bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Stornaust fra middelalder
Authors: Wickler Stephen
Published: April 2024

Rapporten presenterer resultater fra siste feltsesong av forskningsutgravning av nausttufter på Nergården, Bjarkøy utført av Norges arktiske universitetsmuseum (UM) og Troms og Finnmarkfylkeskommune i fire feltperioder (2019-2022).
De samlede utgravningsresultatene danner et grunnlag for tolkning av konstruksjon, kronologi og relasjoner mellom tre stornaustbygninger; et opprinnelig jernaldernaust fra vikingtid (tuft 1) som ble utvidet på 1000-tallet (utvidet tuft 1) og et høymiddelaldernaust bygd mot slutten av 1100-tallet, og som var i bruk frem til slutten av1300-tallet (tuft 2).
Feltundersøkelsen i 2022 hadde flere målsettinger knyttet til vurdering av resultater fra en georadarundersøkelse av naustlokaliteten utført av NIKU i 2021. Hovedfokus var kartlegging av veggkonstruksjonsdetaljer både i de vestre og østre veggene i tuft 2, samt relasjoner mellom utvidet tuft 1 og tuft 2-naustene.
En sjakt på tvers av veggvollene i tuft 2 fra2020 ble utvidet 5 m i vestlig retning for å avdekke den vestlige ytterveggen av tuft 2-stornaustet (sjakt 8). I tillegg ble en 7 x 0,5 m sjakt gravd i V-Ø retning sør for rute 3 fra 2021 (sjakt 9). Sjakta blir plassert mellom innerveggen i østlig del av tuft 2, samt vestlig yttervegg og takbærendestolperekke i utvidet tuft 1-stornaust. Hensikten var å avklare overgangen mellom utvidet naust 1og naust 2 strukturene og avdekke ytterveggen til tuft 2 med veggrøft og stolperekke som ble dokumentert i sjakt 5 fra 2020.
Resultatene fra utgravning i 2022 bekrefter tidligere utgravningsresultater og en del av georadartolkningene når det gjelder dokumentasjon av inner- og ytterveggene i utvidet tuft 1 og tuft 2. Både innerveggen i utvidet tuft 1 og den østlige ytterveggen i tuft 2 var usynlig i georadarresultatene, men utgravningen i 2022 bekreftet beliggenhet og utforming av veggene avdekket ved tidligere utgravning.
En rekke karbondateringer fra de vestre og østre veggvollene i tuft 2 forsterket kronologien for bruk av middelaldernaustet, men det ble dessverre ikke funnet nok trekull til datering av veggene i utvidet tuft 1-naustet hvor gjenstandsfunn også manglet. Det kan forklares med beliggenhet nær bakgavlen i et stornaust hvor aktivitet er antatt til å være begrenset. Det ble funnet en moderat mengde båtsaum og en del steingjenstander (bryner, ildflint og skiferheller) i sjakt 8.
En grafisk designer ble engasjert å lage 3D illustrasjoner av hvordan alle tre naustene kunne ha sett ut basert på resultater av arkeologisk utgravning, georadarundersøkelsen og innspill fra eksperter innenfor tradisjonshåndverk. Dette blir et nyttigverktøy som kan brukes til formidling og faglig hypoteser om konstruksjon av stornaust fra førreformatorisk tid i landsdelen.
A physical fitness–evaluation system for outstanding Chinese male boxers
Authors: Wu Guodong , Guo Yuqiang , Zhang Liqin , Chen Chao
Published: April 2024

Background

We sought to create a system to evaluate the physical fitness of outstanding Chinese male boxers that included an evaluation index, fitness level criteria, and modeling. This system was then used to assess athletes’ physical fitness and development.

Methods

Documentation, expert interviews, questionnaires, measurements, and statistical analyses were used in this study.

Results

The physical fitness evaluation system included the following three components: (1) body shape indexes (n = 4) including the backhand upper arm circumference differential, finger span height, Cottrell index, and pelvic width/shoulder width × 100; (2) body function indexes (n = 4) including relative maximum anaerobic power, relative maximal oxygen uptake, and creatine kinase and testosterone concentrations; and (3) athletic quality indexes (n = 9) including the speed strength index, the backhand straight punch strength, 3-min cumulative punching force, backhand straight punch reaction time, backhand straight punch speed, 30-m sprint, 9-min double shake jump rope, 1-min double shake jump rope, and sitting forward bend tests. A five-point grading system to evaluate physical fitness was established and an evaluation model was proposed.

Conclusions

The reference values were determined to be objective and effective using a back substitution process. Individual and differential assessments reflected the athletes’ level of physical fitness. The critical values were established under the best and worst conditions and the optimal values were found to be valid and effective.
Seeds Yield and Quality of Quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd.) Plants Grown Under Different Nitrogen Fertilization Doses
Authors: Contreras Samuel , Molina Jorge , García Margarita , Sanchez Javier , Chorbadjian Rodrigo , Fuentes Francisco , Albornoz Francisco
Published: April 2024

Quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd.) has been cultivated for more than 7,000 years in the mountain regions (Andes Mountains) of South America. Five ecotypes differing in their phenology, morphology and stress resistance can be found. One of these ecotypes corresponds to the coastal ecotype, which is cultivated mainly in Chile. Little information is available regarding the response of this ecotype to nitrogen (N) fertilization. In the present study, three N fertilization doses (low: 30, adequate: 140 and high: 280 kg ha-1) were evaluated in plants grown in containers. Seed yield and quality attributes, including seed weight, nitrate content, germination, and seed longevity, were evaluated. These results indicate that increasing N fertilization promotes increases in seed yield and weight. In terms of seed quality, although the fertilization treatments did not affect germination, seed longevity was reduced by increasing the N fertilization dose.
A Case of Corneal Melt and Perforation Associated with Rheumatoid Arthritis Managed by Corneal Patch Graft
Authors: Lune Abhay Amrit , Kotecha Megha Ramnik , Pokle Supriya Adinath
Published: April 2024

Corneal melt is a rare yet severe complication of Peripheral Ulcerative Keratitis (PUK), observed in patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA). The mortality rate associated with corneal melt is high, warranting aggressive treatment. A 50-year-old female, a known case of RA for 20 years, presented with complaints of blurred vision, watering, irritation, and photophobia in both eyes for the last year, with worsening symptoms in the Right Eye (RE) for the past 15 days. She was diagnosed elsewhere in a private hospital with RE corneal melt and perforation and inferior corneal thinning in the Left Eye (LE), with an ulcer defect. She underwent corneal perforation suturing in the RE before reaching the present facility. On examination, a sutured corneal perforation was present in the RE, and corneal thinning and melt were seen para-centrally and inferiorly in the LE. Surgical treatment with RE corneal patch graft repair was performed. The patient was given oral methotrexate and prednisolone for aggressive systemic control of RA and to ensure the survival of the patch graft. The vision in the RE improved following the procedure, maintaining the tectonic integrity of the cornea. On follow-up, aleucomatous opacity was noted in the RE patch graft tissue. Corneal thinning in the LE was treated topically with artificial tears and antibiotic eyedrops, which eventually healed, forming macular corneal opacity. Overall, corneal patch graft repair enabled the maintenance of tectonic support and corneal integrity, as well as vision improvement in the patient with RA presenting with the complication of corneal melt and perforation.
GIS-Based Analytical Hierarchy Process Modelling and Mapping of Erosion Vulnerability in the Coastal Areas of Rivers State, Nigeria
Authors: Igbokwe, J.I . , Obasohan, J.N . , Igbokwe, E.C .
Published: April 2024

The problem of coastal erosion in rivers State Nigeria is a significant issue that has far-reaching consequences for the environment and local communities. Despite the efforts of previous research there remains a lack of comprehensive understanding of the factors contributing to erosion vulnerability and their relative importance, hindering effective decision-making and management practices aimed at mitigating the effects of coastal erosion in Rivers State. Therefore, this study aimed at a GIS-based analytical hierarchy process modeling and mapping of coastal erosion vulnerability in Rivers State, Nigeria. The objectives are to establish and classify the geophysical factors according to the levels of coastal erosion risk, calculate the reliability index of the classified geophysical factors, determine the coastal vulnerable areas across Rivers State using analytical hierarchical process and to produce a coastal vulnerability index map defining the extent of erosion vulnerability in Rivers State. The methodology comprises of the acquisition of primary and secondary data, image pre-processing, image classification, DEM processing, classification and standardization of factors, development of pairwise comparism, and weighted linear combination analysis. The study revealed three distinct coastal erosion vulnerability zones: high, moderate, and low vulnerability. The high vulnerability zone encompassed a total expanse of 545.29 square kilometers, constituting 6.38% of the study area. In contrast, the moderate and low vulnerability zones covered 1941.33 square kilometers and 6052.51 square kilometers, respectively, making up 22.73% and 70.89% of the total area. Bonny (139.28 sq km) was ranked as the most vulnerable due to its role as an oil and gas hub. Degema (111.28 sq km) ranked second and requires urgent erosion control. Okrika and Andoni (71.73 sq km and 62.20 sq km) were third and fourth respectively. It is recommended that an advocate for the systematic approach to coastal vulnerability zoning be introduced in the study. The categorization of areas into high, moderate, and low vulnerability zones provides a standardized framework for assessing coastal regions' susceptibility to erosion. This approach can be applied to other regions to facilitate consistent vulnerability assessments.
Variation in Sleep Traits in the Indian Population During Social Restriction
Authors: Jaiswal Saurabh , Soni Nishi , Yadav Arjita , Kumar Sudhir , Malik Shalie , Rani Sangeeta
Published: April 2024

Aim: We conducted this study to investigate the impact of social restrictions on chronotype categories, social jetlag, and sleep parameters in the Indian population.
Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in 2021 with 139 participants. We used an online questionnaire (Google Form) enclosing respondents' sociodemographic information Social jetlag and sleep parameters were measured with the µ-MCTQ and chronotype was assessed by the r-MEQ. Chi-square, paired t-tests, and One-way ANOVA were used to analyse the data. Pearson correlation was used to determine the strength of the relationship between the variables.
Results: Our results highlighted that a total of 23.8% of volunteers reported social jetlag before social restriction and it significantly reduced to 13.7% (P = .001) in the social restricted condition. There is no significant difference in sleep duration during the workday and free days of socially restriction (P = .11). We found a difference between midsleep free day (MSf) and midsleep free day corrected (MSfsc) (mean of 13 min before restrictions (P = .05) and 10 min during restrictions; P = .001).
Conclusion: Our findings provide crucial insights into variations in sleep/wake schedule stability, as seen by changes in the decrease of social jetlag between restriction. It was established that the individuals had significantly equivalent total sleep at both time points, as well as a later sleep-wake time under the social restriction.
Effect of Liquid Biofertilizer and Variable Source of Nutrients on Growth and Yield of Indian Mustard (Brassica juncea L.) in Western U.P., India
Authors: Kaushik Shivam , Yadav K.G. , Kumar Praveen , Kumar Ajay , Kumar Pardeep , Qidwai Sidra , Yadav Vikas
Published: April 2024

A field experiment was conducted during Rabi season of 2021-22 at Crop Research Centre of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel University of Agriculture and Technology, Meerut (U.P.). The experiment consisted of twenty treatment combinations with variable source of nutrients and biofertilizer. The treatment consisted of four sources of nutrients and five Biofertilizer levels were tested in RCBD (Factorial) with three replications. Results revealed that the application of 75% RDF (NPKS 90:45:45:30 kg/ha) +2-ton Vermicompost ha-1 gave higher plant height (203.55 cm), LAI (2.929), branches plant-1, dry matter accumulation (66.65 g plant-1), and seed (1854), stover (7193) & biological (9047) yield (kg ha-1) of mustard crop. Similarly, application of Azotobacter + PSB + KMB + Zn SB each @20 ml kg-1 seed treatment gave higher plant height (201.46 cm), LAI (2.702), branches plant-1, dry matter accumulation (64.98 g plant-1), and seed (1735), stover (6888) & biological (8623) yield (kg ha-1) of mustard crop. Thus, it may be concluded that the application of 75% RDF (NPKS 90:45:45:30kg/ha) + 2‑ton Vermicompost/ha +Biofertilizers (Azotobacter + PSB + KMB + ZnSB each @ 20 ml/kg Seed treatment) found economical in obtaining higher growth and yield of mustard.
Autoregressive Integrated Moving Average (ARIMA) Model with Genetic Algorithm to Forecast the Chilli and Turmeric Productions in India
Authors: N Elakkiya , Bhattacharyya Banjul , K Sathees Kumar
Published: April 2024

Aims: India holds the distinction of being the foremost producer of spices globally and has been long-run history in spice export. The quantity of Indian spice exports increased by 37% with $ 4.1 billion worth in 2021. With that, dried chilli, cumin, and turmeric alone contributed 44% of export value ($ 1.8 billion). Forecasting the production of major spices are key for exports and plays an essential role in supporting and achieving the target of $10 billion in exports by 2027.
Data Source: The time series data of chilli and turmeric production data in India from 1970-2020 periods was collected from Indiastat.
Methodology: The present study sought to forecast the production of chilli and turmeric in India using the ARIMA model and their parameters are estimated by stochastic optimization techniques (genetic algorithm). The parameters are estimated by minimizing the Mean Absolute Percentage Error (MAPE). Finally, ARIMA and ARIMA_GA models were compared based on their predictive ability.
Results: The Root Mean Square Error (RMSE) and Mean Absolute Percentage Error (MAPE) were 254.01,11.32 (chilli) and 185.73, 15.24 (turmeric) for testing set of ARIMA_GA model which is lower than the fitted ARIMA model.
Conclusion: This work has shown that ARIMA_GA (2,1,1) has been the best model to forecast the chilli and turmeric production in India. ARIMA_GA model will cope with parsimony and convergence of likelihood function to global optimum problems. Therefore ARIMA with GA will able to model the complexity and uncertainty of the data.
Investigation of Tunnel Collapse Mechanisms through Numerical Analysis
Authors: Kim Mintae
Published: April 2024

In this study, tunnel excavations were introduced in two typical ground conditions found in unstable urban areas, and the corresponding tunnel collapse mechanisms were investigated using numerical analysis. The case studies of tunnel collapse in weathered rock and uncemented sandy soil layers revealed that a plastic area extended across the entire tunnel section from the tunnel shoulder to the ground surface. The development of the displacement vector indicated the possibility of a tunnel ceiling depression occurring around the plastic area. The numerical analysis results suggest that tunnel excavation, which accelerates bedrock weathering or induces ground relaxation following groundwater introduction, can lead to the collapse of uncemented sandy soils.
Plasmonic Enhancement or Energy Transfer? On the Luminescence of Gold‐, Silver‐, and Lanthanide‐Doped Silicate Glasses and Its Potential for Light‐Emitting Devices
Authors: Eichelbaum Maik , Rademann Klaus
Published: June 2009

With the technique of synchrotron X‐ray activation, molecule‐like, non‐plasmonic gold and silver particles in soda‐lime silicate glasses can be generated. The luminescence energy transfer between these species and lanthanide(III) ions is studied. As a result, a significant lanthanide luminescence enhancement by a factor of up to 250 under non‐resonant UV excitation is observed. The absence of a distinct gold and silver plasmon resonance absorption, respectively, the missing nanoparticle signals in previous SAXS and TEM experiments, the unaltered luminescence lifetime of the lanthanide ions compared to the non‐enhanced case, and an excitation maximum at 300–350 nm (equivalent to the absorption range of small noble metal particles) indicate unambiguously that the observed enhancement is due to a classical energy transfer between small noble metal particles and lanthanide ions, and not to a plasmonic field enhancement effect. It is proposed that very small, molecule‐like noble metal particles (such as dimers, trimers, and tetramers) first absorb the excitation light, undergo a singlet‐triplet intersystem crossing, and finally transfer the energy to an excited multiplet state of adjacent lanthanide(III) ions. X‐ray lithographic microstructuring and excitation with a commercial UV LED show the potential of the activated glass samples as bright light‐emitting devices with tunable emission colors.
Highly unstable sequence interruptions of the CTG repeat in the myotonic dystrophy gene
Authors: Musova Zuzana , Mazanec Radim , Krepelova Anna , Ehler Edvard , Vales Jiri , Jaklova Radka , Prochazka Tomas , Koukal Petr , Marikova Tatana , Kraus Josef , Havlovicova Marketa , Sedlacek Zdenek
Published: June 2009

Myotonic dystrophy type 1 is caused by the expansion of a CTG repeat in the 3′ UTR of the DMPK gene. A length exceeding 50 CTG triplets is pathogenic. Intermediate alleles with 35–49 triplets are not disease‐causing but show instability in intergenerational transmissions. We report on the identification of multiple patients with different patterns of CCG and CTC interruptions in the DMPK CTG repeat tract that display unique intergenerational instability. In patients bearing interrupted expanded alleles, the location of the interruptions changed dramatically between generations and the repeats tended to contract. The phenotype for these patients corresponded to the classical form of the disease, but in some cases without muscular dystrophy and possibly with a later onset than expected. Symptomatic patients bearing interrupted intermediate length repeat tracts were also identified, although the role of the interruptions in their phenotype remains unclear. The identification of interruptions in the DMPK repeat has important consequences for molecular genetic testing where they can lead to false negative conclusions. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Titelbild: Zur Funktion und Struktur synthetisch modifizierter Porine (Angew. Chem. 26/2009)
Authors: Reitz Simon , Cebi Menekse , Reiß Philipp , Studnik Gregor , Linne Uwe , Koert Ulrich , Essen Lars‐Oliver
Published: June 2009

Synthetische Modulatoren wurden durch Proteinsemisynthese/Klick‐Chemie oder durch S‐Alkylierung in das trimere Porin OmpF eingeführt, wie U. Koert, L.‐O. Essen et al. in ihrer Zuschrift auf S. 4947 ff. berichten. Die Wahl des synthetischen Modulators und die Art der Verknüpfung bestimmten maßgeblich die Effizienz der Blockade. Ein Modell zur Erklärung der funktionalen Eigenschaften wurde auf Grundlage einer Röntgenkristallstruktur eines Kronenether‐OmpF‐Hybrids postuliert.

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The Biosynthetic Logic of Polyketide Diversity
Authors: Hertweck Christian
Published: June 2009

Molecular Lego: Polyketides represent a highly diverse group of natural products with structurally intriguing carbon skeletons (see picture) which are assembled from simple acyl building blocks. A combination of chemical, biochemical, and genetics studies have provided exciting new insights into the programming of polyketide assembly and the sophisticated enzymatic machineries involved. This review highlights recent developments in the field.

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Polyketides constitute one of the major classes of natural products. Many of these compounds or derivatives thereof have become important therapeutics for clinical use; in contrast, various polyketides are infamous food‐spoiling toxins or virulence factors. What is particularly remarkable about this heterogeneous group of compounds comprising of polyethers, polyenes, polyphenols, macrolides, and enediynes is that they are mainly derived from one of the simplest building blocks available in nature: acetic acid. Investigations at the chemical, genetic, and biochemical levels have shed light on the biosynthetic programs that lead to the large structural diversity of polyketides .This review highlights recently unveiled biosynthetic mechanisms to generate highly diverse and complex molecules.
Cover Picture: On the Function and Structure of Synthetically Modified Porins (Angew. Chem. Int. Ed. 26/2009)
Authors: Reitz Simon , Cebi Menekse , Reiß Philipp , Studnik Gregor , Linne Uwe , Koert Ulrich , Essen Lars‐Oliver
Published: June 2009

Synthetic Modulators are introduced into the trimeric porin OmpF by protein semisynthesis/click chemistry or by S‐alkylation, as U. Koert, L.‐O. Essen et al. report in their Communication on page 4853 ff. The choice of synthetic modulator and the type of covalent attachment significantly affect the blockage efficiency. A model for the functional properties is postulated on the basis of an X‐ray structure analysis of a crown ether/OmpF hybrid.

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New method for kinetic analysis of decomposition of biomass materials—Based on critical analysis of Moll method
Authors: Liu Naian , Chen Haixiang , Shu Lifu
Published: June 2009

Moll method used in extracting the kinetic parameters of thermal decomposition of biomass materials is theoretically analyzed and the limitation of the method is critically examined. It is demonstrated that Moll method can only be used under strict conditions within narrow temperature intervals. In light of the idea of Moll method and also in view of the limitations of Moll method, a two‐point data set method is developed for the kinetic analysis of the decomposition of biomass materials in air, using single heating rate mass‐loss curve. The method is justified by comparing the resulted kinetic parameters with those by integral and differential methods. Compared with Moll method, the new method is applicable to the mass‐loss data within wide temperature intervals, whereby the kinetic parameters (especially the activation energy) can be evaluated without any prior knowledge of reaction order, with fairly high reliability. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2009
Poly(styrene‐co‐butyl acrylate) latex‐reinforced polyester nonwoven fabric composites: Thermal and morphological studies
Authors: Satheesh Kumar M. N. , Yaakob Z. , Siddaramaiah
Published: June 2009

A series of thermoplastic composites were fabricated by impregnating the polyester nonwoven fabric in poly(styrene‐co‐butyl acrylate) latex having different monomer compositions of styrene and butyl acrylate viz., 100/0, 90/10, 80/20, 70/30, 60/40, and 50/50 weight by weight. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) of the composites was performed to establish the thermal stability and their mode of thermal degradation. From TGA thermograms, a slight improvement in thermal stability of the composites was noticed compared to polyester nonwoven fabric. Degradation kinetic parameters were obtained for the composites using Broido and Coats–Redfern methods. The activation energy (Ea) of the composites for the thermal degradation process lies in the range 7.1–261 and 60–264 kJ/mol for Broido and Coats–Redfern methods respectively. Morphology of the tensile‐fractured composites was studied using scanning electron microscopic technique. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2009
Processing of transmission electron microscope images for quantification of the layer dispersion degree in polymer‐clay nanocomposites
Authors: Navarchian Amir H. , Majdzadeh‐Ardakani Kazem
Published: June 2009

Quantification of the layered silicates dispersion level is necessary to more accurately evaluate the performance in polymer/clay nanocomposites. In this article, a new approach is developed to quantify the degree of exfoliation, intercalation, and immiscibility of layered silicates in polymer matrix, based on bright‐dark pixel measurement (BDPM) in transmission electron microscope (TEM) images. Several examples of exfoliated, intercalated, and immiscible composites with different polymer and clay systems were examined. The method is capable of estimating the percent contribution of all morphologies present in the image. Comparing with X‐ray diffraction (XRD) evidences, it is indicated that as a rule of thumb, the exfoliated structure is dominant whenever the exfoliation percent calculated by BDPM methodology is over 65%, no matter what kind of clay or polymer matrix is used. The intercalated structure can be ascribed to the images with exfoliation level less than 65%, but with the intercalation degree over 28%. Application of this method can facilitate the modeling or correlation of various nanocomposite properties with respect to exfoliation degree. A quantified relation is also possible between XRD and TEM using this approach. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2009
Structural characterization and tensile properties of Borassus fruit fibers
Authors: Reddy K. Obi , Guduri B. R. , Rajulu A. Varada
Published: June 2009

The chemical and instrumental analysis of alkali‐treated Borassus fibers is carried out to explore the possibility of their use as reinforcement in green composites. The chemical analysis shows presence of α‐cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin. This is further confirmed by FTIR and high‐resolution solid‐state 13C NMR spectroscopy. The influence of alkali treatment on morphology and mechanical properties is attempted by SEM and UTM techniques, respectively. The wide‐angle X‐ray diffraction analysis of the native and treated fibers shows that alkali treatment influences the crystallinity of the fibers. The efficacy of the Borassus fibers (native and treated) as a component of green composites is discussed. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2009
Preparation and swelling properties of semi‐IPN hydrogels based on chitosan‐g‐poly(acrylic acid) and phosphorylated polyvinyl alcohol
Authors: Liu Jianghua , Zheng Yian , Wang Wenbo , Wang Aiqin
Published: June 2009

The phosphorylated poly(vinyl alcohol) (P‐PVA) samples with various substitution degrees were prepared through the esterification reaction of PVA and phosphoric acid. By using chitosan (CTS), acrylic acid (AA) and P‐PVA as raw materials, ammonium persulphate (APS) as an initiator and N,N‐methylenebisacrylamide as a crosslinker, the CTS‐g‐PAA/P‐PVA semi‐interpenetrated polymer network (IPN) ssuperabsorbent hydrogel was prepared in aqueous solution by the graft copolymerization of CTS and AA and followed by an interpenetrating and crosslinking of P‐PVA chains. The hydrogel was characterized by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) techniques, and the influence of reaction variables, such as the substitution degree and content of P‐PVA on water absorbency were also investigated. FTIR and DSC results confirmed that PAA had been grafted onto CTS backbone and revealed the existence of phase separation and the formation of semi‐IPN network structure. SEM observations indicate that the incorporation of P‐PVA induced highly porous structure, and P‐PVA was uniformly dispersed in the polymeric network. Swelling results showed that CTS‐g‐PAA/P‐PVA semi‐IPN superabsorbent hydrogel exhibited improved swelling capability (421 g·g−1 in distilled water and 55 g·g−1 in 0.9 wt % NaCl solution) and swelling rate compared with CTS‐g‐PAA/PVA hydrogel (301 g·g−1 in distilled water and 47 g·g−1 in 0.9 wt % NaCl solution) due to the phosphorylation of PVA. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2009
Synthesis and mobilization of glycogen and trehalose in adult male Rhodnius prolixus
Authors: Mariano Ana C. , Santos Rachel , Gonzalez Marcelo S. , Feder Denise , Machado Ednildo A. , Pascarelli Bernardo , Gondim Katia C. , Meyer‐Fernandes José R.
Published: June 2009

The vector of Chagas' disease, Rhodnius prolixus, feeds exclusively on blood. The blood meals are slowly digested, and these insects wait some weeks before the next meal. During the life of an insect, energy‐requiring processes such as moulting, adult gonadal and reproductive growth, vitellogenesis, muscular activity, and fasting, lead to increased metabolism. Carbohydrates are a major source of energy and their mobilization is important. We determined the amounts of glycogen, trehalose, and glucose present in the fat body and/or hemolymph of adult males of R. prolixus and recorded the processes of accumulation and mobilization of these carbohydrates. We also tested our hypothesis that these processes are under endocrine control. The amount of glycogen in the fat body progressively increased until the fourth day after feeding (from 9.3±2.2 to 77. 3±7.5 µg/fat body), then declined to values around 36.3±4.9 µg/fat body on the fifteenth day after the blood meal. Glycogen synthesis was eliminated in decapitated insects and head‐transplanted insects synthesized glycogen. The amount of trehalose in the fat body increased until the sixth day after feeding (from 16. 6±1.7 to 40. 6±5.3 nmol/fat body), decreased abruptly, and stabilized between days 7 and 15 at values ranging around 15–19 nmol/fat body. Decapitated insects did not synthesize trehalose after feeding, and this effect was reversed in head‐transplanted insects. The concentration of trehalose in the hemolymph increased after the blood meal until the third day (from 0.07±0.01 to 0.75±0.05 mM) and at the fourth day it decreased until the ninth day (0.21±0.01 mM), when it increased again until the fourteenth day (0.79±0.06 mM) after the blood meal, and then declined again. In decapitated insects, trehalose concentrations did not increase soon after the blood meal and at the third day it was very low, but on the fourteenth day it was close to the control values. The concentration of glucose in the hemolymph of untreated insects remained low and constant (0.18±0.01 mM) during the 15 days after feeding, but in decapitated insects it progressively increased until the fifteenth day (2.00±0.10 mM). We recorded the highest trehalase activity in midgut, which was maximal at the eighth day after feeding (2,830±320 nmol of glucose/organ/h). We infer that in Rhodnius prolixus, the metabolism of glycogen, glucose, and trehalose are controlled by factors from the brain, according to physiological demands at different days after the blood meal. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Museumsinsel Berlin – Geotechnische Untersuchungen für die Grundinstandsetzung und Ergänzung des Pergamonmuseums
Authors: Müller‐Kirchenbauer Antje , Pflaume Peter , Schlötzer Carsten , Schoening Hermann
Published: June 2009

Im Rahmen der Sanierung der Museumsbauten auf der Berliner Museumsinsel durch die Stiftung Preußischer Kulturbesitz ist als weiteres Großprojekt die Grundinstandsetzung und Ergänzung des etwa zwischen 1911 und 1930 auf sehr empfindlichem Baugrund errichteten Pergamonmuseums geplant. Diese Baumaßnahmen sind im historischen Kern Berlins im unmittelbaren Einflussbereich der Spree und des stark befahrenen Stadtbahnviadukts sowie der benachbarten Museumsbauten durchzuführen. Sie stellen somit insbesondere unter geotechnischen Aspekten eine anspruchsvolle und komplexe Bauaufgabe dar. Dementsprechend bedarf es auch aus geotechnischer Sicht einer umfassenden Planung der erforderlichen Bauarbeiten im Bestand. Dieser Beitrag stellt das auf der Basis historischer Unterlagen aus dem Zentralarchiv der Staatlichen Museen Berlin besonders konzipierte und durchgeführte mehrstufige geotechnische Erkundungsprogramm und die daraus projektbezogen abgeleiteten geotechnischen Aspekte für die geplanten Bau‐ und Bauhilfsmaßnahmen dar.
Zur Begrenzung der Rissbreiten bei dicken Wänden, u. a. am Fernbahntunnel Berlin
Authors: Arslan Ali
Published: June 2009

Die Regelung zur Ermittlung der Mindestbewehrung für die Begrenzung der Rissbreiten nach DIN ‐Fachbericht 102 und DIN 1045‐1 berücksichtigt nicht ausreichend die unterschiedlichen Rissmechanismen bei dünnen und dicken Bauteilen. Häufig werden dadurch dicke Bauteile stark überbemessen. Dieser Beitrag enthält einen Bemessungsvorschlag für die Mindestbewehrung bei dicken Wänden, wie sie insbesondere bei Brückenwiderlagern und Pfeilern häufig vorkommen. Dabei wird auch der günstige Einfluss aus Maßnahmen der Betontechnologie und der Nachbehandlung berücksichtigt.
An LC‐MS/MS method for determination of 3,6′‐disinapoylsucrose in rat plasma and its application to a pharmacokinetic study
Authors: Chen Ying , Liu Xin‐Min , Pan Rui‐Le , Wang Geng‐Nan , Fu Ying , Chang Qi
Published: June 2009

3,6′‐Disinapoylsucrose (DSS), a major active component of traditional Chinese medicine Yuan‐Zhi (the roots of Polygala tenuifolia), has significant effects for neuroprotection and improving learning memory. In order to explore the pharmacokinetic properties of DSS so as to further understand its in vivo activities, a sensitive LC‐MS/MS method was developed for determination of DSS in rat plasma and applied to a pharmacokinetic study in the present study. After treatment by protein precipitation, the plasma sample was separated on a C18 HPLC column and analyzed by a mass spectrometry under positive electrospray ionization. Multiple‐reaction monitoring was employed to measure the ion transition at m/z 777.4 → 409.2 for DSS and m/z 557.2 → 309.1 for forsythin as internal standard. The method was linear over the studied concentration range of 0.5–1000.0 ng/mL. The precision and accuracy ranged from 1.4 to 18.4%, and from −3.7 to −9.5%, respectively, for within‐day and between‐day assay. Extraction recovery was higher than 86.6%. The limits of detection and quantification were 0.3 and 0.5 ng/mL, respectively. The present method was successfully applied to a pharmacokinetic study. DSS was found to have poor oral absorption with only about 0.5% bioavailability. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Interactive shadowing for 2D Anime
Authors: Sugisaki Eiji , Seah Hock Soon , Tian Feng , Morishima Shigeo
Published: June 2009

In this paper, we propose an instant shadow generation technique for 2D animation, especially Japanese Anime. In traditional 2D Anime production, the entire animation including shadows is drawn by hand so that it takes long time to complete. Shadows play an important role in the creation of symbolic visual effects. However shadows are not always drawn due to time constraints and lack of animators especially when the production schedule is tight. To solve this problem, we develop an easy shadowing approach that enables animators to easily create a layer of shadow and its animation based on the character's shapes. Our approach is both instant and intuitive. The only inputs required are character or object shapes in input animation sequence with alpha value generally used in the Anime production pipeline. First, shadows are automatically rendered on a virtual plane by using a Shadow Map1based on these inputs. Then the rendered shadows can be edited by simple operations and simplified by the Gaussian Filter. Several special effects such as blurring can be applied to the rendered shadow at the same time. Compared to existing approaches, ours is more efficient and effective to handle automatic shadowing in real‐time. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
CSLML: a markup language for expressive Chinese sign language synthesis
Authors: Ye Kejia , Yin Baocai , Wang Lichun
Published: June 2009

This paper presents a Chinese Sign Language Markup Language (CSLML), which is developed for expressive Chinese sign language synthesis by introducing features and structure of sign language prosody. The tags of CSLML are divided into two levels: function level and phonetic level. Function level provides abstract information about signed content and prosody, so it facilitates text annotating for text‐driven automatic synthetic system and adapts to diversified synthetic methods, such as motion capture animation or image‐based synthesis, which may not be good at processing lower‐level information. Phonetic level provides detailed behavioral manners based on phonetics and phonology to interpret the meaning in function level. It facilitates creation and edit of any motions. The two levels co‐exist in CSLML documents and high‐level description can be mapped into corresponding low‐level behavior to provide one‐to‐many variability and expression of synthesis. Therefore, we also introduce a framework for this mapping processing and exhibit results of our animated prototype system based on this framework. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Antiplatelet therapy discontinuation following drug‐eluting stent placement: Dangers, reasons, and management recommendations
Authors: Moussa Issam D. , Colombo Antonio
Published: June 2009

Drug‐eluting stents (DES) have several advantages over bare‐metal stents (BMS), including significantly lower target vessel revascularization. However, DES is associated with a higher incidence of late stent thrombosis (ST). Although late ST after DES placement is uncommon (∼0.4–0.6%/year), it is catastrophic clinical consequences make it a concern. Dual antiplatelet therapy (DAT) with aspirin and clopidogrel is the standard of care for prevention of ST, and DAT discontinuation is associated with a marked increase in ST risk. These guidelines recommend continuing DAT for ≥12 months after DES implantation in patients not at high risk for bleeding. Premature DAT discontinuation is common in clinical practice. Therefore, it is imperative that physicians be aware of factors contributing to discontinuation, including cost, patient education, and actual bleeding events, so as to educate their patients about the risks and benefits of continued DAT. This review highlights the risks of premature DAT discontinuation, discusses common reasons for discontinuation, and offers potential solutions to improve adherence. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Effect of Grinding Media Size And Chamber Length on Grinding in a Spex Mixer Mill
Authors: Prasad D. V. N. , Theuerkauf J.
Published: June 2009

The Spex mixer mills are widely used in the industry to synthesize a variety of materials. In the present study, the discrete element method (DEM) simulation technique is used to understand the motion of the grinding media and the effect of the size of the grinding media and the mill length on grinding. The simulations correspond to a grinding chamber with grinding media only. The total mass of grinding media in different numerical experiments with different grinding media sizes is kept constant. The average collision intensity per ball, which is defined as the product of the median of the contact force distribution and the number of collisions normalized to the number of grinding media, is used as the parameter to study the quantitative differences. The collision intensity distribution shows an optimum as a function of the grinding media diameter. Moreover, it was found that the collision intensity varies with the length of the grinding chamber.
Electron Density Shift in Imidazolium Derivatives upon Complexation with Cucurbit[6]uril
Authors: Kolman Viktor , Marek Radek , Strelcova Zora , Kulhanek Petr , Necas Marek , Svec Jan , Sindelar Vladimir
Published: June 2009

In this study, we have investigated the supramolecular interaction between series of 1‐alkyl‐3‐methylimidazolium guests with variable alkyl substituent lengths and cucurbit[6]uril (CB6) in the solution and the solid state. Correct interpretation of 1H NMR spectra was a key issue for determining the binding modes of the complexes in solution. Unusual chemical shifts of some protons in the 1H NMR spectra were explained by the polarization of the imidazolium aromatic ring upon the complexation with the host. The formation of 1:1 complex between 1‐ethyl‐3‐methylimidazolium and CB6 is in disagreement with previously reported findings describing an inclusion of two guest molecules in the CB6 cavity.
Ammoniakstrippung an einer etablierten, thermophilen Biogasanlage – technische und wirtschaftliche Evaluierung
Authors: Hofstetter E. M. , Gabler R. , Peiffer S. , Hilbrig F. , Freitag R.
Published: June 2009

Eine kommunale Biogasanlage wurde über einen Zeitraum von 26 Monaten evaluiert, mit dem Ziel, die für die Biogasproduktion und ‐qualität wichtigen Prozessgrößen zu bestimmen und ein technisches Konzept zur Ammoniakstrippung am Reaktor zu entwickeln. Die Durchmischung im Reaktor wurde mittels CFD simuliert. Strippen verbesserte die Biogasausbeute, erhöhte allerdings auch die Kosten. Aus wirtschaftlicher Sicht ist das Verfahren daher nur bedingt einsatzfähig.
Cost effectiveness of pharmacogenetic testing for uridine diphosphate glucuronosyltransferase 1A1 before irinotecan administration for metastatic colorectal cancer
Authors: Gold Heather Taffet , Hall Michael J. , Blinder Victoria , Schackman Bruce R.
Published: June 2009

BACKGROUND:

The objective of this study was to examine the cost effectiveness of using a pharmacogenetic test for uridine diphosphate glycosyltransferase 1A1*28 (UGT1A1*28) variant homozygosity before administering irinotecan to patients with metastatic colorectal cancer.

METHODS:

A decision‐analytic model from the Medicare payer perspective followed hypothetical patients who were treated with combined 5‐fluorouracil, leucovorin, and irinotecan. Under usual care, patients received a full dose of irinotecan. With genetic testing, irinotecan dosage was reduced 25% in homozygotes with the UGT1A1*28 variant allele. Test performance, chemotherapy toxicity, and quality‐of‐life weights were derived from clinical literature and product labels, and costs were derived from 2007 Medicare fee schedules. Chemotherapy efficacy after dose reduction, adverse event risk, and other parameters were varied in 1‐way and probabilistic sensitivity analyses. The authors also calculated the value of investing in further studies of chemotherapy efficacy after homozygote dose reductions.

RESULTS:

Pretreatment genetic testing costs less ($272 savings per patient tested) and yields slightly improved quality‐adjusted life expectancy (0.1 quality‐adjusted day per patient tested; approximately 2 quality‐adjusted hours). Results depended on treatment efficacy but not adverse event risk assumptions. The results indicated that testing would avoid 84 cases of severe neutropenia, including 4.4 deaths. At a threshold of $100,000 per quality‐adjusted life year, the therapeutic efficacy of irinotecan in homozygotes after dose reduction had to be ≥98.4% of full‐dose efficacy for genetic testing to remain preferred. Future studies to determine whether this efficacy level can be achieved have an economic value of $22 million.

CONCLUSIONS:

The current results indicated that pharmacogenetic testing for UGT1A1*28 variant homozygosity may be cost effective, but only if irinotecan dose reduction in homozygotes does not reduce efficacy. Future studies to evaluate reduced‐dose efficacy in homozygotes should be considered. Cancer 2009. © 2009 American Cancer Society.
Effect of Counter Ions on the Silica Oligomerization Reaction
Authors: Trinh Thuat T. , Jansen Antonius P. J. , van Santen Rutger A. , VandeVondele Joost , Meijer Evert Jan
Published: June 2009

The silicate oligomerization reaction is key to sol‐gel chemistry and zeolite synthesis. Numerous experimental and theoretical studies have addressed the physical chemistry of silicate oligomers in the prenucleation stage of siliceous zeolite formation. Here we report a study of a silica condensation reaction in aqueous solution in the presence of counter ions (Li+ and NH4+). Ab‐initio molecular dynamics simulations have been used to construct reaction energy diagrams including transition state free energies. Contact with Li+ as well as NH4+ increases the activation energies of the dimerization step compared to the situation in the absence of counterions. The presence of NH4+ has no effect on consecutive oligomerization steps. Hence NH4+ will increase the relative formation rate of larger oligomers.
Developmentally regulated SMAD2 and SMAD3 utilization directs activin signaling outcomes
Authors: Itman Catherine , Small Chris , Griswold Michael , Nagaraja Ankur K. , Matzuk Martin M. , Brown Chester W. , Jans David A. , Loveland Kate L.
Published: June 2009

Activin is required for testis development. Activin signals via phosphorylation and nuclear accumulation of SMAD2 and SMAD3. We present novel findings of developmentally regulated activin signaling leading to specific transcriptional outcomes in testicular Sertoli cells. In immature, proliferating, Sertoli cells, activin A induces nuclear accumulation of SMAD3, but not SMAD2, although both proteins become phosphorylated. In postmitotic differentiating cells, both SMAD proteins accumulate in the nucleus. Furthermore, immature Sertoli cells are sensitive to activin dosage; higher concentrations induce maximal SMAD3 nuclear accumulation and a small increase in nuclear SMAD2. Microarray analysis identified distinct transcriptional outcomes correlating with differential SMAD utilization and new activin target genes, including Gja1 and Serpina5, which are essential for Sertoli cell development and male fertility. In transgenic mice with altered activin bioactivity that display fertility phenotypes, Gja1 and Serpina5 are significantly altered. Thus, differential SMAD utilization in response to activin features during Sertoli cell maturation. Developmental Dynamics 238:1688–1700, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Reduced O2 and elevated ROS in sea urchin embryos leads to defects in ectoderm differentiation
Authors: Agca Cavit , Klein William H. , Venuti Judith M.
Published: June 2009

The sea urchin oral‐aboral (OA) axis is established in part by Nodal signaling. The OA axis is also influenced by treatments affecting respiration and Nodal transcription is influenced by redox‐dependent transcription factors. This suggests that intracellular redox state plays a role in OA axis specification. Since cellular redox state can be altered by the formation of excess reactive oxygen species (ROS), and hypoxia and paraquat generate ROS in cells, we asked whether these treatments affected specification of the OA axis and Nodal expression. Embryos cultured under conditions that elevate ROS, demonstrate perturbed ectoderm specification, but other territories are not affected. Immunohistochemical and Q‐RT‐PCR analyses revealed that both oral and aboral ectoderm genes are downregulated. Our results argue that elevating ROS in sea urchin embryos by these treatments blocks early steps in ectoderm differentiation preceding the polarization of the ectoderm into oral and aboral territories. Developmental Dynamics 238:1777–1787, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Summary of ‘Family‐based programmes for preventing smoking by children and adolescents’, including tables of key findings and quality of included trials
Authors: Thomas Roger E. , Baker Philip R. A. , Lorenzetti Diane , Kremer L.C.M. , van Dalen E.C.
Published: June 2009

This is a summary, including tables of key findings and quality of included trials, of a Cochrane review, published in this issue of EBCH, first published as: Thomas RE, Baker PRA, Lorenzetti D. Family‐based programmes for preventing smoking by children and adolescents. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2007, Issue 1. Art. No.: CD004493. DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD004493.pub2.

Further information for this Cochrane review is available in this issue of EBCH in the accompanying Commentary. Copyright © 2009 The Cochrane Collaboration. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. The Cochrane Collaboration