bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Michel Foucault na pesquisa em turismo
Authors: Silva Priscilla Teixeira da , Tricárico Luciano Torres , Silva Yolanda Flores e
Published: September 2024

Este artigo tem por objetivo compreender a perspectiva pós-estruturalista de inspiração foucaultiana na pesquisa em turismo. Trata-se de uma pesquisa qualiquantitativa de nível exploratório-descritivo. O método de coleta de dados utilizado foi a bibliometria, realizada nas bases de dados Scopus, Web of Science e Science Direct, a partir da busca pelos termos “Foucault” e “Foucauldian” combinadas ao termo “Tourism” em títulos, resumos e palavras-chave de artigos completos. Como resultados, foram levantados 99 artigos, publicados entre os anos de 1999 e 2023. A partir desse recorte foram identificados 158 autores. As palavras-chave mais utilizadas nos artigos levantados são: Foucault, Tourism e Discourse. Para o aprofundamento dos temas, foram selecionados os artigos publicados entre os anos de 2020 e 2023, totalizando 35 trabalhos. Nestes artigos, o turismo é discutido a partir dos conceitos foucaultianos discurso, heterotopia, relações de poder, biopoder/biopolítica, governamentalidade e ética, evidenciando temas emergentes na área do turismo que materializam preocupações e discussões da pós-modernidade, entre as quais: o olhar do turista; a economia de compartilhamento; o turismo sombrio; a turismofobia; as condições de trabalho no turismo e na hotelaria; turismo e povos originários; relações entre o lazer e o uso dos smartphones; e relações de gênero no turismo.
ANÁLISE DE ATIVIDADES PARA O ENSINO DE ESTATÍSTICA: UM OLHAR PARA O LIVRO DIDÁTICO
Authors: Rosendo Adriana , Barbosa Geovane , Silva Santos Sidney
Published: September 2024

Esse artigo tem por finalidade realizar a análise de atividades em um Livro Didático buscando como tema a Compreensão da Linguagem Tabular e Gráfica, relacionadas ao ensino de estatística no 6º ano do ensino fundamental. Buscamos investigar se as atividades propostas no livro didático levam em consideração os níveis de compreensão da linguagem tabular e gráfica defendidos por Wainer (1995) e Curcio (1989). Possui abordagem qualitativa de tipologia documental. Os resultados indicam que a primeira atividade analisada promove entendimento  na leitura tabular apenas no nível elementar. No que se refere à segunda atividade de leitura gráfica identificamos entendimento em um nível, com relação aos demais, não foi possível afirmar na atividade uma proposta em que o estudante fizesse inferências e previsões de um determinado resultado ou acontecimento em função da sua experiência e de seus conhecimentos prévios, não houve também, uma reflexão crítica sobre as atividades que estão sendo desenvolvidas.
Study of Plant Growth Promoting Abilities of Rhizobium Strains Isolated from Mungbean Root Nodules
Authors: Pawar V. R. , Sontakke P. L. , Owe S.G. , Kale H.P.
Published: September 2024

Background: Plant Growth Promoting Rhizobacteria (PGPR) are a type of bacteria that use biofertilizers and other plant growth-promoting agents to increase plant output and growth. In the last several decades, there has been a global surge in the usage of beneficial soil microorganisms like PGPR for safe and sustainable agriculture due to the detrimental effects of artificial fertilizers on the environment and their rising prices. Plant-beneficial rhizobacteria have the potential to reduce the world's reliance on dangerous agricultural chemicals that upset agro-ecosystems. Today a large part of yield is lost due to the various stress mechanisms of plants. It could be classified into biotic and abiotic stress. These are generally a group of microorganisms that is found either in the rhizosphere or in the root nodules of plants. PGPR has beneficial impact, they colonize in the plant roots and improve crop yields and agricultural productivity and also produce some useful growth promoting growth hormones viz., IAA, Auxins, Cytokinin and Gibberellins.
Methods: The bacterial isolates were screened for plant growth promoting traits such as phosphate solubilization, IAA production and siderophore production was tested qualitatively by using pikovskayas media, TSB (Tryptone Soy Broth) agar and Chrome Azurol Sulphate (CAS) blue agar respectively.
Results: In present study out of the eight rhizobial isolates, five exhibited the phosphate solubilization zones, three shows negative result. However out of eight isolates five isolates produced IAA and three showed negative result. Among all isolates seven isolates were able to produce siderophore, while one showed negative result.
Structural Changes in Haryana Agriculture
Authors: Mafi  , Malik D.P. , Rimpi  , Choudhary Naseeb
Published: September 2024

The present investigation was carried out for Haryana state for the period 1970-2021. Economic growth has been defined as a structural transformation process in which the contribution of industry and services sectors increased and agriculture's relative proportion of national production decreased. Statistical averages, percentages and CAGRs, were computed. Sectoral labor shares, capital formation, and sectoral output composition are the chosen metrics to evaluate structural change in the state. Agricultural performance was evaluated using key indicators of development, such as crop yields, cropping intensity, irrigation intensity, tractor density, and fertilizer consumption. Although Haryana is primarily an agricultural state, it has also seen significant growth in the industrial and service sectors. The main conclusions indicate that Haryana's structural changes align with those of India's national economy. However, the agricultural sector requires greater focus from policymakers to encourage the adoption of new farming innovations.
Sustainable Water Resource Planning for Alanda Micro Watershed Using Geospatial Techniques
Authors: Mondal Sourav , Patode R. S. , Mhaske A. R. , Gabhane V. V. , Tupe A. R. , Chorey Anita
Published: September 2024

Groundwater is a vital natural resource, especially in areas lacking surface water bodies. About one-third of the global population relies on it for drinking, irrigation and industrial purposes. However, excessive and unregulated exploitation has led to a rapid decline in water tables, emphasizing the need for sustainable groundwater management. The Alanda micro watershed in Barshitakli Taluka, Akola District, Maharashtra, spans 11.39 km², with a sub-humid climate and uneven monsoon rainfall averaging 780 mm. The region faces high water stress in summer, with dried bore wells and farmers relying on rain and groundwater for irrigation. The water resource development plan for Alanda micro watersheds integrates GIS, remote sensing and AHP to identify groundwater potential zones. The Alanda micro watershed soil and water conservation plans were developed using GIS, remote sensing and the AHP method. Thematic maps were overlaid in ArcGIS, applying weighted factors from a pairwise comparison matrix to identify groundwater potential zones. These zones, categorised as high, moderate and low potential, highlight that the largest area has moderate potential, suggesting good opportunities for conservation measures. The survey of the study area identified existing soil and water conservation structures, including 3 farm ponds, 1 check dam and a contour bund. Additional recommendations include 5 farm ponds, 4 check dams, contour trenches and bunding measures, along with agronomic practices for effective surface and groundwater management.
Repercussion of Controlled Decomposition Process on Carbon Dynamics and Quality Evaluation in Chicken Manure Pellets
Authors: S Jothimani , R Abirami , E Deepa Darshini , N Priyadharshini , R Rajashree
Published: September 2024

An incubation experiment was conducted to determine the decomposition potential of the chicken manure pellets and to know the nutrient composition. The chicken manure pellets produced from the bedding material of commercially grown broiler farm was tested for decomposition rate through CO2 evolution and nutrient content. The rate of decomposition of poultry manure pellets (CO2 emission) was less during the first week of incubation and linearly enhanced during 2nd and 3rd week after incubation. The rate of emission of CO2 has been reached maximum (150 mg of CO2 per gram per day during the 4th week of incubation. The enhanced CO₂ evolution indicated addition of more organic matter content and balanced steady release of nutrients on incorporation in to soil.
Vertical Farming: A Promising Solution to Urban Agriculture
Authors: Buragohain Ruprekha , Hazarika Bikash , Deka Bhabesh , Devi S. Helena , Bathari Manha
Published: September 2024

Urban agriculture refers to the agricultural activities such as plant production for home consumption and income generation in the urban areas especially cities. The concept of urban agriculture has been popularizing but in today’s century it is also facing certain problems such as limited land resources, population increase etc. Vertical farming is a type of urban agriculture, through which we could seek solutions to the problems that urban agriculture has been facing in the recent times. Vertical farming refers to the growing of crops in vertically stacked structures especially under controlled environmental conditions and using a suitable growing medium to increase the crop production per square metre by utilizing the vertical space for cultivation [1]. A wide range of crops can be cultivated in vertical farming with the use of techniques such as hydroponics, aeroponics, aquaponics, artificial lighting, inside the controlled environment of a greenhouse.  Vertical farming is needed to provide solution to the problems of urban agriculture in terms of providing food security to the growing population, efficient land utilization, water conservation, increased crop production etc. However, vertical farming has certain disadvantages as well such as high initial investment cost, high energy cost and high maintenance cost. Therefore, further research and development strategies are necessary to overcome such disadvantages for increasing its effectiveness to meet the food demands of the growing population as well as the future generation in a sustainable manner.
Soil Organic Carbon Dynamics: Drivers of Climate Change-induced Soil Organic Carbon Loss at Various Ecosystems
Authors: Borah Bornali , Parmar Pratik
Published: September 2024

At roughly 2500 Peta gram (Pg) C, soil organic carbon (SOC) is the biggest carbon store in terrestrial ecosystems and is a crucial contributor to vital soil functions and ecosystem services, such as agricultural soil productivity. SOC stocks are in a dynamic equilibrium between C inputs, primarily from crop residues and organic manures, and C loss owing to decomposition and mineralization of soil organic matter (SOM) under long-term constant land management and environmental circumstances. In addition, the rate of C addition in native ecosystems is governed by the nature and productivity of the local flora, which is mostly influenced by climatic conditions. However, being a complex system, various factors, such as soil management and land-use change influence the soil C pool. Along with temperature gradients from temperate to tropical regions, SOC supplies were shown to be shrinking on a global and regional basis. This reflects the rates of SOM decomposition as a function of temperature, which fluctuates more rapidly than net primary production (NPP). SOM decomposition rates are also influenced by several parameters, including soil temperature and moisture, soil respiration and pH, and soil physical properties including texture and clay mineralogy. Nonetheless, increased temperatures as a result of climate change are thought to be the primary driver of accelerated decomposition, which results in considerable reductions in SOC supplies and sequestration. Furthermore, climatic change contributes to soil deterioration by increasing the mineralization of the SOC pool and causing desertification (irreversible expansion of desert landforms). Similarly, erosion is a degrading process that affects C dynamics and leads to terrestrial carbon loss through the breakdown of structural aggregates, as well as lower productivity in eroding areas due to a lack of soil nutrients. Thus, for an in-depth understanding of worldwide soil C dynamics and to provide support to C management and decision support systems to policymakers and land managers in the face of changing climates, comprehensive research on the influence of multiple climate-induced drivers on soil C is required.
Evaluation of Biosakyne, A Formulation Based on Essential Oils from Zingiber officinale for Sustainable Control against Sugarcane Smut Disease Caused by Sporisorium scitamineum in Ratoon Crops
Authors: Jacques-Edouard Yao Kouadio , Martial Kanga N’guessan , Victor Ouattara Tcheba , Didier Kouame Konan , Jean-martial Kassi Koffi Fernand , Daouda Kone
Published: September 2024

The objective of the present study was to evaluate the effect of treatments of young sugarcane regrowth with a formulation based on the essential oil Zingiber officinale on the incidence of Sporisorium scitamineum, on agromorphological parameters and on the technological quality of sugar. The natural fungicide was obtained from a mixture of essential oil of Zingiber officinale obtained by steam entrainment of rhizomes. It was sprayed at a rate of 300l/ha by mixing with mineral oil and water. Applications were made to young sugarcane regrowth of the variety NCo376 under natural infestation conditions and other untreated ones served as control. Three applications were made: at 15 days after harvest (T1), at 30 days after harvest (T2) and both times at the same time (T3). Doses of 1500ppm and 2500ppm evaluated at 300l/ha. Agronomic parameters, technological qualities of the cane, and phytopathological descriptors of smut were monitored for 12 months to evaluate the health status of treated and untreated plants. The results showed that the incidence of smut was greatly reduced from 8.67% to 11.17% for treated plants and 20.51% for untreated plants at 1500 ppm and above. The treated plants obtained cane yields largely superior to the control (63,333 kg/ha) ranging from 80,638 kg/ha to 85,500 kg/ha. In addition, they obtained higher sugar yields (between 7.24 and 8.5 t/ha) compared to the untreated plants (5.65 t/ha). This natural fungicide based on the essential oil of Zingiber officinale is an alternative to the use of chemicals in the control of Sugarcane smut.
Depth Wise Distribution of Soil Physico-Chemical Properties and Nutrients Across a Toposequence Located at KVK Farm, Sakhigopal, Odisha, India
Authors: Priyadarshini Sonali , Dash Prava Kiran , Barala Jatiprasad , Mishra Antaryami , Kishore Moruboyina Aditya , Pattnaik Truptimayee , Abhishek Sirla
Published: September 2024

This study aims to identify soil-related constraints for crop production and provide insights for soil management by analyzing soil profiles across different topographic positions (upland, medium land, and lowland) at KVK farm, Sakhigopal, Puri located in the East and Southeastern Coastal Plain Agro-Climatic Zone of Odisha. The profiles were evaluated for key physico-chemical properties and nutrient contents, revealing significant variations influenced by topography. The results showed that the soil's physical and chemical properties and available nutrient status showed distinct variations among the pedons. Among soil physical properties, the sand percentage, bulk density, and particle density increased with soil depth. Whereas, the clay percentage, total porosity, and water-holding capacity decreased with soil depth. Soil pH ranged from 6.32 to 7.50 and the electrical conductivity was recorded below 1 dSm-1. The organic carbon content ranged from 8.6 to 10.3 g kg-1. In general, soil pH, base saturation, and exchangeable cations increased with soil depth. On the other hand, soil organic carbon content and exchangeable acidity decreased with soil depth. Available nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, and sulphur contents decreased with soil depth. However, in general, their concentrations increased along the slope (towards low land), which may be attributed to increased levels of organic carbon and clay contents in the lower topographic positions owing to high moisture content and higher cropping intensity. The findings of this study provide valuable insights regarding soil property characterisation across a transect for sustainable land use planning.
Characterization of Litchi Genotypes Based on Flowering and Fruit Characters
Authors: Kumar Vinod , Verma Sant Ram , Singh Satendra Kumar , Tiwari Ankita , Vishen Gaurav Singh
Published: September 2024

Twenty genotypes of litchi were selected from three district of Uttar Pradesh viz., Khushinagar, Gorakhpur and Deoria, and assessed based on traits related to fruit and flowering during 2023 and 2024 with following three replications. The flower disc colour was light yellow for all genotypes. Shahi took the longest (26 days) to flower, while GG-2 took the lowest (20.75 days). Panicle length ranged from a minimum of 38.95 cm in genotype DP-2 to a maximum of 48.20 cm in genotype KD-2. Panicles with maximum width of 30.34 cm and a minimum width of 19.98 cm were produced by the genotype KS-1 and GC-2, respectively. Eleven genotypes showed red colour, whereas nine genotypes showed the colour of crimson fruit. The genotype DP-2 (11.84) had the fewest fruits per cluster, whereas genotype DB-2 (14.03) had the most fruits per cluster. Fruit lengths varied, with GC-1 having the longest at 38.44 mm and DP-2 having the shortest at 34.26 mm. With a fruit diameter of 33.13 mm, the genotype GC-1 displayed the highest size, while DP-2 displayed the smallest (30.11 mm). Fruit weight varied with DB-2 having the highest weight (23.38 g) and DP-2 having the lowest (20.52 g). Genotype DP-2 had the lowest aril weight (13.43 g) and GP-2 had the greatest aril weight (15.28 g). Total soluble solids (TSS) varied by genotype; genotype KT-1 displayed the highest TSS (19.99 °Brix) and genotype DT-2 the lowest (18.40 °Brix). Based on a quick review of the data, China (0.51 %) had the highest titratable acidity, and KS-1 (0.34 %) had the lowest. The longest seeds (23.66 mm) were found in fruit of genotype GP-2, whilst the shortest seeds (21.17 mm) were found in genotype DP-2. Analogously, genotype DT-1 exhibited the smallest seed breadth, measuring 11.94 mm, whereas genotype DB-2 demonstrated the biggest seed breadth, measuring 13.88 mm. Genotypes GC-1 had the lowest seed weights (3.24 and 3240 g), while DB-2 and DP-1 had the highest seed and test weights (4.15 and 4150 g). The genotype DB-2 produced big fruit with more number of fruit per cluster. This genotype can be promoted for further evaluation.
Evaluating Cattle Farmers' Awareness of Lumpy Skin Disease: Insights on Transmission, Prevention, and Control in Tiruvarur District, Tamil Nadu, India
Authors: R. Hariharan. , Nallusamy Madhanraj , S. Alimudeen. , Nehru Banoth Sai , Kumar.P. Kushwanth Sai , O B, Pranav. , Kailas Pooja
Published: September 2024

The present study aimed to evaluate the level of awareness among cattle farmers about Lumpy Skin Disease (LSD), including its general aspects, transmission, and preventive measures, in the Tiruvarur district of Tamil Nadu. The study involved 218 cattle farmers who visited the various Veterinary Dispensaries in Tiruvarur district of Tamil Nadu. Data were collected through personal interviews using a pre-tested and semi-structured interview schedule. The level of awareness was assessed based on the mean scores obtained from the respondents. The findings revealed that while respondents demonstrated a higher level of awareness regarding LSD affecting cattle, they lacked knowledge about viral diseases that cause abortion in dairy animals. Respondents showed greater awareness about the 'introduction of infected animals into the herd.' Still, they had less awareness about the role of 'contaminated feed and water' in disease transmission, as well as the movement of cattle and the impact of ticks, mosquitoes, and flies in transmitting the disease. Concerning preventive and control measures, respondents were more aware that vaccination is an effective method for controlling LSD but had less awareness regarding the role of fomites in transmitting the LSD virus between animals and the effectiveness of controlling ticks, flies, and mosquitoes in disease prevention. "Social media was identified as one of the significant sources of information for farmers. However, it needs to be streamlined to ensure the dissemination of accurate and scientific information about the disease, facilitating more effective disease prevention and control."
Silica‐Supported Silver Nitrate as a Highly Active Dearomatizing Spirocyclization Catalyst: Synergistic Alkyne Activation by Silver Nanoparticles and Silica
Authors: Clarke Aimee K. , James Michael J. , O'Brien Peter , Taylor Richard J. K. , Unsworth William P.
Published: October 2016

Silica‐supported AgNO3 (AgNO3–SiO2) catalyzes the dearomatizing spirocyclization of alkyne‐tethered aromatics far more effectively than the analogous unsupported reagent; in many cases, reactions which fail using unsupported AgNO3 proceed effectively with AgNO3–SiO2. Mechanistic studies indicate that this is a consequence of silver nanoparticle formation on the silica surface combined with a synergistic effect caused by the silica support itself. The remarkable ease with which the reagent can be prepared and used is likely to be of much synthetic importance, in particular, by making nanoparticle catalysis more accessible to non‐specialists.
Polymer–Lipid Nanoparticles for Systemic Delivery of mRNA to the Lungs
Authors: Kaczmarek James C. , Patel Asha K. , Kauffman Kevin J. , Fenton Owen S. , Webber Matthew J. , Heartlein Michael W. , DeRosa Frank , Anderson Daniel G.
Published: October 2016

Therapeutic nucleic acids hold great promise for the treatment of disease but require vectors for safe and effective delivery. Synthetic nanoparticle vectors composed of poly(β‐amino esters) (PBAEs) and nucleic acids have previously demonstrated potential utility for local delivery applications. To expand this potential utility to include systemic delivery of mRNA, hybrid polymer–lipid nanoformulations for systemic delivery to the lungs were developed. Through coformulation of PBAEs with lipid–polyethylene glycol (PEG), mRNA formulations were developed with increased serum stability and increased in vitro potency. The formulations were capable of functional delivery of mRNA to the lungs after intravenous administration in mice. To our knowledge, this is the first report of the systemic administration of mRNA for delivery to the lungs using degradable polymer–lipid nanoparticles.
Toehold‐Mediated Displacement of an Adenosine‐Binding Aptamer from a DNA Duplex by its Ligand
Authors: Monserud Jon H. , Macri Katherine M. , Schwartz Daniel K.
Published: October 2016

DNA is increasingly used to engineer dynamic nanoscale circuits, structures, and motors, many of which rely on DNA strand‐displacement reactions. The use of functional DNA sequences (e.g., aptamers, which bind to a wide range of ligands) in these reactions would potentially confer responsiveness on such devices, and integrate DNA computation with highly varied molecular stimuli. By using high‐throughput single‐molecule FRET methods, we compared the kinetics of a putative aptamer–ligand and aptamer–complement strand‐displacement reaction. We found that the ligands actively disrupted the DNA duplex in the presence of a DNA toehold in a similar manner to complementary DNA, with kinetic details specific to the aptamer structure, thus suggesting that the DNA strand‐displacement concept can be extended to functional DNA–ligand systems.
Synthesis of Complex Druglike Molecules by the Use of Highly Functionalized Bench‐Stable Organozinc Reagents
Authors: Greshock Thomas J. , Moore Keith P. , McClain Ray T. , Bellomo Ana , Chung Cheol K. , Dreher Spencer D. , Kutchukian Peter S. , Peng Zhengwei , Davies Ian W. , Vachal Petr , Ellwart Mario , Manolikakes Sophia M. , Knochel Paul , Nantermet Philippe G.
Published: October 2016

The reactivity of a representative set of 17 organozinc pivalates with 18 polyfunctional druglike electrophiles (informers) in Negishi cross‐coupling reactions was evaluated by high‐throughput experimentation protocols. The high‐fidelity scaleup of successful reactions in parallel enabled the isolation of sufficient material for biological testing, thus demonstrating the high value of these new solid zinc reagents in a drug‐discovery setting and potentially for many other applications in chemistry. Principal component analysis (PCA) clearly defined the independent roles of the zincates and the informers toward druggable‐space coverage.
Highly Luminescent Cesium Lead Halide Perovskite Nanocrystals with Tunable Composition and Thickness by Ultrasonication
Authors: Tong Yu , Bladt Eva , Aygüler Meltem F. , Manzi Aurora , Milowska Karolina Z. , Hintermayr Verena A. , Docampo Pablo , Bals Sara , Urban Alexander S. , Polavarapu Lakshminarayana , Feldmann Jochen
Published: October 2016

We describe the simple, scalable, single‐step, and polar‐solvent‐free synthesis of high‐quality colloidal CsPbX3 (X=Cl, Br, and I) perovskite nanocrystals (NCs) with tunable halide ion composition and thickness by direct ultrasonication of the corresponding precursor solutions in the presence of organic capping molecules. High angle annular dark field scanning transmission electron microscopy (HAADF‐STEM) revealed the cubic crystal structure and surface termination of the NCs with atomic resolution. The NCs exhibit high photoluminescence quantum yields, narrow emission line widths, and considerable air stability. Furthermore, we investigated the quantum size effects in CsPbBr3 and CsPbI3 nanoplatelets by tuning their thickness down to only three to six monolayers. The high quality of the prepared NCs (CsPbBr3) was confirmed by amplified spontaneous emission with low thresholds. The versatility of this synthesis approach was demonstrated by synthesizing different perovskite NCs.
Direct Mannich‐Type Reactions Promoted by Frustrated Lewis Acid/Brønsted Base Catalysts
Authors: Chan Jessica Z. , Yao Wenzhi , Hastings Brian T. , Lok Charles K. , Wasa Masayuki
Published: October 2016

Direct Mannich‐type reactions that afford both α‐ and β‐amino esters by the reaction of a broad range of carbonyl compounds and aldimines are disclosed. The transformation is promoted by a sterically frustrated Lewis acid/Brønsted base pair, which is proposed to operate cooperatively: Within the catalyst complex, an enolate is generated that then reacts with a hydrogen‐bond‐activated imine. Noncovalent interactions between reactants and the catalyst provide selectivity and new opportunities for future catalyst design.
Magnetometer Survey at the Newly‐discovered Roman City of Auritz/Burguete (Navarre). Results and Preliminary Archaeological Interpretation
Authors: Garcia‐Garcia Ekhine , Mtz. Txoperena Juan Mari , Sala Roger , Aranburu Arantza , Agirre‐Mauleon Juantxo
Published: October 2016

This paper summarizes the principal geophysical results obtained at a recently discovered Roman city at Navarre. Prior to the survey, the extent of the affected areas and the characteristics of the settlement were unknown. The authors describe the field strategy applied and focus their discussion on the archaeological interpretation of the fluxgate gradiometer data. The results allowed for a detailed description of the layout in the main area revealing a city organized along the Roman road, which would have preceded the buildings. On the contrary, the results show important differences in magnetic contrast in the surveyed areas. Whilst the walls of the main area are well resolved, other areas do not show a discernible magnetic contrast even though their existence has been proven by other sources. The origin of these differences is discussed and preliminarily attributed to waterlogging or to differences in the thickness of the archaeological deposits. The magnetic survey, therefore, has shown itself to be a suitable technique for obtaining a preliminary assessment of the archaeological characteristics of the settlement, but cannot be used to definitively assess the affected areas. The results allowed zoning based on the contrast differences that will be used to guide further investigations. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Iron‐Promotion of Silica‐Supported Copper Catalysts for Furfural Hydrodeoxygenation
Authors: Sheng Huibo , Lobo Raul F.
Published: October 2016

The catalytic hydrodeoxygenation of furfural is an important reaction for the production of biofuels because its product, 2‐methylfuran, has excellent fuel properties: it can be added easily to the existing gasoline pool and it is renewable and, therefore, carbon neutral. The reaction network of hydrodeoxygenation is a two‐step reaction from furfural to furfuryl alcohol and then to 2‐methylfuran. Silica‐supported Cu is a mild hydrogenation catalyst that is selective for the hydrogenation of the carbonyl group of furfural to furfuryl alcohol. We have found that Fe‐containing Cu‐based catalysts show much higher reactivity and very high selectivity towards 2‐methylfuran (85 %+). It is of interest to understand the structural and chemical effects of the Fe promotion (0.15 % w/w) over the Cu catalyst (1 % Cu w/w) and characterize the species responsible for the high hydrogenation performance. Our investigations indicate that after the catalyst is pretreated in hydrogen, Cu is reduced fully, whereas Fe is only reduced partially (a mixture of FeIII and FeII is observed). In situ diffuse reflectance infrared Fourier transform spectroscopy suggests that FeII species are present on the catalyst surface, as indicated by the adsorption of NO.
Detection of bone marrow changes related to estrogen withdrawal in rats with a tabletop stray‐field NMR scanner
Authors: Sarda Yifat , Bergman Elad , Hillel Inbar , Binderman Itzhak , Nevo Uri
Published: October 2016

Purpose

Osteoporosis is characterized by a decrease in bone mineral density (BMD). A preliminary stage of the disease is progressive bone marrow adiposity, caused by imbalance between osteogenesis and adipogenesis in the marrow. Detection of osteoporosis relies on the quantification of BMD with techniques such as dual‐energy X‐ray absorptiometry. This work aimed to detect bone marrow changes in an experimental model of osteopenia using a low‐field tabletop NMR scanner.

Methods

An experiment was performed on 32 female rats, 3 months old, 16 of which were ovariectomized (OVX) and 16 were sham‐operated (sham). The femur and tibia from both hind limbs were isolated and underwent ex vivo NMR scans at four time points after the OVX and sham operations. NMR scans were complemented by BMD measurements and histology.

Results

Significant changes in the bone marrow of ovariectomized rats, relative to sham operated rats, were observed after 3.5 and 4.5 months. Bone marrow adiposity was detected by significant changes in T1 and T2 relaxation times, and in the diffusion coefficient.

Conclusions

This study suggests a potential detection of changes to the bone marrow using a tabletop NMR device. Clinical translation may facilitate screening, early detection of bone weakening as a result of estrogen withdrawal, and monitoring of treatment efficacy. Magn Reson Med 78:860–870, 2017. © 2016 International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine.
Renal MR angiography and perfusion in the pig using hyperpolarized water
Authors: Wigh Lipsø Kasper , Hansen Esben Søvsø Szocska , Tougaard Rasmus Stilling , Laustsen Christoffer , Ardenkjær‐Larsen Jan Henrik
Published: October 2016

Purpose

To study hyperpolarized water as an angiography and perfusion tracer in a large animal model.

Methods

Protons dissolved in deuterium oxide (D2O) were hyperpolarized in a SPINlab dissolution dynamic nuclear polarization (dDNP) polarizer and subsequently investigated in vivo in a pig model at 3 Tesla (T). Approximately 15 mL of hyperpolarized water was injected in the renal artery by hand over 4–5 s.

Results

A liquid state polarization of 5.3 ± 0.9% of 3.8 M protons in 15 mL of deuterium oxide was achieved with a T1 of 24 ± 1 s. This allowed injection through an arterial catheter into the renal artery and subsequently high‐contrast imaging of the entire kidney parenchyma over several seconds. The dynamic images allow quantification of tissue perfusion, with a mean cortical perfusion of 504 ± 123 mL/100 mL/min.

Conclusion

Hyperpolarized water MR imaging was successfully demonstrated as a renal angiography and perfusion method. Quantitative perfusion maps of the kidney were obtained in agreement with literature and control experiments with gadolinium contrast. Magn Reson Med 78:1131–1135, 2017. © 2016 International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine
Using Swarm Models as an Exact Representation of Ionized Gases
Authors: Petrović Zoran Lj. , Marić Dragana , Savić Marija , Marjanović Srđan , Dujko Saša , Malović Gordana
Published: October 2016

In this review, several examples of ionized gases are presented where swarm models may be employed to provide full description. Those situations include low space charge pre‐breakdown, Townsend region breakdown where space charge effects may be calculated from the swarm model and used as the first order perturbation to describe oscillations and transient signal and afterglows. In addition, implications are considered for microdischarges, discharges in and close to liquids, gas‐filled particle traps, thermalization of particles in living tissue, and many more. In all those situations, swarm models provide full description of the discharge, while for most other collision dominated non‐equilibrium plasmas swarm physics (transport‐related phenomena) provides a part of the foundation of modeling.
Facile Fabrication of Tumor Redox‐Sensitive Nanoassemblies of Small‐Molecule Oleate Prodrug as Potent Chemotherapeutic Nanomedicine
Authors: Luo Cong , Sun Jin , Sun Bingjun , Liu Dan , Miao Lei , Goodwin Tyler Jay , Huang Leaf , He Zhonggui
Published: October 2016

The conjugate of paclitaxel (PTX) and docosahexaenoic acid has entered into clinical trials. However, the most recent clinical outcomes fell short of expectations, due to the extremely slow drug release from the hydrophobic conjugates. Herein, a novel prodrug‐based nanoplatform self‐assembled by the disulfide bond linked conjugates of PTX and oleic acid for rapid and differential release of PTX in tumor cells is reported. This redox‐responsive prodrug‐nanosystem demonstrates multiple therapeutic advantages, including one‐step facile fabrication, high drug‐loading efficiency (56%, w/w), on‐demand drug release responding to redox stimuli, as well as favorable cellular uptake and biodistribution. These advantages result in significantly enhanced antitumor efficacy in vivo, with the tumor almost completely disappearing in mice. Such a uniquely engineered prodrug‐nanosystem has great potential to be used as potent chemotherapeutic nanomedicine in clinical cancer therapy.
Local Mechanical Perturbation Provides an Effective Means to Regulate the Growth and Assembly of Functional Peptide Fibrils
Authors: Karsai Arpad , Slack Teri Jo , Malekan Hamed , Khoury Fadi , Lin Wei‐Feng , Tran Victoria , Cox Daniel , Toney Michael , Chen Xi , Liu Gang‐yu
Published: October 2016

Mucin 1 (MUC1) peptide fused with Q11 (MUC1‐Q11) having 35 residues has previously been shown to form amyloid fibrils. Using time‐dependent and high‐resolution atomic force microscopy (AFM) imaging, it is revealed that the formation of individual MUC1‐Q11 fibrils entails nucleation and extension at both ends. This process can be altered by local mechanical perturbations using AFM probes. This work reports two specific perturbations and outcomes. First, by increasing load while maintaining tip‐surface contact, the fibrils are cut during the scan due to shearing. Growth of fibrils occurs at the newly exposed termini, following similar mechanism of the MUC1‐Q11 nucleation growth. As a result, branched fibrils are seen on the surface whose orientation and length can be controlled by the nuclei orientation and reaction time. In contrast to the “one‐time‐cut”, fibrils can be continuously fragmented by modulation at sufficiently high amplitude. As a result, short and highly branched fibrils accumulate and pile on surfaces. Since the fibril formation and assembly of MUC1‐Q11 can be impacted by local mechanical force, this approach offers a nonchemical and label‐free means to control the presentation of MUC1 epitopes, and has promising application in MUC1 fibril‐based immunotherapy.
Real‐Time Label‐Free Monitoring of Nanoparticle Cell Uptake
Authors: Suutari Teemu , Silen Tiina , S˛en Karaman Didem , Saari Heikki , Desai Diti , Kerkelä Erja , Laitinen Saara , Hanzlikova Martina , Rosenholm Jessica M. , Yliperttula Marjo , Viitala Tapani
Published: October 2016

The surface plasmon resonance technique in combination with whole cell sensing is used for the first time for real‐time label‐free monitoring of nanoparticle cell uptake. The uptake kinetics of several types of nanoparticles relevant to drug delivery applications into HeLa cells is determined. The cell uptake of the nanoparticles is confirmed by confocal microscopy. The cell uptake of silica nanoparticles and polyethylenimine–plasmid DNA polyplexes is studied as a function of temperature, and the uptake energies are determined by Arrhenius plots. The phase transition temperature of the HeLa cell membrane is detected when monitoring cell uptake of silica nanoparticles at different temperatures. The HeLa cell uptake of the mesoporous silica nanoparticles is energy‐independent at temperatures slightly higher than the phase transition temperature of the HeLa cell membrane, while the uptake of polyethylenimine–DNA polyplexes is energy‐dependent and linear as a function of temperature with an activation energy of Ea = 62 ± 7 kJ mol−1 = 15 ± 2 kcal mol−1. The HeLa cell uptake of red blood cell derived extracellular vesicles is also studied as a function of the extracellular vesicle concentration. The results show a concentration dependent behavior reaching a saturation level of the extracellular vesicle uptake by HeLa cells.
Magnetometry of Individual Polycrystalline Ferromagnetic Nanowires
Authors: Shamsudhin Naveen , Tao Ye , Sort Jordi , Jang Bumjin , Degen Christian L. , Nelson Bradley J. , Pané Salvador
Published: October 2016

Ferromagnetic nanowires are finding use as untethered sensors and actuators for probing micro‐ and nanoscale biophysical phenomena, such as for localized sensing and application of forces and torques on biological samples, for tissue heating through magnetic hyperthermia, and for microrheology. Quantifying the magnetic properties of individual isolated nanowires is crucial for such applications. Dynamic cantilever magnetometry is used to measure the magnetic properties of individual sub‐500 nm diameter polycrystalline nanowires of Ni and Ni80Co20 fabricated by template‐assisted electrochemical deposition. The values are compared with bulk, ensemble measurements when the nanowires are still embedded within their growth matrix. It is found that single‐particle and ensemble measurements of nanowires yield significantly different results that reflect inter‐nanowire interactions and chemical modifications of the sample during the release process from the growth matrix. The results highlight the importance of performing single‐particle characterization for objects that will be used as individual magnetic nanoactuators or nanosensors in biomedical applications.
Health-economic evaluation of home telemonitoring for COPD in Germany: evidence from a large population-based cohort
Authors: Achelrod Dmitrij , Schreyögg Jonas , Stargardt Tom
Published: October 2016

Introduction

Telemonitoring for COPD has gained much attention thanks to its potential of reducing morbidity and mortality, healthcare utilisation and costs. However, its benefit with regard to clinical and economic outcomes remains to be clearly demonstrated.

Objective

To analyse the effect of Europe’s largest COPD telemonitoring pilot project on direct medical costs, health resource utilisation and mortality at 12 months.

Methods

We evaluated a population-based cohort using administrative data. Difference-in-difference estimators were calculated to account for time-invariant unobservable heterogeneity after removing dissimilarities in observable characteristics between the telemonitoring and control group with a reweighting algorithm.

Results

The analysis comprised 651 telemonitoring participants and 7047 individuals in the standard care group. The mortality hazards ratio was lower in the intervention arm (HR 0.51, 95 % CI 0.30–0.86). Telemonitoring cut total costs by 895 € (p < 0.05) compared to COPD standard care, mainly driven by savings in COPD-related hospitalisations in (very) severe COPD patients (−1056 €, p < 0.0001). Telemonitoring enrolees used healthcare (all-cause and COPD-related) less intensely with shorter hospital stays, fewer inpatient stays and smaller proportions of people with emergency department visits and hospitalisations (all p < 0.0001). Reductions in mortality, costs and healthcare utilisation were greater for (very) severe COPD cases.

Conclusion

This is the first German study to demonstrate that telemonitoring for COPD is a viable strategy to reduce mortality, healthcare costs and utilisation at 12 months. Contrary to widespread fear, reducing the intensity of care does not seem to impact unfavourably on health outcomes. The evidence offers strong support for introducing telemonitoring as a component of case management.
Issues Arising in Psychological Consultations to Help Parents Talk to Minor and Young Adult Children about their Cancer Genetic Test Result: a Guide to Providers
Authors: Patenaude Andrea Farkas , Schneider Katherine A.
Published: October 2016

The defining difference between genetic and traditional medicine is that genetic findings have implications not just for the patient, but also for their relatives. Discussion of a test result between parent and child is both a transformative and a translational moment in the life of a family. Parents report wanting help in talking to their children. The challenge for genetic counselors and other providers is to be able to recognize which issues are at the core of parental distress and be able to offer recommendations to empower and support parents. The complexity of potential genetic findings, including variants of uncertain significance (VUS) and incidental findings have vastly increased, requiring considerable explanation and leaving less time for discussion of emotional issues. While the nature of the testing (single gene to multigene panel and genomic testing) is dramatically changing, the nature of parent concerns remains remarkably constant. Families differ in many respects, so no “recipe” suffices to answer parents’ questions about how this important task should be approached in each family. Successful consultation to parents requires true counseling, matching parents’ fears and questions with information, exploration and advice specific to their concerns, their circumstances and strengths.
Professional and citizen bibliometrics: complementarities and ambivalences in the development and use of indicators—a state-of-the-art report
Authors: Leydesdorff Loet , Wouters Paul , Bornmann Lutz
Published: October 2016

Bibliometric indicators such as journal impact factors,h-indices, and total citation counts are algorithmic artifacts that can be used in research evaluation and management. These artifacts have no meaning by themselves, but receive their meaning from attributions in institutional practices. We distinguish four main stakeholders in these practices: (1) producers of bibliometric data and indicators; (2) bibliometricians who develop and test indicators; (3) research managers who apply the indicators; and (4) the scientists being evaluated with potentially competing career interests. These different positions may lead to different and sometimes conflicting perspectives on the meaning and value of the indicators. The indicators can thus be considered as boundary objects which are socially constructed in translations among these perspectives. This paper proposes an analytical clarification by listing an informed set of (sometimes unsolved) problems in bibliometrics which can also shed light on the tension between simple but invalid indicators that are widely used (e.g., theh-index) and more sophisticated indicators that are not used or cannot be used in evaluation practices because they are not transparent for users, cannot be calculated, or are difficult to interpret.
On the Finiteness of the Weighted Likelihood Estimator of Ability
Authors: Magis David , Verhelst Norman
Published: October 2016

The purpose of this note is to focus on the finiteness of the weighted likelihood estimator (WLE) of ability in the context of dichotomous and polytomous item response theory (IRT) models. It is established that the WLE always returns finite ability estimates. This general result is valid for dichotomous (one-, two-, three- and four-parameter logistic) IRT models, the class of polytomous difference models and divide-by-total models, independently of the number of items, the item parameters and the response patterns. Further implications of this result are outlined.
Latent Variable Selection for Multidimensional Item Response Theory Models via L1 Regularization
Authors: Sun Jianan , Chen Yunxiao , Liu Jingchen , Ying Zhiliang , Xin Tao
Published: October 2016

We develop a latent variable selection method for multidimensional item response theory models. The proposed method identifies latent traits probed by items of a multidimensional test. Its basic strategy is to impose an <mml:math xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink" xmlns:mnf="http://cambridge.org/core/manifest" xmlns:cup="http://contentservices.cambridge.org" xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:m="http://cambridge.org/core/metadata" xmlns:core="http://cambridge.org/core" xmlns:c="http://cambridge.org/core/content">L1\documentclass[12pt]{minimal}
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Thermodynamics of the Fe-N and Fe-N-C Systems: The Fe-N and Fe-N-C Phase Diagrams Revisited
Authors: Göhring Holger , Fabrichnaya Olga , Leineweber Andreas , Mittemeijer Eric Jan
Published: October 2016

Several thermodynamic descriptions of the Fe-N and Fe-N-C systems were proposed before now. The results of these descriptions significantly deviate from more recently obtained experimental data. The present work provides a revised thermodynamic description of these systems. The new description for the Fe-N system agrees distinctly better with the experimental data especially for the equilibrium of γ′-Fe4N1−xand ε-Fe3N1+z. The new thermodynamic description for the Fe-N-C system considering the Fe-rich part of the system with less than 33 at. pct N and less than 25 at. pct C excellently agrees with the new experimental data for both the temperatures of the invariant reactions and the phase boundaries. This in particular concerns the temperature range of typical technical nitriding and nitrocarburizing treatments [723 K to 923 K, (450 °C to 650 °C)], within which three invariant reactions occur in the ternary system.