bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluation on Morphological and Quality Attributes of Mango Cultivars in Western Uttar Pradesh
Authors: Kumar Amit , Kumar Arvind , Prakash Satya , Kumar Vipin , Singh Atar , Singh Manoj Kumar , Pandey Vibhu , Singh Shalini , Mourya Upendra , Verma Arunesh Kumar , Singh Satyam
Published: August 2024

The study aimed to assess the morpho-economic and biochemical attributes of twelve mango cultivars grown in western Uttar Pradesh, using pooled data from the years 2021-22 and 2022-23 and conducted at Horticulture Research Center of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel University of Agriculture & Technology, Meerut, the experiment utilized a Randomized Block Design (RBD) with four replications per treatment. The cultivars are regular bearers included Ambika, Pusa Arunima, Dashehari-51, Kesar, Pusa Surya, Amrapali, Mallika, Burma Surakha, Neelum Chausa, Mithua Malda, Rataul and Saurav, all planted in 10-year-old orchards with a spacing of 6x6 meters. The study aimed to evaluate the morpho-economic and biochemical attributes of twelve mango cultivars in western Uttar Pradesh, identify the most suitable cultivars for the region and determine the cultivars with the most marketable fruit traits. Additionally, it sought to assess the genetic diversity among the cultivars for future breeding programs.
The results demonstrated significant differences in morpho-economic and quality attributes among the cultivars. Mallika, Pusa Arunima and Amrapali emerged as superior varieties, excelling in tree morpho-economic and quality attributes, while others were classified as moderate. Mallika and Pusa Arunima were identified as the highest-yielding varieties, based on the mean number of fruits per plant and fruit weight over the two-year period. Furthermore, the fruits of Mallika, Pusa Arunima, Amrapali, Rataul and Kesar exhibited the most marketable attributes.
The findings underscore the significant genetic and environmental influences on mango attributes. Mallika and Pusa Arunima consistently demonstrated superior performance in yield, fruit quality and biochemical attributes, positioning it as a promising cultivar for the region. The diversity observed among the cultivars highlights the need for targeted selection and management practices to optimize mango production and quality. The study also emphasizes the importance of preserving and conserving these unique genetic resources for future breeding programs aimed at developing new, commercially viable cultivars.
Study of Plant Growth Regulators on Growth, Yield, and Quality of Red Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus cv. Kashi Lalima) in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, India
Authors: Priya Sindhu , Bahadur Vijay , Topno Samir E.
Published: August 2024

This study investigates the effects of different plant growth regulators on the growth, yield, and quality of red okra (Abelmoschus esculentus) under the climatic conditions of Prayagraj at the SHUATS College Horticulture Research Farms. The experiment consisted of 10 distinct treatments, each involving a unique combination and concentration of growth regulators. The performance of these treatments was evaluated based on several parameters including plant height, fruit yield, and quality attributes. Among the treatments, Treatment 2 (NAA@60 PPM) demonstrated the lowest performance, reflected by suboptimal growth metrics, reduced yield, and inferior quality characteristics. In stark contrast, Treatment 10 (GA3@100 PPM +2,4-D @7.5 PPM) exhibited the highest performance across all measured parameters, showcasing significant improvements in growth rate, total yield, and fruit quality. These findings underscore the potential of specific plant growth regulator treatments in optimizing the cultivation of red okra, with Treatment 10 emerging as a particularly effective strategy for enhancing agricultural outcomes in this crop.
Comparative Efficacy of Anti-tumor Necrosis Factor (TNF) Therapy in Inducing and Maintaining Remission from Crohn's Disease: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
Authors: Mirza Muhammad Sohail S. , Khan Maria , Rahman Md S. , Nadeem Ayman , Anugu Goutham R. , Masmoum Mohd Diya , Hameed Zainab , Khawar Muhammad H. , Mansoor Muzafar
Published: August 2024

Background: Anti-TNF agents have emerged not only as inducers of remission but have also shown clinical efficacy in the maintenance of remission in patients suffering from Inflammatory Bowel Disease. However, there is limited quantitative evidence of their effectiveness in Crohn’s Disease.
Aim: The current study aims to investigate the relative efficacy of anti-TNF agents in inducing and maintaining remission in Crohn’s Disease, by systematically evaluating efficacy outcomes, such as CDAI, SES-CD, and TEAEs.
Methods: A number of digital databases were searched to retrieve relevant literature. This included PubMed, Google Scholar, Cochrane, ClinicalTrials.gov. The PICOS framework was used to systematically select the data. We used the PRISMA framework to synthesize and report the relevant data.
Results: A total of 10 randomized control trials were included in the final sample. Among the anti-TNF agents, adalimumab and infliximab were most frequently used for disease control. Anti-TNF drugs were positively associated with clinical remission OR= 1.31 (95% CI (0.69, 2.10)), p<0.02; improved SES-CD scores (>50% reduction in endoscopic lesions), 1.65 (95% CI (1.44, 1.87)), p<0.0001; sustained CD remission significantly, -25.65 (95% CI (-33.22, -18.07)), p<0.001; and showed a relatively insignificant impact in lowering the incidence of treatment-emergent adverse effects  0.84 (95% CI (0.69, 1.03)), p=0.10.
Conclusion: Infliximab and adalimumab should be taken into consideration as first-line alternatives for maintaining remission in Crohn's disease due to their better efficacy and set-up safety profiles.
Technology for a Food-secure Future: A Review of Technology Advances in Sustainable Agriculture
Authors: Somashekar K S , Rehaman H M Atheekur , Kumar G V Sumanth , Bai Kamala , Belagalla Ningaraj , Abhishek G J , M S Jagadeesh , Kapoor Manish
Published: August 2024

There is no doubt that advanced technologies play a very important and crucial role in driving the agricultural sustainable practices in order to satisfy the increasing demand for food production as well as to minimize environmental impacts. This review article aims to provide comprehensive points of view regarding a current state as well as the future advances in smart farming techniques for developing an agricultural sustainability. The digital sensors are considered as key techniques for agricultural transformation which provide an accurate managing and monitoring the various agricultural activities such as crop production, soil moisture, micro climate data, and others. Valuable detailed data are acquired by these sensors to be delivered to the farmers in order to make suitable decisions, ensuring the sustainable and efficient utilization of the agricultural resources. Moreover, managing irrigation using the advanced technologies is benefited wireless monitoring remotely and controlling systems. These technologies and advanced tools help the farmers to reduce water consumption and increase their benefits as well as promotes sustainable management practices of the water resources. Additionally, the drones such as unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) can be attached with several kinds of sensors or cameras for capturing detailed information of crop health, soil status, required fertilizers, irrigation, and pesticides. Besides these benefits of drones, they provide a function of an early detection of agricultural problems which allow the decision makers for taking suitable actions. Furthermore, the biotechnology advances such as CRISPR gene editing, and transgenic animals’ developing are very beneficial for enhancing the crop yield, disease resistance, and nutrients availability, and agricultural sustainability. The precision agriculture (PA) integration with geographic information system (GIS) and remote sensing (RS) provides site-specific management and its decisions in order to optimize the inputs utilization, waste reduce, and sustainable practices promotion. Also, advanced technologies’ application (i.e. artificial intelligence ‘AI’, machine learning ‘ML’, and the Internet of Things ‘IoT’) has been found to be a promising for achieving an agricultural sustainability. Therefore, by using these powerful technologies, the farmers can enhance an agricultural production, decrease an environmental effect and achieve the food security.
Toxicity and Synergistic Effect of Native Plants Extracts against the Cowpea Weevil (Callosobruchus maculatus Fab.) (Coleoptera: Bruchidae)
Authors: Mano Elias , Ouédraogo Nadjatou , Simdé Rabièta , Sanou Désiré Dramane Ak , Ouédraogo Rasmané Abdou , Ouattara Boubakar , Sombié Pierre Alexandre Eric Djifaby , Nacro Souleymane
Published: August 2024

Callosobruchus maculatus causes loss of cowpea seeds and its weight after six months of unprotected storage. This study aimed to evaluate the toxicity and synergistic effects of plant extracts on the biological parameters of C. maculatus from Bobo Dioulasso in order to reduce its damage on cowpea stocks in Bobo Dioulasso city. Seven treatments including an untreated control and doses of three powdery extracts of Cassia nigricans, Zanthoxylum zanthoxyloides and Hyptis suaveolens, and their combinations were compared in a Fischer block with four completely randomized repetitions. One hundred healthy cowpea seeds were mixed with doses of each extract in Petri dishes then submitted as food substrates to ten pairs of C. maculatus for 15 days. The synergistic effect was evaluated following the formula of Chou and Talalay. Extracts of C. nigricans, Z. zanthoxyloides and H. suaveolens was toxic against the weevil. The extract of Z. zanthoxyloides was more toxic to adults (21.16 mg/g) followed by H. suaveolens (51.84 mg/g) and C. nigricans (52.09 mg/g). The infestation rates of batches treated with C. nigricans and Z. zanthoxyloides extracts did not exceed 1.00% compared to 2.00% for H. suaveolens at 20 mg/g. All combinations were synergistic and resulted in 100% mortality and less than 14.98 eggs/female in H. suaveolens coupled with C. nigricans. The application of Z. zanthoxyloides extract alone or the combination of H. suaveolens and C. nigricans extracts would be an alternative for the sustainable management of C. maculatus in cowpea stocks.
Comparative Analysis of Locally Sourced Adsorbents for Iponda and Idominasi, Abandoned Gold Mine Wastewater Bioremediation in Osun State, Nigeria
Authors: Dada Ebenezer Olujimi , Ajibade Promise Ayanfe , Adedeji Emmanuel Ayoade , Akanji Saheed Ayobami , Akinwumi Odunayo Deborah , Arinkoola Akeem Olatunde , Salawudeen Taofeek Olalekan
Published: August 2024

This study investigates and compares the effects of Neem leaf (NL) and coconut husk (CCH) adsorbents in reducing the levels of heavy metal concentration and elemental content in wastewater from two specific abandoned gold mining sites, namely Iponda (Iponda  wastewater- IPWW) (longitude 4°43'18''E, Latitude 7°43'57''N ) and Idominasi (Idominasi wastewater -IDWW) (longitude 4°42'0''E, Latitude 7°40'59''N).
Preparation of locally sourced adsorbents, bioremediation process through adsorption and physico-chemical analysis of the treated wastewater samples were carried out. Adsorbents were prepared from washed, air-dried neem leaves, grinded to 40 microns size to facilitate penetration of the adsorbate.  In addition, washed and airdried CCH was carbonized in an electric muffle furnace at between 300 0C and 350 0C over a period of 30 minutes, and then granulated and sieved with a mesh size of 40 µm to ensure uniform size. Measured dosages of adsorbent (0.5 g, 0.75 g, and 1 g) were added to a 50 ml volume of wastewater and the mixture was agitated at different speeds ranging from 30 rpm to 120 rpm.  The treated wastewater samples were then subjected to various physico-chemical analytical tests to determine the effect of the adsorbents on the reduction of the heavy metal concentration and elemental content of the wasted water samples. The results of this study demonstrate that both NL and CCH adsorbents have a significant impact on the wastewater from the two abandoned gold mining sites, IPWW and IDWW. This impact is reflected in the reduction of heavy metal and other element concentrations in the wastewater. Furthermore, it can be concluded that the bioremediation process is more effective when utilizing NL compared to carbonized CCH. Locally sourced cheap non-edible biomass materials hitherto considered as wastes have proved to be highly effective and efficient when used as adsorbents in the treatment of wastewater from abandoned gold mining sites. This is evident from the results obtained from this study.
Seasonal Patterns and Abiotic Influences on Fall Armyworm Dynamics in Chhattisgarh's Maize Agroecology
Authors: Manoj Marella Sai , Sharma Kailash Chander , Baskaran R.K. Murali
Published: August 2024

The fall armyworm Spodoptera frugiperda (J. E. Smith), an invasive pest in India, exhibits variations in population dynamics and incidence levels compared to its native regions. Understanding these variations is crucial for developing effective management strategies. Given India's diverse agroecosystems and climatic conditions, continuous watch on pest dynamics is essential. In this context a fixed plot experiment for comprehensive analysis of fall armyworm population dynamics, incidence patterns across seasons, and damage potentials in the maize crop ecosystem of the Chhattisgarh plains, India was conducted across three seasons of the year 2022-23. The year-round activity of the pest and its potential to cause huge losses in the early stages of maize was reported. Specifically, the study provided insights into the comparative incidence of fall armyworm in the different maize growing seasons of the area with a maximum incidence in the rainy season (0.58 larvae/plant) followed by winter (0.56 larvae/plant) and summer (0.53 larvae/plant) seasons. Moreover, the incidence trends of fall armyworm in different growing stages of maize were analysed by considering egg laying pattern, leaf damage, larval incidence and plant damage parameters, which highlighted the plant age-dependent response of fall armyworm. The impact of various weather parameters in shaping the damage and population fluctuations was analysed, where the influence of temperature was significant. Results obtained in this study are crucial in devising ETL levels and developing integrated pest management strategies against fall armyworm.
The statistical difference between bending arcs and regular polar arcs
Authors: Kullen A. , Fear R. C. , Milan S. E. , Carter J. A. , Karlsson T.
Published: November 2015

In this work, the Polar UVI data set by Kullen et al. (2002) of 74 polar arcs is reinvestigated, focusing on bending arcs. Bending arcs are typically faint and form (depending on interplanetary magnetic field (IMF) By direction) on the dawnside or duskside oval with the tip of the arc splitting off the dayside oval. The tip subsequently moves into the polar cap in the antisunward direction, while the arc's nightside end remains attached to the oval, eventually becoming hook‐shaped. Our investigation shows that bending arcs appear on the opposite oval side from and farther sunward than most regular polar arcs. They form during By‐dominated IMF conditions: typically, the IMF clock angle increases from 60 to 90° about 20 min before the arc forms. Antisunward plasma flows from the oval into the polar cap just poleward of bending arcs are seen in Super Dual Auroral Radar Network data, indicating dayside reconnection. For regular polar arcs, recently reported characteristics are confirmed in contrast to bending arcs. This includes plasma flows along the nightside oval that originate close to the initial arc location and a significant delay in the correlation between IMF By and initial arc location. In our data set, the highest correlations are found with IMF By appearing at least 1–2 h before arc formation. In summary, bending arcs are distinctly different from regular arcs and cannot be explained by existing polar arc models. Instead, these results are consistent with the formation mechanism described in Carter et al. (2015), suggesting that bending arcs are caused by dayside reconnection.
MESSENGER survey of in situ low frequency wave storms between 0.3 and 0.7 AU
Authors: Boardsen S. A. , Jian L. K. , Raines J. L. , Gershman D. J. , Zurbuchen T. H. , Roberts D. A. , Korth H.
Published: November 2015

MErcury Surface, Space ENvironment, GEochemistry, and Ranging (MESSENGER) magnetometer data was surveyed between 0.3 and 0.7 AU from 6 June 2007 to 23 March 2011 for low‐frequency wave (LFW) storms, when the magnetometer was sampling at a rate of at least 2 s−1. A total of 12,197 LFW events were identified, of which 5506 lasted 10 min or longer. The events have a high degree of polarization, are circularly polarized, with wave vectors nearly aligned or antialigned with the interplanetary magnetic field (IMF) at frequencies in the vicinity of the proton cyclotron frequency. These events are observed about 6% of the time, preferentially associated with radially directed inward or outward IMF. Their occurrence rate and median duration do not change much with R, where R is the heliocentric radial distance. For a narrow‐frequency window in the solar wind frame, left‐handed storms in the spacecraft frame have a power drop off that is roughly proportional to R−3 which is consistent with a source close the Sun, while right‐handed storms have a power drop off roughly proportional R−1 which is not consistent with a source close to the Sun. The power in the left‐handed LFW storms is on average greater than the right‐handed ones by a factor of 3. In the solar wind frame, the wave frequency decreases from 0.13 to 0.04 Hz moving from 0.3 to 0.7 AU, but the frequency normalized by the local proton cyclotron frequency does not change much with the running median varying from 0.35 to 0.5. The normalized frequency band widths of the wave power spectra increase slightly with R, possibly associated with energy dissipation.
Internal lee wave closures: Parameter sensitivity and comparison to observations
Authors: Trossman D. S. , Waterman S. , Polzin K. L. , Arbic B. K. , Garner S. T. , Naveira‐Garabato A. C. , Sheen K. L.
Published: November 2015

This paper examines two internal lee wave closures that have been used together with ocean models to predict the time‐averaged global energy conversion rate into lee waves and dissipation rate associated with lee waves and topographic blocking: the Garner (2005) scheme and the Bell (1975) theory. The closure predictions in two Southern Ocean regions where geostrophic flows dominate over tides are examined and compared to microstructure profiler observations of the turbulent kinetic energy dissipation rate, where the latter are assumed to reflect the dissipation associated with topographic blocking and generated lee wave energy. It is shown that when applied to these Southern Ocean regions, the two closures differ most in their treatment of topographic blocking. For several reasons, pointwise validation of the closures is not possible using existing observations, but horizontally averaged comparisons between closure predictions and observations are made. When anisotropy of the underlying topography is accounted for, the two horizontally averaged closure predictions near the seafloor are approximately equal. The dissipation associated with topographic blocking is predicted by the Garner (2005) scheme to account for the majority of the depth‐integrated dissipation over the bottom 1000 m of the water column, where the horizontally averaged predictions lie well within the spatial variability of the horizontally averaged observations. Simplifications made by the Garner (2005) scheme that are inappropriate for the oceanic context, together with imperfect observational information, can partially account for the prediction‐observation disagreement, particularly in the upper water column.
Do East Australian Current anticyclonic eddies leave the Tasman Sea?
Authors: Pilo Gabriela S. , Oke Peter R. , Rykova Tatiana , Coleman Richard , Ridgway Ken
Published: November 2015

Using satellite altimetry and high‐resolution model output we analyze the pathway of large, long‐lived anticyclonic eddies that originate near the East Australian Current (EAC) separation point. We show that 25–30% of these eddies propagate southward, around Tasmania, leave the Tasman Sea, and decay in the Great Australian Bight. This pathway has not been previously documented owing to poor satellite sampling off eastern Tasmania. As eddies propagate southward, they often “stall” for several months at near‐constant latitude. Along the pathway eddies become increasingly barotropic. Eddy intensity is primarily influenced by merging with other eddies and a gradual decay otherwise. Surface temperature anomaly associated with anticyclonic eddies changes as they propagate, while surface salinity anomaly tends to remain relatively unchanged as they propagate.
Time variability in the annual cycle of sea ice thickness in the Transpolar Drift
Authors: Hansen E. , Gerland S. , Høyland K. V. , Pavlova O. , Spreen G.
Published: November 2015

The annual cycle of modal and mean sea ice thickness was derived from upward looking sonar ice thickness observations (1990–2011) in Fram Strait. The average annual peak‐to‐trough amplitude of the mode of 0.54 m is superimposed on interannual variability with peak‐to‐trough amplitudes of 0.73 m on time scales of 6–8 years, which again is superimposed on a long‐term trend of −0.55 m/decade over the observation period. The long‐term trend is stronger for April than for August, the average months of maximum and minimum modal thickness. As a result, the annual peak‐to‐trough modal thickness amplitude was reduced by 30% between the 1990s and the 2000s. The average annual peak‐to‐trough amplitude of the mean ice thickness of 1.20 m is also superimposed on interannual variability, with as much as 0.97 m thickness change over only 3 years. These two modes of variability are superimposed on a long‐term trend of −0.35 m/decade through the entire data set. In contrast to the modal thickness, the long‐term trend is weaker for the average month of maximum mean thickness (June), than for the average month of minimum (September). Therefore, the annual peak‐to‐trough amplitude of the mean ice thickness increased by 14% between the 1990s and the 2000s.
Long‐term variations in global sea level extremes
Authors: Marcos Marta , Calafat Francisco M. , Berihuete Ángel , Dangendorf Sönke
Published: November 2015

Decadal to multidecadal variations in sea level extremes unrelated to mean sea level changes have been investigated using long tide gauge records distributed worldwide. A state space approach has been applied that provides robust solutions and uncertainties of the time evolving characteristics of extremes, allowing for data gaps and uneven sampling, both common features of historical sea level time series. Two different models have been formulated for the intensity and for the occurrence of extreme sea level events and have been applied independently to each tide gauge record. Our results reveal two key findings: first, the intensity and the frequency of occurrence of extreme sea levels unrelated to mean sea level vary coherently on decadal scales in most of the sites examined (63 out of 77) and, second, extreme sea level changes are regionally consistent, thus pointing toward a common large‐scale forcing. This variability of extremes associated with climate drivers should be considered in the framework of climate change studies.
The nonlinear relationship between summer precipitation in China and the sea surface temperature in preceding seasons: A statistical demonstration
Authors: Lu Er , Chen Hongxing , Tu Juqing , Song Jinbo , Zou Xukai , Zhou Bing , Li Hui , Cai Wenyue , Chen Yun , Chen Xianyan , Zhang Qiang , Chen Haishan , Jiang Zhihong
Published: November 2015

Previous studies show that the seasonal precipitation over land may have strong nonlinear relationships with the concurrent sea surface temperature (SST). In this study, we demonstrate that summer precipitation also has a strong nonlinear relationship with preceding SSTs, which are more robust than the linear relationships. A strategy is employed to demonstrate the robustness of the nonlinear relation. With the 60 year observed precipitation and SST, we use data of 50 years to fit the linear and nonlinear rainfall‐preceding SST relations. The SSTs used include all the samples that are from each of the global ocean grids over each of the preceding time periods considered. The fitted relations are then used to predict the rainfall of the remaining 10 years with the SST data. From all the predictions that use a large number of SST samples, we choose the ocean grid cell and the season that give the minimum prediction error. Results indicate that for an individual station, it may well be that the linear relation is better than the nonlinear relation. However, overall, the nonlinear method is better than the linear method as assessed from all stations in the country. This statistical analysis demonstrates that, when treated nonlinearly, the rainfall‐preceding SST relationship can be much strengthened.
Independent component analysis of local‐scale temporal variability in sediment‐water interface temperature
Authors: Middleton M. A. , Whitfield P. H. , Allen D. M.
Published: November 2015

Temperature recorded at the sediment‐water interface has been identified as a valuable tracer for understanding groundwater‐surface water interactions. However, factors contributing to the variability in temperatures can be difficult to distinguish. In this study, the temporal variability in daily temperatures at the sediment‐water interface is evaluated for a 40 m reach of a coastal stream using Independent Component Analysis (ICA). ICA separation is used to identify three independent temperature components within the reach for each of four summer periods (2008–2011). Extracted temperature signals correlate with stream discharge, estimated streambed temperature, and groundwater level, but the strength of the correlations varies from summer to summer. Overall, variations in the temperature signals have clearer separation in summers with lower stream discharge and greater stream temperature ranges. Surface heating from solar radiation is the dominant factor influencing the sediment‐water interface temperature in most years, but there is evidence that thermal exchanges are taking place other than at the air‐water interface. These exchanges take place at the sediment‐water interface, and the correlation with groundwater levels indicates that these heat exchanges are associated with groundwater inflow. This study demonstrates that ICA can be used effectively to aid in identifying component signals in environmental applications of small spatial scale.
Energy‐Level Alignment at the Organic/Electrode Interface in Organic Optoelectronic Devices
Authors: Hu Zhanhao , Zhong Zhiming , Chen Yawen , Sun Chen , Huang Fei , Peng Junbiao , Wang Jian , Cao Yong
Published: November 2015

It is commonly believed that the work‐function reduction effect of the cathode interfacial material in organic electronic devices leads to better energy‐level alignment at the organic/electrode interface, which enhances the device performance. However, there is no agreement on the exact dipole direction in the literature. In this study, a peel‐off method to reveal the buried organic/metal interface to examine the energy‐level alignment is developed. By splitting the device at different interfaces, it is discovered that oppositely oriented dipoles are formed at different surfaces of the interfacial layer. Moreover, the function of the electrode interface differs in different device types. In organic light‐emitting diodes, the vacuum‐level alignment generally occurs at the organic/cathode interface, while in organic photovoltaic devices, the Fermi‐level pinning commonly happens. Both are determined by the integer charge‐transfer levels of the organic materials and the work‐function of the electrode. As a result, the performance enhancement by the cathode interfacial material in organic photovoltaic devices cannot be solely explained by the energy‐level alignment. The clarification of the energy‐level alignment not only helps understand the device operation but also sets up a guideline to design the devices with better performance.
Bioactive Glass for Large Bone Repair
Authors: Jia Weitao , Lau Grace Y. , Huang Wenhai , Zhang Changqing , Tomsia Antoni P. , Fu Qiang
Published: November 2015

There has been an ongoing quest for new biomedical materials for the repair and regeneration of large segmental bone defects caused by disease or trauma. Autologous bone graft (ABG) remains the gold standard for bone repair despite their limited supply and donor‐site morbidity. The current tissue engineering approach with synthetically derived bone grafts requires a bioactive ceramic or polymeric scaffold loaded with growth factors for osteoinduction and angiogenesis, and bone marrow stromal cells (BMSCs) for osteogenic properties. Unfortunately, this approach has serious drawbacks: the low mechanical strength of scaffolds, the high cost of growth factors, and a lack of optimal strategies for growth‐factor delivery. Here, it is shown that, for the first time, a synthetic material alone can repair large bone defects as efficiently as the gold standard ABG. Through the use of strong and resorbable bioactive glass scaffolds, complete bone healing, and defect bridging can be achieved in a rabbit femur segmental defect model without growth factors or BMSCs. New bone and blood vessel formation, in both inner and peripheral scaffolds, demonstrates the excellent osteoinductive and osteogenic properties of these scaffolds similar as ABG.
Ultralow Friction with Hydrophilic Polymer Brushes in Water as Segregated from Silicone Matrix
Authors: Røn Troels , Javakhishvili Irakli , Hvilsted Søren , Jankova Katja , Lee Seunghwan
Published: November 2015

Lubrication is essential to minimize damage to underlying material and ensure low energy dissipation in biological and man‐made mechanical systems. Surface grafting of hydrophilic polymer brushes is a powerful means to render materials that are slippery in aqueous environments. However, presently available approaches to graft polymer brushes on surfaces, e.g., “grafting‐from” or “grafting‐to” approaches, display several restrictions in terms of practical and long‐term applications. Here a unique method of forming hydrophilic polymer brushes by selective segregation of hydrophilic chains of amphiphilic diblock copolymers, such as poly(dimethylsiloxane)‐b‐poly(ethylene glycol) (PDMS‐b‐PEG) and poly(dimethylsiloxane)‐b‐poly(acrylic acid) (PDMS‐b‐PAA) from the PDMS matrix with an “inverted grafting‐to” approach, and its tribological applications, is presented. In this approach, as the hydrophilic polymer brushes are generated from an internal source of the material, excellent grafting stability and restoring capabilities are revealed even under harsh tribostress. The film can easily be applied to elastomers, metals, and ceramic substrates by spin‐ or drip‐coating. Obtained sliding friction coefficients (μ) are 0.001–0.05 for soft contacts depending on substrate, load, counter surface, pH, and salinity. Between the two types of hydrophilic polymer chains, PAA shows far superior lubricity compared to PEG, which is rationalized by the larger reduction of total free energy of the former upon hydration.
Biohybrid Janus Motors Driven by Escherichia coli
Authors: Stanton Morgan M. , Simmchen Juliane , Ma Xing , Miguel‐López Albert , Sánchez Samuel
Published: November 2015

There has been a significant interest in the development of microswimmers for medical drug and cargo delivery, but the majority of current micromotors rely on toxic fuel sources and materials in their design making them irrelevant for biomedical applications. Bacteria represent an excellent motor alternative, as they are powered using their surrounding biological fluids. For a motile, biohybrid swimmer, Escherichia coli (E. coli) are integrated onto metal capped, polystyrene (PS) Janus particles. Fabrication of the biohybrid is rapid and simple for a microswimmer capable of magnetic guidance and ferrying an anticancer agent. Cell adhesion is regulated as E. coli adheres only to the particle's metal caps allowing the PS surface to be utilized for drug attachment, creating a multifunctional system. E. coli adhesion is investigated on multiple metal caps (Pt, Fe, Ti, or Au) and displays a strong preference to attach to Pt surfaces over other metals. Surface hydrophobicity and surface charge are examined to interpret the cell specific adhesion on the Janus particles. The dual capability of the biohybrid to have guided cell adhesion and localized drug attachment allows the swimmer to have multiple applications for biomedical microswimmers, future bacteria‐interface systems, and micro‐biorobots.
Calix‐Like Metal–Organic Complex for High‐Sensitivity X‐Ray‐Induced Photochromism
Authors: Zhang Hao , Wu Xintao
Published: November 2015

Metal‐organic complexes (MOCs) as promising candidates for directly visual X‐ray detection at room temperature are rare and discovered unexpectedly, even though every crystalline material needs X‐ray diffraction studies. Here, we report a rational strategy of mimicking host‐guest system for developing high‐sensitive X‐ray‐induced photochromic materials. Two resulting calix‐like metal‐organic complexes (cMOC‐1 and cMOC‐2) were prepared by encapsulating the electron‐capturing “guest” into the cavity of calix‐like electron‐donating “host.” One of them (cMOC‐1) achieves instantaneous X‐ray‐induced photochromism and easy recovery by synergizing the aprotic matrix of MOC and similar host‐guest interaction. Their strikingly different response to X‐ray irradiation resulting from the structural difference demonstrates the feasibility and acceptability of our design strategy. This strategy may open new perspectives for developing high‐performance photo‐responsive functional materials.
Simulation of biomass char gasification in a downdraft reactor for syngas production
Authors: Ephraim Augustina , Pozzobon Victor , Louisnard Olivier , Minh Doan Pham , Nzihou Ange , Sharrock Patrick
Published: November 2015

A steady state, one‐dimensional computational fluid dynamics model of wood char gasification in a downdraft reactor is presented. The model is not only based on reaction kinetics and fluid flow in the porous char bed but also on equations of heat and mass conservation. An original OpenFOAM solver is used to simulate the model and the results are found to be in good agreement with published experimental data. Next, a sensitivity analysis is performed to study the influence of reactor inlet temperature and gas composition on char conversion, bed temperature profile and syngas composition. In addition, the evolution of the complex reaction mechanisms involved in mixed atmosphere gasification is investigated, and the most suitable operating parameters for controlling syngas composition are evaluated. Our simulation results provide essential knowledge for optimizing the design and operation of downdraft gasifiers to produce syngas that meets the requirements of various biofuel applications. © 2015 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 62: 1079–1091, 2016
The clinical geneticist and the evaluation of failure to thrive versus failure to feed
Authors: Rabago Jillian , Marra Kayt , Allmendinger Nikki , Shur Natasha
Published: November 2015

Common clinical genetic referrals for the pediatric patient include a single major or multiple minor anomalies, dysmorphic features, especially when accompanied by developmental delay or intellectual disability, and failure to thrive (FTT). This review provides pediatric definitions of FTT and the genetic differential for FTT, which includes chromosomal disorders, microdeletion/duplication syndromes, uniparental disomy/methylation disorder, disorders of DNA repair, teratogens, metabolic syndromes, and skeletal dysplasias. Three clinical genetics cases highlight challenges in deciphering the cause of FTT. The review concludes with a ten‐step approach that might improve diagnostic ability in differentiating FTT cases (those with genetic or other metabolic causes) from “failure to feed,” in other words FTT as the direct result of neglect and/or child abuse. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Synthesis of 6‐Aryl‐5‐iodobenzo[e]pyrido[1,2‐a]indoles by 6‐endo‐dig Iodocyclization
Authors: Jung Youngeun , Kim Ikyon
Published: November 2015

Regioselective access to 6‐aryl‐5‐iodobenzo[e]pyrido[1,2‐a]indoles was realized by using a facile 6‐endo‐dig iodine‐mediated cyclization under mild reaction conditions. Further functionalization of the resulting products by using Pd‐catalyzed coupling reactions was demonstrated, leading to the tetracyclic core substituted with two distinct functional groups in a regioselective fashion.
Who is who matters—The effects of pseudoreplication in stable isotope analyses
Authors: Mundry Roger , Oelze Vicky M.
Published: November 2015

Stable isotope analysis in free‐ranging primates is a promising new avenue in reconstructing feeding niches and temporal dietary variation. Particularly, the large sample sizes obtained from non‐invasively collected hair and fecal samples from nests of great apes offer great potential. However, analyzing repeated observations of the same individuals without controlling for potential differences among them means to “pseudoreplicate” and can lead to a greatly inflated probability of erroneous significance. We here test the effects of pseudoreplication in stable isotope data of great ape hair by means of simulations. We show that pseudoreplication can severely affect the probability of erroneous significance as well as non‐significance. We suggest several strategies to avoid pseudoreplication in primate isotope ecology. First, if applicable, information on individual identity should be included in statistical analyses. Second, if samples derive from unhabituated animals, sampling at far apart locations or territories should avoid resampling of the same animal. In great apes, sampling of independent nests within nest groups can ensure that each sample derives from a different individual. Third, we encourage the combination of genetic surveys with sampling for isotope analyses to ensure the (genetic) identification of individuals. Am. J. Primatol. 78:1017–1030, 2016. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
First‐time rhesus monkey mothers, and mothers of sons, preferentially engage in face‐to‐face interactions with their infants
Authors: Dettmer Amanda M. , Kaburu Stefano S.K. , Byers Kristen L. , Murphy Ashley M. , Soneson Emma , Wooddell Lauren J. , Suomi Stephen J.
Published: November 2015

Face‐to‐face interactions between mothers and infants occur in both human and non‐human primates, but there is large variability in the occurrence of these behaviors and the reason for this variability remains largely unexplored. Other types of maternal investment have been shown to be dependent on infant sex (e.g. milk production and maternal responsiveness) and maternal experience (e.g. symmetrical communication). Thus, we sought to determine whether variability in face‐to‐face interactions, that is, mutual gazing (MG), which are hypothesized to be important for later socio‐cognitive development, could be explained by these variables. We studied 28 semi‐free ranging rhesus monkey (Macaca mulatta) mother‐infant dyads (6 primiparous; 12 male infants) born and reared at the Laboratory of Comparative Ethology field station at the NIH Animal Center in Poolesville, MD, across the first 90 postnatal days. Infant sex (i.e. male) was a significant predictor of maternal grooming (β ± SE = 0.359 ± 0.164, Z = 2.19, P = 0.029) whereas both parity (i.e. first time mothers) and infant sex (i.e. male) significantly predicted MG (parity: β ± SE = −0.735 ± 0.223, Z = −3.30, P < 0.001; infant sex: β ± SE = 0.436 ± 0.201, Z = 2.17, P = 0.029). Separation from the mother (outside of arm's reach) was not influenced by parity or infant sex. Together with existing literature, these findings point toward differential maternal investment for sons versus daughters. Mothers may be investing differentially in sons, behaviorally, to ensure their future social competence and thus later reproductive success. Collectively, our findings add to the literature that is beginning to identify early life experiences that may lead to sex differences in neurological and behavioral development. Am. J. Primatol. 78:238–246, 2016. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Extra dimensions and phase experiments
Authors: Wesson Paul S.
Published: November 2015

In modern Kaluza‐Klein theories which successfully unify gravity, electromagnetism and a scalar field, null geodesics in five dimensions lead to simplified expressions for phase shifts in four‐dimensional spacetime. It might be possible to test for an extra dimension by experiments such as those where neutron interferometry is used to measure the Aharonov‐Bohm effect.

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Synthesis of Carbazole Alkaloids by Ring‐Closing Metathesis and Ring Rearrangement–Aromatization
Authors: Dhara Kalyan , Mandal Tirtha , Das Joydeb , Dash Jyotirmayee
Published: November 2015

Aprocess for the assembly of carbazole alkaloids has been developed on the basis of ring‐closing metathesis (RCM) and ringrearrangement–aromatization (RRA) as the key steps. This method is based on allyl Grignard addition to isatin derivatives to provide smooth access to 2,2‐diallyl 3‐oxindole derivatives through a 1,2‐allyl shift. The diallyl derivatives were used as RCM precursors to afford a novel class of spirocyclopentene‐3‐oxindole derivatives, which underwent a novel RRA reaction to afford carbazole derivatives. The synthetic sequence to carbazoles was shortened by combining the RCM and RRA steps in an orthogonal tandem catalytic process. The utility of this methodology was further demonstrated by the straightforward synthesis of carbazole alkaloids, including amukonal derivative, girinimbilol, heptaphylline, and bis(2‐hydroxy‐3‐methylcarbazole).
Synthesis of a Two‐Dimensional Covalent Organic Monolayer through Dynamic Imine Chemistry at the Air/Water Interface
Authors: Dai Wenyang , Shao Feng , Szczerbiński Jacek , McCaffrey Ryan , Zenobi Renato , Jin Yinghua , Schlüter A. Dieter , Zhang Wei
Published: November 2015

A two‐dimensional covalent organic monolayer was synthesized from simple aromatic triamine and dialdehyde building blocks by dynamic imine chemistry at the air/water interface (Langmuir–Blodgett method). The obtained monolayer was characterized by optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and atomic force microscopy, which unambiguously confirmed the formation of a large (millimeter range), unimolecularly thin aromatic polyimine sheet. The imine‐linked chemical structure of the obtained monolayer was characterized by tip‐enhanced Raman spectroscopy, and the peak assignment was supported by spectra simulated by density functional theory. Given the modular nature and broad substrate scope of imine formation, the work reported herein opens up many new possibilities for the synthesis of customizable 2D polymers and systematic studies of their structure–property relationships.
Single‐Crystalline Ultrathin Nickel Nanosheets Array from In Situ Topotactic Reduction for Active and Stable Electrocatalysis
Authors: Kuang Yun , Feng Guang , Li Pengsong , Bi Yongmin , Li Yaping , Sun Xiaoming
Published: November 2015

Simultaneously synthesizing and structuring atomically thick or ultrathin 2D non‐precious metal nanocrystal may offer a new class of materials to replace the state‐of‐art noble‐metal electrocatalysts; however, the synthetic strategy is the bottleneck which should be urgently solved. Here we report the synthesis of an ultrathin nickel nanosheet array (Ni‐NSA) through in situ topotactic reduction from Ni(OH)2 array precursors. The Ni nanosheets showed a single‐crystalline lamellar structure with only ten atomic layers in thickness and an exposed (111) facet. Combined with a superaerophobic (low bubble adhesive) arrayed structure the Ni‐NSAs exhibited a dramatic enhancement on both activity and stability towards the hydrazine‐oxidation reaction (HzOR) relative to platinum. Furthermore, the partial oxidization of Ni‐NSAs in ambient atmosphere resulted in effective water‐splitting electrocatalysts for the hydrogen‐evolution reaction (HER).
Heat content of the Arabian Sea Mini Warm Pool is increasing
Authors: Nagamani P. V. , Ali M. M. , Goni G. J. , Udaya Bhaskar T. V. S. , McCreary J. P. , Weller R. A. , Rajeevan M. , Gopala Krishna V. V. , Pezzullo J. C.
Published: November 2015

Sea surface temperature in the Arabian Sea Mini Warm Pool has been suggested to be one of the factors that affects the Indian summer monsoon. In this paper, we analyze the annual ocean heat content (OHC) of this region during 1993–2010, using in situ data, satellite observations, and a model simulation. We find that OHC increases significantly in the region during this period relative to the north Indian Ocean, and propose that this increase could have caused the decrease in Indian Summer Monsoon Rainfall that occurred at the same time.
Satellite‐based shortwave aerosol radiative forcing of dust storm over the Arabian Sea
Authors: Jose Subin , Gharai Biswadip , Rao P. V. N. , Dutt C. B. S.
Published: November 2015

Dust storm events over the Arabian Sea (AS) have been detected using Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) data. Shortwave Aerosol Radiative Forcing (SWARF) due to dust storm is estimated using synchronous observation of Clouds and Earth's Energy System (CERES) and MODIS aerosol optical depth (AOD). Study established a relationship between them as SWARF = −39.12 × AOD − 16.53 (0.4 ≤  AOD ≤ 4.0) with r2 = 0.96. The developed relation can be used for quick, independent estimation of instantaneous SWARF for dust storm over the AS. The relationship can be used to explore the possible effect of dust on climate modulation in this region.
Identification of putative substrates for cynomolgus monkey cytochrome P450 2C8 by substrate depletion assays with 22 human P450 substrates and inhibitors
Authors: Hosaka Shinya , Murayama Norie , Satsukawa Masahiro , Uehara Shotaro , Shimizu Makiko , Iwasaki Kazuhide , Iwano Shunsuke , Uno Yasuhiro , Yamazaki Hiroshi
Published: November 2015

Cynomolgus monkeys are widely used in drug developmental stages as non‐human primate models. Previous studies used 89 compounds to investigate species differences associated with cytochrome P450 (P450 or CYP) function that reported monkey specific CYP2C76 cleared 19 chemicals, and homologous CYP2C9 and CYP2C19 metabolized 17 and 30 human CYP2C9 and/or CYP2C19 substrates/inhibitors, respectively. In the present study, 22 compounds selected from viewpoints of global drug interaction guidances and guidelines were further evaluated to seek potential substrates for monkey CYP2C8, which is highly homologous to human CYP2C8 (92%). Amodiaquine, montelukast, quercetin and rosiglitazone, known as substrates or competitive inhibitors of human CYP2C8, were metabolically depleted by recombinant monkey CYP2C8 at relatively high rates. Taken together with our reported findings of the slow eliminations of amodiaquine and montelukast by monkey CYP2C9, CYP2C19 and CYP2C76, the present results suggest that these at least four chemicals may be good marker substrates for monkey CYP2C8. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.