bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Nickel Accumulation in Vegetation of Serpentine Soils in Tanauan, Leyte, Philippines
Authors: CARNICE PEARL APHRODITE BOBON
Published: March 2015

Serpentinite belongs to the ultramafic group of rocks which contains naturallyoccurring heavy metals such as nickel (Ni). This study is based on the hypothesisthat Ni is present in high amounts in the soil, and it could be taken up by theplants including food crops. The study aims to evaluate the Ni content of the soiland native crops growing in the hill of Adil, Pago, Tanauan, Leyte, Philippineswhere serpentinite rocks are found. Composite soil samples from the surface soil(0-20 cm depth) and plant tissues (roots and leaf samples) were collected anddetermined their pH and Ni content using atomic absorption spectrophotometer.Results revealed that a level of extractable Ni in soils is 27.19 mg/kg-1 on averagebetween food plants and 6.35 mg/kg-1 on soils around bamboo. In terms of root Ni accumulation, pineapple rendered the highest concentration of 84.35 mg/kg-1 and bamboo with 81.15 mg/kg-1. Bamboo and guava leaves accumulated17.45 mg/kg-1 and 15.9 mg/kg-1, respectively. Since Ni is present in thenative plants grown in the area, there is a possible implication that Ni could bebiologically accumulated by people. However, no plants sampled quantified ashyperaccumulator.Keywords - Ecology and conservation, nickel accumulation in serpentinite, experimentalsurvey study, Philippines
Prevalence of Lowland Ecotype Cyperus rotundus L. and Weed Management of Rice Farmers in Aliaga, Nueva Ecija, Philippines
Authors: DONAYRE DINDO KING M. , MARTIN EDWIN C. , CASIMERO MADONNA C. , JULIANO LEYLANI M. , BELTRAN JESUSA C.
Published: March 2015

Cyperus rotundus L. was reported as dominant weed in upland rice areas and a minor problem in the rainfed lowland. However, it has evolved as second mostdominant weed in rainfed and irrigated lowland rice fields (rice-vegetable system) in three villages of San Jose City, Nueva Ecija.  Its occurrence in the monoculture rice production system has never been explored especially in irrigated lowland rice fields of Nueva Ecija.  Field surveys and interviews were conducted in 2005- 2006 to determine the prevalence of lowland ecotype C. rotundus and how farmers manage it in irrigated lowland rice fields of Aliaga, Nueva Ecija. In 2004, lowland rice fields of Nueva Ecija where the rice-rice cropping system was commonly established were surveyed. Aliaga was surveyed to calculate the incidence and map the distribution of the weed. To check whether C. rotundus was a problem, 40 randomly selected rice farmers were interviewed using a guided questionnaire. Results of the survey revealed that 9 of 26 villages in Aliaga had 1 - 10% infestation of C. rotundus; 3 had 11 - 20%; and 5 had more than 20%. Infestation was high in areas with low elevations. Even taller than cultivated rice, C. rotundus was the most commonly encountered and dominant weed species and had already existed for 5-20 years in the field. Herbicide application (MCPA at a rate of 1-1.5 L ha) was the most commonly used weed management practice against the weed. Keywords - Cyperus rotundus, weed control, herbicide, prevalence, farmers’ practices, ecotype, Nueva Ecija, Philippines
Development of Authentic Information Education and Communication (IEC) Materials to Increase Public Awareness on Mt. Matutum Protected Landscape (MMPL) Conservation Initiatives in the Philippines
Authors: ROBLES AVA CLARE MARIE O. , GUNAY GEORGE S. , ALJIBE MAXIMO C. , OCONER EDNA P.
Published: March 2015

Environmental conservation advocacy forms an important step towards environmental preservation. It serves as a benchmark in coming up with strategies to protect and preserve species that have been marked as threatened or endangered. In the Philippine context, pressing concerns on overexploitation of biological resources and caustic harvesting techniques in Mt. Matutum have been altering the distribution and abundance of its flora and fauna. Thus, the preservation of Mt. Matutum Protected Landscape (MMPL) is considered an imperative. In response, the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) has recently funded a program for the biodiversity assessment of MMPL. However, provision for a more responsive initiative is needed. It is on this premise that this study was conducted to develop IEC materials to increase the biodiversity conservation awareness of the local people in the MMPL. In addition, the developed materials were validated by various experts in order to ensure that local people became more environmentally knowledgeable and dedicated to maintaining or sustaining the quality of life and biodiversity of the MMPL. Nonetheless, there were 130 randomly selected respondents from the local communities in MMPL. The research design is descriptive and utilized quantitative and qualitative methods of data gathering. The findings of the study showed that the IEC materials had a high extent of content validity (wm=4.03 for video and wm=4.14 for printed). Moreover, the evaluators considered the materials as very highly usable (wm=4.10 for video and wm=4.25 for printed materials). This indicates that IEC materials were very useful to increase the public awareness of the local people in conserving MMPL. Keywords - Information Education and Communication (IEC) Materials, public awareness, Mt Matutum Protected Landscape (MMPL), conservation in the Philippines
Fluctuating Asymmetry as a Measure of Ecological Stress in Rousettus ampexicaudatus (a Fruit Bat), in Bohol, Philippines
Authors: JOSE REIZL P. , RAMOS KAY P. , GONZAGA CRISTINE J. , TABUGO SHARON ROSE
Published: March 2015

Bats are biological species that can be influenced by environmental changes. The nature and understanding of the adaptation and survival of bats as biological indicators of the health of the ecosystem is essential for preservation and conservation strategies. Fluctuating asymmetry (FA) are fine and random deviations from perfect symmetry of organism’s morphology. It is considered as a reliable factor for measuring developmental instability because it reflects both genetic and environmental stresses especially in endangered populations. Hypothesis assumes that FA has costs and reflects the degree of stress and quality of individuals herewith, a direct relationship between FA and developmental instability. The study determined the developmental instability via fluctuating asymmetry of Rousettus ampexicaudatus, a fruit bat. Using landmark method for shape asymmetry, anatomical and mathematical landmarks were used and analyzed using Symmetry and Asymmetry in Geometric Data (SAGe) program. Results yield highly significant FA for both populations examined (Tamboco cave & claise cave, Bohol). However, population from claise cave in Nagtuang of loon has relatively higher FA and percentage of variation based on the Principal component Analysis (PcA). Thus, the bat population in claise cave experienced a higher degree of stress. Keywords - Animal Ecology, fluctuating asymmetry, SAGE program, experimentaldesign, Philippines
Species Composition and Status of Butterflies in the Sunny and Shady Habitats of Cadaclan, San Fernando, La Union Botanical Garden of North Luzon, Philippines
Authors: NACUA ALMA E. , MOHAGAN ALMA B. , ALEJANDRO GRECEBIO JONATHAN D.
Published: March 2015

A sampling of butterfly species composition and status is carried out in the sunny and shaded habitats of Cadaclan, San Fernando, La Union Botanical Gardens (LUBG) utilizing transection and standard collection practices. This study is the first comprehensive account of butterflies in the area.    Times for the collection were from 09:00 to 15:00 hours from 2012-2014 and yielded a total of 104 species during the sampling period.  Data on the species composition revealed six families out of 104 species under 66 genera and a new distribution record and several respective ecological preferences.  Percentage distribution by family indicate the following: Papilionidae, 24 (22.85%), Pieridae, 47 (47.70%), Nymphalidae, one (0.95%), Hesperiidae, 15 (14.29%), Riodinidae one (0.95%) and Lycaenidae, 16 (15.24%). Local status reveals 80 common, 23 very common, and one rare species. The National Assessment indicates 65 (62.5%) common, 2 (1.92%) rare, 1 (0.95) very rare, 12 (11.59 %) common endemic, 4 (3:85%) very rare endemic, 1 (0.95%) Luzon endemic, and 1 (0.95%) no experience and 1 (0.95%) new record Jamides cyta koenigswateri with only known distribution in Mindoro. Similarity of species composition showed Si=71% which suggests two separate and diverse habitat types. Additionally, variables such as temperature, vegetation types and elevation affect species composition and abundance. It is to be noted that collection times do not allow for crepuscular species and as such will skew the data but not significantly due to few species being categorized under this heading. Keywords - Butterfly, species composition, transect walk sampling, opportunistic sampling, Luzon, Philippines
Geometric Morphometric Analysis of Population Differentiation in Two Species of Stem Borers from Bohol, Philippines
Authors: RAMOS KAY P. , JOSE REIZL P. , TONOG GENEVIEVE C. , ODCHIMAR NYZAR MABETH O. , PIZON JHOAN RHEA L. , LUMOGDANG LEONEL P. , TORRES MARK ANTHONY J.
Published: March 2015

Stem borers are one of the most important insect pests that could infest rice plants from seedling to maturity and thus play a major role in crop losses. The study of its mandible that is used in feeding of stem borer would help understand the mechanisms and variations that could affect the adaptation and modification affecting severity of infestation. In this study, the mandible of two population of stem borers, the yellow stem borer (Scirpophaga incertulas and the striped stemborer (Chilo suppressalis) in three rice varieties IR-66, Pioneer 77 and  Bigante  were used to analyze the adaptation with regards to mandible shape in relation to rice variety in the same geographical location using outline-based (elliptic Fourier) geometric morphometric (GM) analysis to determine the shape variations in the left and right mandible of two population of stem borers. Further, scatter plot method was used to illustrate variations in the shapes of the mandibles between populations. Results of this study showed symmetrical shape variations in the right and left mandible of the two species of stem borers and their accumulation to the kind of rice plant varieties were not selective. Keywords - Animal ecology, stem borer, mandible, geometric morphometric analysis,Philippines
Caprolactam
Authors: Fisher William B. , Crescentini L. , by Staff Updated
Published: March 2015

Caprolactam is one of the most widely used chemical intermediates. However, almost all of its annual production is consumed as the monomer for nylon 6 fibers and plastics. It is a white, hygroscopic, crystalline solid at room temperature. Caprolactam production technology is based on the key intermediate cyclohexanone, which is usually produced by the oxidation of cyclohexane, but can also be produced from phenol. A disadvantage of current processes is the large amounts of ammonium sulfate produced. Producers are working on new processes to allow for a significant reduction in this by‐product. Caprolactam has a low level of toxicity. Nylon carpets and rugs are now being recycled, and the nylon 6 fiber used can be depolymerized back to caprolactam. Uses other than fibers are in nylon resins for engineering plastics and automotive applications.
Fuel Resources
Authors: Tillman David A. , Warshauer Jeffrey B. , Prinzing David E. , by Staff Updated
Published: March 2015

This article gives world and U.S. statistics on fuel reserves, production, and consumption. U.S. reserves of petroleum and natural gas are limited. Unconventional sources are being investigated, such as recoverable reserves of natural gas from coal beds and gas hydrates. The overwhelming sources of petroleum are in the Middle East. The United States has vast reserves of coal and lignite, but all of these sources have to be evaluated on how much can be recovered economically. Nuclear power output increased in 2013, the first time since 2010. Renewable energy and nuclear power are the fastest growing segments of the power industries. Renewables cover the biofuels and energy from waste, solar, biomass, wind, and geothermal sources. Hydraulic fracturing is one of the new development processes that is expected to increase gas capture. Sequestration of carbon dioxide is of new interest to capture carbon dioxide emissions, and water from hydraulic fracturing and other processes are expected to be exploited as the world's water resources diminish.
Hydrocarbon Oxidation
Authors: Denisov Evgeny
Published: March 2015

In oxygen‐containing atmosphere, oxidation processes abound. Oxidation of hydrocarbons by oxygen (O
2
) in the liquid phase lies in the ground of many industrial processes of organic synthesis of such important products as monomers, acids, carbonyl compounds, phenol, and so on. So, oxidation of hydrocarbons and other organic compounds is a reaction of unique importance for humankind.
Methanol
Authors: English Alan , Brown E&C John , Rovner Jerry , Davies Simon , by Staff Updated
Published: March 2015

Methanol (methyl alcohol) is a colorless liquid at ambient temperatures with a mild characteristic alcoholic odor. Originally called wood alcohol, since it was obtained by the destructive distillation of wood, today methanol is sometimes called synthetic methanol because it is produced from synthesis gas, a mixture of hydrogen and carbon oxides, generated by a variety of sources. Worldwide, the largest consumer of methanol is formaldehyde production. Methanol is stable under normal storage conditions. It is not classified as a carcinogen but can be acutely toxic if ingested. It is used in reducing damaging effluent for wastewater treatment via denitrification. It is used in the production of formaldehyde, methyl
tert
‐butyl ether, and acetic acid. In the long run, methanol may become a source of hydrogen for fuel cells and used directly or blended with gasoline. It is also used as a solvent, an antifreeze, and a denaturant for alcohol.
Magnetophoresis: Fundamentals and Applications
Authors: Zborowski Maciej , Chalmers Jeffrey J.
Published: March 2015

The term “magnetophoresis” has been proposed to describe the behavior of a magnetic particle moving through a viscous medium under the influence of an external magnetic field. Its origin can be traced to a similar term used to describe particle motion in a viscous medium under the influence of an electric field, “electrophoresis.” The number of publications on magnetophoresis has rapidly increased during the last 10 years primarily due to a burgeoning interest in its applications to biomedical research and clinical diagnostics and therapy. The appealing feature of magnetophoresis is that under well‐controlled conditions it provides a means for gentle cell separation in its natural milieu that could be both highly specific and highly sensitive at a relatively low cost with respect to the separation equipment. The increasing interest in single‐cell biology in health and disease and the rapidly improving sensitivity of molecular biology methods in applications to single‐cell genomic analysis put a special emphasis on high quality, high volume, and relatively inexpensive cell separation methods, such as those provided by cell magnetophoresis in microfluidic channels. The growth in magnetophoresis research and applications is aided by a synergy between materials science, nanoparticle synthesis and characterization, micro‐ and nanofluidic engineering, experimental and computational fluid dynamics research, and physics of high magnetic fields. This leads to emerging applications, such as detection of paramagnetic impurities in diamagnetic samples and biomagnetic cell separations. These are areas of magnetophoresis applications that will likely continue to rapidly grow.
Electrocaloric Effect: Theory, Measurements, and Applications
Authors: Kutnjak Zdravko , Rožič Brigita , Pirc Raša
Published: March 2015

The electrocaloric effect (ECE) is a physical phenomenon found in materials with dipolar constituents, that is, with certain dielectric properties. It is manifested in the heating or cooling of an electrocaloric material due to the applied electric field under adiabatic conditions. Electrocaloric effect has been known for many decades; however, the relatively small ECE observed below 2.5 K made it unsuitable for practical applications. Recently, however, materials with large ECE have been predicted and discovered, thus opening the possibility of realizing dielectric refrigeration that has several potential advantages in comparison with other cooling technologies. This chapter provides an extensive introduction to the field, including the basic theory of the electrocaloric phenomenon in ferroelectric, relaxor ferroelectric, and antiferroelectric materials. In addition, a review of various ECE experimental techniques, including indirect and direct experimental techniques, is given together with examples of recent findings obtained in polymeric, perovskite ceramic relaxor, and ferroelectric materials. An overview of various possibilities of the application of the ECE, the comparison with thermoelectric and magnetoelectric materials, and the state of the art of the cooling/heating devices is also presented.
Ferroelectric/Multiferroic Tunnel Junctions for Multifunctional Applications
Authors: Ortega Nora P , Barrionuevo Danilo , Kumar Ashok , Scott James , Katiyar Ram S.
Published: March 2015

Ferroelectric and multiferroic tunnel junctions (FTJ/MFTJs) are a novel class of next generation nonvolatile memories devices that display simultaneous magnetic spin, electric dipole ordering, and tunneling with cross coupling and have drawn increasing interest due to their multifunctionality for a variety of device applications. With the rapid development of thin‐film growth techniques and characterization tools in the last decade, it is possible to do extensive research in the area of polar barrier tunnel junctions (TJ). This chapter summarizes how the ferroelectric (FE) (polar) nature of the barrier changes the tunneling probability, and briefly, we expose several aspects to be considered in the synthesis of FTJ and MFTJ, such as critical thickness for ferroelectricity, effect of the depolarization field, and the role of interface on ferroelectricity at the nanoscale level. In addition, we include recent research results in FTJ/MFTJ. We focus in particular on PZT (lead zirconate titanate) and BTO (barium titanate) in case of ferroelectric tunnel junction (FTJ), and BFO (bismuth ferrite) and BMO (bismuth manganite) single‐phase multiferroics (MFs) used as barriers in multiferroic tunnel junctions (MFTJ). The variety of interesting physical phenomena of these TJ and their multifunctional properties for various technological applications make the research in this field challenging and promising.
A variance‐based decomposition and global sensitivity index method for uncertainty quantification: Application to retrieved ice cloud properties
Authors: Chen Xiao , Tang Qi , Xie Shaocheng , Zhao Chuanfeng
Published: March 2015

This study develops a novel uncertainty quantification (UQ) method for cloud microphysical property retrievals using variance‐based decomposition and global sensitivity index. In this UQ framework, empirical orthogonal function (EOF) analysis is applied to the U.S. Department of Energy Atmospheric Radiation Measurement (ARM) ground‐based observations, which are the inputs for the cloud retrieval studied here. The principal components (PCs) in the EOF expansion are parameterized as random input variables, and hence, the input dimension is greatly reduced (up to a factor of 50), allowing large ensemble of random samplings. The EOF expansion improves the accuracy of the uncertainty estimation by taking into account the cross correlations in the input data profiles. This method enables a probabilistic representation of a retrieval process by adding normally distributed perturbations into PCs of sample means of input data profiles within a time window. Therefore, it effectively facilitates objective validation of climate models against cloud retrievals under a probabilistic framework for rigorous statistical inferences. Moreover, the variance‐based global sensitivity index analysis, part of this method, attributes the output uncertainties to each individual source, thus providing directions for improving retrieval algorithms and observation strategies. For demonstration, we apply this method to quantify the uncertainties of the ARM program's baseline cloud retrieval algorithm for an ice cloud case observed at the Southern Great Plains site on 9 March 2000.
An LES model study of the influence of the free tropospheric thermodynamic conditions on the stratocumulus response to a climate perturbation
Authors: van der Dussen J. J. , de Roode S. R. , Dal Gesso S. , Siebesma A. P.
Published: March 2015

Twenty‐five large‐eddy simulations are performed to study how free tropospheric thermodynamic conditions control equilibrium state solutions of stratocumulus‐topped marine boundary layers. In particular, we systematically vary the lower tropospheric stability (LTS) and a similar measure for the bulk humidity difference between the 700 hPa level and the surface,
. For all simulations, a completely overcast boundary layer is obtained in which the turbulence is mainly driven by cloud top radiative cooling. The steady state liquid water path (LWP) is rather insensitive to the LTS, but increases significantly and almost linearly with the free tropospheric humidity. In a second suite of runs, the response of the stratocumulus layer to an idealized global warming scenario is assessed by applying a uniform warming of 2 K to the initial temperature profile including the sea surface while the initial relative humidity profile is kept identical to the control case. The warming of the sea surface acts to increase the latent heat flux, which invigorates turbulence in the boundary layer. The steady state inversion height therefore increases, despite the competing effect of a more humid free troposphere that increases the downwelling radiative flux and hence tends to decrease the entrainment rate. The stratocumulus layer nevertheless thins for all free tropospheric conditions as cloud base rises more than cloud top. This implies a positive stratocumulus cloud‐climate feedback for this scenario as thinner clouds reflect less shortwave radiation back to space. The cloud thinning response to the climate perturbation is found to be mostly controlled by the change of
.
Exploring the concept of maximum entropy production for the local atmosphere‐glacier system
Authors: Mölg Thomas
Published: March 2015

The concept of maximum entropy production (MEP) is closely linked to the second law of thermodynamics, which explains spontaneous processes in the universe. In geophysics, studies have argued that planetary atmospheres and various subsystems of Earth also operate at maximum dissipation through MEP. One of the debates, however, has concerned the degree of empirical support. This article extends the topic by considering measurements from a high‐altitude, cold glacier in the tropical atmosphere and a numerical model, which represents the open and nonequilibrium system of glacier‐air exchanges. Results reveal that several sensitive system parameters, which are mainly tied to the shortwave radiation budget, cause MEP states at values that coincide closely with the in situ observations. Parameters that set up the forcing of the whole system, however, do not show this pattern. Empirical support for the detection of MEP states, therefore, is limited to parameters that regulate the internal efficiency of energy flow in the glacier. System constraints are shown to affect the solutions, yet not critically in the case of the two most sensitive parameters. In terms of MEP and geophysical fluids, the results suggest that the local atmosphere‐glacier system might be of relevance in the further discussion. For practical purposes, the results hold promise for using MEP in single or multiparameter optimization for process‐based mass balance models of glaciers.
The influence of water table depth and the free atmospheric state on convective rainfall predisposition
Authors: Bonetti Sara , Manoli Gabriele , Domec Jean‐Christophe , Putti Mario , Marani Marco , Katul Gabriel G.
Published: March 2015

A mechanistic model for the soil‐plant system is coupled to a conventional slab representation of the atmospheric boundary layer (ABL) to explore the role of groundwater table (WT) variations and free atmospheric (FA) states on convective rainfall predisposition (CRP) at a Loblolly pine plantation site situated in the lower coastal plain of North Carolina. Predisposition is quantified using the crossing between modeled lifting condensation level (LCL) and convectively grown ABL depth. The LCL‐ABL depth crossing is necessary for air saturation but not sufficient for cloud formation and subsequent convective rainfall occurrence. However, such crossing forms the main template for which all subsequent dynamical processes regulating the formation (or suppression) of convective rainfall operate on. If the feedback between surface fluxes and FA conditions is neglected, a reduction in latent heat flux associated with reduced WT levels is shown to enhance the ABL‐LCL crossing probability. When the soil‐plant system is fully coupled with ABL dynamics thereby allowing feedback with ABL temperature and humidity, FA states remain the leading control on CRP. However, vegetation water stress plays a role in controlling ABL‐LCL crossing when the humidity supply by the FA is within an intermediate range of values. When FA humidity supply is low, cloud formation is suppressed independent of surface latent heat flux. Similarly, when FA moisture supply is high, cloud formation can occur independent of surface latent heat flux. In an intermediate regime of FA moisture supply, the surface latent heat flux controlled by soil water availability can supplement (or suppress) the necessary water vapor leading to reduced LCL and subsequent ABL‐LCL crossing. It is shown that this intermediate state corresponds to FA values around the mode in observed humidity lapse rates γw (between −2.5 × 10−6 and −1.5 × 10−6 kg kg−1m−1), suggesting that vegetation water uptake may be controlling CRP at the study site.
Shape of the terrestrial plasma sheet in the near‐Earth magnetospheric tail as imaged by the Interstellar Boundary Explorer
Authors: Dayeh M. A. , Fuselier S. A. , Funsten H. O. , McComas D. J. , Ogasawara K. , Petrinec S. M. , Schwadron N. A. , Valek P.
Published: March 2015

We present remote, continuous observations from the Interstellar Boundary Explorer of the terrestrial plasma sheet location back to −16 Earth radii (RE) in the magnetospheric tail using energetic neutral atom emissions. The time period studied includes two orbits near the winter and summer solstices, thus associated with large negative and positive dipole tilt, respectively. Continuous side‐view images reveal a complex shape that is dominated mainly by large‐scale warping due to the diurnal motion of the dipole axis. Superposed on the global warped geometry are short‐time fluctuations in plasma sheet location that appear to be consistent with plasma sheet flapping and possibly twisting due to changes in the interplanetary conditions. We conclude that the plasma sheet warping due to the diurnal motion dominates the average shape of the plasma sheet. Over short times, the position of the plasma sheet can be dominated by twisting and flapping.
Role of Sleep Disturbance, Depression, Obesity, and Physical Inactivity in Fatigue in Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: Katz Patricia , Margaretten Mary , Trupin Laura , Schmajuk Gabriela , Yazdany Jinoos , Yelin Edward
Published: March 2015

Objective

Fatigue is a major concern for individuals with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). However, in order to treat fatigue adequately, its sources need to be identified.

Methods

Data were collected during a single home visit (number of participants = 158). All participants had physician‐diagnosed RA. Assessments of self‐reported sleep quality, depression, physical activity, RA disease activity, muscle strength, functional limitations, and body composition were made. Information on demographics, medications, and smoking was collected. The Fatigue Severity Inventory (FSI; measuring average fatigue over the past 7 days) was used as the primary outcome. Analyses were first conducted to evaluate bivariate relationships with fatigue. Correlations among risk factors were examined. Multivariate analyses identified independent predictors of fatigue.

Results

The mean ± SD age was 59 ± 11 years, the mean ± SD disease duration was 21 ± 13 years, and 85% of subjects were female. The mean ± SD FSI rating was 3.8 ± 2.0 (range 0–10). In multivariate analyses, self‐reported disease activity, poor sleep, depression, and obesity were independently associated with fatigue. Physical inactivity was correlated with poor sleep, depression, and obesity. Mediation analyses indicated that physical inactivity had an indirect association with fatigue, mediated by poor sleep, depression, and obesity.

Conclusion

This cross‐sectional study suggests that fatigue may not be solely a result of RA disease activity, but may result from a constellation of factors that includes RA disease activity or pain, but also includes inactivity, depression, obesity, and poor sleep. The results suggest new avenues for interventions to improve fatigue in individuals with RA, such as increasing physical activity or addressing depression or obesity.
Use and Spending for Biologic Disease‐Modifying Antirheumatic Drugs for Rheumatoid Arthritis Among US Medicare Beneficiaries
Authors: Yazdany Jinoos , Tonner Chris , Schmajuk Gabriela
Published: March 2015

Objective

Biologic therapies have assumed an important role in treating rheumatoid arthritis (RA). We sought to investigate use, spending, and patient cost‐sharing for Medicare beneficiaries using biologic drugs for RA, comparing patients exposed to minimal cost‐sharing because of a Part D low‐income subsidy (LIS) to those facing substantial out‐of‐pocket costs (OOP).

Methods

We performed a retrospective, nationwide study using 2009 Medicare claims for a 5% random sample of beneficiaries with RA who had at least 1 RA drug dispensed. We analyzed biologic drug utilization and costs across the Part B (medical benefit) and Part D (pharmacy benefit) programs by LIS status using multinomial regression. We also projected OOP costs as the Affordable Care Act (ACA) mandates closure of the Part D coverage gap by 2020.

Results

Among 6,932 beneficiaries, 1,812 (26.1%) received a biologic drug. LIS beneficiaries were significantly more likely to obtain Part D home‐administered biologics (relative risk ratio [RRR] 2.98, 95% confidence interval [95% CI] 2.50–3.56), while non‐LIS beneficiaries were less likely to receive Part D biologic agents (RRR 0.58, 95% CI 0.48–0.69). OOP costs in Part D were lower, as expected, for LIS beneficiaries ($72 versus $3,751 per year for non‐LIS). Non‐LIS beneficiaries had lower costs for Part B facility‐administered biologic agents (range $0–$2,584) than for Part D home‐administered biologic agents. ACA reforms will narrow OOP differences between Part D and B for non‐LIS beneficiaries.

Conclusion

In contrast to LIS beneficiaries who receive mostly Part D home‐administered biologic DMARDs, nonsubsidized beneficiaries have significant cost‐based incentives to obtain facility‐administered biologic DMARDs through Part B. The ACA will result in only slightly lower costs for Part D biologic drugs for these beneficiaries.
Knee Extensor Muscle Strength in Middle‐Aged and Older Individuals Undergoing Arthroscopic Partial Meniscectomy: A Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis
Authors: Hall Michelle , Juhl Carsten B. , Lund Hans , Thorlund Jonas B.
Published: March 2015

Objective

People with meniscal tears are at high risk to develop or progress to knee osteoarthritis. Knee extensor weakness is considered a risk factor for osteoarthritis and is often reported in these individuals. The purpose of this systematic review and meta‐analysis was to investigate knee extensor strength in people undergoing an arthroscopic partial meniscectomy (APM).

Methods

Six databases (Medline, CINAHL, SPORTDiscus, Embase, PEDro, and AMED) were searched up to June 22, 2014. Studies that measured knee extensor muscle strength in people age ≥30 years undergoing APM for a meniscal tear and used either a healthy control group or the contralateral leg to compare knee extensor muscle strength were included. Methodological quality was assessed using guidelines from the Centre for Reviews and Dissemination.

Results

Eleven studies, in which participants were predominantly male, were included (n = 596). A moderate reduction in muscle strength was observed prior to APM compared to controls (standardized mean difference [SMD] 0.58, 95% confidence interval [95% CI] 0.04, 1.13) and continued up to 6 months postsurgery (SMD range −2.42 to −0.47). There was no difference in muscle strength at 2 years post‐APM (SMD −0.01 [95% CI −0.36, 0.35]), while a moderate reduction was again apparent at 4 years post‐APM (SMD −0.56, [95% CI −1.20, 0.08]) compared to controls.

Conclusion

Our findings suggest that middle‐aged and older individuals undergoing APM have reduced knee extensor muscle strength in the operated leg compared to control data. As meniscus pathology and knee extensor muscle weakness are risk factors for osteoarthritis, these results highlight the clinical importance of addressing muscle weakness in these individuals.
Study for Updated Gout Classification Criteria: Identification of Features to Classify Gout
Authors: Taylor William J. , Fransen Jaap , Jansen Tim L. , Dalbeth Nicola , Schumacher H. Ralph , Brown Melanie , Louthrenoo Worawit , Vazquez‐Mellado Janitzia , Eliseev Maxim , McCarthy Geraldine , Stamp Lisa K. , Perez‐Ruiz Fernando , Sivera Francisca , Ea Hang‐Korng , Gerritsen Martijn , Scire Carlo , Cavagna Lorenzo , Lin Chingtsai , Chou Yin‐Yi , Tausche Anne Kathrin , Vargas‐Santos Ana Beatriz , Janssen Matthijs , Chen Jiunn‐Horng , Slot Ole , Cimmino Marco A. , Uhlig Till , Neogi Tuhina
Published: March 2015

Objective

To determine which clinical, laboratory, and imaging features most accurately distinguished gout from non‐gout.

Methods

We performed a cross‐sectional study of consecutive rheumatology clinic patients with ≥1 swollen joint or subcutaneous tophus. Gout was defined by synovial fluid or tophus aspirate microscopy by certified examiners in all patients. The sample was randomly divided into a model development (two‐thirds) and test sample (one‐third). Univariate and multivariate association between clinical features and monosodium urate–defined gout was determined using logistic regression modeling. Shrinkage of regression weights was performed to prevent overfitting of the final model. Latent class analysis was conducted to identify patterns of joint involvement.

Results

In total, 983 patients were included. Gout was present in 509 (52%). In the development sample (n = 653), the following features were selected for the final model: joint erythema (multivariate odds ratio [OR] 2.13), difficulty walking (multivariate OR 7.34), time to maximal pain <24 hours (multivariate OR 1.32), resolution by 2 weeks (multivariate OR 3.58), tophus (multivariate OR 7.29), first metatarsophalangeal (MTP1) joint ever involved (multivariate OR 2.30), location of currently tender joints in other foot/ankle (multivariate OR 2.28) or MTP1 joint (multivariate OR 2.82), serum urate level >6 mg/dl (0.36 mmoles/liter; multivariate OR 3.35), ultrasound double contour sign (multivariate OR 7.23), and radiograph erosion or cyst (multivariate OR 2.49). The final model performed adequately in the test set, with no evidence of misfit, high discrimination, and predictive ability. MTP1 joint involvement was the most common joint pattern (39.4%) in gout cases.

Conclusion

Ten key discriminating features have been identified for further evaluation for new gout classification criteria. Ultrasound findings and degree of uricemia add discriminating value, and will significantly contribute to more accurate classification criteria.
pH‐ and NIR Light‐Responsive Micelles with Hyperthermia‐Triggered Tumor Penetration and Cytoplasm Drug Release to Reverse Doxorubicin Resistance in Breast Cancer
Authors: Yu Haijun , Cui Zhirui , Yu Pengcheng , Guo Chengyue , Feng Bing , Jiang Tongying , Wang Siling , Yin Qi , Zhong Dafang , Yang Xiangliang , Zhang Zhiwen , Li Yaping
Published: March 2015

The acquisition of multidrug resistance (MDR) is a major hurdle for the successful chemotherapy of tumors. Herein, a novel hybrid micelle with pH and near‐infrared (NIR) light dual‐responsive property is reported for reversing doxorubicin (DOX) resistance in breast cancer. The hybrid micelles are designed to integrate the pH‐ and NIR light‐responsive property of an amphiphilic diblock polymer and the high DOX loading capacity of a polymeric prodrug into one single nanocomposite. At physiological condition (i.e., pH 7.4), the micelles form compact nanostructure with particle size around 30 nm to facilitate blood circulation and passive tumor targeting. Meanwhile, the micelles are quickly dissociated in weakly acidic environment (i.e., pH ≤ 6.2) to release DOX prodrug. When exposed to NIR laser irradiation, the hybrid micelles can trigger notable tumor penetration and cytosol release of DOX payload by inducing tunable hyperthermia effect. In combination with localized NIR laser irradiation, the hybrid micelles significantly inhibit the growth of DOX‐resistant MCF‐7/ADR breast cancer in an orthotopic tumor bearing mouse model. Taken together, this pH and NIR light‐responsive micelles with hyperthermia‐triggered tumor penetration and cytoplasm drug release can be an effective nanoplatform to combat cancer MDR.
Lab in a Tube: Purification, Amplification, and Detection of DNA Using Poly(2‐oxazoline) Multilayers
Authors: Leiske Meike N. , Hartlieb Matthias , Paulenz Christian , Pretzel David , Hentschel Martin , Englert Christoph , Gottschaldt Michael , Schubert Ulrich S.
Published: March 2015

Fast and easy purification and amplification of DNA are prerequisites for the development of point‐of‐care diagnostics. For this reason covalent coatings of amine containing poly(2‐oxazoline)s (POx) on glass and poly(propylene) surfaces are prepared, to reversibly bind genetic material directly from biological samples. The polymer is deposited in a layer‐by‐layer process, whereas initial immobilization of macromolecules on the surface is accomplished by the use of an epoxy functionalized siloxane monolayer. Alternating treatment with polymer and cross‐linker leads to the construction of amine containing POx multilayers on the substrates. Successful deposition is investigated by confocal laser scanning microscopy (using labeled polymers), contact angle measurements, as well as reflectometric interference spectroscopy. The interaction of these layer systems with DNA regarding binding and temperature dependent release is studied using labeled genetic material. Finally, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) vessels are coated with POx layers on the inside, and used for quantitative real‐time PCR (qPCR) experiments. It is possible to bind genetic material directly from cell lysates to perform qPCR assays from surface adsorbed DNA within the same tube including amplification, as well as detection. The presented system displays an easy to use device for a point of care diagnostic.
Pseudobinary Solid‐Solution: An Alternative Way for the Bandgap Engineering of Semiconductor Nanowires in the Case of GaP–ZnSe
Authors: Yang Wenjin , Liu Baodan , Yang Bing , Wang Jianyu , Sekiguchi Takashi , Thorsten Staedler , Jiang Xin
Published: March 2015

Bandgap engineering of semiconductor nanostructures is of significant importance either for the optical property tailoring or for the integration of functional optoelectronic devices. Here, an efficient way to control the bandgap and emission wavelength is reported for a binary compound semiconductor through alloying with another binary compound. Taking GaP‐ZnSe system as an example, the bandgap of quaternary GaP‐ZnSe solid‐solution nano­wires can be selectively tailored in the range of 1.95–2.2 eV by controlling the solubility of ZnSe dopants in GaP host. High‐resolution transmission electron microscopy measurement and chemical analyses using an X‐ray energy dispersive spectrometer (EDS) demonstrate the solid‐solution feature of GaP‐ZnSe semiconductor alloy, while X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) characterization verifies the formation of some new chemical bonds corresponding to Zn‐P and Ga‐S bonds in GaP‐ZnSe nanowires. The strategy to tailor the optoelectronic property of semiconductor nanostructures through the solid‐solution of two different binary compounds represents a general routine to the property modification of all pseudobinary systems and will open more opportunity for their applications in electronics, optics and optoelectronics.
Electron Transfer Proteins as Electronic Conductors: Significance of the Metal and Its Binding Site in the Blue Cu Protein, Azurin
Authors: Amdursky Nadav , Sepunaru Lior , Raichlin Sara , Pecht Israel , Sheves Mordechai , Cahen David
Published: March 2015

Electron transfer (ET) proteins are biomolecules with specific functions, selected by evolution. As such they are attractive candidates for use in potential bioelectronic devices. The blue copper protein azurin (Az) is one of the most‐studied ET proteins. Traditional spectroscopic, electrochemical, and kinetic methods employed for studying ET to/from the protein's Cu ion have been complemented more recently by studies of electrical conduction through a monolayer of Az in the solid‐state, sandwiched between electrodes. As the latter type of measurement does not require involvement of a redox process, it also allows monitoring electronic transport (ETp) via redox‐inactive Az‐derivatives. Here, results of macroscopic ETp via redox‐active and ‐inactive Az derivatives, i.e., Cu(II) and Cu(I)‐Az, apo‐Az, Co(II)‐Az, Ni(II)‐Az, and Zn(II)‐Az are reported and compared. It is found that earlier reported temperature independence of ETp via Cu(II)‐Az (from 20 K until denaturation) is unique, as ETp via all other derivatives is thermally activated at temperatures >≈200 K. Conduction via Cu(I)‐Az shows unexpected temperature dependence >≈200 K, with currents decreasing at positive and increasing at negative bias. Taking all the data together we find a clear compensation effect of Az conduction around the Az denaturation temperature. This compensation can be understood by viewing the Az binding site as an electron trap, unless occupied by Cu(II), as in the native protein, with conduction of the native protein setting the upper transport efficiency limit.
Validation of an acoustic location system to monitor Bornean orangutan (Pongo pygmaeus wurmbii) long calls
Authors: Spillmann Brigitte , van Noordwijk Maria A. , Willems Erik P. , Mitra Setia Tatang , Wipfli Urs , van Schaik Carel P.
Published: March 2015

The long call is an important vocal communication signal in the widely dispersed, semi‐solitary orangutan. Long calls affect individuals' ranging behavior and mediate social relationships and regulate encounters between dispersed individuals in a dense rainforest. The aim of this study was to test the utility of an Acoustic Location System (ALS) for recording and triangulating the loud calls of free‐living primates. We developed and validated a data extraction protocol for an ALS used to record wild orangutan males' long calls at the Tuanan field site (Central Kalimantan). We installed an ALS in a grid of 300 ha, containing 20 SM2+ recorders placed in a regular lattice at 500 m intervals, to monitor the distribution of calling males in the area. The validated system had the following main features: (i) a user‐trained software algorithm (Song Scope) that reliably recognized orangutan long calls from sound files at distances up to 700 m from the nearest recorder, resulting in a total area of approximately 900 ha that could be monitored continuously; (ii) acoustic location of calling males up to 200 m outside the microphone grid, which meant that within an area of approximately 450 ha, call locations could be calculated through triangulation. The mean accuracy was 58 m, an error that is modest relative to orangutan mobility and average inter‐individual distances. We conclude that an ALS is a highly effective method for detecting long‐distance calls of wild primates and triangulating their position. In combination with conventional individual focal follow data, an ALS can greatly improve our knowledge of orangutans' social organization, and is readily adaptable for studying other highly vocal animals. Am. J. Primatol. 77:767–776, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Comparative analysis of electric field influence on the quantum wells with different boundary conditions
Authors: Olendski Oleg
Published: March 2015

Thermodynamic properties of the one‐dimensional (1D) quantum well (QW) with miscellaneous permutations of the Dirichlet (D) and Neumann (N) boundary conditions (BCs) at its edges in the perpendicular to the surfaces electric field are calculated. For the canonical ensemble, analytical expressions involving theta functions are found for the mean energy and heat capacity for the box with no applied voltage. Pronounced maximum accompanied by the adjacent minimum of the specific heat dependence on the temperature T for the pure Neumann QW and their absence for other BCs are predicted and explained by the structure of the corresponding energy spectrum. Applied field leads to the increase of the heat capacity and formation of the new or modification of the existing extrema what is qualitatively described by the influence of the associated electric potential. A remarkable feature of the Fermi grand canonical ensemble is, at any BC combination in zero fields, a salient maximum of observed on the T axis for one particle and its absence for any other number N of corpuscles. Qualitative and quantitative explanation of this phenomenon employs the analysis of the chemical potential and its temperature dependence for different N. It is proved that critical temperature of the Bose‐Einstein (BE) condensation increases with the applied voltage for any number of particles and for any BC permutation except the ND case at small intensities what is explained again by the modification by the field of the interrelated energies. It is shown that even for the temperatures smaller than the total dipole moment may become negative for the quite moderate . For either Fermi or BE system, the influence of the electric field on the heat capacity is shown to be suppressed with N growing. Different asymptotic cases of, e.g., the small and large temperatures and low and high voltages are derived analytically and explained physically. Parallels are drawn to the similar properties of the 1D harmonic oscillator, and similarities and differences between them are discussed.

image