bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
SHO clinical exposure following the introduction of an EWTD-compliant shift system
Authors: Khan HK , Hathurusinghe H , Wilson F , Trotter MI , Raut VV
Published: June 2006

Over the past 12 years the hours of work for doctors' training have been markedly reduced. In 1991 the New Deal and a maximum of 72 hours per working week was first introduced. 1 In 1998 the European Working Time Directive (EWTD) came into effect but did not initially apply to doctors in training. By August 2004 all doctors in training came under the remit of the EWTD, which stipulated a maximum of 58 hours per working week.
The new SAS Committee
Authors: Sankar Thangasamy , Noonan James
Published: June 2006

In September 2005 I was recruited onto the College's new staff and associate specialist (SAS) committee. I answered an advertisement in Hospital Doctor, filled in an application form, attended an interview and now (following my election as cochairman by my fellow committee members) I am honoured to be the first SAS surgeon to sit on the College Council.
Review of Degradation Mechanisms Leading to Sludge and Varnish in Modern Turbine Oil Formulations
Authors: Fitch JC , Gebarin S
Published: June 2006

In recent years, there has been an unusually large number of reported cases associated with varnish and sludge formation in turbine-generator and compressor applications using Group II turbine oil formulations. Explanations for these problems have varied but typically include Group I/Group II incompatibility, additive instability, bulk oil oxidation, adiabatic compressive heating, electrostatic discharge, among others. This paper reviews these failure pathways and discusses actual case history including root cause analysis. Analytical methods for the sludge/varnish and the degraded oil are also reviewed.
Metabolic abnormalities in patients with normocalcemic hyperparathyroidism detected at a population-based screening
Authors: Hagström Emil , Lundgren Ewa , Rastad Jonas , Hellman Per
Published: June 2006

Objective: Dyslipidemia, hypertension, diabetes mellitus and also primary hyperparathyroidism (pHPT) are associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular diseases. Metabolic abnormalities in mild pHPT have been reported, but never in cases with normal calcium and high parathyroid hormone (PTH) levels, i.e. suffering from ‘normocalcemic pHPT’. Our aim was to explore the occurrence of these metabolic abnormalities in individuals with normocalcemic pHPT identified in a population-based screening, and the effects of parathyroidectomy vs conservative treatment on metabolic variables.

Design and methods: A population-based screening of 5202 post-menopausal women identified 30 patients with normal calcium, inappropriately high PTH and normal creatinine. A 5-year follow-up included 15 parathyroidectomized (PTx) and nine conservatively followed cases, in a non-randomized setting, together with age-matched controls. Biochemical variables and body mass index (BMI) were investigated.

Results: At study entry, cases had higher calcium, PTH, glucose, low-density lipoprotein (LDL)/high-density lipoprotein (HDL)-cholesterol, very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL)-cholesterol, total triglycerides, and BMI compared to controls (P = < 0.0001–0.035). The cases had a lower HDL-cholesterol value (P = 0.013) and one third of the cases had hypertriglyceridemia. During follow-up, the PTx cases decreased in calcium, PTH, LDL/HDL-cholesterol, total and LDL-cholesterol (P = 0.0076–0.022). Investigated biochemical variables remained adverse in conservatively followed cases during follow-up except a decreased LDL-cholesterol value. All surgically treated patients had parathyroid adenoma.

Conclusions: Cases with normocalcemic pHPT have increased proatherogenic lipoprotein levels, BMI and glucose levels compared to age-matched controls. Parathyroidectomy has positive effects on some of these variables and reverses them to the same level as the controls, while conservative treatment fails to normalize the investigated metabolic variables.
Effects of the long-acting somatostatin analogue Lanreotide Autogel on glucose tolerance and insulin resistance in acromegaly
Authors: Steffin B , Gutt B , Bidlingmaier M , Dieterle C , Oltmann F , Schopohl J
Published: June 2006

Object: Treatment with somatostatin analogues (SA) not only inhibits GH secretion but may also impair insulin secretion. In order to evaluate the influence of SA on glucose metabolism, we investigated insulin resistance (IR) and β-cell function, using the recommended combination of homeostatic model assessment of IR (HOMA-IR) and β-cell function (HOMA-β).

Design and methods: This is a prospective, cross-sectional study. We measured fasting insulin, blood glucose and IGF-I. Insulin and blood glucose measurements were taken 120 min after an oral glucose tolerance test with 75 g glucose. We studied 51 patients (27 female/24 male, age 54 years (20–75)). Eighteen patients were on Lanreotide Autogel (LA) treatment, 33 had no medical treatment. GH-levels of more than 2.5 ng/ml was reached by 59% of the patients, 74.5% had normal IGF-I levels.

Results: We found no significant influence of disease activity on HOMA-IR and HOMA-β. In the 33 of 51 subjects without any drug treatment, median HOMA-β was 170.4% (36.0–624.0%). In contrast, in the 18 patients on LA treatment, median HOMA-β was found to be significantly lower (84.2% (36.5–346.2%); P = 0.001). Despite this, there was no difference in HOMA-IR in both groups (2.4 (0.7–8.4) vs 2.3 (0.7–6.1); P < 0.001) despite similar insulin values.

Conclusion: In conclusion, we found that LA decreases β-cell function significantly without affecting IR. Therefore, we think that insulin secretagogues are probably more effective in the treatment of diabetes mellitus in acromegalic patients on LA therapy than insulin sensitizers.
Assessing 1-h plasma glucose and shape of the glucose curve during oral glucose tolerance test
Authors: Zhou Weibin , Gu Yanyun , Li Hong , Luo Min
Published: June 2006

Objective: To assess the cutoff values at different time points for impaired glucose regulation (IGR) and diabetes, the glucose curve and isolated 1-h hyperglycemia were monitored during an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT).

Methods: Two thousand eight hundred and eighty-six subjects (1300 men and 1586 women) were recruited to have an OGTT. Plasma was collected at 0, 30, 60, 120, and 180 min to analyze glucose and insulin. The diagnosis of impaired fasting glucose, impaired glucose tolerance, and diabetes was based on World Health Organization and American Diabetes Association’s criteria. Those with fasting plasma glucose (FPG)<5.6 and 2-h plasma glucose (PG)<7.8, but 1-h PG≥7.8 and <11.1 mmol/l were defined as 1h-High7.8, and those with FPG<7.0 and 2-h PG<11.1, but 1-h PG≥11.1 mmol/l as 1h-High11.1. The cutoff values were calculated by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve. The correlation between β-cell function and the area under the curve of glucose (AUCg) and the shape index was analyzed with linear regression.

Results: The cutoff values for IGR were 5.6, 9.7, 10.1, 7.8 and 6.1 mmol/l for blood glucose at 0, 30, 60, 120 and 180 min, 24 for AUCg and 1.3 mmol/l for the shape index. The cutoff values for diabetes were 6.8, 11.2, 13, 11.1 and 7 mmol/l for 0, 30, 60, 120 and 180 min, 30.9 for AUCg and 2 mmol/l for the shape index. Both AUCg and the shape index were inversely related to β-cell function. The profiles of glucose and insulin in the subgroup with isolated 1-h hyperglycemia were very different from those seen in subjects with normal glucose tolerance or IGR.

Conclusions: The present study provides new information on measures other than the fasting and 2-h PG to evaluate glucose metabolism in vivo and stimulates further research aimed at assessing the value of the OGTT 1-h PG concentration prospectively.
The effects of sex-steroid administration on the pituitary–thyroid axis in transsexuals
Authors: Bisschop Peter H , Toorians Arno W , Endert Erik , Wiersinga Wilmar M , Gooren Louis J , Fliers Eric
Published: June 2006

Objective: Estrogen and androgen administration modulate the pituitary–thyroid axis through alterations in thyroid hormone-binding globulin (TBG) metabolism, but the effects of sex steroids on extrathyroidal thyroxine (T4) to triiodothyronine (T3) conversion in humans are unknown.

Design and methods: We studied 36 male-to-female and 14 female-to-male euthyroid transsexuals at baseline and after 4 months of hormonal treatment. Male-to-female transsexuals were treated with cyproterone acetate (CA) 100 mg/day alone (n=10) or in combination with either oral ethinyl estradiol (or-EE) 100 μg/day (n=14) or transdermal 17β-estradiol (td-E) 100 μg twice a week (n=12). Female-to-male transsexuals were treated with i.m. testosterone 250 mg twice a week. A t-test was used to test for differences within groups and ANOVAwith post hoc analysis to test for differences between the groups.

Results: Or-EE increased TBG (100 ± 12%, P<.001) and testosterone decreased TBG (−14 ± 4%, P =0.01), but free T4 did not change. Td-E and CA did not affect TBG concentrations. TSH was not different between groups at baseline or after treatment. CA decreased T3/T4 ratios (−9 ± 3%, P=0.04), suggesting that T4 to T3 conversion was lower. Testosterone increased T3/T4 ratios (30 ± 9%, P=0.02), which probably reflects higher T4 to T3 conversion.

Conclusion: Oral but not transdermal estradiol increases TBG, whereas testosterone lowers TBG. Testosterone increases T3/T4 ratios. Estradiol does not affect T3/T4 ratios, irrespective of the route of administration.
The androgen receptor CAG repeat modifies the impact of testosterone on insulin resistance in women with polycystic ovary syndrome
Authors: Möhlig Matthias , Jürgens Annette , Spranger Joachim , Hoffmann Kurt , Weickert Martin O , Schlösser Hans W , Schill Thilo , Brabant Georg , Schüring Andreas , Pfeiffer Andreas F H , Gromoll Jörg , Schöfl Christof
Published: June 2006

Objective: Hyperandrogenism is a central feature of the polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and might worsen insulin resistance (IR) often seen in PCOS. Androgens act through the androgen receptor (AR). A polymorphic CAG repeat sequence within the AR gene was reported to modulate its transactivation activity. Therefore, we investigated a putative interaction between testosterone and the CAG repeat length polymorphism with respect to IR.

Design: In 63 PCOS women with normal glucose tolerance free testosterone, the biallelic CAG repeat length and a multiplicative interaction term were investigated by multiple linear regression analysis for an association with IR as indicated by the homeostasis model assessment of IR (HOMA-IR).

Results: Free testosterone was correlated with HOMA-IR. The impact of testosterone on HOMA-IR was modified by the AR CAG length as indicated by an interaction term. This interaction remained significant after adjustment for smoking, age and body mass index. While there was a positive association of free testosterone with HOMA-IR, the interaction term was inversely associated. The model, which explained 42.5% of the variation of HOMA-IR predicted that in carriers of short CAG lengths, an increase in testosterone increased IR. This effect attenuated with rising biallelic CAG length until it turns into the opposite at a CAG length longer than 23. The results were confirmed by using CIGMA as another measure of IR.

Conclusions: The association between testosterone and IR is modified by the CAG repeat polymorphism within the AR. Therefore, the evaluation of testosterone effects on IR seems to require consideration of the AR CAG repeat polymorphism in PCOS women.
Post-Transplant Lymphoproliferative Disorders
Authors: LaCasce Ann S.
Published: June 2006

Learning Objectives

After completing this course, the reader will be able to: Discuss the incidence and pathologic classification of PTLD.Define the etiology and risk factors for PTLD.Discuss the presenting clinical features and diagnostic evaluation of PTLD.Describe treatments and reported outcomes for PTLD.

Access and take the CME test online and receive 1 AMA PRA category 1 credit at CME.TheOncologist.com
Low-Grade Gliomas in Adults
Authors: Grier Jeanine T. , Batchelor Tracy
Published: June 2006

Learning Objectives

After completing this course, the reader will be able to: Discuss the incidence of low-grade gliomas and list the various diagnostic methods employed for this group of tumors.Identify the factors that influence treatment decisions and the various treatment options available for low-grade gliomas.Outline the evidence regarding resection, radiation, and chemotherapy for the treatment of low-grade gliomas.List the specific subsets of low-grade glioma and the unique diagnostic, prognostic, and treatment factors associated with each subset.Describe the different treatment-related complications that are relevant for the low-grade glioma patient population.

Access and take the CME test online and receive 1 AMA PRA category 1 credit at CME.TheOncologist.com
Palliative Care/Physician-Assisted Dying: Alternative or Continuing Care?
Authors: Malakoff Marion
Published: June 2006

End-of-life care for dying patients has become an issue of importance to physicians as well as patients. The debate centers around whether the option of physician-assisted suicide cuts off, or diminishes the value of, palliative care. This ongoing attention makes the crafting of advance directives from patients detailing their end-of-life choices essential. Equally important is the appointment of a health care surrogate. The surrogate, when the patient is too ill to make decisions, should be empowered to make them in his stead. No American court has found a clinician liable for wrongful death for granting a request to refuse life support. An entirely separate issue is that of legalized physician-assisted suicide. As of this writing, only Oregon has made this legal (seeGonzales v. Oregon). It is likely that this issue will be pursued slowly through the state courts, making advance directives and surrogacy all the more crucial.
The University of New Mexico Visiting Physicians Program: Helping Older New Mexicans Stay at Home
Authors: Lee Michele , Kaufman Arthur
Published: June 2006

New Mexico is a rural state with unique barriers to health service delivery to homebound elderly. The University of New Mexico’s Visiting Physicians Program allows these patients to stay in their homes by bringing physicians to them. The physicians use community agencies to provide nursing, lab, X-ray, and physical therapy services. The University of New Mexico has also integrated home visits into the medical students, residents and geriatric fellows’ educational programs. By involving medical students, residents and fellows in home care, future physicians who practice in New Mexico will incorporate this valuable service into care for the homebound elderly in their practice communities.
Viscosities for Completion Fluids at Temperature and Density
Authors: Ortego Anne M. , Vollmer Daniel P.
Published: June 2006

Brine viscosities are an important property in sand-control and coil-tubing operations. Viscosities are used to calculate sand settling rates for gravel- packing and frictional pressure losses. Because of limited brine-viscosity data, viscosites were determined for conventional completion fluids using an Oswald viscometer. Then, 3D equations were determined as a function of density and temperature for calcium chloride; calcium bromide; calcium chloride and calcium bromide; calcium bromide and zinc bromide; three-salt mixture of calcium chloride, calcium bromide, and zinc bromide; and sodium bromide solutions. All equations had an absolute average deviation from the measured values of less than 10%.
The Effect of the Synthetic- and Oil-Based Drilling Fluid's Internal Water-Phase Composition on Barite Sag
Authors: Omland Tor Henry , Albertsen Tron , Taugbøl Knut , Saasen Arild , Svanes Kåre , Amundsen Per Amund
Published: June 2006

One important issue for drilling operations is control of downhole pressures. When drilling with synthetic- or oil-based drilling fluids, the ability to maintain all the weighting agents in suspension is particularly difficult because these fluids are more vulnerable toward sag than water-based drilling fluids.

In the current study, it will be shown that the ability to keep barite in suspension also depends on the chemical composition of the water phase. The sag tendency of a mineral-oil-based drilling fluid, a linear paraffin-based drilling fluid, and both an ester- and a linear-alpha-olefin (LAO) -based synthetic drilling fluid has been evaluated. For comparison, all fluids were formulated with equivalent water activity in the internal brine phase. The results show that for all these fluids, improved performance was observed if the traditional calcium chloride (CaCl2) salt was replaced with a selection of other salts. Formates as the internal salt gave generally better performance than if calcium chloride was used. The best stability in the tests was observed using an ammonium calcium nitrate [NH4Ca(NO3)] as the internal salt phase, which also enhances the environmental performance of the fluid.

This paper describes in detail the effect that different salts in the internal brine phases in synthetic- and oil-based drilling fluids had on sag performance in a series of tests.
Controlled Mud-Cap Drilling for Subsea Applications: Well-Control Challenges in Deep Waters
Authors: Fossli Børre , Sangesland Sigbjørn
Published: June 2006

This paper describes a new drilling-riser concept and drilling methodology for deepwater operations that will remove some of the well-control challenges and limitations currently experienced when handling kicks and deep gas influxes in deepwater regions, with the following results:

Providing improved and more flexible well-control procedures. Reducing the potential of hydrate plug formation during well-control operations. Allowing for drilling longer hole sections than normally considered feasible when using conventional drilling methods, thus reducing the number of casing strings required in the well. Allowing for improved drilling performance in depleted formations.

The main elements in the system are based on using a small, high-pressure drilling riser [14-in. outer diameter (OD), 12.5-in. inner diameter (ID)] with a split surface/subsea blowout preventer (BOP) and a subsea mud-lift pump connected to the drilling riser and a separate mud-return line.

During drilling and well-control operations, the mud level in the riser is maintained considerably below sea level to create a mud/air interface (i.e., a "mud cap??) that can be continuously adjusted up or down by the mud-lift pumping system. As a consequence, the bottomhole hydrostatic pressure will be controlled. One of the main purposes of this system is to mitigate the inherent problems with a conventional 21-in.-OD marine drilling riser during well-control scenarios in deepwater operations. The system will compensate for frictional pressures resulting from circulation and adjust the bottomhole pressure (BHP) accordingly.
Gross Nitrogen Transformations in an Agricultural Soil after Repeated Dairy‐Waste Application
Authors: Habteselassie Mussie Y. , Stark John M. , Miller Bruce E. , Thacker Seth G. , Norton Jeanette M.
Published: June 2006

Measurements of gross N transformation rates are important to properly understand N cycling processes in agricultural soils where both productive and consumptive processes occur. The objective of the study was to determine the effect of repeated application of dairy‐waste compost (DC), liquid dairy‐waste (LW), and ammonium sulfate (AS) on gross N mineralization and nitrification rates and N supplying potential of an agricultural soil. Our goal was to examine both production and consumption of inorganic N for their effects on the balance between N supply from treated dairy‐wastes and plant N demand. Treatments were applied at rates approximately equivalent to 100 and 200 kg available N ha−1 for 6 yr annually. Field‐based N15 pool dilution techniques and laboratory incubation experiments were employed to measure gross rates and mineralization potential of the soil. Both levels of DC raised the labile organic N pool significantly but only the high level DC significantly increased the decomposition rate constant (k). The mean gross N mineralization rates for 1999 to 2002 for the high levels of DC, LW, and AS were 5.72, 2.89, and 1.27 mg N kg−1 d−1, whereas gross nitrification rates were 10.24, 1.57, and 0.74 mg N kg−1 d−1, respectively. Net mineralization rates were <35% of gross rates while nitrate consumption was not significant under any treatment. Variability in gross rates was high in the soils receiving DC, which could be due to presence of hotspots of labile organic matter. Elevated gross N transformation rates in plots receiving DC indicate the dynamic nature of this agricultural soil after repeated applications of dairy‐waste.
Spatial Characteristics of Claypan Soil Properties in an Agricultural Field
Authors: Jung W. K. , Kitchen N. R. , Sudduth K. A. , Anderson S. H.
Published: June 2006

Spatial variability in soil properties has long been observed within uniformly managed fields. Understanding the spatial characteristics of soil properties would be helpful in understanding soil–landscape relationships and in the development of site‐specific management. The primary objective of this research was to quantify the spatial characteristics of claypan soil properties for a 4‐ha agricultural field located in north‐central Missouri. Soil samples were collected in 2002 at three depths (0–7.5, 7.5–15, and 15–30 cm) on a 30‐m grid. Samples were analyzed for physical, chemical, and microbiological properties. Handheld and mobile apparent soil‐profile electrical conductivity (ECa) values were also obtained. Spatial dependence was not identified for many properties. Yet, at a separation distance of ∼40 m, clay and silt content, cation exchange capacity, and Bray‐1 P were spatially autocorrelated for the 15‐ to 30‐cm depth. Soil ECashowed a similar spatial autocorrelation. Spatial variations in most soil properties were better estimated by cross‐semivariance analysis with ECaas a secondary variable than by simple semivariance analysis. Clay content was lowest and mostly homogeneous at the 0‐ to 7.5‐cm depth (mean = 170 g kg−1, SD = 2.0), and highest and most variable at the 15‐ to 30‐cm depth (mean = 410 g kg−1, SD = 15.8). Thus, the spatial characteristics of soil texture and related soil properties varied greatly by depth and landscape position, probably the result of an uneven distribution of topsoil caused by tillage‐accelerated water erosion. We conclude that characterizing the variation in the depth of the claypan horizon is a helpful step in describing other properties for these soils.
Hydraulic Conductivity, Immobile Water Content, and Exchange Coefficient in Three Soil Profiles
Authors: Alletto L. , Coquet Y. , Vachier P. , Labat C.
Published: June 2006

We used tension disk infiltrometers to determine the hydraulic conductivity at the matric potential of −0.1 kPa (K−0.1), the immobile water fraction (θim/θ), and the mass exchange coefficient (α) in three soil profiles of an agricultural field cropped with winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.). A significant effect of soil horizonation was found for K−0.1, θim/θ, and α and could be related to soil structure as determined either by tillage for surface horizons or by pedogenetic factors for subsurface horizons. The seedbed had lower K−0.1 values (31 to 99 mm h−1) than the plowed layer under the seedbed (94–430 mm h−1). The θim/θ was highly variable in the seedbed (0.213 to 0.882), while α had values ranging from 0.0006 to 0.0115 h−1 Values of θim/θ and α in the plow layer under the seedbed were similar but less variable than those found in the seedbed. In the subsoil, clay‐enriched illuvial horizons had K−0.1 values similar to those found in the seedbed, but lower than those of the heavy clay horizon (average value of 260 mm h−1) and the limestone horizons (average value of 450 mm h−1). In the illuvial and heavy clay horizons, both θim/θ and α parameters had a small variability. In the limestone, we found a high variability of both θim/θ values (0.506–0.933) and α values (0.0006–0.0424 h−1) associated with high average values. The presence of subsoil horizons with large θim/θ and low α values may have a significant impact on ground water contamination.
Iron and Phosphate Dissolution during Abiotic Reduction of Ferrihydrite‐Boehmite Mixtures
Authors: Murray G. Christopher , Hesterberg Dean
Published: June 2006

Excessive phosphorus loss from soils poses a threat to surface‐water quality. Soils comprise assemblages of multiple minerals, with Fe‐ and Al‐oxides being important for phosphate sorption. Our objective was to measure reductive dissolution of an Fe‐oxide and sorbed orthophosphate as affected by the presence of an Al‐(hydr)oxide mineral. Aqueous suspensions containing 0.5 g ferrihydrite kg−1and up to 0.7 g boehmite kg−1and KH2PO4added at 750 mmol kg−1of ferrihydrite were abiotically reduced at pH 6.0 for 72 h using 0.5% H2(g)in the presence of a Pt catalyst. A sharp decrease in zero‐order Fe(II) dissolution rate coefficients was observed between 0 and 0.008 g kg−1of added boehmite, whereas net Fe(II) dissolution was essentially null for boehmite additions ≥ 0.02 g kg−1Although net dissolution of PO4occurred over time in the absence of boehmite, a net uptake occurred in the presence of boehmite. Auxiliary experiments suggested that Al(III) dissolved from boehmite decreased Fe(II) dissolution during reduction by sorbing to the ferrihydrite surface and blocking electron transfer. Because PO4was taken up in excess of the maximum boehmite sorption capacity in systems with ≤ 0.008 g boehmite kg−1, results suggested the formation of Al‐phosphate or an Al(III)–PO4complex on ferrihydrite surfaces. Phosphorus K‐XANES spectroscopy of samples collected during reduction of a 1:1 ferrihydrite/boehmite mixture showed no consistent change in sorbed PO4associated with Fe(III) versus Al(III).
Characterizing the Two‐Dimensional Thermal Conductivity Distribution in a Sand and Gravel Aquifer
Authors: Markle Jeff M. , Schincariol Robert A. , Sass John H. , Molson John W.
Published: June 2006

Both hydrologic and thermal transport properties play a significant role in the movement of heat through permeable sedimentary material; however, the thermal conductivity is rarely characterized in detailed spatial resolution. As part of a study of the movement of thermal plumes through a sand and gravel aquifer, we have constructed a two‐dimensional profile of thermal conductivity. This work consisted of: (i) measuring the thermal conductivity of the soil solids, λs, for the main stratigraphic units using the steady‐state divided‐bar apparatus and estimating conductivity from mineral composition; (ii) measuring the volumetric water content and porosity using crosshole ground‐penetrating radar; (iii) evaluating four models used to predict the apparent thermal conductivity, λ, of variably saturated soils and selecting the best model using the information‐theoretic approach, (iv) calculating the λ field on a 0.25‐m square cell grid using measured data and the selected model, and (v) simulating thermal transport within the two‐dimensional domain using a finite element numerical model. The apparent thermal conductivity in the saturated aquifer ranges from 2.14 to 2.69 W m−1 K−1 with a mean of 2.42 W m−1 K−1 Numerical simulations show that the heterogeneous thermal conductivity field results in increased thermal dispersion that is most pronounced at the plume front. Our values for λ and λs may be used for glacial soils with similar mineralogy and texture. Our methods may also be used at other sites to construct the thermal conductivity distribution.
Recovery of Nitrogen in Fresh and Pelletized Poultry Litter by Rice
Authors: Golden Bobby R. , Slaton Nathan A. , Norman Richard J. , Gbur Edward E. , Brye Kristofor R. , DeLong Russell E.
Published: June 2006

The N‐fertilizer value of preplant incorporated poultry litter for rice (Oryza sativa L.) grown using the direct‐seeded, delayed‐flood (DF) production system is unknown. The research objective was to compare preplant incorporated fresh (FPL) and pelleted (PPL) poultry litter with urea applied preflood to determine the urea‐nitrogen (N) equivalence of poultry litter for rice. Fresh and pelleted litter were preplant incorporated at total‐N rates ranging from 34 to 270 kg N ha−1 and compared with urea applied preflood at rates ranging from 34 to 168 kg N ha−1 at five site‐years on silt loam soils. Net‐N uptakes and grain yields between FPL and PPL were similar, but significantly lower when compared with urea applied preflood, regardless of site‐year. By heading, when averaged across all N rates and site‐years, rice recovery of the urea‐N applied preflood averaged 76%. In contrast, the apparent recovery of N applied as FPL or PPL averaged only 14%. Net‐grain yields for rice fertilized with urea increased nonlinearly as N rate increased with near maximal yields produced with ≥101 kg urea‐N ha−1 Grain yields for FPL and PPL increased linearly and approached the near maximal yields produced with urea‐N only when 270 kg total‐N ha−1 was applied. Based on net grain yield, multiplying the total‐N content in FPL and PPL by 0.25 reasonably estimates its equivalence to urea applied preflood. Recommended preflood urea‐N rates should be decreased by 0.25 times the total N applied as poultry litter.
A Comparison of Four Methods of Measuring Gross Phosphorus Mineralization
Authors: Kellogg Laurie E. , Bridgham Scott D. , López-Hernández Danilo
Published: June 2006

This study compared three previously published methods of estimating gross P mineralization: (i) an isotope dilution method that relies on specific activity, (ii) a later isotope dilution method that uses isotopically exchangeable P as the response variable, and (iii) a differential extraction method. We adapted the isotope dilution method (KB) commonly used for gross N mineralization for gross P mineralization. We evaluated two methods used to correct for adsorption of 32P: sterilized soil incubations and a simulation model. Finally, we examined the necessity of including microbial biomass P as a component of labile P for the isotope dilution methods. The three previously published methods gave highly variable estimates of gross P mineralization, and our data suggest that critical assumptions of each method were violated. We recommend the KB method because its assumptions were generally met and it requires no sterilized samples. The KB method represents net mineralization because there is no correction for adsorption/desorption, which we have shown to be complex and difficult to interpret in nonsterilized samples. Modeled and estimated adsorption were often different, and relative differences varied among soil types. We also recommend combining the extractable inorganic P and microbial biomass P fractions into a single “labile” pool for isotopic‐dilution studies and that the incubations are run over no more than 3 to 5 d. Although the KB method represents a conservative estimate of P mineralization as net P mineralization, it corresponds to a useful indicator in comparing potentially any soil type.
Comparison of Pesticide Transport Processes in Three Tile‐Drained Field Soils Using HYDRUS‐2D
Authors: Boivin Arnaud , Šimůnek Jirka , Schiavon Michel , van Genuchten Martinus Th.
Published: June 2006

The purpose of this study was to assess the transport of the herbicide bentazone [3‐(1‐methylethyl)‐1H‐2,1,3‐benzothiadiazin‐4(3H)‐one 2,2‐dioxide] in three contrasting tile‐drained cultivated field soils subject to otherwise similar experimental conditions. Observed drain discharge rates and chemical concentrations in the drainage water reflected the different transport processes at the three sites in the same area of northeastern France: a sandy loam site (Villey), a silt loam site (Bouzule‐1), and a silty clay site (Bouzule‐2). The sandy loam site showed very little tile drainage (240 m3 ha−1) during the 100‐d study in the spring of 2002, as well as low chemical losses in the drainage water (0.16% [v/v] of the applied amount). While little drainage was observed also for the silty clay soil (175 m3 ha−1), observed pesticide losses were considerably larger (1.25% of the applied amount). The silt loam soil, in comparison, showed much more drainage (521 m3 ha−1) and the highest chemical loads in the drainage water (2.7% of the applied amount). Numerical simulations of drain discharge with the HYDRUS‐2D variably saturated flow and solute transport model compared well with the observed data for the relatively homogeneous sandy loam (Villey) and the silt loam (Bouzule‐1) soils. The saturated hydraulic conductivity of the bottom layer in both cases was key to correctly predicting the drainage fluxes. Accurate predictions of the silty clay field data (Bouzule‐2) could be obtained only when the soil hydraulic functions were modified to account for preferential flow through drying cracks near the soil surface. Chemical concentrations could be better described using a dual‐porosity (mobile–immobile water type) transport model for all three soils, including the sandy loam. Results indicate that water and pesticide transport in soils is governed by site‐specific processes. Optimal use of the HYDRUS‐2D flow and transport model allowed a reasonable description of the field‐scale pesticide processes using only a limited number of adjustable parameters.
ACSM3 Suppresses Ovarian Cancer Progression by Inactivating the IFN‐γ/JAK/STAT3 Signaling Pathway
Authors: Wang Juan , Sun Yanqiu , Wu Ruixue
Published: February 2025

This study aimed to investigate the role of Acyl‐CoA medium‐chain synthetase 3 (ACSM3) in ovarian cancer (OC) progression. ACSM3 expression in OC tissues and cells is detected by real‐time quantitative polymerase chain reaction, immunohistochemistry, or western blot. The influences of ACSM3 on OC progression are assessed in vitro and in vivo experiments. Gene set enrichment analysis is performed to find significantly enriched pathways related to ACSM3. In this study, ACSM3 expression in OC tissues and cells is downregulated. ACSM3 inhibited tumor growth in vivo. Knockdown of ACSM3 promoted cell proliferation, migration, and invasion, inhibited cell apoptosis, and activated JAK/STAT3 signaling pathway in SKOV3 cells, while overexpression of ACSM3 in A2780 cells led to the opposite results. Moreover, treatment with interferon‐gamma (IFN‐γ) in A2780 cells reversed the effects of ACSM3 on cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and apoptosis, but IFN‐γ further enhanced the effects of ACSM3 knockdown on SKOV3 cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and apoptosis. In conclusion, ACSM3 inhibited OC cell proliferation, migration, and invasion, and promoted cell apoptosis by suppressing the IFN‐γ/JAK/STAT3 signaling pathway, which might provide a promising therapeutic target for OC treatment.
Generation of Advanced Blood–Brain Barrier Spheroids Using Human‐Induced Pluripotent Stem Cell‐Derived Brain Capillary Endothelial‐Like Cells
Authors: Mathew‐Schmitt Sanjana , Oerter Sabrina , Reitenbach Evelin , Gätzner Sabine , Höchner Alevtina , Jahnke Heinz‐Georg , Piontek Jörg , Neuhaus Winfried , Brachner Andreas , Metzger Marco , Appelt‐Menzel Antje
Published: February 2025

Extensively studied blood–brain barrier (BBB) in‐vitro models are established on 2D cell culture inserts. However, they do not accurately represent 3D in‐vivo microenvironments due to lack of direct neurovascular unit cellular contacts. Here, the establishment and characterization of a self‐assembled 3D BBB spheroid model using human‐induced pluripotent stem cell (hiPSC)‐derived brain capillary endothelial‐like cells (iBCECs) in combination with primary human astrocytes (ACs) and pericytes (PCs) are reported. This investigation compares 3D spheroids with 2D mono‐cultured iBCECs derived from two different hiPSC lines and two differentiation strategies. It is observed that spheroid properties vary depending on the differentiation strategy or type of hiPSC line applied for model generation. However, spheroids demonstrate in‐vivo like tight junction ultrastructure and, in comparison to 2D models, higher transcript expression of BBB specific genes. Furthermore, they possess characteristic barrier integrity, barrier functionality, and protein expression. It is inferred that hiPSC‐derived BBB spheroids hold a strong potential as a reliable future BBB in‐vitro test system.
Exceptional Cooling Capacity of LiGd0.1Yb0.9F4 at Sub‐Kelvin Temperatures
Authors: Xu Qiao‐Fei , Zhao Peng , Chen Man‐Ting , Wu Ruo‐Tong , Dai Wei , Long La‐Sheng , Zheng Lan‐Sun
Published: February 2025

Adiabatic demagnetization refrigeration, which utilizes the magnetocaloric effect of magnetic refrigerants, stands as the sole cooling technology capable of achieving sub‐Kelvin temperatures efficiently and reliably without relying on scarce 3He resources or gravity. However, current sub‐Kelvin magnetic refrigerants encounter challenges such as structural instability in vacuum or under mild heating, along with small magnetic entropy change (−ΔSm) values, which significantly limit their practical applications. Here a water‐free magnetic refrigerant, LiGd0.1Yb0.9F4 is reported, prepared by introducing Li⁺ ions to reduce the dipolar interactions between Gd3+ ions and/or Yb3+ ions. Notably, this refrigerant possesses a magnetic ordering temperature of 85 mK, while its experimental −ΔSm reaches up to 136 mJ cm−3 K−1 (0.68 K and 2 T), more than three times the theoretical value of CrK(SO4)2·12H2O. Significantly, this refrigerant not only cools the test sample to temperatures as low as 160 mK but also achieves a specific cooling capacity of 46.943 mJ cm−3 T−1 at 300 mK. Remarkably, the specific cooling capacity at 300 mK is more than double that of commercial CrK(SO4)2·12H2O, representing one of the most notable values reported among all known magnetic refrigerants operating at sub‐Kelvin temperatures.
Chitosan‐Graft‐Gelatin Hydrogel Containing Bromothymol Blue as a Food Spoilage Indicator for Intelligent Food Packaging
Authors: Far Bahareh Farasati , Jahanbakhshi Mehdi , Jameie Leila , Shojaei Asefeh , Zarei Kimia , Taromi Parsa , Jafarzadeh Shima , Ertas Yavuz Nuri
Published: February 2025

A remarkable one‐third of global food production is wasted, resulting in significant economic damage and escalating food insecurity. To address this sustainability challenge, freshness identification in food packaging using intelligent materials has gained traction. This work introduces a chitosan‐graft‐gelatin (CS‐g‐GEL) hydrogel, incorporating a pH‐responsive dye, bromothymol blue (BTB), as a colorimetric freshness indicator to monitor the spoilage of chicken breasts. The successful formulation of the hydrogels is verified using FTIR, AFM, SEM, TGA, and 1HNMR characterization techniques. At pH 5 and pH 7.4, the swelling capacity of the hydrogel is 790% and 470%, respectively. A rise in colony‐forming units (CFU) from 5.5 on day 1–7.4 log CFU g−1 on day 7 indicate microbial activity, and the production of carbon dioxide due to deteriorating food freshness decreases the pH in the food package. Additionally, CO2 concentrations rise from 3.2 on day 1–22.1 (% v/v) on day 7, while O2 levels decreases from 23.8 to near 0.5 (% v/v) in the same period. The developed hydrogel is demonstrated to serve as a smart and visual indicator of food freshness and offers a new dimension in the use of intelligent materials toward a global challenge.
Active Luminous Quantum Dot Self‐Assembled Microsphere Volumetric Display
Authors: Li Guihai , Liu Ruixiang , Wang Lei , Zhao Leilei , Yang Xiaoting , Shen Huaibin , Fan Fengjia
Published: February 2025

Volumetric display is a type of technology that generates visuals in three dimensions. The image formed in this manner can be viewed with the naked eye without the need for any wearable device. The volumetric display generates a 3D image that is real in size and appears to be a vivid object that can be viewed from any direction, allowing the viewer to interact with the image. A volumetric display technique based on light‐emitting colloidal quantum dots (CQDs) is developed, thanks to their flexible assembly capability, low heat conductivity, and attainable high photoluminescence quantum yield (PLQY). This approach uses a single laser beam to create a 3D display with a micrometer resolution. The effect of CQD's heat capacity and heat conductivity on the microsphere's photophoretic force (PPF) is investigated, and the results suggest that only heat conductivity has a significant impact on the PPF. It is also discovered that the shape and size of the microsphere have a great impact on the PPF; microspheres with a diameter comparable to the size of the optical trap, or with a nonspherical shape, are more easily captured.
High‐Performance Self‐Driven MAPbI3‐MAPbBr3 Perovskite Single Crystal Heterojunction Photodetectors for Ultra‐Sensitive Weak Light Imaging
Authors: Liu Chenyang , Wang Rui , Liu Jialin , Xu Wenli , Zhang He , Liu Xinying , Huo Xiangyu , Cui Xueying , Sun Haiqing , Liu Rui , Zhu Huiling , Zhang Weiwei , Ding Jianxu
Published: February 2025

The rapid advancement of optoelectronic devices, particularly photodetectors, demands enhanced sensitivity for detecting weak light. In this study, MAPbI3‐MAPbBr3 perovskite single crystal heterojunctions (SCHs) are fabricated via atomic force bonding using liquid‐phase epitaxy, with polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) serving as a substrate protector. The resulting SCHs photodetector exhibits self‐driven operation, an ultra‐low dark current, and a high on‐off ratio of 5.8 × 104 at 0 V bias. Under weak illumination and 5 V bias, the device achieves a maximum external quantum efficiency of 414.9%. With a remarkable detection rate of 4.5 × 1013 Jones, the device demonstrates outstanding potential for weak light imaging. Furthermore, the self‐driven SCHs photodetector enables high‐quality imaging under a 445 nm light source at a remarkably low intensity of 2.7 µW cm−2, without the need for any external power supply.
Porous Metallophilic Frameworks Incorporating Metal–Organic Chains as Humidity Sensors Exploring Uranyl Photoluminescence
Authors: Zakrzewski Jakub J. , Jędrzejowski Damian , Wang Junhao , Tokoro Hiroko , Ohkoshi Shin‐ichi , Matoga Dariusz , Chorazy Szymon
Published: February 2025

Luminescent coordination polymers, including metal–organic frameworks, serve as a platform for optical sensing of physical and chemical stimuli, including temperature or pressure for the former, gases, solvent vapors, explosives, toxic species, etc. for the latter. The related materials built of uranyl cations, UO22+, remain unexplored, despite their tunable photoluminescence. While recently, bimetallic coordination and supramolecular systems built of cyanido metal complexes have proven a successful pathway toward stimuli‐responsive materials, their combination with uranyl species is limited. Here, the construction of novel uranyl‐based systems demonstrating a distinct sensitivity of emission to solvent vapors is reported, which is achieved by generating metal–organic, i.e, uranyl–2,4′‐bipyridine‐N,N’‐dioxide, chains that are arranged into a porous supramolecular framework by metallophilic interactions between attached tetracyanidometallates(II), [MII(CN)4]2− (MII = Pd, 1; Pt, 2). Both resulting materials reveal reversible single‐crystal‐to‐single‐crystal transformation upon removal of crystallization solvent molecules, which is due to the flexibility of metallophilic interactions forming a porous metallophilic framework resembling MOF‐74. The presence of infinite channels introduces sensing capabilities to water vapors while the emissive character leads to the humidity‐variable emission characteristics, including the strong variation in emission intensity and lifetime. The obtained systems exhibit repeatable adsorption and emission characteristics, meeting the criteria for luminescent sensors.
Smart Targeting Layer on Silver Nanowire Electrodes Achieving Efficiency Breakthroughs in ITO‐Free Conventional Flexible Organic Solar Cells
Authors: Xia Jinfeng , Zhu Juan , Chen Haiyang , Zeng Guang , Wan Juanyong , Zhang Ben , Lee Seunglok , Xu Jiacheng , Cao Jianlei , Wu Xiaoxiao , Ding Junyuan , Yang Leishuo , Chen Weijie , Yang Changduk , Li Yaowen , Li Yongfang
Published: February 2025

Silver nanowire (AgNW) electrodes, known for their intrinsic flexibility and tunable optoelectronic properties, have garnered considerable attention for use in flexible organic solar cells (OSCs). However, in conventional OSCs, their low work function (WF) causes energy‐level mismatches with classic aqueous hole transport layers (HTLs), while their poor hydrophilicity hinders the formation of optimized HTL morphology and crystallinity, posing challenges to their integration into high‐performance OSCs. To address these issues, functionally targeted molecules with a thiol group at one end and strong electron‐withdrawing, hydrophilic functional groups at the other are precisely engineered to wrap around the AgNW electrodes. The thiol group facilitates the formation of robust self‐assembled molecules (SAMs) on the AgNW electrodes through stable S−Ag chemical bonds at room temperature. The strong electron‐withdrawing groups generate notable molecular and interfacial dipoles that effectively raise the WF of AgNW electrodes. Notably, the hydrophilic groups not only improve electrode wettability but also promote strong hydrogen bonding interactions with HTL, leading to substantial improvements in the morphology and crystallinity of the HTL. This precision wrapping strategy enables the fabrication of high‐efficient conventional flexible OSCs, achieving a record power conversion efficiency of 18.84 % (certified at 18.56 %) for flexible OSCs based on ITO‐free transparent electrodes.
Comparison of Catalytic Behaviors of Brønsted Versus Lewis Acidic MOFs in Synthesis of 2,4,5‐Trisubstituted Imidazoles
Authors: Devarajan Nainamalai , Saravanakumar Natarajan , Suresh Palaniswamy
Published: February 2025

The catalytic efficacy of the Lewis acidic site in Cu3(BTC)2 MOF was compared with the Brønsted acidic site in MIL‐101‐SO3H MOF. Both Lewis and Brønsted acidic MOFs demonstrate strong conversion rates in the synthesis of 2,4,5‐triaryl imidazoles through a one‐pot multicomponent reaction under a microwave condition. This outcome underscores the stability and reusability of both MOFs. The catalytic activity of the MOFs relies on the facile accessibility of catalytically active centers/sites to the reactants. Superior results were achieved with MIL‐101‐SO3H MOF's Brønsted acidic sites compared with Cu3(BTC)2 MOF's Lewis acidic sites due to the latter's shortcomings in reusability and stability as a catalyst in the synthesis of 2,4,5‐TSIs (2,4,5‐trisubstituted imidazoles). MIL‐101‐SO3H MOF can be reused multiple times without any loss in its catalytic activity, as demonstrated by hot filtration tests and various analytical techniques such as FTIR, powder XRD, SEM, and EDAX conducted on both fresh and reused MOF catalysts.
Response Surface Method (RSM) Process Optimization of Sulfides Oxidation in the Presence of Orange Peel Extract Immobilized Magnetic Hybrid Nanocomposite Catalyst
Authors: Tamoradi Taiebeh , Zarei‐Ahmady Amanollah , Karmakar Bikash , Nabizade Nafise
Published: February 2025

The oxidative transformation of sulfides to sulfoxides over magnetic green catalysts is one of the most important applications in pharmaceuticals. In this report, we demonstrate the step‐by‐step fabrication and synthesis of CoFe2O4, CuFe2O4, and Fe3O4 nanocomposite modified with orange peel extract complexes as advanced high‐performance magnetic nanocomposite materials. One of the goals of this project was to use phenolic acid phytochemicals in the catalytic process. The newly synthesized nanocomposites were characterized by several advanced analytical methods. Utilizing the Box–Behnken experimental design and the response surface methodology (RSM), reaction parameters such the amount of catalyst, hydrogen peroxide, and duration were improved. Furthermore, without experiencing a discernible loss of reactivity in the sulfide oxidation reaction, the catalysts were effortlessly magnetically retrieved and may be employed repeatedly.