bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Design of multiquality irrigation water supply systems using the Q–C feasibility domain concept: II. QCFD model and applications
Authors: Sinai G. , Dalins Ben‐Zion 
Published: January 2009

AbstractThe world shortage in water sources for irrigation indicates a need to exploit poor water quality sources. Traditional design methods of irrigation systems consider primarily the hydraulic aspects. Inclusion of water quality aspects requires new tailored design methods. The method suggested herein is part of a continuous effort taken in that direction. Earlier works paved the way for the presently suggested design model which computes the feasibility domain of water discharge and quality of supply networks. Steady‐state conditions, conservative water quality parameters, instantaneous and complete mixing of water from diverse water quality sources were assumed. The Q–C (chemical transport sub‐problem) was dealt with and the QC feasibility domains of sources for the inner nodes and outlets were computed for every feasible flow pattern in a given network. Feasibility of supply was evaluated by comparing demand (water discharge and quality) values with the supply values computed by the QCFD. Real water supply in a rural community in the Arava desert, Israel, was designed using the QCFD model. Feasibility of various irrigation schedules was tested and a guideline for operation derived. The method, however, needs further improvement. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The contribution of information systems in maintaining large‐scale irrigation schemes
Authors: Passouant M. , Le Gal P.‐Y. , Keita B. 
Published: January 2009

AbstractThe maintenance of hydraulic networks, along with the distribution of water, is a primary function of irrigation scheme management. Maintenance normally passes through four stages (planning, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation) which marshal information exchanged between diverse stakeholders. This article shows how the management of such information was computerized on a large irrigation scheme in the Office du Niger in Mali, and the impact this had on the management of maintenance. After analyzing initial procedures and assessing stakeholders' needs, a conceptual model was built based on four components: Operation and Maintenance Unit, annual maintenance plan, maintenance activity, and nomenclature. The software developed on this basis enables one to describe the network and the contractors involved in maintenance operations, record annual maintenance plans and work accomplished each year, and manage the different nomenclatures required in the application of the software. Automated output in the form of tables and graphs facilitates decision‐making based on records of past operations. The software was designed and implemented based on the results of an initial experimental phase, which also led to the creation of a data processing unit in charge of managing the information system of the Office du Niger. The whole process enabled a more coherent organization of maintenance operations while addressing problems related to training and staff commitment. Farmer participation, however, remains limited at this stage. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Stages in the adoption of a wetting front detector
Authors: Stirzaker R. J. , Stevens J. B. , Annandale J. G. , Steyn J. M. 
Published: January 2009

AbstractThe adoption of a new irrigation scheduling tool by irrigators in South Africa was evaluated while it was still in prototype form. A wetting front detector (WFD) is a funnel‐shaped device, buried in the crop root zone, which provides a mechanical or electronic signal to the irrigator when a wetting front moves past it. There was a survey of 54 irrigators or their advisors, who participated voluntarily by evaluating the tool under their own conditions. The survey showed that all participants perceived the device as simple and intuitive, and based on their own experience, 82% believed it conferred a relative advantage over what they were doing. The successful deployment of WFDs was highly dependent on matching the placement depths to the irrigation method and strategy. This required the irrigators to combine their own experiential learning with the response from the WFDs. The WFD showed promise as an irrigation scheduling aid, but requires the meeting of scientific and local knowledge, or a participatory research and extension approach, to reach its full potential. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Hydroxyapatite crystals biologically inspired on titanium by using an organic template based on the copolymer of acrylic acid and itaconic acid
Authors: Zhang Chao , Li Zhi‐An , Cheng Xiang‐Rong , Xiao Qun , Li Hong‐Bo 
Published: January 2009

AbstractHydroxyapatite coating on metal implants is an effective method to enhance bioactive properties of the metal surface. We report here a method to coat the Ti‐6Al‐4V alloy with hydroxyapatite crystals. After alkaline/heat treatment, the spontaneous growth of organoapatite on titanium alloy surface involves sequential preadsorption of titanium isopropoxide (TIPO) and the copolymer of acrylic acid and itaconic acid on the metal, followed by exposure to simulated body fluid (SBF). The organoapatite characterization of the coating was carried out by scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive spectrometer, and X‐ray diffraction. The copolymer of acrylic acid and itaconic acid overlayer which is rich of carboxylate groups can lead to the deposition of needle‐like and homogeneous HA on the surface after immersion in SBF. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res, 2010
Investigation of mechanical properties of soft hydrogel microcapsules in relation to protein delivery using a MEMS force sensor
Authors: Kim Keekyoung , Cheng Ji , Liu Qun , Wu Xiao Yu , Sun Yu 
Published: January 2009

AbstractThis article reports the investigation of mechanical properties of alginate–chitosan microcapsules and the relation to protein delivery. For microscale compression testing, a system based on a microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) capacitive force sensor was developed. The bulk microfabricated capacitive force sensors are capable of resolving forces up to 110 μN with a resolution of 33.2 nN along two independent axes. The monolithic force sensors were directly applied to characterizing mechanical properties of soft hydrogel microparticles without assembling additional end‐effectors. Protein‐loaded alginate–chitosan microcapsules of ∼20 μm in diameter were prepared by an emulsion‐internal gelation‐polyelectrolyte coating method. Young's modulus values of individual microcapsules with 1, 2, and 3% chitosan coating were determined through microscale compression testing in both distilled deionized (DDI) water and pH 7.4 phosphate‐buffered saline (PBS). Protein release rates were also determined in DDI water and PBS. Finally, protein release rates were correlated with mechanical properties of the microcapsules. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res, 2010
Microphase separation structure influences protein interactions with poly(urethane urea) surfaces
Authors: Xu Li‐Chong , Siedlecki Christopher A. 
Published: January 2009

AbstractMicrophase separation is an important characteristic of polyurethane copolymer biomaterials. An improved understanding of the effects of microphase structure on protein interactions with the polymeric biomaterial surface is essential for the development and application of new biomaterials intended for implantation into the body. In this study, an array of atomic force microscopy (AFM) techniques were used to visualize the phase separation structure in a hydrated poly(urethane urea) (PUU) material and to correlate that structure with molecular interactions at the molecular level. Sequential in situ AFM phase images showed that the hard domains present a dynamic environment and undergo rearrangement and enrichment at the surface when hydrated. Adhesion forces measured using a protein‐modified AFM probe suggests that the PUU surface became less adhesive to protein with hydration time, consistent with other physical characterizations. Force measurements were used to quantify and correlate mechanical properties and local adhesion forces for bovine serum albumin, and results showed that low adhesion forces were primarily associated with polar hard domain regions. A nanogold‐labeled protein conjugate was used to visualize individual protein adsorption to the separate microstructures on the PUU surface, with preferential protein adsorption seen on the more apolar hydrophobic soft segment regions. Together, the results suggest that the microphase separation structure mediates local surface microenvironments that influence biological interactions with the surface. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res, 2010
Antibacterial effect of silver‐zeolite containing root‐canal filling material
Authors: Çınar Çağdaş , Ulusu Tezer , Özçelik Berrin , Karamüftüoğlu Nevra , Yücel Hayrettin 
Published: January 2009

AbstractThe aim of this study was to determine the in vitro antibacterial effect of two experimental glass ionomer cements (GICs) on Streptococcus milleri, Staphylococcus aureus, and Enterococcus faecalis after 24 and 48 h incubation by using the agar diffusion inhibitory test. Silver zeolite (SZ) was added at 0.2 and 2% mass fraction concentration to GIC (Endion). The control group was Endion with no SZ. Each of them were prepared to uniform size using a custom‐made Teflon mold, and the GIC materials were prepared to form disks (n = 5 per group). The effect of these materials on the growth of three bacteria associated with endodontic infections was determined using the agar diffusion inhibitory test. The amounts of silver ion release from these materials were measured with atomic absorption spectrophotometry at 10 min, 24‐ and 48‐h periods. The pH of samples was measured with a pH‐meter at 10 min, 24‐ and 48‐h periods. After the incubation period, the agar plates were evaluated and the degrees of bacterial inhibition were measured in millimeters. A comparison of the mean of the test materials was statistically different in each group of specimens (p < 0.05). Between the two tested materials 2% SZ containing GIC showed the largest zone of inhibition on the agar plates of all the tested strains (p < 0.05). The most inhibition in bacterial growth occurred in E. faecalis. Adding 2% SZ to GIC resulted in a significant increase in the silver release into deionized water. This study demonstrated that GIC had an inhibitory affect on Streptococcus milleri, Staphylococcus aureus, and Enterococcus faecalis and that adding SZ increases that affect proportional to its concentration. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 2009
Across the great divide: Introduction to the special issue on psychology in medicine
Authors: Kessler Rodger 
Published: January 2009

AbstractHealth psychology has made limited progress becoming an accepted part of mainstream medical research and practice. Although abundant efficacy research has generated considerable evidence‐based interventions that are effective primary medical interventions or adjuncts to other medical treatments, evidence of acceptance within medicine and especially primary care is meager. This special edition of the Journal of Clinical Psychology is an effort to assist movement in this area. It is a combination of commentaries concerning aspects of clinical collaboration within primary care, a discussion of issues that are barriers to implementation, and a wide range of research efforts supporting models of collaborative interventions between health psychology and primary care. It also identifies mechanisms that may account for the effectiveness of certain types of interventions. Taken as a whole the volume supports the importance and viability of clinical health psychology research and practice in an area of fundamental importance—the general health of patients in medical settings—the location where most people present psychological problems and receive treatment in response. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Psychol 65:1–4, 2009.
Kinetics of catalyzed and non‐catalyzed soot oxidation with nitrogen dioxide under regeneration particle trap conditions
Authors: Jeguirim Mejdi , Tschamber Valérie , Brilhac Jean François 
Published: January 2009

AbstractBACKGROUND: For compliance with the regulations on diesel particulate matter, car manufacturers have developed diesel particulate filters (DPF). These technologies require a regeneration method which oxidizes soot deposits in the filter. In diesel exhaust emissions there are two suitable oxidizing gases: oxygen and nitrogen dioxide. Nitrogen dioxide is much more active than O2 and can directly attack the carbon surface. This work describes the kinetics of the oxidation of soot by NO2 over a wide range of conditions relevant for DPF.RESULTS: The catalyzed and the non‐catalyzed oxidation of soot have been performed in a fixed‐bed reactor. The experimental results show that the overall oxidation process can be described by two additive parallel reactions: a direct C − NO2 reaction catalyzed by H2O and a cooperative C − NO2 − O2 reaction catalyzed by the Pt/Al2O3 catalyst. The results obtained allow to propose the following kinetic law for the specific rates of the catalyzed and the non‐catalyzed oxidation of soot in the regeneration filter conditions:

CONCLUSION: The kinetic parameters describing the oxidation rate of soot by NO2 over a range of temperature and gas composition have been obtained. The extracted kinetics data are relevant for modeling the removal of trapping soot in automotive gas exhaust technology. Copyright © 2009 Society of Chemical Industry
Application of micro‐CT: A new method for stone drilling research
Authors: Yang Yimin , Yang Min , Xie Yaoting , Wang Changsui 
Published: January 2009

AbstractDrilling is one of the most complex techniques for making ancient stone implement or adornment. For smaller perforations, it is very difficult to effectively observe drilling marks under microscope, SEM, or to obtain negative silicone rubber cast. In this report, a new exclusive nondestructive method was first introduced to resolve the observation difficulty. Virtual 3D reconstruction by using micro CT (μCT) was successfully applied to disclose drilling tool marks on the inner wall of one small perforation and its relative drilling technique was deduced, which implied that μCT has great potential to understand ancient stone drilling. Microsc. Res. Tech., 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
A new MEMS‐based system for ultra‐high‐resolution imaging at elevated temperatures
Authors: Allard Lawrence F. , Bigelow Wilbur C. , Jose‐Yacaman Miguel , Nackashi David P. , Damiano John , Mick Stephen E. 
Published: January 2009

AbstractIn recent years, an increasing number of laboratories have been applying in situ heating (and ultimately, gas reaction) techniques in electron microscopy studies of catalysts and other nanophase materials. With the advent of aberration‐corrected electron microscopes that provide sub‐Ångström image resolution, it is of great interest to study the behavior of materials at elevated temperatures while maintaining the resolution capabilities of the microscope. In collaboration with Protochips Inc., our laboratory is developing an advanced capability for in situ heating experiments that overcomes a number of performance problems with standard heating stage technologies. The new heater device allows, for example, temperature cycling from room temperature to greater than 1000°C in 1 ms (a heating rate of 1 million Centigrade degrees per second) and cooling at nearly the same rate. It also exhibits a return to stable operation (drift controlled by the microscope stage, not the heater) in a few seconds after large temperature excursions. With Protochips technology, we were able to demonstrate single atom imaging and the behavior of nanocrystals at high temperatures, using high‐angle annular dark‐field imaging in an aberration‐corrected (S)TEM. The new capability has direct applicability for remote operation and (ultimately) for gas reaction experiments using a specially designed environmental cell. Microsc. Res. Tech., 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Dose‐dependent effects on cell proliferation, seminiferous tubules, and male germ cells in the fetal rat testis following exposure to di(n‐butyl) phthalate
Authors: Boekelheide Kim , Kleymenova Elena , Liu Kejun , Swanson Cynthia , Gaido Kevin W. 
Published: January 2009

AbstractAdult male rats gestationally exposed to di(n‐butyl)phthalate (DBP) have dysgenetic testes characterized by seminiferous epithelial degeneration, clustering of Leydig cells, and decreased spermatogenesis. Cell proliferation and apoptosis are key processes regulating development of the testis, and alterations in these processes may underlie testicular dysgenesis. Objective: To determine whether gestational exposure to DBP affects cell proliferation and apoptosis in the developing rat testis. Design: Pregnant dams were exposed to different dose levels of DBP in mid‐gestation and cellular outcomes in fetal and early postnatal testes were assayed by histological and morphometric approaches. Results: Gestational exposure to high dose DBP inhibited proliferation of fetal testicular somatic cells but did not affect apoptosis. Exposed fetal testes had a smaller volume and decreased cell numbers, with decreases in both the tubular and interstitial cell populations. A reduction was observed in the testis volume and altered seminiferous tubule morphometry at ≥50 mg/kg/d, and a decreased testicular cell number at ≥30 mg/kg/d DBP. The number of multinucleated gonocytes in DBP‐exposed fetal testes increased after exposure to ≥100 mg/kg/d. The number of proliferating cells in the DBP‐exposed testis rapidly rose after birth (when exposure stopped), and the testis volume and the total cell number was comparable to control by postnatal day 2. Conclusion: DBP reversibly inhibits proliferation of somatic cells in the fetal rat testis. Decreased proliferation, rather than increased apoptosis, is the underlying mechanism of altered fetal development of DBP‐exposed seminiferous tubules contributing to testicular dysgenesis. Microsc. Res. Tech., 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Quantification of regional functional improvement of infarcted myocardium after primary PTCA by contrast‐enhanced magnetic resonance imaging
Authors: Klug Gert , Trieb Thomas , Schocke Michael , Nocker Michael , Skalla Elisabeth , Mayr Agnes , Nowosielski Martha , Pedarnig Kathrin , Bartel Thomas , Moes Nico , Pachinger Otmar , Metzler Bernhard 
Published: January 2009

AbstractPurposeTo assess with cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (CMR) the relationship between treatment delay and improvement of regional left ventricular function after primary percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (p‐PTCA) for acute myocardial infarction (AMI).Materials and MethodsWe performed cine‐ and late‐enhancement (LE) CMR in 40 patients with first AMI after restoring TIMI 3 flow with p‐PTCA and at a follow‐up 4 months later. Infarcted segments were determined from LE images. Regional left ventricular function was quantified from cine‐CMR images. Segmentation followed the American Heart Association 17‐segments model. Patients were divided into groups with delay <3 hours, 3–6 hours, 6–12 hours, and a delay >12 hours.ResultsSegmental wall thickening (SWT) significantly iproved only in segments reperfused within 6 hours (P < 0.001). Follow‐up SWT was significantly higher if segments were reperfused early (<3 hours: 74 ± 4%, 3–6 hours: 57 ± 4%, 6–12 hours: 48 ± 7%, <3 to 3–6: P < 0.003, and <3 to 6–12 hours: P < 0.001). The extent of improvement was greater if delay was <3 hours compared to segments with a delay of >3 hours (<3 hours: +21 ± 3%, 3–6 hours: +8 ± 4%, 6–12 hours: +6 ± 3%; <3 hours to 3–6 hours, and 6–12 h, P < 0.02).ConclusionWe quantitatively demonstrated that time to p‐PTCA treatment significantly influences regional functional recovery of infarcted myocardium at a 4‐month follow‐up. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2009;29:298–304. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Acquisition and reconstruction of undersampled radial data for myocardial perfusion magnetic resonance imaging
Authors: Adluru Ganesh , McGann Chris , Speier Peter , Kholmovski Eugene G. , Shaaban Akram , DiBella Edward V.R. 
Published: January 2009

AbstractPurposeTo improve myocardial perfusion magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) by reconstructing undersampled radial data with a spatiotemporal constrained reconstruction method (STCR).Materials and MethodsThe STCR method jointly reconstructs all of the time‐frames for each slice. In 7 subjects at rest, on a 3‐T scanner, the method was compared with a conventional (GRAPPA) Cartesian approach.ResultsIncreased slice coverage was obtained, as compared with Cartesian acquisitions. On average, 10 slices were obtained per heartbeat for radial acquisitions (8 of which are suitable for visual analysis with the remaining 2 slices, in theory, usable for quantitative purposes), whereas 4 slices were obtained for the conventional Cartesian acquisitions. The new method was robust to interframe motion, unlike using Cartesian undersampling and STCR. STCR produced images with an image quality rating (1 for best and 5 for worst) of 1.7 ± 0.5; the Cartesian images were rated 2.6 ± 0.4 (P = 0.0006). A mean improvement of 44 (±17) in signal‐to‐noise (SNR) ratio and 46 (+22) in contrast‐to‐noise ratio (CNR) was observed for STCR.ConclusionThe new radial data acquisition and reconstruction scheme for dynamic myocardial perfusion imaging is a promising approach for obtaining significantly higher coverage and improved SNR ratios. Further testing of this approach is warranted during vasodilation in patients with coronary artery disease. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2009;29:466–473. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Diagnosis of complete Cul‐De‐Sac obliteration (CCDSO) by the MRI jelly method
Authors: Kikuchi Iwaho , Takeuchi Hiroyuki , Kuwatsuru Ryohei , Kitade Mari , Kumakiri Jun , Kuroda Keiji , Takeda Satoru 
Published: January 2009

AbstractPurposeTo evaluate the usefulness of MRI jelly method (jelly method).Materials and MethodsFifty‐five patients (32.7 ± 5 years old) with endometriosis, treated with laparoscopic surgery between January and June 2005 with preoperative MRI using the jelly method. In imaging by the jelly method, 50 mL of jelly used for ultrasound was injected into the vagina, and 150 mL of jelly diluted twice with tap water was injected into the rectum. MRI were inspected for the following seven findings: (Finding 1) Uterine position (anteflexion or retroflexion); (Finding 2) Thickness of the posterior uterine wall (adenomyosis uteri); (Finding 3) Ascites in the Douglas' pouch; (Finding 4) Elevated posterior uterine fornix; (Finding 5) Thickening of the “Haustra”; (Finding 6) Elevated anterior rectal wall; and (Finding 7) Douglas' pouch lesion visualized as a high‐intensity area on a T1‐weighted image. The latter four findings were enhanced with the jelly method. These seven findings were examined for their correlations with video findings of adhesion during surgery.ResultsCCDSO was present in 30 of 55 patients. These seven findings had accuracies of 69.1%, 70.9%, 72.7%, 74.5%, 56.4%, 83.6%, and 81.8% respectively. Findings 6 and 7 showed high accuracy.ConclusionThese two findings could only be obtained using the jelly method, indicating the usefulness of this method for diagnosing CCDSO. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2009;29:365–370. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.