bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Morphological studies of blends of conjugated polymers and acceptor molecules using langevin dynamics simulations
Authors: Marsh Hilary S. , Jayaraman Arthi 
Published: October 2012

AbstractWe use coarse‐grained Langevin dynamics simulations of blends of generic conjugated polymers and acceptor molecules to show how architecture (e.g., side chains, backbone flexibility of oligomers) and the pair‐wise interactions between the constituents of the blend affect morphology and phase transition. Alkyl side chains on the conjugated oligomer backbones shift the liquid crystal (LC) transition temperature from that of bare conjugated backbones and the direction of the shift depends on backbone–backbone interactions. Rigid backbones and constrained side chains cause a layer‐by‐layer morphology of conjugated polymers and amorphous acceptors, whereas flexible backbones and unconstrained side chains facilitate highly ordered acceptor arrangement. Strong backbone–backbone attraction shifts LC transition to higher temperatures than weak backbone–backbone attraction, and strong acceptor–acceptor attraction increases acceptor aggregation. Pure macro‐phase separated domains form when all pair‐wise interactions in the blend are strongly attractive, whereas interconnected domains form at intermediate acceptor–acceptor attraction and strong polymer–polymer attractions. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys, 2013
The hydrogel containing a novel vesicle‐like soft crosslinker, a “trilayered” polymeric micelle, shows characteristic rheological properties
Authors: Uchida Yusuke , Fukuda Kengo , Murakami Yoshihiko 
Published: October 2012

AbstractWe have developed a novel hydrogel that is formed from a crosslinkable trilayered polymeric micelle and a polyamine for the sustained release of hydrophilic compounds. This hydrogel is quite unique because the vesicle‐like structure of the trilayered polymeric micelle acts as not only a crosslinker of the hydrogel but also a container of hydrophilic compounds. The hydrogel is rapidly formed by mixing both the trilayered polymeric micelle solution and the polyamine solution. The gelation property of the hydrogel, such as the storage modulus, can be changed by tuning the molecular weights, concentrations, and pH of the dissolving solvent of the hydrogel's constituent components. Furthermore, it is clarified that the structural difference among the micelles acting as crosslinkers affects the gelation property of the hydrogel. Amazingly, the hydrogel that is formed from the trilayered polymeric micelles possessing a vesicle‐like flexible structure exhibits a higher storage modulus than the hydrogel that is formed from the bilayered polymeric micelles possessing a highly packed, hard structure. Our results demonstrates that a microscopic structural difference of crosslinkers can induce a macroscopic (and, in some cases, an interesting and unexpected) change in the properties of the resulting hydrogels. For medical applications, the hydrogel proposed in the present article can encapsulate the hydrophilic compounds so that the hydrogel can be available as the material for their sustained release. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys, 2013
Effect of Coating MgO on Sticking Behavior during Reduction of Iron Ore Concentrate Fines in Fluidized Bed
Authors: Shao Jianhua , Guo Zhancheng , Tang Huiqing 
Published: October 2012

AbstractThe effect of coating MgO with different methods on sticking behavior during the reduction of iron ore fines was investigated, at 1073 K with 70%CO–30%H2 gas mixture in a visualization fluidized bed. It was found that coating MgO on particle surface could extend fluidization time from 12 min to more than 80 min, and improve the degree of metallization from 22% to more than 80%. The expansion level of bed after defluidization could also be obviously decreased. To achieve a similar effect, the initial coating content with solution method was less than that with powder method. The reason was that coating MgO could effectively insulate the contact of metallic iron on particle, which provided the reaction time for carbon deposition and the production of Fe3C with low stickiness. Therefore, the decrease of metallic iron on particle surface led to the decrease of particle stickiness at high temperature.
Effect of EMBr on Flow in Slab Continuous Casting Mold and Evaluation Using Nail Dipping Measurement
Authors: Ji Chuanbo , Li Jingshe , Tang Haiyan , Yang Shufeng 
Published: October 2012

AbstractThe nail dipping method was developed to investigate the effect of electromagnetic brake on the mold top surface flow in a certain slab caster with different casting speed and submerged entry nozzle (SEN) depth. The shape of the meniscus profile and direction of flow were quantified by analyzing the angular profile of the lump for each solidified nail, and the error evaluation for the nail dipping measurement was also determined. The results show that the meniscus level fluctuates with time variation; the electromagnetic force suppresses the high‐speed flow and decreases the meniscus flow velocity, which makes the meniscus level flatter and slower. A stronger meniscus velocity and fluctuation were created by increasing casting speed and decreasing the SEN depth. Furthermore, the effect of magnetic field on the fluid flow in the mold has been investigated.
Calculation of the Total Solidification Time for the 230t Large Steel Ingot
Authors: Ji Zhijun , Li Shiqi , Zhang Yanlin , Tang Guangwu 
Published: October 2012

AbstractFor a 230t large steel ingot which is firstly manufactured in one industrial plant, both of the analytical calculation and the numerical simulation methods were adopted to predict the total solidification time based on their own physical and mathematical models. The results showed that the total solidification time calculated by the analytical method was 46.0 h, and that was 40.2 h by the numerical method. Comparing with the actual stripping time of 45.8 h for the 230t large steel ingot, both of the estimated values agreed reasonably well with the actual one. For the purpose of practical utilization, the analytical method tends to be more convenient rather than the numerical one. This study can provide a kind of reference for the prediction on the total solidification time of large steel ingots.
Modeling the climatic effects of large explosive volcanic eruptions
Authors: Timmreck C. 
Published: October 2012

AbstractLarge volcanic eruptions are an important driving factor of natural climate variability. A sound assessment of the role of volcanoes in the climate system in comparison to other forcing factors is therefore a prerequisite for understanding future and past climate variability. New advances in understanding volcanic climate effects have been achieved by using comprehensive climate and Earth system models. New insights have been gained over the last decade about volcanic impacts on atmospheric composition and dynamics, but most notably also about their impact on ocean dynamics, the hydrological and the carbon cycle and on marine and terrestrial biogeochemistry. An important achievement is the improved understanding of the volcanic imprint on decadal to multidecadal time scales. Climate model simulations of past eruptions are highly dependent not only on the quality of the model and of the volcanologcial input data but also on the treatment of the aerosol size distribution in chemistry and radiation calculations. Further knowledge has to be achieved about the relation between the initial climate state at the time of the eruption and the volcanic climatic impact. A challenging task for climate models is also the simulation of the Northern Hemisphere winter climate response after a large tropical eruption. Model intercomparison studies and cross validations of model simulations with observations are essential to better constrain the radiative forcing of large volcanic eruptions and their climate impact.WIREs Clim Change2012, 3:545–564. doi: 10.1002/wcc.192This article is categorized under:Climate Models and Modeling > Earth System Models
Understanding vascular development
Authors: Udan Ryan S. , Culver James C. , Dickinson Mary E. 
Published: October 2012

AbstractThe vasculature of an organism has the daunting task of connecting all the organ systems to nourish tissue and sustain life. This complex network of vessels and associated cells must maintain blood flow, but constantly adapt to acute and chronic changes within tissues. While the vasculature has been studied for over a century, we are just beginning to understand the processes that regulate its formation and how genetic hierarchies are influenced by mechanical and metabolic cues to refine vessel structure and optimize efficiency. As we gain insights into the developmental mechanisms, it is clear that the processes that regulate blood vessel development can also enable the adult to adapt to changes in tissues that can be elicited by exercise, aging, injury, or pathology. Thus, research in vessel development has provided tremendous insights into therapies for vascular diseases and disorders, cancer interventions, wound repair and tissue engineering, and in turn, these models have clearly impacted our understanding of development. Here we provide an overview of the development of the vascular system, highlighting several areas of active investigation and key questions that remain to be answered. WIREs Dev Biol 2013, 2:327–346. doi: 10.1002/wdev.91For further resources related to this article, please visit the WIREs website.
A general description of a gravity current front propagating in a two-layer stratified fluid
Authors: White Brian L. , Helfrich Karl R. 
Published: October 2012

AbstractThe behaviour of a gravity current propagating into a two-layer stratified ambient fluid is described in detail. A comprehensive description is given of the different flow regimes, with particular emphasis on the front condition linking the thickness of the gravity current to its speed of propagation and the transfer of energy to upstream disturbances in the form of internal bores and nonlinear solitary waves. Hydraulic theory analogous to that of two-layer flow over topography (Baines, J. Fluid Mech., vol. 146, 1984, pp. 127–167) is extended to the gravity current problem to classify frontal behaviour into the following regimes: Type I, subcritical currents; Type II, currents that generate upstream undular bores; Type III, currents that generate an upstream monotonic bore connected by a rarefaction; Type IV, supercritical fronts with a large-amplitude trapped solitary-wave-like disturbance; and Type V, supercritical gravity currents. Over 200 two-dimensional Boussinesq–Euler simulations spanning a range of gravity current properties demonstrate good agreement, for both the behavioural regime and the front condition ${U}_{o} (h)$, with hydraulic theory that extends original work by Rottman & Simpson (Q. J. R. Meteorol. Soc., vol. 115, 1989, pp. 941–963) to arbitrary ambient layer thickness, and uses an improved closure for the upstream bore that correctly predicts the behaviour in the limit of large bore amplitude. In addition, the energy balance is analysed, and it is shown that the energy transfer from the gravity current to upstream disturbances is significant, and consistent with the hydraulic theory. The results demonstrate a clear connection to the problem of upstream resonance in two-layer flow over topography, and have significant implications for interpreting field observations of nonlinear internal waves generated by atmospheric density currents and coastal river plumes.
A tale of two villages: assessing the dynamics of fuelwood supply in communal landscapes in South Africa
Authors: MATSIKA RUWADZANO , ERASMUS BAREND F.N. , TWINE WAYNE C. 
Published: October 2012

SUMMARYFuelwood is the dominant source of energy used by most rural households in southern Africa to meet daily domestic energy requirements. Due to limited financial resources, most rural households are unable to make the transition to electricity thus they remain dependant on the woodlands surrounding their settlements as a source of cheap energy. Unsustainable fuelwood harvesting due to increasing demand as a result of growing human populations may result in environmental degradation particularly in the high-density, communal savannah woodlands of South Africa. Evaluating the sustainability of current fuelwood harvesting patterns requires an understanding of the environmental impacts of past logging practices to establish patterns of woodland degradation. This study evaluates impacts of fuelwood harvesting from 1992–2009 on the woodland structure and species composition surrounding two rural villages located within the Kruger to Canyons Biosphere Reserve (Mpumalanga Province, South Africa). Both villages (Welverdiend and Athol) were of similar spatial extent and exhibited similar socioeconomic characteristics. The total wood stock in the communal woodlands of both villages declined overall (with greater losses seen in Welverdiend) and, in Welverdiend, there were also changes in the woodland structure and species diversity of the species commonly harvested for fuelwood over this period. The woodlands in Welverdiend have become degraded and no longer produce fuelwood of preferred species and stem size in sufficient quantity or quality. The absence of similar negative impacts in Athol suggests more sustainable harvesting regimes exist there because of the lower human population and lower fuelwood extraction pressure. The Welverdiend community has annexed neighbouring unoccupied private land in a social response to fuelwood scarcity. Athol residents behaved similarly during drought periods. The potential for future conflict with neighbouring conservation areas within the Kruger to Canyons Biosphere is high if current land uses and fuelwood extraction patterns are maintained.
Sirtuins and renal diseases: relationship with aging and diabetic nephropathy
Authors: Kitada Munehiro , Kume Shinji , Takeda-Watanabe Ai , Kanasaki Keizo , Koya Daisuke 
Published: October 2012

Sirtuins are members of the Sir2 (silent information regulator 2) family, a group of class III deacetylases. Mammals have seven different sirtuins, SIRT1–SIRT7. Among them, SIRT1, SIRT3 and SIRT6 are induced by calorie restriction conditions and are considered anti-aging molecules. SIRT1 has been the most extensively studied. SIRT1 deacetylates target proteins using the coenzyme NAD+ and is therefore linked to cellular energy metabolism and the redox state through multiple signalling and survival pathways. SIRT1 deficiency under various stress conditions, such as metabolic or oxidative stress or hypoxia, is implicated in the pathophysiologies of age-related diseases including diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, neurodegenerative disorders and renal diseases. In the kidneys, SIRT1 may inhibit renal cell apoptosis, inflammation and fibrosis, and may regulate lipid metabolism, autophagy, blood pressure and sodium balance. Therefore the activation of SIRT1 in the kidney may be a new therapeutic target to increase resistance to many causal factors in the development of renal diseases, including diabetic nephropathy. In addition, SIRT3 and SIRT6 are implicated in age-related disorders or longevity. In the present review, we discuss the protective functions of sirtuins and the association of sirtuins with the pathophysiology of renal diseases, including diabetic nephropathy.
Using metabolomics to improve the quality of harvested fruit.
Authors: Oms-Oliu G. , Odriozola-Serrano I. , Martín-Belloso O. 
Published: October 2012

Abstract
Metabolomics is a rapidly growing discipline and has been used recently to evaluate the effect of postharvest processes of fruit and to elucidate pathways involved. Most applications so far are limited to metabolic fingerprinting to discriminate phenotypes and metabolic profiling to identify biomarkers for postharvest disorders and spoilage of fruit. Metabolomic approaches may also help in developing new strategies to improve the flavour quality and health-related attributes of fruit through a full understanding of the metabolome. The knowledge base developed in metabolomic fruit studies has the potential to help in making intelligent management decisions. Potentially, metabolomics may be used to predict the effect of postharvest operations on the physiology and quality of fruit. However, for commercial applications, scale-up studies and validation under practical conditions are required. This review discusses the recent advances in the use of metabolomics to improve the quality of harvested fruit.
Differences in the Risk Factors for Surgical Site Infection between Total Hip Arthroplasty and Total Knee Arthroplasty in the Korean Nosocomial Infections Surveillance System (KONIS)
Authors: Song Kyoung-Ho , Kim Eu Suk , Kim Young Keun , Jin Hye Young , Jeong Sun Young , Kwak Yee Gyung , Cho Yong Kyun , Sung Joohon , Lee Yeong-Seon , Oh Hee-Bok , Kim Tae Kyun , Koo Kyung-Hoi , Kim Eui-Chong , Kim June Myung , Choi Tae Yeol , Kim Hyo Youl , Choi Hee Jung , Kim Hong Bin ,   KONIS Study Group
Published: October 2012

Objective.To compare the characteristics and risk factors for surgical site infections (SSIs) after total hip arthroplasty (THA) and total knee arthroplasty (TKA) in a nationwide survey, using shared case detection and recording systems.Design.Retrospective cohort study.Setting.Twenty-six hospitals participating in the Korean Nosocomial Infections Surveillance System (KONIS).Patients.From 2006 to 2009, all patients undergoing THA and TKA in KONIS were enrolled.Results.SSI occurred in 161 (2.35%) of 6,848 cases (3,422 THAs and 3,426 TKAs). Pooled mean SSI rates were 1.69% and 2.82% for THA and TKA, respectively. Of the cases we examined, 42 (26%) were superficial-incisional SSIs and 119 (74%) were “severe” SSIs; of the latter, 24 (15%) were deep-incisional SSIs and 95 (59%) were organ/space SSIs. In multivariate analysis, a duration of preoperative hospital stay of greater than 3 days was a risk factor for total SSI after both THA and TKA. Diabetes mellitus, revision surgery, prolonged duration of surgery (above the 75th percentile), and the need for surgery due to trauma were independent risk factors for total and severe SSI after THA, while male sex and an operating room without artificial ventilation were independent risk factors for total and severe SSI after TKA. A large volume of surgeries (more than 10 procedures per month) protected against total and severe SSI, but only in patients who underwent TKA.Conclusions.Risk factors for SSI after arthroplasty differ according to the site of the arthroplasty. Therefore, clinicians should take into account the site of arthroplasty in the analysis of SSI and the development of strategies for reducing SSI.
Ozone Exposure Response for U.S. Soybean Cultivars: Linear Reductions in Photosynthetic Potential, Biomass, and Yield
Authors: Betzelberger Amy M. , Yendrek Craig R. , Sun Jindong , Leisner Courtney P. , Nelson Randall L. , Ort Donald R. , Ainsworth Elizabeth A. 
Published: October 2012

Abstract
Current background ozone (O3) concentrations over the northern hemisphere’s midlatitudes are high enough to damage crops and are projected to increase. Soybean (Glycine max) is particularly sensitive to O3; therefore, establishing an O3 exposure threshold for damage is critical to understanding the current and future impact of this pollutant. This study aims to determine the exposure response of soybean to elevated tropospheric O3 by measuring the agronomic, biochemical, and physiological responses of seven soybean genotypes to nine O3 concentrations (38–120 nL L−1) within a fully open-air agricultural field location across 2 years. All genotypes responded similarly, with season-long exposure to O3 causing a linear increase in antioxidant capacity while reducing leaf area, light absorption, specific leaf mass, primary metabolites, seed yield, and harvest index. Across two seasons with different temperature and rainfall patterns, there was a robust linear yield decrease of 37 to 39 kg ha−1 per nL L−1 cumulative O3 exposure over 40 nL L−1. The existence of immediate effects of O3 on photosynthesis, stomatal conductance, and photosynthetic transcript abundance before and after the initiation and termination of O3 fumigation were concurrently assessed, and there was no evidence to support an instantaneous photosynthetic response. The ability of the soybean canopy to intercept radiation, the efficiency of photosynthesis, and the harvest index were all negatively impacted by O3, suggesting that there are multiple targets for improving soybean responses to this damaging air pollutant.
The quality of the outdoor environment influences childrens health – a cross‐sectional study of preschools
Authors: Söderström M , Boldemann C , Sahlin U , Mårtensson F , Raustorp A , Blennow M 
Published: October 2012

AbstractAimTo test how the quality of the outdoor environment of child day care centres (DCCs) influences children's health.MethodsThe environment was assessed using the Outdoor Play Environmental Categories (OPEC) tool, time spent outdoors and physical activity as measured by pedometer. 172/253 (68%) of children aged 3.0–5.9 from nine DCCs participated in Southern Sweden. Health data collected were body mass index, waist circumference, saliva cortisol, length of night sleep during study, and symptoms and well‐being which were scored (1‐week diary – 121 parent responders). Also, parent‐rated well‐being and health of their child were scored (questionnaire, 132 parent responders). MANOVA, ANOVA and principal component analyses were performed to identify impacts of the outdoor environment on health.ResultsHigh‐quality outdoor environment at DCCs is associated with several health aspects in children such as leaner body, longer night sleep, better well‐being and higher mid‐morning saliva cortisol levels.ConclusionThe quality of the outdoor environment at DCCs influenced the health and well‐being of preschool children and should be given more attention among health care professionals and community planners.
Meta‐analysis: adherence to colorectal cancer screening and the detection rate for advanced neoplasia, according to the type of screening test
Authors: Hassan C. , Rossi P. Giorgi , Camilloni L. , Rex D. K. , Jimenez‐Cendales B. , Ferroni E. , Borgia P. , Zullo A. , Guasticchi G. , Group HTA 
Published: October 2012

SummaryBackgroundA variety of tests have been proposed for colorectal cancer (CRC), giving rise to uncertainty regarding the optimal approach. The efficacy and effectiveness of different tests are related to both screenee participation and the detection rate.AimTo perform a meta‐analysis on adherence and detection rates of CRC screening tests.MethodsRelevant publications were identified by MEDLINE/EMBASE and other databases for the period 1999–2012. A previous systematic review was used for the period before 1966–1999. RCTs and controlled studies including a direct comparison of the uptake rates among different options for CRC screening were included. Adherence and detection rates for advanced neoplasia and cancer were extracted. Risk for bias was ascertained according to CONSORT guidelines. Forrest plots were produced based on random‐effect models.ResultsFourteen studies provided data on 197 910 subjects. Endoscopic strategies were associated with a lower participation (RR: 0.67, 95% CI: 0.56, 0.80) rate, but a higher detection rate of advanced neoplasia (RR: 3.21, 95% CI: 2.38, 4.32) compared with faecal tests. FIT was superior to g‐FOBT with regard to both adherence (RR: 1.16, 95% CI 1.03, 1.30) and detection of advanced neoplasia (RR: 2.28, 95% CI 1.68, 3.10) and cancer (RR: 1.96, 95% CI: 1.2, 3.2).ConclusionThe superior accuracy of endoscopy compared with faecal tests minimised any impact of the participation rate in determining the detection rate of advanced neoplasia in a screening setting.