bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effectiveness of Ultrasound-guided Platelet-rich Plasma Injection Vs Pulsed Ultrasound Therapy on Improving Pain and Function in Athletes with Medial Collateral Ligament Injury of Knee: A Randomised Controlled Trial
Authors: Devi Laimujam Sobhasini , Singh Akoijam Joy , Singh Yumnam Nandabir , Singh Yumnam Ningthemba , Bhupes Pheiroijam , Chanu Kongkham Purnimala , Singh Sagolsem Adarsh , Ramkumar R
Published: July 2024

Introduction: The Medial Collateral Ligament (MCL) is the most frequently injured ligament in the knee. Platelet-rich Plasma (PRP) is an autologous concentration of platelets prepared as an injection to augment the healing process. Aim: To determine the effectiveness of Ultrasound (USG)-guided PRP injection in comparison with pulsed ultrasound therapy in improving pain and function in athletes with MCL injury. Materials and Methods: A randomised control trial was done among athletes with partial tears of MCL who visited the Department of Sports Medicine, Regional Institute of Medical Sciences, Imphal, Manipur, India from October 2020 to September 2022. Patients with Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)-diagnosed partial tears of MCL (N=32) were randomised into PRP injection (n=16) and pulsed ultrasound therapy (n=16) groups. The outcomes were compared using the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) for pain and Lysholm score for function at baseline, 2nd, 6th, and 12th weeks, respectively. Analysis was done using International Business Machines-Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (IBM-SPSS) version 21.0. For comparison between the groups, independent t-test was used. A p-value <0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: Baseline characteristics were not statistically significant. There was a statistically significant improvement seen in the intragroup comparison from baseline to the 2nd, 6th, and 12th weeks in both VAS (p<0.001*) and Lysholm score (p<0.001) in both groups. There were statistically significant differences in mean changes of VAS and Lysholm score between the two groups from baseline to the 2nd week (VAS, p=0.008*); (Lysholm score, p=0.003) and 6th week (VAS, p<0.001*); (Lysholm score, p=0.009) follow-ups respectively, with the PRP group having more improvement. However, there was no significant difference at 12th week (VAS, p=0.088); (Lysholm score, p=0.072) weeks. Conclusion: Given the better results, it is suggested that ultrasound-guided PRP injection may be used as the preferred method of treatment in the management of MCL injuries to return to sports as early as possible.
The Effects of Some Pre-treatment Methods on the Proximates, Sensory Properties and Vitamins Compositions of Okra
Authors: Ogundele Oluwasegun O. , Terzungwe Ungwanen M.
Published: July 2024

The investigations carried out on blanching, un-blanching and methods of drying on the proximate, sensory properties and vitamins compositions of okra of Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus) were studied. The fresh okra were sorted, washed with portable water, some portions were blanched for 30 seconds while other portions were not pretreated prior to drying. The okra samples were dried using oven drying (60oC) and sun drying methods. Proximate composition, the sensory properties and the vitamin contents of the dried okra were determined. Results showed there was significant difference (p≤ 0.05) in the vitamin contents and proximate composition of dried okra while there was no significant difference (p≥0.05) in the sensory properties of the dried okra samples. The proximate composition, blanched oven dried okra samples retained highest amount of moisture, fat, ash and protein (7.85%, 7.00%, 8.24% and 16.83% respectively). For the vitamin composition, un-blanched sun dried okra retained highest amount of vitamin B9 and vitamin K (0.27% and 0.26% respectively). The blanched sun dried okra retained highest amount of vitamin A (36.34%) and un-blanched oven dried okra retained highest amount of vitamin C (9.65%). For sensory properties, blanched sun-dried okra retained the highest sensory properties (aroma, texture and sliminess) followed by un-blanched sun-dried okra, while oven dried okra has lowest sensory attributes.
Monitoring of Trace Elements in Groundwater of Municipal Area at Kushtia and Jhenaidah District of Bangladesh
Authors: Eva Tanjina Nasrin , Nahar Kamrun , Hoda Md. Durul , Sachchu Md. Mazedul Haque , Afrin Sabrina , Lima Miss Nushrat Jahan , Shuvo Md. Touhid Hasan , Alam Md. Ashraful
Published: July 2024

Groundwater samples from the municipal residential areas of the Pearatola, Kushtia (23.897975° N and 89.123735° E) and the DPHE, Jhenaidah (23.544454° N and 89.164694° E) districts were analyzed for trace elements determination of Iron (Fe), Manganese (Mn), Lead (Pb), Cadmium (Cd) and Zinc (Zn) evaluating the health effect of these trace elements is the prime object of this investigation. Fe, Mn, Pb, Cd and Zn in groundwater water were determined by atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS) on direct flame methods. The examined concentrations of Fe, Mn, Pb, Cd and Zn are respectively 0.740 mg/L, 0.370 mg/L, 0.040 mg/L, 0.0040 mg/L and 0.0570 mg/L (ppm) which were present in the groundwater sample of Kushtia. The absolute concentrations of Fe, Mn, Pb, Cd and Zn are respectively 0.490 mg/L, 0.220 mg/L, 0.030 mg/L, 0.0030 mg/L and 0.0310 mg/L (ppm) which were present in the groundwater sample of Jhenaidah.  Fe contamination of examined areas samples in 0.740 ppm and 0.490 ppm of cases exceeded the WHO criteria and 0.30 ppm exceeded BD standards which is a very scary risk factor for human health. The investigated data should be useful and helpful for general public awareness intake of groundwater.
Effect of Weed Management Practices on Nutrient Content and Their Uptake by Black Gram Crop (Vigna mungo L.)
Authors: Sanspal Abhishek , Patel Jay Nath , Alam Mohd Shah
Published: July 2024

Aim: To study the effect of weed management practices on nutrient content and uptake by black gram.
Study Design: Randomized block design.
Place and Duration of Study: One year field experiment at Research Farm, School of Agriculture, Abhilashi University, Chail Chowk, Mandi, (H.P.).
Methodology: The experiment was conducted with three replications and seven treatments viz.- T1 = Weedy check, T2 = Weed free, T3 = Hand weeding (20 & 40 DAS), T4 = Imazethapyr @ 70 g ha-1 (PE) + Hand weeding (30 DAS), T5 = Metolachlor @ 1.0 kg a.i. ha-1 (PE) + Hand weeding (30 DAS), T6 = Pendimethalin + Imazethapyr 900 g a.i. ha-1 (3-4 leaf stage), T7 = Imazethapyr + Imazamox @ 70 g a.i. ha-1 (PoE).
Results: The study of data revealed non-significant impact of weed management practices on nitrogen, phosphorous and potassium in grains and straw of black gram crop, whereas, the maximum content of all these nutrients were found under treatment T2. However, the application of treatment T2 also recorded the significantly maximum uptake of nitrogen, phosphorous and potassium by grains, straw and total uptake by black gram crop, which was statistically at par with treatment T3. The minimum content of nitrogen, phosphorous and potassium in grains, straw and along with their uptake by grains, straw and total uptake by black gram crop were found under treatment T1 = Weedy check during the field experiment.
Conclusion: This study showed non-significant effect of weed management practices on the nutrient content in grains and straw of black gram, while, it has significantly affected the nutrient uptake by grains, straw and total uptake by black gram crop.
comportamento informacional de bibliotecários no enfrentamento à infodemia de notícias falsas: breves considerações
Authors: Santos José Carlos Sales dos
Published: July 2024

O presente artigo tem como objetivo analisar o comportamento informacional de bibliotecários no combate à infodemia de informações falsas na contemporaneidade. A infodemia é caracterizada pela disseminação em massa de notícias incorretas, teorias da conspiração e desinformação deliberada, potencializadas pelas redes sociais. Os bibliotecários desempenham um papel crucial na promoção da alfabetização informacional e na orientação dos usuários na identificação de conteúdos enganosos. A pesquisa utilizou uma revisão narrativa da literatura indexada em bancos e bases de dados científicos (2019-2022), com a proposta de analisar as práticas adotadas pelos bibliotecários no citado contexto. Os resultados indicaram que os profissionais da informação desempenham um papel fundamental na capacitação de pessoas para se tornarem usuárias críticas de informação; através do estabelecimento de relacionamentos de confiança, os bibliotecários combatem a desinformação proveniente de notícias falsas, a partir da curadoria de recursos confiáveis, promoção da alfabetização em mídia e informação, divulgação de informação correta e capacitação de usuários da informação. Esperamos que esta pesquisa contribuía, modestamente, para a compreensão do papel dos bibliotecários no enfrentamento da infodemia, subsidiando o desenvolvimento de diretrizes e políticas que promovam a disseminação de informações confiáveis e a alfabetização informacional da sociedade.
Modeling of creep for multiwall carbon nanotube/epoxy nanocomposite
Authors: Glaskova Tatiana , Aniskevich Klara , Borisova Anna
Published: February 2013

The effect of multiwall carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) on creep of epoxy matrix was evaluated on the basis of short‐term creep‐recovery tests performed at different stresses and temperatures. Six different compositions of MWCNT and bisphenol A epoxy resin (0–3.8 wt % of MWCNTs) were investigated. Slight reduction of creep compliance, strain rate, and residual strain were revealed experimentally for nanocomposite comparing to the neat resin. The development of viscoelastic strain for creep stage was described by the use of time–temperature–strain superposition principle with the parameters obtained from the approximation of recovery stage using modified Schapery model. The model accounted for the effect of strain on the viscoelastic strain rate for recovery stage. Its application gave better results for approximation of a series of recovery curves at different temperatures and stresses than of time–stress superposition model. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci., 2013
Proton Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy as a Probe into the Pathophysiology ofAutismSpectrumDisorders (ASD): A Review
Authors: Baruth Joshua M. , Wall Christopher A. , Patterson Marc C. , Port John D.
Published: February 2013

Proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H‐MRS) is a safe, noninvasive way of quantifying in vivo biochemical and metabolite concentration levels in individuals withAutismSpectrumDisorders (ASD). Findings to date suggestASDis associated with widespread reduction inN‐acetylaspartate (NAA), creatine plus phosphocreatine (Cr), choline‐containing compounds (Cho),myo‐inositol (mI), and glutamate plus glutamine plus gamma‐Aminobutyric Acid (Glx); however, variable findings, and even substantial increases, are not uncommon depending on the study and/or region‐of‐interest. Widespread reduction ofNAA,Cr,Cho,mI, andGlxinASDlikely reflects impaired neuronal function and/or metabolism related to abnormal neurodevelopmental processes. Future studies should attempt to relate1H‐MRSfindings to histological findings and control for variability in subject age and functioning level; this would assist in evaluating the relationship between1H‐MRSmetabolic levels and neuronal and glial cell densities, as well as neurodevelopmental process associated withASD. Furthermore, more longitudinal1H‐MRSstudies are needed in both control andASDsubjects to attempt to standardize metabolite levels across different developmental periods in well‐defined endophenotypes. This will provide for a standard rubric for which metabolic aberrations (as well as treatment responses) can be measured. With higher magnetic field strengths and spectral‐editing techniques capable of quantifying less‐concentrated metabolites,1H‐MRSwill continue to be an important tool inASDresearch.Autism Res2013, 6: 119–133.© 2013 International Society for Autism Research, Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Social behavior is perturbed in mice after exposure to bisphenol A: a novel assessment employing an IntelliCage
Authors: Ogi Hiroshi , Itoh Kyoko , Fushiki Shinji
Published: February 2013

In order to investigate whether or not prenatal and lactational exposure to bisphenol A (BPA) affects social behavior in mice, pregnant mice were exposed to 500 μg/kg of BPA daily from embryonic day 0 (E0) until postnatal day 21 (P21). The behavior of offspring was monitored at 11–13 and 13–15 weeks of age using an automated behavior assessment system (IntelliCage). Groups of eight mice were tasked with a nose poke, which enabled the mice to open a door to drink bottled water at the corner of their cage. BPA‐exposed females visited the corner without drinking behavior during the light cycle less frequently than control female mice did. BPA‐exposed males stayed at the corner for longer periods of time and showed a significantly stronger bias in the visit with drinking. In addition, the BPA‐exposed males showed a shorter time interval before they visited the corner after preceding animals had visited it, compared with the control males. These findings suggest that prenatal and lactational BPA exposure might affect murine motivational behavior in a social setting differently in males and females.
Efficient Nazarov Cyclization/Wagner–Meerwein Rearrangement Terminated by a CuII‐Promoted Oxidation: Synthesis of 4‐Alkylidene Cyclopentenones
Authors: Lebœuf David , Theiste Eric , Gandon Vincent , Daifuku Stephanie L. , Neidig Michael L. , Frontier Alison J.
Published: February 2013

The discovery and elucidation of a new Nazarov cyclization/Wagner–Meerwein rearrangement/oxidation sequence is described that constitutes an efficient strategy for the synthesis of 4‐alkylidene cyclopentenones. DFT computations and EPR experiments were conducted to gain further mechanistic insight into the reaction pathways.
The Discovery of Novel Human Androgen Receptor Antagonist Chemotypes Using a Combined Pharmacophore Screening Procedure
Authors: Voet Arnout , Helsen Christine , Zhang Kam Y. J. , Claessens Frank
Published: February 2013

Unraveling the mechanisms involved in castration‐ and therapy‐resistant prostate cancer has led to a renewed interest in androgen receptor (AR)‐targeted therapeutics. Anti‐androgens that block the activity of the AR therefore remain a valid therapeutic option. However, they must be more effective than, or display a distinct mechanism of action or binding mode from those of bicalutamide and hydroxyflutamide, which are currently in clinical use. For that reason, the second‐generation anti‐androgen MDV3100 was developed. MDV3100, however, shares its 4‐cyano‐3‐(trifluoromethyl)phenyl group with bicalutamide and hydroxyflutamide required for binding to the AR. In this work, we used a combined strategy to find new antagonist structures distinct from the 4‐cyano‐3‐(trifluoromethyl)phenyl group to avoid cross‐resistance for these compounds and to find structures without agonist activity on mutant ARs (AR W741C and AR T877A). We found two novel chemotypes with AR‐antagonistic activity (IC50: 3–6 μM) by virtual screening and confirmed their biological activity in an androgen‐responsive reporter assay. The design of our computational approach was validated by the observation of strongly decreased or absence of agonistic activity on the two mutant ARs. Further structural derivatization to optimize the potency of these compounds can render these chemotypes into very promising, alternative AR antagonists for prostate cancer therapy.
Activity and coexpression of Drosophila black with ebony in fly optic lobes reveals putative cooperative tasks in vision that evade electroretinographic detection
Authors: Ziegler Anna B. , Brüsselbach Florian , Hovemann Bernhard T.
Published: February 2013

Drosophila mutants black and ebony show pigmentation defects in the adult cuticle, which disclose their cooperative activity in β‐alanyl‐dopamine formation. In visual signal transduction, Ebony conjugates β‐alanine to histamine, forming β‐alanyl‐histamine or carcinine. Mutation of ebony disrupts signal transduction and reveals an electroretinogram (ERG) phenotype. In contrast to the corresponding cuticle phenotype of black and ebony, there is no ERG phenotype observed when black expression is disrupted. This discrepancy calls into question the longstanding assumption of Black and Ebony interaction. The purpose of this study was to investigate the role of Black and Ebony in fly optic lobes. We excluded a presynaptic histamine uptake pathway and confirmed histamine recycling via carcinine formation in glia. β‐Alanine supply for this pathway is independent of enzymatic synthesis by Black and β‐alanine synthase Pyd3. Two versions of Black are expressed in vivo. Black is a specific aspartate decarboxylase with no activity on glutamate. RNA in situ hybridization and anti‐Black antisera localized Black expression in the head. Immunolabeling revealed expression in lamina glia, in large medulla glia, in glia of the ocellar ganglion, and in astrocyte‐like glia below the ocellar ganglion. In these glia types, Black expression is strictly accompanied by Ebony expression. Activity, localization, and strict coexpression with Ebony strongly indicate a specific mode of functional interaction that, however, evades ERG detection. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A Randomized Phase I Evaluation of CTP‐499, a Novel Deuterium‐Containing Drug Candidate for Diabetic Nephropathy
Authors: Braman Virginia , Graham Philip , Cheng Changfu , Turnquist David , Harnett Mark , Sabounjian LuAnn , Shipley James
Published: February 2013

To determine maximum tolerated dose and food effect for CTP‐499, a novel agent being studied for the treatment of diabetic kidney disease. CTP‐499 has demonstrated anti‐inflammatory, anti‐fibrotic and anti‐oxidative activities in vitro as well as anti‐inflammatory and renoprotective effects in a diabetic nephropathy (DN) model. Two studies were performed. Study 1 was a single‐dose escalation study with 600, 1200, 1800, and 2400 mg doses of controlled‐release (CR) CTP‐499 and a 400 mg immediate release dose to aid in the development of prototype formulations of CTP‐499. Study 2 was a food‐effect study. Plasma concentrations of CTP‐499 and its metabolites were measured to determine pharmacokinetic parameters in each study. Safety was assessed to determine tolerability. Doses up to and including 1800 mg were well tolerated. Cmax was either equivalent (CTP‐499) or slightly lower (metabolites) for the fed condition, while overall exposure was equivalent (CTP‐499) or slightly higher (metabolites) for the fed condition. The range of tolerated doses of CTP‐499 and the effects of food on exposure were identified, contributing to selection of the dose for Phase II development.
Development and characterization of a digestion model based on olive oil microemulsions
Authors: Kyriazi Aggeliki , Papadimitriou Vassiliki , Sotiroudis Theodore G. , Xenakis Aristotelis
Published: February 2013

Olive oil microemulsions were used as biomimetic model to simulate aspects of the digestion process in the small intestine. Hydrolytic activity of trypsin and alkaline phosphatase in microemulsions in the presence and in the absence of squalene and phenolic acids at pH 8.5 and 37°C was examined. In the case of trypsin kinetic constants were calculated and found Km = 0.080 ± 0.002 mM and Vmax = 3.8 × 10−5 ± 0.06 × 10−5 mM/s. When gallic acid and squalene were added, hydrolytic activity of trypsin was reduced to 77 ± 2% and 69 ± 3%, respectively. In the presence of o‐, m‐, and p‐coumaric acid, protocatechouic acid, and caffeic acid, enzymatic activity was increased up to 142 ± 6%. Hydrolytic activity of alkaline phosphatase was inhibited in the presence of squalene and phenolic acids. To evaluate the size of the dispersed aqueous droplets in the presence and in the absence of enzymes, substrates, and antioxidants, dynamic light scattering (DLS) measurements were carried out and diameters in the range of 8.9–13.4 nm were observed. Membrane flexibility and micropolarity were studied by electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy. Rotational correlation time (τR), order parameter (S), and hyperfine splitting constant (A0) of doxyl stearic acid in the microemulsions were calculated and found 2.06 ns, 0.17, and 14.30 G, respectively. These values were slightly affected in the presence of additives.

Practical applications: The main aim of the present study is to enhance our understanding on the digestibility of proteins and lipids in the presence of food antioxidants suggesting an in vitro digestion model for hydrolases based on virgin olive oil microemulsions. The information generated in this study could potentially facilitate the design and development of novel functional food formulations based on food‐grade colloidal delivery systems. Since modification or fortification of different food products focusing on different areas of health concern are of growing interest among the various sectors of food industry, the proposed research results could be of particular interest.
Tandem Reductive Cyclization–Dehydration Approach for the Synthesis of Cryptolepine Hydroiodide and Its Analogues
Authors: Volvoikar Prajesh S. , Parvatkar Prakash T. , Tilve Santosh G.
Published: February 2013

A new and convenient synthesis of the indoloquinoline alkaloid cryptolepine hydroiodide is described through a tandem reductive cyclization–dehydration approach. This methodology employs a C–C bond formation through the C‐2 lithiation of a benzenesulfonyl‐protected indole and a C–N bond formation through a nitrene intermediate, which is produced from different organophosphorus reagents, to give a fused tetracyclic compound. The versatility of this method is demonstrated by the syntheses of a series of cryptolepine salts with substituents on the indole as well as the quinoline ring.
A C2‐continuous high‐resolution upwind convection scheme
Authors: Corrêa L. , Lima G.A. B. , Candezano M.A. C. , Braun M.P. S. , Oishi C.M. , Navarro H.A. , Ferreira V.G.
Published: February 2013

A bounded upwinding scheme for numerical solution of hyperbolic conservation laws and Navier–Stokes equations is presented. The scheme is based on convection boundedness criterion and total variation diminishing stability criteria and developed by employing continuously differentiable functions. The accuracy of the scheme is verified by assessing the error and observed convergence rate on 1‐D benchmark test cases. A comparative study between the new scheme and conventional total variation diminishing/convection boundedness criterion‐based upwind schemes to solve standard nonlinear hyperbolic conservation laws is also accomplished. The scheme is then examined in the simulation of Newtonian and non‐Newtonian fluid flows of increasing complexity; a satisfactory agreement has been observed in terms of the overall behavior. Finally, the scheme is used to study the hydrodynamics of a gas‐solid flow in a bubbling fluidized bed. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Comparison of varied complexity models simulating recharge at the field scale
Authors: Sorensen J. P. R. , Finch J. W. , Ireson A. M. , Jackson C. R.
Published: February 2013

Numerical models are frequently used for the regional quantification of groundwater recharge. However there is a wide range of potential models available that represent the land surface with varying degrees of complexity, but which are rarely tested against observations at the field scale. We compared four models that simulate potential recharge at four intensively monitored sites with different vegetation and soil types in two adjacent catchments. These models were: Penman–Grindley, UN Food and Agricultural Organization, SPAtial Distributed Evaporation and Joint UK Land Environment Simulator. Standardized, unoptimized land surface datasets and pertinent literature were used for parameterization to reflect practice in regional water resource management and planning in the UK. The models were validated against soil moisture observations at all sites, as well as observed transpiration and interception and calculated total evaporation over a year at a woodland site. Soil moisture observations were generally reproduced well, but there were significant differences in how the models apportioned precipitation through the hydrological cycle. This demonstrates that soil moisture data alone are not a good diagnostic for groundwater recharge models. Significant differences in potential recharge were produced by models at both grassland sites, although simulated average annual potential recharge varied by only 15% at the grassland site on permeable soil. At the woodland sites, soil moisture contents were reproduced least accurately, and there were large differences in potential recharge at both woodland sites. This predominantly resulted from varied and inaccurate simulation of evaporation, particularly in the form of interception losses where this was explicitly represented in models. Differences in model structure, such as runoff representation, and parameter selection also influenced all results. Hydrological Processes © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Development of an Enzyme Mimic Using Self‐Selection
Authors: Gasparini Giulio , Dal Molin Marta , Corrà Stefano , Galzerano Patrizia , Scrimin Paolo , Prins Leonard J.
Published: February 2013

The development of a serine protease model using a self‐selection protocol is described. The developed system mimics the regeneration step of an enzyme involved in covalent enzyme catalysis. A transition‐state analogue of a transesterification reaction is used to self‐select functional groups able to accelerate ester cleavage. It is shown that the insertion of a tertiary amine substituent flanking the reaction center reinforces transition‐state stabilization by directing the reactive center towards the self‐selected functionality. In addition, the tertiary amine activates a bland (solvent) nucleophile for attack on an ester bond similar to what occurs in a serine protease. A quantitative correspondence is observed between the amplification factors and catalytic activity, illustrating the potential of the dynamic covalent capture strategy to precisely detect and quantify weak noncovalent interactions.
A theoretical analysis and prediction of pore size and pore size distribution in electrospun multilayer nanofibrous materials
Authors: Bagherzadeh Roohollah , Najar Saeed Shaikhzadeh , Latifi Masoud , Tehran Mohammad Amani , Kong Lingxue
Published: February 2013

Electrospinning process can fabricate nanomaterials with unique nanostructures for potential biomedical and environmental applications. However, the prediction and, consequently, the control of the porous structure of these materials has been impractical due to the complexity of the electrospinning process. In this research, a theoretical model for characterizing the porous structure of the electrospun nanofibrous network has been developed by combining the stochastic and stereological probability approaches. From consideration of number of fiber‐to‐fiber contacts in an electrospun nanofibrous assembly, geometrical and statistical theory relating morphological and structural parameters of the network to the characteristic dimensions of interfibers pores is provided. It has been shown that these properties are strongly influenced by the fiber diameter, porosity, and thickness of assembly. It is also demonstrated that at a given network porosity, increasing fiber diameter and thickness of the network reduces the characteristic dimensions of pores. It is also discussed that the role of fiber diameter and number of the layer in the assembly is dominant in controlling the pore size distribution of the networks. The theory has been validated experimentally and results compared with the existing theory to predict the pore size distribution of nanofiber mats. It is believed that the presented theory for estimation of pore size distribution is more realistic and useful for further studies of multilayer random nanofibrous assemblies. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A, 2013.
Preparation and characterization of novel elastin‐like polypeptide‐collagen composites
Authors: Amruthwar Shruti S. , Puckett Aaron D. , Janorkar Amol V.
Published: February 2013

Collagen‐based biomaterials suffer from poor mechanical properties and rapid degradation. Elastin‐like polypeptides (ELPs) possess good biocompatibility and have unique solution properties that allow them to coacervate above a critical temperature. The objective of this research was to prepare a series of freeze dried ELP‐collagen composite scaffolds as a proof of concept. Combination of ELP and collagen has the potential to produce composite structures with varying strengths. Four different composite structures were prepared by varying the ratio of ELP to collagen. Increased ELP content in the scaffolds appears to have reduced the residual water content based on Fourier transformed infrared spectroscopy and differential scanning calorimetry. Scanning electron microscopy images of ELP‐collagen composites showed a three‐dimensional, open porous structure with the formation of characteristic aggregates of ELP. The mechanical testing experiments showed that the elastic modulus, tensile strength, and toughness of ELP‐collagen scaffolds were significantly greater than neat collagen scaffolds. The improved mechanical properties were attributed to a homogeneous network structure with additional reinforcement coming from the ELP aggregates. Our study confirms that ELP‐collagen composites with superior physical and mechanical properties compared to collagen scaffolds can be produced. Further optimization of design parameters will allow producing ELP‐collagen composites for specific biomedical applications. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A, 2013.
Advances in osteoclast biology reveal potential new drug targets and new roles for osteoclasts
Authors: Boyce Brendan F
Published: February 2013

Osteoclasts are multinucleated myeloid lineage cells formed in response to macrophage colony-stimulating factor (M-CSF) and receptor activator of NF-κB ligand (RANKL) by fusion of bone marrow–derived precursors that circulate in the blood and are attracted to sites of bone resorption in response to factors, such as sphingosine-1 phosphate signaling. Major advances in understanding of the molecular mechanisms regulating osteoclast functions have been made in the past 20 years, mainly from mouse and human genetic studies. These have revealed that osteoclasts express and respond to proinflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines. Some of these cytokines activate NF-κB and nuclear factor of activated T cells, cytoplasmic 1 (NFATc1) signaling to induce osteoclast formation and activity and also regulate communication with neighboring cells through signaling proteins, including ephrins and semaphorins. Osteoclasts also positively and negatively regulate immune responses and osteoblastic bone formation. These advances have led to development of new inhibitors of bone resorption that are in clinical use or in clinical trials; and more should follow, based on these advances. This article reviews current understanding of how bone resorption is regulated both positively and negatively in normal and pathologic states. © 2013 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Microwave‐Assisted Rapid Synthesis of Novel 1,5‐Benzodiazepine Derivatives as Potent Antimicrobial Agent
Authors: Thakrar Shailesh , Bavishi Abhay , Radadiya Ashish , Parekh Shrey , Bhavsar Dhairya , Vala Hardevsinh , Pandya Nilay , Shah Anamik
Published: February 2013

A new series of highly functionalized 1,5‐benzodiazepine derivatives 5a–x have been synthesized from 3‐[(1E)‐N‐(2‐aminophenyl) ethanimidoyl]‐4‐hydroxyl‐2H‐chromen‐2‐one 3a–c and pyrazole aldehyde 4a–h using catalytic amount of triflouro acetic acid under microwave irradiation. The main significant of the present procedure is shorter reaction time, easy work up procedure, and excellent yield with high purity. The structures of all the compounds were established on the basis of their IR, NMR, and mass spectral data and have been screened for their antimicrobial activity and antifungal activity.
Use of LC‐MS for the quality control of radiopharmaceuticals: example of [18F]ML10
Authors: Reiley Richard R. , Huiban Mickael , Bennacef Idriss , Passchier Jan
Published: February 2013

[18F]ML10 is a promising novel low molecular weight positron emission tomography probe for apoptosis. As part of the quality control to support clinical studies for cancer therapy monitoring in the GSK Clinical Imaging Centre, a simple and sensitive liquid chromatography mass spectrometry method has been developed and validated for the quantification of total ML10 and impurity content in the final product. Chromatographic separation of ML10 and its radiolabelling precursor and impurities was achieved. Mass curves were constructed from a concentration range of ML10 and known impurities and were linear. Quantification was achieved by comparison of the area under the curve for ML10 content (m/z = 205) and the mass curve. The method was validated over a concentration range of 0.1‐1 µg/ml. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The current and projected economic burden of Parkinson's disease in the United States
Authors: Kowal Stacey L. , Dall Timothy M. , Chakrabarti Ritashree , Storm Michael V. , Jain Anjali
Published: February 2013

Parkinson's disease (PD), following Alzheimer's disease, is the second‐most common neurodegenerative disorder in the United States. A lack of treatment options for changing the trajectory of disease progression, in combination with an increasing elderly population, portends a rising economic burden on patients and payers. This study combined information from nationally representative surveys to create a burden of PD model. The model estimates disease prevalence, excess healthcare use and medical costs, and nonmedical costs for each demographic group defined by age and sex. Estimated prevalence rates and costs were applied to the U.S. Census Bureau's 2010 to 2050 population data to estimate current and projected burden based on changing demographics. We estimate that approximately 630,000 people in the United States had diagnosed PD in 2010, with diagnosed prevalence likely to double by 2040. The national economic burden of PD exceeds $14.4 billion in 2010 (approximately $22,800 per patient). The population with PD incurred medical expenses of approximately $14 billion in 2010, $8.1 billion higher ($12,800 per capita) than expected for a similar population without PD. Indirect costs (e.g., reduced employment) are conservatively estimated at $6.3 billion (or close to $10,000 per person with PD). The burden of chronic conditions such as PD is projected to grow substantially over the next few decades as the size of the elderly population grows. Such projections give impetus to the need for innovative new treatments to prevent, delay onset, or alleviate symptoms of PD and other similar diseases. 2013 Movement Disorder Society
Dynamic mechanical, thermal and electrical properties of cast polyurethanes prepared using diol curatives
Authors: Pandya Madhav V. , Deshpande Dinkar D. , Hundiwale Dilip G.
Published: February 2013

The effect of various diol chain extenders on the thermal, mechanical, electrical and viscoelastic properties of polyurethanes is discussed. Prepolymers were prepared using a polyester (polyethylenepropyleneadipate) and toluene‐2,4‐diisocyanate. Diol chain extenders were of three types in order to investigate structure–property relationships: (a) α,ω‐aliphatic diols; (b) diols with unsaturation present in the chain; and (c) diols with an oxygen atom present in the chain.
Parametric study of seed‐layer formation for low‐temperature hydrothermal growth of highly oriented ZnO films on glass substrates
Authors: Podlogar Matejka , Vengust Damjan , Richardson Jacob J. , Strojnik Martin , Mazaj Matjaž , Trefalt Gregor , Daneu Nina , Rečnik Aleksander , Bernik Slavko
Published: February 2013

Applications involving transparent conducting films (TCFs), such as flat‐panel displays and touch screens technologies, are dominated by indium‐tin‐oxide (ITO). Increasing prices of indium in hand with weaknesses of ITO films make a strong argument for alternative TCFs with competitive characteristics and lower price. Here we demonstrate the potential of highly oriented zinc oxide (ZnO) films grown on glass substrates under low‐temperature hydrothermal (HT) conditions at 90 °C from aqueous solutions of Zn‐nitrate and Na‐citrate. Formation of a continuous ZnO seed‐layer with proper thickness, grain size, connectivity, and orientation of seed‐grains on glass is shown to be essential to achieve conditions for the growth of highly oriented (0001), smooth, transparent, and conductive ZnO films according to the spatially confined oriented growth (SCOG) mechanism. The film grown on homogeneous seed‐layer with grain size of about 20 nm showed optical transmittance of up to 82% and relatively low resistivity for undoped ZnO ceramic in order of few 100 Ω sq−1. Such characteristics are explained by highly oriented crystalline texture and high coalescence of ZnO crystals in these films.
Gas–liquid mass transfer in the presence of ionic surfactant: effect of counter‐ions and interfacial turbulence
Authors: Zhang Shuo , Wang Dong , Bu Fang , Zhang Xingwen , Fan Pingping
Published: February 2013

This work investigated the effect of counter‐ions and interfacial turbulence on oxygen transfer from gas to liquid phase containing ionic surfactant, and experiments were performed in a mechanically stirred reactor with flat gas–liquid interface. Counter‐ions in terms of hydration ability and polarizability influence the interfacial coverage of ionic surfactants (i.e. cetytrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) and cetytrimethylammonium chloride) with the same hydrocarbon chain length, producing hindrance but in different extent on oxygen transfer. The addition of electrolyte (NH4Br) substantially reduced the interfacial tension and surface charge of micelles (zeta potential) in CTAB system, and this salt effect greatly compressed interfacial double layer leading to gas transfer inhibition. The surface charge, aggregation number as well as stability of micelles formed above the critical micelle concentration could also alter interfacial configuration of surfactant layer reflected by gas absorption rate. Liquid turbulence was analyzed to decide the role of surfactant present in water on gas–liquid mass transfer, since Marangoni instability effect playing positive role should be taken into consideration under moderate liquid flow, while in turbulent system, contribution of Marangoni effect became overshadowed and consequently surfactant pose ‘barrier’ effect on gas transfer due to its surface active nature. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Handling renewable energy variability and uncertainty in power systems operation
Authors: Bessa Ricardo , Moreira Carlos , Silva Bernardo , Matos Manuel
Published: February 2013

The concerns about global warming (greenhouse‐gas emissions), scarcity of fossil fuels reserves, and primary energy independence of regions or countries have led to a dramatic increase of renewable energy sources (RES) penetration in electric power systems, mainly wind and solar power. This created new challenges associated with the variability and uncertainty of these sources. Handling these two characteristics is a key issue that includes technological, regulatory, and computational aspects. Advanced tools for handling RES maximize the resultant benefits and keep the reliability indices at the required level. Recent advances in forecasting and management algorithms provided means to manage RES. Forecasts of renewable generation for the next hours/days play a crucial role in the management tools and protocols of the system operator. These forecasts are used as input for setting reserve requirements and performing the unit commitment (UC) and economic dispatch (ED) processes. Probabilistic forecasts are being included in the management tools, enabling a move from deterministic to stochastic methods, which conduct to robust solutions. On the technological side, advances to increase mid‐merit and base‐load generation flexibility should be a priority. The use of storage devices to mitigate uncertainty and variability is particularly valuable for isolated power system, whereas in interconnected systems, economic criteria might be a barrier to invest in new storage facilities. The possibility of sending active and reactive control set points to RES power plants offers more flexibility. Furthermore, the emergence of the smart grid concept and the increasing share of controllable loads contribute with flexibility to increase the RES penetration levels.

This article is categorized under:

Wind Power > Economics and Policy

Energy Infrastructure > Systems and Infrastructure

Energy Systems Analysis > Systems and Infrastructure
Trace elemental determination by portable total reflection X‐ray fluorescence spectrometer with low wattage X‐ray tube
Authors: Kunimura Shinsuke , Kawai Jun
Published: February 2013

A specimen containing nanograms of Sb, rare earth elements, Pb, and Bi and a specimen containing a few nanograms each of As and Pb were measured using a portable total reflection X‐ray fluorescence spectrometer. Nanograms of Sb, rare earth elements, Pb, and Bi were detected. Although the As Kα line (10.54 keV) overlapped with the Pb Lα line (10.55 keV) in a spectrum of the specimen containing nanograms of As and Pb, the Pb Lβ line was detected. Therefore, the net intensity of the As Kα line was calculated using the Pb Lα/Lβ intensity ratio in a spectrum of a Pb standard solution and the net intensity of the Pb Lβ line in the spectrum of the specimen containing As and Pb. This result indicates that these two elements can be quantified by using the portable spectrometer. Commercially available bottled drinking water was also measured. The portable spectrometer detected several tens of ppb of V in the drinking water sample. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Tumor diameter and Ki‐67 expression in biopsy could be diagnostic markers discriminating from adenoma and early stage cancer in patients with ampullary tumors
Authors: Kubota Kensuke , Fujita Yuji , Sato Takamitsu , Watanabe Seitaro , Hosono Kunihiro , Yoneda Masato , Kirikoshi Hiroyuki , Hisatomi Kantaro , Matsuhashi Nobuyuki , Endo Itaru , Inayama Yoshiaki , Nakajima Atsushi
Published: February 2013

Background

Ampullary early stage cancer (early CA) potentially harbors lymphovascular invasion; there are few data on markers that could differentiate adenoma and early CA.

Aim

To investigate those markers, we compared the tumor diameter and Ki‐67 expression in endoscopy biopsy specimens of adenoma with those of early CA.

Methods

Patients on whom endoscopic papillectomy (EP) was performed (n = 35) with histopathologically proven adenomas and with low/high grade dysplasia and early CA were studied. We made pre‐procedure evaluations of ampullary tumors by using endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS) and transpapillary intraductal ultrasonography. Tumor diameter was measured by EUS. Endoscopic biopsy using immunostaining of Ki‐67 labeling index (LI) prior to EP were evaluated.

Results

The areas under the receiver‐operating characteristic (AUROC) curves for tumor diameter and Ki‐67 expression were 0.824 and 0.873, respectively. Cut‐off values calculated based on AUROC data were 15 mm in tumor diameter and 32 cells/high‐power field (HPF) in Ki‐67. Early CA (n = 11) was diagnosed by using a cut‐off value for tumor diameter in 8 out of 11 patients (sensitivity 72.7 %, specificity 66.7 %, accuracy 68.6 %). Significant infiltration of the major duodenal papilla by Ki‐67 positive tumor cells (>31/HPF) was recognized in 8 of the 11 patients with early CA (sensitivity 100 %, specificity 54.2 %, accuracy 62.9 %).

Conclusions

Observation of tumor diameter and Ki‐67 LI would be helpful for safety EP. EP should not be indicated for ampullary tumors more than 15 mm in diameter and/or Ki‐67 LI 31/HPF.
On a Localisation Sequence for the K-Theory of Skew Power Series Rings
Authors: Witte Malte
Published: February 2013

Let B = A[[t;σ,δ]] be a skew power series ring such that σ is given by an inner automorphism of B. We show that a certain Waldhausen localisation sequence involving the K-theory of B splits into short split exact sequences. In the case that A is noetherian we show that this sequence is given by the localisation sequence for a left denominator set S in B. If B = ℤp[[G]] happens to be the Iwasawa algebra of a p-adic Lie group G ≅ H ⋊ ℤp, this set S is Venjakob's canonical Ore set. In particular, our result implies that

is split exact for each n ≥ 0. We also prove the corresponding result for the localisation of ℤp[[G]][$\frac{1}{p}$] with respect to the Ore set S*. Both sequences play a major role in non-commutative Iwasawa theory.
Understanding Parties’ Policy Shifts in Western Europe: The Role of Valence, 1976–2003
Authors: Clark Michael
Published: February 2013

Do parties’ valence characteristics affect their policy strategies? The verdict of the spatial modeling literature on the positioning effects of valence is mixed on this point. Some spatial studies argue that valence-advantaged parties/candidates should moderate their policies, while others argue that they should radicalize their policies. Empirical cross-national work on this issue has been lacking. Using an original measure of valence and party positioning data compiled by the Comparative Manifesto Project, the period 1976–2003 is analyzed in this article for nine West European countries. The findings suggest that as parties’ character-based valence attributes worsen they tend tomoderatetheir Left–Right positions, and there is a notable time lag in parties’ responses to changes in their character-based valence attributes.
The Trouble withChristian History:Thomas Prince's “Great Awakening”
Authors: Gloege Timothy E. W.
Published: February 2013

TheChristian History, a revivalist newspaper edited by the Boston minister Thomas Prince, is perhaps the most important cultural artifact of eighteenth-century revivalism in New England. It provides source material for countless studies, and more recently served as an exemplar of how revival participants constructed a “Great Awakening.” This essay undertakes a close historical, textual, and quantitative analysis of this two-volume periodical. It reveals complex divisions among revival supporters and surprising alignments among those who disagreed over revivalism. Attitudes toward the social order were a key factor. TheChristian Historywas central to the construction of the “Great Awakening,” (a process shaped both by social power and contingencies), but failed to promote moderate revival activity as intended. Ironically, the newspaper designed by Prince to unite the Congregationalist establishment only contributed further to existing controversies.
Hope, virtue, and the postulate of God: a reappraisal of Kant's pure practical rational belief
Authors: FERREIRA M. JAMIE
Published: February 2013

After identifying contrasting formulations of the practical postulates of reason in Kant's second critique, I analyse the context of each formulation, showing both how the postulate of the ‘possibility’ of God is consistent with Kant's understanding of a significant transition arising from practical needs as well as how the postulate of the existence of God can be seen as a ‘practical belief’ acting out a ‘hope’. My goal is to re-examine Kant's view of the relation between the practical and theoretical employments of reason in order to distinguish clearly between what Kant sees asrequiredof the moral believer as opposed topermitted.