bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Parasurgical Management of Indralupta (Alopecia Areata) by Jalaukavcharana (Leech Therapy): A Case Report
Authors: Rathor Riya Rajendra , Rathi Renu Bharat
Published: July 2024

Urdhwajatrugata Vyadhi (disease of the supra clavicular region) and Indralupta {Alopecia Areata (AA)} are characterised by patchy hair loss in the area that bears hair, such as the beard and scalp. According to Sushruta Acharya, vitiated pitta and vitiated vata together cause Indralupta (AA), leading to scalp hair loss. Additionally, vitiated Rakta and Kapha obstruct the hair follicles openings, limiting the growth of new hair. In contemporary science, these conditions are related to the clinical features of AA. A five-year-old female child presented to the Department of Kaumarbhritya with complaints of hair falling out in patches on the scalp gradually over six months. In her condition, the Raktamokshana therapy by using the jalaukavcharan vidhi technique was adopted for effective results. This age-old procedure described by Acharya Sushrut in Sushrut Samhita is still beneficial in treating the above aforementioned condition. The patient experienced relief from her symptoms after eight sessions and is continuing treatment. Raktamokshana, or therapeutic bloodletting, is one of the Ayurvedic therapy methods for Raktapradoshaja Vikara. Raktamokshana (Bloodletting) through leech treatment is one of the easiest methods to administer, especially for elderly patients, female patients, paediatric patients, individuals who are extremely shy, and those with sensitive constitutions like children. It resulted in fewer complications postprocedure and reduced the risk of symptom recurrence. The therapy was cost-effective, and within short span of three months, it produced positive outcomes in patients.
A Health Technology Assessment Perspective on Communicating Local Knowledge of Hippolite O. Amadi et al.'s Neonatal Interventions in Global Health Research
Authors: Garba Matyek, Jimme , Williams Etumnu Emeka , M Odionye Chinwe , Amadi Mercy Agbo , Godswill Julian Chijioke
Published: July 2024

Background: This study employed a health technology assessment approach to explore the impact of Hippolite O. Amadiet al.’s neonatal care interventions.
Methods: The research design was a qualitative desk research method. The purposive sampling procedure was adopted focusing on a subset of 10 out of a population of 45 journal articles authored by Amadi and others. Textual analysis was the method of data collection and interpretation analysis was used to analyze the data.
Results:  Locally tailored interventions such as the ‘handy approach’ temperature control, Neonatal Rescue Scheme, PoliteO2blend®, community-integrated neonatal care, Initial-Setpoint-Algorithm, weatherproof nursery designs, and the recycled incubator technique. These health technology interventions, designed to address challenges in low- and middle-income countries like Nigeria, underscored the significance of locally derived solutions in improving neonatal health outcomes.
Conclusion: The study advocated for leveraging scientific journals as a pivotal medium for health technology assessment and science communication, facilitating the seamless exchange of local knowledge and innovations in neonatal care. By highlighting Hippolite Amadi’s research publications, the research emphasized the transformative role of journals in disseminating local innovations globally, promoting collaboration, and knowledge exchange beyond geographical boundaries.
Recommendation: This study underscored the importance of active stakeholder involvement in optimizing neonatal outcomes through effective science communication, with a focus on prioritizing journals to facilitate the dissemination of local innovations on a global scale and foster collaboration among healthcare professionals, researchers, and local communities to address unique challenges faced by low- and middle-income countries in neonatal care practices.
Prevalence and Factors Associated with Protein Energy Malnutrition among Pre School Children in Rural Areas
Authors: N Rachana M , Belagalla Ningaraj , M S Jagadeesh , Huchchannanavar Shilpa , T. N. Srinatha, , K S Somashekar , Srivastava Aparna , Kapoor Manish , Hazarika Sanjay
Published: July 2024

Children, particularly those in rural areas, are among the most vulnerable to malnutrition, a silent emergency recognized by organizations such as the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF). This study delves into the complexities of undernutrition, specifically Protein Energy Malnutrition (PEM), among pre-school children aged 3-6 years in rural regions. The research aims to estimate the prevalence of PEM, identify associated factors, and analyze various feeding practices contributing to malnutrition. Data collection was conducted through survey methods, encompassing 3-6-year-old children, revealing alarming statistics. Findings from 20 article papers underscored that 27.96% of pre-school children were underweight, with 6.71% severely underweight. Notably, 42.78% of children lacking energy-dense foods, as per Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA), experienced malnutrition. Additionally, more than one-third of children suffered from underweight due to PEM. The study highlights the elevated risk of malnutrition among children with low birth weights, shorter interpregnancy intervals, higher birth orders, and inadequate breastfeeding and immunization practices. These insights underscore the urgent need for targeted interventions to address the multifaceted challenges contributing to PEM among rural pre-school children.
Optimization of Ruscus hypophyllum L. Growth Using Manure and Nitrogen Applications in Subtropical Conditions of Punjab
Authors: Singh Ranjit , Singh Parminder , Macchindra Dhawan Shweta , Kambhoj Priyanka
Published: July 2024

Aims: This study aimed to evaluate the impact of farmyard manure (FYM) and nitrogen (N) on the growth and development of Ruscus hypophyllum L., a valuable cut foliage crop.
Study Design: The research was conducted as a two-year field experiment using a randomized complete block design (R.C.B.D.).
Place and Duration of Study: The experiment was conducted at the Department of Floriculture & Landscaping, Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana, Punjab, during 2020-2021.
Methodology: The study utilized four treatments: control, 50 g N + 10 kg FYM, 100 g N + 20 kg FYM, and 150 g N + 30 kg FYM. Key growth parameters measured included plant height, spread, stem diameter, leaf dimensions, and number of harvestable stems. Data were collected and analyzed using standard agronomic methods to determine the effectiveness of each treatment.
Results: The 100 g N + 20 kg FYM treatment consistently produced optimal results. Plants under this treatment reached a maximum height of 73.34 cm and had a stem diameter of 1.55 cm. Leaf breadth and length were significantly improved, with values reaching 4.03 cm and 8.05 cm, respectively. The number of harvestable stems increased from 16.66 in the control to 20.5. Higher nutrient levels (150 g N + 30 kg FYM) often reduced performance, indicating potential over-fertilization effects.
Conclusion: The findings underscore the importance of balanced nutrient management in R. hypophyllum cultivation. The 100 g N + 20 kg FYM treatment is recommended for optimal growth and yield. These results provide evidence-based recommendations for commercial production, highlighting the need to avoid over-fertilization to prevent reduced plant performance.
Identification of Drought Tolerant Chickpea Genotypes under Simulated Drought
Authors: Patil Soumya , Nawalagatti C.M., , Mummigatti U.V., , Vivekanand K.
Published: July 2024

Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) is one of the most important legume crops worldwide, with high protein content. Chickpea productivity is highly threatened by abiotic stresses, of which drought exerts the most crucial role in terms of growth inhibition and yield losses encountered. Since germination is a critical stage that is negatively affected by drought, an experiment was conducted to estimate the genotypic variability among 27 chickpea genotypes and to determine the seed germination and seedling growth ability under water stress conditions. Seeds were subjected to water stress by using polyethylene glycol (PEG-6000) at five stress levels (0, 5, 10, 15 and 20 % PEG). Among the genotype DIBG 205 (94.50%) recorded highest germination percentage compared to other genotypes.  Root length recorded was highest in ICCV 4958 (18.48 cm) under 10% PEG -6000 and decreased with increase in osmotic stress. Drought significantly affected germination as well as all other associated traits with the effects of stress being analogous to the stress level applied. Seedling vigour index is a suitable selection criterion for drought tolerance, high seedling vigour index was observed in DIBG 205 and ICCV 4958 showing increased drought tolerance at high stress level, whereas low seedling vigour index was recorded in ICCV 201217 and ICCV 201116 indicating their possible exploitation as valuable genetic material for further breeding programs for drought tolerance.
Causes of Safety Barrier Failures at Oil and Gas Facilities in Nigeria: A Technical Approach
Authors: Abia Daniel Udo , Nwaogazie Ify L. , Chinemerem Patrick
Published: July 2024

This study investigates the company-controlled causes of barrier failure in Niger Delta region of Nigeria. Also, it focuses on oil and gas facilities and their operations involving hydrocarbon handling. Safety Barriers in the oil and gas industry are crucial safety systems designed to prevent hazards and mitigate the consequences of incidents. These barriers, encompassing technical, operational, and organizational elements, play a significant role in handling hazardous substances and preventing their unintended release. Despite their importance, barrier failures have been identified as major causes of process safety incidents globally, including Niger Delta region of Nigeria. A cross-sectional research design, using a questionnaire to collect primary data from 132 personnel across 12 facilities, was employed. Statistical data analyses were carried out using XLSTAT Version 2016.  Findings indicate that process upsets and technical/physical failures are significant risk influencing factors, while human and operational errors, though present, are less impactful. Key technical failures include degradation of valve sealing and flange gaskets, while process upsets often result from overpressure and malfunctioning transmitters. The study highlights the need for improved risk reduction strategies and periodic training to enhance safety practices in the Niger Delta's oil and gas industry. Recommendations include increasing technical components of risk strategies and ensuring regular maintenance and compliance with safety regulations; that is, proactive maintenance strategies to mitigate the identified risks.
Precessional control of Sr ratios in marginal basins during the Messinian Salinity Crisis?
Authors: Topper R. P. M. , Lugli S. , Manzi V. , Roveri M. , Meijer P. Th.
Published: April 2014

Based on 87Sr/86Sr data of the Primary Lower Gypsum (PLG) deposits in the Vena del Gesso basin—a marginal basin of the Mediterranean during the Messinian Salinity Crisis—a correlation between 87Sr/86Sr values and precessional forcing has recently been proposed but not yet confirmed. In this study, a box model is set up to represent the Miocene Mediterranean deep basin and a connected marginal basin. Measurements of 87Sr/86Sr in the Vena del Gesso and estimated salinity extrema are used to constrain model results. In an extensive analysis with this model, we assess whether coeval 87Sr/86Sr and salinity fluctuations could have been forced by precession‐driven changes in the fresh water budget. A comprehensive set of the controlling parameters is examined to assess the conditions under which precession‐driven 87Sr/86Sr variations occur and to determine the most likely setting for PLG formation. Model results show that precession‐driven 87Sr/86Sr and salinity fluctuations in marginal basins are produced in settings within a large range of marginal basin sizes, riverine strontium characteristics, amplitudes of precessional fresh water budget variation, and average fresh water budgets of both the marginal and deep basin. PLG deposition most likely occurred when the Atlantic‐Mediterranean connection was restricted, and the average fresh water budget in the Mediterranean was significantly less negative than at present day. Considering the large range of settings in which salinities and 87Sr/86Sr fluctuate on a precessional timescale, 87Sr/86Sr variations are expected to be a common feature in PLG deposits in marginal basins of the Mediterranean.
In situ geochemistry of Lower Paleozoic dolomites in the northwestern Tarim basin: Implications for the nature, origin, and evolution of diagenetic fluids
Authors: Zhang Wei , Guan Ping , Jian Xing , Feng Fan , Zou Caineng
Published: April 2014

Lower Paleozoic sedimentary rocks in the northwestern Tarim basin were strongly altered by complicated geofluids, which resulted in the occurrence of various diagenetic minerals (e.g., dolomite). Here, in situ major, trace, and rare earth element geochemistry of Lower Ordovician diagenetic dolomite grains as well as petrography were performed to unravel the geochemical features, the nature, and origin of the diagenetic fluids. The results indicate that different geochemical information can be detected within a single sample, even within a single dolomite grain. Five generations of diagenetic dolomite have been identified based on geochemical signatures, resulting from four distinct types of diagenetic fluids: (1) HREE enrichment (PAAS‐normalized), low ΣREE, no Eu anomaly, low Mn, Ba, moderate Fe, and high Sr contents are probably due to early burial dolomitizing fluids; (2) MREE enrichment, high ΣREE, high Mn, Fe, and low Sr content are likely to be associated with Devonian deep‐circulating crustal hydrothermal fluids; (3) flat or LREE enrichment pattern with obviously positive Eu anomaly is inferred to be linked to Permian magmatic hydrothermal fluids; and (4) flat REE pattern, moderate ΣREE, no Eu anomaly, low Mn, Ba, moderate Fe, and high Sr contents are probably due to late burial dolomitizing fluids. The significances of in situ method demonstrated in this study, compared with the whole rock analysis, include not only contamination‐free analysis but also unraveling the internal geochemical variation within a single sample or a mineral grain. Thus, for the geochemical study of complicated diagenetic process, in situ method should be preferentially considered.
Effect of prednisone on nasal symptoms and peripheral blood T‐cell function in chronic rhinosinusitis
Authors: Watanabe So , Pinto Jayant M. , Bashir Mohamed Elfatih H. , De Tineo Marcella , Suzaki Harumi , Baroody Fuad M. , Naclerio Robert M. , Sharma Shilpy
Published: April 2014

Background

Systemic corticosteroids are the most effective anti‐inflammatory drugs used for controlling chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) symptoms. The potential mechanisms for their beneficial effects include increasing the number and function of T regulatory cells (Tregs), as reported in the local tissue post–intranasal steroid treatment. We investigated the effect of systemic corticosteroids on peripheral blood (PB) Tregs in subjects with CRS.

Methods

Twenty CRS subjects and 19 controls were recruited. PB mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were isolated from CRS subjects before and after systemic corticosteroid administration in the course of clinical treatment. Control subjects received no treatment and were studied at one visit. Nasal symptoms were recorded. CD4+CD25+Foxp3+ cells (Tregs) were analyzed by flow cytometry. Messenger RNA (mRNA) levels for interferon γ (IFN‐γ), interleukin 4 (IL‐4), IL‐10, IL‐13, IL‐17A, transforming growth factor β1 (TGF‐β1), forkhead box P3 (FoxP3), and GATA‐binding factor 3 (GATA‐3) were measured in PBMCs using real‐time polymerase chain reaction (PCR).

Results

CRS subjects reported improved nasal symptoms (p = 0.005) and significantly reduced PB Tregs after treatment with corticosteroids (p = 0.042). The transcript levels of IL‐4 and GATA‐3 were significantly higher in the CRS subjects at their first visit when compared to controls (p = 0.019 and p = 0.05, respectively). Corticosteroid treatment lowered the transcript levels of immunoregulatory transcription factors [FoxP3 (p = 0.048) and GATA‐3 (p = 0.012)] and IFN‐γ (p = 0.036) in PB.

Conclusion

In contrast to prior work in local nasal tissue, our study reports reduced PB Tregs and decreased T helper 1 (TH1) and TH2 function after treatment with systemic corticosteroids. These data indicate that corticosteroid effects on Tregs in CRS are complex involving local signals in the tissue that are distinct from those in circulating cells.
Highly selective propylene dimerization catalyzed by C1‐symmetric zirconocene complexes
Authors: Huang Wenzhong , Wang Yan , Ma Haiyan , Huang Jiling
Published: April 2014

A series of ethylene‐bridged C1‐symmetric ansa‐(3‐R‐indenyl)(fluorenyl) zirconocene complexes (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9) incorporating a pendant arene substituent on the 3‐position of indenyl ring have been synthesized. The structure of complex 4 was further confirmed by X‐ray diffraction analysis. When activated with methylaluminoxane, four sterically less encumbered complexes 1, 2, 4 and 5 could catalyze the dimerization of propylene in toluene at 100°C to afford 2‐methyl‐1‐pentene with high selectivities up to 95.7–98.4% and moderate activities of 2.00 × 104 to 7.89 × 104 g (mol‐Zr⋅h)−1. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Copper activation of boronic acids: factors affecting reactivity
Authors: Frauenlob Robin , García Carlos , Butler Susan , Bergin Enda
Published: April 2014

The generation of nucleophiles from the combination of aryl boronic acids and catalytic amounts of copper salt allows a reactivity distinct from other organometallic species, such as organolithiums or Grignard reagents. Here we examine how the electronic and steric properties of the boronic acid affect the formation of active nucleophiles and their subsequent reactivity with iminium‐type compounds, showing that electron‐rich substrates display reduced reactivity. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Preparation and characterization of selective phenyl thiosemicarbazide modified Au(III) ion‐imprinted cellulosic cotton fibers
Authors: Monier M. , Akl M. A. , Ali W.
Published: April 2014

In this study, a novel selective Au(III) chelating surface ion imprinted fibers based on phenyl thiosemicarbazide modified natural cotton (Au‐C‐PTS) has been synthesized, and applied for selective removal of Au(III) from aqueous solutions. Batch adsorption experiments were performed with various parameters, such as contact time, pH, initial Au(III) concentration, and temperature. The kinetic studies revealed that the adsorption process could be described by pseudo‐second‐order kinetic model, while the adsorption data correlated well with the Langmuir and Freundlich models. The maximum adsorption capacities calculated from the Langmuir equation are 140 ± 1 mg g−1 and 72 ± 1 mg g−1 at pH 5 for both Au‐C‐PTS and NI‐C‐PTS, respectively. The estimated thermodynamic parameters (Gibbs free energy (ΔG°), enthalpy (ΔH°), and entropy change (ΔS°)) indicated the spontaneity and exothermic nature of the adsorption process. Furthermore, the selectivity study revealed that the ion imprinted fibers was highly selective to Au(III) compared with Cu(II), Cd(II), Hg(II), and Fe(III). The adsorbent was successfully regenerated with a 0.1M HNO3 solution. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2014, 131, 40769.
Mechanical properties of compatibilized nylon 6/polypropylene blends; studies of the interfacial behavior through an emulsion model
Authors: Huber Tim , Misra Manjusri , Mohanty Amar K.
Published: April 2014

The high interfacial tension between two immiscible phases in a polymer blend often prevents a homogenous stress distribution. Therefore, blends of Nylon 6 (Ny6) and polypropylene (PP) were compatibilized using two commercially available types of PP grafted with maleic anhydride (MAPP) with a low (∼2 %) and a high (∼7%) grade of maleation. The interfacial tension of compatibilized and non‐compatibilized blends of PA6/PP was calculated from the recoded data of oscillatory rheological measurements using an emulsion model. Both compatibilizers showed similar improvements in tensile strength of up to 25%, but the one low maleation grade compatibilizer showed improved impact properties (>200%). It could be shown that, despite, being more effective in reducing the interfacial tension, using a high grade of maleation in the compatibilizer causes no additional improvement in tensile strength over a low grade of maleation and even has a negative effect on the PA6/PP blend impact strength. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2014, 131, 40792.
Generic roll‐to‐roll compatible method for insolubilizing and stabilizing conjugated active layers based on low energy electron irradiation
Authors: Helgesen Martin , Carlé Jon E. , Helt‐Hansen Jakob , Miller Arne , Krebs Frederik C.
Published: April 2014

Irradiation of organic multilayer films is demonstrated as a powerful method to improve several properties of polymer thin films and devices derived from them. The chemical cross‐linking that is the direct result of the irradiation with ∼100 keV electrons is fast and has a penetration power compatible with thin plastic foils of one to two hundreds of microns typical of devices explored in organic electronics. We demonstrate here that active layers and complete devices can be subjected to electron irradiation‐induced cross‐linking thus facilitating multilayer solvent processing and morphological stability. The method is fast, generic, contactless, and fully compatible with high‐speed roll‐to‐roll processing of i.e. polymer solar cells at web speeds in excess of 60 m min−1. We employ fully printed, flexible, and foil‐based indium‐tin‐oxide free polymer solar cells in this study to demonstrate the technique. We also demonstrate that polymer solar cells are exceptionally stable towards ionizing radiation and find that doses as high as 100 kGy can be used before any significant decrease in performance is observed. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2014, 131, 40795.

Together with Mokarian‐Tabari et al., J. Appl. Polym. Sci. (2014) 131, 40798, doi:10.1002/app.40798, this article is part of a Special Issue on Polymers for Microelectronics. The remaining articles appear in J. Appl. Polym. Sci. (2014) volume 131, issue 24. This note was added on 1st July 2014.
Poly(l‐histidine)‐containing polymer bioconjugate hybrid materials as stimuli‐responsive theranostic systems
Authors: Johnson Renjith P. , John Johnson V. , Kim Il
Published: April 2014

For decades, researchers have aspired to develop materials for noninvasive treatment and monitoring of pathological conditions. Various organs, tissues, subcellular compartments, and their pathophysiological states can be characterized by their pH values. pH‐dependent intracellular tumor targeting has received particular attention due to the unique acidic environment of the solid tumors created by physiological and metabolical abnormalities. Responsive nanocarriers, when exposed to these pH stimuli, respond quickly to the physicochemical changes by undergoing structural deformations, such as swelling and phase transition, which favors the drug release specifically at the diseased site. Recently, researchers have developed several new poly(L‐histidine) (p(His))‐based pH responsive systems for sustained drug release and molecular targeting. This review focuses on the p(His)‐based pH responsive nanocarriers, which are utilized in biomedical applications such as anti‐cancer drug delivery and nucleic acid delivery. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2014, 131, 40796.
Molecular modeling approach to the prediction of mechanical properties of silica‐reinforced rubbers
Authors: Hentschke Reinhard , Hager Jonathan , Hojdis Nils W.
Published: April 2014

Recently, we have suggested a nanomechanical model for dissipative loss in filled elastomer networks in the context of the Payne effect. The mechanism is based on a total interfiller particle force exhibiting an intermittent loop, due to the combination of short‐range repulsion and dispersion forces with a long‐range elastic attraction. The sum of these forces leads, under external strain, to a spontaneous instability of “bonds” between the aggregates in a filler network and attendant energy dissipation. Here, we use molecular dynamics simulations to obtain chemically realistic forces between surface modified silica particles. The latter are combined with the above model to estimate the loss modulus and the low strain storage modulus in elastomers containing the aforementioned filler‐compatibilizer systems. The model is compared to experimental dynamic moduli of silica filled rubbers. We find good agreement between the model predictions and the experiments as function of the compatibilizer's molecular structure and its bulk concentration. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2014, 131, 40806.
Selective oxidation of kraft lignin over zeolite‐encapsulated Co(II) [H4]salen and [H2]salen complexes
Authors: Zhou Xue‐Fei
Published: April 2014

The Co([H4]salen) and the corresponding Co([H2]salen) complexes were encapsulated in NaY by the impregnation (IM) and flexible ligand ship‐in‐a‐botttle (SB) method for oxidation of kraft lignin to obtain chemical compounds. The neat and encapsulated complexes were characterized by XRD, FTIR, DR UV–Vis spectroscopy and BET, which showed the observed changes in the molecular structure to be correlated to the enhanced activity of the complexes. GC‐MS confirmed that the catalytic reactions of kraft lignin in the presence of peracetic acid produced major products including 2‐methoxy phenol, 2‐hydroxy benzaldehyde, 4‐hydroxy‐3,5‐dimethoxyphenyl ethanone. The encapsulated complexes exhibited improved reactivity compared to the corresponding neat complexes. Additionally, there was a greater improvement in TOF value for complexes upon IM‐immobilization as compared to SB‐immobilization. The improved salen, that is, [H4]salen, was beneficial to the enhancement of catalytic activity as compared to [H2]salen, as revealed by the high TOF values due to the incorporation of a modified coordination environment of the central cobalt cation by C=N hydrogenation. Actually, Co([H4]salen)/IM was proved to be most active. Lignin conversion and TOF were high over the neat cobalt complexes when using 100% H2O as the solvent, and the values were high over the corresponding encapsulated analogues when using 80% H2O + 20% CH3OH as the solvent. It can be found that encapsulation and hydrogenation of the complexes can improve the selectivity to 2‐methoxy phenol in the oxidation of kraft lignin. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci.2014,131, 40809.
Antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli of Cu‐BTC (MOF‐199) metal‐organic framework immobilized onto cellulosic fibers
Authors: Rodríguez Haendel S. , Hinestroza Juan P. , Ochoa‐Puentes Cristian , Sierra Cesar A. , Soto Carlos Y.
Published: April 2014

A strong antimicrobial activity against Escherichia coli of Cu‐BTC metal‐organic frameworks immobilized over cellulosic fibers is hereby reported. The in situ synthesis of Cu‐BTC metal‐organic frameworks, aka MOF‐199 or HKUST‐1, onto cellulosic substrates was carried out by exposing carboxymethylated cellulosic substrates to Cu(OAC)2, 1,3,5‐benzenetricarboxylic acid and triethylamine solutions following a very specific order. Using an in vitro model, in accordance to ASTM E2149‐13a, we observed that the cellulose‐MOF system was able to completely eliminate the growth of E. coli on agar plates and liquid cultures. The antibacterial activity of the comprising components of MOF‐199 and the cellulosic substrate was also evaluated and determined to be negligible. Since the method used to synthesize MOF‐199 crystals provides a strong bond between the crystals and the cellulosic substrates, the crystals not detach from the anionic cellulosic fibers allowing the modified textile to be washed and reused hence opening a new avenue to fabricate antibacterial clinical fabrics. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2014, 131, 40815.
Personalizing information retrieval for multi‐session tasks: Examining the roles of task stage, task type, and topic knowledge on the interpretation of dwell time as an indicator of document usefulness
Authors: Liu Jingjing , Belkin Nicholas J.
Published: April 2014

Personalization of information retrieval tailors search towards individual users to meet their particular information needs by taking into account information about users and their contexts, often through implicit sources of evidence such as user behaviors. This study looks at users' dwelling behavior on documents and several contextual factors: the stage of users' work tasks, task type, and users' knowledge of task topics, to explore whether or not taking account contextual factors could help infer document usefulness from dwell time. A controlled laboratory experiment was conducted with 24 participants, each coming 3 times to work on 3 subtasks in a general work task. The results show that task stage could help interpret certain types of dwell time as reliable indicators of document usefulness in certain task types, as was topic knowledge, and the latter played a more significant role when both were available. This study contributes to a better understanding of how dwell time can be used as implicit evidence of document usefulness, as well as how contextual factors can help interpret dwell time as an indicator of usefulness. These findings have both theoretical and practical implications for using behaviors and contextual factors in the development of personalization systems.
Overproduction of fatty acids in engineered Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Authors: Li Xiaowei , Guo Daoyi , Cheng Yongbo , Zhu Fayin , Deng Zixin , Liu Tiangang
Published: April 2014

The long hydrocarbon fatty acyl chain is energy rich, making it an ideal precursor for liquid transportation fuels and high‐value oleo chemicals. As Saccharomyces cerevisiae has many advantages for industrial production compared to Escherichia coli. Here, we attempted to engineer Saccharomyces cerevisiae for overproduction of fatty acids. First, disruption of the beta‐oxidation pathway, elimination of the acyl‐CoA synthetases, overexpression of different thioesterases and acetyl‐CoA carboxylase ACC1, and engineering the supply of precursor acetyl‐CoA. The engineered strain XL122 produced more than 120 mg/L of fatty acids. In parallel, we inactivated ADH1, the dominant gene for ethanol production, to redirect the metabolic flux to fatty acids synthesis. The engineered strain DG005 produced about 140 mg/L fatty acids. Additionally, Acetyl‐CoA carboxylase was identified as a critical bottleneck of fatty acids synthesis in S. cerevisiae with a cell‐free system. However, overexpression of ACC1 has little effect on fatty acids biosynthesis. As it has been reported that phosphorylation of ACC1 may influent its activity, so phosphorylation sites of ACC1 were further identified. Although the regulatory mechanisms remain unclear, our results provide rationale for future studies to target this critical step. All these efforts, particularly the discovery of the limiting step are critical for developing a “cell factory” for the overproduction of fatty acids by using type I fatty acids synthase in yeast or other fungi. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2014;111: 1841–1852. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A comparative study of orthotropic and isotropic bone adaptation in the femur
Authors: Geraldes Diogo M. , Phillips Andrew T. M.
Published: April 2014

Functional adaptation of the femur has been studied extensively by embedding remodelling algorithms in finite element models, with bone commonly assumed to have isotropic material properties for computational efficiency. However, isotropy is insufficient in predicting the directionality of bone's observed microstructure. A novel iterative orthotropic 3D adaptation algorithm is proposed and applied to a finite element model of the whole femur. Bone was modelled as an optimised strain‐driven adaptive continuum with local orthotropic symmetry. Each element's material orientations were aligned with the local principal stress directions and their corresponding directional Young's moduli updated proportionally to the associated strain stimuli. The converged predicted density distributions for a coronal section of the whole femur were qualitatively and quantitatively compared with the results obtained by the commonly used isotropic approach to bone adaptation and with ex vivo imaging data. The orthotropic assumption was shown to improve the prediction of bone density distribution when compared with the more commonly used isotropic approach, whilst producing lower comparative mass, structurally optimised models. It was also shown that the orthotropic approach can provide additional directional information on the material properties distributions for the whole femur, an advantage over isotropic bone adaptation. Orthotropic bone models can help in improving research areas in biomechanics where local structure and mechanical properties are of key importance, such as fracture prediction and implant assessment. © 2014 The Authors. International Journal for Numerical Methods in Biomedical Engineering published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Modeling and simulation of the effects of cyclic loading on articular cartilage lesion formation
Authors: Wang Xiayi , Ayati Bruce P. , Brouillete Marc J. , Graham Jason M. , Ramakrishnan Prem S. , Martin James A.
Published: April 2014

We present a model of articular cartilage lesion formation to simulate the effects of cyclic loading. This model extends and modifies the reaction‐diffusion‐delay model by Graham et al., 2012 for the spread of a lesion formed though a single traumatic event. Our model represents ‘implicitly’ the effects of loading, meaning through a cyclic sink term in the equations for live cells.

Our model forms the basis for in silico studies of cartilage damage relevant to questions in osteoarthritis, for example, that may not be easily answered through in vivo or in vitro studies.

Computational results are presented that indicate the impact of differing levels of erythropoietin on articular cartilage lesion abatement. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Patient‐specific assessment of cardiovascular function by combination of clinical data and computational model with applications to patients undergoing Fontan operation
Authors: Liang Fuyou , Sughimoto Koichi , Matsuo Kozo , Liu Hao , Takagi Shu
Published: April 2014

The assessment of cardiovascular function is becoming increasingly important for the care of patients with single‐ventricle defects. However, most measurement methods available in the clinical setting cannot provide a separate measure of cardiac function and loading conditions. In the present study, a numerical method has been proposed to compensate for the limitations of clinical measurements. The main idea was to estimate the parameters of a cardiovascular model by fitting model simulations to patient‐specific clinical data via parameter optimization. Several strategies have been taken to establish a well‐posed parameter optimization problem, including clinical data‐matched model development, parameter selection based on an extensive sensitivity analysis, and proper choice of parameter optimization algorithm. The numerical experiments confirmed the ability of the proposed parameter optimization method to uniquely determine the model parameters given an arbitrary set of clinical data. The method was further tested in four patients undergoing the Fontan operation. Obtained results revealed a prevalence of ventricular abnormalities in the patient cohort and at the same time demonstrated the presence of marked inter‐patient differences and preoperative to postoperative changes in cardiovascular function. Because the method allows a quick assessment and makes use of clinical data available in clinical practice, its clinical application is promising. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
An adaptive neuro‐fuzzy inference system for islanding detection in wind turbine as distributed generation
Authors: Ghadimi Noradin
Published: April 2014

This article proposes a new integrated diagnostic system for islanding detection by means of a neuro‐fuzzy approach. Islanding detection and prevention is a mandatory requirement for grid‐connected distributed generation (DG) systems. Several methods based on passive and active detection scheme have been proposed. Although passive schemes have a large non‐detection zone (NDZ), concern has been raised on active method due to its degrading power‐quality effect. Reliably detecting this condition is regarded by many as an ongoing challenge as existing methods are not entirely satisfactory. The main emphasis of the proposed scheme is to reduce the NDZ to as close as possible and to keep the output power quality unchanged. In addition, this technique can also overcome the problem of setting the detection thresholds inherent in the existing techniques. In this study, we propose to use a hybrid intelligent system called ANFIS (the adaptive neuro‐fuzzy inference system) for islanding detection. This approach utilizes rate of change of frequency (ROCOF) at the target DG location and used as the input sets for a neuro‐fuzzy inference system for intelligent islanding detection. This approach utilizes the ANFIS as a machine learning technology and fuzzy clustering for processing and analyzing the large data sets provided from network simulations using MATLAB software. To validate the feasibility of this approach, the method has been validated through several conditions and different loading, switching operation, and network conditions. The proposed algorithm is compared with the widely used ROCOF relays and found working effectively in the situations where ROCOF fails. Simulation studies showed that the ANFIS‐based algorithm detects islanding situation accurate than other islanding detection algorithms. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Complexity 21: 10–20, 2015
Bdnf DNA methylation modifications in the hippocampus and amygdala of male and female rats exposed to different caregiving environments outside the homecage
Authors: Roth Tania L. , Matt Stephanie , Chen Kenneth , Blaze Jennifer
Published: April 2014

We have previously shown in infant rats that brief and repeated experiences with a stressed dam outside the homecage (maltreatment) alters methylation of DNA associated with the brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (bdnf) gene within the developing and adult prefrontal cortex. BDNF is a key mediator of activity‐dependent processes that have a profound influence on neural development and plasticity. Here we examined whether maltreatment also alters bdnf DNA methylation in two additional regions known to be prominently affected by diverse forms of early life adversity in humans‐ the hippocampus and amygdala. We found significant bdnf DNA methylation modifications present within the adult hippocampus (dorsal and ventral) and amygdala (central/basolateral complex). We observed that the nature of change differed between sexes, gene locus (bdnf I vs. IV), and brain region. Furthermore, a manipulation that did not produce any obvious behavior difference in infants (brief and repeated experiences with a nurturing foster dam) also had long‐term effects on methylation. These data provide further empirical support of DNA methylation modifications as biological consequences of caregiving environments. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Dev Psychobiol 56: 1755–1763, 2014.
Evaluation of Δ9‐tetrahydrocannabinol detection using DrugWipe5S® screening and oral fluid quantification after Quantisal™ collection for roadside drug detection via a controlled study with chronic cannabis users
Authors: Wille Sarah M. R. , Di Fazio Vincent , Toennes Stefan W. , van Wel Janelle H. P. , Ramaekers Johannes G. , Samyn Nele
Published: April 2014

Oral fluid (OF) is potentially useful to detect driving under the influence of drugs because of its ease of sampling. While cannabis is the most prevalent drug in Europe, sensitivity issues for Δ9‐tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) screening and problems during OF collection are observed. The ability of a recently improved OF screening device – the DrugWipe5S®, to detect recent THC use in chronic cannabis smokers, was studied. Ten subjects participated in a double‐blind placebo‐controlled study. The subjects smoked two subsequent doses of THC; 300 µg/kg and 150 µg/kg with a pause of 75 min using a Volcano vapourizer. DrugWipe5S® screening and OF collection using the Quantisal™ device were performed at baseline, 5 min after each administration and 80 min after the last inhalation. Blood samples were drawn simultaneously. The screening devices (n = 80) were evaluated visually after 8 min, while the corresponding OF and serum samples were analyzed respectively with ultra performance liquid chromatography‐tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC‐MS/MS) or gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC‐MS). Neat OF THC concentrations ranged from 12 361 ng/g 5 min after smoking down to 34 ng/g 80 min later. Under placebo conditions, a median THC concentration of 8 ng/g OF (0–746 ng/g) and < 1 ng/ mL serum (0–7.8 ng/mL) was observed. The DrugWipe5S® was positive just after smoking (90%); however, sensitivity rapidly decreased within 1.5 h (50%). Sensitivity of DrugWipe5S® should be improved. As chronic cannabis users have high residual THC concentrations in their serum and OF, confirmation cut‐offs should be set according to the aim of detecting recent drug use or establishing zero tolerance. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Signal enhancement of glucuronide conjugates in LC‐MS/MS by derivatization with the phosphonium propylamine cation tris(trimethoxyphenyl) phosphonium propylamine, for forensic purposes
Authors: Turfus Sophie C. , Halket John M. , Parkin Mark C. , Cowan David A. , Braithwaite Robin A. , Kicman Andrew T.
Published: April 2014

Although chemical derivatization for signal enhancement in drug testing is most often associated with gas chromatography, it also has the potential to improve the detection of analytes poorly ionized by atmospheric pressure ionization techniques, such as electrospray ionization used in liquid chromatography‐mass spectrometry. A number of acidic compounds, namely drug glucuronides (e.g. conjugates of temazepam, oxazepam, lorazepam, morphine, testosterone, epitestosterone, 5‐α‐dihydrotestosterone, androsterone, p‐nitrophenol, and paracetamol) were successfully derivatized with tris(trimethoxyphenyl) phosphoniumpropylamine to introduce a quaternary cation functionality to the analytes. Benzodiazepine glucuronides were more specifically investigated, and following positive mode electrospray ionization mass spectrometry, average improvements to peak areas as a result of derivatization were 67‐, 6‐, and 7‐ fold for temazepam, oxazepam, and lorazepam glucuronides. Average improvements to the signal‐to‐noise ratios for temazepam, oxazepam, and lorazepam glucuronides were 1336‐, 371‐ and 217‐fold, respectively. The values obtained for the derivatized conjugate were also typically higher than those for the underivatized parent drug. Urine containing benzodiazepine glucuronides was also successfully derivatized. The data indicates potential for the use of charge derivatization to improve the detection of molecules with acidic functionalities by liquid chromatography‐mass spectrometry (LC‐MS) techniques in certain scenarios. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Bird and mammal species composition in distinct geographic regions and their relationships with environmental factors across multiple spatial scales
Authors: Kent Rafi , Bar‐Massada Avi , Carmel Yohay
Published: April 2014

Global patters of species distributions and their underlying mechanisms are a major question in ecology, and the need for multi‐scale analyses has been recognized. Previous studies recognized climate, topography, habitat heterogeneity and disturbance as important variables affecting such patterns. Here we report on analyses of species composition – environment relationships among different taxonomic groups in two continents, and the components of such relationships, in the contiguous USA and Australia. We used partial Canonical Correspondence Analysis of occurrence records of mammals and breeding birds from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility, to quantify relationships between species composition and environmental variables in remote geographic regions at multiple spatial scales, with extents ranging from 105 to 107 km2 and sampling grids from 10 to 10,000 km2. We evaluated the concept that two elements contribute to the impact of environmental variables on composition: the strength of species' affinity to an environmental variable, and the amount of variance in the variable. To disentangle these two elements, we analyzed correlations between resulting trends and the amount of variance contained in different environmental variables to isolate the mechanisms behind the observed relationships. We found that climate and land use‐land cover are responsible for most explained variance in species composition, regardless of scale, taxonomic group and geographic region. However, the amount of variance in species composition attributed to land use / land cover (LULC) was closely related to the amount of intrinsic variability in LULC in the USA, but not in Australia, while the effect of climate on species composition was negatively correlated to the variability found in the climatic variables. The low variance in climate, compared to LULC, suggests that species in both taxonomic groups have strong affinity to climate, thus it has a strong effect on species distribution and community composition, while the opposite is true for LULC.
Current Control for SPMSM in Field‐Weakening Region Based on Final‐State Control
Authors: Miyajima Takayuki , Fujimoto Hiroshi , Fujitsuna Masami
Published: April 2014

SPMSMs (surface permanent magnet synchronous motors) are employed for many industrial applications. SPMSM drive systems should realize a quick torque response and have a wide operating range. For quick current response in the field‐weakening region, a new current control based on final‐state control (FSC) is proposed in this study. FSC settles the state variables in a final state from an initial state with feedforward input during a finite time. In addition, the current response under voltage limit is analyzed by the voltage limit circle of the SPMSM with a transient term.
Evaluation of Electronic States of Polymer Surface Using Photoelectron Spectroscopy in Air
Authors: Hashimoto Yuichi
Published: April 2014

We investigated shallow surface states relevant to electrification between polymer film and metal ring by photoelectron spectroscopy in air. It was found that the charge transferred from the metal ring to the polyethylene terephthalate (PET) film depended on the work function of the metal ring and the distribution of the density of states in the PET film. It was also found that electrification between the polymer and an aluminum ring was related to the chemical structure, i.e., pendant groups in the polymer.