke, Ranchi.

Methodology: Forty pigeonpea genotypes were studied to determine genetic variability. Pooled data over two years were subjected to statistical analysis for estimation of genotypic coefficient of variation (GCV), phenotypic coefficient of variation (PCV), heritability in broad sense                                 (h2), and genetic advance as a percent of mean for fourteen quantitative traits such                                 as initial plant stand, final plant stand, days to 50% flowering, primary branches,                                  secondary branches, plant height, days to maturity, wilt incidence%, pod borer infestation%, 100 seed weight.

Results: The PCV varied from 2.45% (days to maturity) to 30.83% [yield (kg/ha), whereas the GCV ranged from 1.12% (days to maturity) to 17.67% [yield (g/plot)]. Days to 50% flowering (6.39%, 4.48%), days to maturity (2.45%, 1.12%), and 100 seed weight (8.53%, 5.65%) all had low GCV and PCV value. The broad sense of heritability (h2) varied between plant height (16.9%) to days to 50% blooming (49.20%). Plant height (16.90%, 4.95%), number of pods per plant (21.10%, 9.95%), and days to maturity (20.90%, 1.05%) showed low heritability and genetic advance as a percentage of the mean, indicating ineffective selection.

Conclusion: Genotypes showed high magnitude of variability for all the traits under study.
Direct Numerical Simulation of Mixed Convection Flow in Lid-Driven Cavities
Authors: Mansour Noura Ben , Jmai Ridha
Published: April 2024

The mixed convection of heat transfer and fluid flow in a - lid drivencubical cavity filled with air is investigated numerically in this study. The computational procedure is based on the finite volume method and a full multigrid acceleration solver. The top wall of the cavity is maintained at a constant high temperature - Th, and it can move with a constant velocity U0. The bottom wall is immobile and maintained at a cold temperature Tc. While, the remaining boundary parts of the cavity are motionless and kept thermally insulated. Several numerical simulations were conducted to investigate mixed convection heat transfer in a sliding cubical cavity for a range of Reynolds numbers from 1000 to 5000 and Richardson numbers from 0.001 to 10. The influence of mixed convection parameters, Reynolds number, Richardson number, and heat transfer rate on the flow behavior was analyzed through parametric studies. The results include flow and heat transfer characteristics, iso-surfaces, and streamlines for the entire range of Richardson numbers and Reynolds numbers investigated. The study shows that as Reynolds number is increased beyond a critical value, the flow becomes unstable and bifurcates.
Training to detect what? The biasing effects of training on veracity judgments
Authors: Masip Jaume , Alonso Hernán , Garrido Eugenio , Herrero Carmen
Published: November 2008

Research has failed to show that training to detect deception substantially increases accuracy. Instead, training yields a stronger tendency to make judgments of deceptiveness. Normally, training programmes place a strong emphasis on deception and deception cues. This may lead observers to engage in a biased information seeking process wherein only deception cues are searched for, and any suggestion that the person is being truthful is neglected. Two experiments were conducted in which participants made veracity judgments before and after being ostensibly trained to (a) detect deception (traditional training group or TRAD‐GR), (b) detect truthfulness (alternative training group or ALT‐GR) or (c) not being trained (control group or CONT‐GR). Deception judgments increased for the TRAD‐GR, but decreased for the ALT‐GR, and did not change for the CONT‐GR. Judgmental confidence significantly increased in both training groups, but not in the CONT‐GR. These results indicate that traditional training programmes to detect deception bias the trainees' judgments towards deception. An emphasis on truthfulness cues could compensate for this tendency, as well as for the professionals' inclination to judge other people's statements as deceptive. However, the poor diagnostic value of deception cues makes it difficult to design good training programmes. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Novel piperidinium salts as latent initiators for cationic polymerization of epoxide and vinyl ether
Authors: Kim Jun Young , Kim Nam Sun , Patil Prashant S. , Ahn Kwang Duk , Kim Jinhwan , Kim Tae Ho
Published: November 2008

Novel dibenzylpiperidinium salts with nonnucleophilic anions (DBPi‐SbF6, DBPi‐PF6) have been prepared as latent cationic initiators. Utility of these salts in the photo and thermal‐induced cationic polymerizations of epoxide and vinyl ether monomer systems has been studied. The new initiator, DBPi‐SbF6 showed good solubility, high reactivity, and high thermal latency for polymerizations of epoxide and vinyl ether monomers with only 1 wt % of concentration. Cationic polymerization of vinyl ether monomer was significantly faster than epoxide monomer by the synthesized initiators. This article describes the synthesis, characterization, and activity of novel initiators. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2009
Preparation of silica/polyurethane nanocomposites by UV‐induced polymerization from surfaces of silica
Authors: Tan Hailin , Yang Dongzhi , Xiao Ming , Han Jing , Nie Jun
Published: November 2008

UV‐curable nanocomposites were prepared by the in situ photopolymerizaton with nanosilica obtained from sol–gel process. The photoinitiator 2‐hydroxy‐2‐methyl‐1‐phenylpropane‐1‐one (1173) was anchored onto the surface of the nanosilica with or without methacryloxypropyltrimethoxysilane (MAPS) modification. The photopolymerization kinetics was studied by real‐time Fourier transform IR (RTIR), and the microstructure and properties of the nanocomposite were investigated using transmission electron microscopy and UV–visible (UV–vis) transmistance spectra. RTIR analysis indicated that the nanocomposites without MAPS had higher curing rates and final conversion than those with MAPS. The nanocomposites with an uniformal dispersion of nanosilica had high UV–vis transmittance. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2009
Pigment color printing on cotton and polyester fabrics with electron beam irradiation curable formulations
Authors: Abdoua L. A. W. , Hakeim O. A. , El‐Din Mahmoud S. , El‐Gammal M. S. , El‐Naggar Abdel Wahab M.
Published: November 2008

Accelerated electrons delivered by electron beam accelerator were used to fix pigment colors, incorporated in curable formulation containing diluting monomer and an oligomer, to cotton and polyester fabrics. Tetrahydrofurfurfryl acrylate monomer and trifunctional urethane‐methacrylate (TFUMA) oligomer were used as curable base besides ethylene glycol. The fabrics were printed with these formulations and exposed to various doses of electron beam irradiation generated from the 1.5 MeV (25 kW) electron beam accelerator machine. The irradiation dose, formulation composition, and pigment color concentration were studied. The roughness and color fastness to rubbing, washing, and perspiration of the printed fabrics by electron beam irradiation, were compared to the same fabrics printed by conventional pigment printing pastes. The results showed that cotton and polyester fabrics printed with the pigment colors by electron beam irradiation displayed higher color strength than those fabrics printed by the conventional thermal curing at equal pigment color ratios depending on the kind of pigment color. The durability properties, in term of roughness, rubbing, washing, and perspiration of fabrics printed by electron beam irradiation are better than those printed by conventional thermal curing. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2009
Thermosensitive nanoparticles prepared from poly(N‐isopropylacrylamide‐acrylamide‐vinilpyrrolidone) and its blend with poly(lactide‐co‐glycolide) for efficient drug delivery system
Authors: Salehi Roya , Davaran Soodabeh , Rashidi Mohammad R. , Entezami Ali Akbar
Published: November 2008

Temperature‐responsive polymers have become increasingly attractive as carrier for the injectable drug delivery systems. In the present work, we have studied the preparation of poly(N‐isopropylacrylamide‐acrylamide‐vinilpyrrolidone) (NIPAAm‐AAm‐VP terpolymer) nanoparticulated terpolymer and its blend with poly(lactide‐co‐glycolide, PLGA; molar ratio of lactide/glycolid 1/3). Thermosensitive terpolymer, poly(NIPAAm‐AAm‐VP) was prepared by free‐radical polymerization in aqueous solution. The nanoparticles of poly(NIPAAm‐AAm‐VP) and its blend with PLGA containing naltrexone were prepared using the evaporation and w/o emulsion‐solvent evaporation methods, respectively. Nanoparticles prepared from terpolymer‐PLGA blend at low polymer concentration (5%) shows larger particle size (>300 nm) and higher drug content%. Various types of nanoparticles showed a burst release of less than 10% after 24 h. The results suggest that by regulating different variables, desired release profiles of naltrexone can be achieved using a blend of PLGA‐poly(NIPAAm‐AAm‐VP) nanoparticulate system. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2009
Microwave‐absorbing properties of linear low‐density polyethylene/ethylene–octene copolymer/carbonyl iron powder composites
Authors: Ling Qincai , Sun Jianzhong , Zhao Qian , Zhou Qiyun
Published: November 2008

Using linear low‐density polyethylene (LLDPE)/ethylene–octene copolymer (POE) as a polymer matrix and carbonyl iron powders (CIPs) as filler, we prepared polymer matrix composites with microwave‐absorbing properties by means of melt blending. Scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy were used to characterize the samples. The absorbing properties of the composites were measured with the arch method in the range of frequency 2.0–18.0 GHz. The results indicate that the absorbing peaks moved to low frequency as the CIP content in composites increased and that there was an appropriate CIP content in LLDPE/POE/CIP composites to achieve the best absorbing effectiveness. The electromagnetic parameters of the composites were determined with the transmission/reflection method in the range 2.6–17.8 GHz. The experimental results show that there were both dielectric loss and magnetic loss in the LLDPE/POE/CIP composites. Therefore, the microwave absorption of the LLDPE/POE/CIP composites was attributed to the combining contributions of the dielectric loss and magnetic loss. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2009
Preparation and characterization of thin films of the poly(p‐phenylene vinylene) semiconducting polymer
Authors: Gomathi N. , Prasad Venkata K. , Neogi Sudarsan
Published: November 2008

Conjugated polymers have been the subject of many studies because of their widespread applications in electronic and optoelectronic devices. Poly(p‐phenylene vinylene) is a leading semiconducting polymer in optical applications. This work is focused on the development of thin films of poly(p‐phenylene vinylene) by spin coating and their characterization with Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X‐ray diffraction, and scanning electron microscopy to understand their changes. An empirical model has been developed to show the effect of the variables—the spin speed, polymer concentration, and spin time—on the film thickness. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2009
Interfacially compatibilized poly(lactic acid) and poly(lactic acid)/polycaprolactone/organoclay nanocomposites with improved biodegradability and barrier properties: Effects of the compatibilizer structural parameters and feeding route
Authors: Sabet S. Shafiei , Katbab A. A.
Published: November 2008

Nanocomposites with enhanced biodegradability and reduced oxygen permeability were fabricated via melt hybridization of organomodified clay and poly (lactic acid) (PLA) as well as a PLA/polycaprolactone (PCL) blend. The nanocomposite microstructure was engineered via interfacial compatibilization with maleated polypropylene (PP‐g‐MA). Effects of the compatibilizer structural parameters and feeding route on the dispersion state of the nanolayers and their partitioning between the PLA and PCL phases were evaluated with X‐ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, and scanning electron microscopy. Although highly functionalized PP‐g‐MA with a low molecular weight was shown to be much more effective in the intercalation of PLA and the PLA/PCL blend into the clay gallery spaces, composite samples compatibilized by high‐molecular‐weight PP‐g‐MA with a lower degree of maleation exhibited lower oxygen permeability as well as a higher rate of biodegradation, which indicated the accelerating role of the dispersed nanolayers and their interfaces in the enzymatic degradation of PLA and PLA/PCL matrices. This evidenced a correlation between the nanocomposite structure and rate of biodegradation. The size of the PCL droplets in the PLA matrix was reduced by nanoclay incorporation, and this revealed that the nanolayers were preferentially wetted by PCL in the blend. However, PCL appeared as fine and elongated particles in the microstructure of the PLA/PCL/organoclay hybrids compatibilized by higher molecular weight and less functionalized PP‐g‐MA. All the PLA/organoclay and PLA/PCL/organoclay hybrids compatibilized with high‐molecular‐weight PP‐g‐MA displayed a higher dynamic melt viscosity with more pseudo solid‐like melt rheological responses, and this indicated the formation of a strong network structure by the dispersed clay layers. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2009
Physicochemical characterization of maize tassel as an adsorbent. I. Surface texture, microstructure, and thermal stability
Authors: Zvinowanda Caliphs M. , Okonkwo Jonathan O. , Agyei Nana M. , Shabalala Pride N.
Published: November 2008

In this study, various physicochemical parameters were evaluated for maize tassel, a novel adsorbent. The Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) isotherm was used to experimentally model N2‐adsorption data (up to a relative pressure of 0.30); the results indicated that the powdered material was mesoporous with a BET specific surface area, total pore volume (up to a relative pressure of 0.98), and average pore width (4V/A by BET) of 2.52 m2/g, 0.0045 cm3/g, and 7.2 nm, respectively, for the 150–300‐μm fraction. Laser diffraction pattern analysis yielded particle size distributions for the 45–50‐, 50–150‐, and 150–300‐μm fractions. High‐resolution scanning electron microscopy revealed a microstructure showing predominantly flattish, rodlike particles. The material exhibited stability to thermal decomposition up to about 230°C, as evidenced by the results obtained from simultaneous thermogravimetry/differential thermal analysis and differential scanning calorimetry. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2009
Synthesis and properties of some fluorescent 1,8‐naphthalimide derivatives and their copolymers with methyl methacrylate
Authors: Konstantinova T. N. , Miladinova P. M.
Published: November 2008

Six new fluorescent derivatives of 1,8‐naphthalimide were synthesized. Three were dyes, and three were fluorescent whitening agents (FWAs) containing a tetramethylpiperidine (TMP) stabilizer fragment. The FWAs were obtained under phase‐transfer catalysis conditions. Five of the compounds were copolymerized with methyl methacrylate, so copolymers with an intense color and/or fluorescence stable against solvents were obtained. The chemical bonding of the synthesized monomers in the polymers was confirmed spectrophotometrically. The participation of the monomer compounds did not significantly affect the process of copolymerization or the molecular masses of the obtained copolymers. The quantity of chemically bonded naphthalimide monomer in the copolymers was determined to be over 60%. The spectral properties of the compounds and their photostability in solution and in the copolymers were studied. The influence of the compounds on the photostability of the copolymers was determined. The compounds, especially those containing a stabilizer (TMP) fragment in their molecules, showed a positive stabilizing effect on the photodegradation of poly(methyl methacrylate). Polyamide fabrics with 2‐allyl‐6‐hydrazino‐benzo[de]isoquinoline‐1,3‐dione, 2‐allyl‐6‐(2‐amino‐ethylamino)‐benzo[de]isoquinoline‐1,3‐dione, and 2‐chloro‐N′‐(2‐methyl)‐1,3‐dioxo‐2,3‐dihydro‐1H‐benzo[de] isoquinoline‐6‐yl) acetohydrazide were dyed, and materials with an intense yellow color and fluorescence were obtained. Cotton fabrics were whitened with 2‐(2,2,6,6‐tetramethyl‐piperidin‐4‐yl)‐6‐methoxy‐benzo[de]isoquinoline‐1,3‐dione, 2‐(2,2,6,6‐tetramethyl‐piperidin‐4‐yl)‐6‐allyloxybenzo[de]isoquinoline‐1, 3‐dione, and 2‐[2‐(2,2,6,6‐tetramethyl‐piperidin‐4‐yl)‐1,3‐dioxo‐2,3‐dihidro‐1H benzo [de]isoquinoline‐6‐oxy]ethyl‐2‐methacrylate, and materials with bright whiteness and intense bluish fluorescence were obtained. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2009
Novel 1,4‐diketo‐3,6‐diphenyl pyrrolo[3,4‐c]pyrrole (DPP)‐based copolymers with large Stokes shift
Authors: Liu Kuan , Li Yang , Yang Mujie
Published: November 2008

Two novel alternating π‐conjugated copolymers, named PDPPDOPV and PDPPDOPE, constituted of 1,4‐diketo‐3,6‐diphenyl pyrrolo[3,4‐c]pyrrole (DPP) with 2,5‐dioctyloxy‐1,4‐phenylenevinylene (DOPV) or 2,5‐dioctyloxy‐1,4‐phenyleneethynylene (DOPE), respectively, were synthesized and characterized by UV‐vis, FT‐IR, and photoluminescence spectroscopy. They are dark red solid readily soluble in various common organic solvents including THF and chloroform. The UV‐vis absorption spectra of the polymers show strong absorption bands, which correspond to the π‐π* transition of π‐conjugated segments. Photoluminescence (PL) spectra show that both polymer films and solution have large Stokes shifts. From their fluorescence behavior, Stokes shifts of 173 nm and 199 nm are derived for the films of PDPPDOPV and PDPPDOPE, respectively, which are the largest two values ever reported for DPP‐containing polymers. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2009
Synthesis of ω‐pyrenyl‐functionalized poly(1,3‐cyclohexadiene)
Authors: Natori Itaru , Natori Shizue
Published: November 2008

ω‐Pyrenyl‐functionalized poly(1,3‐cyclohexadiene) (PCHD) was successfully synthesized by the postpolymerization reaction of poly(1,3‐cyclohexadienyl)lithium (PCHDLi) with 1‐chloromethylpyrene (ClMe‐PY). This postpolymerization reaction consisted of two competitive reactions: the addition reaction of the pyrenyl group, and a hydrogen abstraction reaction (lithiation) as a side reaction. The degree of nucleophilicity of PCHDLi was a very important factor for suppression of the side reaction, and the PCHDLi/amine system, which has high nucleophilicity, produced high ω‐pyrenyl‐functionalization for PCHD. The UV/vis and fluorescence spectra for ω‐pyrenyl‐functionalized PCHD were bathochromically shifted, relative to that of pyrene. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2009
Substituent effects on trithiocarbonates‐mediated polymerization of styrene
Authors: Ran Rong , Chen Zhi , Wang Xiao Long
Published: November 2008

In the present work, the effectiveness of five trithiocarbonates (TTCs) as mediating agents in the reversible addition fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerization and photopolymerization of styrene (St) were investigated. The five TTCs including S,S′‐bis(α, α′‐dimethyl‐α″‐acetic acid) trithiocarbonate (TTC1), bis(2‐oxo‐2‐phenyl‐ethyl) trithiocarbonate (TTC2), 3‐(2‐carboxyethylsulfanylthiocarbonylsulfanyl)‐propionic acid (TTC3), 2‐(2‐carboxyethylsulfanylthiocarbonylsulfanyl)propionic acid (TTC4), and 2‐(2‐carboxyethylsulfanylthiocarbonylsulfanyl)‐2‐methylpropionic acid (TTC5) were synthesized, in which the substitution patterns (groups Z and R) of the TTCs were varied. The dynamic behavior of TTC1, TTC2, TTC4, and TTC5‐mediated polymerization of St was well described by pseudo first‐order kinetics. In the presence of TTC1, TTC2, TTC4, and TTC5, the polydispersity indices changed with increasing conversion in the range of 1.10–1.25 typical for RAFT‐prepared (co)polymers, and were well below the theoretical lower limit of 1.50 for a normal free radical polymerization. Transfer coefficients of TTCs in St polymerization at 70°C were estimated by using the Mayo method. Density functional theory calculations successfully predicted the effect of the structure of TTCs on the activity of RAFT agents in a qualitative manner. The calculated results for RAFT agents agreed well with the experimental results. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2009
How to interpret PubMed queries and why it matters
Authors: Yeganova Lana , Comeau Donald C. , Kim Won , Wilbur W. John
Published: November 2008

A significant fraction of queries in PubMed™ are multiterm queries without parsing instructions. Generally, search engines interpret such queries as collections of terms, and handle them as a Boolean conjunction of these terms. However, analysis of queries in PubMed™ indicates that many such queries are meaningful phrases, rather than simple collections of terms. In this study, we examine whether or not it makes a difference, in terms of retrieval quality, if such queries are interpreted as a phrase or as a conjunction of query terms. And, if it does, what is the optimal way of searching with such queries. To address the question, we developed an automated retrieval evaluation method, based on machine learning techniques, that enables us to evaluate and compare various retrieval outcomes. We show that the class of records that contain all the search terms, but not the phrase, qualitatively differs from the class of records containing the phrase. We also show that the difference is systematic, depending on the proximity of query terms to each other within the record. Based on these results, one can establish the best retrieval order for the records. Our findings are consistent with studies in proximity searching.
“Backstage solidarity” in Spanish‐ and English‐written medical research papers: Publication context and the acknowledgment paratext
Authors: Salager‐Meyer Françoise , Ariza María Ángeles Alcaraz , Berbesí Maryelis Pabón
Published: November 2008

The purpose of this article is to analyze the acknowledgment (ACK) paratext of medical research articles written in English and Spanish in three geographical contexts: Venezuela, Spain, and the United States of America. We thus randomly selected 150 research articles from leading medical journals in each country. The frequency and length of ACKs, the number of named and unnamed acknowledgees, the reasons why they were acknowledged, the number of grants received, and the sources of funding were recorded. The motivations that underpinned each ACK were classified according to B. Cronin's (1995) and C.L. Giles & I.G. Councill's (2004) typology. Results were analyzed by means of chi‐square tests. Our results show that ACKs from the English‐language corpus are significantly more frequent and longer than those from both the Spanish and Venezuelan samples. The number of persons acknowledged and the number of grants received also were significantly greater in the U.S. sample than they were in the two Spanish‐language corpora. Differences were found in the number and types of funding sources. Moreover, in the three corpora, technical/instrumental assistance was more frequently acknowledged than was peers' ideational input. A small‐scale ethnographic research study was conducted with Spanish and Venezuelan researchers to get firsthand feedback on the motivations that could lie behind their ACK behavior. We conclude that “backstage solidarity” (E. Goffman, 1959, p. 177; also see B. Cronin & S. Franks, 2006, p. 1915) significantly differs from one context to another, and that the communicative and sociocultural conventions of academic contributorship are not only discipline‐dependent but also language‐ and context‐dependent.
The impact of frame semantic annotation levels, frame‐alignment techniques, and fusion methods on factoid answer processing
Authors: Ofoghi Bahadorreza , Yearwood John , Ma Liping
Published: November 2008

The impact of frame semantic enrichment of texts on the task of factoid question answering (QA) is studied in this paper. In particular, we consider different techniques for answer processing with frame semantics: the level of semantic class identification and role assignment to texts, and the fusion of frame semantic‐based answer‐processing approaches with other methods used in the Text REtrieval Conference (TREC). The impact of each of these aspects on the overall performance of a QA system is analyzed in this paper. The TREC 2004 and TREC 2006 factoid question sets were used for the experiments. These demonstrate that the exploitation of encapsulated frame semantics in FrameNet in a shallow semantic parsing process can enhance answer‐processing performance in factoid QA systems. This improvement is dependent on the level of semantic annotation, the frame semantic alignment method, and the method of fusing frame semantic‐based answer‐processing models with other existing models. A more comprehensively annotated environment with all different part‐of‐speech target predicates provides a higher chance of correct factoid answer retrieval where semantic alignment is based on both semantic classes and a relaxed set of semantic roles for answer span identification. Our experiments on fusion techniques of frame semantic‐based and entity‐based answer‐processing models show that merging answer lists with respect to their scores and redundancy by exploiting a fusion function leads to a more effective overall factoid QA system compared to the use of individual models.
The net energy debate: response to Professor Dale
Authors: Poldy Franzi
Published: November 2008

The confusion in Professor Dale's critique of net energy is traced to its probable source in an error in a paper by Farrell et al. Other matters relating to net energy that arise from Professor Dale's counterpoint are discussed.

© 2008 Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd
Prediction of human oral pharmacokinetics using nonclinical data: examples involving four proprietary compounds
Authors: Fura Aberra , Vyas Viral , Humphreys William , Chimalokonda Anjaneya , Rodrigues David
Published: November 2008

The oral pharmacokinetics (concentration‐time profile) of four proprietary compounds in humans were predicted using theCvss‐MRTmethod. The first step was to demonstrate superposition of intravenous (i.v.) pharmacokinetic profiles of preclinical species following mathematical transformation of their respective concentration‐time curves using the correspondingCvss(whereCvss=dose/Vss;Vss is the volume of distribution at steady state) and mean residence time (MRT) values. The resultant profiles were then back‐transformed to estimate human i.v. plasma concentration‐time profiles using humanCvssandMRTvalues. HumanCvssandMRTvalues were estimated from projected humanVss andCLvalues. Projection ofCLwas based on scaled (in vitro) metabolic clearance, simple allometry with and without various correction factors and the unbound fraction corrected intercept method.Vss values were estimated by allometric scaling with and without correction for interspecies differences in plasma protein binding. The predicted human i.v. profiles, in combination with the estimated mean absorption rate constants and bioavailability, were then used to simulate the oral pharmacokinetics in human using one‐ or multi‐compartment kinetic models. Overall, with this approach, key oral pharmacokinetic parameters such asAUC,Cmax,Cminand oral plasmaT½were projected to be within two‐fold of the actual values in humans. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Kinetic modeling for enzymatic hydrolysis of pretreated creeping wild ryegrass
Authors: Zheng Yi , Pan Zhongli , Zhang Ruihong , Jenkins Bryan M.
Published: November 2008

A semimechanistic multi‐reaction kinetic model was developed to describe the enzymatic hydrolysis of a lignocellulosic biomass, creeping wild ryegrass (CWR; Leymus triticoides). This model incorporated one homogeneous reaction of cellobiose‐to‐glucose and two heterogeneous reactions of cellulose‐to‐cellobiose and cellulose‐to‐glucose. Adsorption of cellulase onto pretreated CWR during enzymatic hydrolysis was modeled via a Langmuir adsorption isotherm. This is the first kinetic model which incorporated the negative role of lignin (nonproductive adsorption) using a Langmuir‐type isotherm adsorption of cellulase onto lignin. The model also reflected the competitive inhibitions of cellulase by glucose and cellobiose. The Matlab optimization function of “lsqnonlin” was used to fit the model and estimate kinetic parameters based on experimental data generated under typical conditions (8% solid loading and 15 FPU/g‐cellulose enzyme concentration without the addition of background sugars). The model showed high fidelity for predicting cellulose hydrolysis behavior over a broad range of solid loading (4–12%, w/w, dry basis), enzyme concentration (15–150 FPU/ g‐cellulose), sugar inhibition (glucose of 30 and 60 mg/mL and cellobiose of 10 mg/mL). In addition, sensitivity analysis showed that the incorporation of the nonproductive adsorption of cellulase onto lignin significantly improved the predictability of the kinetic model. Our model can serve as a robust tool for developing kinetic models for system optimization of enzymatic hydrolysis, hydrolysis reactor design, and/or other hydrolysis systems with different type of enzymes and substrates. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2009;102: 1558–1569. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Utilization of cross‐linked laccase aggregates in a perfusion basket reactor for the continuous elimination of endocrine‐disrupting chemicals
Authors: Cabana Hubert , Jones J. Peter , Agathos Spiros N.
Published: November 2008

A perfusion basket reactor (BR) was developed for the continuous utilization of insolubilized laccase as cross‐linked enzyme aggregates (CLEAs). The BR consisted of an unbaffled basket made of a metallic filtration module filled with CLEAs and continuously agitated by a 3‐blade marine propeller. The agitation conditions influenced both the apparent laccase activity in the reactor and the stability of the biocatalyst. Optimal laccase activity was obtained at a rotational speed of 12.5 rps and the highest stability was reached at speeds of 1.7 rps or lower. The activity and stability of the biocatalyst were affected drastically upon the appearance of vortices in the reaction medium. This reactor was used for the continuous elimination of the endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) nonylphenol (NP), bisphenol A (BPA), and triclosan (TCS). Optimization of EDC elimination by laccase CLEAs as a function of temperature and pH was achieved by response surface methodology using a central composite factorial design. The optimal conditions of pH and temperature were, respectively, 4.8 and 40.3°C for the elimination of p353NP (a branched isomer of NP), 4.7 and 48.0°C for BPA, and 4.9 and 41.2°C for TCS. Finally, the BR was used for the continuous elimination of these EDCs from a 5 mg L−1 aqueous solution using 1 mg of CLEAs at pH 5 and room temperature. Our results showed that at least 85% of these EDCs could be eliminated with a hydraulic retention time of 325 min. The performances of the BR were quite stable over a 7‐day period of continuous treatment. Furthermore, this system could eliminate the same EDCs from a 100 mg L−1 solution. Finally, a mathematical model combining the Michaelis–Menten kinetics of the laccase CLEAs and the continuous stirred tank reactor behavior of the BR was developed to predict the elimination of these xenobiotics. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2009;102: 1582–1592. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Hemoglobin‐based oxygen carrier and convection enhanced oxygen transport in a hollow fiber bioreactor
Authors: Chen Guo , Palmer Andre F.
Published: November 2008

A mathematical model was developed to study O2 transport in a convection enhanced hepatic hollow fiber (HF) bioreactor, with hemoglobin‐based O2 carriers (HBOCs) present in the flowing cell culture media stream of the HF lumen. In this study, four HBOCs were evaluated: PEG‐conjugated human hemoglobin (MP4), human hemoglobin (hHb), bovine hemoglobin (BvHb) and polymerized bovine hemoglobin (PolyBvHb). In addition, two types of convective flow in the HF extra capillary space (ECS) were considered in this study. Starling flow naturally occurs when both of the ECS ports are closed. If one of the ECS ports is open, forced convective flow through the ECS will occur due to the imposed pressure difference between the lumen and ECS. This type of flow is referred to as cross‐flow in this work, since some of the fluid entering the HF lumen will pass across the HF membrane and exit via the open ECS port. In this work, we can predict the dissolved O2 concentration profile as well as the O2 transport flux in an individual HF of the bioreactor by solving the coupled momentum and mass transport equations. Our results show that supplementation of the cell culture media with HBOCs can dramatically enhance O2 transport to the ECS (containing hepatocytes) and lead to the formation of an in vivo‐like O2 spectrum for the optimal culture of hepatocytes. However, both Starling flow and cross‐flow have a very limited effect on O2 transport in the ECS. Taken together, this work represents a novel predictive tool that can be used to design or analyze HF bioreactors that expose cultured cells to defined overall concentrations and gradients of O2. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2009;102: 1603–1612. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Synthesis and Investigation of a Chiral Enterobactin Analogue Based on a Macrocyclic Peptide Scaffold
Authors: Pintér Áron , Haberhauer Gebhard
Published: November 2008

A chiral C3‐symmetric enterobactin analogue (1) has been synthesized by attachment of three 2,3‐dihydroxybenzoyl units to a chiral oxazole‐containing macrocyclic peptide scaffold. Complex formation kinetics and stoichiometry with various metal ions were investigated by spectrophotometric methods. In the cases of AlIII, InIII and FeIII complexes, UV absorption and CD kinetics showed nonlinearity, which results from slow conformational changes of the octahedral complexes. Virtual binding constants were determined from UV absorption data and showed selective binding of GaIII in preference to FeIII, by two orders of magnitude. CD spectroscopy revealed highly diastereoselective binding of AlIII, GaIII, InIII, FeIII and GeIV ions at room temperature, corresponding to the helical chirality opposite to that of the analogous enterobactin complexes. Ab initio calculations confirmed the energetic stabilization of the Λ isomers relative to the Δ isomers.
pH‐Dependent Catalytic Activity and Chemoselectivity in Transfer Hydrogenation Catalyzed by Iridium Complex with 4,4′‐Dihydroxy‐2,2′‐bipyridine
Authors: Himeda Yuichiro , Onozawa‐Komatsuzaki Nobuko , Miyazawa Satoru , Sugihara Hideki , Hirose Takuji , Kasuga Kazuyuki
Published: November 2008

Transfer hydrogenation catalyzed by an iridium catalyst with 4,4′‐dihydroxy‐2,2′‐bipyridine (DHBP) in an aqueous formate solution exhibits highly pH‐dependent catalytic activity and chemoselectivity. The substantial change in the activity is due to the electronic effect based on the acid–base equilibrium of the phenolic hydroxyl group of DHBP. Under basic conditions, high turnover frequency values of the DHBP complex, which can be more than 1000 times the value of the unsubstituted analogue, are obtained (up to 81 000 h−1 at 80 °C). In addition, the DHBP catalyst exhibits pH‐dependent chemoselectivity for α,β‐unsaturated carbonyl compounds. Selective reduction of the CC bond of enone with high activity are observed under basic conditions. The ketone moieties can be reduced with satisfactory activity under acidic conditions. In particular, pH‐selective chemoselectivity of the CO versus CC bond reduction was observed in the transfer hydrogenation of cinnamaldehyde.
Discovery of DPP IV Inhibitors by Pharmacophore Modeling and QSAR Analysis followed by in silico Screening
Authors: Al‐masri Ihab M. , Mohammad Mohammad K. , Taha Mutasem O.
Published: November 2008

Dipeptidyl peptidase IV (DPP IV) deactivates the natural hypoglycemic incretin hormones. Inhibition of this enzyme should restore glucose homeostasis in diabetic patients making it an attractive target for the development of new antidiabetic drugs. With this in mind, the pharmacophoric space of DPP IV was explored using a set of 358 known inhibitors. Thereafter, genetic algorithm and multiple linear regression analysis were employed to select an optimal combination of pharmacophoric models and physicochemical descriptors that yield selfconsistent and predictive quantitative structure–activity relationships (QSAR) (r2287=0.74, F‐statistic=44.5,r2BS=0.74,r2 LOO=0.69,r2PRESSagainst 71 external testing inhibitors=0.51). Two orthogonal pharmacophores (of cross‐correlationr2=0.23) emerged in the QSAR equation suggesting the existence of at least two distinct binding modes accessible to ligands within the DPP IV binding pocket. Docking experiments supported the binding modes suggested by QSAR/pharmacophore analyses. The validity of the QSAR equation and the associated pharmacophore models were established by the identification of new low‐micromolar anti‐DPP IV leads retrieved by in silico screening. One of our interesting potent anti‐DPP IV hits is the fluoroquinolone gemifloxacin (IC50=1.12 μM). The fact that gemifloxacin was recently reported to potently inhibit the prodiabetic target glycogen synthase kinase 3β(GSK‐3β) suggests that gemifloxacin is an excellent lead for the development of novel dual antidiabetic inhibitors against DPP IV and GSK‐3β.
Multicenter phase 2 study of neoadjuvant paclitaxel, estramustine phosphate, and carboplatin plus androgen deprivation before radiation therapy in patients with unfavorable‐risk localized prostate cancer
Authors: Kelly William Kevin , Halabi Susan , Elfiky Aymen , Ou San‐San , Bogart Jeff , Zelefsky Michael , Small Eric
Published: November 2008

BACKGROUND.

A multicenter phase 2 trial was conducted to evaluate the safety and feasibility of radiotherapy after paclitaxel, estramustine phosphate, and carboplatin (TEC) plus androgen deprivation therapy in previously untreated unfavorable‐risk localized prostate cancer patients.

METHODS.

Patients with localized high‐risk prostate cancer were treated with 4 cycles (16 weeks) of continuous weekly paclitaxel at 80 mg/m2 intravenously with estramustine at 280 mg orally 3 times a day for 5 days a week and carboplatin (area under the curve of 6) on Day 1 of every cycle followed by 3‐dimensional conformal or intensity‐modulated radiotherapy (total dose of 77.4 gray [Gy] in 1.8‐Gy fractions). All patients received androgen deprivation therapy with either goserelin acetate at 3.6 mg subcutaneously or leuprolide acetate at 7.5 mg intramuscularly monthly for 6 months starting at Day 1 of therapy. Patients were evaluated for acute and late toxicities along with progression‐free survival and time to prostate‐specific antigen (PSA) failure associated with the multimodality therapy.

RESULTS.

Twenty‐seven of 34 patients completed therapy and were evaluable for safety and feasibility. There was 1 patient with grade 3 nausea during chemotherapy. No other grade 3 or 4 gastrointestinal, cardiovascular, or genitourinary acute or late toxicities were reported. The most common grade 1 to 2 late toxicities were proctitis (11%), dysuria (11%), and urinary frequency/urgency (33%). Two deaths due to prostate cancer were observed. Median follow‐up was 38 months among 24 surviving patients; median PSA progression‐free survival was 12.1 months (95% confidence interval, 13.3‐25.9).

CONCLUSIONS.

Neoadjuvant chemohormonal therapy with TEC followed by high‐dose radiation therapy is safe and feasible in a multicenter setting. Cancer 2008. © 2008 American Cancer Society.
On the modified Crank–Nicholson difference schemes for parabolic equation with non‐smooth data arising in biomechanics
Authors: Ashyralyev Allaberen , Erdogan Abdullah Said , Arslan Nurullah
Published: November 2008

In the present paper, we consider the mixed problem for one‐dimensional parabolic equation with non‐smooth data generated by the blood flow through glycocalyx on the endothelial cells. Stable numerical method is developed and solved by using the r‐modified Crank–Nicholson schemes. Numerical analysis is given for a constructed problem. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Unusual Complications Following Living Donor Nephrectomy
Authors: Akoh Jacob A. , Rana Tahawar A. , Stacey Sarah L.
Published: November 2008

BACKGROUND

The aim of this study was to highlight unusual complications following living‐donor nephrectomy within a single center.

METHODS

Between January 2003 and February 2008, 58 donor nephrectomies (52 open and 6 laparoscopic hand‐assisted) were performed. All donors were followed up at 6 weeks and then discharged to regular yearly visits with their designated nephrologists. All complications were entered prospectively into a database used for this analysis.

RESULTS

Forty‐four (76%) had a left donor nephrectomy, whereas 14 (24%) had a right nephrectomy. There were 22 men and 34 women with a median age of 48 years (range 27–70 years). Average length of hospital stay of the donors was 5 days (median 4 days). Fifty donors (86%) had no complications; the complications seen in the remaining 8 (14%) were hemorrhage in 4 donors, testicular pain treated by orchidectomy in 1 donor, neuropathic pain in 1 donor, and lymphoma in 1 transplanted kidney.

CONCLUSIONS

In addition to rigorous and careful assessment of potential donors, every effort must be made to reduce the risk of postoperative complications by adopting a careful surgical technique, ensuring a high level of vigilance, and early detection of complications—bearing in mind some of the unusual complications detailed in this report.
Candida Cholecystitis in a Diabetic Patient on Chronic Peritoneal Dialysis
Authors: Weng Cheng‐Hao , Chang Chiz‐Tzung , Lin Ja‐Liang , Hung Cheng‐Chieh , Yang Chih‐Wei , Yen Tzung‐Hai
Published: November 2008

Acute cholecystitis caused by Candida glabrata is a rare condition. We present a 60‐year‐old female patient with end‐stage renal failure on continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis experiencing high fever, shock, and leukocytosis. There was no evidence of continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis peritonitis. Abdominal computed tomography showed evidence of acute cholecystitis. A bile culture from percutaneous gallbladder drainage and a urine culture both showed growth of C. glabrata. However, after treatment with oral fluconazole and broad‐spectrum antibiotics, the patient died of septic shock.
Renovated controller designed by genetic algorithms
Authors: Lin Tzu‐Kang , Chu Yi‐Lun , Chang Kuo‐Chun , Chang Chia‐Yun , Kao Hua‐Hsuan
Published: November 2008

A novel smart control system based on genetic algorithms (GAs) is proposed in this paper. The system is comprised of three parts: the fiber Bragg grating (FBG) sensor‐based sensing network for structural health monitoring, the GA‐based location optimizer for sensor arrangement, and the GA‐based controller for vibration mitigation under external excitation. To evaluate the performance of the proposed system, an eight‐story steel structure was designed specifically to represent a structure with large degrees of freedom. In total 16 FBG sensors were deployed on the structure to implement the concept of a reliable sensing network, and to allow the structure to be monitored precisely under any loading. The advantage of applying a large amount of information from the sensing system is proven theoretically by the GA‐based location optimizer. This result greatly supports the recent tendency of distributing sensors around the structure. Two intuitive GA‐based controllers are then proposed and demonstrated numerically. It is shown that the structure can be controlled more effectively by the proposed GA‐strain controller than by the GA‐acceleration controller, which represents the traditional control method. A shaking table test was carried out to examine the entire system. Experimental verification has demonstrated the feasibility of using this system in practice. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.