bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
What determines “suitable habitat” for metapopulation studies? An analysis of environmental gradients and species assemblages in xeric forest openings
Authors: Delong Michael K. , Gibson David J. 
Published: December 2011

•Premise of the study:For metapopulation and metacommunity studies, “suitable habitat” is an area within an otherwise inhospitable matrix in which a species can potentially or does occur. When examining aquatic habitats, for example, this habitat is much easier to define than in terrestrial regions. We tested the assumption that suitable habitat can be delimited in terrestrial ecosystems.•Methods:We surveyed vascular plant species found in 38 forest openings (open suitable habitats) within a matrix of dry forest (an inhospitable habitat) at three sites in southern Illinois over two growing seasons. We compared species composition and environmental variables between these two habitats at three sites using non‐metric multidimensional scaling (NMDS) and analysis of similarity (ANOSIM).•Key results:Distinctions such as high canopy openness and high soil temperature were common to all forest openings compared with the forest matrix. Differences in canopy openness and soil temperature were correlated with significantly different vegetation between forest openings and forest matrix at each of the three sites. Among the three sites, 9.3–18.9% were forest opening specialists, consisting of 44 taxa, of which the majority were herbaceous forbs.•Conclusions:The distinction between suitable and unsuitable habitat for some plant species may depend on a few variables, which may not be consistent between sites. This distinction means that there are potentially more situations than previously thought that metapopulation and metacommunity theory may be capable of explaining, meaning that more systems can be studied using a metapopulation context than previously thought.
Control of Bacterial Contamination during Marine Fish Processing
Authors: Shikongo-Nambabi Martha Naita Namwaala Nangulohi , Shoolongela Abraham , Schneider Martin 
Published: December 2011

Fish is a vital source of nutrients to humans due to its proteinaceous nature, high content of unsaturated fatty acids and low contents of carbohydrates. Fish consumption therefore is recommended to circumvent lifestyle diseases associated with the consumption of red meat. In their natural environments fish are exposed to a myriad of microorganisms some of which compromise the shelf life of the product and/or safety in humans. Most fish factories are located along coasts hence find it economical to make use of processed sea water in processing. Processed sea water however can be a source of microbial contamination to fish. Prudent quality assurance regimes are therefore required to minimise low fish quality products and promote consumer safety. Fish factories are also vulnerable to biofilm formation on surfaces and within water distribution pipes. Biofilms result from bacterial attachment and growth in aqueous environments within which pathogenic and spoilage bacteria become resistant to cleaning and sanitising agents. Biofilms defy efforts directed at maximising the safety and quality of fish. This article reviews the conditions permissible to bacterial contamination in marine fish factories. The role of water in bacterial contamination and survival has been highlighted. Bacterial pathogens commonly associated with fish factories and their survival strategies have also been discussed. The use of a number of selected oxidising agents and UV irradiation as sanitizers in marine fish processing have been explored. The fundamental antimicrobial mechanisms of chlorine, ozone and H2O2 is the generation of toxic metabolic intermediates that damage microbial structural components, enzymes and cell membranes causing metabolic paralysis and leakage of cytoplasmic contents and cell death. UV radiation damages DNA and hinders gene expression processes. Controlling bacteria biofilm by means of sanitising agents has been well experimented in fresh water systems, but knowledge about disinfection of marine waters is still lacking. The review concludes that in order to optimise the microbiological quality of marine fish, suitable disinfectants effective in sea water need to be explored and authenticated. It is therefore necessary to conduct cost/benefit studies of sanitising agent agents that are effective in sea water and their impact on the quality and safety of marine fish. Key words: Biofilms Factories Sanitation Seafood.
On Line Polling Information System
Authors: Kumar B Ashok , Bhuvaneswari S. 
Published: December 2011

In a social democratic set up voting is one of our fundamental duties as responsible citizens of the country. But no where around a 100% people come to vote during the elections in their territory. Net savvy new generation want manual free voting system. Survey says, pubic need a system on their hands reach through which they can vote. Keeping this as objective this via net based Information System is engineered.
An Analysis of Task Performance Outcomes through E-Accounting in Malaysia
Authors: Wan Zakaria Wan Zuriati , F. Rahman Professor Dr. Sheikh , Elsayed Dr. Mohamed 
Published: December 2011

The objective of the study is to investigate the impact of E-Accounting on task performance outcomes in public sector agencies (PSAs) in Malaysia. The target population for the study was the users of E-Accounting from the accounting, finance and budgeting departments of federal ministries and agencies in the administrative centres of Putrajaya, Kuala Lumpur and Selangor areas. Using the random sampling method, 643 questionnaires were distributed, but 399 were collected. A multiple regression model and Pearson correlation coefficient were used to test the hypotheses of the study. Results of the study show that the adoption of E-Accounting within public sector agencies in Malaysia has significantly improved the budgeting, accounting and reporting, and auditing and controlling task performance of the public sector agencies.
Evaluative study of the effectiveness of the administrative performance of the head teachers at primary level in District Karak (Khyber Pukhtunkhwa) Pakistan
Authors: Suleman Qaiser , Lodhi Irfan 
Published: December 2011

The study was conducted to investigate the effectiveness of the administrative performance of the head teachers at primary level in District Karak. The main objectives of the study were; to evaluate the administrative performance of the head teachers; and to diagnose the major areas of strength and weakness of head teachers at primary level. All the teachers at primary level in District Karak constituted the population of the study. Only five hundred and twenty primary school teachers at the rate of 10% of the total were selected as sample of the study. The study was descriptive in nature. A questionnaire was developed as a research instrument for the collection of data. After analysis of data, the researcher arrived at results that the administrative performance of the head teachers at primary level is very poor, ineffective and objectionable. Majority of the head teachers have no administrative and leadership qualities and they have no interest in the school affairs.
Incidence of infections in patients with giant cell arteritis: A cohort study
Authors: Durand Madeleine , Thomas Sara L. 
Published: December 2011

AbstractObjectiveGiant cell arteritis (GCA) is the most frequent form of vasculitis in adults. We sought to estimate the infectious risk associated with GCA and its treatment.MethodsWe conducted a matched historical cohort study using data from The Health Improvement Research Network. Patients with newly diagnosed GCA were matched with up to 6 non‐GCA patients by age, sex, general practice, and date of entry into the cohort. Random‐effects Poisson regression models were used to obtain incidence rates and rate ratios for lower respiratory tract infections (LRTI), urinary tract infections (UTI), and sepsis, as well as for the subset of these that comprised serious infections (pneumonias, upper UTI, and sepsis). Effect modification by age, sex, and time since diagnosis of GCA was assessed.ResultsA total of 1,664 patients with GCA were matched to 8,078 patients without GCA. Overall, 805 (48%) of the GCA patients and 3,007 (37%) of the non‐GCA patients experienced ≥1 episode of systemic infection during followup, with adjusted rate ratios for LRTI, UTI, and serious infections of 1.48 (95% confidence interval [95% CI] 1.34–1.65), 1.27 (95% CI 1.10–1.46), and 1.55 (95% CI 1.22–1.96), respectively (P < 0.001 for all). The rate ratio for sepsis was 1.63 (95% CI 0.78–3.40, P = 0.20). Rate ratios for infection were highest in the first 6 months following diagnosis of GCA and in patients age <75 years, but did not vary by sex.ConclusionThis is the first study to show that patients with GCA are at increased risk of systemic infections, particularly in the first few months following diagnosis. New GCA medications that allow steroid sparing are needed to treat this condition.
Outcomes after total hip replacement based on patients' baseline status: What results can be expected?
Authors: Quintana Jose M. , Aguirre Urko , Barrio Irantzu , Orive Miren , Garcia Susana , Escobar Antonio 
Published: December 2011

AbstractObjectiveWe evaluated patient satisfaction with total hip replacement (THR) to establish cut points of sufficient improvement based on the patient acceptable symptom state (PASS) and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves, and compared them with measures derived from the minimum clinically important difference (MCID), taking into account patients' baseline status.MethodsTwo cohorts of prospectively recruited patients on waiting lists for THR were studied. Sociodemographic data and comorbidities were recorded. Patients completed the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) and other patient‐reported outcomes questionnaires before THR and 6 months afterward. Cut points of sufficient improvement were established by the PASS, ROC, and MCID and were compared.ResultsPatients satisfied with THR had, by preintervention WOMAC tertiles, gains of 19.4, 34.1, and 49.3 in the WOMAC pain domain and 17.8, 30.8, and 41.4 in the WOMAC functional limitation domain. The PASS cut points determined were 20, 25, and 25 for postintervention WOMAC pain and 28, 35, and 42 for functional limitation. ROC cut points were 19, 25, and 25 for postintervention pain and 26.4, 39, and 40 for functional limitation. Agreement among cut points classifying patients as responders to THR was 1.0 for pain with both PASS and ROC, and 0.85 for functional limitation; 0.6 for pain between MCID and PASS or ROC, and 0.58 and 0.60 for functional limitation.ConclusionCut points of expected gain after THR can help clinicians, researchers, and managers to identify suitable candidates for THR, although such measures must be used with caution.
Catalytic Twist‐Spun Yarns of Nitrogen‐Doped Carbon Nanotubes
Authors: Lepró Xavier , Ovalle‐Robles Raquel , Lima Márcio D. , Elías Ana Laura , Terrones Mauricio , Baughman Ray H. 
Published: December 2011

AbstractThe treatment of free‐standing sheets of multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWNTs) with a NH3/He plasma results in self‐supporting sheets of aligned N‐doped MWNTs (CNx). These CNx sheets can be easily twist spun in the solid state to provide strong CNx yarns that are knottable, weavable, and sewable. The CNx yarns exhibit tunable catalytic activity for electrochemically driven oxygen reduction reactions (ORR), as well as specific capacitances (up to 39 F·g−1) that are 2.6 times higher than for the parent MWNTs. Due to a high degree of nanotube alignment, the CNx yarns exhibit specific strengths (451 ± 61 MPa·cm3·g−1) that are three times larger than observed for hybrid CNx/MWNT biscrolled yarns containing 70 wt.% CNx in the form of a powder. This difference in mechanical strength arises from substantial differences in yarn morphology, revealed by electron microscopy imaging of yarn cross‐ sections, as well as the absence of a significant strength contribution from CNx nanotubes in the biscrolled yarns. Finally, the chemical nature and abundance of the incorporated nitrogen within the CNx nanotubes is studied as function of plasma exposure and annealing processes using X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy and correlated with catalytic activity.
Silicon Nanocrystals in Liquid Media: Optical Properties and Surface Stabilization by Microplasma‐Induced Non‐Equilibrium Liquid Chemistry
Authors: Mariotti Davide , Švrček Vladimir , Hamilton Jeremy W. J. , Schmidt Michael , Kondo Michio 
Published: December 2011

AbstractSurface engineering of silicon nanocrystals directly in water or ethanol by atmospheric‐pressure dc microplasma is reported. In both liquids, microplasma processing stabilizes the optoelectronic properties of silicon nanocrystals. The microplasma treatment induces non‐equilibrium liquid chemistry that passivates the silicon nanocrystals surface with oxygen‐/organic‐based terminations. In particular, the microplasma treatment in ethanol drastically enhances the silicon nanocrystals photoluminescence intensity and causes a clear red‐shift (≈80 nm) of the photoluminescence maximum. The photoluminescence properties are stable after several days of storage in either ethanol or water. The surface chemistry induced by the microplasma treatment is analyzed and discussed.
Rheological investigation on the interaction of polyamide 6 with clay
Authors: Wan Tong , Wang Biao , Liao Shuang , Clifford Mike 
Published: December 2011

AbstractThe interaction of polyamide 6 (PA) with clay is studied via rheological approaches. The relationship of the effective viscosity (ηr), the clay volume fraction (ϕclay), the aspect ratio (P), and the critical volume fraction (ϕc) is built up by using the Maron‐Pierce model. The time–temperature superposition (TTS) is applied to evaluate the relaxation of PA in the presence of clay under various temperatures. Furthermore, the modified Cox‐Merz rule is used to build up the viscosity response of PA/clay nanocomposites under both dynamic shear and steady shear. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012
Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and wide‐angle X‐ray scattering: Investigations on polypropylene–vapor‐grown carbon nanofiber composites
Authors: Chipara Mircea , Hamilton John , Chipara Alin Cristian , George Tom , Chipara Dorina Magdalena , Ibrahim Elamin E. , Lozano Karen , Sellmyer David. J. 
Published: December 2011

AbstractFourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and wide‐angle X‐ray scattering (WAXS) investigations of isotactic polypropylene (iPP)–vapor‐grown carbon nanofiber (VGCNF) composites containing various amounts of VGCNFs ranging between 0 and 20 wt %. are reported. The FTIR investigations were focused on the regularity bands of iPP. The FTIR data indicated a drop in the isotacticity index as the concentration of nanofibers was increased; this suggested a decrease in the crystallinity. WAXS measurements revealed a dominating α1 phase, with a small admixture of γ phase or mesophase. The loading of the polymeric matrix with carbon nanofibers (CNFs) did not induce significant changes in the morphology of the polymeric matrix. A weak decrease in the size of α crystallites upon loading of CNFs was noticed. The experimental data obtained by FTIR spectroscopy supported the WAXS data. Spectroscopic data (a drop in the isotacticity index as estimated by FTIR spectroscopy and the ratio between the crystalline and total areas of WAXS lines assigned to iPP) failed to confirm the enhancement of the degree of crystallinity of polypropylene upon loading by nanofibers. However, whereas both techniques can identify with a high accuracy vibrations in ordered domains (FTIR spectroscopy) and the crystalline structure, including the lattice parameters and the size of crystallites (WAXS), difficulties in the correct assessment of the baseline and of amorphous components may result in important errors (typically >5%) in the estimation of the degree of crystallinity of the polymeric component. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012
Colloidal and polymer properties difference of fluorinated acrylate latex prepared with different fluorinated monomers
Authors: Chen Lijun , Wu Fengqin 
Published: December 2011

AbstractFluorinated acrylate latex was prepared by copolymerizing fluorinated monomer, butyl acrylate, and methyl methacrylate, which was initiated by potassium persulfate in the water. The resultant fluorinated latex and its film were characterized with contact angle determinator, dynamic light scattering detector, and differential scanning calorimetry, respectively. Influence of type of fluorinated monomers on colloidal and polymer properties of fluorinated acrylate latex was studied. Results show that the coagulation rate, particle size, contact angle, glass transition temperature, and chemical resistance are increased with the increase of the number of fluorine atom in the fluorinated monomer. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012
Novel tetrazole‐functionalized absorbent from polyacrylonitrile fiber for heavy‐metal ion adsorption
Authors: Yan Suihong , Zhao Min , Lei Genhu , Wei Yinmao 
Published: December 2011

AbstractA novel functional absorbent, polyvinyltetrazole fiber (PVT), was made from polyacrylonitrile fiber through [3+2] azide‐nitrile cycloaddition reaction of cross‐linked polyacrylonitrile with sodium azide. The obtained PVT showed strong adsorption ability to the investigated heavy‐metal ions, Cu(II), Cd(II), Ni(II), and Zn(II), with the maximum adsorption capacities of 323, 278, 200, and 175 mg g−1, respectively. The adsorption process was described as an ion exchange mechanism. The adsorption isotherms were better fitted for Langmuir model, while adsorption kinetics was better described by the pseudo‐second order equation. In addition, the tested heavy‐metal ions could be desorbed efficiently from PVT at pH below 2.0, and the adsorption capacity of the regenerated PVT had no loss until seven cycles. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012
The effect of epoxy resin to reduce the compression set of polysulfide sealant
Authors: Zhang Junsheng , Wang Zhenghei , Ding Guowei , Quan Yiwu , Chen Qingmin 
Published: December 2011

AbstractIn this article, modified polysulfide sealants with lower compression set were prepared by a simple method of introducing the diglycidyl ether of bisphenol A resin (DGEBA epoxy resin) into sealants. The investigation on reactivity analysis and gel faction test verified that the incorporation of epoxy resin in sealants was just a blending process rather than copolyaddition with polysulfide resin. Stress–strain behavior during compression revealed that the epoxy resin could reduce the compression stress when the sealants were loaded to a certain strain, which effectively lessened crosslink breakages and benefited to compression resistance. Also the rigid phenyl structure in epoxy resin may retard incidental slide between polysulfide chains and prevent interchange reactions between disulfide linkages. The incorporation of 2 phr epoxy resin distinctly reduced compression set of polysulfide sealant from 28.3% to 11.2% after compressed 25% at 23°C for 1 day. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012
Role of transient receptor potential vanilloid 4 in rat joint inflammation
Authors: Denadai‐Souza Alexandre , Martin Laurence , de Paula Marco A. Vieira , de Avellar Maria C. Werneck , Muscará Marcelo N. , Vergnolle Nathalie , Cenac Nicolas 
Published: December 2011

AbstractObjectiveTo determine whether activation of transient receptor potential vanilloid 4 (TRPV‐4) induces inflammation in the rat temporomandibular joint (TMJ), and to assess the effects of TRPV‐4 agonists and proinflammatory mediators, such as a protease‐activated receptor 2 (PAR‐2) agonist, on TRPV‐4 responses.MethodsFour hours after intraarticular injection of carrageenan into the rat joints, expression of TRPV‐4 and PAR‐2 in trigeminal ganglion (TG) neurons and in the TMJs were evaluated by real‐time reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction and immunofluorescence, followed by confocal microscopy. The functionality of TRPV‐4 and its sensitization by a PAR‐2–activating peptide (PAR‐2–AP) were analyzed by measuring the intracellular Ca2+ concentration in TMJ fibroblast‐like synovial cells or TG neurons. Plasma extravasation, myeloperoxidase activity, and the head‐withdrawal threshold (index of mechanical allodynia) were evaluated after intraarticular injection of selective TRPV‐4 agonists, either injected alone or coinjected with PAR‐2–AP.ResultsIn the rat TMJs, TRPV‐4 and PAR‐2 expression levels were up‐regulated after the induction of inflammation. Two TRPV‐4 agonists specifically activated calcium influx in TMJ fibroblast‐like synovial cells or TG neurons. In vivo, the agonists triggered dose‐dependent increases in plasma extravasation, myeloperoxidase activity, and mechanical allodynia. In synovial cells or TG neurons, pretreatment with PAR‐2–AP potentiated a TRPV‐4 agonist–induced increase in [Ca2+]i. In addition, TRPV‐4 agonist–induced inflammation was potentiated by PAR‐2–AP in vivo.ConclusionIn this rat model, TRPV‐4 is expressed and functional in TG neurons and synovial cells, and activation of TRPV‐4 in vivo causes inflammation in the TMJ. Proinflammatory mediators, such as PAR‐2 agonists, sensitize the activity of TRPV‐4. These results identify TRPV‐4 as an important signal of inflammation in the joint.
Association of anticytomegalovirus seropositivity with more severe joint destruction and more frequent joint surgery in rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Pierer Matthias , Rothe Kathrin , Quandt Dagmar , Schulz Anett , Rossol Manuela , Scholz Roger , Baerwald Christoph , Wagner Ulf 
Published: December 2011

AbstractObjectiveExpansion of autoreactive CD4+CD28null T cells is associated with extraarticular disease manifestations, including rheumatoid vasculitis, and it has recently been demonstrated that expansion of these T cells is associated with anticytomegalovirus (anti‐CMV) seropositivity. This study was undertaken to investigate a possible link between latent CMV infection and rheumatoid arthritis (RA).MethodsIn a retrospective analysis, anti‐CMV antibodies and clinical, serologic, and radiologic parameters of joint destruction were examined in 202 RA patients and 272 healthy controls. In addition, frequencies of CD4+CD28null T cells; concentrations of the cytokines monocyte chemotactic protein 1 (MCP‐1), interferon‐α (IFNα), and IFN‐inducible protein 10; and anti‐CMV–specific T cell responses were analyzed in RA patients.ResultsOverall, no significant difference in the frequency of anti‐CMV seropositivity between RA patients and healthy controls was observed. Among individuals older than age 55 years, however, anti‐CMV IgG antibodies were significantly more frequent in RA patients than controls (65.3% and 54.7%, respectively; P = 0.05). Anti‐CMV seropositivity in RA patients was associated with an increased frequency of CD4+CD28null T cells and increased serum concentrations of MCP‐1. The frequency of anti‐CMV–specific CD4+ T cells producing IFNγ was increased in RA patients compared to controls. Most importantly, anti‐CMV–seropositive RA patients showed radiographic evidence of more advanced joint destruction and had increased frequencies of joint‐related surgical procedures, indicating more severe joint disease.ConclusionOur findings indicate that latent CMV infection aggravates the clinical course of RA and is associated with increased frequencies of CD4+CD28null T cells and of CMV‐specific IFNγ‐secreting CD4+ T cells.