bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Indusrtial and Commercial Applications of Used Defense Technical Textiles Polymer Product Recycling
Authors: Desai Dinesh , Jain Kintu , Solanki Nirav 
Published: November 2012

AbstractSummary: The global market for technical textiles is rising as never before. Although US and EU continue to be major manufacturers and consumers of technical textiles, the Asian countries like China and India have recently emerged as chief production centers of technical textiles. In the year 2000, the world market for technical textiles was estimated to have value of US $ 93 billion, which has already crossed US$126 billion in 2010. Also in last five years, the textiles disposed of in landfill sites have raised from 7% to 30% in US alone. Soon the technical textile will have similar story all over the world because this being very strong, durable and versatile material and hence, will not degrade or destroy easily in the nature. With increase of its demand and consumption, the problem for its disposal will also increase many fold. The technical textiles are grouped in 12 main categories. Out of it, Protech (personal and property protection) textile, broadly refers to “Defense Textile” has been given special reference in this paper. Experiments have shown that the major properties of these textiles do no deteriorate much even after its main use for years. Finally ways and means for innovative, added‐value applications for recycled defense textiles and making desirable products out of recycled post‐consumer materials are explained in this paper.
Vermicomposting of Coffee Processing Wastes Using Exotic (Eudrilus Eugeniae) and Native Earthworm (Perionyx Ceylanesis) Species
Authors: Raphael Kurian , Sureka  , Velmourougane K. 
Published: November 2012

AbstractSummary: Coffee pulp is the main solid residue from the wet processing of coffee berries. Recent stringent measures by Pollution Control authorities, made it mandatory to treat all the solid and liquid waste emanating from the coffee farms. A study was conducted to evaluate the efficiency of an exotic (Eudrilus eugeniae) and a native earthworm (Perionyx ceylanesis) from coffee farm for decomposition of coffee pulp into valuable vermicompost. Exotic earthworms were found to degrade the coffee pulp faster (112 days) as compared to the native worms (165 days) and the vermicomposting efficiency (77.9%) and vermicompost yield (389 kg) were found to significantly higher with native worms. The multiplication rate of earthworms (280%) and worm yield (3.78 kg) recorded significantly higher with the exotic earthworms. The percentage of nitrogen, phosphorous, potassium, calcium and magnesium in vermicompost was found to increase while C:N ratio, pH and total organic carbon declined as a function of the vermicomposting. Vermicompost and vermicasts from native earthworms recorded significantly higher functional microbial group's population as compared to the exotic worms. The study reveals that coffee pulp can be very well used as substrate for vermicomposting using exotic (Eudrilus eugeniae) and native earthworm (Perionyx ceylanesis).
The regulator HlyU, the repeat‐in‐toxin gene rtxA1, and their roles in the pathogenesis of Vibrio vulnificus infections
Authors: Liu Moqing , Crosa Jorge H. 
Published: November 2012

AbstractHlyU is a master regulator that plays an essential role in the virulence of the human pathogen Vibrio vulnificus. One of the most noteworthy characteristics of HlyU regulation in this organism is its positive control of the expression of the repeat‐in‐toxin (RtxA1) gene, one of the most important virulence factors accounting for the fulminating and damaging nature of V. vulnificus infections. In this work, we reviewed the latest studies of RtxA1 in this bacterium and highlight the mechanism of gene regulation of rtxA1 expression by HlyU under a broader gene regulatory network.
Extragenic suppressor mutations that restore twitching motility to fimL mutants of Pseudomonas aeruginosa are associated with elevated intracellular cyclic AMP levels
Authors: Nolan Laura M. , Beatson Scott A. , Croft Larry , Jones Peter M. , George Anthony M. , Mattick John S. , Turnbull Lynne , Whitchurch Cynthia B. 
Published: November 2012

AbstractCyclic AMP (cAMP) is a signaling molecule that is involved in the regulation of multiple virulence systems of the opportunistic pathogen Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The intracellular concentration of cAMP in P. aeruginosa cells is tightly controlled at the levels of cAMP synthesis and degradation through regulation of the activity and/or expression of the adenylate cyclases CyaA and CyaB or the cAMP phosphodiesterase CpdA. Interestingly, mutants of fimL, which usually demonstrate defective twitching motility, frequently revert to a wild‐type twitching‐motility phenotype presumably via the acquisition of an extragenic suppressor mutation(s). In this study, we have characterized five independent fimL twitching‐motility revertants and have determined that all have increased intracellular cAMP levels compared with the parent fimL mutant. Whole‐genome sequencing revealed that only one of these fimL revertants has acquired a loss‐of‐function mutation in cpdA that accounts for the elevated levels of intracellular cAMP. As mutation of cpdA did not account for the restoration of twitching motility observed in the other four fimL revertants, these observations suggest that there is at least another, as yet unidentified, site of extragenic suppressor mutation that can cause phenotypic reversion in fimL mutants and modulation of intracellular cAMP levels of P. aeruginosa.
Influence of maternal low protein diet during pregnancy on hepatic gene expression signature in juvenile female porcine offspring
Authors: Döring Frank , Lüersen Kai , Schmelzer Constance , Hennig Steffen , Lang Iris S. , Görs Solvig , Rehfeldt Charlotte , Otten Winfried , Metges Cornelia C. 
Published: November 2012

ScopeEpidemiological and experimental evidence indicates that maternal nutrition status contributes to long‐term changes in the metabolic phenotype of the offspring, a process known as fetal programming.Methods and resultsWe have used a swine model (Sus scrofa) to analyze consequences of a maternal low protein diet (about 50% of control) during pregnancy on hepatic lipid metabolism and genome‐wide hepatic gene expression profile of juvenile female offspring (mean age 85 days). We found 318 S. scrofa genes to be differentially expressed in the liver at age 85 days. In the low protein offspring group key genes of fatty acid de novo synthesis were downregulated whereas several genes of lipolysis and phospholipid biosynthesis were upregulated. qRT‐PCR analysis of selected genes verified microarray data and revealed linear correlations between gene expression levels and slaughter weight. Hepatic cholesterol 7α hydroxylase protein expression tended to be lower in the low protein group. Total lipid and triglyceride content and fatty acid composition of total lipids were not different between groups.ConclusionA maternal low protein diet during pregnancy induces a distinct hepatic gene expression signature in juvenile female pigs which was not translated into phenotypical changes of liver lipid metabolism.
Bladder and urethral function in a mouse model of cavernous nerve injury
Authors: Lee Seong Ho , Lysiak Jeffrey J. , Steers William D. 
Published: November 2012

AbstractAimsTo determine whether cavernous nerve injury (CNI) alters lower urinary tract function, we assessed bladder and urethral function over time in a mouse model of CNI.MethodsTwelve‐week‐old male C57BL/6 mice were divided into three groups: unoperated (UO; n = 6), sham‐operated (SO; n = 18), and bilateral CNI (n = 30) group. At 1, 2, 4, 6, 8, 10 days bladder and urethral function were evaluated in these three groups using cystometry (CMG) and leak point pressure (LPP) recording under anesthesia.ResultsThere was no significant difference in maximum detrusor pressure between groups at all times. Compared with the UO group, bladder compliance, and capacity in the CNI group were significantly decreased at Days 1, 2, 4 (P < 0.05) and recovered gradually from Day 6 to Day 10. In the SO group, they were decreased at Day 1, however, recovered more rapidly than the CNI group. Non‐voiding contractions (NVC) developed in the CNI group at all times. Intercontraction interval were significantly decreased in SO and CNI groups and recovered more rapidly in SO group. In the SO group NVC were observed only at Days 1 and 2. LPP in the CNI group was decreased significantly at Days 1 and 2 (P < 0.05) and rapidly recovered with time compared with the UO and SO groups.ConclusionIn a mouse model of CNI, a transient decrease in bladder compliance, capacity, LPP and increased NVC was observed. These changes gradually recovered from Day 6 after CNI. Our findings suggest that CNI may affect bladder and urethral function, but alterations are reversible. Neurourol. Urodynam. 32: 1038–1043, 2013. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Contextual Factors and Negotiating Spaces: Exploring the Emergence of Nonprofit and Hybrid Voluntary Organizations
Authors: Chikoto Grace L. , Halicki Michael 
Published: November 2012

AbstractThe emergence of nonprofit organizations has largely been explained by the prevalent “three failures” theory. However, evidence suggests that such theories fail to capture a variety of contextual nuances that may influence nonprofit formation. In particular, these theories have remained relatively silent about the emergence of hybrid voluntary organizations. This article posits the notion that some nonprofit organizations (for example, hybrid voluntary organizations) emerge through cross‐sector negotiations, amid a number of social, policy, and political contextual complexities. We contend that any theory purporting to explain the emergence of nonprofit organizations should not neglect to account for the role contextual factors play in defining their emergence and their subsequent character and function.
Robust feedback design for combined therapy of cancer
Authors: Alamir Mazen 
Published: November 2012

SUMMARYIn this paper, a mathematical model for the scheduling of angiogenic inhibitors with a killing agent is used to derive a robust state feedback control for the combined therapy of cancer. Robustness is considered against parameter uncertainties through the solution of the associated Hamilton–Jacobi–Isaacs (HJI) partial differential equation. Unlike open‐loop optimal control paradigm, solving the HJI equation provides a guaranteed‐cost feedback control and a whole visibility of the achievable performance for any possible initial state within the region of interest and for any predefined level of parameter uncertainties. Numerical investigation is proposed using an existing model that has been partially validated using human data. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Combat or surveillance? Evaluation of the heterogeneous inflammatory breast cancer microenvironment
Authors: Krüger Juliane M , Wemmert Cédric , Sternberger Ludovic , Bonnas Christel , Dietmann Gabriele , Gançarski Pierre , Feuerhake Friedrich 
Published: November 2012

AbstractEvaluation of specific lymphocyte subsets is important in understanding the microenvironment in cancer and holds promise as a prognostic parameter in invasive breast cancer. To address this, we used digital image analysis to integrate cell abundance, distance metrics, neighbourhood relationships and sample heterogeneity into comprehensive assessment of immune infiltrates. Lymphocyte and macrophage subpopulations were detected by chromogenic duplex immunohistochemistry forCD3/perforin andCD68/CD163in samples of invasive breast cancer. The analysis workflow combined commercial and open‐source software modules. We confirmed the accuracy of automated detection of cells with lymphoid morphology [concordance correlation coefficient (CCC), 0.92 forCD3+‐T lymphocytes], whereas variable morphology limited automated classification of macrophages as distinct cellular objects (CCC, 0.43 for object‐based detection; 0.79 for pixel‐based area analysis). Using a supervised learning algorithm that clustered image areas according to lymphocyte abundance, grouping behaviour and distance to tumour cells, we identified recurrent infiltration patterns reflecting different grades of direct interaction between tumour and immune effector cells. The approach provided comprehensive visual and statistical assessment of the inflammatory tumour microenvironment and allowed quantitative estimation of heterogeneous immune cell distribution. Cases with dense lymphocytic infiltrates (8/33) contained up to 65% of areas in which observed distances between tumour and immune cells suggested a low chance of direct contact, indicating the presence of regions where tumour cells might be protected from immune attack. In contrast, cases with moderate (11/33) or low (14/33) lymphocyte density occasionally comprised areas of focally intense interaction, likely not to be captured by conventional scores. Our approach improves the conventional evaluation of immune cell density scores by translating objective distance metrics into reproducible, largely observer‐independent interaction patterns.
Different fever definitions and the rate of fever and neutropenia diagnosed in children with cancer: A retrospective two‐center cohort study
Authors: Binz Patrizia , Bodmer Nicole , Leibundgut Kurt , Teuffel Oliver , Niggli Felix K , Ammann Roland A 
Published: November 2012

AbstractBackgroundThe definition of fever, and thus fever and neutropenia (FN), varies between different pediatric oncology centers. Higher temperature limit should reduce FN rates, but may increase rates of FN with complications by delaying therapy. This study determined if different fever definitions are associated with different FN rates.ProcedureTwo pediatric oncology centers had used three fever definitions in 2004–2011: ear temperature ≥38.5°C persisting ≥2 hours (low definition); axillary temperature ≥38.5°C ≥2 hours or ≥39.0°C once (middle); and ear temperature ≥39.0°C once (high). Clinical information was retrospectively extracted from charts. FN rates were compared using mixed Poisson regression.ResultsIn 521 pediatric patients with cancer, 783 FN were recorded during 6,009 months cumulative chemotherapy exposure time (501 years; rate, 0.13/month [95% CI, 0.12–0.14]), 124 of them with bacteremia (16%; 0.021/month [0.017–0.025]). In univariate analysis, the high versus low fever definition was associated with a lower FN rate (0.10/month [0.08–0.11] vs. 0.15/month [0.13–0.16]; rate ratio, 0.66 [0.45–0.97]; P = 0.036), the middle definition was intermediate (0.13/month [0.11–0.15]). This difference was not confirmed in multivariate analysis (rate ratio, 0.94 [0.67–1.33]; P = 0.74). The high versus low definition was not associated with an increased rate of FN with bacteremia (multivariate rate ratio, 1.39 [0.53–3.62]; P = 0.50).ConclusionA higher fever definition was not associated with a lower FN rate, nor with an increased rate of FN with bacteremia. These may be false negative findings due to methodological limitations. These questions, with their potential impact on health‐related quality of life, and on costs, need to be assessed in prospective studies. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2013; 60: 799–805. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Prevalence of vitamin D insufficiency in survivors of childhood cancer
Authors: Choudhary Abha , Chou Joanne , Heller Glenn , Sklar Charles 
Published: November 2012

AbstractBackgroundData on 25‐hydroxyvitamin D (25‐OH D) status among survivors of childhood cancer are limited. Our aim was to determine the prevalence of and risk factors for 25‐OH D insufficiency in a large, diverse population of cancer survivors being followed in a childhood cancer survivor clinic.ProcedureRetrospective chart review in survivors seen for routine long‐term follow‐up, who underwent routine screening blood studies including 25‐OH D levels. Vitamin D insufficiency was defined as 25‐OH D <20 ng/ml.ResultsFour hundred eighty‐four subjects (234 males) were evaluable for this analysis. Median age at 25‐OH D testing was 12.3 years (2.05–36.4) and median age at cancer diagnosis was 3.9 years (0–18). Diagnoses included brain tumors (23.6%), neuroblastoma (21%), and leukemia (17.6%). Mean 25‐OH D level was 25.2 ng/ml (SD = 10.37); 29% of subjects were 25‐OH D insufficient. In univariate analysis, race, pubertal status, and age at cancer diagnosis were associated with 25‐OH D insufficiency (P < 0.05). In multivariate analysis, a model including race and pubertal status provided a good fit for the data.ConclusionsThe prevalence of 25‐OH D insufficiency in these cancer survivors was high but similar to what has been described in the general population. No cancer specific variables were associated with 25‐OH D insufficiency. Since cancer survivors are at a higher risk for subsequent malignancies, cardiovascular disease, and low bone mineral density, all of which may be affected by 25‐OH D levels, interventions to improve 25‐OH D status in this vulnerable population are needed. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2013; 60: 1237–1239. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Improving medication administration in nursing home residents with swallowing difficulties: sustainability of the effect of a multifaceted medication safety programme
Authors: Stuijt Clementine C. M. , Klopotowska Joanna E. , van Driel Chantal Kluft‐ , Le Nhut , Binnekade Jan , van der Kleij Bea , van der Schors Tjalling , van den Bemt Patricia , Lie‐A‐Huen Loraine 
Published: November 2012

ABSTRACTBackgroundCrushing solid oral dosage forms is an important risk factor for medication administration errors (MAEs) in patients with swallowing difficulties. Nursing home (NH) residents, especially those on psychogeriatric wards, have a high prevalence of such difficulties.ContextSix different psychogeriatric wards in two Dutch NH facilities, participating over a total period of 1 year divided into preintervention, implementation, and the first and second evaluation period.Key measures for improvementNumber of MAEs per number of observed medication administrations calculated for all and three subtypes of MAEs: crushing–uncrushable–medication, inappropriate–technique, and food–drug interactions.Strategies for changeThe intervention included (i) education for nursing staff about crushing medication safely, (ii) a medication administration protocol for patients with swallowing difficulties, (iii) a ‘do‐not‐crush‐medication’ pocket card for the nursing staff, (iv) screening of medication charts by pharmacy technicians on potential crushing problems, and (v) advices on medication charts on safe medication administration to residents with swallowing problems.Effects of changeThe number of crushing uncrushable medication errors, an MAE subtype with the highest potential risk for patient harm, was reduced significantly from 19 (9.6%) to 7 (3.0%; first evaluation period), adjusted odds ratio 0.20 (OR = 95%CI, 0.07–0.55). During the second evaluation period, the proportion crushing uncrushable medications errors was the only outcome that remained significantly lower in comparison with the preintervention period (p = 0.045).Lessons learnedIntroduction of a multifaceted medication safety programme in NH facilities by a pharmacy team is a tool towards safer medication administration practice in residents with swallowing difficulties. Commitment on organisational level is, however, vital to achieve sustainable improvements. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effect of different crosslinkers on properties of melamine formaldehyde‐furfuryl alcohol copolymer/montmorillonite impregnated softwood (Ficus hispida)
Authors: Hazarika Ankita , Maji Tarun K. 
Published: November 2012

AbstractMelamine formaldehyde‐furfuryl alcohol (MFFA) copolymer was prepared and impregnated into softwood Ficus hispida in combination with crosslinking agent and montmorillonite (MMT) under vacuum condition. Different crosslinkers namely n‐methylol acrylamide, (NMA), 2‐hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA) and 1,3‐dimethylol‐4,5‐dihydroxyethyleneurea (DMDHEU) were used for evaluation of properties of the prepared composites. Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) studies confirmed the formation of MFFA copolymer, NMA, and DMDHEU crosslinkers. X‐ray diffractometry (XRD) and FTIR studies were used to characterize the nanocomposites. The incorporation of MMT decreased the crystallinity of wood composites as revealed by XRD study. Maximum interaction was found in wood samples treated with MFFA/(NMA+HEMA+DMDHEU)/MMT as shown by FTIR study. The incorporation of MMT into the wood polymer composite was revealed by transmission electron microscopy study. Thermal stability and flammability were checked by thermogravimetric analyzer and limiting oxygen index instrument. Wood treated with MFFA, blended crosslinker and MMT exhibited higher dimensional stability, lower water uptake (%), enhanced chemical resistance, and better mechanical properties (flexural, tensile, and hardness). SEM study indicated the presence of polymer and MMT in the void spaces of wood. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 2013. © 2012 Society of Plastics Engineers
Effects of coagulation bath temperature on performances of polyethersulfone membranes modified by nanosilver particles in situ reduction
Authors: Wang Yue , Shi Baoli , Li Xiaocan 
Published: November 2012

AbstractIn this work, an in situ reduction method was used to prepare nanosilver‐modified polyethersulfone (PES‐Ag) ultrafiltration membranes by mixing up the reducing agent ethylene glycol and the protective agent polyvinylpyrrolidone to reduce AgNO3 in the casting solution. The effects of coagulation bath temperature (CBT) on the separation performances, antifouling property, tensile strength, and stability of the nanosilver particles were researched. The results indicated that when the PES‐Ag membranes were prepared in 40°C coagulation bath, the loss rate of nanosilver particles during preparation was minimum, only 18.5%. With the CBT increasing from 20 to 60°C, the water flux of the PES and PES‐Ag membranes increased, whereas the rejection rate decreased. The largest flux reached 471 L·m−2·h−1 for PES‐Ag membranes prepared at 60°C and the rejection was over 90%. The results of contact angle and flux recovery ratio showed that PES‐Ag membranes had better hydrophilicity and antifouling property. Furthermore, the PES‐Ag membranes could inhibit Escherichia coli from growing. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 2013. © 2012 Society of Plastics Engineers